Architecture Portfolio 2023

AMY HO

The Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture

PHONE NUMBER 347-459-4044

EMAIL aimes.architecture@gmail.com

GRAVITATIONAL TECTONICS BIORECEPTIVE

ARCHITECTURE SCREENS

Professor: Frank Melendez

Collaborators: Aakanksha Maharjan and Florim Zharku

This project is designed to promote biodiversity in urban environments. The prototype consist of various computational strategies, 3D printing, and robotic technologies. Gravity plays a key role in forming the drooping aspect of the design which highlights David Pye’s concept on the workmanship of uncertainty (Pye,1968). Through a series of printing experiments the prototype hybrizes geometrical spiraling, weaving, and drooping patterns into a vessel for lichen to populate. The base is made up of the weaving pattern to form a thicker wall that widens to support the cantilever system of the upper section. The drooping component begins wide then gradually gets closer to the base pattern and functions as a shading device for lichen. Below the drooping area, the environment is cooler and moist since sunlight is filtered out, allowing lichen to grow. The proposed location for the architectural screen is Midtown Manhattan, an area with a low lichen population. The objective of this project is to test the viability of lichens in a highly polluted environment and to educate people about the importance of lichen in an urban society.

Featured on Dezeen

12. Plastic flower pot

4.

5. Stone bench Chrysthrix Candelaris

6. Stone garden wall

6.Chrysthrix Candelaris

5.Chrysthrix Candelaris

Lichen Viability

Butterfly using the wall as a habitat and lichen as a food source.

Bettles and rats using lichen as a food source.

Birds using the wall for nesting and reproduction.

Squirrels storing acrons in the wall during the summer to eat during the winter.

FASHION INCUBATOR SO HARLEM

Professor: Joshua Jow

Collaborators: Genesis Soto

The site for this design is 429 West 127th Street, located in Manhattanville Harlem. We are designing a fashion studio for a non-profit organization called So Harlem. Currently, the organization operates out of the Mink Building on 1361 Amsterdam Avenue. So Harlem's mission is to create equitable opportunities in Harlem through workforce development in cultural industries.

The design of the fashion studio should consider the various stages of the fashion design process, encompassing ideation to showcasing the finished product. Our project's objective is to assist So Harlem in expanding their workshop and extending their support to the community. We propose incorporating a central courtyard that serves as an educational and inspiring focal point. Additionally, we will employ a combination of natural and artificial lighting throughout the space to create a tranquil atmosphere. It is important to highlight the activities that take place in a fashion studio. Based on our interview with the client, we have identified four primary areas: the studio, offices, retail space, and runway. Each of these branches will consist of several subcomponents that will contribute to the overall design. Our goal is to expand So Harlem's workshop and support the community while contributing to the ongoing economic development in West Harlem.

Fashion

Ground Floor Plan - Interactive Runway Scale: 1/8" = 1'-0"

Ground Floor Plan - Traditional Runway Scale: 1/8" = 1'-0"

Interactive Runway Collage

Central atrium on the ground floor.

Traditional Runway Collage

SPATIAL DUALITY

Collaborators:

The site of this design is in Morningside Heights at 114th Street. It is a townhouse type lot with an enormous Manhattan schist boulder at the entrance, approximately 17 feet high by 35 feet long. The goal behind this project is to investigate spatial sequence through the ascending and descending of stairs to different domestic episodes. The exploration of this design involves the theme of juxtaposition, the clustering of the stairs against the static boundary of the boulder to create a contrasting effect. The sketch diagrams of the plan and elevation reflect this concept by physically and visually separating the site into two parts called “A” the void caused by the rock and “B” the clustering of stairs. The design is then split into a subdivision called “a” for the event space while “b” represents the attributes. The juxtaposition highlights the stairs and rock, but also allow the viewer to peak at the boulder at specific moments to generate a sense of safe danger that connects the divided components and different episodes. The workspace provides a bay window-like environment which is a contrast to the rock as it floats above the rock.

Professor: Ali Höcek

Aakanksha Maharjan

Zone B is the clustering of stairs.

Zone A consist of spaces to view the boulder at a safe distance.

The model section highlights all the viewing platforms.

PARABOLIC CANOPY

Professor: Jane Kim

Collaborators: Nathaly Castillo and Shaira Palabasan

This project is a community center for college and high school students located at Convent Ave, south of the North Academic Center Building (NAC) of The City College of New York. The terrain consist of a sloping path from +14' to 0' on the south side and +7' to 0' from the east. The design explores the tensile and compressive limits of concrete by forming a parabolic-shaped roof. The structural components of the canopy consist of a concrete waffle system covered by a concrete shell and panel clippings. The structure is multi-functional; the top forms a direct path from the Spitzer building to the NAC library. The different curving planes create clerestories bringing natural light to the interior. The roof directs rainwater to the bioswales along the side of the community center. The overall objective was to design a community center for students to perform various activities during their free time with the opportunity to connect with the outdoor sceneries.

This sketch model examines the tension capacity of twine to form curving paths using the macrame knotting technique.

This sketch model investigates different types of spaces by connecting twine to form seating and walking areas.

The curvature of the roof directs rainwater to the bioswales along the side of the community center.

The community can host various activities in the event hall, which has natural light from the clerestories.