Undergrad Portfolio

alycsa valentine - university of detroit mercy - school of architecture

PORT-folio Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteres are at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a tatol mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe.

2007-2010

p3

gate-garden-basin “Take a course in good water and air; and in the eternal youth of Nature you may renew your own. Go quietly, alone; no harm will befall you.� -John Muir-

ar110 studio deines fall 2007

p4

conceptual underpinnigs word analysis case studies

rouen concert hall bernard tschumi architects - flow of structure inspired movement through my site

rouen concert hall bernard tschumi architects - structural inspiration from the way the radii come together - paneling creates an effect similar to idea of moving glass walls limoges concert hall bernard tschumi architects - slope of the structure creates visual effect inspiring the relationship of my structures

alesia museum bernard tschumi architects - circular form, incorporation of vegetation with structure - interior shadows inspired incorporation of human interaction with structure

objective: create a series of structures that lead to a water source - a gate garden & basin must be present - use 3 words from provided list as basis of con cept, how different elements arranged concept: basin slightly off-center on site - gate at opening - garden mixed in with the structures

rotate center point - cycle of changes - to pro ceed in sequence - radiating parts wheel-shaped

inverse reversed in position, order, direction, or tendency - turned upside down - turned backward

disconnected disjointed - seemingly irrational - sever or interrupt a connection - marked by unrelated parts - cut short crisply sharp transitions design wheel shape to the flow of the struc tures - make a slice in the site and have one side be the reverse of the other

p5

preliminary design sketch models initial drawings

site model

site plan

p6

intermediate design form progression drawings

continuing with using rotate, inverse and disconnected as design motivators, i pushed the design to accommodate pedestrian traffic more effectively and to provide changing views to add interest and variety to the site. the walls around the two primary structures went from stationary to being able to slide in and out depending on lighting and wind conditions to provide the most pleasurable experience to those occupying the space.

p7

final design model drawings

close up of large structure gateway & small structure

straight on site view

site perspective

sliding section

pedestrian stairway/lookout

site plan

p9

prescribedLOOPS “It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.�-Muhammad Ali-

ar120 studio deines winter 2008

p10

loop I

site selection structure and skin

investigations - how structure and its skin effects views and shadows - how light moves through openings

collage

investigating

structure

and

materiality

within

the

site the pit is centrally located in the school of architecture, adjacent to the main transportation artery of the building.

p11

loop II

art research tattoo research

The tiger as a forceful figure in Japanese culture is apparent through its recurrence in different Japanese media. The Samurai warriors often had tattoos of tigers and embeded the tiger detail in their weapons and sheilds to protect themselves from evil. They also believed the tiger would bring them strength, courage, and swiftness in battle. Tigers and tiger-print are also used in traditional Japanese clothing, kamoras. Tigers are also common in Japanese art. Many believe that having a tiger statue, painting, etc. in or around a house will ward off evil and bring luck and prosperity to those living in the house. Although the symbolism of the tiger remains the same, in contrast to tattooing, tigers tend to be expressed more realistically in the art forms.

Traditionally, tiger tattoos are done in Japanese-style, for tigers are a very popular symbol in the Japanese culture.

In the traditional Japanese-style, the tattoo is in full color, and the tiger is somewhat cartoonish and usually surrounded by water and sometimes flowers. However, in modern times, the tiger is done more realistically and black and white is becoming popular. Tiger tattoos are usually very large; therefore they are most commonly done on backs, shoulders, and arms. The tiger is the symbol for many things: power and might; pride and beauty; passion and sensuality; cruelty and violence; and purity and courage. The most common of these, however, are beauty and strength. As a tatto design, the tiger often symbolizes a new passion in someone’s life, a reminder of inner strength and beauty, or protection from evil.

p12

loop III

installation on the body prostetic analysis of human muscular and skeletal systemas as inspirations. focus on core and back

the prostetic is a wearable response to the meanings and purposes of the japanese style tiger tattoo. the beauty is represented through intricate sewing detail that holds the closing system on to the body of the prostetic. the combination of the duct tape body and the reinforced zip ties serve to represent strength. the japanese tiger tattoo is also a symbol for protection. this prostetic is similar in design to a warriors armor. after wearing the prostetic for awhile an intense feeling of confinement is experienced. even after removal, the feeling of pressure on my body was still prominent. the intention for the prostetic is to incorporate the feelings involved with wearing it in to architectural expression.

p13

loop III

sketch models installation

Investigation to discover ways to connect outside activities with the internal functions of the tattoo parlor using weaving and folding, incorporating prostetic materials.

investigation between the relationship of the site and prostetic. two prostetics were made and applied to the columns within the site

p14

loop IV

prostetic reaction sketch models interpretations and implementations of my reactions to wearing the prostetic and the meanings of the japanese tiger tattoo.

carefully weaving attributes of the symolic tiger. the rock as the central image exuding the strength in the tattoo, surrounded by the fluidity of water and the intricate detail of the tiger. a representation of the beauty and protection associated with the beliefs about the presence of a tiger.

the feelings of closeness and tighness expressed architecturally. the existing columns in the pit will be closed off with a frame wall that has specified viewing windows. the views are meant to limit what is seen to reemphisize the constricted feeling from the prostetic. to further this experience a pin-up wall will be created two feet away from the viewing wall. this will service both the experience of confinement for the tattoo parlor and also a funtion for the architecture school. a storage area for the parlor will be located under the existing hallway floor so it is concealed and does not interrupt the simple elegance and funtion of the space.

p15

loop IV

tattoo parlor final model

overall perspective

interior view

close-up interior

pin-up space - hallway

moveable prep station reception desk adjustable tattoo table drawing/light table floor plan

moveable couch sectional artist’s chair

2’ viewing hallway

viewing area section

viewing wall section

p17

re-SEARCHarchive Censorship always defeats it own purpose, for it creates in the end the kind of society that is incapable of exercising real discretion.

-Henry Steele Commager-

ar130 studio d.pitera fall 2008

p18

site analysis

griswald street @ clifford street downtown detroit

The site is located where Griswald Street deadends at Clifford Street in Downtown Detroit. The site is the space of the two merging alleys meeting in the center of the block. Traffic occupies the space of the alley and the design of the structure must not interfere with it or the loading docks and doorways that are serviced, or inhibit any other activities. The lower walls and doorways of the alley are covered in layers of grafiti. The facade of the one building provides the fire safety stairs to its occupants adding additional character to the site and another obstacle to be considered in the design of the structure. The westerly buiding facade is checkered with windows providing light to those living there. The structures edging the alley create and extremely vertical environment, dwarfing the smaller vacant building in the middle of the two alleys, creating a visually interesting contradiction of size and perspective.

A variety of materials are present throughout the site, including many varieties and ages of bricks, metal, wood, stones and paint.

p19

site analysis

programatic considerations signage and censorship

The program for this site is to design a research archive for banned and altered books and music. The acts of censorship on written and audio material exist to attempt to sculpt one’s perceptions of the world, much like an architect attempts to influence a person’s movement through the experience of a space. Signage is one method of censorship that explains how one is to use or not use a space or thing, a written visual censorship of experience.

However, it can also serve as a way of expressing one’s experience. Signs tell us what something contains, whether or not to enter, or to act a certain way, while Grafiti is the free expression of a person’s being. Layering is another method of censorship. Layers are most often built upon without going back and the initial state of an object is often altered or translated numerous times. Each layer censors the layer below and only reveals its initial state after the layers above are peeled away. Only the seperation of the layers make them appear seperate, much like how a reader would not know that what he/she is reading/listening to/experiencing is being censored without being told.

p20

conceptual design design intentions sketch models

Parasite/parasitic - when something uses another object for support that provides no support for that object. A parasitic relationship between two objects can be destructive or benefitial; it can benefit one organism while completely destroying the other or both organisms can benefit from the relationship. MY intention is to use a parastic-like structure that attaches to the surrounding buildings in the alley to support by archive, pushing the question of whether or not architecture has a beneficial or destructive relationship with its surroundings.

Sense-orship - Books and music are banned or altered because they are thought to be able to change the ideas, opinions, etc. of its readers.

Similarly, architecture can be used to alter the views of a space, hereby censoring the perceptions of the “readers.� Human experience is censored through modification of sensory experiences. Specific sights, sounds, smells and textures bring out different feelings and perceptions in the observer. Materiality of floors, walls and ceilings can distort one’s perception of closeness and visibilty. The idea of visibilty correlates to how banned/altered books and music are attempts to make certain ideas and language not visible to the public. Also, people who are aware they are doing something that may not be accepted by the general public usually do not want to be seen, censoring their own experiences.

p21

final design

programatic details final models

west perspective

west alley

arial view

east alley

beam diagram - attachment points at center points between existing windows

front view

floor plan

east perspective

media storage shelf - cd’s contain both sets of lyrics, playable in jukebox

interior perspectives

p23

urbanMAKER “At a certain point, I just put the building and the art impulse together.

I decided that building was a legitimate way to make sculpture.�

-Martin Puryear-

ar140 studio d.pitera winter 2009

p24

site analysis urban context site pictures

downtown detroit

indusrial factory

greektown

coaches corner

parking lot

cafe/bar/club

hilton hotel

the site is currently a parking lot on randolph street across the road from harmonie park in downtown detroit. it is located in paradise valley, a district, celebrating arts, culture and entertainment. entertainment district

downtown area

greektown

major roads

green spaces/parks harmonie park site

p25

design inspirations glass sculptor story sketch investigations

sculpting, a life - the snow was gently falling from the deep blue sky...he made a stop at the front door and picked up his daily supply of newspapers...he was finally able to put all of the ideas floating in his head into a cohesive form...he lit his burner and began delicately piecing together his masterpiece...he gave himself a half hour to relax...he slowly faded out the lights... fall - force of gravity - drop down suddenly - slope or extend in a downward direction - to collapse stop - to interrupt - to cut off - to restrain - to press down

float - move or hover - to launch

piece - to mend - patch - joining pieces - to join together

relax - to make less tense - to release oneself from inhibition

fade - to disappear or die gradually - to increase gradually

p26

preliminary designs program design model

the site was divided in to seven seperate 25’ x 100’ strips. each student was assigned a strip and a maker. the intention of the project is to design within the strip to accommodate and express the funtion of the assigned maker while responding to the neighboring design and the urban conditions of the site. My project is located in lot 7 which is the southern most portion of the site. initially another building was to be designed next to mine. however, that building was dropped and i had to respond to the resulting empty lot located betweeen mine and the next designed lot. this empty stip is to be utalized as a pedestrian path throguh the site and the intention of the north facade of my building is to activate this space and draw attention toward my site. i accomplished this by projecting the fading form out from the facade of my building. also, x-shaped glass scultural elements create the facade of my structure and serve as exhaust vents for the furnaces and the gaps between them at ground level serve as entrances in to the building. the glass sculptural elements also serve as a projection screen for films at night, which serve to keep the site activated at all times. the middle level of the structure is to be used as an exhibition space for the glass scultor and other local scultors and artists. the top level is a studio apartment for the scultor. it is isolated from the rest of the building, only accessible by ladder or elevator, but has views of the lower levels and of the street level below.

p27

final design final model drawings

2nd floor

harmonie park view

arial view

south persective

north perspective

interior gallery space

outdoor projection screen

3rd floor loft apartment

2nd floor gallery space

1st floor store space

basement workspace

p29

touchNOtouch “If we are always arriving and departing, it is also true that we are eternally anchored. One's destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.� -Henry Miller-

ar210 studio bernasconi fall 2009

p30

site/place

site pictures sketches

The Dequindre Cut is located just east of Downtown Detroit. It was origanally a railway that serviced the detroit area businesses. When the railway became unused, grafitti artists and homeless began occupying the cut. It has recently been transformed in to a public greenway. The new renovation runs from just north of the Riverfront to Gratiot Ave. There are plans to expand it south to the Riverfront and stretch north to Eastern Market.

p31

site/place

material/detail collages place collages

The Dequindre cut is a hidden gem with the potential to become a cultural center of Detroit. Roughly 20’ below street level, it is barely visible to the traffic above, nor is the traffic visible from the cut. With the bridges/ underpasses covered in teh works of the area’s great graffitti artists, the urban character is undeniable. The place is real, openly showing its age and weathering. Blending the cold, hard concrete with the inner passion and soul of the artists priveledged enough to work there. However, its original and wild past is covered, simply paved over as if it never existed. The old rail lines and vegetation have been removed, replaced by asphault and grass. Now families and average citizens enjoy thir walks/rides through an area not long ago inhabited by homeless. Although this new community greenway is great for the locals, at what cost to the soul of the place?

p32

Programming

design questions initial intentions

site issues

questions

- the site has limited entrance points

- where should new entrances be created to provide better access to the site in response to the surrounding area

- the new design has eliminated the cultural interaction between the grafitti artists and the site

- how can secluded areas for grafitti artists be created without detracting from the visual safety of pedestrians

- the cut is not very visible from the surrounding streets and sidewalks

- how can the bridges be used to activate the site and draw people’s attention in to the space

- the current path does not appropriately respond to the previous conditions and uses of the site

- how can the history of the site be integrated in to the design

- the cut is disconnected from its surrounding area

- for what reasons would someone want to come into the space

- who is intended to use the space

acci-DENT

the cause of the grade change of the Dequindre Cut was that accidents with street level traffic and the rail line became too high, demanding the rail to change levels. A dent is anything that changes the surface of an object; more specifically in this project, changes in the surface of the landscaping. Graffiti is also encompassed in this definition, for it changes the look of the object being painted.

My proposed interventions will work to unite the Dequindre Cut’s current use as a public pathway with its rich history as a graffiti “hall of fame” and a rail line connecting the riverfront with Eastern Market.

p33

programming Precedents the high line midtown greenway

The High Line, Manhattan, NY began as a freight rail line that carried goods to the industrial West Side and the Post Office - originally at street level accidents caused grade change - elevated line meandered between city blocks instead of directly over roads - use diminished due to automobiles and highways scheduled for demolition - saved by conservation experts - became a 1.5 mile green space that integrates the original rail line with vegetation and a concrete pedestrian path.

Midtown Greenway, Minneapolis, MN began as a rail corridor as part of the Milwalkee Railroad’s main line to the west coast - increasing conflicts where the trains crossed at street grade - railroad underwent a grade separation - rail line placed in a trench - auto industry replaced the use for trains - redesigned the space - became a 5.5 mile bike and foot trail and is accompanied by a light rail in a selective area - Part of the original rail still remains active.

p34

design precedents

artistic expression landscape considerations

- unplanned - continuous change secluded spaces - rooftops - underpasses - abandoned alleys and buildings - skate parks - art - freedom of epression - clean lines - layers

graffiti parks

sculptural bridges

- construction details - materiality - visual interest - connection of spaces - creates flow - addresses accessibility

shell petroleum headquarters

Rotterdam, the Netherlands - active public space - unprogrammed activities - hydraulic light masts - operable by public - sculptural element - activate specified spaces - visual separation grade change - benches - surface material Rueil-Malmaison, France - minimalistic - sharp contrasts - natural features working with architectural elements - rolling hills - limestone walls conceals functions

Schouwburgplein [theatre square]

p35

initial design

program sketches

Hyde Park bridge along dequindre cut

path, wall and rail perspective

bridge installation perspective

- half-way between the existing entrances - proposed new entrance - original bridge torn down - proposed sculptural bridge

proposed rails

proposed rails and pathway

Attitude - issues of accessibility; visual and physical - current design insensitive to history of the Dequindre Cut Intentions - recreate the secluded atmosphere for graffiti without interfering with the visual safety of the new pedestrian pathway - integrate activities within the site throughout areas of Detroit by transporting “graffiti� walls to selected sites - bring attention to the site from the road through sculptural interventions interacting with bridges Graffiti - dominant aesthetic force - cultural interaction - insertion of moveable/transportable walls within the site along a rail system - Bridges - supports(abutments) serve as canvases for graffiti artists - crossways for overhead traffic; connect neighboring residential areas - new sculptural elements to draw attention to the site below; visual connection between cut and street - Pathway - redesign of the current bike/pedestrian path; more natural and site sensitive - interaction with new elements graffiti wall detail

close-up of rails, pathway and walls

section: hyde park bridge

p36

final design program nodes

Micro Transportation of graffiti rail cars

detroit institue of arts

residential greenspace belle isle campus martius hart plaza Macro Transportation or graffiti rail cars seattle

as rail cars are a popular canvas for grafitti and relate to the past use of the site, rail cars are to be placed throughout the site to be grafittied on by artists. these cars will be transported locally and nationally. a rail car lift will be placed at the midway point of the greenway to transport the cars to the specified locations. the industrial building on the north side of gratiot will serve as the storage location for the rail cars.

chicago detroit san fransisco

toronto new york city pittsburgh

p37

final design drawings model

rumble track / visibility - reinforced concrete walls

trees / greenery

rail lines / grafitti walls

pedestrian pathways / entrances

sections

p39

urbanPIVOTpoint “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson-

ar220 studio fuchs winter 2010

p40

phase i

site analysis case studies

presbyterian church jefferson avenue

owen park

whittier hotel & surrounding buildings schouwburgplein [theatre square], rotterdam, the netherlands active public space for unprogrammed activities. hydraulic light masts opermarina & riverfront site / gold coast pedestrian paths able by public serve to activate specified spaces and as a strong sculptural elethe site is located just east of downtown detroit on the south side of jefment. furniture and slight grade change ferson in front of the old whittier hotel and across the street from segregate site from surrounding indian villiage - area is very sectioned off - disconnected from neighborstreets. site is sectioned by changes in hood due to safety issues crossing jefferson. surfaces: material, texture, and designs. people mover dequindre cut greenway detroit river front indian villiage site jefferson avenue parks and green spaces

cincinnati riverfront park, oh public space that connects the great american ballpark to paul brown stadium and activates the riverfront, with the roebling suspension bridge bisecting it. incorporates green spaces and gardens with walkways and small restaurants and shops. space intended to be a hub to outdoor activities in the community.

p41

phase ii

urban design function and form

zone 1 contains a sculptural garden that draws interest in to the site and allows for freedom of experience

1

zone 2 contains a community/recreation center to serve the local area and hosts an after-school program.

2 3

zone 3 the path is lined with cement walls of varied hights to serve as visual barriers, creating a privatized space in the very public area, also serving as seating

4 jefferson

2. undrgrd parking 3. crosswalk 1. bus stop [park]ing lot the purpose of this project is to create a safe and inviting atmosphere for pedestrian interaction between the site and indian villiage/surrounding residential areas; an urban center for recreation, relaxation, and transportation. this is accomplished by redirecting six of the eight lanes of jefferson traffic under ints existing plane. jefferson’s original plane will be converted into a pedestrian median, serving as a bus stop, rest/lounge area and a safe crosswalk.

p42

phase iii

final design pedestrain access

Jefferson Avenue - six lanes of traffic diverted underground - two lanes remain above-ground for local automotive traffic - creates a more pedestrian friendly environment / safer crosswalk condition - new bus stop in front of recreation center undergrnd parking aquatics center henderson park sculpture garden - hidden from view - captures visual - regulation size - privatized park - handball courts re-emphasis of attention swimming pool - outdoor projec- focus on pedestrian - allows for free- - diving boards tion theatre at night traffic dom of exploration multi-use building - efficiency of space - community center and experience - recreational facility

p43

phase iii

building program interior details

e-w section

lobby/stairway

2nd floor meeting rm.

hallway

entry plaza

gymnasium

river view

2nd floor -COMMUNITY OFFICES -MEETING SPACE

n-s section

main level -AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM -INDDOR TRACK

basement -MULTIPURPOSE GYMNASIUM

-EXERCISE FACILITIES

-LOCKER ROOMS

-AEROBICS / YOGA CLASSROOM

-EQUIPMENT ROOM

p45

non-denominationalCHURCH “When was the last time you spent a quiet moment just doing nothing just sitting and looking at the sea, or watching the wind blowing the tree limbs, or waves rippling on a pond, a flickering candle or children playing in the park?� -Ralph Marston-

ar410 studio odoerferfall 2010

p46

schematic design site planning

longitudinal section

sanctuary

tangental section

floor plan

nursery

sunday school classes

lobby

mech. rm.

offices

the project is to design a 300 seat church and sunday school wing in rochester hills, michigan. the site is currently covered in trees and other greenery. to the east of the site is an existing small church.

phase I

p47

phase II

structural system design

the church is supported by a bearing wall and beam system. the sanctuary roof is supported by trusses.

p48

phase III

mechanical model hvac design

HEATING DUCTS

COOLING DUCTS

p49

phase IV

natural lighting artificial lighting

p50

phase V

acoustic design acoustic calculations

REVERBERATION TIME = 1.5S AC

SABINES

FLOOR carpet seating wood

2512.24 888 719.43

0.14 0.80 0.07

351.71 710.4 50.36

CEILING gypsum board

3275.43

0.05

163.79

0.18 0.30 0.03

60.65 14.4 72.981

874.75

0.82

717.3

1085

0.05

54.25

336.94 48 2432.7

WALLS glass diffusers brick open-face brick gypsum board

MATERIAL ABSORBTION SURFACE SA(SQFT)

ACOUSTICAL CALCULATIONS TOTAL VOLUME: 65,265 CUFT

p51

phase VI

building envelope wall section

north elevation

east elevation

south elevation

west elevation

sanctuary wall section 1. 2” INSULATION 2. 1/2” STANDING SEAM METAL ROOF 3. 3/4” PLYWOOD 4. FACIA BOARD 5. STEEL ANGLE CONNECTOR 6. 4”X12” GLUE LAM BEAM 7. CMU 8. JOINT REINFORCING TIE 9. 2” AIR SPACE 10. MASTIC AIR BARRIER 11. BRICK FACING 12. CONCRETE MORTAR JOINT 13. CONTINUOUS FLASHING 14. TRANSLUCENT GLASS PANEL (SHADING DEVICE) 15. CHANNEL 16. CONCRETE SIL 17. CONTINUOUS FLASHING 18. HVAC DUCT 19. HORIZ. FURRING CHANNEL 20. DROP CEILING TILE 21. 1/2” GYPSUM WALL BOARD 22. METAL FURRING (16” O.C.) 23. WOOD BASEBOARD 24. CARPET AND PAD 25. SLAB ON GRADE

p53

alycsa valentine - university of detroit mercy - school of architecture

PORT-folio “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?� -marianne williamson-

2011

p55

alycsa valentine - alison suschak

DETROITcharrette “The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity... and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself.� -william blake-

ar2300 studio deines winter 2011

p56

green city analysis abstract inspirations

ChangingDetroit

green city

rehealregrowrebirthrecoverrepairrestorerec reaterevitalizeregeneraterestructurereconst ructrejuvenateresuscitatereawakenrenewalre habilitatereconditionrekindlerepairredorenov aterenewreanimaterelievereactivaterefresh Our approach to creating a green city starts with redefining what “green” means in the context of Detroit. We found that green has a duality of meaning of both death and rebirth; it is constantly regenerating, growing and changing. As Detroit exists today in a state of change and ongoing decay (deindustrialization, depopulation and increasing unemployment), it becomes increasingly important to seek a long-term solution. Through research on how the natural environment sustains itself, we found that ecological succession, the phenomenon where nature destroys and then rebuilds itself when it begins to deteriorate, parallels our reconstruction of “green” and the existing conditions of the city of Detroit: a city that was once vibrant and bustling, but whose current conditions bring images of abandonment and despair, and a need for a rebirth. The intention is to create a city that goes through these natural stages of life, death and rebirth through the injection of a long-term “green” solution. By applying the processes that naturally occur through ecological succession, ideas can be generated about how Detroit can begin its healing and restructuring innately through a built-in consideration of long term change in infrastructure, industry, society and landscape. We begin to question how neighborhoods affected by arson, abandonment and decay could rebuild themselves, like a forest burnt to the ground regrows itself as a natural process of its existence; challenging if the causes of the degeneration of Detroit could now be used as the fundamental building blocks of a self-sustaining city.

ecological succession and detroit disturbance

industry leaves

forest grasses

opportunity

abandon

small trees shrubs

demoltion orders

decay

reclaimation

p57

green city intervention mappings interventions

state fair grounds

mcdougall-hunt

brightmoor

w. seven mile restructure /livernois

osborn

sherwood forest

kranz woods

bagley

east english village

rosedale park

w. seven mile/livernois - restructure - embedded seed intervention

castle rouge virginia park

downtown

brightmoor - regrow - seed spray intervention repair

redefine

regrow

restructure

reheal

rebirth

recreate

renewal

regenerate

rebirth

recovery revitalize

green osborn - rebirth - fire intervention

p59

alycsa valentine - alison suschak - anthony delarosa

INTERface “It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.� -albert einstein-

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ar2300 studio deines winter 2011

p60

group urban analysis abstract investigations

demolition reclamation art culture job creation interface community ephemeral education new economies unbuilt improvement recovery recycling redemption repossession control disorder human scale morphogenesis rekindle comeback reawakening recovery rehab reincarnation rejuvenate renewal restoration revival animate arouse awaken breathe comfort console encourage energize enliven exhilarate inspirit invigorate overcome quicken rally reactivate strengthen recondition recover refresh relieve renew renovate repair restore resurrect resuscitate revitalize revive

Our urban strategy begins to investigate how an interface can be implemented within the communities of a city and serve as a starting block for reclaiming the areas of the city that have experienced the most disturbances. The interface is intended to promote community involvement through the education of its citizens and develop in to a cycle of interaction and information sharing. The re-use, renovation and restoration of the affected communities must take in to consideration the human scale and promote a playfulness of design that creates an engaging and intertwined urban fabric. Architecture is viewed as a means of intervention that serves to communicate change and renewal. We have begun to investigate the idea of morphogenesis which is a theory based in the ideas of a place being able to change along with its inhabitants and be expressive in a way unique to that place. This concept parallels our approach to the city in that the intention of our interventions is to be able to communicate with the citizens and create places that are informed and interactive, each being unique to the area and able to react to the community’s needs. community intervention

interface

housing stock

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p61

urban interface application individual mapping

Our group worked together to develop a phone application that would address housing stocks in cities around the country and promote community involvement. The intent is to make the process of home ownership in cities more readily available to the public and to provide innovative and specific interventions based on community informed design.

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art culture music culture school closures demolition orders target area site location

p62

individual project corner conditions site selection

edge

peel

extrusion

intersection

hinge

entrance

fold

courtyard

The corner condition was a primary consideration in my site selection. Above are a series of investigations analyzing different ways a corner can be addressed.

9311 kentucky

48204

highest concentration of residents between ages 5-15 high population density 7828 people per sqmi mostly black community 79% african american slightly more females than males 54.5% female majority homes built in or before 1950s most households have one or no car

13700 mapleridge

48205

highest concentration of residents between ages 5-15 high population density 10303 people/sqmi majority black community 75% african american slightly more females than males 53.1% female most homes built before 1960s majority of households have zero to two vehicles

2334 van dyke

48214

large age distribution concentrated between 5-20 rising population density 6865 people/sqmi majority black community 72% african american slightly more females than males 54.0% female most homes built before 1940s majority of households have one or no vehicle

14572 auburn / 14575 minock

48223

large age distribution concentrated between 5-15 avg. population density 5547 people/sqmi majority black community 80% african american slightly more females than males 53.5% female most homes built before 1960s majority of households have one or two vehicles

Based on the previous mapping, I selected four zip codes that had high concentrations of houses set to be demolished and schools that had been closed. I then developed a list of criteria to narrow my sites. Five sites were selected from each zip code. They were further reduced to one site per zip code after a more detailed analysis.

selection criteria primary -

proximity to bus stops proximity to main roads neighborhood density double corner site

secondary

-proximity to schools - proximity to parks

p63

individual project programming precedents

common functions community centers - tutoring center - technology lab

- counseling center - socializing spaces

Abstract Based on the numerous Detroit public school closings and the elimination of many art, music and gym programs, it is clear that kids and teens need places where they can express their creativity and burn their excess energy. My proposed intervention uses the deteriorating housing stock to create four new community centers, creating assets out of houses that are eyesores to their communities. These centers will be designed primarily for those between the ages of 5 and 20, but will also have services available to all members of the community. The centers will share a group of common functions, plus each center will house a separate program that is missing from the educational curriculum: art, dance, music or sports/recreation. In attempts to connect these cross-city programs and make them available to all residents, they will be located in short walking distance from bus stops and close to main roads and highways. The sites chosen for these interventions are located in areas where there are school closings and high concentrations of houses to be demolished. The house(s) on the designated sites are to be deconstructed and all reusable materials will be reintegrated into the design of the proposed community centers. The design intentions of these community centers is to create educational spaces through sensory and spatial experiences. The community centers are intended to be highly interactive and stimulating environments that are engaged through simplicity- they are to be simplistically designed spaces so to allow for freedom of interpretation from their users.

- childcare facility

9311 kentucky sports/recreation center - skating areas - outdoor facilities - indoor courts - fitness center - classroom/lecture space 13700 mapleridge music center - practice rooms - equipment room 2334 van dyke dance center - practice studios - equipment spaces

- recording studio - performance spaces

- performance spaces

14572 auburn / 14575 minock art center - studios - equipment rooms - gallery spaces

st louis art museum tejo remy & rene veenhuizen

p64

individual project site analysis site planning

from the 4 sites i selected, i chose to further pursue the design of 14572 auburn/14575 minock in zip code 48223. this site is the community center focused around the arts.

westwood st.

MACRO SITE ANALYSIS problems - site is slightly isolated from main roads - site is located on the corners of two residential streets that are unconnected

evergreen rd.

w. outer drive

solutions - connect site with streets through pedestrian paths - complete connection between auburn and minock to create dual street corner condition minock

auburn

assets - site is located adjacent to Lyndon Greenway - park can be activated to draw people in to the site - site surrounded by dense residential areas

14575 minock house is fire damaged and boarded

site

park / greenspace

major streets

single family homes

athletic fields

proposed street corner

playground

pedestrian paths

proposed pedestrian paths

14572 auburn covered in overgrowth MICRO SITE ANALYSIS

14572 auburn

14575 minock

- demo lots neighbor vacant lot edging park’s parking lot (public) - homes neighboring demo houses are occupied (private) - vacant lot mostly maintained and lined with trees

publicpublicpublicpublicpublic

publicpublicpublicpublicpublicpublicpublic

verandah foyer

publicpublicpubicpublicpublic

- two demo houses share back lot line

115’

vestibule publicpublicpublicpublicpublic

290’

priv

vateprivateprivate privateprivateprivateprivateprivateprivateprivatepri

p65

individual project diagrams photoshops

park elevation

auburn facade

circulation main artery exterior

main artery interior secondary hallways

vertical

programming

*all studios upstairs

bathrooms

gallery offices cafe

childcare facility

technology lab storage

gallery offices

*

entrance hallway

tutoring center courtyard

lounge/recreation room

counceling center

minock courtyard