Portfolio

.01 IMPACT.davison

This proposal outlines the creation of a dynamic community hub in Eastside, Flint, guided by core values derived from extensive research. The primary aim is to establish a foundation for sustainable development, addressing the challenges faced by low-income individuals through strategic partnerships with local charities. These collaborations, facilitated by flexible program spaces, seek to mitigate the risk of gentrification.

In tandem, this proposal focuses on economic growth by targeting the low-income and unemployed population, offering essential resources, job opportunities, and facilities for workforce development. Simultaneously, IMPACT.davison address educational deficiencies by integrating vital facilities in collaboration with local ammenities: The University of Michigan - Flint, Kettering University, Mott Community College, Southwestern Classical Academy, etc.

To promote community sustainability, the proposal engages charities and philanthropic organizations tansforming the overarching goal towards building a robust economic and educational foundation through curated partnerships, safeguarding against gentrification while preserving the community’s unique culture.

“When thinking IMPACT.davison, think B.A.N.G : Becoming Flint, Affordability through sustainability, Naturing local economics, and Growing community partnerships”

IMPACT.davison endeavors to fill the gaps in Flint’s aging infrastructure through a series of innovative and impactful engagements. The ground level, focusing on community involvement, embeds the building’s legitimacy through services, establishing an authentic architectural focal point. The staggered floors of the structure introduce an inviting design, ensuring an unobstructed street front that welcomes abundant natural light from both the east and west. Additionally, the building is strategically set back 20 feet from the site line, creating a substantial gap between vehicular movement and the development. This intentional setback not only enhances the overall spatial openness but also contributes to a more approachable and community oriented design.

Softwares Used

The Background Information

IMPACT.davison endeavors to fill the gaps in Flint’s aging infrastructure through a series of innovative and impactful engagements. The initial tier, focusing on community involvement, embeds the building’s legitimacy through services, establishing an authentic architectural focal point.

The staggered floors of the structure introduce an inviting design, ensuring an unobstructed street front that welcomes abundant natural light from both the east and west. Additionally, the building is strategically set back 20 feet from the site line, creating a substantial gap between vehicular movement and the development.

This intentional setback not only enhances the overall spatial openness but also contributes to a more approachable and community-oriented design.

Valuing VRF Systems Photovoltics

Both VRF and DOAS utilize Heat Reovery. Heat recovery is reliant on heated exhaust air being expelled by the system. This heated exhaust is then used to heat the incoming air to room temperature. This system is ideal for heat dominated climates, as the system requires far less energy then a typical system to heat air.

“VRF HVAC systems are a mature technology. They are relatively new to the U.S. market and important questions about the actual energy savings remain unanswered. VRF systems can achieve 30% and higher HVAC energy cost savings relative to minimally code conventional compliant systems, or older inefficient systems and a range of building types.”

General Services Administration, December 2012

BUILDING AREA | 74,000FT²

APPLIANCE USE | $0.74/FT²

BUILDING AREA | 74,000FT²

INSTALLATION COST | $12FT²

BUILDING AREA | 74,000FT²

ANNUAL SAVINGS | $0.29/FT²

= $21,460 SAVED ANNUALLY This disregards all Tax Credit/ Revenue Programs

This proposal features a photovoltaic array enhanceing energy efficiency. Utilizing an adaptable Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system, the building minimizes energy consumption by employing heat recovery, particularly beneficial during cooler seasons. The strategic placement of large glazing areas away from the southern facade helps regulate heat gain, contributing to overall energy savings.

IMPACT. davison Drawing Set

The Flint Stretch Parks

Flint Stretch Park, tracing N. Franklin Ave, transforms blighted lots with greenery and permeable pavement in line with the Imagine Flint master plan. This linear park in theory would draw in circulation to site, cultivating a lively node at the intersection of Davison and N. Franklin, enriching the community experience.

Outdoor Amphitheater

The IMPACT.davison Amphitheater faces Davison and N. Franklin, partnering with the seasonal flex space to host diverse Flintspecific events, further fostering the idea of a vibrant community hub.

Davison Service Drive

The Davison Service Drive Provides accessibility to all essential services in the essential sector.

Come businesses include the daycare, pictured above, providing a safe student drop off.

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These drawings are two sectors from the Davison facing elevation (Southern). It is important to note that they both compose about 2/3rds of the total elevation, with the cental third missing as its enclosure systems replicate those found within these two sectors.

Distinctive Brick Base

This proposal’s ground level mirrors downtown Flint’s architectural style, honoring the city’s history while serving as the foundation—both physically and metaphorically. The recognizable tan brick wrapping the structure not only pays homage to Flint’s heritage but also fosters familiarity, connecting with the area’s urban character.

Seasonal Flex Space

This corner is a versatile space, adapting to seasonal changes. In summer, it can host volleyball or sand pits, becoming a recreational hub. In colder months, it could transform into a holiday shop or Christmas tree lot. Located at Davison and N Franklin, it prompts discussion about fully activating the area.

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.02 K.T. Complex

This proposal presents a vision for revitalizing the Kerrytown Marketplace in Ann Arbor, rooted in honoring local culture while serving the community’s diverse needs. The proposed design encompasses a multifunctional space, integrating a semi-outdoor marketplace and a performance center, all while leveraging existing infrastructure to foster strong ties with the community.

Central to the design is a mass timber frame structure, divided into two distinct sections connected by a skybridge. The space between these sections forms a covered marketplace, facilitating direct engagement with the outdoor community while maintaining seamless public circulation within the site. The timber framework extends to the facade, featuring a blend of Nail-Laminated Timber (NLT) and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels, complemented by transparent elements like polycarbonate and glass.

Adapting to the site’s topography, the southern wing of the building accommodates a sunken courtyard accessible via a ramping system, offering a dynamic spatial experience. Furthermore, the building integrates a substantial photovoltaic (PV) array, aligning with Ann Arbor’s carbon production regulations and addressing

“This proposal is not reinventing the wheel, it simply realigns the axle of Kerrytown.”

The Background Information

The structure features two distinct wings, evident in the axonometric view, resulting in a split plan connected by a skybridge on the second level. Situated between these wings is a central outdoor marketplace, promoting circulation throughout the site. Constructed primarily of mass timber, the building incorporates heavy timber elements along with locally sourced materials such as brick and concrete finishes. Polycarbonate elements are strategically integrated to maximize interior daylighting.

The proposals roof forms are oriented southward to optimize photovoltaic capabilities, aligning with cardinal directions. This adds to the overal design composition.

01 JW-HD132N Panels

The photovoltaic system installed on this structure comprises JW-HD132N panels, each generating 951 kWh/Y under local conditions. The roof, tilted 15 degrees southward, is divided into three sections, accommodating approximately 550 panels each, strategically optimized for Ann Arbor’s climate.

Responsive to Site Polycarbonate Enclosure

Due to the steep slope on the site’s west and south sides, the building is designed to harmonize with the terrain, ensuring meaningful engagement with residents on various levels. The performing arts center, situated in the southern wing, is intentionally lowered to align with the building’s rear, resulting in a sunken courtyard facing east, enriching the exterior experience of the center.

The top floor features polycarbonate panels on its 3 facades, ensuring abundant dispersed lighting for all office spaces and educational facilities. While this design choice addresses lighting needs, it leads to thermal considerations. To combat this, the building generates excess solar energy and employs an electric-based HVAC system to manage temperature control efficiently.

Building Systems in Section

This spread of section perspectives display the building’s relationship to the surrounding site, as well as internal conditions. Follow the leader lines to learn more about the specific composition of the building’s unique assets.

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Exterior Marketplace

This area is distinct, as it fits between both segments of the building, and in shielded by tensile fabric forms. Designed as a dynamic marketplace, it accommodates two common market stalls per platform. With a height clearance of 7 feet, it seamlessly connects both street fronts, facilitating smooth vehicular and pedestrian flow.

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Undertsanding Lighting

Lighting in this space is crucial as it serves as the central hub connecting the educational and administrative sectors of the building.

Positioned facing south, the skylight features an internal shading system to distribute light evenly throughout the space.

Underground Parking

This building, like others in the area, offers underground parking to maximize the functionality of the lot.

Open Assembly

The open assembly space in the building boasts a diagrid mass timber frame, best supporting the floor above. This space has all around glazing, which opens to the exterior marketplace. The space spans two levels, with only east facing glazing systems allowing only direct morning lighting.

Central Atrium

The central atrium of this building houses local shops and markets, similar to the setup seen in the adjacent Kerrytown Marketplace Market Center. This atrium is open to the floor below, enhancing views of the surrounding area.

Mass Timber Frame

This building is a composite of Mass timber elements. The primary structure is composed of Glue Laminated Timber elements (GLT) supporting Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) floor slabs spanning 30’ each. This expresses the timber elements of the building, all held together using a system of threaded rod connectors and steel splines.

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.03 The Albina Accolades

How does architecture address racial injustice in a state founded on white only sentiments?

That was the question at the core of this project - addressing years of systemic racial injustice in Portland. Empowering the black and brown population in Portland paves the way for progress, dismantling the biases of the past and sowing the seeds of a new future. Through expansive green spaces, the Albina Accolades project is dedicated to honoring the community while bridging the gaps in the city’s cultural fabric. Its porosity allows for elevated parks and walkways supported by reimagined historic facades, founding the future based on what was learned in the past. This building awards Albina its much needed Accolade.

While no single building can fully resolve an issue of this magnitude, this structure serves purely as a gathering place, fostering change through collaboration among local leaders.

“Unlike the other submissions we’ve seen, your building is a composition of diverse design elements, directly reflecting the building’s motives. It is both Ambitious, yet constructable.”

Barbara G. Student Design Competition Judges Panel

The Background Information

This building is a composit of 5 diverse elements, all acting together. This allows the structure to act as a sculptural element. The building in mass and form portrays the collaberation sought to occur.

This proposal is the statue garden of Albina, a mural of diversity: with each distinct element acting as an accolade to Albina’s past; all coming together to create it’s future.

Sustainability at it’s Core

The South facade is strategically designed to harness the sun’s rays, featuring an encompassing sunshade that has a multifaceted role. Not only does it shield the interior space from direct sunlight, but it also retracts upwards, providing rainwater protection for external courts. When considering sustainability, rainwater runoff plays an essential role in the protection of on-site ecosystems, with sweeping greenscapes on most roofs thoughout the proposal.

Founded in Culture

The base of the building resembles an architectural style which was closely related to the urban core of historic Albina. The resurrection of this style stands out in comparison to the buildings modern form, creating a metaphorical weight at the foundation of the building.

Figurative Porosity in Architecture

The fluid gestures in the building directly relate to the puncturing of the northern facade. A bridge from N. Graham Street loops on to the sloped green roof, creating a direct tie with the hospital and the copious provided green spaces on site.

Understanding Urban Connections

Creating a central hub between the Legacy Emanuel Medical Center North-West of site, green zones like the Albina Corporative Gardens to the West, and the suburb to the East. One essential method of improving connections is the re-route of the yellow light rail line, connecting both the site + hospital to the inner city.

INTER-CONNECTED GREEN SPACE

APARTMENTS COMMERCIAL

Building Systems in Section

In addition to the building section, there’s a split render showcasing the “Barrow Bend,” an outdoor marketplace active during specific seasons and plays an essential role for circulation on site. These renders depict the entry to the Barrow Bend and provide an overall aerial view to convey scale.

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3D Printed Structure

The building’s central structural system comprises a 3D-printed concrete form, supporting a series of beams that form the structure. This innovative approach not only reflects modern architectural trends in the state but also honors Portland’s accessible design ethos. At the top, the form is adorned with vegetation, enhancing the green roof system and contributing to a sustainable environment.

02 Rippling Curtian Wall

The brass-finished glazing system floods the southern and western facades with natural light. A solar shield on the southern side prevents glare, while the rippled design mirrors the nearby water. This aesthetic nod to historic Albina adds character to the architecture.

.04 Imagine Islandview

This proposal extensively examines the intricate relationship between blighted lots and animal populations. With the significant decline in green spaces in Detroit, particularly in Islandview, the local area has experienced an increase in wildlife species, including raccoons, coyotes, various insect populations, and more.

This research led to future predictions regarding sustainable development, emphasizing wildlife preservation and the creation of distinct habitation zones. The masterplan relies on buildings intentionally designed to engage specific animal populations, fostering human-animal symbiosis. Additionally, it prioritizes foot traffic circulation and incorporates a block layout that diverges from automobile-centric design principles.

In Southeastern Michigan, blighted lots typically follow two pathways when reverting to their natural environment. The outcome heavily depends on upkeep: if the grass is maintained or the lot lacks vegetation, it resembles a prairie biome, with primary habitats for coyotes, foxes, etc. Alternatively, highly vegetated lots transition into a Beech Sugar Maple biome: preferred by Raccoons.

Softwares Used

Prairie Grassy Lots | previously residential

Beech

The Background Information

Given the complexity of the site, an axonometric view of plan is provided. This plan shows the placement of the building types, as well as specific moments of interest - signified by the callouts.

Engaging Frontage

The design of the structures prioritizes engagement with street fronts, directing human circulation towards main thoroughfares. Meanwhile, the backs of the buildings are intentionally designed to avoid human gathering, reserving these areas for wildlife circulation.

Non-Human Habitants

As per the design proposal, one-third of the site will be dedicated to preserving wildlife habitats on previously blighted lots. This commitment ensures the protection of habitats for common urban wildlife species

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To the left of the parge is a figurative timeline, showing how the loss of infrastructure is returned to wildlife due to overgrowth and blight. The timeline then further establishes how future development patterns should occur. The Masterplan on the right displays the plan “Imagine Islandview,” which is centered on animal and human symbiosis. You can view the development of building types - further described later, as well as sectors: residency types, commercial zones, etc.

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Elevated Way of Movement

To enhance circulation over the pre-developed greenbelt throughout the site, elevated walkways provide residents with seamless movement without disrupting local habitats. These walkways also offer residents the opportunity to observe and appreciate the local environment while walking.

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Grappling the Greenbelt

In this specific sector of Islandview, existing proposals by the City of Detroit aim to transform a series of blocks into a greenbelt - intending to connect with the existing Joe Louis Greenway. This presents a significant architectural opportunity to engage with local wildlife and foster a symbiotic relationship between humans and non-human species.

Meldrum dr.

Purposeful Symbiotic Relationships Through Architecture

This proposal is centered around affordable housing for Detroit locals, while offering wide-spanning outdoor terraces coinciding green roof availability. Exterior cladding elements encourage bird nesting, while green spaces are curated towards the annual monarch migration pattern over urban Wayne County.

Similar to the prior proposal, this proposal is centered around the growing bat and rodent population in urban Detroit. Bat habitats within the pitched roof line allow for human-bat symbiosis. This species maintains the growing bug concerns within the region, eating mosquitoes, spiders, and other invasive species.