Portfolio: Anthony Grant Schuck

ANTHONY GRANT SCHUCK

S a m p l e

P o r t f o l i o

Architectural Assistant Part 1

07598628511 anthonygrantschuck@gmail.com

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Curated within this portfolio is a selection of work produced during my BA (Hons) Architecture baccalaureate at Birmingham City University. The projects included are: ‘Biblioteca Vasconcelos’ and ‘Inside and Out’.

I am grateful for the time you have taken to look through my portfolio, I look forward to hearing from you.

Biblioteca Vasconcelos 1. Title 2. Pictures of work

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Inside and Out 1. Title 2. Pictures of work

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Personal

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Conclusion

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Materiality Collage

Precident Study

Biblioteca Vasconcelos Completed in 2022, for this project we were allocated a case study to investigate its successful design features and environmental properties.

The project investigates themes of structure and user circulation.

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Environmental Section

Watercolour - Transparent Walkway.

Presentation Board

Circulation Strategy sketch.

Model of Staircase structure.

In this project, we analysed Biblioteca Vasconcelos in Mexico City, a prime example of how structure and materiality align with a building’s functional requirements. Our research highlighted the library’s design, which accommodates user needs and enhances their journey through the space. The circulation strategy is crucial, balancing the flow of people passing through with those who dwell within, ensuring a fluid movement across floors and zones without disturbance. Notably, the hanging cubist bookshelves and staircases define both form and function, creating a dynamic spatial experience. Additionally, the library’s acoustic properties are thoughtfully designed; quiet study areas are strategically placed to minimize noise, fostering an environment conducive to concentration and reflection.

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Inside and Out Completed in 2024, this project investigates themes of city planning, urban layout and human scale. A project where sustainable design meets urban theory. Building spaces to improve relationships between local communities and their urban surroundings at an appropriate scale.

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Abstract Mapping - straight and curverd forms study.

Green Space intended in Cerda’s original plan across Eixample region.

Intended: 28m2 per pserson ­ Today: 7m2 per person

Superblock Divisions

Superblocks - Wider site.

The Eixample district was designed by Ildefons Cerdà. Cerdà’s original vision was to create spacious green courtyards that would foster community interaction and socialization, with pedestrians being a priority.

However, due to the city’s urgent need to house more people, Cerdà’s plan was only partially realized.

The final implementation prioritized vehicular movement, enclosing courtyards within blocks and isolating pedestrians to the exterior roads. This compromise led to the courtyards being under utilised, ultimately reducing the social connectivity that Cerdà had initially envisioned for the city.

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Plaza Space

Superblock Wider Site Analysis

Semester One Proposal Plan

Semester One Proposal Model for: Human Scale Interactive Play Space Plaza

The spaces that do exist and how they can be transformed.

Superblock intervention allows junctions at pedestrianised roads to be transformed into pedestrianised plaza’s.

Photos of model showing concept development, exploring ideas of play and objects in the urban space without an obvious function.

Inspired by the work of Aldo van Eyck.

The Superblock intervention transforms traditional road junctions within the Eixample district into pedestrian-friendly plazas. By grouping blocks into three-by-three grids and restricting vehicular access within the inner streets, these intersections become vibrant public spaces. The newly created plazas offer opportunities for social interaction, leisure, and community activities, while also enhancing environmental sustainability by reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. This re-imagining of urban space aligns with Cerdà’s original vision, reconnecting residents with the city through green, pedestrian-oriented areas that prioritize social engagement over vehicular movement.

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Visuals - Autodesk Revit + Photoshop

My primary goal for this project was to restore the relationship between the inside and outside of the Eixample blocks, which had been lost due to the dominance of vehicular movement. I aimed to create a more seamless connection between public and private spaces within each block, encouraging greater interaction and accessibility.

Additionally, I sought to implement sustainable design strategies, where nature could be seen as reclaiming the urban fabric. By introducing green corridors, rooftop gardens, and rainwater harvesting systems, I aimed to create a more eco-conscious environment that enhances the quality of life for residents.

Finally, I envisioned the creation of mini-communities within each Superblock, where local residents could come together in shared spaces like plazas, allotments, and community gardens. These spaces would foster a sense of belonging and encourage social interaction, making each Superblock a selfsustaining community within the larger urban fabric.

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Site Sketch

The shift toward prioritizing vehicular traffic over pedestrian accessibility created a disconnect between the public streets and the enclosed courtyards. My goal was to re-establish this connection by opening up the courtyards and integrating them with the surrounding streets, creating a more fluid relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. Through the implementation of pedestrianized areas, green spaces, and social hubs within each block, I sought to revive Cerdà’s original vision, ensuring that both the interior and exterior spaces of the block serve the community equally, fostering social cohesion and accessibility.

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1 Blocks Central Courtyard

2 In to Out Stairs: Centre of Block to Roof

3 Roof Garden

4 Workshop Classroom

5 Out to In Stairs: Street to Roof

6 Community Allotment

7 Agricultural Storage

8 Utility Room

9 Storage

Where social event happen such as markets to sell goods and community gatherings.

Connecting rear end of roof to centre of block.

A peaceful relaxation space providing shelter from the sun.

A space owned and managed by ‘Institut Viladomat’ - the secondary school opposite site. A space to teach about everyday sustainable living.

A journey representative of leaving the busy rush of the city behind and rising into a more peaceful and sustainable environment.

Growing Crops for local business’ as well as providing space for people to grow their own individual crops through organised workshops run by the local council.

Water tank - rain water harvesting recycled for agricultural use.

Water facilities - sink.

For the easily collapsible furniture for when the space is used publicly.

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Projection for green corridors across entire Eixample.

Superblocks to act as mini-communities within the larger Eixample community.

Development sketch model. Natures reclaiming of urban fabric.

The concept of Superblock Micro-Communities in my project aimed to foster a stronger sense of individuality and belonging within each Superblock. By designing spaces that allow residents to interact and engage in communal activities, I sought to cultivate mini-communities within the larger urban fabric. Each Superblock was envisioned as having its own identity, shaped by shared public spaces such as plazas, community gardens, and allotments.

In addition to building a sense of community, a key goal was to integrate nature into the urban environment, allowing greenery to reclaim and transform the built fabric. This was achieved through green corridors, rooftop gardens, and pedestrianized streets, where natural elements are woven into the everyday experience of residents. The result is a more sustainable, liveable space where both 11 individuality and communal spirit can thrive amidst a re-imagined urban landscape.

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Metal cover with retainer doweled on wooden plank

Double layer of waterproofing with primer

Digital Sketch - Autodesk Revit

Tertiary Timber Structure

Railings

Interior

Fascia

Soffit 2x Rigid Insulation Vapour control layer over 18mm ply Deck

Filter Layer

Pebbles - Absorb heat from sun and retain it for long periods time, slowly releasing it back into the atmosepher. Reducing the amount of heat that penetrates through the roof

Exterior

Trimmer

18mm Ply Deck

Drain

Rockwool Insulation Insulated Cavity Barrier Vertical Timber Cladding Plywood Breather membrane on plywood

Stairs:

Visual - Autodesk Revit

Galvanised steel grating

Steel Structure: Circular Hollow Steel Columns and I Beams

1:5 Detail Roof Drain for Rain Water Collection 1:5 Detail Existing roof to new structure Floor finish Reinforced concrete slab Rigid Insulation Damp proof membrane

Part of structure also supported by neighbouring building

15mm Plasterboard full mineral wool insulation

Rigid Insulation 25x38mm battens and counter battens to create an unobstructed ventilated cavity

15mm plasterboard with 3mm plaster skim finish

Screed Reinforced concrete slab cieling Vapour control layer Waterproof membrane Gravel

Exploded Axo

Final Model

Concrete Base

In my project, the structural choices were deeply symbolic of the contrast between Barcelona’s rigid urban grid and the more personal, fluid spaces within the Superblock. The concrete base, representing the solid, unyielding rigidity of Barcelona’s gridded layout, serves as a foundation that grounds the design within the structured urban context. This choice of material emphasizes the city’s historical emphasis on order and function.

In contrast, the light steel structure, particularly the staircases, introduces a sense of fragility and individuality. The airy, open feel of the steel stairs juxtaposes the solidity of the concrete, symbolizing the more random, personal, and intimate experiences that occur within the spaces. This contrast between the concrete’s rigidity and the steel’s delicate nature highlights the shift from the city’s structured grid to the unique, individualistic environments that foster community interaction and personal expression within the Superblock.12 12

Mending relationship between interior and exterior of block

Green space reclaiming territory over urban fabric

A key aspect of my project was the creation of dedicated relaxation spaces for local residents, designed to offer respite from the fastpaced urban environment. These spaces, integrated within the Superblocks, include rooftop gardens, shaded courtyards, and green plazas that provide quiet areas for relaxation and social interaction.

By incorporating natural elements and tranquil environments, the design promotes well-being and encourages locals to gather, unwind, and connect with their surroundings. These relaxation spaces are essential in fostering a sense of community while also enhancing the quality of life for residents, offering an escape from the city’s busier, more structured public spaces.

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Outside of architecture, my hobbies span a diverse range of creative and recreational activities. I have a passion for the visual arts, including drawing and painting. My interest in fashion reflects my appreciation for style and design. I also love playing football, futsal, chess and the guitar/music.

I try to involve myself in as many hobbies that might be considered ‘outside’ of the architectural realm- I believe that all such artistic forms are intertwined.

These forms have provided another outlet of expression, to take what I have learnt through all outlets of life.

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To conclude, over the past three years at Birmingham City University, my journey in architecture has been both challenging and rewarding.

Each project has deepened my understanding of the built environment and the role of architecture in shaping communities. From concept development to technical execution, I have gained a solid foundation in the principles of design, sustainability, and innovation.

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