Deonante Sutton's Portfolio 2024 by ArchDeonanteSutton

DEONANTE SUTTON

SELECTED WORKS 2024

DEONANTE SUTTON

Architecture is a privilege to practice because it allows designers to engage with the unique conditions of each site and become part of the daily lives of the people who use and experience the spaces we create. I believe every community deserves thoughtful, well-designed architecture that enhances their quality of life, fosters a sense of belonging, and contributes to the growth and vitality of the place. Good architecture has the power to transform spaces and make a lasting impact on the people who inhabit them.

SOUTH + ONE FUTURE

SPORTS FACILITY / TRANSIT CENTER 01 02 03 04

CO-HOUSING

HARMONY HAVEN HOMESTEADS

RASSEMBLER

SPACE FOR GATHERING

TOOL LIBRARY

01. SOUTH + ONE FUTURE

SPORTS FACILITY/ TRANSIT CENTER

LOCATION : CHICAGO, IL

DURATION : 3 MONTHS

PARTNER: DANIEL BOGDAL

The proposed field house in Bronzeville, Chicago, is envisioned as a transformative urban hub, designed to serve both as a transportation center and a dynamic space for community integration. The building aims to dissolve the longstanding stigmas associated with south Chicago neighborhoods by offering an inviting and transparent architectural experience that encourages interaction visibility, and connection among diverse groups of people. One of the building’s primary functions is to act as a transportation hub, serving users of the adjacent Green Line. However, it goes beyond the typical role of a transit station.

The design fosters an environment where different communities can coexist, interact, and collaborate. By facilitating these interactions, South + One Future challenges and redefines the negative narrative often linked to the South Side of Chicago. Ultimately, the field house stands as more than just a building, it becomes a social bridge. It offers a space where transportation infrastructure and community life interest coexist, creating new opportunities for positive encounters and shared experiences.

South Section

Model and Graphic Representation (Deonante Sutton and Daniel Bogdal)

Circulation Diagram - The building’s circulation features two distinct pathways that balance efficiency and engagement. Internal circulation is driven by spiraling staircases extending into the atrium, fostering interaction and connection across programs. Direct train access circulation bypasses the interior, offering a seamless route to the station while exposing commuters to the building’s vibrant spaces. These systems combine to create a dynamic and experiential flow.

Massing Diagram - The building’s massing is centered around a central atrium, serving as the core of the design. Volumes radiate outward in a pinwheel-like configuration, creating a sense of movement and connection. Each mass builds off the atrium, representing the merging of spaces and programs. This overlapping design fosters interaction and unity, blurring boundaries between the building’s diverse functions.

Sutton and Daniel Bogdal)

SOUTH + ONE FUTURE

Train Cafe

Basketball + Gym

Dance

Cycling + Yoga

Swimming

Program Axon

Model and Graphic Representation (Deonante Sutton and Daniel Bogdal)

Double Skin Facade - Functions as a passive heating technique that limits the amount of internal energy usage of the building.

Tension Cross-Bracing - The atrium features a cable cross-bracing system designed to resist lateral loads, providing stability while maintaining an open and transparent aesthetic.

Double Shear Plate - The connection ensures robust load transfer and structural stability by accommodating forces on both sides of the connection plates.

Hybrid Connection - The cantilever incorporates a rotating hinge with shear plates, which allows controlled angular movement while ensuring lateral stability.

Structure Axon Model and Graphic Representation (Deonante Sutton and Daniel Bogdal)

02. CO-HOUSING

HARMONY HAVEN HOMESTEADS

LOCATION : URBANA, IL

DURATION : 3 MONTHS

SOLO

This project seamlessly integrates with nature, shaping a sustainable community that embraces the natural landscape. Inspired by the gentle slopes and graceful tree lines, the co-housing complex mimics nature’s curves and cleverly utilizes the terrain to enhance accessibility and create inviting communal spaces, such as a community garden and wooden deck. Through its thoughtful design and eco-friendly features, the complex encourages residents to engage in sustainable practices, fostering a profound connection with their environment. In essence, this initiative represents a holistic approach to community development, where innovation and environmental stewardship converge to establish a thriving haven where residents can live in harmony with nature while enjoying a sense of unity and well-being.

HARMONY HAVEN HOMESEADS

0' 8' 16’ 32' 64'

1ST FLOOR PLAN

TWO BEDROOM (12 + 2 GUEST)

THREE BEDROOM (7)

ONE BEDROOM (5)

TWO BEDROOM (12 + 2 GUEST)

0' 4' 8’ 16' 32'

1ST FLOOR PLAN

0' 4' 8’ 16' 32'

2ND FLOOR PLAN

0' 8' 16’ 32' 64'

2ND FLOOR PLAN

BUILDING TYPOLOGY

CIRCULATION

UNITS

COMMON HOUSE

TOOL SHED GUEST UNITS

PRIMARY

SECONDARY LEISURE

SCREENED PORCH

COMMUNITY GARDEN

SUSTAINABILITY METHODS

COMMON HOUSE LIBRARY

COMMON HOUSE DINING HALL

COMMON HOUSE

03. RASSEMBLER

SPACE FOR GATHERING

LOCATION : CHAMPAIGN, IL

DURATION : 3 MONTHS

SOLO

Rassembler is designed as a gathering and communication hub through its grid-based spatial organization. Each floor offers seating and social spaces to encourage conversation and interaction. The building’s multi-layered structure provides opportunities for guests to engage with the environment, featuring terrace spaces and rooms that extend beyond the foundation.

Located on an empty lot at the intersection of Main and Chestnut Streets in downtown Champaign, the site previously lacked human activity and vibrancy. To address this, Rassembler’s main entry is oriented towards Main Street, while the social areas face Chestnut Street. This strategic layout transforms Rassembler into a lively hub, enhancing social engagement and benefiting local businesses by bringing increased foot traffic and activity to the area.

UPPER TERRACE

GRID ORGANIZATION MODEL

RELATIONSHIP OF SPACES

SKETCH MODEL

04. CLOAK

TOOL LIBRARY

LOCATION : ALBANY PARK, IL

DURATION : 3 MONTHS

PARTNER: MORGAN COOPER

"CLOAK" defines a layering aspect in our building that is accomplished by implicit elements and art forms that can be rewarding to those who take the time to look closer. Our facade plays with a revealing and hiding aspect by allowing pedestrians to view both the atrium and mural from different angles, but not the entire building. Due to this, our facade sparks curiosity, which translates to pedestrians entering the building. Once inside, visitors get a full glimpse of various art forms such as murals and anamorphic illusion. Moving walls, the final element of the building, expands on the "layering" effect used in the facade that can be used to craft specific views and paths that guide circulation as well as transform spaces. By strategically hiding and showcasing portions of space, we promote visitors to explore both the building and various arts they can take up.