Ava Dawson: Architectural Design Portfolio

Ava Dawson

DESIGN PORTFOLIO

ABOUT

CONTACT

Ava Dawson

972-765-3857

Design Portfolio The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture 2022 -2025

avadawson2@gmail.com

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972-765-3857 avadawson2@gmail.com

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CONTENTS

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Biomecial Research Lab

Pages 4-13

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Performing Arts Center

Pages 14-25

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Multi-Family Housing

Pages 26-35

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“Integration”

Page 36-38

05 Resume

Ava Dawson|avadawson2@gmail.com|972-765-3857

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Biomedical Lab Design VI: Comprehensive Professor: Michael McCall Partner: Alexa Berube 2025 This proposal for a Biomedical Research Laboratory for Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin started with an in-depth analysis of the site. Situated at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Trinity Street, the site is defined by a presence of a significant floodplain due to its proximity to Waller Creek. In response, the building embraces the floodplain with minimal ground contact. Only the three cores touch the earth with the primary program elevated above grade. These cores serve as physical and programmatic anchors as the spatial organization is arranged around them.

The lobby core divides the program with laboratories aligned along Trinity Street, while offices and a conference venue face MLK Boulevard. The sharp urban edges of the streets inform the geometric form of the building matching the rigidity of the exposed structure. In contrast, the west side of the building opens towards Waller Creek offering views to the creek and reinforcing a dialogue between the built and natural landscape. The collaborative space leads to an exterior terrace that overlooks the creek connected to the plaza. This plaza, along with the pavilion, responds to the organic contours of the creek, creating a softer edge. The design seeks to express a relationship between science and nature by fostering a space for biomedical research that engages with the site’s context.

Ava Dawson|avadawson2@gmail.com|972-765-3857

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East Section

North Section

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Elevations

Partial Section + Elevation

Ava Dawson|avadawson2@gmail.com|972-765-3857

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Ground Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

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Second Floor Plan

Roof Plan

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Performing Arts Center Design V Professor Patrick Danahy 2024 My final project was to develop a proposal for a contemporary performing arts center and theater in Austin, Texas, specifically reimagining the site of the historic Curtain Theater at the intersection of Coldwater Creek and Lake Austin. Building on my prior investigations, I started by delving into physicsbased assembly and discrete aggregation using post-tensioned stone.

Potential for disassembly and reassembly through post-tensioning allows for greater adaptability so I aimed to redefine stone’s architectural use, emphasizing the need for innovative detailing and sustainable practices. The goal of this project was to position the performing arts center as a beacon of cultural exchange, inviting community participation and showcasing architecture’s power to shape human experience.

Ava Dawson|avadawson2@gmail.com|972-765-3857

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Ava Dawson|avadawson2@gmail.com|972-765-3857

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Logics of Aggregation Design V, Project I For this assignment, I studied logics of aggregation, exploring different geometric primitives and systems of stacking and assembling them to form composite assemblages. After studying three primary geometric shapes (tettrahedra, Octahedra, and Triangular Prisms), I began exploring ways to manually orient them on each other to create a physically sound structure. This excerise created a catalog of 16 aggregated forms, that I tested for stability using rigid body physics engine developed by Nvidia called PhysX, which uses discrete element analysis and friction coefficients and gravitational force applied to each unit to determine the stability of structures with non-glued or pinned connections, meaning the pure expression of geometric stability.

Ava Dawson|avadawson2@gmail.com|972-765-3857

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Outdoor Pavillion Through Computational Design Design V, Project 2

In the second phase of this studio, I worked with Emma Fults to develop a design proposal for an outdoor pavilion similar to Gilles Retsin’s proposal for the Tallinn Architectural Biennale. We used Grasshopper and Python programming to computationally automate the manual orienting that we used in the previous aggregation exercise.

Through these computations, we were able to expedite and accelerate the potential spatial complexity. These proposals were tested for stability using rigid body physics engine “PhysX.” These digitally developed proposals were then 3D printed and constructed as physical assemblies to test the physical stability of each pavillion.

Ava Dawson|avadawson2@gmail.com|972-765-3857

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Design V Final Project Performing Arts Center

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I started by modeling and scaling tetromino pieces creating volumes that served as megalithic figures and loadbearing structural masses. Rather than unifying the volumes into one cohesive mass, I grouped them into convex geometries that can be moved together as a group. The goal of this phase was to achieve stability between the selfbracing components and to respond to the spatial sequencing that I discovered in my precedent research. I then 3D printed each component part separately and assembled the physical model into a physics-based mass.

Next, using the algorithmic logics established in Assignment 2, I developed another proposal for these gravitational masses that included a smaller scale and finer articulation, building a dense connective tissue at the edges and interstitial spaces of the original mass. This second layer was considered as ornament, so I experimented with the scale of the computationally automaded designs to add detailing to the facade.

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With the project masses established on site, I started developing space by cutting the masses in plan and section to develop a viable proposal.

Ground Floor Plan

Floor 1 Plan

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Floor 2 Plan

Section

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South Elevation Render

East Elevation Render

Worms Eye View Render

Interior Vignette Renders

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Exterior Vignette Renderings

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03 Multi-Family Housing Design IV Professor Michael McCall 2024 Through an in-depth examination of East Austin and a thorough exploration of Mies Van Der Rohe’s principle of “perfect order,” my goal was to conceive a mass timber multi-family housing initiative. This endeavor aims to tackle the challenges posed by rapid urban expansion, climate concerns, gentrification, and economic disparities in East Austin. By employing a systematic grid approach that prioritizes spatial organization over conventional typologies, my project proposes a solution that harmonizes functionality and aesthetics while addressing the unique needs of the community.

Ava Dawson|avadawson2@gmail.com|972-765-3857

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Case Study Working with Riley Avery and Timothy Barker, we researched the Lake Shore Drive Apartments by Mies Van der Rohe as a case study project. After studying the logics and systems of the building, we took away that the main goal of this project was to redefine high rise living for the post war generation while creating a blueprint or “perfect order” that characterizes architetcure by space rather than typology. We created various diagrams as well as a model to reflect these ideas.

Exploded Axonometric

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Section Perspective + Facade

Contextual Elevations

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Detailed Elevation Because the building is situated in East Austin, I aimed to incorporate materials that honor the area’s rich history and culture while also embracing sustainability through the use of a mass timber structural system. Utilizing sustainably sourced heavy timber not only ensures structural stability but also aligns with eco-friendly practices. My vision was for the facade to complement both the timber frame and the local neighborhood, so I opted for metal siding to mimic the texture of tree bark while seamlessly blending with the surroundings. By integrating timber, metal cladding, and steel detailing, the design establishes a tangible connection to East Austin on a human level.

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04

“Integration”

Design III Professor Tyler Swingle 2023

As Austin’s relentless growth puts a strain on its iconic music scene, I was asked to design a space that provided temporary residency/practice spaces for local musicians as well as a concert hall for them to share their work with the community right on Lake Austin Blvd. Inspired by the design logics of my precedent Kengo Kuma, my design is meant to be an extension of the landscape allowing for public community spaces alongside the private residential areas. This semester’s final project focused on ideas of integration through mass timber structures.

Ava Dawson|avadawson2@gmail.com|972-765-3857

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Ground Floor Plan

Floor 1 Plan

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Floor 2 Plan

Sections

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Ava Dawson 4300 High Mesa Dr, Plano, TX 75093

972-765-3857 | avadawson2@gmail.com | www.linkedin.com/in/ava-dawson https://issuu.com/avadawson2/docs/2025portfolio?fr=sNjliNTgxOTIzNzM

EDUCATION

The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX August 2022 - PRESENT (Expected Graduation May 2027)

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Pursuing a BArch in the School of Architecture

GPA: 3.76/4.00

Plano West Senior High, Plano, TX August 2018 - May 2022

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Senior Class President

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Weighted GPA: 4.47/4.0 scale

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Graduated Summa Cum Laude Class Rank: 78/1324 (5.9%)

SKILLS - Communication - Teamwork -3D Modeling (Rhino) -Adobe Creative Suite

(Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

- Rendering - Computational Design -Drafting -Architectural Design -Project Management

WORK EXPERIENCE

LEADERSHIP

Nanny, Plano, TX

Tri Delta Conduct

August 2021 - August 2024

-Supervised 2 children before and after school as well as in the summer - Planned activities, assisted in daily routines, managed scheduling, and ensured safety

Representative (2022-Present)

Panhellenic Recruitment Guide

(2024)

Senior Class President (2021-2022)

HTeaO, Plano, TX April 2020- October 2021

- greeted and assisted customers on the sales floor answering product-related questions

-worked a drive-through servicing 40 cars an hour -operated point-of-sale (POS) systems to process cash, credit, and debit

transactions accurately and efficiently -prepared and served 28 different teas

Ava Dawson|avadawson2@gmail.com|972-765-3857

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Ava Dawson

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THANK YOU ABOUT

CONTACT

Ava Dawson

972-765-3857

Design Portfolio The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture 2022 -2024

avadawson2@gmail.com