PORT
Charles Simpson
FOLIO
I began my studies at the University of Pittsburgh in the fall of 2018, where I majored in Architecture and Studio Arts. I completed both in the spring of 2023. Architecture and design has always intrigued me, which increased my desire to pursue it professionally. Post graduation, I have continued to expand my knowledge and understanding of the field with continued study, as well as developing small projects that have allowed me to work hands on with materials in the real world.
School House Apartments
House Apartments
This project involved the moderate rehabilitation of an existing five-building multifamily townhouse site, including additions to meet UFAS accessibility standards. A new community building was also introduced, featuring a leasing office, co-working spaces, and a shared community room.
As a key team member, I was responsible for a majority of the construction document drawings, developed the 3D model and final renderings, and conducted site visits to assess and verify existing conditions. This was my first project where I led much of the drafting process, giving me hands-on experience with producing a full permit-ready construction set.
FLOORPLANS+
Through this experience, I gained valuable insights into project coordination, particularly in communicating and collaborating with engineering consultants. I also developed a clearer understanding of the full project lifecycle— from bidding to permit submission—strengthening both my technical skills and professional confidence.
ELEVATIONS
Renderings
Silver Hill Apartments
Lochraven Overlook
In-Flow Village
Passive Strategies Implemented
In-Flow Village was designed as a low-rise, high-density sustainable apartment complex within the college neighborhood of South Oakland, Pittsburgh. The target residents were mixed between asylum seeking familys and college graduate students in order to create a friendly and welcoming environment for people who have been uprooted from their entire lives.
Final Massing Design
Project in collaboration with Ricky Xiong
Our goal was to focus on transportation and green energy strategies as a mode of increasing standard of living and ease of access for our residents. Within our site analysis study we found transportation to be a massive asset to the neighborhood of Oakland. As well, we used passive design strategies such as solar gain and passive ventilation in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the complex.
Basswood Physical model at 1/16” = 1’ Scale
Implementing newer technolgies such as wind trees, aided us in weaving the project into the already existing neighborhood. Instead of creating a shelter, we wanted a hub of people flowing in and out where asylum seekers and graduate students could intermingle and coexist. We created an internet cafe where residents could access free wifi and relax in conversation with their neighbors while eating or drinking.
Bamboo 20 Pavilion 04
The Bamboo Pavilion project was an independant study topic I chose to undertake because of my interest in the material properties of bamboo. Having worked with bamboo in some of my side projects, it facinated me. I began to read and study about many precidents of pavilions created mostly in the eastern hemisphere where bamboo is more previlent and asked myself, why isnt bamboo being used more in the west?
Independent Study
I looked upon the existing Schenely Plaza Pavilion and noticed how unexciting and under used it was. So much of this plaza was given to this structure which garnered no beauty or connection to the plaza itself. I began to build test models with bamboo sticks and tape. I tried many different variations until I finally found my final design.
My final proposal for a new pavilion was made from bamboo sticks and skewers, fasioned together with twine. My design took into account the function and use of the pavilion as a gathering space, while allowing sightlines to be seen under the canopy in order to create a larger sense of connection with the surrounding park and college campus. All this while being a carbon neutral and sustainable destination point within the University of Pittsburgh.