CHARLIE GRIFFINS PORTFOLIO

LINKEDIN :

// CURRICULUM VITAE

UNIVERSITY PROJECTS

// 5th Year Masters Design Project p. 04-11

WEAVING QUEERNESS

Monumental Design Project Focussing on the Rapid Decline of London’s Queer Spaces

// 4th Year Masters Design Project p. 12-18

PETRIFIED PALACE

A Night Space Design Project Focussing on the Commemoration of the Welsh Slate Mining Industry

// 4th Year Masters Design Realisation Project p. 19-23

PETRIFIED TECHNOLOGY

A Technical Module Focussing on the Commission, Planning, Construction and Delivery of the Petrified Development

// 3rd Year BA Design Project p. 24-27

LIVING WITH PRODUCTION

INSTAGRAM:

A Design Project Focussing on the Relationship Between High Security and Natural Forms, Regenerating Portsmouth’s Naval Dockyard

// 5th Year Masters Thesis Project p. 38-39

SHIFTING HISTORIES OF QUEER TRANSGRESSION

Research/Mapping Project Focussing on the Rapid Decline of London’s Queer Spaces

CHARLIE GRIFFIN

BA (Hons) / (M.Arch)

EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE

This portfolio contains a selection of work and images from my time at The University of Greenwich studying Masters in Architecture, as well as a selection of work from my part one placements at two small practices called Clear Architects and Grow Design Studio.

MArch • Masters of Architecture • RIBA Part II

Awarded_1st University of Greenwich_2021-2023

BA (Hons) Architecture • RIBA Part I

Awarded_1st Portsmouth University_2015-2018

ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT • CLEAR ARCHITECTS

Sept 2018 -Sept 2019

Clear Architects work with high end clients to create high spec, sustainable, homes and extensions, as well as working on various commercial schemes in East London and Essex.

Responsibilities included -

• Surveying.

• Producing & ammending CAD drawings ,3D models and renders for client presentations & Developing interior drawings for tender. Ordering and collating sample pallets and mood boards. Checking all current planning applications.

Assisting with site visits to ensure construction is proggressing accordingly.

ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT • GROW DESIGN STUDIOS

Grow is a small architectural and technological practice in the Essex countryside that works in the residential and commercial sectors. Its client base ranges from national house builders to

Due to the size of the practice, my role at Grow was more hands-on, working on projects independently from concept through to planning application submission.

Other responsibilities included all listed ablove and -

Producing conceptual designs for client presentations. and planning applications

In 2019 I set of to Australia, embarking on the trip of a lifetime. While disasters such as the came close to ending my adventure early, was able to power to guarantee a second year in Australia, as well as during the height of the outbreak in Sydney.

WEAVING QUEERNESS

// 5TH YEAR MASTERS DESIGN PROJECT

Through my initial research into the rapid decline of LGBTQIA+ venues in London, falling by 58% from 125 to 53 since 2006, was able to develop a brief responding to this decline. This led to the design of a queer monument in the heart of the capital that represents queer liberation.

Ultimately, the aim of this project was to show solidarity with the queer community, create a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people to unite, and for them to be exposured to a more queer-friendly atmosphere. It is hoped that this large-scale project will add a visible symbol of liberation while bringing much-needed visibility and representation to the queer community in London.

Software - AutoCAD, Rhnio, Vray, Photoshop, Illustrator, Arch Map, InDesign Other Skills - Model Making, 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Weaving, Casting

PERSPECTIVE RENDER

During the initial research phase of this project, my visit to the Fashioning Masculinities exhibition sparked an interest in the process of fabric and clothing production. Focussing further research into the use of clothing to present our personalities, sexualities and gender through colour and form, this became the sole driver behind the design development of a woven monument.

By using a spinning wheel myself to create my own yarn, followed by the process of knitting the wool together, my understanding of the fabric-making process developed. This inspired and ignitied patterns and forms that were implemented during the design development of physical test models.

The use of the orange thread symbolises warmth and connection, serving as an ode to the powerful ties between people of different backgrounds, genders, sexualities and ages. This ties in with the idea that if we come together, united, we are stronger and our voices will be heard. It also helps to represent the hope for a better future, highlighting the potential for change.

Software - Rhnio, Vray, Photoshop

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

SELECTION OF PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC PROJECTS 2018 -2023

PHYSICAL MODEL

The design also responds to a complex brief providing the community with a range of different key spaces. These include the LGBTQIA+ headquarter’s office spaces, gallery spaces, a grand viewing platform and a glowing beacon that is inflated from the building below. Visible from afar, it signifies a safe space for queer people.

Building a physical model assisted with creating a well-executed university project. The process also helped with the representation of the concepts being researched. Simultaneously, the physical model gave the research a deeper level of understanding and thorough comprehension of the construction process.

Creating a smaller scale model (overleaf) of the proposal initially contributed to the overall design process and the multi-stage development of the project was praised; my project received a first class classification.

SMALL PROCESS MODEL

SELECTION OF PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC PROJECTS 2018

PLAN B - ABOVE CENTRAL PAISLEY PLATFORMS

SELECTION OF PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC PROJECTS 2018 -2023

PETRIFIED PALACE

// 4TH YEAR MASTERS DESIGN PROJECT

This project concerns the story of the Welsh slate mining industry. It was once known as one of the most widely used sources of roofing material globally at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Towards the late 20th century, silicosis became more common in North Wales. It was officially recognised as a slate mining-related disease in 1988 nearly 20 years after the last underground slate mine was closed in the area. In 2021, the slate landscape of North West Wales was inscribed into the World Heritage List.

Software - AutoCAD, Rhnio, Vray, Photoshop, Illustrator, Arch Map, InDesign

Other Skills - Model Making, 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Weaving, Casting, Sketching, Hand Drawing

SELECTION OF PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC PROJECTS 2018 -2023

PETRIFIED PALACE

PETRIFICATION COLUMNS

The proposed structure houses a series of festival-style electronic music events that take place throughout the year. Some large-scale events over the summer period will expand over the surrounding landscape.

By hosting festival-style electronic music events and encouraging sustainable transportation, I was able to can create a unique and immersive experience for attendees while minimising the environmental impact.

PERSONAL SITE PHOTOGRAPH

SELECTION OF PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC PROJECTS 2018 -2023

PETRIFIED PALACE

HAND DRAWINGS

TECHNICAL PETRIFICATION DRAWING

DRAWING OF THE PETRIFIED HALL

The structure will hover over the site itself using a series of columns to support a roofing structure. Each of the columns will be designed and crafted to produce a petrification process that will eventually petrify mining objects that hang within them. This process will act as a metaphor for the painstaking work that the miners had to endure when working in the mines all those years ago.

SELECTION OF PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC PROJECTS 2018 -2023

PETRIFICATION COLUMNS PERSPECTIVE

Software - Rhnio, Vray, Photoshop.

PETRIFIED PALACE

BLUE LAKE PERSPECTIVE

PETRIFIED PALACE

Software - Rhnio, Vray, Photoshop.

PETRIFIED PALACE

SECTION A AND B

The sections below show the composition of the petrification columns within the quarry, rebuilding the landscape while preserving the beautiful lake below. As shown, a series of pods built into the quarry walls have been proposed providing accommodation for ticketholders during their stay.

Software - AutoCAD, Rhnio, Vray, Photoshop.

SECTION A

SECTION B

SELECTION OF PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC PROJECTS 2018 -2023

PETRIFIED TECHNOLOGIES

4TH YEAR MASTERS DESIGN REALISATION PROJECT

During the first year of the MArch course at The University of Greenwich, we completed the Design Realisation module. The coursework requirements for this module were to prepare a document that considers how our proposal was commissioned, designed, constructed and delivered while considering three main factors: the technology used, the environment and the profession as a whole.

A select few drawings have been presented within this portfolio to show my knowledge and understanding of structural design, construction and engineering solutions associated with building design.

Software - AutoCAD

STRUCTURAL GRID DRAWINGS A AND B

The purpose of Structural Grid A is to support the weight of the bedrock above within the excavated areas of the development. The grid was determined by conversations between the design team and the structural engineers who advised that distance between columns should be no greater that 8 meters in order to support the heavy load above.

Each structural column used to support the excavation measures 600x600mm and each steel beam measures 500mm width.

Structural Grid B identifies the structural grid of the petrification columns within the main petrification hall. Each of the petrification columns measure 900mm in width, allowing the internal steel structure to reach heights of up to 24 meters at grid reference 1V, for example. As identified on the structural plan to the left by dashed lines, each of the columns are reinforced in tension by a series of steel wires attaching each of the columns together.

Software - AutoCAD

STRUCTURAL GRID A

GRID

TECHNICAL DRAWINGS A, B & C

The drawings below identify the structural solution for the petrification columns developed within my design module for the Petrified Palace project.

TECHNICAL DRAWING A - Petrification Column Detail

Steel Screws and Bolts Joining the Decorative Reinforced Concrete Fins to the Main Steel Column

Petrification Pipework

Water Collection Overflow Pipework

Steel Reinforcements

Mining Artefacts

Steel Structure, Welded Connections

ETFE Inflation Pipework

Limestone Panelling

Reinforced Concrete Decorative Elements

TECHNICAL DRAWING B - Decorative Fin detail.

Reinforced Concrete Decorative Fins

Steel Screws and Bolts, Fastening Elements

Steel Framework

Limestone Panelling

Steel Cylinder, Used to Attach Decorative Fins onto Main Structure with Listed Nuts and Bolts

Close-Up Detail C

Welded Steel Joints Attaching Steel Cylinder to Main Steel Structure

Reinforced Concrete Decorative Fins

TECHNICAL DRAWING C

TECHNICAL DRAWING D - CURTAIN WALL SYSTEM

Malleable Steel Junction

Tension Fabric

Cellulose Insulation (recycled newspaper)

Double Glazing Unit

Z Steel Purlins

Z-Clips between Cladding Z Steel Work

Slate Paneling

Reinforced Pigmented Concrete

Air Gap

Wire Tension Cable

Pinned Connection

Low Level Guttering

Damp Proof Membrane

Concrete Pad Foundation

EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC STRUCTURAL DIAGRAM

1. PETRIFICATION COLUMNS

• a. ETFE System

• b. Water Collection Roof Panels

• c. Steel Struts

• d. Petrification System

• e. Decorative Elements / Hanging Mining Artefacts

• f. Limestone Paneling

2. CURTAIN WALL SYSTEM

3. SUBMERGED REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS

4. INTEGRATED STRUCTURAL FLOOR-PLATES

5. STEEL BEAMS SUPPORTING EXCAVATION

6. STEEL COLUMNS SUPPORTING EXCAVATION

TECHNICAL DRAWING E & F

This drawing identifies the structural solution for the ETFE roof structure used within the Petrified Palace.

TECHNICAL DRAWING E - ETFE Drainage Connection

Stainless Steel Bird Wire

ETFE Clamp

ETFE Roof Bubble

Cellulose Insulation

Water Drainage

Guttering

Air Pressure Pipework for ETFE System

Steel Support Plates

Water Proof Membrane

ETFE Roof Bubble

Steel Triangular Structure

Tension Fabric Roof Panel

Steel Tension Ring Connecting Tension fabric Roof Panel to Tension Fabric Water Funnel

Tension Fabric Water Collection

Funnel

Roof Panel Steel Strut

Limestone Panelling

Water Collection Drum

Water Overflow Pipework

Air Pressure Pipework for ETFE System

Water Purifier

Calcate Drum

Steel Structure

Limestone Panelling

TECHNICAL DRAWING F - ETFE Roof Panelling & Water Collection Panelling, junction to Petrification Column.

LIVING WITH PRODUCTION

3rd YEAR BA DESIGN PROJECT

With the threat of war and conflict increasing in the current world, it became necessary for Portsmouth Naval Dockyard to prepare for invasion.

The brief was as follows: in response to this national threat, the Navy decided to propose a series of buildings dedicated to research and the expansion of military technologies such as underwater drones. The lead naval coordinator of this project has requested the scheme must feature accommodation blocks to house on-site lab workers, as well as a series of amenities such as shops, surgeries and leisure venues to ensure the workers have all they require. SELECTION

LIVING WITH PRODUCTION

SITE PLAN

In response to this brief, the development of an esplanade running along the water’s edge was designed with the research facility branching off into the centre of the boy of water. This gives the illusion that the building is floating. Using a series of organic crustaceans to inspire the form and composition of development, the use of a shell-like shape was implemented to represent a hard external defence barrier, increasing security.

Software - AutoCAD, Rhnio, Vray, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

Other Skills - Model Making, Laser Cutting, Sketching

SUBMERGED PERSPECTIVE

SELECTION OF PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC PROJECTS 2018 -2023

STONE STREET

PART I PLACEMENT - GROW DESIGN STUDIO

Client - Private Owner

Location - Sevenoaks, Kent

Brief - To design a residential rear extension to a bungalow situated on Stone Street in Kent. The client, a close friend of the director of Grow Design Studio, requested an open-plan living, dining and kitchen space, with large open windows looking out onto the rear of the property.

With a grade II listed building situated opposite our site, the design of our proposal was constrained in order to ensure the building did not become overpowering to the street scene. With these confinements considered, I was given full responsibility by my director to design the space as thought appropriate. Once the design had been approved by the client, began collating the required drawings and documents in order to submit the full planning application. It was approved shortly after.

Software - AutoCAD, Sketchup, Photoshop SELECTION OF PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC

Although I left Grow shortly after we were given planning approval for this scheme, I was given full responsibility for preparing the application and checking its progress during the time of its moderation. Following my departure from Grow 2 years later, the proposal was built and signed off.

Learnt Experience - Research conducted on previous planning applications, both successful and unsuccessful, assisted in compiling a catalogue of design choices that contribute to a higher likelihood of obtaining planning approval. Additionally, my exploration of locally listed buildings has deepened my understanding of the design constraints that need to be considered when designing adjacent proposals. These experiences have undoubtedly enriched my knowledge and expertise in designing from the initial conceptual phase.

Software - AutoCAD, Sketchup, Photoshop

BICKNACRE HOUSE

PART I PLACEMENT - CLEAR ARCHITECTS

Client - Private Owner

Location - Bicknacre Essex

Brief - Clear Architects were commissioned by our client, a prominent entertainer, to rationalise and refurbish their existing house and outbuildings. Our clients were adament that their refurbishment should fuse modern and traditional styles, with the function of the property being of utmost importance. This was achieved with the creation of an annexe building for guests and studio space.

To reflect their creativity a key tenet of our client’s brief was that imagination and fun must feature prominently throughout Bicknacre House. We fulfilled this through a number of interesting and unconventional elements appearing in the property. These include a hidden staircase between the new open-plan living area and the master bedroom, providing a location to present art that the owner has commissioned.

While assisting the lead architect of the Bicknacre House project, I was given the task of drawing the existing and proposed plans and elevations following the lead architects conceptual sketches (below). This was in preparation for the initial conceptual client presentation and following planning applications. was also involved in the development of a digital model that was then used to create a rendered perspective of the existing and the proposed plan together (left).

Software -

AutoCAD, Sketchup, Vray, Photoshop

Learnt Experience

– Choosing a cohesive material pallet for the proposal was a key driver behind my involvement in the success of this scheme. I was able to order a series of dark red brick samples along with Corten steel, chosen to work in contrast with the existing building. This developed my understanding of the process behind the amalgamation of sample catalogues and mood boards, in order to prepare a conceptual client presentation. SELECTION

WOODGREEN ROAD

PART I PLACEMENT - CLEAR ARCHITECTS

Client - Private Owner

Locarion - Upshire, Essex

Brief - Clear Architects were commissioned by our client to design a contemporary proposal for a new family home on Woodgreen Road within the conservation area of Upshire and the Green Belt.

The front elevation was designed to incorporate perforated brick wall detailing and perforated metal sheeting. This provided privacy to the front courtyard by creating a buffer space that separated the house from the road.

The rear elevation is cranked to enhance the privacy of neighbours while enabling the opportunity for feature windows to enjoy the view beyond.

Green flat roofs were proposed to increase biodiversity, providing a habitat which is inaccessible by humans to the greater benefit of ecology.

As a collaborator in the early stages of the project, my role was to assist the lead architect with concept development, creating proposed plans and elevations, and generating a digital model. This was crucial for presenting the proposal to the client and eventually submitting a full planning application.

Software - AutoCAD, Sketchup, Photoshop

PERSPECTIVE VIEW A

PERSPECTIVE VIEW B

PERSPECTIVE VIEW C

PRINCES ROAD

PART I PLACEMENT - CLEAR ARCHITECTS

Client - Developer

Location - Buckhurst Hill, Essex

Brief - Situated on the junction of Queens Road and Princes Road, this development has the potential to greatly ameliorate the Buckhurst Hill Town Centre. The proposed building replaces a chalet bungalow with six apartments and two commercial units.

When introduced to this project, I was given a series of sketch drawings by the lead architect to develop into full plans and elevations in order to present to the client for their approval. This was in preparation for a subsequent planning application submission.

Learnt experiences – While designing the internal spaces, making sure the development met the HMO standards was imperative. During this project I developed my understanding of minimum floor space while learning how to provide comfortable-sized apartments within the constraints of national requirements.

Software - AutoCAD, Sketchup, Photoshop

THE SUBSTATION

PART I PLACEMENT - CLEAR ARCHITECTS

Client - Developer

Locarion - Leytonstone, London

Brief - To provide a mix of 9 apartments while preserving and enhancing the original fabric of the building.

Software - AutoCAD, Sketchup, Photoshop

SELECTION OF PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC PROJECTS 2018 -2023

NORTH ELEVATION

ORIGINAL UNSUCCESSFUL PROPOSAL

KENDAL AVENUE

PART I PLACEMENT - CLEAR ARCHITECTS

Client - Developer

Location - Epping, Essex.

Brief - To design a residential development complex to replaces the existing residential property.

Similar to the previous projects I was involved in, I was also brought onto this project during the initial conceptual stages. was given a series of sketch drawings of the proposal by the lead architect in order to develop them into a set of full plans and elevations. They were presented to the client and following their approval, submitted as a full planning application. This involved the amalgamation of a Design and Access Statement and all other relevant existing and proposed drawings in order to ensure the application was approved. Furthermore, the lead architect suggested that the street scene was given colour so the planning officer was provided with as much context as possible. By showing the material pallet, they could ensure that it remained coherent with the other developments along the street.

Other tasks included checking the application while it was under evaluation for any additional comments.

Software - AutoCAD, Sketchup, Photoshop

HillLodge

HOLLY COTTAGE

PART I PLACEMENTCLEAR ARCHITECTS

Client - Private Owner

Location - Essex

Task - To fabricate a series of render samples in preparation for a client presentation.

Following the approval of the planning application for the Holly Cottage project, a residential extension to a grade II listed building, I was given the task to develop a series of material pallets for the exterior cladding of the property in preparation for a client presentation.

Skills - Design & Construction

SHIFTING HISTORIES OF QUEER TRANSGRESSION

// 5TH YEAR MASTER’S THESIS PROJECT

Cruising grounds often inhabit forgotten buildings or public locations, presenting a delicate balance of visibility and invisibility, while frequently exhibiting a geography of sexual transgression. Urban environments are in constant battle with ongoing inner-city gentrification and development. Queer spaces are under threat, particularly as the act of cruising floats within the margins of legality. This has resulted in the failure of research projects and preservation schemes to properly acknowledge them. Thus, they have less support and are at greater risk.

My interest in this particular topic stemmed from my own personal sense of belonging within queer space as a cis gay male. This has enabled me to develop a relationship with other queer people that also understand the struggle of fitting into a heteronormative society.

My creative licence enabled the design and construction of a series of maps that illustrated each of the grounds discussed, exploring their geography in relation to cruising and how their make-up influenced the movement of people through each of the spaces. This amalgamated with each chapter accompanying the maps being presented in the style of a pocket book. This enabled the users to visit these prevalent queer spaces. They can read the thesis and navigate the maps simulatously to understand the space’s significance to the queer community during each specific time period.

Software and Skills - InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketching, Painting, Binding

RUSSELL SQUARE CRUISING MIGGRATION MAP