Cole Calavano - Undergrad Architecture Portfolio

Portfolio

Cole Calavano

Roger Williams University School of Architecture

B.S. Architecture December 2023

Undergraduate Portfolio

Claude Debussy

Echoing Debussy: Architectural Expressionism in Design

Harmony with Nature: Rethinking Dog Shelters

Bridging History: Reconnecting Fall River’s Divided Community

Elevated Nature: A Modern Take on Laugier’s Hut

Seekonk River Rowing: Nature and Community Converge

Detail by Design: Traditional Meets Modern in Construction

Architectural Angles: Detail-Oriented Nature Photography

Contents

Concert Hall....................................................................................6 Westport Dog Sanctuary........................................................................................14 Fall River Revitalization..................................................................................20 Primitive Sleeping Hut.................................................................................................26 Narragansett Community Boathouse.................................................................30 Professional Work..........................................................................38 Photography Works.......................................................................44

I invite you to experience the inspiration for my first project: Claude Debussy’s Concert Hall. It was inspired by a piece that profoundly influenced my architectural vision. Please take a moment to scan the above QR code, leading my personal rendition of Debussy’s Clair De Lune performed by me on the violin. This recording aims to capture the essence of movement and the nuanced scaling arpeggios that are translated into an architectural interpretation. Let the music guide you through the pages, enriching your understanding of how this timeless melody has been transformed into a tangible, spatial experience.

Claude Debussy Concert Hall

This concert hall emerges as an architectural reflection of the emotions inherent in Claude Debussy’s Claire de Lune The form finding nods to the history of Providence, intertwining the evolution of its canal sizes since the 1850s .

The design of the facade, with its flowing wooden fins, directly echoes the dynaism in Claire de Lune. Like the composition’s main melody, express a curve which rises and falls, embodying the piece’s sweeping arpeggios. This architectural form parallels the dualistic nature of the music, where the lyrical theme is supported by a persistent bass, embodied by the solid/ void aspects of the facade. The idea of fins mirrors Debussy’s composition, creating a dialogue between structure and sound.

Inside, the layout of the chamber hall and concert hall, accessible via a staircase embodying the undulating bass movement, offers a counterpoint to the expressive curves of the main public spaces. This design approach allows the hall to become a space where music theory and architectural form engage in a subtle conversation, each element enhancing the understanding and appreciation of the other.

6

7

8

Drawings actualizing Debussy’s Clair De Lune, a manifestation of the rising and falling nature of the accompanying arpeggios heard throughout the piece. Mapping of ProvidenceOverlaying different canal sizes and layering historical maps

River Level in 1825 River Level in 1919 River Level Today

Mapping of Providence/ Site Plan North Elevation

East Elevation

3rd Floor Plan 1rst Floor Plan

Concert Hall Perspective

12 Entrance Perspective

Concert Hall Sectional Model - chipboard

13

Model - basswood

Westport Dog Sanctuary

Reenvisioning the traditional dog shelter, the Westport Dog Sanctuary embodies a design centered on the well-being of dogs. Its circular architecture, embracing a central courtyard, symbolizes freedom and continuity, a stark contrast to conventional, cage-bound shelters. Divided into two wings, the sanctuary caters to both the functional aspects of adoption and veterinary care, and a dedicated space for dogs, emphasizing their need for open, unrestricted environments.

The dog wing reimagines the concept of shelter: each dog enjoys a personal, crate-like space for rest yet remains unconfined, free to roam and explore both indoors and the embracing courtyard.

The design’s deliberate lack of doors blurs the lines between shelter and the natural world, echoing the dogs’ innate preference for openness and aligning with their adaptability to varied climates. Glass walls further merge the sanctuary with its natural surroundings, creating a cohesive existence with the environment. At its essence, the Westport Dog Sanctuary is an exploration of a dog’s needs and desires, distinct from humancentric spaces redifing the concept of a dog shelter.

14

15

Floor Plan

Circulation Concept

Roof

Post/ Beam

Exploded Axon

18

Wood Shell/ Glazing Play Area Perspective

19 Courtyard Perspective

Fall River Town Hall Revitalization

The design for revitalizing Fall River City Hall’s west side nods to the history of the site, once home to the original town hall and the Quequechan River waterfall, landmarks of a bygone era. This project acknowledges the past while addressing the present divide caused by I-195, which divides the community in two. In reimagining this space, the intent is not just to redesign but to metaphorically and physically bridge the divided city, reconnecting its people with their history and each other.

The transformation of the area into a pedestrian-centric public plaza along with an expansion of the town hall’s terrace is a nod to both the past and future of Fall River. The removal of traffic lanes in favor of bike paths and ADA-compliant access respects the site’s historical significance while meeting contemporary urban needs. The design incorporates seating, garden beds, and a central tree, symbolizing unity and the city’s reconnection with nature. The elevated position of the city hall ground level is utilized to extend the public space, offering a shaded area below and an upper level overlooking the ocean and newly constructed bridge, with seating and shading solutions designed to community interaction, bring back a human-centered city rather than one designed for the automobile.

This project, in essence, seeks to heal the scars of urban “progress”. By reimagining the city hall surroundings, it aims to restore a sense of community and continuity to Fall River. The design’s emphasis on accessibility, environmental mindfulness, and historical reverence positions it as a crucial step in the city’s revitalization efforts, turning a once-divisive highway into a unifying landmark that bridges the past with the future.

20

Before Intervention

After 21

22

23

Ground Floor Plan Exapnded Terrace Plan Plaza Perspective Expanded Terrace Perspective

24

Lower Plaza Perspective

Section Through Site

25 I-95

Perspective of Upper Level Terrace

Primitive Sleeping Hut

Drawing on Laugier’s Primitive Hut, this contemporary sleeping hut in the woods blends his historical principles with modernity in a modest 20x20 ft footprint, elevated 10 feet above the ground. Its defining feature, a large rock wall, extends from the earth over the structure, providing both structural support and a connection to the natural world. Surrounding the hut, wooden pilings stretch above its height, with cables descending to the main room’s platform, instilling a sensation of suspension amidst the trees. The structure, built of wood and featuring expansive windows, invites uninterrupted views of the wilderness.

Inside, the hut offers a unique sleeping experience with a glassenclosed bedroom, exposed to nature yet safely elevated. This design allows for a subtle sway, echoing the gentle rocking of the wind, and offers a serene view of the stars. The rock wall at the bed’s back, an extension of the ground, serves as a natural heater, passively warming the space and contrasting with the structure’s floating nature. This project is a contemporary expansion of Laugier’s principles, thoughtfully bringing together simplicity, modern design, and environmental consciousness to craft a harmonious retreat that bridges history with the present.

26

27

Floor Plan/ Building Section

29

Model - basswood/ foam core

Narragansett Community Rowing Center

The Narragansett Rowing Center, situated along the Seekonk River in Providence, is an ode to the harmony of nature, sport, and community. Embedded in the parkland, the center acts as a point along a project path from the hilltop through a wooded path, leading to two distinct yet interconnected buildings that overlook the river, and finally descending to a boardwalk along the water’s edge. The center’s lower floor, dedicated to rowing boat storage, partially buried into the hill to blend seamlessly with the landscape while also allowing for flood waters to pass through in the event of a storm.

Above this stone-based platform rises two structures. The first, primarily for rowers, includes essential facilities like a gym, bathrooms, and locker rooms, alongside a large, water-facing hallway that acts as a serene contemplation and gathering space. The second building, perched atop the platform and elevated 12 feet above ground, is a community-centric space. It boasts a large area with expansive windows that open up to the views of trees and ocean, symbolizing the rowing center’s commitment to fostering a deep connection between the community, the rowing athletes, and the natural environment. Together, these buildings serve for the needs of rowers while also stand to iintegrate human activity with the nature of the site.

30

31

Site Plan 32

COMMON AREA BATHRM. BATHRM. OFFICE MECH. GYM LOCKER ROOM LOCKER ROOM BOAT STORAGE MECH. MECH. SECOND FLOOR PLAN THIRD FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN SEEKONK RIVER OFFICE MEETING ROOM OPEN BELOW 33

34 Site Section

35

PartiConnection to the hill and sea along a path

36

Model - basswood/ cardboard

Common Space Perspective

37

Kitchen Perspective

Professional Work

Working for Jeff Schneider out of Bay Head NJ, my focus was on coastal residential typology, where I not only applied my learned skills in SketchUp to assist with client renderings but also gained invaluable insights by over hearing client meetings. These interactions offered a firsthand look at the practical application of architecture and the myriad concerns clients bring to the table. My responsibilities expanded to include capturing drone footage and taking detailed photographs of our projects, which provided a unique perspective on our designs and their integration with the coastal environment. This handson experience was complemented by the mentorship of Jorge Lucio, who played a crucial role in my development. Under his guidance, I learned to compile comprehensive construction document sets for both new constructions and renovations. This encompassed everything from conducting thorough code research to designing foundation/pile plans, floor plans, electrical layouts, sections, wall sections, detailed drawings, and site plans.

The breadth of my experiences at the architecture firm was instrumental in shaping my technical proficiency and practical understanding of architectural design. Working in the unique setting of Bayhead allowed me to appreciate the specific challenges and opportunities presented by coastal architecture, honing my ability to adapt and innovate within this specialized field.