Connor A. Mix Architectural Portfolio

Connor A. Mix

Architectural Portfolio UIUC BSAS 2017

Contact Information University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Email: cmix2@illinois.edu; mix4info@yahoo.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/connor-mix-26859b92 Home Address: 1407 N. Columbine Drive Mt. Prospect, Illinois 60056 Cell: (847) 561-4254; Home: (847) 768-9520

Table of Contents 4-7

Teat del Turรณ

8-9

Campus Honors

S. 2016

10-11

UIUC Arboretum

F. 2015

12-13

Boneyard Creek

F. 2015

14

Kickapoo State Park

F. 2015

15

Lighting Design

F. 2015

16-17

House to Street

S. 2015

18-19

Observed Detail

F. 2014

20-21

Sketching

F. 2016

22-23

Photography

F. 2016

F.2016

Teat del Turó

Fall 2016

The “Mida Petita” (small scale), was a semester-long group* project conducted through the IASAPBV study abroad program. As the name suggests, the final theater had to remain below 1000 square meters, house a performing space and all its amenities, and engage a connection with the Jardins del Turó del Putxet of which the theater sits.

Our design sought to connect an existing building with the newer theater space through employment of a dynamic linear space- an avenue of sorts, from which the surrounding program is able to branch off of. In this way, public and private spaces may be delineated, circulation may be concise, and the form may remain simple, yet striking.

Through a central stair, the “linear heart” extrudes upwards and allows a seamless connection to several other pieces of program, finally terminating at grade above, where the park to the rear spills on to an outdoor performance space.

*Personal responsibilities included all 2D drawings, and post production of 3D drawings/renderings.

Campus Honors Program Building Spring 2016

It was the aim of this project to develop a facility for the current campus honors building to move into. A space was needed that would provide both faculty facilities, as well as several classrooms, lounges, and labs for daily student use.

It was my take on the design to create a building that would become a presence on the UIUC campus, drawing students in with a prominent sloping void, and on the interior, an intuitive floor plan that directs circulation through several bridging elements.

Entelechy It is at once important to note that excellence may not culminate itself without any small amount of provocation. A building, with this kept carefully in mind, must facilitate this genesis. It is with punctured floor plate and deliberate use of vantage point that this Campus Honors Building not only allows for union and hive-like circulation within, but also renders itself a nest of sorts. Such a form is derived from the very intent of the student- that is, what do they intend to accomplish? In many cases there is no such answer to be found. At this point, the lofty bridge-ways and intuitive layout allow for the student to, without thinking, find their way to an advantageous space. For those students and faculty of a more savory demeanor, spaces “between the lines� have been created and further developed to satisfy the ever-abstract aesthetic and spatial craves. Seemingly dead end paths lead to the most rewarding viewpoints, a closed wall may be slid open, no longer a mundane path to the south stairwell, but a garden that seems to grow within and into the building itself. No longer is it enough to simply erect a set of walls- nor should it be allowed to continue in practice.

Buildings must both make sense, as well as inspire. It is within the thought of this design that such feats can be accomplished. A building that claims host to the most driven students on campus must have its resources readily accessible, yet demand a thoughtful eye when a free moment is granted. Due to form, the aesthetic of this building must be understood in tandem with the structure. This is, at large, the theme intended to be expressed throughout the building and its design. A thing may not be understood without the understanding of all things which go into it. A mantra that an honors student might perhaps grasp onto.

Light was perhaps the biggest factor in the form generation, and it is for this reason that the central atrium is completely open to the sky above.

This also helps to reduce the winter heating load. A system of blinds is to be used to protect against the lower winter sun.

1 A102

1

DN

A103

Level 3 24' - 0"

Level 2 16' - 0" WH WH

Main 4' - 0" Level 1 0' - 0"

1

1

A103

A102

Level 3 24' - 0"

Level 2 16' - 0"

Main 4' - 0" Level 1 0' - 0"

UP

UP

Arboretum Event Space Builiding Fall 2015

It has been previously expressed by the university that a space within the bounds of the arboretum would be beneficial, both to draw more visitors and to create an auxiliary source of income from the outside community. The primary usage was to be weddings and various banquets.

It was first important to choose an appropriate site that would be accessible from the established parking, and also provide enough privacy that an almost mystical atmosphere be created.

Finding a nice shady spot within a clearing of the surrounding trees, the form derived.

The ovular form allowed for a near seamless transition from the natural to the built. The first floor plate sitting roughly four feet above the ground protects the building from any natural hindrances and aids in a sense of loftiness. From the surrounding porch, the beauty of the arboretum can be viewed, and within, glazed walls allow for the same during the respective ceremonies.

Boneyard Creek Intervention Fall 2015

The Boneyard Creek, a historically prevalent body of water on campus, has long been the cause of many problems, both natural and sociological- from campus floods, to neighborhood division. I chose to tackle the latter with a project that provides a topographical aesthetic to an under-utilized field in the middle of the neighborhood at First St. and Washington St. The design was driven mainly by feel and memory of my own childhood, enjoying running and jumping across uneven surfaces. Growing older, well thought out topography provides spaces to lay, termination points to ponder, and paths of equal elevation to be created, walked along, or sat upon.

The realization of this project would be extremely attainable, as materials are minimal, and the cost of labor is significantly cheaper for this simple terrain intervention. The paths and gazebo would be made of reclaimed, treated lumber.

Kickapoo State Park Fall 2015

In frequent contact with the University of Illinois, Kickapoo State Park has expressed the desire to create a series of cabins, as well as an auxiliary boat house at the termination of High Pond, that would both expand the influence of the state park, as well as allow campers of limited mobility to stay comfortably overnight on the grounds.

1 A107

1 A108

The main challenge with this project was accessibility. As elevation ranges from water level to over 100 feet, it was necessary to create a series of ADA compliant paths by which disabled guests could get a comfortable and rich experience of the park and pond. The ADA huts are nearest to the boat house which houses the showers and other amenities.

For other campers, the project takes to the trees. A big white oak (rendered top left), is, other than the pond itself, the highlight of the project. A series of bridging elements link two huts to a viewing balcony around the tree in a manner where the tree itself does not need to support weight. The same is done for another set of huts to the West.

Overall, it was sought to create a layout that was both adventurous, yet highly manageable for an ideal outdoor experience.

2 A102

Level 3 45' - 0" Level 2 23' - 6" Level 1 7' - 0"

Section 2 1/32" = 1'-0"

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Lighting Design Project

Fixture Plan FIXTURE KEY

Fall 2015

Cooper Lighting - Neo-Ray Shaper Lighting - 102-WMTA Round Drum Shaper Lighting - 642 Series Wall Sconce

The aim of this project was to utilize lighting within a piece of program in a manner that fit our Fixture Schedule desired concepts. Working in groups of four, a set of final deliverables were required, ranging from sections to circuit plans. The initial Revit model, renderings (left), and section (below) were my portion of the project.

Quantity

Catalog #

# Lamps/ Fixture

Watts/ Fixture

Lamp Type

Mounting Height

Color (Kelvin)

Description

8

Image Type

101-38-P2S-T5/2/39HO-120V-NA-DMA7-24

2

78

Linear Fluorescent

24” below ceiling

3000

for lighting larger areas

8

642-W-CFL/1/26-120V-NA-WHL

1

26

CFL

N/A, Wall mount

3000

wall washing brick finishes within space

23

652-W-CFL/1/32-120V-NA

1

26

CFL

N/A, Wall mount

2700

good for table lighting

Cooper Lighting - Metalux Shaper Lighting - 101-P Series Shaper Lighting - 652 Series Arm Mount Cylinder

graphic symbol

Our concept was driven by the notion of “fire and ice” within both daytime and night time. At night, the lighting emphasizes the warmth of the brick and the deeper colors of the wood. This contrasts with the lower level tiles, as well as several water elements, including a water pattern light projected onto the ceiling. The intent was to create a feeling of warmth, though with kinetic undertones.

27

102-24-WMTA-CFL/3/26-120V-NA-DMA7

3

78

CFL

10” below ceiling on wall

2700

good for dining areas

13

S23DIW-1X1T5-1-UEB-SI-GLR-S22R

2

42

Linear Fluorescent

N/A, wall mount

3000

good for circulation spaces, wall washing

26

WSC-432-D-W-120V-GM-HR8_DIM-U

4

32

Linear Fluorescent

4 ⅞” below ceiling

3200

good lighting for bathroom and other areas needing adequate light levels

25

TL403BBS

1

12

LED

1 11/16” recessed into ceiling

2700

good in areas of circulation

14 13 12

Nightime Render During

the daytime, natural light plays a part in this duality. The curtain walls allow for penetration to certain parts of the dining area, while lights pick Circuit Schedule up and highlight the parts the sun can not reach.

As this restaurant was to be operational during all hours of the day, light at any point and how it changes the feel and atmosphere of the space could not be neglected. The product of this is lighting that creates the space, rather than solely illuminating it.

11

Switching Plan

10 22 21

6

7 89

5

Illuminance Plan

Category E- Low Contrast (500 lx) Category F- Low Contrast/Small Size- (1000 lx) Category A- Bathrooms (30 lx)

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Section 2

15

1234

Category C- Circulation/Work Space (100 lx)

匀攀挀琀椀漀渀 ㈀

1716

23

Category D/G- High Contrast Area/Near Threshold (300-3000 lx)

Daytime Render

18

20 19

House to Street Spring 2015

The house to street project was an initial exploration of how a building situated on a slope both responds and draws from its corresponding topography. At the same time, the building had to begin to address all other factors included in designing a residency.

This building derives from one major shift and one major void. The shift takes place in the front entry sequence, allowing light to spill deeper into the building on one side.

The void is created by shifting the second floor up an entire level, giving the family room below (rendered bottom left) a double height from floor to ceiling. The void is left as an outdoor space for cooking and lounging.

The spatial arrangement as a whole is quite concise, with each piece of program on a different level. The kitchen and living room occupy the below-grade floor, the entry sequence and bathroom are situated centrally, and the bedroom and office are on the top floor and allowed to look out over the back yard.

In section, the project appears to step down over the topography.

The technique is carried over to the open-above style living room, which is, metaphorically, and literally, the bottom of the hill of the program.

Observed Detail Fall 2014

1 21" Rigid Insulation

2x6 Wooden Rafter 2x4 Double Top Plate 2x6 Wooden Joist

This exercise of right brain vs. left brain combined sketching skills with AutoCAD. Students were to choose a design element or notable connection point on UIUC’s Taft House to accurately hand render with artist’s pencils.

3 8"

Soffit

2x6 Wooden Fascia 2x4 Wooden Cripples 1 8"

Glass Pane

2x4 Sill Plate Home Wrap 1 2"

OSB

2x4 King Stud

Once completed, the same view was to be modeled as an exploded/peeled axon in AutoCAD at accurate scale based on knowledge of building materials.

2x4 Jack Stud Cavity Insulation

*Window Detail

5" Wooden Siding

NOTES:

Thank You