CORBIN WISE ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY
SELECTED WORKS 2023-2025
CONTACT
Corbin Wise
collaboration and leadership I enjoy bringing ideas to life through thoughtful planning and creative problem-solving and I ve built valuable experience through volunteer work and mentoring others. My time in competitive sports has shaped my disciplined team-focused mindset and I’m passionate about creating meaningful, innovative design solutions that make a real impact.
WORK EXPERIENCES
CABE Student Worker / NCARB Student Advisor
College of Architecture & the Built Environment
Assisted faculty with organizing files, supplies and class materials
Supported outreach by updating boards sharing info, and managing emails
Assist Students in exploring and logging hours for NCARB
Guest Service Specialist / Trainer
Mister Carwash
Delivered excellent customer service, achieving high satisfaction rates
PA
Resolved customer issues efficiently, contributing to repeat business
Assistant Sous Chef
Columbia Kettle Works
PA
Assisted in culinary preparations collaboration and enhancing service quality
Maintained a clean and safe kitchen environment upholding high standards
Warehouse Worker
Inghams Powder Coating
Operated warehouse machinery, maintaining high safety standards
Streamlined order processing, improving efficiency.
MORE EXPERIENCES
American Institute of Architecture Students
Member
PA
08/2023 – Present
Collaborated with peers on design challenges and community projects contributing creative ideas and architectural knowledge Philadelphia, PA
Participated in workshops seminars and networking events to stay informed about trends in architecture and sustainable design practices
National Art Honors Society Secretary
Managed organizational records ensuring confidentiality and efficiency
Scheduled and coordinated meetings, optimizing
Ephrata Robotics Team Co-Captian
Led team in practices and competitions, fostering teamwork and accountability
Collaborated with coaches to
Sigma Nu Mu Pi
Volunteer
Organized and supported community events creating an inclusive environment
Boosted donations through fundraising campaigns
Built partnerships with nonprofits for greater community impact Philadelphia, PA 01/2024 – Present
ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Corbin Wise—a third-year architecture student at Thomas Jefferson University. I grew up in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, a small town full of historic charm and rural landscapes that sparked my early love for design and the built environment.
Creativity has always been a big part of who I am. Whether it’s painting, sketching, digital art, or photography, I’m constantly exploring new ways to express ideas visually. Lately, I’ve been looking into a custom minor including graphic design, digital photography, and animation to expand how I think about space, storytelling, and how design connects to real-world experiences.
At Jefferson, I’m involved with the College of Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), where I help organize events and support student initiatives. I enjoy collaborating with others, taking on leadership roles, and learning through handson experience. I’m always looking for ways to grow—not just as a designer, but as someone who’s excited to make a meaningful impact through creative work.
01 CULINARY EDUCATION CENTER
DESIGN 4
SPRING 2025
PROF. IVANO D’ANGELLA
PROJECT STATEMENT
Sharswood’s Community Education Center is a project that lets us imagine what education can be beyond books—something rooted in culture and community. Sharswood is ready for growth, and here, food is at the center of it. Inspired by research into the food culture and success of East Passyunk, this hub is designed to be a place where people can come together to learn, cook, grow, and share. It’s more than just an educational space—it’s a place where neighbors can connect, chefs can inspire, and food entrepreneurs can find real opportunity. Students have access to a demonstration kitchen and an entire second floor filled with books, classrooms, conference spaces, and study rooms. Chefs can use the kitchens to teach and host events, and entrepreneurs can rent out space after learning the craft to take their ideas further. A series of village-style ghost kitchens offers flexible, low-cost options for small food businesses to start up, test, and grow. All of this is surrounded by green space—including a greenhouse-style courtyard with layered terraces where food can be grown year-round and enjoyed together.
“ROOTED”
Sharswood is ready for growth, and food will be the heart of it. Inspired by the success of East Passyunk, introducing a innovative Culinary Education and Community Hub—a gathering place for people to learn, cook, grow, and share food. This is more than just a place to learn; its a community hub where neighbors can connect, chefs can inspire, and food entrepreneurs can thrive. By investing in Sharswood’s culinary culture, we can create jobs, opportunities, and a vibrant food scene that brings the community to life.
SITE MAP
LOCATION CONTEXT
CIRCULATION PATHS
ITALIAN VILLAGE
PERUVIAN TEMPLE
FORD FOUNDATION
02 GLENDINNING ROCK GARDEN
DESIGN 5
FALL 2024
PROF. ANDREW HART
PROJECT STATEMENT
This observational tower for Glendinning Rock Garden is all about creating a deeper connection between people and nature. Designed through detailed site analysis, the project focuses on drawing visitors in from the surrounding landscape and guiding them up into the tree canopy. It’s not just about the view—it’s about the experience of moving through space, crossing thresholds, and discovering new perspectives with every level. The tower is meant to feel like it grows from the garden itself, blending into the environment while offering quiet moments to pause, look out, and reflect. Each platform is shaped by the canopy it meets, giving visitors a layered, changing view of the garden and reminding them how perspectives shifts our sense of place.
DIAGRAMS
STRUCTURE
SECTION A
PLAN
1/8” = 1’
1/8” = 1’
1. ABOVE CANOPY
2. UPPER CANOPY
3. LOWER CANOPY
4. UNDER CANOPY
The tower, a statement piece that stands out as a beacon of opportunity, draws both the environment and people in, inviting curiosity and discovery. New viewpoints are provided by each level, which elevates guests above the canopy to reveal the park, bridge, river, and surrounding area in a new lens. The tower offers a singular experience through the landscape by drawing visitors deeper into its layers rather than pushing them outward. The platforms encourage introspection and a sense of purpose as they grow with each ascent. The elevator and staircase serve as a guide through the dense canopy, revealing the distinct views of each floor before arriving at its peak for a panoramic view that perfectly encapsulates Glendinning Park's multilayered beauty.
1. ABOVE CANOPY
2. UPPER CANOPY
3. MID CANOPY
4. LOWER CANOPY
5. UNDER CANOPY
03 VISUALIZATION NARRATIVE
VISUALIZATION 3
FALL 2024
PROF. EMMA MENDEL
PROJECT STATEMENT
This project started with a real park— its topography, textures, and quiet moments shaped the foundation for a playscape that felt rooted in place. From there, I focused on capturing specific moments through perspective drawings, letting those views guide the atmosphere and spatial tone. That’s where the narrative began to unfold—organically, through iterations and exploration. What started as form became story. Each layer of the process—models, diagrams, renderings—added depth and brought the imagined world into focus. The digital tools weren’t just used to visualize, but to shape feeling and meaning. This project reflects how observation and imagination can work together to build an experience that feels alive—where design and story move hand in hand to create something people can truly step into.
At the heart of the story is the viewer, cast as a quiet warrior facing mythical creatures—each one a symbol of life’s everyday struggles. These figures guard the Comic Gate, a glowing threshold that represents self-fulfilment and personal goals. The journey isn’t about victory— it’s about persistence, reflection, and the courage to keep moving forward.
Iteration 1: Warm Colors
Plan of ‘Parque Del Este’ by Roberto Burle Marx
Panels by Roberto Burle Marx on site
Collage Iteration 1: Western - “Travel”
Collage Iteration 2: Space - “Disappear”
Collage Iteration 3: Mythology - “Illuminate” Perspective Final Narrative Perspective Process Field
FILTERED ITERATIONS
Perspective Inclusion in Surface Topography
04 PASSIVE WALL SECTION
PROJECT STATEMENT
This project involved creating a detailed passive wall section focused on maximizing thermal efficiency. Building upon a previous non-passive wall design, I researched the R-values of key materials for the roof, wall assembly, and foundation. Through precise heat loss calculations, I optimized the assembly to minimize thermal bridging and enhance insulation performance. The goal was to develop a wall system that aligns with passive design principles, balancing energy efficiency with practical construction considerations. This process deepened my knowledge of thermal performance, material characteristics, and the importance of accurate analysis in sustainable architectural design.
Tech II: Passive Wall Section
(OAF and IAF Included in Totals = 0.9 Combined)
Roof:
1/2 “Asphalt Shingles
1/2” Plywood Sheathing | R = 1.25
1” Air Gap
10” Batt Insulation | R = 30
2” Rigid Cellulose Board | R = 7.6
5 1/2“ Polystyrene Spray Foam | R = 19.8
5/8” Gypsum Board | R = 9
Total R Value = 67.65
Wall:
1/2” Vinyl Siding | R = 0.5
1/2” Plywood Sheathing | R = 1.25
1/16“ Waterproof Membrane | R = 0.35
2” Rigid Cellulose Board | R = 7.6
4” Batt Insulation | R = 13
1/2” Plywood Sheathing | R = 1.25
5 1/2” Polystyrene Spray Foam | R = 19.8
5/8” Gypsum Board | R = 9
Vapor Barrier
Metal Flashing Bracket
Total R Value = 52.75
Foundation:
Tongue and Groove Flooring with Plywood
8 3/4” Batt Insulation | R = 25
1/2” Plywood Sheathing | R = 1.25
3” Rigid Cellulose Board | R = 11.4
Backfill
Service Partition Board | R = 6
2” Rigid Cellulose Board | R = 7.6
Concrete Slab
Drainage Layer
2” Rigid Cellulose Board | R = 7.6
Poured Concrete Footing
Corbin Wise
WiseCorbin_SP 25’_Section 3_Project 2 Tech II_Todd Rubio
05 INVISIBLE CITIES
FALL 2023
PROF. SHANNON MCLAIN
PROJECT STATEMENT
Inspired by Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities, this project brought to life the city of Eutropia—a place where the landscape itself tells a story. Drawing from the book, Eutropia is a city caught in constant motion, shaped by the desires and restlessness of its inhabitants. Using action words from the assigned chapter, I transformed the environment to reflect that restless energy. My city takes the form of a giant chessboard, where people move from platform to platform, always chasing something new but never quite satisfied. The chess pieces stand as statues, symbolizing the many choices and moves we make in life, while the benches trace the paths these pieces follow—a metaphor for our own journeys. At the very top, the pawn watches over it all, a reminder that we each start as pawns in our own story—and it’s up to us to make every move count.
This project showed me how storytelling can guide design to create spaces that truly reflect how people live and interact. By focusing on programming and modeling, I learned to turn ideas into practical solutions that enhance both function and experience.
The design of the benches situated on the platforms, adorned with chess pieces, draws inspiration from the permissible movements of chess pieces within the game. Chess pieces serve to distinguish platforms, each functioning as distinct central statues on six of them. These pieces contribute to introspective spaces, evoking varied emotions among the individuals present.
Stairs serve as the primar y transition points within the landscape. They are the sole elements facilitating connections between various elevations, acting as the bridges that unite the otherwise disconnected
EXPLODED AXON
06 CODEX
PROJECT STATEMENT
This project designs a container for a CODEX—a space that reflects stories of growth and resilience. Inspired by a staircase narrative where each page is a step toward self-fulfillment, surrounding columns represent doubts that transform into supports as you rise. Drawing from Rocky Stories by Michael Vitez and the symbolism of Philadelphia’s Rocky Steps, the design captures the emotional journey of overcoming challenges. Through modeling and collaboration, I learned to create spaces that tell meaningful stories and build a community rooted in hope and strength.
07 RAVENHILL INTERVENTION
DESIGN 2
SPRING 2024
PROF. ALEXANDRA ZAHN
PROJECT STATEMENT
After a careful site analysis of a historic location on the Thomas Jefferson Campus, I developed an architectural intervention that responds thoughtfully to the existing context. This design explores the dialogue between the building and its surroundings through spatial flow, material choices, and programmatic balance. Circulation paths guide the gentle curvature of the walls, creating a natural rhythm that connects spaces seamlessly. Warm, social areas feature taller walls and open curves, inviting gathering and connection, while cooler, quieter zones have lower ceilings and more intimate enclosures for focused study. The interplay of form, movement, and temperature shapes the experience—creating a building that feels alive, responsive, and thoughtfully tuned to both community and solitude.
PLAN VIEW
SCALE; 1/2’’ = 1’
AXON (SW)
SCALE; 1/2’’ = 1’
NORTHEAST VIEW
SOUTHEAST VIEW
EXPLODED AXON (SW)
SCALE; 1/2’’ = 1’
08 INHABITED CUBE
PROF. SHANNON MCLAIN
PROJECT STATEMENT
This project explores inhabiting a space born from a folded cube, carving out a dynamic void that invites movement and reflection. Focused on planar exploration, thresholds, and moments of pause, the design guides users through a journey of experience and choice. The flow through planar spaces and thoughtful interventions transforms the environment into a narrative of life’s cycle. The journey begins in mystery—walls obscure what lies within, like birth itself. From there, paths unfold: one leads to an overhang symbolizing stagnation, while another descends a freeform hill, offering the freedom to embrace life’s many possibilities. The final ascent brings you to a reflective plane—a central void framing light and space, a moment to pause, look back, and find meaning in the journey.
Axon Section 2
Axon Section 1
09 PHOTOGRAPHY DIGITAL
09 PHOTOGRAPHY PERSONAL
10 VISUAL CREATIONS
ADV. PAINTING SPRING 2022
MRS. WHITNEY YEO-BABIN
OIL PAINTING: “DONT NEED ROADS”
The car floats forward, though there is no path.
No pavement. No signs. Just sky — wide, warm, endless.
The road has ended, but something greater has begun.
A journey shaped not by maps, but by the courage to move anyway.
Colors stretch across the horizon, blurring what is and what could be.
Up here, direction is a feeling. And the sky? It’s not a limit — it’s a beginning.
ADV. PAINTING 2 SPRING 2023
MRS. WHITNEY YEO-BABIN
MIXED MEDIA: “PREVAIL”
Born of rupture, this painting breathes through the weight of silence.
Drips become echoes. Bursts of color, small rebellions.
There is no form — only feeling. Pain moves, and in movement, it transforms.
This is not a wound. It is the mark of having endured.
ADV. PAINTING 2 SPRING 2023
MRS. WHITNEY YEO-BABIN
OIL PAINTING: “INTERVALS”
Between each block lies a breath. Not silence, but suspension—moments paused.
A hummingbird frozen.
A mantis poised in thought.
A crab adrift in a blue hush.
A frog waiting on the edge of leap.
Each creature exists in its own frame of time, its own interval— between action and rest, exposure and concealment, observation and being observed.
Together, they form a quiet rhythm— four beats in nature’s pulse, each unique, each essential.
ADV. PAINTING 2 SPRING 2023
MRS. WHITNEY YEO-BABIN
MIXED MEDIA:
“TOO SERIOUS”
A golden frame stands rigid—society’s rules, perfection, control. Inside, a skater pigeon: unbothered, offbeat, real. While the world drips with pressure, chaos, and pretense, you roll through it all, refusing to fit the frame. Life’s too serious. Be the change.
ADV. PAINTING SPRING 2022
MRS. WHITNEY YEO-BABIN
OIL PAINTING: “DARE TO BLOOM”
Petals pulse where thought once sat.
A hand clutches chance—quiet, trembling. The suit, a shell.
The risk, a rupture. Becoming is never safe.
DESIGN 4
SPRING 2025
PROF. IVANO D’ANGELLA
HISTORIC EAST PASSYUNK TIMELINE
As part of a broader site analysis and research project on East Passyunk Avenue, I chose to concentrate on specific themes—one of which was the area’s historical progression. I developed a detailed timeline from 1800 to the present, highlighting significant events at 50-year intervals to illustrate how historical moments shaped the neighborhood’s architecture and cultural fabric. In addition to tracing the past, the timeline includes a look ahead at proposed developments in nearby North Philadelphia. To complement my findings, I also conducted a SWOT analysis to evaluate the area’s evolving strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
DESIGN 4
SPRING 2025
PROF. IVANO D’ANGELLA
EAST PASSYUNK WEBSITE/VIDEO & ADDITIONAL GRAPHICS
In addition to my historical research on East Passyunk, I created a video that captures the neighborhood as a dynamic, evolving community—highlighting both its rich past and its current character. The video blends archival material, contemporary footage, and narrative context to show how East Passyunk’s identity has been shaped over time. To further support this story, I also developed a detailed demographic map featuring key data such as nationality, population density, and household income. These elements—alongside the timeline, video, and other custom graphics—came together to form a comprehensive visual and analytical contribution to the final Sharswood and East Passyunk research book.
ROBOTICS FALL-SPRING 2023
MR. RODNEY MYERS
DESIGNS IN MOUNTINEER ROBOTICS
As the lead engineer of the Ephrata Mountaineer Robotics Team, I played a key role in designing, building, and refining our competition robot for the 2023 VEX Robotics season. VEX Robotics hosts an annual global competition where student-led teams design robots to complete specific challenges, combining engineering, programming, and strategic gameplay. After a season of regional and state-level success, my team earned the opportunity to compete at the VEX Robotics World Championship in Texas, where we represented our school on the international stage. In addition to my engineering role, I also created the team’s shirt and logo designs, helping shape both our technical and visual identity.
