Over the past three semesters at UPenn, I have found immense fulfillment and gratitude for the opportunities presented to me. One design approach that has particularly resonated with me throughout my academic journey is the notion that complexity is essentially a composition of simple moves arranged together. This perspective, which suggests that complex designs or systems are built upon simpler building blocks, has consistently influenced my studio work. In my design endeavors, I often start with a strong yet simple concept, viewing it as the foundational step in the creative process. I firmly believe that the beauty of architecture often originates from a simple move or sketch. It is not necessarily about revolutionizing with entirely new ideas but rather about leveraging existing elements in innovative and purposeful ways.
Table of Contents
01. BEHIND THE SCENES
Studio Professor: Olivia Vien
Studio Partner: Sydney Clevland
Spring 2024
02. THE PORCH PROJECT
Studio Professor: Scott Erdy
Fall 2023
03. SHADES OF STUDY
Studio Professor: Scott Erdy
Fall 2023
04. ABSTRACT CURRENTS
Extended Touch - CNC Technology Elective
Professor: Yoav Capsi
Fall 2024
05. THE PODIUM LOFTS
Summer Internship - Beyer Blinder Belle
Project Partner: Grace O’Malley
Summer 2024
06. URBAN RELIEF
Studio Professor: Andrew Saunders
Spring 2023
1a. Physical Model Detail Image of Atypical Theatre Space Scale 3/16”=1’-0”
01. BEHIND THE SCENES
Studio Professor: Olivia Vien
Studio Partner: Sydney Clevland
While media and film today are often viewed from streaming services at home, the project “Behind the Scenes” proposes a cinematheque and film archive to bring viewers together to both watch and learn about film. Situated on the corner of Vernon Blvd. and 50th Ave, the project sits as a beacon celebrating Long Island City’s history of film and television production. A film gallery is also introduced in conjunction with the film archive to host local film festivals and local film makers’ works. With atypical theater spaces and digital archives this project aims to give the users a completely new way to experience film.
UPenn
Long Island City has a rich history of Cinema. We began looking into the history of Silver Cup Studios. Created in 1983 Silver Cup Studios was a pivot point for the revival of film production in New York City. We also took a look at some of the other film studios and museums that began to populate the area as it became a New York hot spot for film through the 80s and 90s. Additionally, the Museum of the Moving Image and the more recent addition of Lavarro Studios inspired “Behind the Scenes” to add to this site of rich history in film.
Section Process
This project was driven heavily by how we can design a cinematheque with the typical rake system traditionally used for theater spaces. By looking at the typical rake and the ideas of rotation and slippage we created some diagrams that allowed for the discovery of new rakes. Through this process we designed a section that allows the user to experience film in a new way. Throughout the section you will see typical theater spaces alongside atypical theater and digital archive spaces. Imagine watching a film like you are sitting in a roller coaster or walking through halls where archived films are projected onto the surfaces around you.
B. Thermal Break Wall Detail
A. Occupiable Curtain Wall Detail
C. Glazing & Mullion Detail
Occupiable Curtain Wall
Throughout the project, we designed several areas where users can walk along the building’s facade in spaces designated as the “occupiable curtain wall.” Through close collaboration with structural and facade engineers, we developed a system that allows users to move across the facade and transition back into the building. This design adds a new dimension to the building’s experience, users themselves become a dynamic, moving image visible to viewers from the street below.
1h. Sectional Axonometric Diagram
1j. Physical Sectional Model
Colored acrylic, Laser Cuts & 3D prints
Scale 3/16”=1’-0”
Physical Model Process
Designing and fabricating this model was integral to understanding our concept. We created a sectional detail model that showcased the unique uses of the raked system throughout our design. In the model you will see the typical & atypical theater spaces, as well as the digital archive spaces and the occupiable curtain wall. At this scale we were also able to reveal the structural elements and finishings that we foresaw for Behind the Scenes.
2a. Single Occupant Dwelling Physical Model
Polystyrene, 69 Camero Model Car Parts,Wood base
Scale 1/2”=1’-0”
02. THE PORCH PROJECT
Studio Professor: Scott Erdy
The project’s design was inspired by the concept of a porch, aiming to create a single-unit dwelling for the homeless population in Bucks County, PA. The dwelling includes an adaptable porch that serves as an indoor workspace and eating table. Additionally, the pitched roof facilitates a water collection and filtration system.
In conceptualizing the design, the primary focus was on providing a safe and secure home while also fostering opportunities for social connection. The goal is to establish a community within the dwelling, with the belief that this communal aspect can contribute to the overall well-being, happiness, and health of the residents.
UPenn
Pitched Roof
Front Awning
Porch Cable
Water Collection & Filtration System
Water Basin
Water Pump for Recyling
2b. Exploded Axon - Water Collection System
Community Making
The form of the porch project was designed to aggregate. This small study shows the ability for these tiny homes to organize themselves in a way that opens up to one another. In return, this created shared spaces giving a sense of community to the users. The community aggregation diagram to the right shows shared spaces to sit, garden and eat, all facilitated by the simple gesture of the porch.
2c. Porch Project Plan
03. SHADES OF STUDY
Studio Professor: Scott Erdy
The traditional Oxford tutor-based education system strives to create well rounded critical thinkers rather than the lecture based system of education that often produces specialists in specific disciplines, leaving students without a comprehensive understanding of the world and its interconnectedness.
Shades of study is a student housing project that aims to show that our world is highly interconnected, and individuals should be equipped with the skills to navigate and understand this complexity. The project provides different ways of learning through its architecture. The singular unit space provides the student with a space where they can connect remotely with people from all over the world. The shared communal and public space encourages the chance interaction with other students and tutors across all disciplines. Most importantly the facade connects the student directly with their surrounding environment. Integrating environmental awareness into education and making it a prominent part of the design adds another layer by emphasizing the interconnectedness between humans and their surroundings. Shades of study aims to provide space for a more well-rounded education, so that critical thinkers will be equipped for the challenges of the future.
UPenn
3a. Analitque Drawing / Rendering
Interdisciplinary Planing
A central aspect of this design was to balance private spaces with areas that foster connections between students and tutors from various disciplines. The layout highlights a series of housing units offering personal spaces for both students and tutors. Across the corridor, curvilinear communal areas with atriums and shared spaces foster collaboration, interdisciplinary engagement, and community.
Facing Solar Roo ng System
The public commons is a space where all are welcome to share a free meal and meet people. At the foundation of this university housing building the space encourages the blending of student, tutor, and public. As a pedestrian is walking along market street headed east toward center city they are invited up a series of ramps that create a gateway to the space. This accessible walkway has several places to pause, wait for a train, meet with a friend or even host a public class outside. The goal was to bring people together and create a space that encourages the event of engaging with someone new. It is a reflection of the world where there is strength in diversifying connections from all different perspectives.
South
Tutor Units
Public Commons
Low E Chanel Glass
South Facing Shading & Louver System
Cantilevered Meeting Space
Public Commons
Accessible Outdoor Terrace Space
Space
3g. Shared Learning Atrium Space
3h. Interior Unit Rendering
3h. Physical Detail Model
Wood, Acrylic, 3D Prints, & Corrugated Plastic
Scale 1/4” = 1’-0”
04. ABSTRACT CURRENTS
The Architectural Association
Extended Touch - CNC Technology Elective Course
Professor : Yoav Capsi
In this course I was tasked to design a sculptural relief using a CNC machine. The Marine Time Rug, designed by Eileen Gray in 1929 for the iconic E-1027 coastal home in the south of France, served as the primary inspiration for my work. Gray’s design embodies the essence of the ocean, combined with modernist geometric forms that introduce a sense of abstraction. My aim was to build upon her original concept, creating a piece that incorporates dynamic, three-dimensional elements while staying true to her visionary design.
AA
4a. Final Framed Relief
4b. Marine Time Rug - by Eileen Gray 1929
CNC + Vacuum Form Process
In order to bring the piece to life, I began by modeling the three-dimensional design to generate the CNC form-work. The CNC then carved into high-density yellow foam, resulting in the positive form shown at the top of the page. I then proceeded to vacuum form the foam using a 2mm thick black plastic. This served as the cast for the final plaster relief.
4d. CNC Yellow Foam - Positive
4e. 2mm Plastic Vacuum Form - Negative
05. THE PODIUM LOFTS
Beyer Blinder Belle - Design Charrette Partner: Grace O’Malley
55 Water Street, one of the largest office buildings in New York City, symbolizes the challenges posed by rising office vacancies after the pandemic. With the current housing crisis, architects are re-imagining these vast structures as opportunities for adaptive reuse. Tasked with thinking outside the box, we proposed converting this massive office building, with floor plates as large as football fields, into a vibrant housing tower.
To meet light and air codes, we strategically carved away portions of the building’s exterior, creating generous outdoor spaces for residents and the public. This innovative approach allowed us to design approximately 535 housing units, multiple open courts, and a guided pathway that ascends the building’s exterior, blending function with community-focused design.
Daniella Mulvey + Grace O’Malley
5b. 55 Water Street Proposed Conversion
5a. 55 Water Street, New York, NY
30’-0”
26’-0” 24’-0”
22’-0”
5d. Section Diagram
5c. Section Vignette - Typ. Lofts
Professionally Sized Sporting Courts.
Floors in the building’s podium house courts. Included are volleyball, handball, pickleball, badminton, tennis, and more.
O’Malley // Mulvey
5d. Axon Diagram - Courts & Fields
1.2 Mile Guided Pathway.
TOP FLOOR
BOTTOM FLOOR
5f. Axon Diagram - Guided Path
06. URBAN RELIEF
Studio Professor: Andrew Saunders
This project redefines the concept of relief at an urban scale. The first step was creating an original all white composition constructed from found objects and artifacts from our site, Callowhill, Philadelphia. By leveraging AI software, a new relief was generated through convolutional neural networks, prompting the exploration of how these elements could translate into architecture. The key components of the AI-driven image played pivotal roles in the design. Bas relief defined plaza/terrace spaces, high relief manifested in bright white areas that shaped building masses, and the most crucial aspect involved figural relief. This figural relief was incorporated into woven follies serving as circulation paths, providing shade for outdoor spaces, and acting as entrances to buildings. Extending to the edges of the site and up to the viaduct, this relief revitalizes the area, establishing a village of interconnected outdoor and indoor spaces for users to engage with.
