Darragh T. O'Keeffe | Portfolio 2021

D . T. O ’ K E E F F E Architecture Portfolio | 2021

DARRAGH www.instagram.com/doc_concept

O’KEEFFE darraghok@gmail.com

PERSONAL STATEMENT The architect is merely the curator. He sanctifies and celebrates a phenomenon which predates his involvement. He has complete authorship for it is his intervention that recognizes and makes possible the appreciation of the subject, yet the subject is itself authentic with or without an architect. It is this older authenticity, which originates from the events and social circumstances of the past, that gives weight to the subject.

CURRICULUM VITAE

www.instagram.com/doc_concept darraghok@gmail.com

SKILLS SUMMARY Revit: Model building proficiency with various scales and departments (2016 - 2017 and 2019 - 2020) Adobe Suite: Highely proficient in the use of photoshop, illustrator, indesign compelling graphics for presentation since (2016 - 2020) Modeling: Masterful with 3D modeling experience in conceptual and design development using SketchUp and 2D using AutoCAD (2008 - 2020)

EDUCATION

Teeside University, MSc Advanced Home Futures | September 2018 - August 2019 Academic achievement | 2019

Newcastle University, BA Architecture | September 2012 - August 2016 Academic achievement | 2016

Waterford Institute of Technology, BSc Architectural Technology | September 2008 - August 2012 Academic achievement | 2012

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Projekt, Newcastle Upon Tyne | January 2020 - November 2020 I worked at Projekt Architects through this turbulent year, working mainly as an Architectural Assistant but also in an Architectural Technologist role. I thoroughly enjoyed using Photoshop to create photo-realistic renders and diagram drawings for the front end but also Revit for planning drawings on various projects.

FaulknerBrowns, Newcastle Upon Tyne | November 2016 - September 2017 I joined this award winning practice as an architectural assistant and utilised Illustrator, InDesign, AutoCAD and Revit while working on a variety of projects to produce drawings in a timely manner for clients.

Accelerated client and planning meetings by adding detachable feature to scaled site model. I hosted public consoltations on behalf of FaulknerBrowns

ACHIEVEMENTS

Lacrosse | April 2020

National Team

I will represent Ireland at the European Lacrosse Championships in Wroclaw, 2021. I have played at The World Championship, Denver

Volunteer Work & Charity Work | September 2017 Organised and led a core team of 10 individuals to achieve a safe and memorable University Freshers Week, running and managing over 450 volunteers to continue Newcastle Universities status as best Freshers week in the UK Organised and completed an 1,800km circumnavgation around Ireland in 8 days for Cardiac Risk in the Young, raising £12,000

Adidas, Newcastle upon Tyne | 2015 Chosen by Adidas UK to be 1 of 5 Newcastle Student Brand Ambassadors out of over 6000 applicants Led socail media events and conceptual marketing designs in a team including Adidas Ultraboost, Supercolour campaigns

NCL+ Award, Newcastle University | 2014 Honorable mention - 1 out of 5 finalist in “Sports & Recreational Deveopment” out of 2500 entrants Recognising achievments / contributions to University life and wider community, nationally through extra curricular activities

Honorable Mention

Distinguished as the recipient of Award of Academic Excellence (first place)

Beat FM, Waterford, Ireland. Newcastle Student Radio, Newcastle University | 2012 Completed Radio broadcasting course and was part of a team running a variety of promotional events for one of Irelands top stations 2011 National and international swimmer with 4 national titles as a junior swimmer. I won Junior European bronze medal for Ireland in Surf Lifesaving.

Charity

Brand Ambassador

John Robert’s Academic Award, Waterford Institute of Technology | August 2012

Swimming |

Volunteering

First Place

First Place

European Medal

SELECTED PROJECTS Pavilion Domestic House Hunt Museum Beach Hut Newcastle Castle Durham Cathedral Inform the Form Tynemouth Leisure Centre Consett Rugby Extension Grainger Market Music Chamber Show Store - Castle Berwick-Upon-Twead Sports Centre Blyth 50yr Masterplanning Cabot Circus Refurbishment Agora Fulham Agora Victoria 1 Problem 1 Solution Domestic Engine Cumnock Deconstruction Gallowgate Highrise Glasgow ALDI Kirkintilloch ALDI Old George Hotel Tuxford COOP Service Station Masterplan Future Homes

DOMESTIC ENGINE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY TO DOMESTIC DWELLING

ACADEMIC TERM: TEESIDE UNIVERSITY | 2019 PROFESSOR: RICHARD SOBER | R.SOBER.TEES.AC.UK TYPE: COMMERCIAL SITE: GLOBAL PROJECT: INDIVIDUAL WORK

Revo Gold Awards 2018

‘Best of the Best’ Market Hall Fulham Project Team Member

NCL+ Award

Honourable Mention Newcastle University

John Robert’s Academic Award Waterford Institute of Technology Student work

8 | INTRODUCTION

COMPARING AND CONTRASTING THE AUTOMOTIVE WITH THE HOUSING INDUSTRY After witnessing the slow deterioration of domestic construction over the past decade, I needed to tackle this problem. Housing is a global problem but during my studies in England, my eyes were opened to how bad this crisis is. Houses are getting more expensive and with the eradication

of minimum houses standards in the 80’s, living space has heavily decreased in size. The materiality of houses has also stayed stagnant for the past 100 years.

Housing has lost its sense of home. It feels like nothing more than

an overpriced shelter.

This is why I looked at the automotive industry.

I learned how efficient the process is and how seamlessly the industry can integrate and respond to new modern technology.

I abstracted this idea to create a Domestic Engine.

OBSERVATIONS | 9

OBSERVATION 1 : SIMILIAR COMPONANT (ENGINE) ACHIEVE FUNCTION

OBSERVATION 2 : DEPENDING ON THE SERVICE. FORMS CAN BE ALTERED.

YING YANG OF EFFICIENCY BETWEEN DOMESTIC CONSTRUCTION AND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY.

10 | FUNCTIONAL EFFICIENCY

FUNCTIONAL INEFFICIENCY | 11

12 | ENGINE COMPONENTS

DOMESTIC ENGINE COMPONENTS C U R R E N T AV A I L A B L E T E C H N O L O G Y T H AT C A N B E M A S S P R O D U C E D A N D I N T E G R AT E D I N T O D O M E S T I C

Modern Robotics: The latest robotics can be integrated into the engine creating easier daily life.

Renewable Energy: Gray-water recycling / refuge system along with utilising solar and wind energy.

Drone Delivery: Never miss a package again as it can be delivered directly into your home via delivery

Interchangable Design: Depending on the budget, engines can be upgraded with interchangable parts.

Structural Frame: This allows the engine to be stacked to allow for larger dwelling designs.

ENGINE MATERIALITY | 13

DOMESTIC ENGINE MATERIALITY C R E AT I N G 3 P R I M A R Y F U N C T I O N S O F A D W E L L I N G 1. S T R U C T U R A L LY S TA B L E 2. I N S U L AT I V E 3. W AT E RT I G H T.

Carbon Fabric: Essential to adding strength. It is maluble to any form allowing complete design freedom.

Rigid Insualtion: This is essential to retain heat and create an envelope around the engine.

Mechanical Terraform: Unlimited designs from our imagination can be terraformed from Insulation foam.

Epoxy: Water resistant structural epoxy adhesive makes it watertight and adds rigidity.

Adhesive: Bio-based Polyurethane adhesive between layers seals the form completely while adding strength.

14 | DOMESTIC ENGINE

RENDERS | 15

BESPOKE HOUSING : THE HOUSING INDUSTRY WILL BE REVOLUTIONISED. CONSTRUCTION WILL BE STREAMLINED WITH A REDUCTION IN MANUAL LABOUR / ERRORS YET KEEPING THE

SPACIAL DESIGN OF THE ARCHITECT

STACKED SOCIAL HOUSING : THE ENGINE IS THE MAJORITY OF WEIGHT BUT A STEEL FRAME CAN BE ADDED TO STACK ELEMENTS FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT OR TO CREATE MUCH

NEEDED SOCIAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS USING A MODULAR PROCESS

1 PROBLEM 1 SOLUTION FREEDOM FROM TECH DESIGNED BY NATURE ACADEMIC TERM: TEESIDE UNIVERSITY | 2019 PROFESSOR: RICHARD SOBER | R.SOBER@TEES.AC.UK TYPE: CULTURAL SITE: MOJA ISLAND, SWEDEN

3 | CONCEPT COLLAGE

THE ALL-ENCOMPASSING VEIL OF TECHNOLOGY WITH NATURE PROVIDING FREEDOM

MANIFESTO | 4

FREEDOM FROM TECHNOLOGY In this modern era, we are encompassed by technology. I am an advocate of technology and its progression but I am not the lack of ability to free our minds from it and refresh through the medium of mother nature.

People are more connected than ever to this matrix. Technology has made positive changes in the world but the negative effects of the overuse of technology needs to be addressed. The overuse of technology can not only lead to psychological / physical issues but may contribute to more serious health conditions, such as depression. I wanted to use architecture to provide an outlet to experience nature and encourage social interaction. Finding ways to reduce social media use and interacting more with nature, may help reduce feelings of isolation in some people.

I chose a viewing / docking platform on the Archipelago island of Moja. This is to the East of Sweden’s capital, Stockholm and is the most popular areas for summer houses. The Swedish capital may be one of the most desirable locations on the planet but the city’s queue for rent-controlled housing is so long that it’s being considered by the Guinness Book of World Records. A 20 year wait for some of the more sought after neighborhoods.This pressure for a home adds an extra importance to the Swedish Summer House, “Sommarstuga”.

There are nearly 600,000 summer houses in Sweden. And more than 50 per cent of the population have access to one through family or friends. Come June or July, tens of thousands of Swedes abandon towns and cities and head to their summer houses for rest and relaxation. The appeal seems completely ageless and an ingrained ritual. Before there was cheap and accessible international travel, many Swedes took advantage of something else cheap and plentiful: land.

Touch the earth lightly.

“

“

- Glenn Murcutt

The project is conceived as an amalgamation of escaping from technology, embracing the intersection of nature, recreational, environmental, and social activities.

The form simply manifests the complex nature and bespoke contours of the site into a built form. Resulting in a chain reaction of easily duplicated helpful build.

Cafe

Ferry Port

Hostel

“Sommarstuga”

Potential Site

Prevailing Wind

Sun Path

PROGRAM MATRIX | 6

MOJA ISLAND Traditional Sommarstuga buildings create identity. The combination of construction alongside intimate understanding of place, creates rich architecture. This is instrumental to touching the environment lightly.

warped topography creates bespoke form

nature informs and grows visual + audible qualities heighten sensory connection

7 | PROCESS

RENDER| 8

9 | RENDER

SEA MOTORWAY

HARBOR

BOAT ACCESS

KAYA

AK ACCESS

RENDER | 10

SWIMMING

COMMUNITY

SUSTAINABLE

SHELTER

GREEN WALL

SOMMARSTUGA

11 | STRUCTURAL CONCEPT

CORE BRACING

STRUCTURAL CONCEPT This architectural addition was to provide a useful installation for residence of the island of Moja, to utilize while having complete harmony with nature. The goal was to enhance the visual and audible qualities of nature while keeping the visitors navigation intuitive and clear.

construction. Prefabricated steel mesh is draped over the primary structure to allow bracing for a potential complex structural arrangement to be realized efficiently. Deep pile driven foundation is used to counter the weight and marsh terrain.

The structural concept for the building has been considered and developed to best achieve the architectural vision for the project, balancing between the ease of construction and cost.

A steel frame system inspired by the topography of the site is implemented to expedite the

The overarching structural scheme is a collection of structurally rugged elements with that capability for nature to thrive on the envelope, creating an all-encompassing natural feel.

STRUCTURAL CONCEPT | 12

Axonometric view of platform

The structures foundation is secured by pile driven elements. A steel frame sits on this foundation along with the other components such as the shell and steel mesh. These elements are very malleable to a vast array of forms. This is essential as every platform must be influenced by the typography of the site to create harmony with the surrounding nature.

HUNT MUSEUM LISTED BUILDING WITH A NEW ADDITION

ACADEMIC TERM: WATERFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | 2012 PROFESSOR: MAIRE HENRY | MHENRY@WIT.IE TYPE: CONSERVATION / NEW BUILD SITE: LIMERICK CITY, IRELAND PROJECT: INDIVIDUAL WORK

15 | MANIFESTO

“I dislike the word art as to painting. There is only one art and that is the art of living.”

- Jack B Yeats

The most distinguished 18th century building in Limerick. It is a wonderful example of a Palladian-style building designed by Italian Architect Daviso de Arcort (Davis Ducart). Originally built as the Custom House (1765 – 1769). The Hunt Museum currently holds displays of P. Picasso, P. Renoir and my favorite artist J.B Yeats. Not only does this building show magnificent pieces of art but has a treasure from Stone Age items to old weapons and tools from the Celtic era.

As the Hunt Museum was originally a customs house used for the city of Limerick. This means that the venue was where all imports and exports passed through. I was conceptually intrigued by the thought that this building was where you would be able to see every object that would enter into the city. I wanted to celebrate this and choose to design an art gallery to continue this tradition of being able to show new items in this city.

I wanted to create a new and vibrant building that can not only act as a contemporary gallery for art and sculpture. I want to create a Gallery that will juxtapose the natural setting and rigid form of the existing Hunt Museum. I wanted to separate areas so the spaces can be used simultaneously for different events.

This building has the potential to become a creative epicenter for talented individuals that the building must reflect in its aesthetic.

PROCESS | 16

1. Existing Forms

2. Linearized Site

3. Complimentary Contrast

4. Vertical Light

5. Spacial Hierarchy

6. Site Influence

17 | EXPERIENTIAL SECTION

The first step in the Gallery is a view of the reception and the sequence is change. Once the formalities are complete, the individual is free to enjoy.

The Main Gallery space can alternate between long continuous gallery space or it can be subdivided. Vertical is utilized for a pleasant viewing experience.

A centralized social resting space is at the heart of the art gallery. This area will attract conversation between guests and allow individuals to recharge phones for that important selfie.

Coffee and food are accessible in the final segment connected to the main gallery space.

This area leads to the existing external gardens.

The storage area is found below the Cafe area. The close proximity to the gallery space is essentials for upcoming exhibitions and the protection of the pieces.

EXPERIENTIAL SECTION | 18

PLAN

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

END VIEW SECTION

19 | DETAIL

Wall Head Detail

Wall Construction Detail

Foundation Detail

shuttered concrete section

Beam & Glazing Detail

SOCIAL SHORTCUT URBAN DISSONANCE CREATES SOCIAL HUB

ACADEMIC TERM: NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY | 2016 PROFESSOR: KATI BLOM | KATRIINA.BLOM@NCL.AC.UK TYPE: URBAN SITE: NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, UK PROJECT: INDIVIDUAL WORK

23 | INTRODUCTION

ACCESS TO CITY EXISTING / COMMERCIAL HERITAGE RESIDENTIAL AREA

SOCIAL SHORTCUT Located between a large residential area and Newcastle city center. A walkway currently exists but is not used as it ends abruptly at a neglected building. This new addition would create a social shortcut into the city while inhabiting the bridge with small startup businesses, growing a sense of community.

The site is a derelict construction site with a large height discrepancy. The site exists as a dilapidated unsafe ecology on the fringe of the city. Intervention provides an alternate path for the visitors. Allowing unconfined aerial view of the city for the visitors, while creating a safe connection for residents.

STRATEGY | 24

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25 | SECTION

1 - EXIT TO RESIDENTIAL

2 - INTIMATE SOCIAL

3 - URBAN CONNECTION

Transition between isolated residentil area and the city.

Secluded seating area with panoramic views.

Access to create foot trafffic into market area in neglected side of the city.

SEATING VIEW POINT BIKE STORAGE

The Social Shortcut provides a primary function of linking a heavily populated resid left but leads to nowhere hence it is never utilized. The new addition provides that added. Two social spaces are provided, the first is at the top of the bridge and will second social space is provided at the entrance nearer the city. This will heighten t space below that is inhabited by local startup companies. These pods are located

SECTION | 26

4 - INHABITED MARKET

5 - MAIN SOCIAL HUB

6 - SOCIAL STEPS

Individual retailers come together to sell and grow a sense of market community.

Located the city side of the site and this social hub

Access to shortcut but highly increased the probability of meeting a friend while passing this restign point.

dential area to the urban city center. The existing bridge is clearly visible on the far link and with the increased foot traffic, tactically positioned social spaces have been provide scenic views of the city and potential gentrification of the site below. The the curb appeal and provide protection from the elements. The bridge has a lot of under the cover of the tensile cover or the bridges’ structure itself.

SHELTER REFRESHMENT RETAIL

27 | RENDERS

RENDERS | 28

PROFESSIONAL + PERSONAL PROJECTS

31 | PROFESSIONAL WORKS

BERWICK SPORTS CENTRE // FAULKNERBROWNS

CUMNOCK ALDI// PROJEKT

Type: SPORTS CENTRE Site: BERWICK-UPON TWEED, ENGLAND Involvement Phase: DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Type: COMMERCIAL Site: EAST AYRSHIRE, SCOTLAND Involvement Phase: PRE CONSTRUCTION

IN PROGRESS

CONSTRUCTION

+ Intensively studied the site and surrounding as the project wanted to

+ I used Revit to build the Aldi model to create construction drawings as well

integrate a phased construction method as it was a key element of the town.

as well as the 3D

+I put together presentation boards explaining the narrative of the project

+ I travelled to Aldi headquarters in Scotland and learned about the types of

along with a physical model to show the phased construction method.

materials and various energy efficient systems they integrate into each store.

+ I attended a multitude of meetings with Northumberland and led public

+I worked with East Ayrshire county council to secure a demolition warrant

consultations with proposed project boards and model.

for this project.

AGORA MARKET // FAULKNERBROWNS

BROXBURN // PROJEKT

Type: CONSERVATION Site: AGORA FULHAM, LONDON, ENGLAND Involvement Phase: CONSRUCTION

Type: COMMERCIAL Site: BROXBURN, SCOTLAND Involvement Phase: DESIGN

COMPLETED

IN PROGRESS

+ I took on a technical role for this project. I was involved in drawing detailed

+ I used Revit to virtually build this Aldi store. Utilising the Revit model and

facades, both interior and exterior.

Adobe software, I completed these realistic elevations and site plan.

+ I worked heavily on the front facade and worked on a solution for the

+ I assembled a Design & Access document. It illustrateed the process that

entrance awning using both AutoCAD and Revit modelling software.

has led to the development proposal and explains the design for the local

+ I designed the spacial areas within this listed building to providing adequate

council.

work space for a variety of vendors and BoH (Back of House).

+ I worked alongside various engineers to solve the ingress and egress of vehicular traffic to help this project to begin on site.

PROFESSIONAL WORKS | 32 Company: DOC CONCEPT Type: GRAPHIC DESIGN + I created this company to develop my abstract thinking and concept narritives. I wanted to challange my abiltiy to create unique narritives and to push my boundries with unique ideas on a variety of projects.

Project description: The ambition is to amplify and advance stagnent ideas and to transform them into a clean ad compelling designs.

PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE WORK

DESIGN : LEAGUE INFLUENCER GROUP

DESIGN : BABY YODA / LACROSSE

LOGO DESIGN & RADIO SHOW HOST

T-SHIRT DESIGN : HAIR INSPIRED

PUNISH-HAIR

SPIDER-MAN BUN

HAN SOLO GUITARIST

UPGRADE : NEWCASTLE LACROSSE LOGO

OLD CONFUSED LOGO

SHARPER FASTER LOGO RELECTING THE

FINAL PRODUCTION

UPGRADE : NEWCASTLE UNI JERSEYS

MIZUNO’S PROPOSED DESIGN

MY DESIGN INTEGRATING CREST

FINAL PRODUCTION

WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/ DOC_CONCEPT