Avolon Leavens_Portfolio (final project)

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L E A V E N S

A R C H I T E C T U R E / U R B A N D E S I G N

POR TFOLIO

A R C H I T E C T U R E URBAN CENTER CRAFTSMAN HOUSE BASICS N AT U R E C E N T E R THE S Q UA R E U R B A N E CO -TO N E MODELS SKETCHES

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

URBAN CENTER

URBAN CENTER The Urban Center was a project created from the philosophy of important public spaces. The idea was to create a space for the pedestrian, in a place dedicated to the car. I developed the center around a main pedestrian street that allowed the building edge to define the street. The mixed-use buildings that line the pedestrian street also have a series of balconies and terraces that help break up the buildings’ massing. The street has seating that is located on planter boxes that provides both comfort and shade for people.

Site Plan

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

URBAN CENTER

Exterior Building Perspective

Interior street elevation

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

URBAN CENTER

Street Market Place rendering

Entrance to pedestrian street

New Market perspective

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

URBAN CENTER

“If you design communities for automobiles, you get more automobiles. If you design them for people, you get walkable, livable communities.�

-Parris Glendening

Interior street perspective

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

CRAFTSMAN HOUSE

CRAFTSMAN HOUSE The word “craftsman� has become synonymous with quality. The goal of this project was to create a small, heavy- timber- framed house that responded to the harsh winter condition in northern Michigan.

When designing the craftsmen house I learned details are what make a craftsmen house standout. I learned how to use landscape architecture to frame the building, and how to use local plants and materials that work with the climate in Michigan.

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

CRAFTSMAN HOUSE

Site Plan

Site Elevation

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

CRAFTSMAN HOUSE

Second Floor Plan North Elevation

First Floor Plan

East Elevation

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CRAFTSMAN HOUSE

North Building Section

East Building Section

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CRAFTSMAN HOUSE

Interior Perspective

North Elevation

First Floor Plans

East Elevation

Second Floor Plan

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

Doric Column Sketch

BASICS

Tempietto Sketch

BASICS In the first year of studies I learned about classical architecture. The purpose of these projects was to learn about the proportions of classical architecture and how it influences modern architecture today. In the beginning stages of my architectural education I also learned about hand drafting, and the importance it has in understanding how buildings work. Also, I learned how color can affect a properly illustrated drawing to increase depth and shadow.

Montepulciano Italy Sketch and watercolor

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

BASICS

Palazzon Linotte free hand sketch Floor Plan

Palazzon Linotte free hand sketch Elevation

Perfect Square

Rhythm

Golden Rectangle

Spatial

Hierarchy

Axis

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

BASICS

Glasgow School of Art Hand Drafting and Water Color

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

NATURE CENTER

North and South Elevation

East and West Elevation

Nature Center The Idea for this project was ability to connect nature with the built environment in a for holistic way. I did this by creating a Nature Center that provides a connection with nature in many ways. Large open windows offer a scenic view into the woods in the back of the building, while smaller windows look on to the meadow in the front. While using the natural ecotone that

is natural in the site, the building allows the visitor the experience many types and fascist of nature. The Nature Center represents the importance of nature and stainability by using natural materials that are found in Michigan and creating circulation for natural ventilation and collecting rain water for irrigation.

Bird’s Eye Pespective

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

NATURE CENTER

Building Site

Back Building Perspective

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NATURE CENTER

Front Building Perspective

BuildingSection Perspective

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

THE SQUARE

Floor Plan View With Site Context

The Square A place where people come to meet and gather. The goal was to create a place that compliments the existing architecture on the adjacent street.

This was done by creating a pedestrian street, shielded from the elements, that allows the visitor to experience the Arizona weather in a covered

environment. The street is lined with restaurants, hotels, live/stay condos, office buildings, and visitor centers that creates an open environment.

The auditorium space and art gallery is placed at the end of the street, fronting the plaza which ends the visitor’s journey.

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

THE SQUARE

Site Perspective

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

THE SQUARE

Outside Dining Perspective Outdoor seating on the restaurant bring people into the space as it is situated on the interior of the pedestian walkway. Large building overhangs protect the viewers from the sun while connecting the exterior space to the interior restaurant.

Inside Restaurant Perspective The restaurant is equipped with large windows that can be operated manually to fold, creating an indoor/outdoor space for the temperate weather climate Arizona experiences during many months of the year. In addition, the restaurant also has views overlooking the plaza to connect the viewer into the interior of the pedestrian street.

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

THE SQUARE Office Courtyard Perspective The courtyard is used many times in Arizona because of its ability to bring light and fresh air into a constructed space. The courtyard is also lined with native plants that are easily maintained. The courtyard is also protected by the overhangs of the building, providing shade and comfort for those who choose to be outside.

Interior Office Perspective The interior of the office is decorated with natural, neutral tones that are often found in the desert environment. Because of the large windows, the interior space has large amounts of natural light that compliment the outdoor culture in Arizona.

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

MODELS

Construction Model Front and Back View, light Wood Framing

MODELS

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MODELS

Eco-Tone Process Model Showing Green Way, Green Roofs, and Floor Models

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MODELS

Craftsman House Model, Interior and Exterior View

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

SKETCHES

Sketches from European Study Tour

SKETCHES Sketching is a process. They are never perfect nor should they be. Sketching creates layers and layers of lines of all different weights and consistencies. They are rough, dirty, fast, and sometimes incomplete. Sketching turns abstract

concepts into real ideas as they are worked out on paper.

One of the greatest abilities I have is sketching because sketching expresses ideas through a visual medium.

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

SKETCHES

Sketches from European Study Tour

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

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PEDESTRIAN STREET THE P L A Z A W I C K E R P A R K CHICAGO A N A LYS I S D E S E R T E N V I O R M E N TA L T E C H N O L O Y C I T Y

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AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

PEDESTRIAN STREET

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Raised wooden deck provides a change in texture for the pedestrian.

It also help symbolize the private seating areas for the restaurant.

Water features provide both a visual and audible experience. The fountain is place in the middle of the site to bring people in and provide a place for people together.

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Trees integrated into the deck gives shade to the large areas. The landscaping is very important to show significant places and gathering areas, signified by the placement.

Parking is provided in the perimeter of the pedestrian street. This allows for people to experience the place on foot and encourages a personal experience.

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Rooftop gardens create an opportunity for the community to come together to experience agriculture in an urban environment.

The pedestrian street is lined with shops, trees, seating, and restaurants. It creates an experience made for the human scale.

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

PEDESTRIAN STREET

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THE PLAZA

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THE PLAZA

interior street Section of interior street

THE PLAZA The plaza terminates the pedestrian walkway at the end of the square.

The large open platform allows for the space to hold multiple activities at any given time. In addition to its diversity, the plaza also contains an area with tables where people can sit and rest accompanied by a fireplace and a water feature that can help

create an environment depending on the time of year and the weather.

The plaza is surrounded by many palm trees that frame the space and create shade for the visitors from the weather. Also, the plaza also has a geometric pattern that helps reflect the Native American culture the project was inspired by. auditorium/ art galley

Over hang keeps sun out during hottest times of day

Circulation Space

Art galley space

Doors Open onto plaza

Auditorium space

Secondary utility space

Interior art galley

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

WICKER PARK CHICAGO ANALYSIS

CITY DENSITY Chicago is known for its densely populated areas. The density surrounding the site covers a wide range of different building types. The site includes both commercial, residential, private, and civic places. The area of Wicker Park is known for its variety of different places accessible by walking distance, and is only a short commute away from Chicago’s downtown districts.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Public transportation is a very important part of navigating a city. In the site there are several bus-stops that can take a pedestrian to numerous places in the city. The site also contains a metro station that connects with several public stations thoughout the city. The site also contains numerous opportunities for public parking.

STREET NETWORK The street network connects the outstretched suburbs to the inner heart of the city of Chicago. The streets that run parallel to the site also connect to the business district of Chicago. The other smaller secondary streets mainly provide access to private housing stretching outward further into different neighborhoods.

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

WICKER PARK CHICAGO ANALYSIS

PARKS & GREEN SPACE The site has access to many parts and green spaces throughout the city. The streets are lined with many green trees that provide both shade and landscaping for the city. The site also includes a green that was built on an already existing railway track that runs through out Wicker Park.

PUBLIC AMENITIES Wicker Park has a variety of accesses to different types of amenities in its district.

Some of the amenities that are located near the site are a grocery store, the BucktownWicker Park Library, commercial retail, and housing. Most of the amenities are located on the main street of Milwaukee, the main route of traffic for local commuters.

ALDI: PROJECT SITE The site was located in the corner of Milwaukee and Levitt street. The grocery store Aldis was already an existing building that was to be incorporated into the design.

The property has access to the green way that is located in the back of the site. The site also has zero lot line conditions with private residential buildings on Wilmont Ave.

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

WICKER PARK CHICAGO ANALYSIS

THE SITE The new building was situated on the site to take full advantage of the commercial street.

Aldis, the existing grocery store, was placed on Milwaukee street to optimize maximum value of street frontage.

Other commercial establishments were placed on Levitt street while the parking and residential elements of the building were placed near the green way.

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

DESERT ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY The building is designed in a way that has many passive design strategies and energy saving techniques that will allow the building to use less energy while also providing energy, making it both sustainable and Net Zero certified. Some of the techniques that it uses include solar panels, local material, ventilation, large operable windows, and adjustable shading.

Photovoltaics produces 12kw (12 panels= 5’x7’) 5,040 clerestory windows Large over hangs Adjustable shades Operable windows Swamp Cooler Heat absorbing materials

North South

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

DESERT DESERT ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY

Ventilation and Passive Cooling

EQUINOX MARCH/ SEPTEMBERR 21

North Facade cut

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Climate type North Facade cut NOON

Temperature Range:

The average temperature range is between 73 degrees in the winter time and 103 in the summer time

Relative Humidity:

The average humidity is between 6-25% depending on the time of year

Precipitation: On average 7.66 inches of rain yearly

Solar Access: On average 314 days of sun North Facade cut

Winds:

0-13 miles yearly 5:00 pm

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AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

CITY STUDIES

CITY STUDIES Sketching cities is a great way to analyze how they work and function. Cities are a collaboration of buildings that make a whole. How they relate to one another can create unique and interesting spaces specific to the location. When studying

buildings it can also help to understand the relationships they have with one another. It can demonstrate the view that the urban fabric creates with the natural landscape.

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M

DESIGNERS S TAT E M E N T Architecture is a process of communication between the designer, the client, and the site. One of the fundamental ways this communication process works is through drawing. There is something to be said about the significance of the hand-eye connection that takes place when a person physically sits down to draw a subject or work out a problem. Drawing and redrawing schemes and designs is one of the fundamental ways to solve problems fast and effectively. Technology has its place in architecture, and can be one of the biggest assets when used properly. This marriage between drafting and technology is where design thrives in the field of Architecture and where I thrive in my capabilities. When looking at architecture it is also important to consider the urban environment, and the relationship of the building to the street while thinking of the context of the building to the other existing Urban elements. This is the difference between creating a building and creating a place. This is why I am passionate about architecture, because it can make a difference in the lives of the people who interact with it.

Thank You,

AVALON LEAVENS 480-773-9413 A V A L O N . F. L E A V E N S @ G M A I L . C O M