Emily Lane Portfolio

L A N E

O U

The Cover

The cover image of this portfolio is a 10% MTES methylated tetraorthosilicate coated gold slide taken under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This coating was molecularly designed to adhere to metals commonly used in the ship and medical implant industry to prevent bio fouling, or the unwanted buildup of proteins to the exterior of metal to reduce the cost and frequency of replacement. This original experiment was co-designed and conducted with Jackson McCarthy at Furman University.

TMy goal as an architect and researcher is to design spaces that mediate conversations and encourage understanding between ourselves, our communities, and our environments; spaces that work to create sustainable futures and healthier lives.

CONTENTS

LIVING

RESEARCH ILLUSTRATION COMPETITIONS HEALTH

NYC LIVING

living

designing for social equity, fairness, community, contingency, and family

2022 / Academic Project

Summer Design Studio

Mentors: Gary Bates Leen Katrib with: Moneesha Arnold Jun Dong Tanishka Gupta

Located on one of the most challenging and potent areas of Manhattan, LIVING NYC straddles the existing Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) bus storage facility. Design of LIVING NYC is instigated by the needs of local ecology and pilots an urban architecture approach driven by landscape. The goal of LIVING NYC is to deconstruct the normative model of housing—gym-doorman-laundry-apartments-roof terrace—and explore new forms of multi-generational living, full-service living, callaborative living, affordable living, and other community models.

Our thesis proposes to mitigate unfordable housing and food insecurity through ecology-centric design. Circular systems coupled with economic incentives create a sustainable housing model that lowers the overall cost of living. Roof-top farming covers 1.18 acres and the capacity to produce around 21,071 lbs/9,482 kg of produce, which could feed 1,896 apartments 5kg of produce each.

The mass is conceptualized by stacking horizontal planes according to ecological soil depth and sunlight needs to create a strong urban gesture of landscape-driven design.

Circularity

Economic incentives and commercial partnership programs reduce the cost of construction and provide a guaranteed source of revenue for maintenance cost. (Adobe Illustrator)

Site

Zoning mass visualized on site with existing housing, PABT, bus stops, interstate and ecology. (Adobe Illustrator, Rhino)

Design Iterations

Initial design iterations maximizing zoning area and ecological space. (In Collaboration with Moneesha Arnold, Rhino)

housing PABT route existing route bus stops concrete heavily trafficked roads

Detail

Urban agricultural area produces produce for residents and serves as an ecological escape for the community. (Adobe Illustrator, Rhino)

Plans

Space utilization for floors 0 - 12. (In collaboration with Tanishka Gupta, Revit)

Section 01

West view of the interior courtyard created between the two sloped masses. (Adobe Illustrator)

Section 02

A Skybridge connector serves as a community corridor and hydroponic space. (Adobe Illustrator)

Loading Profile

analysis performed on SAP 2000 indicate potential member weaknesses and loading criteria. (Microsoft Word)

Deformation

Member deformation due to live load distribution. Analysis indicates additional lateral support is needed to prevent bending. (SAP 2000)

SDL + Dead Loads

Dead load distribution due to gravity. (SAP 2000)

Live Loads

Terrace soil loads add significant live loads to the bottom members. (SAP 2000)

TERRAIN

context

designing for social equity, fairness, community, contingency, and family

2022 / Revit Modeling

Summer Internship

Mentors: Roger Hubeli Julie Larsen Eric Wing

APTUM Architecture

Traditional site strategies typically found in this area were to ignore the slope of the site and raise the house on a plinth. However, we chose to take advantage of the natural terrain, which dictated the form of the plan. The manipulation of the house reflects how built mass is emerging out of the ground; the roof and the footprint take on a more organic, shifted surface that directly relates to the natural terrain.

By not raising the house on a plinth but lowering it half way between the street and the highest point of the site, the house creates a very public face for the living space, in contrast to a private, sunken garden in the rear of the site. As a result of this shift in the site, interior spaces begin to overlap with one another to react to the exterior as well as with each other.

My role in this project was to coordinate with construction and enginering teams to model the design in Revit.

The manipulation of the house reflects how built mass is emerging out of the ground.

Hydronic Shell

retrofit adding new components to increase performance

2022 / Research Internship Syracuse Center of Excellence

Mentors: David Goldstein Bess Krietemeyer

The Hydronic Shell is a new solution that integrates a high-performance central HVAC system into modular overclad façade panels to provide a comprehensive retrofit solution that is cost-effective and non-invasive. The result will be an 80%+ reduction in heating and cooling energy and a 50%+ reduction in GHG emissions from the retrofitted buildings.

This retrofit model is non-invasive and can be installed in an occupied building with tenants remaining in place. It will also be applicable to new construction where it will help reduce construction costs while improving overall building performance. The retrofit panels are installed to the exterior of an existing building, consisting of modular panels that form a super-insullated shell. Integrated within this system is an efficient HVAC system that replaces existing HVAC systems currently serving the apartment.

Hydronic Shell is a complete retrofit system that is installed to the exterior of the existing facade, consisting of modular panels that form a super-insulated shell.

Detail

Animation of Hydronic Shell panel components presented at CoE Showcase, 2022

Animation Still

Illustration of Hydronic Shell Grid Interactivity to modulate energy consumption

Exploded Axon

Poster Illustration of Hydronic Shell facade demonstrated on the Sadler Hall Building on Syracuse Campus

Abundance of Water

living shoreline protected, stabilized coastal edge made of natural materials

2022 / Research Internship

Syracuse University

Mentors: Roger Hubeli Julie Larsen with: Michael Aiardo Smith Group Stormwater Management of Cocoa Beach Cemex Global R&D

Rhizolith Island as a Living Shoreline for Cocoa Beach Florida. The city needs a floating living shoreline to help bring back Mangroves and oysters.

The island investigates structures built with advanced concrete technology to revitalize depleting mangrove forests along vulnerable shorelines with ongoing flooding. We speculated and experimented with new high-performance oncrete technology from CEMEX, using digital design and innovative fabrication techniques that hybridize the qualities of different concrete mixes in one structure. The prototype aims to use new design and technology to strengthen ecological performance and the public interface of a new typology for coastal infrastructure.

In collaboration with Michael Aiardo, we designed fin iterations for testing in Cocoa Beach Florida. Parametric code allowed indentations and punctures to be optimized for weight and biological growth.

The prototype aims to use parametric design and concrete technology to strengthen ecological performanc and public interface.

Iterations

Parametric modeling of indentations and puncture patterns allow the surfaces to be optimized easily. (Grasshopper)

Testing

Folded concrete Rhizolith tested for durability and mangrove growth.

Perspective 04

Perspective of folded fins assembled and being poured into a mold. (Rhino)

Section 04

Section of Rhizolith islands showing mangrove growth and attachment to existing gabion wall. (Rhino, Adobe Illustrator)

Helio Hut

Exploring the possibilities of a stacked modular system, the Helio Hut is an aviary that explores the intersection between internal and external ecosystems. The structure is situated within the northern end of Thornden Park, NY amidst old growth, new growth trees, and low-lying brush to accommodate the needs of the Golden-Winged Warbler population. GoldenWinged Warblers are an at-risk bird population within New York State due to habitat deforestations and over-hybridization.

To bolster the existing population, the Helio Hut acts as a nursery during breeding season in the spring and releases the Warblers into the natural population in late summer. During the fall and winter months, the structure serves as a botanical garden showcasing the native plants the Warblers use to nest. As visitors move up a spiral ramp, the exterior fins are triggered to sway slightly, mimicking the kinetic movement of the reeds in which Warblers prefer to inhabit.

corian a recyclable Dupont material made of polymer chain plastics

2021 / Studio Project Syracuse University Mentors: Roger Hubeli

05As visitors move up a spiral ramp, the exterior fins are triggered to sway slightly, mimicking the kinetic movement of reeds.

Diagram 05

White Corian polymer thermo-set into rectangular elements, which are then attached to a thermo-bent fin. (Rhino, Adobe Illustrator)

Diagram 05

The Helio Hut prioritizes climate design strategies. (Twinmotion)

Material Testing 05

Weathered, bent, and stained Corian polymer tests the limits and possibilities of the material. (Photograohy)

Diagram 05

Porous structure allows for ventilation and open-air environment for nesting birds. (Adobe Illustrator)

Perspective 05

Balsa Wood model tests staggered structural system and fin pliability. (Balsa Wood)

Perspective 05

Warbler view looking up from middle courtyard. In this project, birds are considered a key occupant perspective. (Twinmotion)

Color Lab

photovoltaics

conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect

2021 / Research Internship

Furman University

Mentors: Dr. Paul Wagenknecht with: Kiem Nguyen

The cover art was designed to illustrate the idea that chemical form is equivalent to function. Addition of an electron instigates a reduction of the indenyl ligand, which results in a rapid haptotropic η5 to η3 rings slip. A grandfather clock tells this story as a cause and effect relationship akin to a pulley and lever system, where the addition of an electron instigates a ring slip in physical space that shifts the system from electron rich to electron poor. The concept of a grandfather clock not only served as a representation of this cause and effect relationship, but also as imagery for the time motif. This imagery serves to synthesize the intellectual depth of the paper, while also reducing its concepts to its simplest form. Design meets science, form meets function, looped together in a closed circuit.

My background as a chemist and designer, provided the opportunity to work with engineering professor Dr. Cliff Davidson as a scientific illustrator for a series of presentations on Green Roof architecture.

The cover art was designed to illustrate the idea that chemical form is equivalent to function.

Diagram 06

Dye Sensitized Solar Cell circuit converts a ruthenium-based dye to electrical current, presented at SERMACS Conference, 2018.

Crystallization 06

Crystallography analysis of indenyl derivative using a parametric software, presented at SERMACS Conference, 2018.

Diagram 06

Illustration of a combined sewer overflow system, presented by Dr. Cliff Davidson at Green roof seminar, 2022.

Diagram 06

Illustration of the Hydrologic Cycle, presented by Dr. Cliff Davidson at Green roof seminar, 2022.

Modern Wigwam

wigwam

a semi-permanent domed dwelling formerly used by the Mohawk Nations in the Adirondack Mountains

2022 / Competition

Syracuse University

Mentors: Ricardo Muñoz Robin Wall Kimmerer

Inspired by the work of Robin Wall Kimmerer, this week and a half project explores native construction techniques to design a writer’s cabin in the Adirondack mountains. The remote site is accessible only by hiking to encourage natural connection as an inspiration for writing.

The intention of this project is to work in tandem with the Adirondack Association to promote awareness about native land and culture. A year-long writing residency would allow access to cabin and culminate in a published work of creative writing inspired by the outdoors and native teachings.

As the first part of this process, I developed a 2-page short story that includes a protagonist, plot-twist, and a detailed description of the 200 sq ft cabin. The second part of this process was to use descriptive phrases from my short story as text-to-images prompts using Midjourney AI as a sketching tool.

The intention of this project is to work in tandem with the Adirondack Association to promote awareness about native land and culture.

Midjourney Sketch 07

Words input from a short story generated a series of images used as a sketching tool early in the design process. (Midjourney)

Site 07

Mount Marci is able to be accessed by hikers one mile off a service road and only a quarter mile to the Adirondack Lodge. (Adobe Illustrator)

Diagram 07

Three connected spaces modulate in ceiling heights to provide three different spatial relationships with the mountain slope. (Adobe Illustrator)

Section 07

Inner tent inserts protect the interior from rain and act as an insulation layer in the winter. (Adobe Illustrator)

Red Earth Recording

recording studio space for sound recording, mixing, and audio production for instrumental and vocal performance

2022 / Studio Project

Syracuse University

Mentors: Ricardo Muñoz

Acoustics, nature, and musical living. Inspired by the acoustic research work of Lokki Tapio, Red Earth recording studio is designed to forefront natural connection and acoustic sound. The imperfection of the domed adobe forms scatter and bounce sound, creating the optimal recording center. Sightliness between the control room and live room allow for seamless recording. The ratio and shape of the adjacent buildings enhance the tonal quality of the live room. Semi-enclosed reverberation domes allow musicians to practice outside while maintaining sound quality.

Music is an all-encompassing passionate endeavor, where music and life are not mutually exclusive. Red Earth Recording Studio includes five studio apartments and practice rooms designed to intermix living and music. A communal kitchen and lounge encourage connection between musicians between recording.

Red Rock Recording

Studio realizes that music is an all-encompassing passionate endeavor, and is designed to intermix living and recording spaces.

Plan 08

Domed shapes optimize reverberative sound quality, while adobe walls have irregular surfaces to scatter sound naturally.

Section 08

Irregular ceiling heights and shapes create interesting adjacencies that maximize sound quality and blend recording and living spaces.

Model Plan 08

Shape adjacencies were analyzed and tested using modeling clay.

Model Perspective 08

Modeling clay pilots material qualities of the adobe construction, drawing on native practices in Southern California.

Clean Air Capsule

music pavilion a mobile space for music and performance

2022 / Competition

Syracuse University

Mentors: Ricardo Muñoz

Syracuse, NY rose as an industrial hub at the turning of the industrial revolution due to its abundant limestone materials and proximity to the Eerie Canal. Skytop Quarry was abandoned in 1908 and now lies as a 1,174-acre empty trench that poses several health risks to the adjacent low-income community such as basic calcium carbonate run-off, groundwater contamination and deciduous dust air contamination.

The clean air capsule is a play on the landscape, designed as a polygonal interpretation of the rockface. This geodesic bean is constructed of three layers of overlapping screen panels with an aluminum frame that shield and filter the inhabitants from air pollutants. The goal of the Clean Air Capsule is to raise awareness about the detrimental environmental impacts of mining by revitalizing empty quarries into a temporary music pavilion.

Site Location 09

Skytop quarry, on the outskirts of Syracuse is located next to the dump and air quality testing locations. (Google Earth, Adobe Illustrator)

Site Plan 09

The abandoned limestone quarry produces basic runoff into the surrounding retention ponds. (Adobe Illustrator)

Plan 09

A series of layered screens and aluminum framing form a semi-permeable shell that reflects light and filters air to the interior. (Adobe Illustrator)

Section 09

Imperfections in the rock are ideal for scattering and reflecting sound. (Photography, Adobe Illustrator)

Urban Dormancy

whole body mental health mental health as the synthesis of physical, spiritual and mental well-being

2022 / Studio Project

Syracuse University

Mentors: Ricardo Muñoz

Snow drift that form temporal monuments at the corner of streets and parking lots, yet few structures in Syracuse acknowledge, and even fewer embrace, the realities of cold and snow. Informed by Kimberly Wilson’s work on Whole Body Mental Health. Physical and theatrical performance is redefined as a tool to combat seasonal depression and the physical dormancy that occurs in populations during the winter.

Glass walls embrace snow and ice as a pseudo-building material and allows for access to light, which has been shown to decrease risk of seasonal depression. The contours of the roof provides opportunity to both outdoor and indoor activity, which reduce the risk of injuries due to long-term winter inactivity.

Two touch points on the roof are pushed to lie flush with the ground to allow for pedestrian access to a sledding slope. Correography of snow moved by plows around the site is its own form of performance.

Physical and theatrical performance is redefined as a tool to combat seasonal depression.

Diagram 10

A framework of viewing mental health and seasonal depression as physical, mental and emotional performance. (Adobe Illustrator)

Site 10

Intersectionality of the site to medical and performance spaces poses the opportunity to provide a mental health center focused on theatrical and physical performance. (Adobe Illustrator)

Exploded Axon 10

Therapy offices work to democratize mental health resources. A nutritional café provides healthy options to both the community and medical professionals from the medical corridor. (Adobe Illustrator)

Roof Contours 10

Two touch points are pushed to lie flush with the ground to allow for pedestrian access to a sledding slope on the roof. (Adobe Illustrator)

Ground Floor Plan 10

Slight depressions in the landscape mirror the contours of the roof to form two park spaces. (AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator)

Second Floor Plan 10

The upstairs houses a micro-theater and recording space as well as residential apartments that overlook the Everson Museum. (AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator)

Roof Floor Plan 10

A railing allows from sledding down the roof in the winter and on mats in the summer. Skylights fill with snow and leverage snow as its own form of building material. (AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator)

Section 10

The contours of the roof provides opportunity to both outdoor and indoor activity, which reduce the risk of injuries due to winter inactivity. (Rhino, Adobe Illustrator)

thank you .