Gabrielle Porter Selected Works

GABRIELLE PORTER

SELECTED WORKS 2018-2023

GABRIELLE AUTUMN PORTER

gaporter@umich.edu | 978-406-5444

EDUCATION

Aug2021Present Aug2016May2020

Taubman College - University of Michigan

Studying for Masters of Architecture

Intended graduation of May 2023.

Cumulative GPA: 3.97

SAAHP - Roger Williams University

Bachelors of Science in Architecture

Minors in Business and Sustainability

Cumulative GPA: 3.69

EXPERIENCE

Jan2023Present Graduate Student Instructor - University of Michigan

GSI for Environmental Systems, I have the important task of evaluating students' homework and quizzes. Additionally, I conduct bi-weekly recitation lectures where I help students understand and apply the course material to successfully complete their assignments.

Aug2021Jan2023 Stantec - Detroit, MI

As a graduate intern at a major Canada-based firm, I was involved in various projects related to schematic design physical models, Revit CD sets, and Enscape renderings. These projects primarily included educational and scientific lab buildings located in Detroit and throughout the Midwest region. My responsibilities encompassed both lower and higher education projects.

May2019Jan2020 Stantec - Boston, MA

As an architectural intern at a large corporate firm in Boston, I primarily focused on high-rise residential buildings, and contributed to all phases of design including SD/CD/DD using Revit. Additionally, I was a member of the What's In research group, which focused on micro-unit design.

May2018Aug2018 Touloukian Touloukian Inc. - Boston, MA

As an Architectural Intern at a small firm with fewer than 10 employees, I used AutoCAD and Sketchup to create physical models. One of my projects involved constructing a monolithic basswood detailed model inspired by a silo building in Buffalo, NY. The model was created using a variety of techniques and materials to achieve a high level of accuracy and detail.

AWARDS & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

May2019 Tau Sigma Delta Architecture Honor Society

Awarded by Dean White, SAAHP, for the top 20% of juniors and seniors studying architecture.

May2018 Sophomore Architecture Design Award - 2nd Place

Awarded by Dean White and nominated by professors, for the proficiency in Design.

May2017 Freshman Architecture Design Award - 2nd Place

Awarded by Dean White and nominated by professors, for the proficiency in Design.

EXTRACURRICULARS

Aug2016May2020 American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

Student run organization that helped network and provide resources to architecture students. I volunteered for Accepted Students Day to guide prospective students and families.

Aug2017May2020 Multicultural Student Union (MSU)

SKILLS

Student run organization that discussed and took actions for minority injustice and stigmas on and around campus. Raised awareness and spread the word.

Rhinoceros

Revit

AutoCAD

Sketchup Enscape

Lumion

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

Laser Cutting

3d Printing

Hand Modeling

THE FARMACTORY

My thesis envisions a unique collaboration between world-building and building construction. The concept involves a cutting-edge facility, called the “Farmactory,” that integrates modern farming practices with factory production techniques to enhance agriculture and

aquaculture in Ireland. The project emphasizes the importance of species equality by promoting humane treatment for all living beings, regardless of their hierarchical status. The Farmactory comprises spaces for plants, animals, fish, and humans, with the aim of creating a harmonious.

ecosystem. As an extension of this vision, I am exploring the possibility of adapting the Farmactory concept to extraterrestrial environments and imagining a (dis)/utopian scenario for this novel program.

SPECIES EQUALITY

SITE IRELAND

Opposed to a beach connecting land and sea, a cliffed shoreline poses a rigid connection between land and sea. Giving no easy way for travels at sea to get onto land. Ireland is a beautiful landscape of these types of connections. Ireland has a great economy and cares a lot about their nature.

This specific site is located right outside of Dublin on an island called Howth. This area is connected by bridge and provides a great contrast from the densely populated city. Ireland is known for its beautiful yet not idealistic shorelines along the Irish Sea. The site faces out west onto the Irish Sea looking towards Dublin.

The nearby landmark is called the Martello Tower Sutton, which was used as a watch tower during war times. This specific tower was the first of its kind and was replicated numerously around Ireland.

SPECIES EQUALITY

USER

ALL SPECIES

Species include animals (both land and sea), insects, plants, trees, birds, reptiles, humans, and any living organism on Earth. Animals are not typically thought of as a user of buildings, yet poses an interesting idea of a new user. Buildings have been designed for plants and for animals but usually in the case of exploiting them to humans advantage.

The users, all species, will be morally equal users of the space. This may not mean that animals and plants are equal to humans but have the same moral rights. The space is inclusive which means all are welcome.

Fish and birds are also huge factors to this inclusivity. They both have a special cases, one of which lives in water and the other that flies in they air. This creates two more levels of design inclusivity to factor in.

SPECIES EQUALITY

PROGRAM

AQUACULTURE / AGRICULTURE

FARM

The conventional factory is a place that is usually an unwelcoming work environment. The factory can be reinvented as an enjoyable place to be where workers are allowed to interact with each other.

A conventional farm has inhumane practices that harm the animals and give them no decent living conditions. Farmers stack in as many animals as possible to yield the highest profit and not care about the animals quality of life.

The farm and the factory can be combined to create a new type of program. All species can be treated humanely and morally equal. A circular process can happen where the nutrient rich water from the fish are then used to fertilize the soil for the animals and the fertilized the plants. The manurer of the animals is used to fertilize the plants. This different types of farming can work together.

SPECIES EQUALITY ENCLOSURE DOCK (FLOATING)

A dock is conventionally a surface used for boaters or waterfront homes. The dock is capable of many more purposes than this. It is a unique structure that allows heavy objects to float about water. When buoyancy is factored in, anything can be built to float just like a dock.

There are 3 docks types that were explored. Dock scheme one is typically seems as piers on boardwalks, where the post that holds up the dock is anchored into the sea floor with concrete footings. The second scheme uses buoyant floating devices that are light and filled with air which keep the dock afloat. The last scheme has tectonic posts that move with the waves to counter balance the movement to eliminate all movement.

The way that the world is moving, climate change is rapidly happening and seal level rise is inevitable which means buildings will either sink or need to become floatable.

SPECIES EQUALITY PLANTIUS ATMOSPHERE

The layers of the atmosphere consists of 4 parts. The first layer is the pollutant free oxygen. This world has zero pollutants in the air making it cleanest air to breathe. The next layer is the protection zone, this is like a bubble around the world that protects the oxugen from foreign polluntants. The next layer is the coulds, clouds create another layer of protection by sheilding visilibity into space (besides from the sun and stars).

SPECIES EQUALITY

PLANTIUS

URBANISM

The Farmactory inhabits Plantius, the globe of pure equality and cleanliness. Here on Plantius there are zones of different uses. Some of these include green spaces, housing, schools, marinas, etc. This world is quaint with one made route of transportation that loops around the world.

SPECIES EQUALITY

FARMACTORY MATERIAL ECOLOGY

Irelands Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) has partnered with Construction Materials Exchange (CMEx) to created a circular building material catelog around Ireland. Companies can post excess building materials so that other job sites can use the excess, thus eliminating the material waste on job sites.

The material used on the Farmactory would be locally sourced timber, double pane glass, PV panels, locally sourced cement/concrete.

SPECIES EQUALITY

FARMACTORY SITE SCALE

300 x 200 = 60,000 SQ FT for each land and sea, making a site of roughly 120,000 SQ FT that the building can be situated on. The building is allowed exactly 50/50 ground area to be on.

Munger Hall, a student dormitory, on the central campus of the Univeristy of Michigan is roughly 50,000 sq ft ground area. Boston‘s New Englad Aquarium is rougly 60,000 sq ft ground area. The Shed in New York City which is an audiotorium space is roughly 65,000 sf ground area.

SPECIES EQUALITY

and no food goes to waste. Plantius focuses on the life cycle of all items, with nothing going to waste and everything being properly recycled or reused.

SPECIES EQUALITY FARMACTORY MASSING MODELS

through these 9 formal massing studies, investigated how a lower long building would fit on the site. Due to the nature of the function of the building, the shapes wants to start on land and extend out onto the ocean.

Having a 50% land and 50% water building is the driving factor of these massing studies. After initial studies went back to make more that match this 50/50 concpet. also made new massing models that combines ideas of older studies.

SPECIES EQUALITY PLANTIUS GEOMETRY

The are two geometry typologies for plantius. The geometry always starts as a rectangle and it always ends up duplicating.

In the first scenario, the rectanlge slims to be long and thin. Then the slim rectanlge is tapered at one end. Lastely the tables polygon is mirrored at a different scale to create an hourglass like shape.

The other geometry scenario was subtraction and clustering. First the rectangle has a subtracted polygon. Theat same subtracted polygon is replicated around the geometry.

SPECIES EQUALITY FARMACTORY SITE PLAN/ANALYSIS

The Farmactory building is situated south east from the Martello Sutton Tower which is a historical landmark. There is an existing walking path that the building interupts from both sides. A new road is extedned from an existing road north of the Farmactory and loops down towards the entrance of the building. There is also a parking long adjacent to the entry.

The Farmactory extends out into the water with a dock that can be approached from marine vehicles.

SPECIES EQUALITY FARMACTORY PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION

The program distribution is shown in plan as a word diagram. The building is clustered by the type of program that happens in that space.

When entering the building there is a store/market to buy organic local produce made in the farmactory. There is then a classroom for learning about the farmactory and how to grow plants and raise animals. Connected to the store is a packaging and production area to pack the food products. Connected to the classrooms is a water purifcation and food production area.

There is an entire section for different types of ways to grow plants. A tradition greenhouse, a vertical farming garden, hyrdoponic and auqaponic plantings. The aquaponic planting use fish in thier water source Lastly is the fish and farm sections, these are more spread out for farm animals to roam and fish to swim.

SPECIES EQUALITY

FARMACTORY CIRCULATION

The circulation is shown in section to understand how to building sits on the site and how species can move around the building.

Humans enter the building from the top of the hill that the building sits on. there is a horizontal loop circulation around the building. Due to the nature of the site, the building has multiples levels to step down with the site. There are two ‘towers’ that hold the vertical cirulation of stairs and elevators. The humans also have a horizontal ciruclation from water into the building.

As for animals, the building has a courtyard in the center that is large and exterior. Since the site is sloped there is an opening from the buildings courtyard to the exterior of the building which has a connected pasture for the animals.

In collaboration with Wei Zhang Systems Studio F’22

Detriot, MI

Our project’s design approach aims to achieve housing accessibility by incorporating profitable units, reserving space for storage and future extensions, utilizing expandable units, and employing ordinary building techniques with exceptional craftsmanship. The North Corktown region presents immense opportunities for development due to its convenient location near public transit, public schools, and the Google X Ford Campus. The community space’s design fosters a sense of intimacy and privacy among residents and visitors, bringing people together as a community through beautiful, functional, and enjoyable spaces.

A Day in the Life of a Resident

A Stroll Down the Eco-Corridor

Our design features two of the three units with an accessory unit, also known as a satellite unit. These units can be connected to or separate from the main unit, also known as the mothership unit. The satellite unit is a fully equipped studio that is perfect for use as an in-law apartment or for older children transitioning into adulthood. The connecting door between the satellite unit and the mothership unit allows for versatility in usage. The satellite unit can also be rented out by the family in the mothership unit to generate additional income. Separate entrances to both units ensure privacy and security.

Our building layout centers around four shared courtyards for the residents, each with a unique identity characterized by different species of beautiful trees. These trees bloom at different times of the year and display varying colors, adding to the courtyard’s charm. The courtyards are positioned in a way that creates an intimacy gradient between public and private spaces. Although not all entrances to the courtyards are enclosed, the two-foot level change creates an invisible barrier that delineates the different spaces.

RECYCLED LANDSCAPE

In collaboration with MIX WU Propositions Studio W’22 Chicago, IL

Recycled Landscape is a project that focuses on decomposition and regeneration in a cemetery designed for unclaimed individuals. The primary material utilized is wood pulp, which is a recycled material available in various molded forms. In this context, the wood pulp is shaped into decomposable caskets. Additionally, Douglas fir 2x4s are utilized to maintain continuity of materiality within the wood family. To complete the cycle, trees are planted as markers for the burial lifespan.

Initially, the site is graded, and low deck paths are built in. Using our sequence process, the site will gradually transform over time, starting from empty paths and progressing into an urban forest with various places and paths to explore and discover. As caskets are buried, taller barrier walls will be erected to enclose the caskets and create courtyard spaces between the walls. Visitors will be able to walk on top of the burial plots, allowing them to explore the area from a different perspective and leave flowers for their loved ones.

PLACE CASKET AGAINST BARRIER WALLS

CLOSE IN CASKET WITH BARRIER WALLS

ATTACH BRACING, FILL WITH SOIL AND PLANT TREE

Courtyard Study

Overall, Recycled Landscape is a project that strives to create a sustainable and natural cemetery environment that promotes decomposition, regeneration, and respectful remembrance of those who have passed.

2”X 4” DOUGLAS FIR VERTICAL PLANKS

2”X 4” DOUGLAS FIR HORIZONTAL PLANKS

VAPOR BARRIER SHEATHING

SOIL AGGREGATE

WOOD PULP CASKET

2”X 4” DOUGLAS FIR ANGLED BRACING

2”X 4” DOUGLAS FIR DECK PLANKS

2”X 8” DOUGLAS FIR JOISTS

(2) 2”X 8” DOUGLAS FIR BEAMS

4”X 4” DOUGLAS FIR POST

CONCRETE PIER FOOTING

As time passes, the tree planted as a marker for the burial lifespan will continue to grow, creating a beautiful natural environment that honors the lives of those who have been buried there. However, after approximately 30 years, the body and casket will have fully decomposed, and the nutrients released will have nourished the tree to its maximum potential. This is when the process will be repeated, and more unclaimed individuals will be buried in the same spaces as before.

During the repetition of the process, the previous tree and its roots will be carefully removed, and the soil will be tilled and prepared for a new sapling to be planted in its place. The natural cycle of decomposition and regeneration continues, creating a self-sustaining and harmonious environment that promotes the values of environmental responsibility and respectful remembrance. This method allows for a continuous use of the cemetery space and eliminates the need for additional land use.

DAY NIGHT

The Southwest Detroit Free Library is a community hub located in the vibrant neighborhood of Mexicantown in Detroit. For many years, the existing Bowen Branch Library has been a beloved gathering place for locals, hosting a wide range of events and programs. However, as the community has grown, so too has the need for more public space to accommodate the increasing demand.

DIAGRAMS

To address this need, the Southwest Detroit Free Library embarked on an ambitious project to expand and update its facilities. The goal was to create a dynamic, modern space that would serve as a focal point for the community and provide a wide range of resources and services to meet their needs.

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

MIRROR ACROSS AN AXIS CONNECT THE TWO MASSES

BREAK THE ROOF-LINE SYMMETRY

UTILIZE THE COURTYARD IN BETWEEN

MEXICANTOWN, LIBRARY HAS OUTGROWN ITS THE WORD ARCHITECTURE

MEXICANTOWN, LIBRARY HAS OUTGROWN ITS THE WORD ARCHITECTURE

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

SPACE OUTDOOR PROTECTION AND ITS USER

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

RESOURCE

SPACE OUTDOOR PROTECTION AND ITS USER

MATERIALS LOCATE.

RESOURCE

MATERIALS LOCATE.

DIAGRAMS

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL.

THE SAME CHANGED THE CONSTRUCTED OF COVERING LOCATE.

DIAGRAMS

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL.

UTILIZE THE COURTYARD IN BETWEEN

UTILIZE THE

IN BETWEEN

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL.

THE SAME CHANGED THE CONSTRUCTED OF COVERING LOCATE.

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL.

MIRROR ACROSS AN AXIS

CONNECT THE TWO MASSES

BREAK THE ROOF-LINE SYMMETRY

MIRROR ACROSS AN AXIS

CONNECT THE TWO MASSES

BREAK THE ROOF-LINE SYMMETRY

COURTYARD

The concept for the library addition was inspired by the word “doppelganger”, which refers to a double or twin of a person. In architecture, this idea can be translated into plans or massing models. In this case, the addition was designed to have the same bounding wall shape and building height as the existing library, but with a different interior layout and roofline. The result is a visually striking building that seamlessly blends with the existing library while offering a fresh and contemporary take on the design. The addition was constructed using engineered lumber and steel rods, creating a durable and sturdy structure that will stand the test of time. The facade features structural glazing, which not only enhances the building’s visual appeal but also allows natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and inviting space for visitors. Overall, the Southwest Detroit Free Library addition is a shining example of how thoughtful design and careful planning can transform a community space into a beautiful and functional facility that serves the needs of its residents.

The terraced staircase in the Southwest Detroit Free Library addition provides a versatile space for both formal and informal meetings, as well as socializing and relaxation. Whether it’s browsing books or catching up with friends, the staircase offers a comfortable and inviting spot.

The second floor railing provides a visual connection between both levels of the library and encourages interaction between visitors. Additionally, the lively atmosphere of the addition lends itself to a variety of social and collaborative activities.

The second floor of the library is designed with a shared reading and collaboration space located along the outer walls, where shelving for extra books lines the walls.

STEEL ROD AND 8X12” ENGINEERED LUMBER ASSEMBLY DETAIL

WALL/ROOF ASSEMBLY

- DOUBLE LAYER LAMINATED GLASS SYSTEM

- ALUMINUM CHANNEL

- 8X12”ENGINEERED LUMBER

- STEEL ROD

SOFFIT ASSEMBLY

- CEILING BOARD

- WOOD JOIST

- 2" RIGID INSULATION

- 1X4" P.T. SUBFLOOR SLEEPERS 16" O.C.

- PLYWOOD SHEATHING

- ROSIN PAPER

- 1X6" TONGUE AND GROOVE

MAPLE FLOORING

SLAB ON GRADE ASSEMBLY

- 8" COMPACTED GRAVEL BED

- 2" RIGID INSULATION

- VAPOR BARRIER

- 4" S.O.G.

- 1X4" P.T. SUBFLOOR SLEEPERS 16" O.C.

- PLYWOOD SHEATHING

- ROSIN PAPER

- 1X6" TONGUE AND GROOVE

MAPLE FLOORING

BELOW GRADE WALL ASSEMBLY

- DRAINAGE BOARD

- 2" RIGID INSULATION

- WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE

- FOUNDATION WALL

- 2" RIGID INSULATION

DEL MAR BISTRO

UG Studio II

Jamestown, RI

The site of the restaurant along the southern coast of Conanicut Island is steeped in history, with an inactive World War II gun emplacement that once guarded the entrance to Narragansett Bay. The restaurant sits atop the concrete structure, offering stunning views of the surrounding trees and coastline. The design of the restaurant explores the relationship between the old

new, while also highlighting the connection between nature and humans through its thoughtful and comprehensive approach. The dining tables are arranged in separate spaces, each divided by wooden posts, creating a sense of intimacy and privacy while still allowing guests to enjoy the expansive views.

First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

PROVIDENCE JOURNAL

UG Studio V

Providence, RI

Facade Study at 1/8” Scale

The building’s pre-existing structure is complemented by a unique facade design featuring a screened skin that wraps around the balconied floors. The screen is strategically tucked behind the stairs, highlighting the circulation path from the plaza to the roof terrace.

The perforations in the screen serve a dual purpose of allowing air and wind to penetrate the balcony while also providing much-needed shade. The plaza, designed to draw attention towards the entrance, features a 360-degree seating area and stairs at its center, creating a welcoming space for pedestrians.

PROVIDENCE BIKE CENTER

UG Studio III

Providence, RI

India Point serves as the starting and ending point for the East Bay Bike Path, which replaced old railroad tracks between Providence and Bristol. The Station serves not only as a hub for cyclists and pedestrians, but also as an iconic gateway to the city, rising above interstate 195. This project strengthens the connection between bike riders and the city of Providence, providing a space for gathering, bike repair, storage, and enjoyment.

The India Point Park bike station is designed to cater to the needs of bike users, with its ground floor entry and bike path entry. The building is connected by ramps that allow bike users to move around with ease, providing an efficient and practical solution for both entry points.

Additionally, the ramp connects to a repair shop and snack bar, making it a convenient space for bikers to not only repair and maintain their bikes but also to socialize and refuel. The design of the building ensures that there are no limitations to the experience of biking in Providence.