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Helen Leventis

Selected Works 2020-2023

SELECTED WORKS ACADEMIC

01 THE PAUSE PAVILION Albany Park Tool Library

3-6

02 PIXELATION Champaign Interactive Exhibit with a Focus on Technology and Learning

7-10

03 COALESCENCE West Randolph Mixed-Use Office Building

11-13

04 CURTAIN CALL West Loop Performance Hall

14-17

THE PAUSE PAVILION Albany Park Tool Library, Spring 2023 Professor David Ellis Duration: 14 weeks

Collaborators: Taylor Solomon

Fostering moments of contemplation and heightened awareness is crucial within dynamic locales like Albany Park, where pedestrians are constantly in motion. The architectural concept of ‘pause,’ as applied to the Maker Space Tool Library, encourages individuals to find solace and connect with the present. This involves a deliberate shift of focus and harnessing sensory awareness to support mindful experiences. By tuning into elements like light, sound, scent, temperature, and tactile sensations, ‘The Pause Pavilion’ creates a grounding effect, providing a safe environment for the community to explore innovative ideas and solutions as their higher minds take flight. The Maker Space Tool Library unfolds as a blend of two distinct areas—metalworking and woodworking—interconnected by a central communal space. This intentional design beckons visitors to embark on a journey through the entire building, creating an opportunity for pause and reflection. By traversing the space, visitors not only appreciate the artistry taking place within the maker spaces but also become engrossed in the architectural beauty of the building itself.

Contribution:

Plans, Diagrams, Renders, Section, and Detail drawings

Top Down Plan Oblique of Site SITE

SITE

The Albany Park District, marked by its dense concentration of buildings, heavy traffic flow, and limited sidewalk space, currently lacks the pedestrian-friendly and welcoming atmosphere conducive to personal interactions. Following the demographic pattern of Chicago’s population throughout history, people from many different cultures immigrated to this area, making it a central hub for fostering diversity and individuality. However, Albany Park lacks the artistic and cultural perspective of its inhabitants. Despite these challenges, there are several pockets of open space throughout Albany Park where individuals can pause and engage, contributing to the unique expression of urban life. The diagrams indicate these moments through vibrant orange highlights to emphasize this idea of pause. Each designated area becomes a focal point for contemplation and reflection, transforming the site upon which the tool library stands into an epicenter for creativity and connection within the bustling urban landscape. N

Pedestrian Traffic

Vehicle Traffic

Public Transportation

Constrained by narrow sidewalks and a constant stream of foot traffic, pedestrians frequently find themselves in close proximity to passing vehicles.

Albany Park grapples with a high volume of vehicles, often functioning as mobile impediments on its streets. Overused parking also disrupts pedestrian flow and walkability of the area.

The Brown Line and CTA buses enhance accessibility, connecting residents, fostering diversity, and reducing car reliance to promote a pedestrian friendly environment. 4

1 9

2 3

6 DN

N First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

1 Entry Vestibule

1 Break Room

2 Admin Office

3 Loading Dock

3 Lounge Area

4 Locker Room

4 Public Bathroom

5 Public Bathroom

5 Gallery overlooking the Woodshop Makerspace

6 Lending Area for Tools

6 Outdoor Balcony with Conversation Pit

7 Woodshop Makerspace

7 Gallery overlooking the Metalshop Makerspace

8 Outdoor Gathering Space 9 Metalshop Makerspace (specifically jewelry)

Makerspace for Woodworking Bivalve connector Threaded steel rods Custom CNC-milled wood pieces Corner connector plate with screw fasteners Polyurenthane-coated laminated wood pieces Wide corner connector plate with tension rod

1 - Surface

38 - X Axis

40 - Y Axis

Waﬄe Split On Grid

The tool library is not only catered to those that utilize the makerspaces, but it is also accessible to visitors. In this visual narrative, guests can wander through the gallery space, appreciating the completed projects of community members, all the while having the unique opportunity to witness the artisans themselves at work. 6

PIXELATION Champaign Interactive Exhibit with a focus on Techonology and Learning, Fall 2022 Professor Tait Johnson Location: Champaign, Illinois Duration: 3 weeks

Located just northwest of the University of Illinois campus, downtown Champaign stands as the hot spot for nightlife entertainment. However, a discernible need exists within this community — a multi-generational space where individuals of all ages can seamlessly converge. The response is a technological exhibit where visitors can attend lectures, read books, and engage with the interactive nature of the building. The extruded and inverted cubes protruding from the facade at different lengths is meticulously arranged to tell a visual story that represents more than mere aesthetics. The cubes divide and multiply, symbolizing the building’s purpose, which fixates on this idea of bringing generations together through technology and celebrating its growing development over time.

B 3

First Floor Plan

1 Back entry 2 Interactive touch tables and bookshelves 3 Children’s reading room 4 Checkout/lending area 5 Lounge/reading area 6 Front entry

Section AA

Section BB 8

6 5

Second Floor Plan 1 Interactive wall/display area

2 Utililty room 3 Admin office 4 Cafe

UPand Play Zone 5 Plug

6 Plug and Play Zone

5 UP

Plug and Play Diagram

Aluminum Mullions Plexiglass Glass Plastic Cube

The west facade’s extruded cubes serve both as a design and functional element. The square windows incorporate smaller cubes as interactive cubbies for creative block arrangements. These dynamic displays entertain families and advertise lectures and events hosted within the building.

COALESCENCE West Randolph Mixed-Use Office Building, Spring 2022 Professor Andrea Melgarejo de Berry Duration: 14 weeks

The cluster of shapes within the design conceptualizes closeness within a community. This connection is shown by marrying traditional Chicago Architectural styles with a modern twist. Historically, West Randolph Street was a marketplace for shopping and socializing. Today, it has evolved into a locale for upscale dining and high-end retail establishments. The design draws inspiration from the honored tradition of Chicago-style architecture via the ‘Chicago window.’ In doing so, the product unites the historical and contemporary elements of the structure. The departure from conventional uniformity on the first and fourth floors reflects a harmonious integration of the evolving symbolism of Randolph Street. This approach aims to foster a connection to the demographic of the neighborhood, while preserving the street’s historical significance.

1880

The city passed an ordinance establishing the West Randolph Street Public Market, an open-air produce market managed by the city in the two-block widened section of Randolph Street.

1980

Fulton Market district transitions from a food Market to Chicago’s new and improved neighborhood for high-end restaurants, boutique hotels, offices, and shops.

4th Floor Plan 1850

A Municipal Market Hall was built in the middle of Randoph Street west of Desplaines Street.

1920

Commission merchants based in South Water and speculators were buying properties on Randolph Street in anticiplation of its widening.

4th Level

3rd Level

2nd Level

1st Level

N 12

5 ft

1st Floor - Cafe 1 Vestibule/Mail Room

4 Unisex Restroom

2 Lounge/Cafe

5 Office

3 Kitchen

6 Storage 7 Janitor’s Closet

2 UP

North Elevation 13

CURTAIN CALL West Loop Performance Hall, Fall 2022 Professor Tait Johnson Duration: 4 weeks

The performance hall is in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop neighborhood. It takes center stage, as it is located in the heart of Greektown: a town that draws in locals and visitors to its annual traditions and events. It is a magnetic hub where people can celebrate life and culture. Distinguished as ‘Curtain Call,’ this upscale venue includes a performance hall and rehearsal spaces. It is a distinct contrast to the monochromatic buildings it surrounds. More than a structure, it stands as a beacon of color and creativity for attracting business and activity. Thus, ‘Curtain Call’ stands as an architectural paradigm shift in the West Loop neighborhood. The design aims to create an otherworldly experience: it invites visitors to immerse themselves in the idea of performance. The concept of performance is expolored through direct and indirect gestures. The vertical pipes, mirroring the essence of flute pipes or organs with their cylindrical forms, serve as a direct gesture. Simultaneously, the undulating pattern of the curtain-like facade introduces an indirect gesture: the opportunity to perceive the performance through the eyes of the performer. The audience stands behind the curtain only to become part of the performance.

Basement Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

Third Floor Plan

Additional storage, HVAC, Main lobby, staff services, Performance room, green room, Performance room, conference room, dressing rooms, VIP rooms director’s office, assistant directors office, rehearsal spaces janitor’s closet, staff lockers, large staff room with open offices staff work rooms

Form Development

Brass roof

B Brass rods on interior of glass facade

C Copper rods on exterior of glass facade

Original cube form

Original cube form lifts at the Northwest direction, highlighting point of entry.

3 1.

Light filtering vertical rods are added to the interior as a first layer to enhance exterior depth. This layer is interactive on the interior and visible through the outer glass walls.

A second layer of light filtering vertical rods are added to the exterior facade. This layer is interactive on the exterior and visible through the glass walls on the interior.

N 1

Entrance into Main Hall on the Third Floor

Main Hall 17