FOLIOFOLIO
hhissa9@outlook.com
480.797.6003
linkedin.com/in/hanna-hissa
Portfolio | issuu.com/hhissa
EDUCATION
2020 - 2025
2016 - 2020
PROFESSIONAL
June 2024 - Dec. 2024
May - Aug. 2023
Dec. 2022 - Jan. 2023
HONORS
2024 2023
2022, 2023
2020 - Present
2022 - Present
2020 - 2024
2020 - 2024
ACTIVITIES
2023 - 2025 2024
2023 - 2025 Fall 2022
2022 - Present 2019
2007 - Present
SKILLS
The University of Kansas | Lawrence, Kansas | GPA 4.0
Master of Architecture | Bachelor of Architecture
Graduate Certificate in Urban Design
Barrington High School | Barrington, Illinois | GPA 4.625
National Honors & National Latin Honors Society
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) Chicago, IL | Intern Developed city guidelines, spatial framework plans, GIS data maps, and programming for major cities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Proposal for new community center in Chicago.
DLR Group Chicago, IL | Intern
Designed student housing and developed K-12 Health Life and Safety plans. Instructed over 3D Printing for the office, and analyzed AI rendering software.
AIA Kansas Design Excellence Award | U.S. Embassy in Tokyo Academic Project American Galvanizer’s Association Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Award Civic Contribution category for Fall 2022 Pollinator Pavilion Design-Build KU Architecture Student Portfolio Awards | 3rd + 4th Year Recipient
School of Architecture Dean’s List | GPA above 3.75
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society | Member
KU Excellence Scholarship | Recipient
2020 Gygi and von Wyss Foundation Scholarship | Recipient
Faculty Search Committee | Student Body Representative Architecture in Asia | Study Abroad Program in South Korea and Japan Mentorship Collaborative | First, Second, & Third-Year Studio Mentor Design Build Pavilion at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center | Topeka, KS Designer, site coordinator, and construction team member.
AIAS | Member
Habitat For Humanity | Women Build Project, Lake County, IL | Construction Team Member Girl Scouts of the United States of America | Lifetime Member Silver and Bronze Award Recipient
3D Modeling | Rhino, SketchUp, Revit, Physical modeling
2D Drafting | AutoCAD, Hand drafting. ArcGISPro
3D Printing | Cura, Ultimaker machines
Rendering | VRay, Lumion, Enscape, Veras, LookX Graphics | Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign
REFERENCES
Tanvi Parikh, AICP, LEED AP Associate Principal Skidmore, Owings & Merrill tanvi.parikh@som.com
Keith Van de Riet, PhD, NCARB
Interim Chair | Professor
The University of Kansas kvdr@ku.edu | 917.202.5413
Jae D. Chang, PhD Professor | Associate Chair of Architecture
The University of Kansas jdchang@ku.edu
Kapila D. Silva, PhD, AIA(SL) Professor | Associate Dean for Community Excellence
The University of Kansas kapilads@ku.edu | 785.864.1150
THIS PORTFOLIO WILL COVER:
Design solutions that efficiently resolve the task at hand.
A mixture of built and unbuilt works that demonstrate design priorities.
A reflection of self via technical ability and creative resultants.
UNDERGRADUATE TIMELINE
AUGUST 2020 -DECEMBER 2024
SEVEN SELECTED WORKS THAT EXEMPLIFY THE UNDERGRADUATE PORTION OF MY ACADEMIC CAREER.
The academic journey ends in 2025. The result: M.Arch I with a focus in Urban Design.
The design process through iteration, refinement, and critique.
A range of project scales responding to community + environment.
A collection of personal works that intersect academics with interests.
U.S. EMBASSY IN TOKYO, JAPAN
CULINARY ARTS COMMUNITY
KANSAS CITY DESIGN EDUCATION CENTER
POP UP BOOTH
CONTEMPLATION CHAPEL
POLLINATOR PAVILION DESIGN BUILD PHOTOGRAPHY
Odaiba Island, Tokyo, Japan
Consular, Main Chancery, and Secure Grounds design
Spring 2024
Bentonville, Arkansas
Mixed Use Dwelling and Academy
Fall 2024
Kansas City, Missouri
Student and Public AEC Center Spring 2023
Portable
Vinyl, CD, and Cassette Shop Spring 2022
Lawrence, Kansas
Non-Denominational Chapel Fall 2021
Topeka, Kansas
Steel Pavilion at Children’s Museum
Fall 2022
Miscellaneous DSLR images 2021 - 2024
United States Embassy In Tokyo, Japan
Partner: David Tauser Professor Kapila Silva Tokyo. Japan
400,000 sq. ft. Spring 2024 | Civic
Situated off the shores of the Tokyo Bay, this embassy achieves safety for workers, visitors, and ambassadors alike.
In recent history, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) has dedicated itself to designing, renovating, and establishing U.S. Embassies worldwide that are more than a standard office. The design process aims to create a building that demonstrates the United States’ technological advancement and respect to the host country.
Render by: David Tauser
DESIGN AWARD 2024
EXISTING EMBASSY
The
Greater Context
The site is situated off the mainland of Greater Tokyo in accordance with OBO’s goal of shifting future U.S. Embassies away from city centers. The new site is also largely popular with tourists coming to the city via cruise ship, and those staying for the Olympics. It offers a tremendous view of the skyline to the north, and Mt. Fuji to the west.
SHINJUKU CITY
CHIYODA CITY
SHIBUYA CITY
MINATO CITY
MEGURO CITY
SETAGAYA CITY
SHINAGAWA CITY
TOKYO STATION
CHUO CITY
ODAIBA
SITE
SUMIDA CITY
KOTO CITY
EDOGAWA CITY
TOKYO BAY
CHIBA
Site Planning For Security
Site Boundary
20-foot No Vegetation Zone
100-foot No Occupied Build Zone
15-foot-tall Anti-Climb Base Floor
Main Controlled Access Compound (MCAC)
Consular Controlled Access Compound (CCAC)
Service Controlled Access Compound (SCAC) 1”
U.S. Embassies are required to meet the following security measures: a no-tallvegetation zone within 20’ of the perimeter wall with width for guard walks, a separate public, ambassador, and service entry checkpoint, a 100’ no-occupied-building zone from the wall, an Anti-Climb design for the first 15’ of the structure, and a strict control of the public path once past the CCAC.
Roof designed to mimic the venacular architecture
Pulling inspiration from cultural motifs
Following historic fortress materiality sequences
Heavy Stone
Light Median
Textured Roof
Concepts From Context
A majority of the design solutions are a result of the challenges presented by the site. Low buildings typically perform better under seismic activity, and in the event of a tsunami or storm surge off of the bay, the Moat is designed as a catch-all “ha-ha” style wall. This ensures any major water influxes will be captured and networked into the city’s underground flood system.
Modern embassy design strives to demonstrate an efficient and environmental design, hence the systems that work together to make this building overall Net Zero.
Seismically Isolated Foundation
Building Up Existing Public Infrastructure Southern-Oriented Solar
Highlight Views Towards Greater Tokyo
The Main Chancery Lobby with Post One Security and Conference Center outside of the restricted access zone.
Storm Surge + Tsunami Water Collection Area Utilized as Perimeter Wall
Panels and Sun Path
Rainwater Harvesting Via Roof Slope System
Pedestrian Access by Sidewalk from Train Line and into Park
Noise Buffer Via Southern Vegetation
Daiba Elevated Train Line Connection to Mainland
Vehicular Access Points
On-Site Rain Garden
The Main Controlled Access Center (MCAC) is where VIPs and Ambassadors enter into the compound. Their procession is grand and allows for direct access to the Chancery Building from a vehicle. The Consular Controlled Access Center (CCAC) is the public entrance. It is separated by a distinguished gate that is accessible via the park and Equinox Promenade, away from vehicular traffic as a means of creating a safe and pleasant pedestrian arrival sequence. The Arrival Sequence
View of the Main Chancery, MCAC, and CCAC entrance from Daiba Train Line. Note the view to Mt. Fuji.
DETAIL C 3/16” = 1’-0”
10” x 6” x1” HSS with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
Gusset Plate and Bolts Connected to Round HSS HSS to Gusset Plate Bracing Member Round HSS Bolted End Plate Connection
Round HSS 8.000 x 1.000 with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
W12x40 Wide Flange Beam with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
M13-1.5 x 66 mm Steel Bolt
5/8” Steel Plate with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
1” Custom Steel Plate Stiffener with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
1 5/8” Lateral Steel Plate with EonCoat Corrosion Protection Steel Plate Stiffener with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
Gusset Plate Bracing Cleat
Gusset plate Splice Hinge
Square HSS 5” x 5” x 1/2” with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
DETAIL B 3/16” = 1’-0”
DETAIL D 3/16” = 1’-0”
DETAIL E 3/16” = 1’-0”
W12x40 Wide Flange Beam w/ Corrosion Protection
Gusset Plate and Bolts Connected to Round HSS
Round HSS 8.000 x 1.000 with EonCoat Corrosion Protection Round HSS Bolted End Plate Connection
HSS to Gusset Plate Bracing Member w/ Corrosion Protection
M13-1.5 x 66 mm Steel Bolt with EonCoat Corrosion Protection Parapet Drip Flashing Thermal Break Pad Insulation 12” x 12” x 1” Steel Plate with EonCoat Corrosion Protection Vapor Barrier
Steel Cladding 2” EPX Rigid Insulation Vapor Barrier 2’ x 15’ x 1/8”
Vs. Tokyo
Japan, known for its vigorous earthquakes, has unique requirements for construction. In order to maintain the safety factor of the embassy, blast-resistant, self healing concrete is the main structural material.
The footings are responsible for seismically isolating the building during an earthquake, and act as large shock absorbers at the foot of each column. The grid is a bit smaller and shorter than conventional construction due to higher structural efficiency during seismic activity as well.
Structure
The perimeter of the building is surrounded by an open cavity that accounts for any above-grade swaying that occurs during an earthquake. Seen below is a detail of the grate that covers these openings for pedestrians. When there is an earthquake, the grates “pop” upwards and fall back into place because of the spring tension. This minimizes damage to the stone, and provides a catch for the water filling the moat as well. Water
Interstitial Spaces
Using historic Japanese gardens as inspiration, the interior courtyards are designed to give workers respite and provide a moment of Zen in the workplace. These gardens line prominent and main walkways, as well as being visible from
most vantage points in the building. The circulation pattern around them ensures a stroll that is a pleasant and secure way to take a break. Many Japanese design principles rely on access to nature, and a strong beliief that it can impact ones life for the better.
South Consular Section | 1” = 50’ - 0”
East Chancery Section | 1” = 50’ - 0”
Ha-Ha walls are intended to be “invisible” from an average vantage point, and in this case the water eliminates the need for the 10-foot perimeter wall because it acts as a moat. This moat, however, is also a catchall for surge caused by tsunamis, because
The “Ha-Ha” Wall 2.0 the site is situated on the Tokyo Bay. This solution is the least disruptive in terms of views, and a less hostile-looking approach. This is a testament to the respect and nonthreatening presence the U.S. embassy is aiming to achieve in this host country.
Program Hierarchy From Historic Fortresses
Historic Japanese floor plans follow a very rigid hierarchy in order of rank. The most remote areas are the least accessible and far more difficult to get to as a visitor. We translated these principles into an orientation that applied to our floor plan, and moved all historically exterior circulation patterns to the inside, for security of staff.
Reflecting Culture Of The Place
It is important that the interior spaces reflect as much of the respect and homage to the host city as possible. In order to achieve this, a selection of stone, wood, plaster, and Shoji paper was used. A careful balance of traditional and contemporary gives the feeling of Japanese design, while upholding U.S. standards for embassy design.
The Ambassador’s office looking north towards Greater Tokyo.
The Ambassador’s office looking north towards Greater Tokyo.
The Art Gallery and Courtyard View within the Main Chancery inside the restricted access zone. Prominent feature of the Ambassador’s processional walk to their quarters.
The Main Chancery Lobby with Post One Security and Conference Center outside of the restricted access zone.
The main shared spaces circulate the interior gardens and offer spaces for respite. The garden instills a sense of calm and function as the focal point from all buildings within the Chancery. The cafeteria and conference rooms offer a curated garden view to enhance the quality of the interior space.
Thanks to Prof. Kapila D. Silva, The U.S. Overseas Bureau of Operations , BNIM, Burns & Mcdonell, DLR Group, and AirFixture, my partner David Tauser and I were awarded the 2024 AIA Kansas Design Excellence Award for our embassy. It would not have been possible without the guidance and care from those who took the time to help us through this design challenge and allowed us to create a diplomatic, sustainable response to the program.
Brightwater East Culinary Arts Community
Fall 2023 | Mixed-Use Urban Dwelling
Professor Andrew Modrell Bentonville, Arkansas
121,000 sq. ft.
Mixed-Use Culinary Arts School, Test Kitchen Restauarant, and Urban Dwelling for Locals and Students
This project aims to invigorate the urban fabric of Bentonville by combining a culinary arts school and test kitchen restaurant with dwellings. The goal is to foster memorable shared experiences by creating a program centered around food and give Bentonville a new destination location for both locals and tourists.
All Parcels Include:
Access to variable greenspaces
Service access
Privacy for residents
Parking accommodations
Min. 1.25 acres
8th Street Marketplace
PARCEL 3
Highly private residences
Direct Park and Trail Access Momentary Plaza Access
PARCEL 2
Centrally Located
Covered Parking
Private Elevated Park
PARCEL 1
8th St. Access
High Residential Mixed-Level
PARCEL 5 Walmart HQ-facing Trail Connection
PARCEL 6 Central Location Underground Parking High-Volume Retail PARCEL 7 Active Corner High Foot Traffic Destination Spot
Parking Key
Parking Lot/Entrance
On-Site Parking
Adjacent Parking Main Roads
Under-Greenway Roads
Group Site Framework Plan
The larger green-way plan was originally drafted by a team of three: Hanna Hissa, Isaac Decker, and Ashlyn Caldwell. This was phase one.
After designing the overall infrastructure, it was divided into seven plots of land for studio members to select as their designated building site. All parcels connect to the overarching infrastructure in unique manners and each plot presents their own benefits.
In order for this infrastructure approach to be successful, it had to become an appealing amenity for the user groups we focused on. In doing so, we aimed to create third spaces and smaller gathering spaces within the larger plan to harbor community events while Framework Goals + Vision
Personal Site
Elevated Greenway
Adjacent Parks
Creek + Retention Pond
maintaining an eco-friendly approach that used green space both as a tool and as an aesthetic decision. In doing so, the goal of attacting both people who will live on site, and those that will pass through and use the amenities is accomplished.
Access to Variable Green spaces
Cover Parking with Green space
Minimize Heat Sinks and Runoff
Connect Bentonville Via Outdoor Activity
Graphics by Hanna Hissa
PARCEL 4
In Residential Fabric
Art District Adjacent
Walmart World Headquarters
Informed Form Decisions
During the iterative stage of form-making, I went through thirty variations based on three broad, exploratory versions. The first made use of “letter” buildings in the shape I and C, the second explored linking different programmatic buildings through bridges,
and the third explored stepped forms that could create unique outdoor conditions. The resultant was filtered down into three options that would be further explored for possible design pursuits that align with the programming needs of the space.
“I” and “C” Forms
Linked Forms
Stepped Forms
On-Site Green space
Circulation
Transparency/Views
Shaded Transparency
Mixed Use
Goal Influences
While creating these iterations, each form took into consideration to initial goals mentioned to the left. It was important that the forms responded to these and fostered environments that were conducive to creating spaces that fit the user needs. In doing so, they also had to respond to the larger framework goals and ensure that the green-way access point was welcoming and inviting.
Designing in Bentonville, Arkansas
The area of Bentonville, Arkansas is a highly active and outdoor community. In order to activate the site, which currently stands as an empty lot adjacent to the new Walmart World Headquarters, the initial design of the framework incorporates a pedestrian-centric green-way. This gives people arriving off of trails or dwelling in the surrounding buildings
the chance to experience the outdoor culture Bentonville is known for.
The design of the culinary arts school, destination restaurant, and apartment-style living aim to act as a destination for visiting tourists as well as for locals. The goal is to tie this district to the historic downtown area and encourage dense, urban growth that shows
how exciting and beneficial it can be to move away from the single family home model that currently dominates the Bentonville area. This project will demonstrate the intentionality and success of multi-use spaces that can be great revenue generators for the municipality in the long run.
Activating The Green-Way
The green-way is a unique infrastructure that allows for anything service, parking, or car related to take place underneath the pedestrian areas. This not only minimizes unsightly parking lots, but also minimizes the exposed impervious surfaces that would otherwise create runoff and storm water retention problems.
The activity along the green-way aims to invite visitors to explore the buildings and their mixed uses in the area. It also aims to connect to the outdoor trails, adjacent museums, and concert venue space. This creates a hub of activity for the people in Bentonville to explore and have communal experiences with one another. The trails that
link the campus together are another driver for this project. Because there is guaranteed amount of foot traffic generated from these, the project’s ability to cater to this audience and encourage them to explore the site will create a successful hub for the city.
As seen in this section, the upper block that spans across the two lower ones is where the culinary facility is housed. The restaurant on the top floor allows the public to have a culinary experience like no other in Bentonville. Originally, this was home to the residences, but it felt isolated formatted like a hotel. By placing the residences on the lower blocks, it grounds the units and gives them access to the outdoors and neighbors through shared spaces.
The lower blocks are dedicated to housing mechanical and parking, as well as the dwelling components. The public-facing elements on the ground level aim to activate the green-way and invite the public to explore the space.
1: Bike Storage
2: Staff Lockers
3: Storage Lockers
4: Staff Parking
5: Cold Storage
Level 00 | Basement + Parking
1: Public Cooking Classes 2: Cafe & Bakery 3: Resident Mail 4: Apartment Admin 5: Studio Apartment
Level 01 | Greenway
6: Dry Storage
7: Solar + Geothermal Room
8: Water + MEP
9: Electricity Room
10: Loading BOH
Greenway
One Bed Apartment
Two Bed Apartment
Three Bed Apartment
Commons
6: One Bed Apartment
Two Bed Apartment
Three Bed Apartment 9: Outdoor Seating + Grill
These floors are where the culinary school lives. One of the goals was to create a learning environment that is highly visible, so that people who are passing by are a part of the learning experience as well. In order to respond to this, the layouts flow around central rooms that have glass walls looking into the cooking and demonstration spaces.
The top floor is home to the test kitchen restaurant “Alchemy,” where guests walk past the kitchen on the way to the dining area and become a part of the process. The external shading fins open to the north and grow the higher up the occupant gets in order to highlight the views and daylighting in the space.
Plan Key
1. Reception
2. Culinary Kitchen
3. Demo Class
4. Seasonal Kitchen
5. Admin
6. Resource Library
7. Bake Shop
8. Student Commons + Urban Spice Garden
9. Electrical + MEP Access
10. Bar
11. Production Kitchen
12. Restaurant Dining Room
13. Private Chef Rooms
Due to fire code-related issues within the culinary school, the upper block is made of one large steel truss. The lower forms are exposed mass timber in order to provide a more homely environment for those living within the apartments. The green-way functions as one large intrinsic green roof, and therefore is cased in concrete. This applies to the parking levels as well. This area must support the green space on level 01 too.
The major ecological decision of the project is rooted in the upper block’s facade system. The north-opening fins allow for consistent, year-round daylighting as well as solar harvesting to power the building. The rainwater collection system takes advantage of the fin shapes and siphons it down into cisterns for gray water recycling. The blue roof systems ensure the flat roofs of the lower block do not become large heat sinks too.
Steel Truss
Polycarbonate Fins
Steel Framing and Bar Joists
Concrete Cores
Mass Timber
Concrete Podium
6:00 PM December 21
6:00 PM June 21
12:00 PM June 21
12:00 PM December 21
6:00 AM December 21
6:00 AM June 21
Photovoltaic glass integrated into roof fins and angled for optimal seamless solar harvesting
Solar heat gain prevention through blue roof system
Lifted “block” to allow East - West crossbreeze to cool building
Roof system collects and holds
On-Site water cisterns retain stormwater and recycle into building as greywater
Fins sloped towards roof drains
Blue
stormwater
MEP + Egress Diagrams
The systems that support the programs within the building service each section semi-independent of one another. This ensures that residents have direct unit access, and consistent air handling, while the complicated needs of the culinary school and restaurant are still met.
Egress Key
Egress Core | Service to All Floors
Elevator Core | Service to All Floors
Egress Core | Service to Residential Floors
Egress Exit Route
Entrance/Exit
Mechanical Key
Fresh Air Supply
Return Air
Culinary Exhausts
Cooling Loop
Heating Loop
VAV Branch
Geothermal
Venting through Fins
VAV System
Main Air Intake and Fan Rooms
Forced Air System
Four-Pipe Fan Coil in Units
Solar-Heated Water Tank
Geothermal Wells
Alchemy Test Kitchen Restaurant Dining Room | Level 05
Alchemy Test Kitchen Restaurant | Brightwater East Culinary Arts School
The entire building aims to create food-centric experiences, and these two locations highlight this element.
The restaurant, located on the 5th floor, is operated by students in order to gain the hands-on experience while still in school. The “alchemy” of this restaurant comes from its rotating menu and test-kitchen setup that allows students to explore the culinary arts within the practice. The fins on the exterior are the most open and allow for guests to see out towards the green-way, trails, and downtown area.
The lower render highlights the visibility aspect that is important to the design of the culinary arts facility. It demonstrates how the circulation paths make use of the daylighting and centralize the main programming for well-organized spaces within the elongated upper block.
The open nature of the space allows for students and visitors to become a part of the learning experience, while providing a new perspective on what a learning environment can look like.
Kansas City Design Education Center
Spring 2023 | Educational Museum Center
Professor Jae Chang Kansas City, Missouri
90,000 sq. ft.
Design Education Center for Students and Public to Learn About KC and its AEC Global Impact.
This project focused on creating a design center, education space, fabrication shop, gallery, flexible auditorium, and AIA Kansas City office HQ. Its urban context takes advantage of the to-be-built park over the existing highway that currently bisects the city and educate guests about Kansas City’s rich history.
Defining Kansas City
The project is situated in a prime area of Kansas City, one that will see future development and revival of the downtown district. This area is the junction between the arts, entertainment, and a restaurant district that come together to make up the heart of KC. The location of the site is an opportunity to create a building that contributes to local
activity and identity. In present day, the proposed park depicted above does not exist, and instead is highway I-670 that bisects the city and creates uninviting conditions for tourists and residents alike. By covering this highway, the park will reconnect the city and create opportunities for future development to flourish in this district.
Creating A Landmark
While the building serves an overall educational programming, its prime location demands it becomes compelling for both visitors and pedestrians passing by. The sculptural component of the brick is easily distinguishable to those who are aware of Kansas City’s strong industrial background, while also appearing as a feat of engineering
to those who look closer. Though it may seem impractical, brick is a vital design element to Kansas City. By using a traditionally stacking material in an unconventional manner, it demonstrates Kansas City’s advancement in AEC design and willingness to revisit and explore the tools humanity has been building with for centuries.
Architecturally note entrances by subtracting them from the main form. The main public entrance is the on most park-facing side. Entrances
The design center is placed on the site of a future park covering the existing highway that currently bisects Kansas City. The north side of the side opens up to the park and takes advantage of the major roads and streetcar route for visitor traffic. It serves local high schools as well as being within walking distance of the Power and Light district that is very pedestrian-heavy.
Convention Center District
Kau man Performing Arts Center
Historic Power + Light Building
Streetcar Expansion Line
Solar Protection
The facade acts as a shade device for the primary west glass facade, and the exposed glass skylight and fourth floor glass use integrated BIPV technology to harvest energy from the sun.
Green Space
The green space acts to connect the building back towards the park and the blue roof system acts as a means of collecting rainwater for efficient on-site runoff prevention and grey water collection.
Programming
The east building is dedicated to fabrication and separated for acoustical reasoning. The main building integrates the public walkway through the educational floor without direct access for safety.
Circulation
= Egress | Blue = Student Path Red = Public Path | Green = Service
Views
The north-facing sides of the building are primarily glass for consistent daylight. It is also intended to guide the visitor’s gaze towards the skyline and the park.
Yellow
The ground floor and entrances are oriented as to guide the public and student visitors along different paths, with the primary entrance being the most park-facing side, and the student entrance being located next to the drop off. The fabrication shop is in its own structure as to assist with acoustical complications from machinery.
Spatial Planning
The floor plans are organized as to separate student facilities from the public areas while still allowing for visual connections between floors. The rest of the programming directs visitors towards the rooftops for a view of the Kansas City skyline, and education about Kansas City’s history and global impact at the same time.
The hanging facade that acts as a shading device for the western glass wall provides insight in section as to how this is constructed. The roof and ground details exemplify how the building makes use of runoff and storm water for collection and reuse throughout the building as gray water.
The lobby is the public-facing aspect that welcomes visitors into the space through gallery exhibits that demonstrate Kansas City’s impact on the AEC industry on a global scale. The opportunity to see future technology such as the automated material library are also geared towards public to demonstrate how the AEC industry is embracing and using new techniques for problem solving, which are then applied on a global scale. The fabrication lab is visible from the street and offers the chance for the public to take interest in STEAM programs.
Level 01 lobby view
Level 01 Fabrication Lab view
The top floor of each building offers a northfacing view of the Kansas City skyline as well as a public green space. It gives a typically privatized experience back to the public and creates a destination that guides visitors through a space they can learn from.
Rooftop Experience
The fourth floor features an auditorium that seats 200, but can convert into different configurations. The ability to open this space up makes this level rent-able for more events than lectures, which encourages public engagement creates new connections.
Flexible Spaces
Portable Vinyl & CD Pop-Up Shop
Spring 2022 | Commercial
Professor Jae Chang Kansas City, Missouri 19’ x 10’
Pop-Up Vendor Selling Vinyl, CDs, and Cassettes in Tandem with Local Market Days.
This project focused on creating a pop-up booth designed for the future that was portable and involved new technology. With the resurgence in popularity of vinyls today, I projected that vinyls, CDs, and cassettes would regain popularity in a similar fashion in the future. Therefore, I decided my pop-up shop would sell analog music in a world that, by then, would nearly be entirely digital.
x 9’
The future nostalgia for tangible music is on the rise in popularity again. No matter how far technology advances, there will always be a fascination with the novelty of a physical copy, which is why this booth, though designed for the high-tech future, distributes vinyls, CDs, and cassettes. It is intended to travel to farmers markets and other community events and make use of
local suppliers as its means of stock. The rest is completely automated. Since the theme of music is so strong, it was important to draw from other nostalgic products that allowed people to listen to physical copies of music. The main inspiration was a boombox and its multi-faceted operations. The modernization of this design came through materials. This pop-up was designed to be
viewed from all angles. The back window, notably UV reflective glass for safe storage of the vinyls, allows those passing by to watch the retrieval arm in motion. The lighting is meant to draw those walking by around to the front to further explore the booth and encourage customers to stop inside.
Back To The Future
Initial inspiration came from the design of a traditional boombox.
Convert said boombox into an occupied volume.
Simplify and modernize the form using speaker and boombox materiality for a less literal derivation.
User Interaction
Inside the pop-up, there are a number of robotic arms that retrieve vinyls, CDs, and cassettes. The main record retrieving robot extends in between the LED displays to grab the desired record, which will shuffle towards an opening automatically so that the arm can grab it. The customer can also preview music
and interact with the booth via touch screen both in the main section and in the isolated sound booth for the best experience. The LED displays allow the record collection to be interchangeable and updated as desired.
LED Album cover screen displays
Automated record player
Automated CD retrieval system
CD display case
User interface
Perspective section cut looking into the booth at the main display
Tempered Glass
Sound booth user interface
Automated record retrieval system
Automated record player
Automated cassette retrieval system
Cassette display
Professor Kent Sprecklemeyer Pioneer Cemetery, Lawrence, Kansas
900 sq. ft. 1/4” = 1’0” scale
Non-Denominational Wooden Chapel.
This project focuses on creating a place of contemplation and inspiration for the west side of the KU campus. This chapel serves to host a wide range of ceremonies and rituals. This structure aims to host a universal sense of repose, hope, and solitude. Because the site is located next to a major road, it will also serve as a major visual object and landmark for visitors entering the college campus.
CHAPEL
FALL 2021 | SPIRITUAL
This chapel underwent several iterations of framework. Such a small structure needed to have an equal blend of support and light allowance in order to have sanctity in the space without sacrificing beauty. The first rendition took heavy inspiration from the nature of a flying buttress.
By merging a truss with this traditional and supportive shape, the framework stood as functional with a strong presence. The following iterations toned this feature down by manipulating the main truss into a complex A-frame, which successfully preserved the integrity of the building with visual interest still in play.
The final frame needed to be able to grow and shrink with the building width and height. It also needed to allow for multiple, repetitive points of connection in order to link the frames in a cohesive manner.
ITERATION 1 Flying buttresses
ITERATION 2
Triangulated A-Frame
ITERATION 3 Modified A-Frame
ITERATION 4 Final Frame Design
While designing the body of the chapel, it was important that a ratio of 1:3 was preserved. Since three is oftentimes seen as a “holy” number, the building width and height reach their most narrow point at the 1/3 mark, and expand from there. The tallest point at the front, middle point at the back, and lowest point in between are all related to each other through this ratio. The same can be said about the width of the chapel in which the front is the widest and most prominent feature of the building, the
back entrance is the second widest as the second most important area, and the middle is the most narrow in order to allow for the visitor to experience the relief and grandiosity when walking through the “pinch“ along the main axis. The ceremonial space is architecturally distinguishable by the window details and spire-like point that features an interlocking of the frame system to further develop visual interest and recognition of this space as the most prominent. Light is a common theme across
religions. Since the chapel does not belong to a specific group, it was important to include this motif that would speak to a variety of people. The frame system creates an interesting path for sunlight inside the structure. The axis of light follows suit with the axial form of the chapel and encourages the visitor to walk down the path, into the space. The additional prominence of light in the ceremonial space further signifies the message of this area in the chapel and acts as the focal point for visitors.
Northwest side detail at 1/4” = 1’0” scale
Detail, Symbolism, And Light
Pollinator Pavilion
Professor Keith Van de Riet Kansas Children’s Discovery Center Topeka, Kansas Fall 2022 | Design Build
Trail-head and Educational Prairie-themed Pavilion at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center.
This studio spent a semester designing and building a steel pavilion in Topeka, Kansas. We worked in groups tasked with different divisions of work that needed to be completed at an expedited rate to finish the project within the the semester.
Student Team: Ashlyn Caldwell, Cameron Ernst, Cole Erlemeier, David Tauser, Emily Flachs, Emme Schatz, Hanna Hissa, Katie Drummond, Landon Dinkel, Sophey
Photo by: Kansas Children’s Discovery Center.
Shutt, Tiyani Han, Yuchuan Shi.
Iterations of roof patterns my initial group came up with for our schematic design called the
“Butterfly Pavilion.”
equals a pattern of constructive and deconstructive interference known as a “moire.”
Finalizing the Design Direction
After the initial pitch, the museum decided to move forward with a different group’s idea. After this was chosen, we all came back together as one large group to begin developing this design into a build-able structure. The first group of four then became those who focused on the solar and radiation studies to see how much and where the shading would need to be located. The second group focused on creating a
construction document set to submit for permits and update as the digital model became more robust . The third group would focus on the structural connections and regularizing them for the sake of fabrication. This is the group I was a part of that resulted in the most changes from original concept to final output. The fourth group would then focus on the roof tile design. Many iterations and variations were physically mocked up
and tested for patterning and scale before the final shape was picked. The goal was to aid in the structure’s dynamic appeal while being regular and provide enough coverage to act as solar shelter, especially during peak business hours in the summer.
Model built by David Tauser & Emme Schatz
One X-Y oriented sheet of expanded sheet metal plus...
one tilted sheet of expanded sheet metal...
Personal Responsibilities
While in the structural connection group, I worked one on one with structural engineers from McClure Engineering to make our napkin sketch of cantilevers come to life. They assisted with proper sizing of our connections as well as working with us to choose which connection design would be the most structurally sound.
In addition, we worked with and toured a number of other companies in the Kansas area listed below. This gave us insight into how best to design for ease of fabrication while also understanding the extent of our materials.
Planning For Peak Activity
The summer months are the most popular for the museum, so our solar studies primarily concerned the summer solstice data and how the area would be shaded then. At peak business hours, midday, there is minimal direct sunlight on the slab under the pavilion.
Photo of the finished project’s shading technique.
The engineers and I refined the structural connections to appropriately fit the cantilevered beams in a structurally sound manner. The foundations also had to act as large counterweight anchors and developed into pier footings connected to slabs that would be held in place by the earth. It was my job to keep the 3D model up to date with any new decisions. Another group refined the roof tile shape and gave the focal point of the project a dynamic appeal.
Roof tile shape.
Rafter profile.
As the structural elements were solidified, many of the final design choices like finishes, color, seating, and shading were put in place directly based on the context of the site.
The overall shape became derived from the Kansas state bird, the Western Meadowlark, and its wing and color pattern.
Preserved prairie trail entrance
Yellow powder-coated steel mesh to mimic the museum’s entrance as the prairie entrance
Native Kansas limestone blocks as trail markers and benches
Galvanized steel to protect against the elements and mimic steel on museum facade
Angled columns reflected in the pavilion
Existing yellow-tinted glass that generates playfulness and signals the entrance
Iconic roof line that visually ties the museum to the pavilion
10.12.2022
After the design phase, the warehouse crew begins cutting the expanded sheet metal into the roof tile shapes.
11.09.2022
The site crew pours the bigger of the two foundations and sets the re-bar cages.
11.16.2022
The warehouse crew tack welds the steel rafters together for a connections inspection.
11.21.2022
Warehouse crew stands main structural elements upright
12.03.2022
12.05.2022
The steel members are hot-dip galvanized.
12.13.2022
12.15.2022
The roof tiles are powder coated.
The site crew begins the assembly of the structure.
The site crew installs the rafters and roof tiles in their final positions.
Completion + Recognition
By the end of the fall 2022 semester, we completed the Pollinator Pavilion and officially opened it to the public. In spring of 2023, our team won the American Galvanizer’s Association Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing award in the Civic Contribution category. This nationwide competition awarded projects that demonstrate strong achievement in the use of hot-dip galvanizing in a project design and concept.
Personal Work
Spring 2021 - | Photography
Hanna Hissa
DSLR and Film Photography Varied Locations
Collection of Photography Works
As a hobby, I enjoy photographing the symmetrical, the bizarre, and the details of the world around me. Featured here are a few of my most recent photographs that play with texture, still life, depth, and architectural detail.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
In exploring the spaces created by the unique materiality selection of the Nelson, the museum becomes a piece of art itself. The lighting conditions create a soft environment, that ensures even the areas without traditional artwork are perceived as their own form of artistry. The intentionality behind plastered textures and evidence of human life bring a grounded quality to the space.
Skewing The Perspective
This project was an accident. The original goal was to find building materials that could be photographed at the macro scale. Upon finding a place to shoot from, the lighting conditions, materiality of the glass panels, and near eye-level vantage I had found created a warped effect to the eye. I found this to be a compelling intersection of practicality and whimsy, since the glass is intentionally warped to prevent glare on surrounding buildings and thermally expand without breaking across the seasons.
By collaging the resultants together, a funkier, more full image emerges. The intent of this project shifted into a narrative about the warped view of an architect, and the endless effort to perfect their designs. The warping of the glass is not a desired look on the architect’s behalf, but the reality is, that it must be built in such a way to preserve user satisfaction. There is a constant battle between architects and the real world, as oftentimes they must make sacrifices to their visions for the sake of practicality.
Downtown Chicago
High Contrast
This project centers on the tactile qualities of architecture, exploring how the interplay of light and shadow can reveal hidden textures and details.
By capturing elements bathed in harsh, highcontrast light, the photographs themselves take on a visually tactile presence, urging the viewer to almost “feel” the surfaces through the image. Despite being confined to a two-dimensional plane, these images are designed to evoke a sensory experience, encouraging a deeper, more intimate look at the world around us.
Even the most ordinary, overlooked materials carry a story—one shaped by the hands that crafted them and the people who have engaged with them. Through this lens, the mundane is transformed, revealing a richness of detail that often goes unnoticed.
Lawrence, Kansas
This series blends the precision of still life photography in a controlled environment with the spontaneity of objects found in the wild. Each piece carries its own rich history, having passed through many hands, holding stories within them that may never be fully known.
The carefully staged scenes explore themes of “missed connections” and unanswered calls, reflecting on the broader human experience of communication and relationships. Through these objects, a narrative unfolds, speaking to the often silent and unseen stories that shape our connections with one another.
The public storefront image echoes many of the same themes, balancing a sense of order amid the apparent clutter and mild chaos. Each object carries the weight of its past, quietly awaiting a new observer to rediscover its beauty.
This “lost and found” series speaks to the passage of time, highlighting the permanence of the things left behind— some of which may remain forgotten, while others are poised for renewal through a fresh perspective.
