Holly McNeilly_2024 Portfolio

THESIS BEGINNINGS

8 Month Project | 5th Year Fall/ Spring

Architecture is static, devoid of interaction; often it can be simplistically reduced to lifeless walls encapsulating blank spaces. This thesis begins to explore a new reality with the potential of transforming architecture through emerging technologies and systems. As the boundaries between the built and the virtual environment begin to blur, the arrival of a mixed reality promises enriched immersive environments that reshape our perception of space.

As Toyo Ito wrote, “What we seek in architecture is spaces that are truly alive, actually physically engaging us”. Technology must not only be entangled with design but into the built environment as well. Through this integration the building becomes a system of thought, provoking people to interact. No longer is architecture a structure of walls but it can begin to transform into a consciousness.

While it is true that technology has forever changed the way we perceive, communicate, and interact with our world, it should not be understood as a rigid construct. Researchers have identified parallels between computer operations and human cognition. Computation is not just a tool, but a collaborator, composing a synergetic relationship that mobilizes new spaces. This relationship forms immersive interactions and dynamic exchanges.

Juhani Pallasmaa, stated that architecture has become a “stage set for the eye”. However, I believe there is an opportunity to engage all senses within architecture.

The Street Lamp

Re-imagined to blend into a virtual atmosphere. The street lamp turns into different projections to create an interactive public space. It is located along side walks and parks, allowing a safe environment for people to interact.

The Tent

Re-imagined to blend into a virtual atmosphere. The tent is adaptable with electric modular walls, providing shading, ventilation and the ability to connect tents into a bigger space. Special lighting and projector systems allow for a more engaging and dynamic space to occupy.

The Cublicle

Re-imagined to blend into a virtual atmosphere. Through the help of augmented reality, the typical nine to five employee can experience their cubicle environments that promotes productivity. While assisting on blocking out distractions, the modular cubicle walls also allow for the work space to adapt and for workers to collaborate easier.

The Pool

Re-imagined to blend into a virtual atmosphere. Through augmented reality googles the pool becomes a new reality where the imagination can wonder. The pool transforms into an immersive experience that can be utilized not only for activity but education.

A convergence of architecture, technology and mankind. Humans and technological systems are beginning to break out of the traditional architectural structure, making space for the field to evolve as a place of immersion and interaction.

BUILDING A CANOPY

A mixed use housing project, accompanied by the Philharmonic Performance Center within one of Chicago’s seventy-seven defined Community Areas, South Shore. This project is set in motion by understanding the history of affordable housing and the South Shore in Chicago. Many Chicago neighborhoods are heavily concentrated by one race. Though only 30% of neighborhoods in Chicago have a majority Black population, 80% of affordable housing projects are placed in these areas with little to no expectation of inward and outward community engagement, augmenting segregation.

Knowledge gained from failed Chicago housing projects such as The Robert Taylor Homes, helps to develop this projects massing. Two single corridors, facing each other, with a forty feet gap of usable and defined community space between connected bridges, uniting the spaces. This project adapts based on history and fits in to it’s surrounding space so that it is based on and can thrive in the neighborhood of South Shore.

The concept of a tree canopy becomes the guiding physical and abstract architectural element for this project because it not only is a catalyst for growth, but also acts as structure that provides shelter and forms a community. Taking these design ideas, this project thoughtfully designs affordable housing with roots to the community so that it not only acts as a safe structure and shelter, but also becomes a point of continuous growth.

Semester Long Project |4th Year Fall

Many Chicago neighborhoods are heavily concentrated by one race. Though only 30% of neighborhoods in Chicago have a majority Black population, 80% of affordable housing projects are placed in these areas with little to no expectation of inward and outward community engagement, augmenting segregation.

By providing a building that is based on and for the south shore neighborhood, our design adds to community engagement and in turn becomes a catalyst for community growth.

Plan Key

Community Member

Philharmonic Guest

Resident

The canopy begins to form both outdoor and indoor areas for strong community engagement.

East Elevation

East Section

Atrium Center at 9am on a Weekday

Atrium Center at Noon on a Weekend

Atrium Center at 6pm before a Philharmonic Show

Enlarged sidewalk and Nature Walk

Bus Stop

Park and Community Garden

Philharmonic Atrium

Community Meeting Space and Music Rooms

Walking and Bike Trail

South Elevation

South Section

Unit Matrix

Studio 1-Bedroom

2-Bedroom 3-Bedroom

Studio - 17

1-Bedroom - 25

2-Bedroom - 20

3-Bedroom - 10

Total Units - 72

CAPELLA DEL CHIAROSCURO

1 Week Project | 4th Year Spring

Life and Death are two polarizing entities that are forced to be integrated with each other. This interaction and coexistence of the two is what makes life so valuable. There is an emphasis of this relationship within the chapel as the charred wood column resembles death and the CLT wood column resembles life. These two materialities come together at one point to signify the delicate balance a life holds. As one enters the chapel through an underground ossuary mortality comes to question. Slowly ascension takes place from the darkness into the open light of the chapel. Verticality is utilized to guide the eye upward towards light, giing the visitor a spiritual experience.

ERASURE AND REMBRANCE

Newtown was an African American community that was located near Virginia Tech’s campus. Today the only building that remains is St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall. Emphasizing the past, this building forms a quiet space to reflect on the history of Newtown and a place of gathering outside the building. As you walk through the building you descend down a long ramp, that allows the occupant to slowly reflect on what Newtown once was. The ramp pulls you back so as you approach the end St. Luke and Odd Fellows House is framed by a grand window.

1 Month Project | 3rd Year Fall

GRAPHIC DESIGN