This portfolio is a demonstration of the academic work completed at the Rhode Island School of Design and personal inspired projects. In my work I constantly aim to live between conventional boundaries of landscape, architecture and art.
2021 - Now (Expanding)
Inspired by Nancy Nichols RISD Studio Personal Project
This RISD studio prompted me to use the reflective cieling plan as the driving design force. I was inspired by the structural organisation and intricacy of vaulting inside the Islamic Mosque of Jameh as modular elements.
The final project uses the modular composition to create an outdoor pavilion. The sculptural tree-like canopy offers shade and gathering space for park users. Continuing projects include studying water collection and panel perforation design.
By considering the RCP a driving force of design, I consider the spiritual connotation and direct relationship that these modules have to the sky which brough me to design an outdoor pavilion. To the right, is a combination of a number of modules found throughout the mosque and the geometric simplicity.
This catalogue dissects each element of the mosque and how each module is combined or manipulated. A few images from the study are included. I was intrigued by Modules F & G by their organisational irregularity.
An example for how I choose to adapt these two modules to my program is to use them for the design of tables and walls. The use of tables in this outdoor pavilion invite collaboration and interaction, while walls can promote privacy as well as direction through this irregular plan.
Panels are made out of stainless steel for weather resistant and sustainabile properties. The perforation is to allow for light to pass through creating light patterns of light on the ground the design of which is to be studied in an expanded project. Panels are to be lined with lightweight semi transparent material to protect from rain.
Module to include rain collection & distribution system to rest of planting or alternative purposing using the funnel-like shape.
Transforming evacuated residential site surrounding Market Street into public space and wetland park for locals to continue enjoying the landscape od Warren.
Design of new arts center & sculpture park as a celebration and representation of town identity, place of gathering and sharing.
Suggestion towards new agricultural hemp industry in flooded areas and its use as a building material: insulation towards new residential construction.
Expansion of highway in relocation site (Metacom St) to safely accomodate increasing pedestrian activity.
[Water Level Rise Map, Photoshop]
Spring 2022
Advisor Laura Briggs & Anne Tate RISD Architecture
This site plan and arts center is designed within a larger urban planning project to revatilize the Metacom highway in Warren, RI. The project serves as public park, auditorium, market and exhibition space to bring the community.
The design follows the movement of a wave, representing the prominent meaning behind water in this town. The main project material is hempcrete as an example to promote the production and use of hemp in architecture.
[Photoshop on Model Photography]
Auditorium Foyer Gallery
Part of a larger project series in Warren to revitalise the community, this arts center houses a number of programs for encouraged gathering, celebration of identity and interactivity. The art center sits at the top of the new relocation residential site with new urban park and new main street.
Flexible Program Space, e.g. Market Space
Choreographed fountains for dynamic landscape & public interactivity
Scuplture Garden Oppurtunity to display local
The special part of the project are the curved walls which are made possible by the malleability of hempcrete as a material. More regular curvature is formed within the auditorium to promote sound absorption. In the foyer, the curves are morre dramatic and present.
As part of the project series, there is a proposed introduction to hemp farming in the wetlands creating by sea level rise in Warrren. As a means of celebrating local material, the arts center will use primarily hemp in construction where possible mostly with hempcrete
This test batch of the biocomposite material is made up of hemp shives, lime plaster and water. Phragmites can also be used as additional aggregate given the mass growth in Warren too. The proportion of material determines the structural intergrity and aesethetic of the material.
Hempcrete was strong insultation and sound absorption qualities. The material can be used in block but ultimately formed by a mould to any shape.
The intended form of the walls are to be fluid and scluptural. Using hempcrete for the insulation, the walls act as sculptural molds with wooden studs but the challenge is the window. The diagram shows how to tackle the curvature at the window by panelling the windows to mimic the curve.
Plaster
Hempcrete R-4 per inch
Double Glaze Window
Window Sill Seating
Wooden Trim
Window Frame
Wooden Structural Stud
Fall 2021
Advisor Spencer Hayden RISD ArchitectureThe Yaodong courtyard, also known as the “pithouse” is an open space below ground to grant an area of opening for underground enclosures. The pithouse allows for a direct relationship with the material and ground appropriate for the program of geology museum.
This project is mostly conconceptual as a study of the landscape. Design is rooted within a base grid that is altered to accomodate various gallery spaces and create enclosure. The grid is interrupted to allow the presence of the courtyard.
[Collage on Model Photography]
The main goal of this project was not to discover the constraints of designing a museum or gallery but of exploring the ways of interacting with such a large spread of public landscape to create accessibile community gathering.
Establishing an Underground System [Hand Model & Pastel Diagram]
The initial pastel drawings attempt to grasp the drama behind creating voids in the ground from the perspective of under and over ground. Quick mock up on the following page tests the inclusion of skylights within this subteraneum world.
Void Studies [Pastel & Illustrator]
Model Photography [Cardboard Test]