Issuu

OUT ATL Fall 2023

OUT envisions a new space that is unapologetically queer. Inspired by Aaron Betsky's 'Queer Space', three design principles are integrated into the concept: Grotesque space, Orgasmic space, and Trans space. Grotesque space is depicted by an out-of-scale proportion created by the external structure experiences. Orgasmic space is depicted through the dynamic promenade and internal caged atrium. Trans space is depicted through the sharp cuts and transitions in the base build-ing form.

The implementation of these design principles aims to create an unquestionably queer community center. The program would include residential, medical, convention, gallery, retail, oﬃces, and most importantly, the historic preservation of the last black queer bar in Atlanta.

Collaboration with Abby Akridge

Development

Massing

Initial Queer-ed

The site is currently home to Bulldogs, a 1960s-era black gay bar, one of the oldest left in the city. The ‘kitchen sink’ program of the tower is set to include housing, oﬃce space for queer groups, medical support, and community space

The mass is designed to stand out when compared to the typical high-rise, a form of signaling. Creating moments that preserve the historic bar below and a series of semi-public private spaces that adorn the many terraces

Preserve Bulldogs

Cut mass

Fit to program

Conceptual

Trans-Form Grotesque Structure Orgasmic Space

Trans-forms are analogous to surgery, which requires the act of cutting to move towards a new whole and create something complete

A Grotesque Structure supports spaces that create a hyper-awareness of the user's body, through space manipulations

Orgasmic Space is space that is ethereal and deeply experiential. The user is overcome with deep feelings inside

Renderings

Skyline Street Plaza

Street View

Plans

Elevation

Section

Models

WEST END

Spring 2023

The neighborhood of West End in Atlanta has a rich history, a strong community, and connections to the HBCUs. However, it has been challenged by the white flight, lack of investment, and the destruction of connections by I-20 have left this neighborhood under-served and unconnected, leading to high rates of unemployment, crime, and abandoned properties. Contextual understanding of the neighborhood was crucial for the project in order to understand and address the concerns of the community.

West End Boulevard seeks to unite the community by providing aﬀordable housing, incubators, and jobs, while minimizing the eﬀect of gentrification.

Collaboration with Maddi Dutton, Rafael Hernandez, and Julianna Viengxay

Plan Creation

Section A

Fragmentation Boulevard Stitching Shuttle and Beltline

Inital Massing Fragmentation Staggering

Below Marta Beltline Connector

Activated Park

Mixed-use nieghborhood scaled

Performing

I-20

Design Axons

Mixed Income

Mixed Use

Activated Public Space

Boulevard

Small Scale Retail Spaces

Mixed use Community Exercise area

Beltline Connector Under Rail Community Incubator

Pop Up Shops

Soccer Station Marta

Hall of Fame Incubator

Model

THEKLA

Fall 2021

Named after the fantastical city of Thekla in 'Invisible Cities' by Italo Calvino, the design was inspired by the ever-evolving city seen only as layers upon layers of scaﬀolding and the change that came with it.

Thekla is a 90,000-square-foot mass timber oﬃce tower with 20,000 square feet of retail connected by a central atrium. The oﬃce floats above the retail podium below, to provide a continuous urban frontage while giving green space to the site.

This project was later used for a codes class and analyzed there further

Renders

Oﬃce Atrium

Oﬃce Circulation

Roof Top

Drawings

JUXTAPOSITION

Spring 2024

The movement of people in urban areas creates a symphony of activity in public, private, commercial, leisure, and living spaces. However, high-rises often lack public space compared to traditional horizontal neighborhoods.

This thesis aims to challenge the narrative by seamlessly integrating public space into high-rises, negotiating the boundary between public and private space, building internal and external connections, and uniting the city's horizontal movement with the high-rise's three-dimensional movement. By doing so, it seeks to create a sense of community within high-rises and enhance the urban experience for its residents. Located along the Atlanta Beltline.

For the full project, visit https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/barch_etd/344/

Problem Analysis

Solution Framework

PROGRAM

This series of issues highlights one primary problem, the inherent boundaries built into most modern high-rises. These boundaries create a series of contradictions inside and outside the high-rise. The urban area contrasts with the building, public spaces are unconnected to private spaces, and the building's activities are isolated. High-rises are at odds with the horizontal movement of the city as the external movement is broken by internal movement. The high-rise defines itself by boundaries and oppositions.

BOUNDARY

The proposed high-rise typology seeks to challenge those boundaries to create juxtapositions. The spatial connection of high-rises encompasses spaces for both public and private use, creating dynamic connections that allow for community interaction while also prioritizing the intended use. Additionally, the contrast of programs inside the building plays a significant role in the community, balancing the need to maximize profit while also integrating amenities to benefit the community. The new landscape of highrises facilitates various forms of movement.