Jessica Adamson | 2022 Portfolio

Hi, I’m Jessica, a designer recently graduated from the Masters of Architecture program at the University of Calgary in 2022.

With a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Interior Design from Sheridan College Technical Institute, located in Oakville & Hamilton Ontario.

I am interested in creating experiences through visual, digital and physical spaces. Passionate about environmental causes ensuring, we as people, continue to care for and enhance our surroundings.

Beginning with a sketch and conceptual models I generate iterations on 2d planes and in 3d space with physical volumes.

Continuing on to volumetric digital models to gain a more accurate understanding of scale; pushing, pulling and shaping to generate a form suitable to the conceptual and programmatic goals. The selected projects I have chosen offer a range of this progress. The portfolio is a celebration of these tireless outcomes, highlighting the completion while hinting at the creation.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN MY WORK

MARINAS

Investigating the potential for structures to revitalize shorelines vulnerable to water fluctuations, resulting in an adaptable residence and surrounding scape which highlights water movement rather than barricading against it.

CENTRE FOR EMBRACE

With social media so prevelent in todays world this space allows young adults and teens to grow against the negative effects. Learning to love thier image and gain confidence within the surroundings of embrace.

Exposé acts as a catalyst for revolutionary ideas and a dissemination of social, political, and cultural injustice through art and media. Art imposing itself as a tool for protest as a projection of voice.

RETAIL

Desinging a store for the brand prada. Based on their geometric logo, the space becomes a squed perspective allowing the guests to become a model within the abracted form.

WORKS

A series of works brought into reality:

+ Exterior Renovation /

+ Masonry Fabrication /

Retrofit

THINKING

ACADEMIC PROJECT

LOCATION

Lake Erie Shorelines, Ontario, Canada

MENTORS

Professor: Mauricio Soto Rubio

PROGRAMS USED

Sketchup, Enscape, Twinmotion, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, AutoCAD, Imovie

Rethinking typical marina archetypes, re-conceiving both structure and form. Rather than recessing marina channels inland creating barriers against water flow and human interaction with nature. This project aims to increase shore adaptability to promote natural habitation and flow with natural forces rather than barricading against them. The project investigates the potential for structures to be habitable while revitalizing the shorelines vulnerable to water fluctuations, resulting in the continued destruction of wetlands which naturally protect sediment and shorelines from erosion.

“As an architect you design for the present, with an awareness of the past, for a future which is essentially

Marinas have become increasingly more congested, developing a static barrier from nature as retaining walls and boathouses are statically blocking the shorelines. This barrier between shore and water in an attempt to fight against natural forces along with environmental imbalances has further receded the shoreline within the Great Lakes. As I grew up on the water between Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario I have seen firsthand the recession of the water’s edge. As this was the final studio project of my Masters’s program we were given the choice of location and scale of the solution. Taking a new stance embracing rather than fighting nature in order to redevelop the shoreline and break down the barriers I chose to design a new lake scape and residential structure which works along with the watercraft lifestyle.

WATER LEVEL FLUCTUATIONS CAUSE AND INCREASE OF FLOODING AND EROSION.

“ ”

UPWELLING DEFINITION:

Short-term fluctuations are seen in the most extreme cases on the West-East running Lake Erie where water level differences have been recorded in excess of 9.9’.

TYPICAL HABITAT TYPOLOGIES

Residence living along the shore lines of Lake Erie combine watercraft and boat house structures to create a unified living environment. Watercraft’s have become an extension of the residence.

BOAT TYPES

TYPICAL RESIDENCE TYPOLOGIES

BOAT TYPE + STRUCTURE

Balancing boat programmatics and prefabricated modular structures supported on a floating structure moving with the water fluctuations, stabilized through minimal impact pillars.

Habitable Boat + Uninhabitable Structure

Semi-Habitable Boat + Semi-Uninhabitable Structure

Uninhabitable Boat + Habitable Structure

HOUSING SHIFTS WITH THE WATER

Rain water & natural recycle system. Supplies water for radiant in floor heating. Grey water recovery system

Louvre vents at high points for stack effect

Operable windows at opposing side for through ventilation

(3) Stable Pillars

blending into the horizon.

Photo-voltaic panels, direction alters depending on southern face

Building Organization

MARINAS

BASE LEVEL

01 Entrance

Flexible ramp/stair access. Moves up and down with the structure.

Boat Parking

Boat reverses into space, allowing for convenient access to boat amenities. Creating continuity and through connection from boat to structure.

Non-motorized Watercraft

Easy access to load / unload and enter/exit the craft. Dock is low to water and has bumpers and low grab bars for stability.

Storage

For items not required on watercraft: - Barbecue - Tubing, skiing wake-boarding equipment - Fishing rods - Seating / shore furniture - Black water storage

HIGH LEVEL

03 Diving Exit

Door accessible diving platform, allowing for continuous access to water even from higher levels.

Bedrooms

Large windows elevated for partial privacy. Full privacy through blinds.

Bathroom

Shower, sink and water flow into natural water recycle system. Houses dryer system and has close adjacency to storage for towel accessibility. Through pillar encased in glass to highlight structure movement and pillar stability.

Storage - Towels - Linens - Games

Storage

Main Level

Boat Parking

Crafts

Semi-Private Level Connection

UP

Kitchen

Room

UP

Bathroom BedroomBedroom

Diving Exit

MID LEVEL

02 Entrance

Constructed secondary pathway runs alongside entrance, allowing eternal connection.

Kitchen

One wall kitchen, with fullsized standard appliances, Adjacency to private pathway connections which access roof top dining area.

Living Room

Central congregation area, with 360 views. Houses green water storage and natural filtration system. Minimal storage and access to exposed structure.

04 Diving Exit

Diving platform, allowing for continuous access to water even from higher levels.

PV Panels

Direction of panels change depending on southern facing direction. Angle alters with seasonal sun path. Lifted to allow for water access underneath.

Dining Area & Open Patio

Open areas, with no railings for clear continuous view. Lifted edges for safety.

PASSIVE STRUCTURE

Shifted blocks for through sight-lines

Operable windows at opposing side for through ventilation. Window Overhangs for 360° seasonal shading. Low-E gas filled triple glazing

WATER RECYCLE SYSTEM

Rain water & natural filtration collection system. Grey water recovery system

Gradient in floor heating

CONCRETE CAISSON AS FLOATING BLOCK SUPPORT

PROMOTED LOCAL WILDLIFE

VEGETATION GROWTH ALONG FLOOR

FLEXIBLE ENTRANCE

FLOATING PARK

Stable Platforms:

- Perforated aluminum decking

- 3D Printed Terra Cotta

- Porous rough concrete

- Recycled concrete pillars

Floating Docks:

- Composite decking from reclaimed wood and recycled plastic

Stable Mesh:

- Perforation mesh promoting vegetation growth

Floating Vegetation:

- Floating wetland with telescopic anchor points

SIGNAL LIGHT

Spinning hydro power generator with marine navigation lights

SUMMER

HABITAT FOR MICRO ORGANISMS

RESTORED WETLANDS VEGETATION

HABITAT CREATION

VENTILATION

FINAL VIDEO

Renders & Master Plan

MARINAS

ACADEMIC PROJECT FUNCTION

Recalibrate the human condition through art LOCATION Placeless MENTORS

Professor: Marc Boutin

Partner: Arpun Dhillion

PROGRAMS USED

Rhino, Sketchup, Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop,

The project aims to redefine the term “parasite”, often associated with marginalized suppressed groups within society. Expose acts as a catalyst for revolutionary ideas and a disseminator of social, political, and cultural injustice through art and media. Art imposes itself as a tool for protest as a projection of voice. Creating change within society within a highly dominating cultural surround. Alongside being the voice for the voiceless, Expose as a public facility aims to create generous space for all. Promotes growth, change, and unity rather than one that causes separation or loss of power through dissemination.

Dissemination: The spread of information. What type of information are we supplying to the users? Worldwide social and political issues are commonly ignored or underrepresented especially by those who have the power to alter and aid.

Who: Targeting those who do not commonly interact with public interfaces, but rather have blinders on while focusing on self-indulgent hierarchy further causing stratification.

What: Resolving the reversal of a negative stigma between various cultures, commonly seen as parasites, causing various human rights issues.

Why: Creating a cohesive community through social issues. Fighting as one positive parasitical element.

How: Captivating and engaging closed-minded individuals throughout their daily activities. Activating their traditional routes and engaging mindsets.

Cultural Inequities

GREEN SEATING DIGITAL DISPLAY ACCESS TO PARKING RETAIL STORE STORAGE/ELEVATORS LOBBY MEDIA WALL

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

CAFE KITCHEN STORAGE GRAFFITI HALL WASHROOMS SECURITY OFFICE MAKER-SPACE SKATE RENTALS DISPLAY CASE

OFFICE WASHROOMS ADMIN OFFICE LECTURE HALL GATHERING AREA ARTIST STUDIO BALCONY OF PROTEST

GROUND LEVEL

Graffiti Hall

SECOND FLOOR

GRADE PARKADE

SUPPLY RETURN OUTAKE INTAKE PV PANELS MECHANICAL ROOM

Mechanical Legend SUPPLY RETURN OUTAKE INTAKE PV PANELS MECHANICAL ROOM

SUPPLY RETURN OUTAKE INTAKE PV PANELS MECHANICAL ROOM

SUPPLY RETURN OUTAKE INTAKE PV PANELS MECHANICAL ROOM

SUPPLY RETURN OUTAKE INTAKE PV PANELS MECHANICAL ROOM

SUPPLY RETURN OUTTAKE INTAKE MECH. RM.

AIR SUPPLY

Return air through plenum above suspended wood clad ceiling.

Curtain glass creating a division between completed interior ceiling and exposed exterior ceiling materiality.

I-beam structural supports, creates continuous fold of supportive elements through out.

Summer sun

In-floor active air systems, c/w directional grille.

Lightweight polished concrete, c/w in-floor radiant heating

Concrete assembly edge, c/w perimeter channel for wood cladding ceiling installation.

Description:

Plenum above suspended wood ceiling allows for return air flow, lighting and sprinkler pathways.

ROOF CURTAIN WALL01

Insulated double glazed curtain wall glass with thermal break.

Lightweight polished concrete paving stone, c/w typical risers for glass installation and water drainage.

F1

Winter sun

Description: Under floor air distribution system along ground and second floor air is supplied along the perimeter of the spaces. Each space to have thermostat for user controlled conditions.

02

SECOND FLOOR CURTAIN WALL

Tapered roof edge c/w rain screen and concealed eaves.

Rain sheds through canopy rain screen to ground connections.

GLYCOL HEATING & COOLING

Semi - conditioned and conditioned spaces heated & cooled through piped embedded in floor slab.

Description:

Rain water flows through concealed eves within canopy, to ground point connections. Roof tapers along edge, creating delicate facade. Refer to Roof plan for further details.

CANOPY ROOF EDGE

MATERIAL CHOICES:

Cardstock: Canopy rain screen, second level floor, lecture hall & cultural bridge

Balsa Wood: canopy underside structure & silhouettes

Plexi glass sheets: Interior walls

Cement board: Base & exterior platforms

Quickcrete: Core pathway

Twigs: Trees

Paper: Tags for labeling

-

EQUIPMENT:

Rhino to explode and unroll forms.

To scale paper print outs for cardstock and cement board extractions using Exacto-knife.

Laser cutter for all wood extractions.

Marker for all stair representations.

Constructed Model

ACADEMIC PROJECT

FUNCTION

Develop a positive relationship with self-image LOCATION

Toronto, ON, CA

PROGRAMS USED

Sketchup, Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, Autocad

Studies show staggering statistics relating to young women on diets, feeling worthless or pressured to look different in order to meet the cultured idea of ‘beautiful’. I would like to locate my proposed center within the most affected area in order to start a revolution against the mainstream use of these ‘perfect images’. Due to this I propose to have the center located within the downtown core of Toronto. Toronto is a major city that has become known for its fashion district, the TIFF, its multiculturalism and more.

The center will be located on the 2nd floor of an office building above food venders and retail stores. The location has high vehicle and foot traffic, which will encourage advertisement of the cause. The setting is located near retail stores since they are known for their advertisements that portray the unachievable ‘ideal woman’. The center would act as inspiration for young girls who are being influenced by these images. The location is easily accessible with or without vehicles to encourage young women to visit with or without the supervision of parental guardians. To further encourage a comfortable and safe environment the space is near school and residential districts.

The space is broken down into 3 phases:

Stage 1 - To create a space which encourages healthy food, rest, and comfort. Allowing guests to feel welcomed when entering a new environment.

Stage 2 - To create a space which encourages communication, group settings, and reward. Allowing guests to feel a sense of belonging and accomplishment while gaining a supportive team.

Stage 3 - To create a space which encourages creative development in hopes to achieve self identification. Allowing guests to fell comfortable within their own image and identification. Guests now have achieved the background and basic encouragement within an encouraging environment.

The Centre for Beauty embrace Be Express

Reveal

Understand

Of girls say they with they were someone else.

Of girls say they feel pressure from the media to be thin.

Of girls in grade 6 are on a diet.

girls in grade 10 say they are self confident.

WHO: Young women (15-25 years)

WHAT: The negative affects social media has upon girls’ self esteem and identity.

WHERE: Bloor street, a heavily populated area of Toronto.

WHEN: Beginning with today’s female youth generation and continuing on future youth generations.

WHY: Young girls have begun to live unhealthy lives and feel ashamed of their ‘lack of beauty’ when comparing to images as seen on social media.

HOW: Teaching young women about healthy lifestyles while encouraging self discovery and identity.

A

Movie playing on one screen, divided by walls.

The walls act as media

Expose reality with exposed wall construction.

Natural wood end-cuts. Lights & Mirror Wall.

Green vegetation wall. Broken concrete wall with natural plants breaking through.

WALL

ACADEMIC PROJECT

LOCATION

Oakville Centre Mall, Ontario, Canada

PROGRAMS USED

Sketchup, Photoshop, Indesign, Autocad

Brief: Given the building, design an upper-class retail store for the brand Prada.

Design Strategy: The bases of my concepts originated from Prada’s bag logo. The triangle logo shape was abstracted and can be seen throughout the store.

When entering the store the main walkway mimic a cat walk, where the customer is the model. Partial walls have mirrors on the interior while clothes hang in front. As one walks into the space they can imagine being a Prada model, wearing the hanging clothes by looking into the mirrors.

Various circulation patterns, back of house requirements, item security as well as sales of items were some of determining factor within the design of this space.

RUNWAY & SHOWROOM

THE GUEST A MODEL

“ ”

VARIOUS PROJECT

Projects ranging from my work experience.

Working in-field brings a different view and process compared to strictly academic work. Carrying through concepts and inspiration from the digital into the physical creation is a completely different challenge. Through my work experience I have pushed to maintain continuity with an open mind for on-site alterations.

Within these projects I acknowledging the difference between realistic and informative renders & diagrams for a variety of purposes from marketing, client meetings and trades demonstrations. Similarly I have gained experience while producing plans, elevation and diagrams for the sole purpose of creation. Feedback from clients, colleagues and trades during and after construction allows for each project to gain resolution and consideration.

Even through digital planning on-site work can change in an instant with an on-site meeting, measure or walkthrough. During the construction phase I am open to change and allow my digital creations to be modified as the physical takes lead.

Fully reinvented into a local gem located in the heart of downtown Stratford. A vibrant community best known for its culinary, arts and theatre.

AFTER Completed Project

Renovation & Renders

WORKS: EXPERIENTIAL WORKS

a team of

create new ‘bricks’.

ACTUAL BRICKS & MOULDS

Transforming the originally given brick with a modern form which consists of selected performances. Drawing on recent advances in computational design tools and workflows, we advanced the traditional moulds using

by traditional forming

versions,

Each mould form created

and stress points, with some forms

to generate a larger series of

others were limited.

3

6

5

PURPOSE

Winning design-build installation for Calgary’s tactical urbanism contest.

LOCATION Calgary, ON, Canada ROLE

Working within a team, design and create an attractive destination for warmth and connection using the given recycled items.

CONNECTION: ZIP-TIE TENSION

The milk-crate is a unit that can be stacked, angled and tied together to form a robust shelter from the wind and snow. The waving arch allows users to absorb the warmth of the fire, while framing the surrounding building views and the fire pit itself. Mimicking the shape of a fireplace or oven the interactive seating area can be accessed from multiple sides.

The 172 crates are secured with zip ties, allowing the crates to be oriented and secured safely to create an archway. Plywood covers the seating area, delineating where users are safe to occupy. Lighting illuminates the archway, enhancing the fires warm glow.

172

Urban Installation

WORKS: EXPERIENTIAL WORKS