John Michael Morrison_BA_4th_sp25

Page 1


PORTFOLIO

JOHN MICHAEL MORRISON UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

INTRODUCTION

Enthusiastic fourth-year undergraduate architecture student with a deep passion for historic preservation and integrated building design. My journey in the field has been enriched through leadership roles, serving as the former president of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) at the University of Kentucky. My practical experience includes a design internship at Denham Blythe Inc. in Lexington, Kentucky, emersion DESIGN LLC in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Work Architecture + Design in Louisville, Kentucky. also had the pleasure of interning with Morphosis NY for Practice Previews Spring of 2024.

My tenure as a design intern and student has provided me with valuable insights into the intricacies of architectural practice, honing my skills and shaping my approach to sustainable design. I am driven by a genuine curiosity, always seeking to expand my knowledge and foster meaningful relationships within the architectural community.

My goal as a prospective architect is to contribute to the creation of spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial to all who encounter them. aspire to design with a focus on positive impacts, actively shaping the future of our world through thoughtful and purposeful architectural solutions.

THE PORTFOLIO

This portfolio encapsulates my diverse undergraduate journey, featuring a collection of visual representation experiments, studio projects, and other design practices. Spanning various locations, workflows, and program types, the showcased work reflects a comprehensive exploration of my skills and creativity.

Over the past four years, these projects have been instrumental in reshaping my perspective on architecture and equipping me with the problem-solving abilities necessary for every unique project. Each piece in this portfolio is a testament to my dedication to pushing the boundaries of architectural thinking and contributing meaningfully to the field.

I Galen Home

4th Year Internship - Physical Model

II Reynold’s Design Commons

3rd Year - Adaptive Reuse

III Disruptive Continuity

3rd Year - Design Exercise

IV Nexus Spirits / Liquid Morph

3rd Year - Community Project

V Impossible Space

2nd Year - Design Exercise

VI Esche School of Film

2nd Year - Cultural Project

VII Part to Whole

1st Year - Studio Project

VIII Object & Field

1st Year - Habitable Home

IX Lexington Urban Design

4th Year - Urban Design + Planning

X Lexington FC Stadium

4th Year - Urban Design + Planning`

GALEN HOME MODEL

Summer 2024 [ Rhino / Revit / Physical Model ]

WorK Architecture & Design

Mentor: Mitchell Kersting

Location: Louisville, KY

Duration: 4 weeks

This Residential Home Model highlights precision and craftsmanship through a mix of digital and traditional techniques. Starting with a Revit model, it was scaled and refined in Rhino 7 at 1/8-inch scale. The site was built from 1/4-inch contoured wood, while the exterior walls used 1/4-inch laser-etched MDF. Windows were crafted from hand-cut 1/16-inch acrylic, with 1/8-inch basswood sticks forming mullions. Interior walls and furniture were 3D-printed for detail and accuracy. Laser cutting ensured precise fabrication of most components, complementing the manually finished acrylic pieces. All elements were unified with three coats of white matte spray paint, highlighting the model’s textures and forms. This project demonstrates the integration of digital tools and handcrafted techniques to create a detailed architectural representation.

MODEL
Model
Model Photo - mdf
basswood
Model Photo - mdf | basswood | bass sticks
acrylic | 3d print
Model Photo - mdf
basswood
Model Photo

REYNOLDS DESIGN COMMONS

Spring 2024 - ARC 356

Adaptive Reuse Project

Professor: Bill (William) Massie

Location: Lexington, KY Site: 22,00 ft²

Duration: 10 weeks

The Reynolds Design Commons is an adaptive reuse project turning a two-story brick building next to the University of Kentucky’s College of Design into housing for design students. To create more living space, two additional levels were added. The entrance features a large, open atrium that brings energy to the space, giving visitors a view of the activity and liveliness of student life. The north and east sides of the building are dedicated to housing, with single bedrooms on most levels and fourperson units on the second floor. The south-facing side, closest to the College of Design, serves as a hub for social engagement, with spaces for seating, mingling, and activities like pool and ping-pong. A glass sky bridge on the top level connects the building to the College of Design, creating a unique space for leisure and interaction between housing residents and design students. The basement houses a fitness and wellness center open to both residents and other UK students. Sustainability was a key focus. The original brick walls, wooden floors, and wood columns and beams were preserved, with the columns and beams painted white and the floors restored to match the College of Design’s aesthetic. A central staircase, inspired by the college’s design, ties everything together, promoting connection between living spaces, activity areas, and students. This project combines functionality, sustainability, and a vibrant community for students.

East Section - Program Diagram
First FLoor Rendering - Main Staircase Exterior Rendering - Bridge to College of Design
North Building Section - Program

DISRUPTIVE CONTINUITY

Fall 2023 - ARC 355

Design Exercise

Professor: Martin (Marty) Summers

Location: Lexington, KY

Duration: 7 weeks

Disruptive Continuity leveraged Grasshopper 3D and eventually manual modifications in Rhino to explore and experiment with formal and spatial combinations. It encouraged me to embrace controlled accidents within the design process, fostering rapid testing and innovation. The assignment involved three distinct formal typologies: “Object,” “Surface,” and “Vector.” These typologies, each with unique characteristics and potential, were manipulated and combined within a shared design space, enabling the exploration of the intricacies of form, spatial relationships, and design coherence through iterative experimentation.

Isometric Renderings
Isometric Rendering - 36 Iterations

Iteration 23 - Local Operations [ Top, Plan, Section ]

Iteration 1 - Exploded Section Diagram

Iteration 31 - Local Operations [ Top, Plan, Section ]

BOURBON ATTRACTION CENTER

NEXUS SPIRITS / LIQUID MORPH

Fall 2023 - ARC 355

Community Building Design

Professor: Martin (Marty) Summers

Location: Lexington, KY Site: 26,803 ft²

Duration: 7 weeks

The Bourbon Attraction Center emerges as a vibrant and innovative complex, meticulously crafted to guide visitors through an immersive journey unraveling the rich history of bourbon and the iconic brands. With two design iterations, these architectural endeavors defy convention by seamlessly integrating traditionally rural elements into an urban context, adding to the vibrant nightlife and community-focused urban culture of Lexington. Nestled in Kentucky, a state deeply rooted in bourbon culture, the Attraction Center plays a pivotal role in sustaining economic prosperity through its contributions to agriculture and employment. While the nationwide Bourbon Trail remains a cornerstone of Kentucky’s identity, this center seeks to offer a unique and distinct experience for visitors, providing an all-encompassing encounter, whether they choose to savor a meal at the restaurant or embark on a comprehensive exhibit and tasting tour. Designed to accommodate those with limited time to explore the attractions along the Bourbon Trail, the Bourbon Center features a spacious and naturally lit main atrium, serving as a central hub for accessing various program areas. These areas include two dedicated bourbon exhibit spaces for tasting tours, an inviting indoor/outdoor bar extending to the front entrance, a curated bourbon and merchandise gift shop, and a restaurant. The design of this complex underwent a rapid and iterative process, meticulously ensuring the seamless integration and cohesion of all programming components. This intentional approach not only enhances the overall visitor experience but also solidifies the Bourbon Center as a focal point for cultural exploration and community engagement within the urban landscape of Lexington.

Nexus Spirits - Disruptive Iteration

Nexus Spirits is a bold exploration of disruptive continuity, where the boundaries of form and space were redefined through an iterative design process. This project leveraged the computational power of Grasshopper 3D, supplemented by manual refinements in Rhino, to experiment with unconventional formal and spatial combinations. By embracing controlled accidents and fostering rapid iteration, the process prioritized innovation and discovery over predictability. The concept of disruptive

continuity was key to this exploration, emphasizing a balance between disruption and coherence. This approach encouraged breaking away from traditional design hierarchies to discover unexpected opportunities, ultimately resulting in a design that felt dynamic, experimental, and forward-thinking.

Nexus Spirits challenged conventional design processes, demonstrating how computational tools and iterative experimentationcanpushtheboundariesofarchitecturalform.

Nexus Spirits Exterior Rendering
Nexus Spirits Floor Plans
Nexus Spirits Section

Liquid Morph - A Controlled Evolution of Nexus Spirits

Liquid Morph takes the experimental design principles of Nexus Spirits and refines them into a more deliberate and functional architectural vision. Where Nexus Spirits embraced fluidity and abstraction, Liquid Morph strikes a balance between organic inspiration and practical application, resulting in a design that is both bold and grounded. This project translates the conceptual fluidity of its predecessor into a more controlled framework, emphasizing structural

feasibility and realistic spatial interactions. By focusing on form, materiality, and purpose, Liquid Morph creates a building that not only captivates visually but also supports functionality. The result is an architectural language that feels alive, its form carefully shaped to adapt to both its context and programmatic needs. The building’s fluid geometry flows seamlessly into its urban environment, demonstrating how expressive architecture can remain contextually aware & functional.

LIQUID
Liquid Morph Isometric Rendering
Liquid Morph Interior Rendering - Level Two
Liquid Morph Isometric Rendered Floor Plans
Liquid Morph Program Diagram

IMPOSSIBLE SPACE

Spring 2023 - ARC 254

Design Exercise

Professor: Lily Le

Location: Lexington, KY

Duration: 6 weeks

Impossible Space is a compelling exploration of 2D representations transcending into the realm of 3D forms, challenging the conventional notions of vantage points, views, and perspective. This project draws inspiration from the iconic artist M.C. Escher, particularly his renowned work titled “House of Stairs.” Escher’s ability to manipulate spatial perceptions on a two-dimensional canvas, creating “impossible space,” serves as a profound influence on the work produced. In this endeavor, I embarked on crafting a 3D model infused with themes of surging levels, an astray sensation, and derealization, all skillfully executed through the strategic layering of planes. The interplay between these planes was studied meticulously, with a particular focus on their relationship with light and shadow, aiming to unveil the emergence of novel spatial dimensions. Through dedicated shadow studies, a captivating revelation unfolded—the model, when bathed in light, emanates a sensual ambiance, evoking a profound sense of being lost in space and the unknown. This amalgamation of light, shadow, and layered planes converges to create an experience that embodies the essence of “impossible space,” inviting viewers to navigate the intricacies of a spatial realm that defies traditional perceptions.

Impossible Space Iteration 01
Model Photos - clear acrylic
frosted acrylic
Model Exploded Axonometric
Model Detail - clear acrylic | frosted acrylic
tinted acrylic
Model Shadow Study
Model Shadow Study

ESCHE SCHOOL OF FILM

Spring 2023 - ARC 254

Cultural Project

Professor: Lily Le

Location: Taipei, Taiwan Site 2,100 m²

Duration: 6 weeks

Building upon the exploration initiated during the midterm phase, where the captivating intricacies of M.C. Escher’s “House of Stairs” served as a wellspring of inspiration, I embarked on the development of a unique structure with a focal emphasis on vantage points and the sensation of being lost in space. This creative trajectory led me to envision a space tailored for film, media, and production—a school that echoes Escher’s impossible, imaginative realm, stirring curiosity, expression, and creativity. Situated prominently on a hillside above the city, the school commands a striking presence, whether observed from a distance or up close. The design embodies the dynamic movement within the building, offering a visual narrative that unfolds within its walls—an ode to the cinematic experience. The intention behind this architectural concept is to create an environment that parallels the immersive and imaginative nature of film. The ground floor of the school is curated as a vibrant hub, housing a café replete with food and beverages for students, complemented by areas for casual conversations, study, or downtime. Scattered throughout are niche study areas, providing spaces for individuals to immerse themselves in focused work. A significant feature is the inclusion of a large, acoustically designed lecture hall boasting 150 seats, fostering an ideal setting for impactful presentations and immersive learning experiences. As the design takes shape, it endeavors to seamlessly integrate elements that transcend conventional academic spaces, creating an environment that not only caters to the educational needs of the students but also sparks their creative inclinations. The project aspires to evoke a sense of wonder and inspiration, mirroring the surreal and thought-provoking qualities inherent in Escher’s iconic works.

Taipei Culture Collage
Building Section
Lecture Hall - Acoustics Diagram
Interior Shadow Rendering - Main Staircase
Model Photo - clear acrylic
1/4”
Model
Interior Shadow Rendering - Main Staircase

PART TO WHOLE

Fall 2021 - ARC 151

Studio Project

Professor: Brian Richter

Duration: 9 weeks

During my exploration of various geometrical shapes and features, I aimed to construct a cohesive model through the integration of different elements. In the initial stages, I focused on softened chunked cone structures and experimented with diverging design pieces that complemented each other. A key theme I emphasized in this study was the creation of a sense of openness. To achieve this, I delved into the abstract attributes resulting from the combination of distinct geometries and diverse techniques, recognizing the importance of incorporating space to convey the desired theme. Early on, I began experimenting with the relationship between chunkated cones and various geometric entities. As I progressed towards the final model, I became fixated on a star polygon shape derived from prior investigations. The model’s legibility was primarily achieved through the openness introduced by the white structures. This allowed the model to function as a unified whole while retaining a variety of impressionistic components. As I continued to create abstract parts for assembly, the introduction of contours became crucial in diversifying the construction of our physical models. I opted to maintain consistency among parts with similar attributes, such as the sharper geometries, by using different materials. This choice aimed to reinforce the relationship between the diverse components contributing to a unified whole. To solidify the connection between the two varying materials, I strategically wrapped the 3D prints with chipboard. This method served to strengthen the argument that diverse pieces could come together harmoniously to build a cohesive and unified whole.

Model Photo - 3d print | 1/4” chipboard | 1/4” chipboard waffle

Model Representation - Isometric View + Plans & Sections

OBJECT & FIELD

Spring 2022 - ARC 152

Habital Home

Professor: Jason Scroggin

Duration: 10 weeks

Object and Field is an experiment of crafting inhabitable spaces through a series of cluster investigations into void studies, focusing on understanding the interplay between interior and exterior spaces. The genesis of this project lies in a cluster model that evolved into a functional living space. The chosen cluster design was inspired by rigid geometric animal models, I was drawn to their distinctive texture qualities. The process of creating voids within the model led to the development of purposeful living areas. These spaces are intricately connected through a single floor and a staircase, culminating in a singular room at the top. To strengthen the relationship between interior and exterior space, I intentionally infused both areas with similar textural qualities. The exterior, maintaining a cool white color, exudes a serene quality, serving as the outer shell of the model. Internally, warm colors in shades of blue and green were chosen to soothe the complexity of the form and provide directional cues within the space. The warm interior hues gradually extend onto the external surface of the model, creating a visual connection that contrasts yet harmonizes through the calmness of the colors. Purposefully leaving the attributes of the animal-inspired forms visible, I aimed to instill a sense of binding, visually merging them with one another. The combinations not only emerge internally but also interact with the surrounding environment in an exciting manner. This model establishes connections not only between its internal and external forms but also with the ground, as it appears to emerge from another presence, creating a dynamic relationship with its surroundings.

Interior Render
Exploded Axonometric - Model Components

LEXINGTON URBAN DESIGN

URBAN RENEWAL + MAIN STREET ANALYSIS

Fall 2024 - ARC 658

Urban Design + Planning

Professor: Jeff Fugate

Duration: 11 weeks

In 1966, the Downtown Design Group proposed a plan to modernize Lexington, envisioning a city that combined beautification efforts with new design standards and, most notably, the construction of a freeway. This freeway would alleviate the traffic congestion affecting downtown, most notably on Main Street, and create a haven from the automobile. The design proposal for Main Street envisioned this area as a bustling commercial district for the pedestrian, with widened sidewalks, additional green space, and elevated circulation platforms that connect several key buildings. Other districts of the proposal and connects Transylvania University to the proposed Auditorium. Lexington’s Main Street redevelopment transforms the area into a pedestrian-friendly corridor by reducing traffic to two lanes, widening sidewalks, and incorporating tree-lined paths, creating a safer and more inviting space for community interaction. Central to the redesign are two major anchors: a bourbon distillery reflecting Kentucky’s cultural heritage and a soccer stadium. Our studio began with an in-depth mapping analysis of Fayette County and Lexington, Kentucky, exploring the city’s historical development and urban fabric. We then examined a pivotal moment in Lexington’s planning history—the 1966 proposal that could have significantly altered the city’s trajectory. Through research and speculative design, we envisioned an alternative reality in which this proposal was implemented, reshaping the city’s infrastructure, neighborhoods, and public spaces.

Fayette County, Kentucky Maps
Lexington & University of KY Maps - Coordinated By Shamim Shariar & Jeff Fugate
Entire Studio Collaboration - Olivia Bianco, Kerry Brown, Maggie Cornett, Devin Dunigan, Braxton Eiserman, Tice Hannemann, Clare Hardwick, Laura Kaiser, Claire Montgomery, John Michael Morrison, Isaac Peck, Philip Schmidt, Shamim Shariar, Weston Sizemore, Erica Smith, Sydney Stainer, Morgan Wesley, Seth Youngson
Main Street Analysis Diagrams
Main Street Plan
Exploded Diagram
Proposed Buildings | Present Day

LEXINGTON FC STADIUM

Fall 2024 - ARC 648

Urban Design + Planning

Professor: Jeff Fugate

Location: Lexington, KY Site 225,592 ft²

Duration: 4 weeks

Designed as a year-round community hub, the Lexington Soccer Stadium integrates seamlessly into the urban fabric with a dynamic facade along Main Street, activating the street scape with retail and dining. A below-grade field creates an immersive viewing experience from street level, enhancing public engagement beyond game days. Surrounding green spaces and plazas offer inviting areas for daily activities, events, and relaxation. The stadium spans approximately 225,592 square feet between Quality Street and Elm Street, connecting Main and Vine. Development is phased to establish a strong urban presence along Main Street before expanding into surrounding neighborhoods, fostering connectivity and growth. Its hybrid design balances public and private experiences—exclusive box seating, VIP lounges, and player amenities occupy the more private south side, while the Main Street-facing north side offers restaurants, general concessions, and public gathering spaces. Underground parking ensures efficient stadium access, while flexible interior spaces support diverse programming, making the stadium a catalyst for urban vibrancy and community engagement.

CONCESSION

RESTROOM

RESTAURANT

SPORT’S

VIP

PLAYER’S

TEAM

CONCESSION

RESTAURANT

RESTROOM

PARKING

Elevation - Material Exploration
Exterior Rendering
LEXINGTON

University of Kentucky

Bachelor’s of Art in Architecture ‘25

Minor in Historic Preservation Summa Cum Laude

johnmichaelmorr@gmail.com

502.445.6866

www.linkedin.com/in/john-michael-morrison-a50223213/

JOHN MICHAEL MORRISON

THANK YOU

University of Kentucky

Bachelor’s of Art in Architecture ‘25

Minor in Historic Preservation Summa Cum Laude

johnmichaelmorr@gmail.com

502.445.6866

www.linkedin.com/in/john-michael-morrison-a50223213/

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.