Joshua Protil- Abridged 2024 Portfolio

Architecture & Design Firm Office

11000 sq ft | Dallas, TX

9 weeks | Fall 2023

[Revit, Enscape, Ps, Ai, Id]

2023 Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition- Top 28 (Top 2%)

CONCEPT: Based on the concept of “assemble,” this 11,000 sq ft office space for NEXT global architecture and interior design firm in Dallas, Texas, aims to create points of intentional interactions and learning opportunites by using the power of architecture and design to empower people to create, ideate, and collaborate.

It answeres the question: How to establish a collaborative environment that challenges the way people interact with each other and with clients and honors the art of making?

[Assemble: the process of coming together as a whole]

The idea of “assemble” is based on the foundation of the firm: architecture and design. Design explores how things are made and how things interact with each other. Thus, through drawing parallels between the tectonics of architecture and the tectonics of people, this office energizes and connects diverse ages, experiences, and cultures together through intentional collaboration areas that lead to curiosity and discovery.

Perspective of reception and elevator lobby

Concept Development:

Massing

Interior building volume derived from focusing on assembling each distinct volume, emphasizing the interaction between each part.

1. Original massing

2. Separate structure by parts

3. Join parts to assemble whole via passageways Exploded axonometric

Workstation Configuration

Assembling a cohesive team starts with building a strong relationship between individual work and team collaboration that leads to (1) open and inclusive collaboration, the basis of innovative ideas and (2) the ability to adapt to new ideas, resulting in the celebration of people, place, and culture.

Individual Work Team Work Open Collaboration

Diagram exploring the kit of parts relationship within the firm that compose it as a whole (above)

Workstation Axonometric (right, above)

Axonometric of workstation spatial organization, prioritizing access to collaboration to all (right)

Perspective of third level workstations

Perspective of design library and monumental staircase

Layout:

Collaborative Learning Spaces

Informal and formal collaboration areas throughout facilitate active learning and accessible collaboration and promotes communication with hybrid and inperson abilities. These spaces also have adaptable layouts and emphasize furniture that addresses different posture preferences for work styles.

These spaces are defined by a specific color and material palette (below).

Funda Chair Viccarbe Belle Lounge West Elm

Montara Bar Stool Coalesse

Enscape 360 View

Perspective of work cafe

Central Railway Station Newtork

River and Railroad Historic District

02

ASID VA/WV IDEAS Awards 2023- Honorable Mention

CoWorking Space

8100 sq ft | Roanoke, VA

12 weeks | Fall 2022

[Revit, Enscape, Ps, Ai, Id]

CONCEPT: Centered around the idea of “BRIDGE,” this 8100 sq ft CoWorking space aims to connect the concept of “workplace” and “home” in an existing building in Roanoke, Virginia, through initiating an interactive space between public and private to address the growing demand of CoWorking spaces, focusing on wellbeing, sustainability, and inclusivity.

It answers the question: How does the overlap and incorporation of different community and business spaces change the definition of “the office” and impact modern work and leisure?

By exploring different means of transmission through transition, the repetition of form through columns, disclosure of material through partitions, and intersection of function reinforces the distinct yet unified nature of the space.

Roanoke River

BRIDGE CoWorking

Perspective showing the community and collaboration spaces

Context Development

Initial site analysis conducted to inform the building design based on the needs and circumstances of the given area.

a. Sound exposure

b. Transportation

c. Sunlight exposure

d. Designated pedestrian walkways

e. Green Spaces

f. Commercial vs residential use

Concept Development

Through studying the distinct yet unified volume making up the space and taking inspiration from the surrounding area of Roanoke, the emphasis on connection and collaboration is portrayed through the bridging of the three separate masses.

a. Original massing

b. Exploded massing of the three distinct volumes

c. Parti in space

d. Bridging of masses

e. Final layout of spaces in relation to mass

f. Circulation diagram

Transmission Through Transition Iteration

Inspired by the concept of running or driving through a forest at high speeds, the idea of the screen was developed. When going quickly past trees, they act as a type of auditory and visual filter. Imitating this in the space, the wire mesh acts as a visual and auditory filter to establish a degree of visual and auditory privacy without being fully closed off.

a. Concept picture demonstrating a visual filter

b. First iteration of a screen: linear wooden slats

c. Second iteration of a screen: metal chains

d. Third iteration: metal mesh panel

e. Fourth iteration: Shifting grid of wire mesh when direction of mesh screen changes

System of Screens

For every screen placed parallel to the East-West direction, a horizontal and vertical grid is use (orange)

For every screen placed parallel to the North-South direction, a diagonal grid is used (blue)

Sectional perspective of the first floor and second floor relationship via the atrium.

Longitudinal Cross Section | NTS

Modular Conference Room

This medium-sized conference room, named “Big Lick Conference Room,” is equipped with a raised floor for power access and a “kit of parts” furniture selection to offer flexible and inclusive layouts, easily adapting to user needs.

“Big Lick” references one of the orignal titles of Roanoke, named for its signature salt marshes (“licks”).

a. U-Shaped Collaboration Layout

b. Community Collaboration Layout

Focus on Existing Structure

One of the focuses was establishing a relationship between new use of the space and the existing architecture, bridging “old” and “new” materials to create the basis for the design.

Exploded axonometric diagram of existing structural elements (left)

Marker rendering of the existing structure’s influence in the developed design (below)

Perspective of Strava’s entrance and second floor entrance/passageway areas

SoundBar Acoustic

Baffle and Lighting

Arktura

Versatility and sound absorption; White Soft Sound Fabric finish (Acoustic PET)

“Strava Orange”

Acoustical Fabric

Soundcore Cumulus

CSI Creative

Recycled PET Felt Board

VOC free, 100% recyclable, anti-microbial, non-toxic

Roanoke

Topography

Processed through QGIS

Reason for selection:

Bringing in the local Roanoke influence while tying it into the theme of Strava.

Relief Tile LATH

#50760

Durable Carpet Tile

Floorvana

Recyclable, Cradle to Cradle

certified

Strava | Tech Company

Strava is Swedish for “strive,” and this is reflected in their goals and values. Their mission is to “connect athletes to what motivated them and help them find their personal best.” By focusing on a “digital team,” they foster inspiration among the global athlete community, and specify athletes as any member of the Strava community.

Coupled with Strava’s GIS and tracking technology, this startup mixes humancentered movement with humandesign transportation to strive with athletes anywhere, and to look toward the future with transportation infrastructure.

Strava displays local topography, streets/roads, trails, and rivers and provides suggested paths of travel (orange line) based on activity analyzed throughout the Strava community and filtered to the user’s preferences and history.

Informal Collaboration Spaces

A bridge is more than a transition way; it is a “nuanced intersection.” While an intersection can be random, a bridge is an intentional interaction between two or more things. This idea is reflected in the informal collaboration areas, spaces for meaningful, inclusive collaboration between different groups and types of people who are encouraged to deepen understanding and to explore creative ideas.

These areas are distinguished by using a distinct color palette and similar material qualities.

White Oak Cork Flooring

LVT Flooring

References the white oak trees that help give the Blue Ridge Mountains their color

100% natural, hypo-alergenic

Clad Celliant 3796-301

DesignTex

Low VOC No Antimicrobials

Ripple River Tile (Juniper)

Thompsontile & stone

Referencing the Roanoke River, it gives a water-like look with sunlight.

Sustainably sourced, durable

Bitta Club Swing Rope Set

Kittal

Bela ropes with basalt finish. Seat cushion with 290 Whitecliffs fabric finish.

BuzziBalance

Haworth

Acoustic fabric, blush and Kvadrat Hero (BHR) finish

Perspective of one of the informal collaboration areas

Perspective of large community space

Existing Wooden Structure

Oak Stain

Blue Metal Mesh Chosen for the building’s history as the former Virginia Tin Company’s location.

Recycled, Reused

Whitewashed Brick

Chosen because it respects the nature of the brick.

Antimicrobial, breathable surface, cost-effective

“Lively Meadow”

Acoustical Fabric, Soundcore Cumulus

CSI Creative

Recycled PET Felt Board

VOC free, 100% recyclable, anti-microbial, non-toxic

Leaf/Ceiling Baffle Iteration

Biophilic design is introduced through space using the concept of a leaf as a form and as a means of transmission of light through the spaces in the overlapping layers.

a. Concept picture of a leaf

b. Subtracting the stem structure form the sold leaf makes the inspiration for the outline of the ceiling baffles

c. Creating four distinct clusters and separating them from each other

d. Ceiling baffles demonstrating the idea of a bridge: distinct, yet unified, through a common element.

Refugee Shelter | 480 sq ft | Lesbos, Greece

1 week | Fall 2022

[Revit, Enscape, Ps, Ai, Id]

Team Project with India Womack

IDEC 2023 Competition Program Finalist

CONCEPT: Centered around the idea of MERGE, this 480 sq ft refugee shelter aims to provide relief through creating communal and secure settings that speak to the four teenagers’ different cultural and religious identities.

By exploring different meanings of “merge,” the movement of materials, modularity of form, and intersection of cultures creates a haven that answers the question of how to address traumatic experiences and to create a sense of belonging and identity in a foreign and temporary space.

The material selection is focused on local materials and “found objects,” emphasizing reuse to optimize experience and quality within a minimal budget.

Behram, Turkey

Who: All four teenagers

When: Early August 2023

What: All four make it on the same raft that is crowded with over twenty-five strangers. Exhausted yet determined, the only thing that stands between them and a step to a new life is the Aegean Sea.

In sight of Lesbos, their raft starts to sink because of the excess weight. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, they start swimming.

Lesbos, Greece

Who: All four teenagers

When: Early August 2023

What: After four hours fighting against the waves of the sea and the excessive heat of the sun, they finally make it on the mainland. They are sent to the prison-like refugee camp in Lesbos, grouped into the same shelter. Although this is not their final destination, it is a stepping stone into their future. While they have their respective differences, they agree on one thing: just because these events happened to them, does not mean they have to be defined by them.

Lesbos, Greece Aegean Sea

Al Hasakah, Syria Kabul, Afghanistan Kabul, Afghanistan

Al Hasakah, Syria

Who: Two siblings, 14 and 15 years old, identifying as practicing Chrisitans

When: Early July 2023

What: The recent military out-break in Al Hasakah took the lives of their parents, and turned their home into ruins. Due to their religious practice and fear of persecution, there are no safe spots in the city for them to go to, and if they stay, they are guaranteed to die. Leaving with nothing but torn up clothes, worn-out shoes, and hope, they start their journey to Europe as they hear that the government is required to offer international protection for refugees.

Cartographic journal

By Joshua Protil

Kabul, Afghanistan

Who: Two teenagers, 13 and 14 years old, identifying as practicing Muslims, no previous relationship

When: Early June 2023

What: The country’s political and humanitarian conflicts have come to a climax, leaving the city in desperation and the people without aid. Left impoverished and homeless, they are fleeing in search of more opportunity in Europe. With only a 3 inch by 3 inch picture of their family, ID card, and the clothes they have on, they both jump on a truck full of livestock to get out of the city.

Concept Development

The concept development is focused on the idea of how to merge (and distinguish) shared and private spaces in the adaptive reuse shipping container, and how that works conceptually as well as spatially.

a. Study of volume and massing

b. Parti diagram

c. Existing partitions (orange) and designed partition system (blue)

d. Personal and shared space

Interactive “Tile” Partition

Made with recycled awning fabric

Colors chosen to symbolize their journey and reflect cultural meaning:

Yellow - Hope

Green - New beginnings/growth

Blue - Serenity

Red - Struggle for independence

Concept diagrams, Interactive “tile” wall by Joshua Protil

Refugee Shelter Floor Plan

Curtain System

The modular curtain system runs on a track to allow the refugees to create and divide space, giving them a sense of control and privacy.

Axonometric study of different configurations of the modular curtain system (above)

Plan By Joshua Protil, India Womack Axonometrics by India Womack

Perspective of study area and lounge area divided by the interactive partitions

Enscape 360 View

Exploded Axonometric of Materials & Furniture (recycled, reused)

Wood Pallets & Crates Found Objects - Reused Storage Lockers

Fishing Buckets - Light Fixture

Greek Cane - Ceiling Feature

Corrugated Sheet Metal

Awning Fabric

Linoleum Flooring

Facing Towards Kaaba Local Material Found Objects - Reused

Limestone Pattern - Local Influence

Local - Recycled Reused Islamic Prayer Mat

Revit Model by India Womack, Joshua Proitl Material Axonometric by India Womack

ODY SEY

Academic Branch Library

13000 sq ft | Phoenix, AZ

6 weeks | Spring 2023

[Revit, Enscape, Ps, Ai, Id]

Odyssey: //a large group of phoenixes//

CONCEPT: Based on the concept of “imprint,” this 13000 sq ft academic library in Phoenix, Arizona, aims to translate the traditional language of a library into the present innovation of an academic library through establishing an opportunity for creative enjoyment and engagement, education, and research.

It answers the question: How to increase visual connection and physical collaboration while still establishing loud and quiet spaces?

By using the relationship and interaction with solid and void, the idea of synecdoche (relationship of parts to whole) found in literature, wayfinding through a visual ribbon, and the exposure of collaboration, this space reinforces the interactive yet independent nature of a modern academic library.

BRANCH LIBRARY 1

BRANCH LIBRARY 2

BRANCH LIBRARY 3

Site Context

ODYSSEY LIBRARY

Concept Development:

Dual Lounge Chair Studio TK Sound,

Perspective showing mezzanine and study areas

Arktura Light & Sound Baffles

Frosted Walkway

Imprinted Wayfinding

Architectural Intervention:

Visual Ribbon

The mezzanine walkwayis a visual ribbon and used as a tool of wayfinding for one to find the creative studios/collaboration spaces. It ties all the spaces together, and creates an interactive experince between those walking on the path and those observing their footsteps.

The walkway is made of frosted glass panels with a dim lighting, with touchactivated floors (creating the colored foot steps/”imprints”).

Exploded Axonometric of Visual Ribbon Elements (right), Axonometric showing the collaboration and individual spaces located with the visual ribbon (below)

Improved Acoustic Performance

By layering sound transmission techniques throughout the space by activating ceiling and wall surfaces, it allows for connection, community, and collaboration while still establishing more “quiet zones” for individual reading and studying.

Exploded axonometric showing sound/light panel system used in book collection area

1. Graphic of historic downtown Phoenix, AZ, on Arktura Vapor Perf Graphic Panel

2. 1” Air Gap

3. Back Lighting

4. Acoustic Backing Panel

Axonometric showing book collection, reading area in relation to main circulation (above)

Process sketches (right)

1.

2.

3.

4.

Perspective showing open collaboration/ study space and its relationship to the mezzanine

DNA Lounge Teknion

Thesis Table Teknion