Lara Akyuz Portfolio

LARA AKYUZ

PORTFOLIO: SELECTED WORKS 2023-2024

01 | A Spiral Up: Dance Studio and Performance Center (1-24)

01.1 Site Analysis (3-6)

01.2 Critical Reference Study (7-12)

01.3 Design (13-24)

02 | Timber & Tide: Wooden Boat Building School (25-42)

02.1 Critical Reference Study (27-28)

02.2 Design (29-42)

A Spiral Up: A Dance Studio and Performance Center

Studio 04 | Spring 2024

Prof. William McIlroy

Boston, MA

The project encompasses a dance studio and performance center. Its central architectural concept revolves around a spiraling upward design, while a secondary concept involves creating a building within a building. The spiral design draws inspiration from the existing site, symbolizing growth, energy, and continuous movement that aligns with dance dynamics. Aesthetically, the spiraling form results in a visually captivating and dynamic structure. Functionally, the spiral layout influences circulation, lighting, and spatial experience. Additionally, the duallayered approach—consisting of an inner building enveloped by an outer shell—creates thresholds and facilitates circulation. Contrasting materials, such as steel columns and a curtain wall on the outside, possibly complemented by solid plaster walls on the inside, contribute to the overall architectural composition.

01.1|

Site Analysis

Lara Akyuz, Eric Pineda

Boston, MA | Corner Of Park Drive And Boylston Street

Fenway Stadium Old Sears Building Isabelle Stewart Gardner

01.2| Critical Reference Study

Lara Akyuz, Eric Pineda

Architects: Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects

Year: 2023

Location: Orange, CA (Chapman University)

Located within chapman university, the sandi simon center for dance transcends the boundaries of a typical building. Originally an orange-packing factory, this adaptive re-use project seamlessly blends history and innovation.

The exterior stands as a testament to the past, its original identity preserved. Stepping inside, however, the ground opens up. The original floor has been sliced, creating dynamic new spaces connected by a fluid circulation system. The structure hints at its old language, aided by contemporary elements that keep the building standing.

The building’s centerpiece is the performance area. Organic in shape, it embraces dancers with the warmth of wood, standing in stark contrast to the surrounding white canvas. This deliberate design choice is more than just aesthetics; it’s a symbolic stage, where tradition meets the bold strokes of artistic expression.

01.2.5 | Basement Floor Plan

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01.2.6

First Floor Plan

01.2.7

Second Floor Plan

02.1| Critical Reference Study

Lara Akyuz, Kira Berlin

Architects: Kengo Kuma & Associates + College Of Environmental Design UC Berkeley

Year: 2014

Location: Takinoue, Japan

Nest We Grow is a timber structure located in Takinoue, Japan. The design was made for the 4th Annual LIXIL International design-build competition in 2014.

The structure is inspired by the character of Japanese larch forests, and its grid pattern mimics the vertical spatial experience of these forests. It is made of locally sourced timber and is designed to be both elegant and rigid. The facade is clad in translucent polycarbonate sheets, which allow for natural light and ventilation while also providing protection from the elements.

Nest We Grow is intended to be a place where people can come together to store, prepare, and enjoy local foods. The interior is divided into different zones, each of which is dedicated to a different aspect of the food cycle. There is a storage area for fresh produce, a kitchen area for cooking, and a dining area where people can gather to eat and socialize. The structure also features a central tea platform with a sunken fireplace, where people can warm up on cold days or simply relax and enjoy each other’s company.

02.2| Design

Floor Plates

Form Extrusions

Division/Removal Of Spaces

Cut Facade

Void Spaces

Final Form

02.2.5 | Circulation Diagram

02.2.6 | Program Diagram

02.2.7 | Conditioned/Unconditioned Spaces

02.2.8 | Ground Floor Circulation Diagram

Rainwater Collection Diagram

STRUCTURE DETAILS:

6” X 6” GLULAM LARCH TIMBER

12” X 3” X 10” NOTCH

0,24” STEEL PLATES, 11” X 16.5”

3” X 10” GLULAM LARCH TIMBER BEAM

STRUCTURE DETAILS:

6” X 6” GLULAM LARCH TIMBER

12” X 3” X 10” NOTCH

0,24” STEEL PLATES, 11” X 16.5”

3” X 10” GLULAM LARCH TIMBER BEAM

Structure Details and Diagram