Design Portfolio | Selected Works 2023 | Libby Couture

design portfolio libby couture

selected works 2023 | kansas state university

cover image | collage sketch of architectural details at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City | ink | june 25, 2022

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selected works

reclaiming community | a mixed-use tower

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resilient routines | affordable housing

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enliven | a community center

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[c 2h 4]ange for reuse | a wall partition

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material exploration

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creative works

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resume

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reclaiming community Typology | Mixed-Use Tower Location | Strawberry Hill, Kansas Size | 325,000 sf Date | August 2022 - December 2022 Hand sketching, Hand modeling, Revit, Photoshop, Illustrator

Located in a neighborhood with a diverse population and rich history, this tower acts as a vehicle to reconnect Strawberry Hill with the surrounding area, providing the opportunity to rebuild and revitalize the community. A series of interior and exterior porches provide places for the community to gather and share their culture and experiences, thus encouraging the reclaiming of community. completed with Lily Murray MANKO Design Competition Runner Up

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porch typology 6

embedded masses

tower extrusion

carved light wells

porch spaces

site plan 7

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first floor

west elevation 8

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entry porch food stall back of house boutique storage restrooms

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boutique stepped seating storage restrooms cafe entry porch entry lobby gallery

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second floor

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18” x 18” limestone veneer panel interlocking channel attachment aluminum interlocking channel factory attachment plates with #10 TEK screws shim with #12 TEK screws

insulation board 25 psi minimum

waterproofing membrane plywood sheathing 2”x 6” light gauge steel framing batt insulation gypsum board

double pane picture window aluminum window frame 24” x 24” mass timber column

2” concrete topping membrane 2’ concrete raft foundation

2’ ø steel pile

wall section | base 10

18” x 18” limestone veneer panel plywood sheathing insulation board

waterproofing membrane gypsum board interlocking channel attachment

2” x6” light gauge steel framing batt insulation

detail | recessed window sill

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Facade South Section - Callout 1 3" = 1'-0"

central avenue and south 6th street entry porch 11

section perspective 12

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F 5' - 0"

typical office plan

11' - 3"

50' - 0"

8' - 9"

5' - 0"

typical residential plan 0'

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office interior

10' - 0"

6'

12'

24'

48'

Level 11 Apartment 1/8" = 1'-0"

render completed by Lily Murray

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cant strip roof membrane coverboard rigid insulation air and vapor membrane plywood sheathing roof underlayment and temporary moisture protection 7-layer CLT panel coping wood blocking

louver header

12-gauge hanger wire polyester insulation 5/8” plasterboard

operable spruce louver

custom built up blackened steel cap wood decking plywood sheathing rigid insulation 7 layer CLT panel soffit aluminum window frame double pane casement window 2” x 1’ 6’ vertical spruce fin

pressure treated vertical cedar slat pressure treated cedar cladding battens counterbattens

waterproofing membrane plywood sheathing 2”x 8” light gauge steel framing batt insulation gypsum board

finished hardwood flooring polyester fiber mat gypsum fiber board stonewool marble granulate wood blocking 7-layer CLT panel

wall section | tower 14

operable spruce louver custom built up blackened steel cap wood decking waterproofing membrane plywood sheathing rigid insulation plywood sheathing wood blocking 7-layer CLT panel

custom steel t bar wood blocking 8 gauge steel cleat waterproofing membrane 2” x 8” lgs u channel 2” x 6” lgs c channel pressure treated vertical cedar slat pressure treated cedar cladding battens counterbattens

waterproofing membrane gypsum board sheathing fiber glass batt insulation 2” x 8” lgs c stud

detail | residential porch

1/8” scale model

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resilient routines Typology | Affordable Housing Location | East Harlem, New York Size | 55,000 sf Date | March 2022 - May 2022 Hand sketching, Hand modeling, Revit, Photoshop, Illustrator

Designed for the underrepresented population of East Harlem, this complex creates flexible places that support the rituals of the larger community and individuals within. Integral growth spaces create a sense of safety and belonging while providing residents places to learn about themselves both as individuals and members of larger groups. Flexible spaces characterized by movable furniture and operable panels allow users the adaptability required to support their needs and routines.

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figure ground | east harlem

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site conditions

conceptual studies | flexibility supporting routine

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south corner from 103rd street and 1st avenue

103rd street elevation 20

place mass

split program

lift residential

shift bars

insert growth spaces

The implementation of integral program on the ground for welcomes the community into this building, encouraging interaction among users. Supporting the underrepresented individuals in the area, dedicated spaces for career services and counseling promote personal growth and reintegration into society. Such ideals are also reinforced through inclusion of a bike workshop, community kitchen, maker space, and piazza for hosting of various events.

section a-a | through courtyard looking southwest 21

piazza flexibility 22

typical residential floor plan

Varied unit types allow for support of numerous individuals, each with different routines and desires. Flexible furniture, independent control of daylighting, and ability to obtain varied levels of privacy provide additional layers of adaptability. As such, each unit is able to meet the individual where they are at and accommodate the growth and change that follows.

flexible units | typical studio 23

enliven Typology | Community Center Location | Wichita, Kansas Size | 14,100 sf Date | January 2022 - February 2022 Hand sketching, Hand modeling, Rhino, Enscape, Photoshop, Illustrator

This dynamic community center aids in revitalization of the static downtown Wichita area by promoting movement and interaction of users through music, program, and space. Such activity is encouraged through lively and energetic spaces, which are in turn balanced with numerous support spaces. This community center is designed with special consideration for the youth, their interaction with one another, and their engagement with space.

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liveliness

dynamic and support spaces

concept models

Dynamic and support spaces on each floor appear in numerous forms, from most energetic to service spaces. The contrast in spatial design and use allows the building to be dynamic as a whole, and thus the user’s experience as well.

ground floor with playground and cafe invite community in to experience the space dynamic and support spaces by floor 26

figure ground demonstrating site in relation to public parks

second floor with play, activity, and learning spaces support energy and movement of youth

third floor with music and multipurpose spaces allow community to explore and share

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interactive nature of glass floor in light-well view from first floor

section a-a | looking west 28

community playground

Engaging program on the ground floor encourages movement and interaction within the site. The entry portal becomes a dynamic experience where contrasting textures and volumes appeal to the seven senses and promote a human response.

section b-b | looking north through vertical light well 29

[c2h4]ange for reuse Typology | Suspended Wall Partition Location | Weigel Library, Regnier Hall, Kansas State University Size | 2’8” x 5’ panel, 5’4” x 5’ panel Date | October 2022 - December 2022 Hand sketching, Rhino, Fabrication Lab

With an emphasis on sustainability and wall craft, [c 2h 4]ange approaches the design of a partition system through the innovative reuse of plastics. The modular strategy employed is based off the individual unit of the milk jug and allows for implementation at various scales. Individual units are modified to enable for filtering of light, framing of views, and sculptural shaping of space. Taking advantage of the lightweight nature of this material, the system is suspended from a structure above using clamps, cable, and fishing line. completed with Yvette Fabela and Amber Pryor

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drill (top) frame assembly

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drill (bottom)

secure at corner

secure on top

stitch

secure

milk jug assembly

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material exploration Date | Spring 2021 - Fall 2021 Material | Wood

Hands on exploration of materials allows for a better understanding of their physical properties and spatial implications. Various studies regarding joinery, light, shadow, and color provide the opportunity for exploration at a smaller scale. The study of details and craft lead to a greater appreciation for architecture as a whole and emphasize the importance of all components in space regardless of scale. above right | wood joinery | september 2021 below right | light and shadow | april 2021

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creative work Date | Spring 2021 - Summer 2023 Medium | Graphite, Ink, Watercolor

The creative representation of space is a practice in translating subjective interpretations of a place into a legible idea communicated on paper. Studies of built precedents provide the opportunity to explore architectural elements at all scales, understand how individuals engage with the built environment, and gain insight into the immaterial qualities of a place. right | grundtvig’s kirke | watercolor | april 9, 2023

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new york county supreme court | ink | july 3, 2022

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church of ognissanti | graphite | february 8, 2021 siena roof | ink | may 19, 2023

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the passage | watercolor |april 24, 2023

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townhall threshold | watercolor | march 20, 2023

aRos | watercolor | february 12, 2023

views from rundetaarn | watercolor | march 11, 2023

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libby couture

libbycouture@ksu.edu | 970.305.1492 | linkedin.com/in/libbycouture

Education

Interests

Master of Architecture, Minor in Leadership Studies

People-centered design, architecture for under-served populations, adaptive reuse, circularity, fabrication

Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS (August 2019 Expected May 2024) 4.0 GPA and Dean’s List recognition for academic achievement

Honors and Awards

Study Abroad

5th Year Fellowship Recipient

Danish Institute for Study Abroad | Copenhagen, Denmark (January 2023 - May 2023)

College of Architecture, Planning, and Design (August 2023) Received one of 25 fellowships based on academic achievements and leadership activities.

Work Experience Kansas State University College of Architecture, Planning, and Design | Assistant to the Director of Communications and Events Manhattan, KS (August 2022 - Present) Create digital displays, update college website, design the layout exhibition spaces, set up and take down for various events.

Ben Barnert Memorial Scholarship Recipient College of Architecture, Planning, and Design (August 2021 May 2023)

MANKO Design Competition Runner Up College of Architecture, Planning, and Design (December 2022) Placed second in fourth year fall studio competition.

AIA Kansas Scholarship

Mutuus Studio | Architectural Intern

AIA Kansas Architectural Foundation (October 2022)

Seattle, WA (June 2023 - August 2023) Collaborated with team members on schematic project proposals, construction set documentation, and digital representations.

Bowman Design Forum Honorable Mention

Perkins Eastman | Architectural Intern

College of Architecture, Planning, and Design (August 2020 May 2021)

New York, NY (June 2022 - August 2022) Worked collaboratively in early design phases through hand and digital modeling, sketching, and diagramming. Developed presentations to be presented internally and with clients.

Activities and Involvement Snyder Leadership Legacy Fellow Staley School of Leadership (August 2023 - Present) Develop leadership skills through coaching sessions, youth mentoring, and engaging with peers.

Peer Educator College of Architecture, Planning and Design (August 2021 Present) Plan and coordinate lessons for first year students in design studios. Engage with peers and faculty to create a welcoming and supportive environment.

APDPro Member

College of Architecture, Planning, and Design (December 2021) Represented studio section at all college presentation.

June Milliard Hall Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Skills Software

Personal

Rhino 7 Revit SketchUp Enscape Lumion Vray Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Affinity Photo Affinity Designer Microsoft Office

Hand Sketching Watercolor Physical Modeling Graphic Communication Leadership

College of Architecture, Planning and Design (August 2019 Present) Manage time effectively to complete four professional development activities each semester. Network with design professionals learning about opportunities within design, professional etiquette, and interoffice culture.

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