MacKenzie Lubin - Selected Works 2023

Resume: P. 3

Third Year: P. 4

Graduate Work: P. 10

Professional Work: P. 32

Architectural Work 2019-2022 Selected Works

MACKENZIE LUBIN

Master of Architecture

Boston Library.

Location: Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University School of Architecture, 2018

ARCH 313, Critic: B.G Shanklin

Impending Certainties.

Location: Syracyse University

Syracuse University School of Architecture, 2021

ARCH 606, Critic: Brian Lonsway

The Urban Room.

Location: Syracyse University

Syracuse University School of Architecture, 2021

ARCH 609, Critic: Liang Wang

Radicalization of the Spectacle.

Location: Syracyse University

Syracuse University School of Architecture, 2022

ARCH 998, Critic: Joel Kerner

YMCA Riverbrook Regional.

Location: Wilton, Connecticut

Employer: KG+D Architects, 2017 DeHostos High School.

Location: Yonkers

Employer: KG+D Architects, 2017 Fifth Avenue Synagogue. Location: 5 E 62nd St, New York, NY

Employer: Arthur Chabon Architects, 2019-2020

North Star Residence.

Location: Nassau, Bahamas

Employer: Arthur Chabon Architects, 2019-2021

Boston Library

Year: 2018

Team: Tyler Luke

Type: Ideas

Role: Visualization and design

Status: Completed

This particular project is comprised of different forces acting and reacting to the site, causing a tension between the traditional typology of Boston’s inner-city architecture and the diverse social climate that the site is intertwined within.

The form was generated through a process of reinterpreting superimposed 2-D information gathered from some of Boston’s most celebrated landmarks. The form points outwards, giving homage to landmarks such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Gund Hall, and Paris, France. Programmatic decisions were influenced by these landmarks, granting gallery space for art, fashion, and handmade craft.

This project rethinks the traditional social environment for Boston’s inner-city community by expanding the possibility that communities can arise within a broad social network. By creating an inspiring spatial environment, the Crossroads Library seeks to avoid the loneliness and lack of social relationships which characterize many current inner-city projects within Boston.

Image showing handcrafted clothing fitted ontop of a custom-built mannequin.

Impending Uncertainties

Year: 2021

Team: Congshuo Zhang, Ziwei Zheng

Type: Ideas

Role: Visualization and design

Status: Completed

Science and science fiction routinely blend; as our technology advances, what was once magical is now mundane. We swipe our hands over artificially lit surfaces to have objects from all over the world delivered to us by the next dawn. We instruct these artificially lit surfaces to obey our command with our voices. We can communicate with others from around the globe with nothing but an armband, an ear insert, and a small black box in our pocket. As architects of buildings and spaces within which these transformations are taking place, we have a responsibility to be adept at considering their impact on our trade.

This studio project takes on the challenge of both engaging the impending certainty that technology will inform and adapt our environments and speculating the hypothetical futures of architecture as a result, all the while sustaining an awareness of the existing conditions, economic drivers, social needs, cultural phenomenon, and environmental concerns which are consistently present in our discipline, profession, and practices. This project aims to expand the conversation of design into a space that questions assumptions of architecture’s agency in the world.

Rendering showing exploration in Unity, lighting and material studies

Exterior perspective highlighting open view into laboratories

Interior perpective showcasing courtyard and laboratory access to open-air vistas

Interior perspective showing one of three laboratories, featuring botanical studies and exterior egress

Perspective view looking at the 4th-floor lab facility The shown rendering was produced in Unreal Engine

The Urban Room

Year: 2021

Team: Hussain Alkazemi + Kojo Quainoo

Type: Visiting Critic Studio

Role: Visualization and design

Status: Completed

This studio concerns the idea of the Superblock and its role in re-imagining the common framework of the contemporary city. Situated at the intersection of architecture and urban design, this studio interrogates three fronts and their embedded forms in the design and imagination of the contemporary built environment: the domestic space of one’s own room, the communal practices of its architecture, and the collective productions of the city. Our approaches will be framed by three interlinked conceptual components: firstly, the room, challenging the notion of publicness and privacy as well as the changing conditions of domestic production within the house itself; secondly, the block, exploring alternative socio-spatial typologies and communal organizations at the scale of an urban block; and lastly, the commons, speculating on urban design strategies and ecological, economic, and political infrastructures at a territorial scale. Accordingly, this studio defines the Superblock via the re-conceptualization of these three components and their interrelations. It charts the Superblock not only as an abstraction for multi-scalar socio-spatial organizations but also as a project of the city that embodies political and cultural imaginations. It thrives for alternative forms, relationships, and practices in constructing the commons of our city today—one that is more just, inclusive, and creative.

Radicalization of the Spectacle

Year: 2022

Team: MacKenzie Lubin

Type: Thesis

Role: Visualization, design, publication

Status: Completed

My thesis, entitled Radicalization of the Spectacle, explores the intersection between the urban conditions of New York City, Times Square, and the notion of radicalization. The term ‘radicalization’ refers to an extreme change in worldly affairs. This term is critical in understanding my view of architecture, as it suggests architecture must formatively react to changes in culture, climate, politics, etc. Moreover, the term ‘radical’ is aggressively progressive and favors social reform performance, adding an urgency for new ideas to form. Secondly, the term ‘Spectacle’ refers to a visually and spatially arresting event that is dramatic in occurrence. The act of the spectacle is meant to captivate its viewer, providing a sense of awe and unfiltered stimulation. More specifically, through the parallel exploration of Radicalization and the Spectacle, social activism, art, and performance will become one. My thesis topic focuses on fostering free artistic expression through architecture. Through the use of architecture, the built environment can allow for creative endeavors and public discourse. The nature of architecture (and its authenticity) promotes importance and value to its user. As a result, the final outcome for this thesis is a 25,000 sqft. machine that promotes radicalized spectacles.

Contested Ground

The Contested Ground are the city streets: a blank canvas that is constantly changing at intense speeds. The ground is contested as it promotes opposing theories; a clash between individualism and organized law. This space can be used to call for change, allowing the general public to assemble and either be a spectator or an active performer. The Contested Ground has three main spaces: The Centre Stage and the two Staged Spaces.

These spaces can be utilized by the public to press forward agendas, criticisms, and performances that encourage change.

The Archive

The Archive is a zone for digital permanence and recorded performance. Projections of previous performances, as well as live camera feeds of artists transcribing performances, paint the walls of this space. This space was created to allow people to become acclimated to contending issues in Times Square. Testimonials, performances, speeches, and other creative endeavors are projected throughout this space. Additionally, The Archive allows locals to easily avoid the pedestrian heavy streets below (as it spans 2/3 of Times Square) from West 46th to West 45th Street.

By entering this space, pedestrians too will be recorded and archived.

Exploded Axon rendering showing Contested Ground of Times Square | View facing the Staged Spaces.

Exploded Axon rendering showing The Archive View showing extracted LCD Billboard facade.

The Public Arena

The Public Arena is an open space for the public to watch performances and artists simultaneously. Archived  projections of the performances would dance from surface to surface within this space, allowing for the spectactor to see both performances simultaneously. This space is highly charged/flexible, allowing for the spectators to either watch or control how the performance is viewed using the Archive Centre Controls (A.C.C).

Archive Centre Control

The Archive Centre Control (A.C.C) is a central hub space for the public to access archived performances and to control the Fly Loft mechanisms. The Centre Control room is located in the center of the Public Arena. This space is flanked on either sides by Artist Lofts, where artists can transcribe the performances below. Two corridors span between the Artists Lofts, allowing for artists to freely change positions and to change subject matter rapidly. This space is for daring creatives. This space grants the public a choice: to be a spectator or to be an artist.

This space is accessible to anyone, further promoting the idea of free artistic expression.

Exploded Axon rendering showing the Public Arena View showing extracted skylights.

Exploded Axon rendering showing the Archive Centre Control hub| View showing the extraction of the A.C.C’s facade.

Centre Stage Space

The structure contains multiple performance spaces that could be operated simultaneously. The fly loft would allow for rapid change of performances by providing theatre elements into the spaces below. The performances would be rapid, with 45-minute intervals between every performance. Prototype III builds off from Prototype II, in which the space would collapse three spectacles at once, the performance, the speech, and the artist. These three acts would be in simultaneous motion, appealing to sight and hearing. This prototype allows for circulation at and above the stage level.

Prototype III would allow multiple performances to occur at once, with two central spaces to be used exclusively for scheduled performances. These performances would be scheduled at the same time so that people can walk from one spectacle to the next. Prototype III would require a permanent installation within Times Square. Fundamentally, the structure would not change, but its radical displays would be in constant rotation. Prototype III’s Staged Spaces would allow for flexibility in performances. The Fly loft would allow for props, artifacts, and displays to be dropped down to the Contested Ground. The Archive could be controlled to allow access to the LCD screens located on the facade and interior.

1/3 Prototypes created for final thesis publication. Nominated for the Britton Award.

Rendering showing a potential performance in the Centre Stage space

YMCA Riverbrook Regional

Year: Team: Role: Status:

2017

Russell Davidson (Principal Architect), Erik Kaeyer (Principal Architect), and Brian O. Mangan (Lead Architect)

Type:

Professional Work

Visualization, Research, Design Proposals

Completed

I worked as an intern, in the Summer of 2017, at KG+D Architects, located in Mount Kisco, New York. This job required me to be analytical and take on tasks and responsibilities of which senior/junior designers would be accountable for.

This project, YMCA Riverbrook Regional, called for the enhancement and expansion of wellness offerings within Wilton, Connecticut. The project’s objective was to renovate and expand the lobby/reception and modernize its appearance. In addition, the renovation included designing a new health/wellness center with an expanded fitness center and hospital rehab center, new and renovated early childhood classrooms, a new pool bubble for 50M and 25YD pools, renovation of pool support spaces, and new administrative rooms.

I partook in this project’s pre-design and schematic design phases. In addition, I assisted with BIM operations, translated site conditions, prepared client presentations with supplemental graphics, and analyzed local laws/codes. Lastly, I prepared a series of facade proposals, lighting designs, and structural solutions.

Perspective view looking at group excerise room. Augmented Reality and views were created for clients and presentations.

Schematic Plans prepared for client for reviews. Proposal for centralizing gym and group exercise program.

Perspective view looking at the 2nd-floor group exercise room. The shown rendering was produced in Enscape.

DeHostos Public School

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Type:

Role:

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2017

Russell Davidson (Principal Architect), Erik Kaeyer (Principal Architect), and Teresa May (Lead Architect)

Professional Work

Execution of Diagrams, 3D Modeling, Program Configurations, Renderings, Drafting, Post-processing, and Construction Documents

Completed

I was tasked with creating additional classroom space at the DeHostos Public School in Yonkers, New York. The challenge for this particular project was to create a new program and space that could be constructed without eliminating any current space, as well as not disturbing the ongoing operations and functions of the school while under construction. These new programs and spaces would contribute to the learning experience at DeHostos Public School, as well as facilitate places for students to congregate and socially interact with each other. My personal approach with the project was geared to engage with school administrators, teachers, and community members in meaningful discussions and ultimately build solid solutions based on academic and financial data.

I additionally worked on creating suitable lighting configurations and fixture types to minimize annual costs to the public school. Furthermore, this project pursued design and construction methods that both accelerate the construction process and reduce life cycle costs.

Perspective view looking at enlarged classroom. Mezzanine proposal granted space for small breakout group learning.

Schematic Plans prepared for client for reviews. Proposal for terraced steps adjacent to enlarged student classrooms.

Interior view looking at the 1st-floor with englarged classroom. Proposal for mezzanine addition and new lighting configurations. The shown rendering was produced in Enscape.

Client Presentation

5th Avenue Synagogue

Year:

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Role: Status:

2019

Arthur Chabon (Lead Architect), Kristen Ziegler (PM), Adrienne Merheb (Architect)

Professional Work

Execution of Diagrams, 3D Modeling, Program Configurations, Renderings, Client Presentations, Post-processing, Drafting, and Construction Documents

Completed

The Fifth Avenue Synagogue Project is an iconic staple for the Jewish community of New York City, first constructed by Percival Goodman in 1958.

The challenge for this particular project was to rejuvenate the existing conditions while keeping the integrity and agency at full operation during all construction phases. This project required me to research code regulations and landmarks preservation, as well as delving into the architectural archives of Avery Library at Columbia University to better understand Percival Goodman’s architectural syntax and legacy.

Moreover, I worked exclusively with project manager, Kristin Ziegler of Arthur Chabon Architects, to design and revitalize all levels of the Fifth Avenue Synagogue— attending client board meetings, consulting with structural engineers, and designing spaces with honor and reverence to Percival Goodman’s vision for the synagogue.

Rendered perspective view looking at Sukkah and Rooftop Terrace. Proposal for repurposing outdoor terrace with for steel pergola.

Schematic Plans prepared for client for reviews. Proposal for renovating sanctuary to allow for more seating during high holidays.

Perspective view looking at the 1st-floor Kiddush Room. Proposal for creating additional seating and updating interior finishes.

Northstar Residence

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Role: Status:

2019

Arthur Chabon (Lead Architect), Matthew Cairo (PM), Huiwon Hong (Architect)

Professional Work

Construction Drawings, Physical Models, Client Presentations, Alternates, Design Work, and Drawings Sets.

Completed

The North Star Project was a private residency that I worked on while at Arthur Chabon Architects. With, “nods to the English and Scottish Arts and Crafts movement, the North Star residence utilizes large windows frames to highlight gorgeous views of Nassau, bringing inside the majesty of the local flora and the sounds of the ocean.”

“The floor plan is formal and processional. The grand apsidal Entry Loggia leads to clearly delineated axially arranged entertaining spaces and inner courtyards to give a sense of interconnectedness.”

I worked on this project exclusively with project manager Matthew Cairo and principal  architect Arthur Chabon on design choices and creative direction, developing physical models, construction documents, and interfacing with the client through all phases of project development.This project required me to fully engage with the site and the eclectic architectural typology of the Bahamas.

Construction Document section through artist studio, proposed art stations outfitted with pin up walls, drying racks, and natural lighting.

Construction Document section of artist studio, showcasing coquina stone veneers, cast concrete walls, and decorative wood detailing.

Construction Document site section through residence. Interior complimented by galleries, double-height living spaces, and a watch tower office.

Construction Document site elevation of residence. Bohemian styled wood details complimented with exterior balconies facing the ocean.

Pre-liminary rendered perspective of artist studio. View showing central artist station, pin-up walls, and overhead skylight.

Pre-liminary rendered perspective of exterior loggia entry. View showing exterior cour tyard facing private office, living areas, and front foyer.

Model of residence with papered finishes of exteriors. Model was used for client presentation to showcase progress on proposals.