Madeleine Cordray Design Portfolio

Design Portfolio 2019-2024

Architecture - Furniture Design - Ceramics - Art

Madeleine Cordray

Washington University in St. Louis - Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts

University of Kentucky - College of Design

My name is Madeleine Cordray and I recently graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. I am currently pursuing a Master of Architecture degree at Washington University in St. Louis. This portfolio features a selection of my favorite architectural studio works, as well as a few other creative projects. Below each studio summary is a polaroid image from that given semester. Each image is significant to that time period and is intended to emphasize the importance of the creative process and the unique people that have made it that much more thrilling. My design pursuits have given me an abundance of knowledge, a wonderful support system, and a collection of unforgettable memories.

Berlin Study Abroad__16-19

Cabin Retreat 20-25

Ocean One_________26-29

Post Office Project____30-35

Hortus Conclusus____36-41

Object in Field______42-45

Part to Whole_______46-49

International Housing_4-11

Spring Church______12-15

Furniture Design 50-53

General Works_______54-59

Studio Project Fall 2023

Washington University in St. Louis - First Semester - ARC 419 - Prof. Derek Hoeferlin (hoeferlin@wustl.edu)

International Housing Studio - New Orleans

The International Housing Studio is a foundational component of Washington University’s graduate architecture curriculum. Each student was asked to study the idea of a threshold, intended to embody the culture of the city it is hypothetically situated in. Designing from micro to macro, research was conducted on the culture, history, architectural characteristics, and relationships within each city. The initial threshold model was translated into a powerful, realistic image, meant to transport the viewer, as well as inspire design decisions for the final aggregation and threshold.

I was assigned to the vibrant city of New Orleans, specifically along the edge of the popular Vieux Carré neighborhood. I began my research by watching two films: “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Down by Law.” This gave me a greater understanding of the transitions from private to public space, and how that played a larger role in the interactions between people.

Rampart Alley House is a collective housing proposal situated further off Rampart Street, between Conti Street and St. Louis Street. The aggregation is comprised of 24 units and 3 commercial programs that weave through an entire city block, in conjunction with the historical architectural fabric and St. Jude Community Center. The modular residences, intended for young adults, families, and multigenerational living, act in pairs, flanking a flexible communal space. The commercial areas include a local grocery, a creative studio, and a cafe along Conti Street. The cafe communicates with the existing Jewel of the South tavern, with both schemes utilizing an alley entrance into an intimate courtyard space. The shared programs scattered throughout the site foster the diverse cultural, culinary and social dynamics that are the very heart of New Orleans.

Above is my final threshold model of the shared space between two units. The built-in utilities, moveable shutters, and open circulation allow for a flexible space for socializing between neighbors. The diagram to the right shows a traditional New Orleans block taken from the “French Quarter Manual,” with courtyards, covered outdoors spaces, and enclosed buildings, in combination with my given site. This presents a unique opportunity to work against the traditional typology of New Orleans, creating a housing strip that spans through an entire block.

Vieux Carré, New Orleans

Site model photos with surrounding context Model Scale 1/32”=1’-0”

Second Floor Plan 1/32”=1’-0”

Longitudinal Section 1/32”=1’-0”

Potential residents: small families / young adults

Potential residents: students / young adults

Potential residents: multigenerational

Unit Plans - 2 BD, 2 BA (Left) / 2 BD, 2 BA (Right) 1/16”=1’-0”

1 BD, 1 BA (Left) / 2 BD, 1BA (Right) 1/16”=1’-0”

2 BD, 2 BA Loft (Left) / Studio (Right) 1/16”=1’-0”

Above are photos of the physical models used for the threshold images.

Above is the initial New Orleans threshold image, showing a visual transition from dwelling to city with a slight view into a communal courtyard space.

Pre Semester Studio Summer 2023

Washington University in St. Louis - Presemester - ARC 400 - Prof. Kelley Murphy and Hans Tursack (kelleyv@wustl.edu) (hanst@wustl.edu)

Spring Church Semi-Temporary Performance Space

Towards the end of Summer 2023, I participated in a three week pre semester studio. The main goal for this studio was to complete a design charrette, familiarizing ourselves with the new facilities, programs, and our fellow peers.

The site for this studio involved Spring Church in St. Louis, which is a Gothic Revival-inspired church that suffered from an electrical fire in 2001. The original stone walls still stand, braced by a steel frame system. The site currently acts as an open air, communal gathering space. Our task was to design a semi-temporary performance space. This installation is meant to be easily assembled and disassembled on the site. The only constraints were that it could not touch the original stone walls of the church.

My design focuses on a nontraditional scaffolding system, with multiple towers that are tiered around a central circulation. Above each platform is a pillow-like object that would ideally become a light source, projecting on the performer below it. These lights also extend beyond the towers, branching out to touch the steel frame. There are multiple platforms for the different range of artists, as well as gallery spaces below each tower to house other visual forms of art.

Plan 1/32”=1’-0”

Section 1/32”=1’-0”

throughout.

Photos of the physical model integrated with the existing Spring Church. The platforms overlook the adjacent empty lot with light towers scattered

Studio Project Summer 2022

University of Kentucky - Seventh Semester - ARC 457 - Prof. Jason Scroggin (scroggin@uky.edu)

Study Abroad - Berlin

During the Summer of 2022, I was privileged with the opportunity to study abroad in the enriched city of Berlin, Germany. This six week program was directed by Professor Jason Scroggin in cooperation with UK Education Abroad and The Aedes Metropolitan Laboratory (ANCB). A group of fellow peers and I resided in the heart of Berlin, which made exploration all the more accessible. The cultural shift between the United States and Germany presented its initial challenges, but with time, the language barrier and new lifestyle became more apparent. The architectural presence and environmental conciousness was undeniably inspiring. I found myself living a much healthier, more affordable lifestyle. Throughout our stay, we traveled to other parts of Germany, including the city of Dessau, which is home to the Bauhaus Dessau campus. Here we toured the former school, now a museum, and the Masters’ Houses. The polaroid below is an image taken during our stay in the Bauhaus studio building that now serves as a hostel.

The design prompt for this studio was to create a residential complex that addressed the cultural, social, and environmental elements that we observed during the course of our stay in Berlin. The complex was expected to house under 100 residents and incorporate a public space of our choice.

The process of my design began at a smaller scale. With one unit in mind, I began to think of the complex as a series of parts. The elements used to create each unit could then be replicated to fulfill the whole residence. Throughout Berlin, I noticed many different intersecting communities, across several scales. I attempted to include this in my design by incorporating unique zones between units for interaction, gardening, and contemplation. The courtyard space, primarily a ‘Biergarten,’ introduced a slightly larger scale to the complex, allowing socialization between neighbors and outside communities.

Above is a depiction of the interior of one of the units. This “pod” could house up to two people. Below is a plan oblique drawing of a replicable unit, which features a rooftop garden space.

Studio Project Spring 2022

University of Kentucky - Sixth Semester - ARC 356 - Prof. Mark O’Bryan (m2@iglou.com)

Cabin in the Woods

The Cabin in the Woods project was the second design exercise of the semester. The studio was divided into groups and tasked with designing a rural housing scheme that embodied urban ele ments and mid-century details. The site was required to include a main house, guest house, cabin, studio/garage, warehouse, store, and folly tower.

In equal collaboration with Chase Faulkner, we experimented with the concept of public and pri vate, as well as the isolation and clustering of the different required programs. Each building was intended to have its own character, invoking a new feeling as you transition through space. The main house, guest house, and garage are what informed most of our design focus. The site and its elements progress from most public to most private. This arrangement is off-axis, intentionally disorienting you as if you are taking a walk through nature. The natural landscape and gardens are meant to disorient you, yet guide you through the journey to peace and tranquility. We used a series of site walls that slide through and past the building, manipulating views and light to give one a sense of anticipation. Throughout this project, there is an emphasis on structural practicality, directionality, and experience.

Group members: Madeleine Cordray, Chase Faulkner

Above is a site model showing the program arrangement with the closest building to the road being the shop/warehouse and the furthest building back being the private cabin.

Main House

Playful collages of each space and its personality.

Above is a composed interior

Main House Interior Render

interior view of the Main House central living.

The section above indicates the variety of spaces and their positions throughout the main house. The house features a studio apartment and garage combination that is connected through a second floor walkway. The strategic placement of windows allows for an adequate amount of light, while directing one’s attention to specific elements of the landscape. The clerestory windows also emphasize a celebration of the roof and its timber beam construction.

To the left is a detailed wall section that displays the use of wall insulation, rain drip guards, and the concrete foundation.

To the right is an exterior view of the studio/garage attachment to the main house.

1. Bedroom

2. Bathroom

3. Kitchen

4. Living Room

5. Dining Room

6. Recreation

7. Garage

8. Pool Deck

9. Wine Cellar

10. Storage

1. Bedroom

2. Bathroom

3. Kitchen

4. Living Room

5. Dining Room

6. Recreation

7. Garage

8. Pool Deck

9. Wine Cellar

10. Storage

Main House Section

Main House Section

04812

Studio Project Spring 2022

University of Kentucky - Sixth Semester - ARC 356 - Prof. Mark O’Bryan (m2@iglou.com)

Ocean One Condominium

Project one of this semester was a partial renovation of a current beachfront condominium located in Miramar Beach, Florida. In equal collaboration with fellow peer Chase Faulkner, we were tasked to redesign the facade, roof deck, and pool deck of a preexisting building. The new facade design was limited to a 10 foot maximum extension outward, as well as inward, from the preexisting building boundary. The main concept of this project was to reorient the building towards the ocean front, while also providing an architectural means of shading from the harsh Florida sun. The natural fluidity of the site’s main attraction influenced the specific forms of the building, as well as the organization of the lower pool deck and roof deck.

The roof deck features a communal pool, garden, and indoor flexible space. The infinity pool provides a seamless transition between bodies of water, allowing residents to feel more connected to the ocean. The fluid facade is intended to transition between the roof top pool and the lower pool deck, emphasizing Florida’s primary element.

Group Members: Madeleine Cordray, Chase Faulkner

Generated views of the rooftop pool deck and interior of one of the units.

Studio Project Spring 2021

University of Kentucky - Fourth Semester - ARC 254 - Prof. Elizabeth Swanson (lizaswanson@uky.edu)

Post Office

The focus of this studio was centered around the importance of the United States Postal Service and it’s integration within democracy. The Post Office serves as a hub of communication for people of all incomes, races, and backgrounds. The studio observed several precedents, including the High Street Post Office in Lexington, Kentucky. The interior was somewhat awkward, dark, and dreary. There was an absence of natural light, or opportunities for meaningful interactions within the space.

The given site for this studio is situated on the corner of Nicholasville Road and Alumni Drive, in Lexington, Kentucky. The area marks a corner entrance to the campus of the University of Kentucky, as well as surrounding neighborhoods, meaning it can act as a hub for students, nearby residents, and visitors. The new post office design required the general program of a post office, as well as a useful community space of our choice.

The lack of natural elements, such as vegetation and light, were some of the motivators for program arrangement and interior space in my design. The goal was to have a sort of ‘river’ of vegetation going through the space. These elements would add interest and life to the building, attracting more traffic and purpose to the traditional post office. The open, double height area surrounds an outdoor courtyard-like terrain, alluding to a seamless transition between the interior and exterior. The program of the building includes a post office, with attention to the experience of the employee, as well as a multifunctional space. This space includes study rooms, reservable meeting rooms for neighborhood associations, a kitchen-like space for farmers market distribution, and Big Blue Pantry, which is a food donation service for low income students at the University of Kentucky. This multifunction program provides an equitable site for postal services, collaboration, and nourishment. To the right is a collage of the High Street Post Office that portrays the varying conversations and elements within the space.

Post Office Program

The

of

There is a connection with the lobby through the various means of exchange.

Jan-May / Aug / Dec

Below is a sketch model demonstrating the movement and circulation through the space.

Midterm Site Model

Studio Project Fall 2020

University of Kentucky - Third Semester - ARC 253 - Prof. Leonardo Fuchs (leonardo.fuchs@yale.edu)

Hortus Conclusus

The given site, located on a large parking area in downtown Lexington, was split into quadrants. I worked in collaboration with Chase Faulkner, Lillian Pelletier, and Miles Smith, on the design development of the lower left portion of the site. Chase and I equally contributed to a majority of the design decisions, representation, and modeling of the project, while Lillian and Miles focused on the market and communal block. Our site was within close proximity of a historic neighborhood, nestled among a wall of vegetation, and W. Maxwell Street. With access to the immediate, urban community and outstretched farmlands, ideas of versatility, cohesiveness, and productivity had the power to attract a variety of interpersonal relationships. Establishing a frame based on logic and research, allowed for intentional spaces that could then be made figural by its inhabitants.

This project developed through the concept of a grid and how that grid created invisible public and private boundaries. These ideas were dependent on the inhabitant, whether that be a resident, a guest, or a form of produce. Understanding the natural variables and dimensions of the site, we were able to design a more free flowing set of residential units. These units were separated among the area, creating an opportunity for unique, shared spaces throughout. The residential buildings featured lower level zones that housed restaurants, produce stands, and communal kitchens, encouraging guests from the neighborhood to explore beyond their residence. Each unit had the ability to be self-sustaining through a personal garden, offered to the varying scales of apartments. Our quadrant was also easily accessible to outside communities through Lexington public transit, located across the street. The front and back facade conditions contributed to displaying, yet concealed the moments within them, thus creating a interchangeable relationship between public and private.

Group Members: Madeleine Cordray, Chase Faulkner, Lillian Pelletier, and Miles Smith

Plan Oblique

Site Analysis

Above is a small diagram highlighting the communal kitchens, greenhouses, restaurant, and market. These public spaces provided a frame to the community, while colliding with the residential zones in gray. This equally offers a sense of belonging, collaboration, and exposure to all residents and outside communities within Lexington. The generated image to the left demonstrates how each scale of unit is offered their own opportunity to garden. This image also shows the contrast between the front and back facade.

Studio Project Spring 2020

University of Kentucky - Second Semester - ARC 152 - Prof. Jason Scroggin (scroggin@uky.edu)

Object in Field

The basis of this semester’s project was to take the techniques from my first semester, “Part to Whole,” and apply them to a new combination of design exercises. For this project, I was asked to experiment with a series of found objects and geometries that would combine to operate as a whole. This would then be translated onto a generated ground plane relative to that chosen geometry. It was the study of the progression of ideas that resulted in an object suitable for exploration and contemplation.

The ultimate goal was to understand the relationship between form and the ground plane. It is important to realize how they work together to inform specific design decisions. Initially, the study consisted of testing how everyday soft and hard materials reacted when collided. From there, a pattern was extracted from certain noticable movements. This was then projected onto a piece of developed geometry, inspired by cluster models of household items. The pattern then began to influence and dictate certain design decisions regarding scale, spatial conditions, and the ground plane.

Pattern Plus Geometry

Above are a series of experiments that were conducted to test how soft and hard materials collided to create new, unique forms. The 5 experiments were conducted using the listed materials. These ideas were then used to create 2D patterns based off of observations and forms from the experiments. The language from each form was replicated in the final model and representation. Whether it be the fluidity of the shaving cream, or the color coding of the crayon, it is projected in the final iteration.

My final iteration focused on translating similar concepts from my midterm, while also progressing them, to a ground plane. The model was adjusted to become more suitable for human interaction and exploration. The linear pattern that was previously projected onto geometry, is now used to assign materiality on the ground plane. The landscape intensionally cradles the structure just as the smaller elements of the geometry cradle the large atrium-like space.

Shaving Cream / Food Coloring Melted Crayon / Plastic

Puzzle Piece Cluster

Studio Project Fall 2019

University of Kentucky - First Semester - ARC 151 - Prof. Brian Richter (br@brianrichter.net)

Part to Whole

The main design concept for this semester’s studio study was volumetric space and materiality. Using masonite and a notching tactic, we were tasked to explore the concept of volume. Being that everyone purchased their masonite from different locations, each material had varying thicknesses, which resulted in unique appearances across the board. Using masonite of 0.16 inch thickness, I was able to accomplish a bulkier look to my model.

There was a main theme that I strived to keep throughout all my iterations. I intended to create a self concealing mass of volume that wrapped within itself into a large interior space. With the addition of chipboard, I was able to allude the masonite material thickness. Blending these two materials together, I achieved different volumetric scales. The chipboard also offered the unique opportunity for etches and cuts to mimic angular conditions and present a movement throughout the model. The introduction of color usage led me to select a bright orange interior to contrast the brown exterior material. This dissimilarity not only emphasized the large, central volume, but it slipped out towards the exterior faces, attracting the eye to the varying pockets of space. Through the experimentation of materiality, volume, linear language, and color, I was able to develop a better understanding of Rhino, the laser cutting equipment, and create a piece that truly ‘wrapped’ up a great first semester of design school.

Above are initial models in the design process that use a notching technique to bind the material and explore the boundaries of space. Below is a generated view displaying how material thickness can be alluded.

PART_TO_WHOLE151ARC

Volume & Materiality

The final model for the Part to Whole studio study included the use of masonite, chipboard, and paint. The idea behind the bright orange accents was to create contrast and draw the eye into the interior space concealed by the natural brown tones. Etchings and cut-outs were placed on the model to portray movement, while also giving a glimpse into the enclosed, interior spaces. The scale of this model is significantly larger than the former iterations to allow the viewer to understand the variety of spaces and illusions of material thickness.

ASECTION

Furniture Design Elective Fall 2021

University of Kentucky - Fifth Semester - ARC 499 - Prof. Jill Leckner (jill.leckner@uky.edu)

This furniture design elective was structured similar to that of a proper studio. The assignment was to design and build a functional piece of furniture that would be primarily cut from a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine. The type, scale, and materials were up to each designer.

My piece is an adjustable shelf and sideboard combination, inspired by midcentury works and materials. The form displays a satisfying balance between solid, line, and plane. The shelf consists of four different materials, including walnut plywood, walnut edge banding, white oak plywood, and orange acrylic. I used a CNC machine, a laser cutter, and an electric sander to aid in the construction process. The piece is six feet tall, three feet wide, and one and a half feet deep. The shelf offers six different pegs for height adjustment. This flexible detail was initially inspired by my rapid growing plants and their spatial needs, but now I am glad to have included that feature for practicality and transportation sake.

This was my first experience with intensive wood working construction, which has further developed my structural knowledge. I am proud to have designed and constructed a piece that will remain in my collection forever.

Small Scale Product

The blue images in the upper left corner of the page are of a small scale model of an initial shelf design.

In addition to the large scale furniture piece, we were also assigned to create a small scale item using at least two different CNC cut joints. Above is the silhouette of my object, which is inspired by the traditional milk crate storage bins. I chose to use simple finger tenon joints and hammer tenon joints, while also implementing cutouts on the large sides of the crate that maintain the same proportions. Below is an image of the assembled piece, sanded and stained.

Ceramic Studio Fall 2022

During my last semester at the University of Kentucky, I decided to pursue an interest of mine in a studio environment quite different to that which I was familiar. This ceramic studio primarily focused on slab construction techniques with an emphasis on textural exploration. We were required to create a minimum of six bowls, eight cups, and four masks, but I created much more than I could include. We were also taught ceramic construction through wheel throwing techniques. This studio gave me a new found appreciation and knowledge of form and material limitations. Clay is a time-sensitive material dependent on its atmosphere. Though I had a few creation casualties, I learned to design more freely. This course scratched an itch of mine to explore several different mediums and techniques of design. I hope to continue to improve my skills and explore the world of ceramics in my free time.

University of Kentucky - Eighth Semester - A-S 370 - Prof. Bobby Scroggin (bobby.scroggins@uky.edu)

“Propagations and Cody”

Above is a graphite drawing of a small portion of my plant propagation collection. Through graphite, I was successfully able to replicate the variegation on each of the leaves. To the right is the same image, but produced with acrylic paint, displaying my interest and skill sets across different art mediums.

“A Hazy Morning in Lorne”

The image below is an acrylic painting I created during the Fall Semester of 2022. This painting is inspired by my most recent trip to visit family in Australia. The setting that this painting depicts is the small city of Lorne, just outside of Melbourne, Australia. Above are initial sketches of potential landscapes to paint before I decided to paint the larger sketch on the right. I admire the unique growth of the tree trunks and how their silhouettes contrast with the foggy, gray sky. Being a dual citizen of the United States and Australia, I often find myself feeling out of touch with my Australian heritage. This painting serves as a reminder that I will always have a home among Australia’s beautiful landscape.

Above is an acrylic painting inspired by my studies abroad in Berlin. The idea was to depict a potential core memory between two strangers.

“Core People”

Expansion Experience

The image above is the completed interactive pavilion created for the annual Expansion Lexington Experience. I was fortunate enough to be recruited to assist in the construction and completion of this wonderful piece. I was a part of a five person team, with Jason Scroggin as the Supervisor, Hannah Jackson as the head designer, and Akayla Bailey and Chase Faulkner as fellow constructors.