Mae Murphy | Architecture Portfolio | 2018

MAE MURPHY architecture portfolio

of change

spring 2019

introspection

fall 2018

skin in the game

fall 2018

mobile

spring 2018

of change This project is focused on developing different skills within the field of design. Various materials such as plaster, concrete, plastic, fabric, wax and ink were explored.

The series focuses on the element of change. The work strives to invoke movement, at first it may appear one way, but take another step and see something new. Various materials were explored in order to create a sense of hidden illusions. Each piece highlights an influence of change in a different way through deception. The inspiration is derived from a single photograph with the words of change boldly across the top.

The foggy Shanghai skyline is a looming presence not quite visible-contrasting the bold historic greenery that demands the foreground.

My concept is focused on the change that occurs when we see different points of view. The image seems to take place in a weathered, natural landscape. The Shanghai skyline looms in the background, unnoticed until someone takes the time to analyze the image.

Model created with casted concrete and plaster with the dimensions of 12” x 12” x 12.” Elevations and sections are below created with Photoshop.

To the left, an acetone transferred image was used to create a section cut drawing.

introspection A visual and auditory projection of your thoughts.

The space records sounds within and around the building. Voices are then projected onto the opposite wall with a voice translation software. The words move around the wall to allow viewers to read before they disappear. A publication is annually created, composed of recordings from the year. The book is published in braille as well.

The building is located on Main Street in downtown Ames, Iowa.

The criteria was to document and fill the existing space utilizing photography, illustration, and digital programs such as AutoCad, Rhinoceros, V-Ray, DIVA, Grasshopper, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Introspection strives to bring an air of inner reflection to the area. The glass facade allows viewers to read and react to their own words. The recorded sounds are available for participants to play back and share with others.

As you speak, your words are projected to the wall.

Question are asked to instigate How are you really feeling?

What is on your mind?

Why? What is the point?

What are you working on now?

Listen to yourself.

Tell your story here in Ames, Iowa.

introspection

process:

Above is process work and abstracted voice analysis of Downtown Ames. To the right is a floor plan created with Auto Cad, Illustrator and hand drawings.

Renderings done with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Rhino. To the left is a laser cut model depicting the relationship between the exterior wall and infill building.

Speaking and listening perspectives created with V-Ray Rhino renders and Photoshop editing.

skin in the game Skin in The Game is the first project within Iowa State’s Architecture program, hence the name. Students were instructed to design a building inspired by precedents on the Iowa State campus and that could withstand at least one art sculpture. The building is located in Chicago, Illinois from inspiration from the fall architecture field trip using several modes of technology including AutoCad, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Indesign.

Strategies such as open/close, vertical, scale/proportion were utilized in the building to represent rhythm. The building folds into itself, through divisions of square planes that create triangular forms, creating a rhythmic structure. Structural details seen on the East side of the building creates rhythm through repetition of vertical beams. These beams are continued through the creases of the planes in order to support the geometric structure. The planes of the building are detailed with proportions of themselves, to engage observers, and to further emphasize scale and proportion.

The building was created to not only present the sound sculpture, but to also create a new atmosphere depending on the sound, location of sculptures, and people interacting with it.

project created with McKenna Winther

Iterations of rhythm and repetition with various materials including foamcore, fishing wire and wood. To the left is a site analysis model located in Chicago.

Hand-rendered plans, sections and elevations with chalk pastel.

mobile The mobile project is a part of Iowa State University’s Core program.

The criteria was to create something inspired by a song represented in some form of suspended sculpture. The Blue and White Porcelain song by Jay Chou was the inspiration for this piece. The song is composed with a single stringed instrument that creates a plucking sound. The delicate plucks with the melodic harmonies create a piece of contrasting work. The lanterns were inspired by the song’s Chinese heritage and the surrounding form creates an aura to imply atmosphere.

The initial process work had a theme of red triangular shapes with hanging pieces. There is a strong theme of contradiction between delicacy and resilience that ties back to the original Chinese song.

project created with Luke McDonell, Run-Quan Lin and Amina Hartwell

Lanterns were hung in College of Design Atrium and suspended over College Creek.

The lanterns were placed in two locations in order to emphasize the influence of delicacy and resilience.

Photographs were taken of the lanterns hanging over College Creek in the middle of Iowa State University’s campus and suspended in the College of Design atrium.

The mobile has a delicate interwoven piece within the lanterns. This adds an element of playfulness similar to a Chinese dragon or birds flying in the sky. The creek created its own atmosphere with the lanterns being placed near flowing water. Lights were placed inside that reflected on the water at night. Each piece was fastened with fishing swivels for spinning. The lanterns spun beautifully in the wind over College Creek.

Programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Sketchup were used to design the lanterns and create the structure.

MAE MURPHY maem@iastate.edu 515.918.9255 2019 Portfolio