Research Projects

Materials and Methods

Materials and Methods was the first technical class I took in the architecture program. It focused on the materials and techniques used in construction. Our final project was to find an interesting building building, learn about its structure and layers, and model it. This was my first real model of architecture schooling, so it was very exciting at first, but I learned very quickly how much work physical modelling really is. My group modelled the Biesbosch Museum Island in Werkendam, Netherlands. In the process, we realized we picked a building that was too complicated for our skills, but we did our best to represent a section.

Architecture and Ecology was a class focused on sustainability and passive building strategies. Our semester project was to find a green certified building and conduct a case study of the strategies and technologies they utilized. I studied Council House 2 in Melbourne, Australia. This project gave me the solid understanding I now have of passive building strategies, which I often try to incorporate into other design projects.