THE FOUNDATION | Clemson, South Carolina
THE INFRASTRUCTURE | Barcelona, Spain
THE LAWN | New York City, New York THE HIDDEN GEM | Cayce, South Carolina THE FIELD HOUSE | Clemson, South Carolina 01 02 03 04 05
PUBLIC SPACE VISION
In the heart of every game, where the roar of the crowd mingles with the pulse of the earth, I discovered the power of spaces—how they bring people together and create lasting connection. My time as an athlete taught me that sports go beyond competition; they are about celebrating life’s moments, building community, and sharing joy. This understanding shaped my vision, to design spaces that capture this spirit, where the energy of a stadium extends beyond its walls and weaves into the life of a community.
As an architect, my goal is to create more than just stadiums. I want to design places where people from all walks of life come together public plazas where strangers connect, community centers where stories are shared, and stadiums that resonate with more than cheers, becoming a single heartbeat.
In every project, I strive to reflect the essence of sports—the passion, the camaraderie, and the sense of belonging it inspires. I aim to create spaces that bring people closer, enrich their lives, and leave a lasting impression. This is the impact I strive to have, which is why I am pursuing a career in architecture
THE FOUNDATION
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY | FALL ‘24
Professor: Lavender Tessmer
In Collaboration with Chloe Craig
Collaborated with Professor Lavender Tessmer and Chloe Craig on photographs, collaborated with Chloe Craig on drawings and creating the physical prototype.
The Foundation reimagines the slab-on-grade foundation system to address the challenges of sustainability and material efficiency in current U.S. residential construction practices. Using advanced geometric optimization, including catenary geometry and modular prefabrication, the project reduces concrete usage while maintaining structural integrity. Building on the principles of waffle slab foundations, this system reimagines the design to offer a scalable and sustainable alternative, with a vision for environmentally conscious construction suited to U.S. practices.
COMMON RESIDENTIAL FOUNDATION TYPES (UNITED STATES)
IN 2019, GLOBAL CO₂ EMISSIONS FROM FOSSIL FUELS AND CEMENT PRODUCTION WERE ALMOST FOUR TIMES HIGHER THAN IN 1960
CEMENT PRODUCTION CONTRIBUTES TO 9% OF GLOBAL CO2 EMISSIONS
TWO EDGE, ONE CORNER SUPPORT
ONE EDGE, TWO CORNER SUPPORTS
ONE EDGE, TWO CORNER SUPPORTS
FOUR CORNER SUPPORTS
NO SUPPORTS
TYPICAL WAFFLE SLAB
WAFFLE SLAB WITH CATENARY GEOMETRY
OPTIMIZED SLAB USED FOR DIGITAL FABRICATION
GEOMETRICALLY OPTIMIZED CONCRETE SLAB
NEW COMPOSITE-FUNCTION MATERIAL
medium wood shavings + resin
COLUMN LOAD DISTRIBUTION ON PANEL TYPE C
20 panels, 960 square feet, 2 bed, 2 bath
17.69% reduction of concrete
26 panels, 960 square feet, 2 bed, 2 bath 17.90% reduction of concrete
35 panels, 1296 square feet, 3 bed, 2 bath 17.05% reduction of concrete
38 panels, 1344 square feet, 3 bed, 2 bath 17.13% reduction of concrete
44 panels, 1536 square feet, 3 bed, 2 bath
16.99% reduction of concrete
42 panels, 1584 square feet, 3 bed, 2 bath 16.87% reduction of concrete
30 panels, 1056 square feet, 2 bed, 2 bath
17.64% reduction of concrete
34 panels, 1056 square feet, 2 bed, 2 bath 17.27% reduction of concrete
37 panels, 1440 square feet, 3 bed, 2 bath 17.24% reduction of concrete
42 panels, 1440 square feet, 3 bed, 2 bath 17.13% reduction of concrete
48 panels, 1776 square feet, 3 bed, 2 bath 16.68% reduction of concrete
57 panels, 2160 square feet, 3 bed, 2 bath 16.67% reduction of concrete
BASE MODEL
24 panels, 1152 square feet
EXAMPLE 1
24 panels, 1056 square feet, 2 bed, 2 bath
EXAMPLE 2
24 panels, 1152 square feet, 3 bed, 2 bath
EXAMPLE 3
24 panels, 1152 square feet, 3 bed, 2 bath
THE INFRASTRUCTURE
BARCELONA ARCHITECTURE CENTER | SPRING ‘24
Professors: Miguel Roldán and David Espuña
In Collaboration with DCarlos Richardson
Collaborated with DCarlos Richardson on drawings and images.
The Infrastructure explores Barcelona’s industrial port, capturing the essence of its vibrant waterfront and the dynamic nature of Mediterranean trade. Inspired by the city’s diverse port systems, the project examines the movement and function of a terminal, uncovering the architectural beauty of industrial elements like cranes, bridges, and docks. Designed for the America’s Cup Race—the world’s most prestigious sailing event—the building emphasizes future reuse and sustainability, envisioning a harmonious integration of industrial structures into an adaptive urban landscape.
Where steel meets sea, a beacon stands, Movement, rhythm, and grace intertwined. Cranes and bridges, a harmony of purpose, Beauty in the heartbeat of industry, A port built to last, for now and what’s to come.
Very High Intensity
Lower Intensity
(Line thickness indicates volume of traffic)
CONTAINER TRAFFIC
40 to 300
PORT ACTIVITY
Lower Intensity
1,200 to 2,100
Very High Intensity
PORT TYPE
Commercial Port
2,100 to 3,180 Energy Port
Logistic Port
600 to 2,100 Port of Ferries and Cruises
300 to 600 Urban Port
MEDITERRANEAN TRADE FLOW MAP
(Line thickness indicates volume of traffic)
BARCELONA PORT OVERVIEW MAP
PORT VELL: AMERICA’S CUP ACCESS AND INDUSTRIAL TYPOLOGY MAP
Torre Jaume I
Porta d’ Europa
Torre Sant Sebastian
Crane Port Vell
Barcelona Nautical Center Ferry to America’s Cup Race
SUN DIAGRAM: ELEVATION
SUN DIAGRAM: SECTION
SUN DIAGRAM: PLAN
Guided by light, the structure emerges, Shaped by the sun, its purpose revealed.
A presence that stands, bold and enduring, Shadows trace its path, marking sustainability, A space that invites, from afar and near.
CONCRETE FLOOR SLABS
GRC TILE
Floor slabs set up to hang from truss structure. Allows for the same visual effect as grainy concrete while reducing dead load of the tower.
STEEL TRUSS
Steel framework that will serve as a skeletal-like structure supporting the GRC shell.
From shore to horizon, the port extends, A gateway alive with rhythm and purpose. Long lines of steel and shadow trace its form, Where industry meets the sea, A structure that anchors, Inviting movement, guiding all who pass.
THE LAWN
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY | FALL ‘23
Professor: Rayshad Dorsey
In Collaboration with Leonardo Hernandez
Collaborated with Leonardo Hernandez on drawings and images, and later individually post-rendered and modified the original images.
The Lawn is a mid rise office building situated on the High Line, designed to introduce green space into New York City’s dense urban fabric. At its base, a large void frames an expansive lawn, offering a natural retreat for both building occupants and the city’s residents. The design, rooted in circles and tangencies, unfolds as the building ascends, creating terraces where workers can step out, pause, and find moments of peace. More than just green space, The Lawn provides a place of escape and tranquility amidst the busy city environment.
Where concrete fades, the green takes hold,
A quiet escape within the city’s pulse.
Circles and paths, where people meet,
Tied to the High Line, seamlessly woven, A space to breathe, a moment to unwind.
GLASS CASING
FLOOR PLATES AND STRUCTURE
CORES
LANDSCAPE
Elements unfold, revealing the core, A ramp extends, uniting street and green. Lines guide, connecting city to space, The Lawn invites, drawing the outside in,
A seamless path from urban edge to retreat.
From a distance, the form unfolds, The Lawn, seamlessly part of the city’s pulse. Curves and movement define its presence, A building that invites, drawing life inside, A quiet retreat, yet bold, within the urban flow.
THE HIDDEN GEM
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY | SPRING ‘23
Professor: Janelle Schmidt
*Finalist for AIA Columbia Competition*
The Hidden Gem is a civic center located in Cayce, South Carolina, designed to create an arts campus deeply rooted in the town’s traditions. The architecture features brickwork that reflects local quarry practices, grounding the project in Cayce’s heritage and fostering a sense of continuity and community. At its core is the center stage, known as The Hidden Gem, which stands apart with its bold, radical design. Left intentionally incomplete in renders, it invites viewers to imagine their own interpretation of this hidden gem, sparking curiosity and engagement.
A space takes shape, inviting and bright, Where tradition meets the unexpected. A campus opens, welcoming all, A place to gather, create, and connect, A Hidden Gem, ready to be revealed.
An open stage, where the community gathers,
Voices echo, under the wide, open sky.
Paths intertwine, connecting the whole,
Spaces designed for movement and rest,
A vision that breathes life, from edge to edge.
AMPHITHEATER
CIVIC CENTER
THE HIDDEN GEM
PARK
RECORDING
GALLERY SPACE
The site unfolds, revealing its core, The Hidden Gem, bold and unmistakable. Layers of space, each crafted with intent, Sections shape the rhythm, guiding the flow, A vision that stands, timeless and whole.
THE FIELD HOUSE
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY | FALL ‘22
Professor: JD Gutermuth
The Field House sits quietly on the shores of Lake Hartwell in Clemson, South Carolina, merging simplicity with intentional design. It focuses on functionality and movement, the structure’s rigid geometry is softened by its inviting and tranquil presence. Visitors are welcomed into a space that contrasts, yet harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. It offers a seamless balance between built form and nature. At its heart, The Field House aims to create the connection between design and environment, creating a peaceful retreat that enriches its lakeside setting.
Where structure meets the shore, calm takes hold, Rigid lines softened by the lake’s presence. A place to pause, to reflect, to see, Quiet moments framed by thoughtful design, A retreat harmonized with the landscape’s rhythm.
1. SERENE
2. INVITING
3. HARMONIOUS
A Small form, carefully arranged, Quiet spaces merge with the landscape, Lines trace the flow of calm, Where structure meets stillness,
A retreat shaped by simplicity and grace.
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
LOCKER
Plans unfold, revealing spaces to play, Recreation framed by clarity and calm. A design that breathes, open and free, Where serenity invites a quiet pause, A place where structure and nature align.
MATTHEW BRAUNFOTEL
INTERN ARCHITECT | DESIGNER
INFO
ADDRESS
12 Balmoral Drive, New City, NY 10956
PHONE
+1 845-422-2854
mpb21603@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/ matthew-braunfotel
SKILLS
CAD | RENDER
AutoCAD
Grasshopper
Revit
Rhino 3D
SketchUp
Enscape Lumion
ADOBE CC
InDesign
VISION
As a passionate architectural designer, I am eager to apply my academic training through an internship with an innovative firm. I aim to specialize as an architectural associate, creating environments where diverse communities unite through shared experiences.
EDUCATION
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture Candidate
Expected Graduation: May 2025
Major: Architecture
Minor: Business Management
Dean’s List: Fall ‘21, ‘23
President’s List: Fall ‘22, ‘24 | Spring ‘23, ‘24
*ARCH 2520 Finalist for AIA Columbia Competition*
AIAS Member
Clemson Club Tennis Member
DISTINCTIONS ORGANIZATIONS EXPERIENCE
H2M ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS
White Plains, New York (June - August 2024)
• Conducted site visits, drafted plans, and created construction details for public schools and small residential projects, ensuring accurate and effective design execution.
• Prepared and presented comprehensive drawings to clients, facilitating project reviews and demonstrating strong communication and presentation skills.
DMR ARCHITECTS
MS OFFICE
Illustrator Photoshop Excel PowerPoint Word
• Collaborated with architects and engineers on projects, producing floor plans and massing diagrams while aligning concepts with client goals.
• Strengthened teamwork and communication skills through site visits, GIS projects, and design presentations, improving collaborative problem-solving.
CARRIAGE HOUSE GARDENS
Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey (May - August 2023) Valhalla, New York (May - July 2022)
• Assisted landscape architects through the project life cycle, including site visits, topography reviews, and design phases involving detailed measurements, plant and material selection, and drafting.
• Collaborated with contractors during installation to ensure that designs were accurately implemented and met client expectations.
“Life is architecture and architecture is the mirror of life.”
— I.M. Pei
