Undergraduate Portfolio 2022

MACKENZIE BARRALL

Selected Works

Snow DEn 04 08 12 17 20 22

As a designer, I am very inspired by the role which time plays in the built environment. Each project in this portfolio pays a homage to the development and adaptability of our structures. Our world is ever changing not only with time, but also with environmental concerns and new building techonologies. However, in my mind this does not mean that everything of the past is outdated and useless, but rather we should look to our older structures to find beauty and inspiration in new ways. Adaptive-reuse is one way to assist the climate crisis while building upon where we began, and it is a path I hope to pursue..

The Snow Den: Spring 2020

The project is meant to sustain a college student and their cat for a period of fourteen days within Northern Italy. Conducted while studying abroad in Rome, the project was inspired by my analysis of the Puntarella, which can be found in nearly every market in the city. The real challenge was being given the parameters of being under 150 square feet and

Snow Den

The Pull and Release of the stalks of the Puntarella inspired the space-saving approach of the interior and the entrance of the vehicle.

Through the analysis of a palimpsest piece, this project seeks to create a dual experience of complexity and tranquility. As viewers navigate the overwhelming and the destination

With the analasis of the original Palimpsest, I created a newgeometrical landscape with chaotic shapes leading to a circle of tranquility. The center cluster was selected to grow out three dimensionally of the original, similar to geodes.

Conceptual Palimpsest

Fantasty Landscape and

Pathways

Plan of Stairways

Along with the winding pathways, choosing to descend the center staircase is aimed to be reminiscent of being swallowed by the structure. The result is the same as above where darkness opens to an expansive view.

Sampson Intervention:

Individual Work Seventh Semester

This project was made to reflect the history of upheaval in Sampson Park in Romulus, New York. Twice groups were forcibly expelled from this area, leaving behind an acient apple orchard and a historic graveyeard. Through these two pieces of history, the design seeks to address the theme of Subordination and , through the experiences of the visitors to Sampson Park.

Once a prosperous military compound in the 1940’s, the park is currently home to camping grounds and a military musesum. The land was originally part of the indigenous village of Kendaia, which was burned to the ground during the Sullivan Expedition, along with it’s ancient apple orchard. The design seeks to pay homage to this orchard and to connect visitors to the southern end of the park rather than remaining by the campgrounds and military museum.

Site Location

Military Museum

With the forceful removal of people from this area in mind, approaching from different sides of the design will mimic the two sides of the conflict. Approaching from the South will breed feelings of Subordination, which is shown as being overwhelmed by a wave in my conceptual analysis.

Approaching from the North will create a feeling of Conquest, as visitors reach all points of high ground to look down over the design and other visitors.

Concept

Vienna Brewery: 2021

Independent Study Sixth + Seventh Semester

The Vienna Brewery is an abandoned historic complex protected from demolition by the Boston Landmark Commission. Built in 1846, only two of the five buildings remain standing. The goal of the design was to take into account the historic building’s affect on the identity of the area as well as its preservation, and functional reuse.

Opened in 1876 and closed due to Prohibition in 1918. Was one of the top Lager producers in Boston.

1980-1998

Deteriorating rapidly after decades of neglect, it was designated a Landmark and saved from demolition in 1998.

2002-Present

Three of six buildings were demolished due to poor structural integrity, and the remaining buildings sit untouched and used as plow storage.

Verticle Brewing Process Concept

Final Reworked Design

Ornate Brickwork of Original Buildings

Located in Roxbury, a sub neighborhood of Boston, the design is meant to help combat growing gentrification in a college town. This is especially important, as the building itself is currently owned by Wentworth Institute of Technology, one of the contributing agents.

Though there are community centers in the area, the design takes into account the services that are missing from these which are present in wealthier Boston neighborhoods. These are mostly those concerned with art, cooking, and performace.

Community Places Private University Site Original Plan (1920’s) = still standing

Music Practice Rooms

Dance Studios

Black Box Theater

Painting/Sculpture Studios and Kitchen Computer Lab Auditorium

Architectural Toy: Spring 2019

Individual Academic Work Second Semester

This project was part of a larger exploration of building materials, and the first experience working with wood. Inspired by topographical maps, each step rotates to mimic the change of land over time. I personally cut each piece with a ban saw, sanded, and stained them using a different kinds of woods and stains for the maximum variation.

Roma e Geneva: Spring 2020

A plan of my apartment and study sketches while living abroad in Rome, Italy as well as study sketches of Geneva, NY when we were sent back to campus due to Covid-19.