Maura Flaherty Selected Works 2023

"Talent is good, practice is better, passion is best."

-Frank Lloyd Wright

Welcome to my portfolio of work. My name is Maura C. Flaherty and I am an Architectural Designer in the Cleveland area. My talent for creativity, practice, and passion for the discipline of design are demonstrated in my portfolio through academic and professional work.

My appreciation for architectural discourse and creating thoughtfully composed designs may be observed from thesis to realization for each composition. The academic works range between theory based studies, technical detail designs, and schematic proposals. While pursuing my master’s degree, I improved upon these skills through research explorations and assistantship opportunities. These enriched my understanding of discourse, resulting in written publications and exhibit participation.

In practice, I followed my passion for sustainable design by contributing to projects in historic preservation and adaptive reuse. Experience in preparing drawing sets, creating visuals for design reviews, participating in presentations, and performing construction administration tasks has grown my understanding of practices in the field.

In the past year, I’ve continued my education through actively pursuing licensure. I have demonstrated an understanding of practice management, project management, and construction and evaluation standards through examination. I look forward to advancing my professional development through practice and continuing to work toward licensure.

It is my hope that my portfolio gives you a better understanding of my design philosophies, as well as my talent, practice, and passion in architecture. Please contact me with any questions or comments. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Maura C. Flaherty

Education

Maura Flaherty

Cleveland, OH

412-359-9406

mauracflaherty@gmail.com

Master of Architecture

(August 2020- August 2021), Kent State University

Graduated August 2021 with a Master’s of Architecture, 3.9 GPA.

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

(August 2016- May 2020), Kent State University

Graduated cum laude May 2020 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Architecture and minor in sustainability. Semester abroad in Florence, Italy Spring 2019.

Work Experience

Architectural Designer, Sandvick Architects (August 2021- Present), Cleveland, OH 44113

Architectural Designer for adaptive reuse and preservation projects qualifying for state and federal historic tax credits. Responsibilities included working in a team of 3-5 members to prepare schematic, design development, pricing, permit, and construction document drawing sets. Construction administration experience in bulletin preparation, shop drawing and submittal reviews, coordination with consultants, responses to requests for information, and team site visits to monitor and aid construction progress. Prepared renderings and documentation for design reviews and participated in presentations to clients.

Research Assistant, Kent State CAED (May 2021-October 2021),Kent, OH 44240

Research assistant to Dr. Marcello Fantoni. Tasks included acquiring primary & secondary resources while vetting content for research. Contributed to early writing stages for textbook about the Ideal City. Work approximately 10 hours per week.

Course Assistant, Kent State CAED (August 2020- May 2021), Kent, OH 44240

Course assistant for the Methods and Materials course (Fall 2020) and Introduction to Building Structures course (Spring 2021). Responsibilities included coordinating class schedule, creating rubrics for evaluation, technical assistance, and grading student work. Section Leader/Course assistant for DKS First Year experience (Fall 2020), which included lecturing, scheduling, grading, advising, and assisting a class of 20 students. Work approximately 12 hours per week.

Digital Assistant, Kent State CAED

(January 2020- May 2020) Kent, OH 44240

Member of the digital assistant team for the Kent State College of Architecture and Environmental Design. Responsibilities included troubleshooting digital software problems, tutoring design students in digital programs, collaborating with team members to create digital workshops, and leading design students through digital workshops. Work approximately 10 hours per week.

Design Intern, Shelton Design//Build

(May 2019 -January 2020), 4805 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Provided assistance while collaborating with the design team. Tasks include schematic design, drafting construction drawings, field measuring, updating company media sites, computer modeling, and rendering. Work approximately 40 hours per week.

Professional Involvement

Ohio City Design Review Committee (August 2023-Present)

Member of the Ohio City Historic Design Review Committee, an advisory board to the Cleveland Landmarks Commission. Responsibilities include reviewing, critiquing, and voting on design proposals located in neighborhood’s historic district.

AIA Associate (June 2023-Present)

Associate member of the American Institute of Architects Cleveland chapter. Member of AIA Cleveland’s Young Architects & Associate Members committee.

AXP Candidate (August 2021- Present)

Actively pursuing architectural licensure with the NCARB Architectural Experience Program. 4,360 hours completed. Demonstrated proficiency of Practice Management, Project management, and Construction & Evaluation through accredited testing.

Accolades

Elliot Scholarship

Recipient 2020-21 academic year.

Kent State Dean's List

Dean’s List for students with a 3.4 GPA or higher in a semester. Fall 2016-August 2021.

Kent State President's Scholarship, Trustee Scholarship

Recipient of both scholarships in the 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20 academic years.

Charles L. Harker Scholarship

Recipient for the Spring 2019 semester abroad in Florence, Italy.

Endangered Space

Graduate Design Studio I

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Zahra Safaverdi

Cleveland, Ohio

research + Urban Analysis

Amber Kustaborder

Endangered Space is a project that addresses post-industrial challenges faced by rust belt cities through creation of a theory centered around perspectival space as a solution to the devastation caused by monocultures. A fictional narrative inspired by intensive and extensive research, combined with the idea of urban islets, culminates in the publication, Endangered Space. The following text and spreads include key text and images regarding the project’s theory and methodology.

Endangered Space- Page 8-9

Endangered Space Publication tinyurl.com/endangeredspace

State of the Union

“Our fellow individuals, The fabric of our union is under attack. A city which is divided cannot stand, nor a country, or a culture. In pursuit of a better future, we must address the state of our reality. As a society, we have evolved past the need for parties within one space, and entered the phase in our species’ history in which we require a new ecosystem composed of perspectival space.

Our experimentation of the American city has concluded, resulting in the dissolution of mass into a cluster of spaces perpetuating ideals that are unaligned with its inhabitants as a whole. This is because our definition of mass in terms of society has started producing inconsistencies in the pointillistic composition of the American city. The city, made up of neighborhoods and suburbs, all were dots on the painting with a common goal: to create a cohesive composition by representing their portion of the whole. As time progressed, the points started to develop their own identity but their success was suppressed by the outdated collective view, causing the inhabitants to suffer and spaces to die.

While under a common goal, we created parties to discuss ways to coexist in the same space, valuing the collective goal above all others. This was a hopeless task, and it is because our architects and planners have failed us. A space for everybody could never exist as our society evolved into individual thoughtthere must be space for everyone. While chasing the idea of a space for the mass, we allowed the points in the painting to grow and shrink at the expense of one another to fit in the same frame. This has caused the death and life cycle of the city to recur with never achieving a successful solution that our society of individuals requires for survival. Therefore, the ecosystem we have built can no longer sustain our advancement, and must evolve itself into perspectival space. Spaces tailored to the current societal perspectives may allow the individual to flourish in an area aligned to their views. Thus, progress is in the eye of the beholder, and the ecosystem has readapted to reduce the limiting factors on our respective environments. This will allow our species to thrive and evolve further in a new space that is appropriate for our development into monocultures.

To accomplish this we must establish a system that aligns with the primary perspectives at any time. Those who thrive in each environment may do so, but we must be sensitive in our installation of the process. Spaces that have become extinct, endangered, or vulnerable due to our previous ideas of mass must be resurrected, healed, and prevented from further extinction. This may occur through the intervention of solutions that allow the individual to travel to a space of their perspective once the previous mass solution inevitably fails. A cyclical process, this system allows for the filtration of individuals whenever imbalance of perspective (not opinion) causes destruction to the fabric of the union of our realities. Through this, our space may adapt with us as our evolution continues. Space and society are in constant, parallel progression. The union is saved, and the individual is happy in their environment once again.”

High Low

Cleveland Cuyahoga County Ohio United States

On the Origin of Endangered Space

“The methodology for this study of the American city is grounded in scientific principles regarding endangerment and evolutionary fitness due to the fragile condition of the city and its surrounding spaces. The domains of the City were taxonomized based on ecological organization: Planet-Kingdom, Country-Phylum, Region-Class, State-Order, CountyFamily, City- Genus, Neighborhood/Suburb- Species. This classification led to the examination of the city as an ecosystem whose success depends on the strength of all of its species. To properly analyze the state of the city’s ecosystem, data regarding various environmental factors across each neighborhood and suburb were collected. The averages of the data collected for each factor in the species were then compared to the average for the genus, family, order, and phylum of the area. The relation of these averages were then visually displayed in data matrices, highlighting the trends and comparison of the area to larger scale regions. Upon evaluation of these points and thorough investigation of factors not displayed in data, areas were analyzed in evolutionary terms based on their likelihood of survival given their current trajectory. Five primary limiting factors were identified that may cause endangerment of space: poverty rate, median household income, education attainment, employment rate, and population change. A

scoring system was then created based on each species statistics for the primary limiting factors that related their data to the averages of the family. Once calculated, the scores were divided into ranges that taxonomized species according to one of the following endangerment levels: least concern, vulnerable, endangered, or extinct.

For the application of this methodology, the city of Cleveland was the experimental subject in the study of endangered space. The city, devastated by the downfall of its primary industry and insurmountable debt, suffers from a fragmented urban condition, leaving many of its neighborhoods and suburbs in a fragile state. While some areas in the region declined, others prospered, leading to an imbalanced system within Cleveland that the city could not afford to correct. Unfortunately, this caused many of the weak areas to collapse and the more fortunate ones to become stronger. However, the success of the ecosystem is dependent on the strength of all species.

In this study, Cleveland’s ninety-six neighborhoods and suburbs were evaluated across thirty-nine common environmental factors. Using the methodology for classifying endangered space, scores were given to each area based on their statistics for the five limiting factors. The taxonomized neighborhoods and suburbs may be observed through

the endangerment map of the region in which the score for each neighborhood and suburb correlates with its height on the map, displaying the endangerment levels within the county. The scores were then translated into an evolutionary fitness map generated by the calculations, exhibiting each area’s chance of survival. The resultant is a landscape composed of peaks and valleys, illustrating the scores of each neighborhood and suburb in the Cleveland area.

Analysis of the landscape, data, and constructs leading to community imbalance inspired the creation of a narrative that evaluated the state of the city’s condition and hypothesized new methods and typologies for revitalization. From the taxonomization of endangerment levels for Cleveland, one neighborhood and suburb (if possible) were chosen from each classification as case studies. The case studies were then evaluated more intensely on their strengths and weaknesses from the research gathered, leading to the speculation of new built environments that would support perspectives of all inhabitants in each area. Thus, each case study has an Above and Below narrative, providing solutions that address their respective weaknesses, build upon their strengths, and propose environments for progress. “

“The landscape we exist on is composed of two realities. Perspectives in our societies exist within the same reality of space. The State of the Union concludes that it is no longer possible for the perspectival realities to exist successfully within the same built environment. Because inhabitants have been forced to exist and evolve within one landscape, there has been mass destruction to the environmental structure. While we tried to remedy this solution through the formations of parties of similar thought, the collapse of the built environment went unnoticed. The noble efforts to discover the ways in which we may coexist regardless of perspective became the catalyst for further destruction, and what should have been discussion became argument. This polarized the perspectives further, creating a drastic dichotomy of inhabitants within one space that no longer had similar ideas of progress or success. Due to the discrepancy between ideals, the inhabitants valiantly fought for the values of the society, while incognizant that it was a hopeless fight. In efforts to save the society, inhabitants neglected the damage occurring to the landscape. This caused the built environments that once supported the common goal to be the silent victims of dueling perspectives.

Skyacres

Inhabitants only became aware of the extremity of the landscape’s deterioration when it broke. This led to the exploration of a new built environment in which the landscape is a barrier distinguishing two planes of reality. The alternate realities, existing on opposite sides of the same landscape spurred the establishment of perspectival environments in which inhabitants may choose between in order to live in a space where working toward a common goal is attainable once more. The two realities on the landscape are known as The Above and The Below.

The Above is the reality in which all inhabitants existed prior to the collapse of the landscape. Inhabitants who were content with one set of ideals occupy this space, while those who no longer agree with the Above’s perspective journey to the Below and occupy this space. Neither reality is considered superior to the other; both are merely space for the establishment of a built environment in which inhabitants may thrive in pursuit of a common goal that aligns with their perspective. Inhabitants of the Above and the Below view the opposite space as non- ideal. However, the alternate spaces allow for the inhabitants to exist in their realities without damage to one another or the built environment.

The deterioration and restoration cycle of the landscape is then a method for saving the built environment through providing spaces adequate for the needs of the inhabitant. An ideal environment may not exist unless it is tailored to the requirements of the inhabitant’s advancement and survival.

When the deterioration of the landscape leads to the creation of the threshold between the Above and the Below, there are a few options available to inhabitants as to what they would like to do. The broken landscape is an uninhabitable carcass of the dead environment, composed of a valley of bones. While the area undergoes restoration, inhabitants choose their actions based on their perspectival realities. Those uninterested in the rehabilitation process of the Above travel to the Below to establish new environments. Those who wish to reside in the Above take shelter in the Incubator with Celia until the landscape is safe again. Inhabitants that neither wish to stay in the Incubator or travel to the Below roam to another area to live in a different environment that is stable within their reality space. All options allow inhabitants to choose a path to an area that aligns with their definitions of progress and success through built environments that support perspectival societies. “

Endangered Space- Page 91-92

The Skyacres path intersects the highest structures in the city. The community is supported by repurposed abandoned infrastructure from the city’s past environments for industrial progress. This creates a foundation for skyplanes like the one hovering above to be perpetually designed and built, establishing a new skyline for community progression.

Licensed to Skill

Discovered fragments of information are combined by licensed inhabitants to create new knowledge. Inhabitants work together to join the pieces together in the correct form before transporting the new object to the community Vessel for knowledge.

S-Mart

Ingredients for knowledge recipes are fully stocked on the S-Mart shelves for shoppers. Inhabitants browse the selves for the items they need to make existing or new recipes to expand their knowledge and contribute to community growth.

Glitch

The gravitational strain on the fabric of the community is increased due to an excess of exotic matter. Glitches occur which inform inhabitants of the need to break the cyclical pattern of time caused by the wormhole. The community sets to reduce the negative energy feeding the damaged fabric, which allow evolution to continue in a linear pattern.

Encore

The stage is set at the theater company for another production in the Encore community. The director designed the structure to allow for the perfect enactment of their vision. Soon, the theater will be filled with audience members critiquing the show and witnessing the audition of future inhabitants to ensure proper, dedicated, community growth.

Tapestry

Refurbished pieces for quilted residences in the Tapestry community are laid in an orderly manner, easily accessible to all inhabitants. Community members visit the sorting yard to gather fragments for stitching together new structures that will produce new material and contribute to community growth.

Siege

Castle communities are stormed by inhabitants in pursuit of community growth. Owners and those conducting the siege, overthrow the inequitable built environment by dismantling the structures that perpetuate it. Fragments from the castles are repurposed to the creation of communities composed of equally sized residences. Inhabitants may then progress without concern of imbalance, and contribute to other area for success in their community.

Five Year plan

Pods of possibilities are spread across the landscape, available for new inhabitants to enact their plans alongside other community members. Each pod has a designated square within the area. The occupied pods are marked by figures lying inside with projections of their plans hovering above. As vacant pods become filled, the community grows and inhabitants may progress through simulation of their goals.

The Land of McMansions

An infinite plane facilitating perpetual growth of the built environment is the foundation for the Land of McMansions. Inhabitants once limited by physical bounds of their area may establish homes within homes, growing larger residences as their success increases. Progress is marked by the expansion of the inhabitants’ McMansions and unlimited community growth.

Functional Fictions

“The scenarios described in chapter three are fictional solutions to non-fictional conditions in the city of Cleveland. Fiction is a useful device in the assessment of situations and prompts the creation of a narrative. While narratives are an invaluable piece of the architectural process, their combination with fiction can often lead to speculative solutions that cannot be tested in the non-fictional realm. However, a fictional narrative based on data collected from true conditions presents the opportunity to return the proposed solutions to reality. By evaluating the scenarios through the data observations that inspired their creation, the success of each proposed solution may be tested.

To accomplish this, a diagram was formulated to display the present condition of each case study by using the quartile points for each of the primary limiting factors. The endangerment levels are exhibited on the diagram by using their point thresholds for classification as coordinates along the range of scores shown on the primary factor lines. A case study’s condition may be observed through the connection of its respective points (in white) in relation to the levels presented on the diagram. For evaluation of how the fiction may affect the community, it must be tested on more than its primary limiting factors. Consequently, all data that was initially gathered for the area is included by wrapping the community’s matrix stripe around the diagram. Each neighborhood and suburb are represented by one stripe in the mosaic compositions of data in the previous section. The

stripe is thirty nine squares wide, showing the area’s data in relation to Cleveland’s averages as explained in chapter one. A key listing all of the factors may be found on the next page. By including the primary and tertiary data to the diagram, a system for fairly evaluating the fictions may be implemented.

The process for critiquing the fiction scenarios is partially subjective, but rooted in objective research components. To assess the success of a fiction, a thorough analysis of its implications in regard to the primary factors must be completed. Upon consideration of the solution’s effects to the primary factors, the quartile points may be adjusted on the diagram based on whether the scenario improves or declines the community’s score for each factor. After adjusting the points, one must then examine how the change in the primary factors affect the tertiary components. This step in speculation must be done with the utmost scrutiny and objective mindset in order to properly evaluate the fiction’s viability when applied to reality. Following thorough examination of the primary factors’ effects on the tertiary elements, the coloring of the matrix stripe may be adjusted on the analytical conclusions.

If the resulting diagram displays improvement, the quartile points will lie closer to the circle’s edge than the previous, and the matrix stripe will display squares of more similar colors. These changes represent enhancement of the community based on progress in the five limiting factors and improvement of the weakest tertiary factors. By increasing the score of the core data points and transforming

the weakest components to the level of the community’s respective strengths, a fiction may be declared successful. If there is minimal change between the initial diagram of the community’s condition and the diagram resulting from the fiction’s analysis, the scenario is not a viable suggestion. However, a failed scenario creates the opportunity for reconsideration of the narrative. This may be done in many ways, such as including a primary factor that may have been overlooked in evaluation, reiteration of the same narrative, or creation of a new fictional solution for the community.

For the study of endangered space and the narrative of the perspectival reality landscape, evaluation diagrams may be done for the present condition, the Above fiction, and the Below fiction for each case study. The resulting diagrams and new data mosaics may determine the viability of each scenario and whether they are successful in promoting progress for both perspectival solutions in their respective communities.

This system of evaluation creates the opportunity for fictional narratives to be validated as useful assets in the reality of architecture. Although this method of analysis was created for the study of endangered space, similar assessment techniques may be invented to appraise other forms of narrative and their feasibility in reality. By expanding narrative past the bounds of fantastical application, it may become a recognized and powerful resource in both fictional and non-fictional circumstances, unlocking new opportunities for its use in the discipline of architecture.”

Residual Renewal

Course: Instructor: Location: Type: Fourth Year Design Studio I

Stacie Burtelson

This project is a study of the re-adaptation of the known elements of Lockhart by using the past structure on the site to inspire a residual area between the present condition of town structures and a future scenario to create a modern variation within the accepted patterns of Lockhart's typology.

The design is the resultant of a studio course focused on studying the built environment as a conversation between the (i) organized and (ii) sensory human experience, whether deliberate or serendipitous. The project brief prescribes the exploration of context, organization, tectonic, and phenomenal principles of design; subsequent formation of their confluence is applied in the design of a re-definition of the library as it relates to the given local context. In this studio, Lockhart is evaluated as a field of architecture and urbanistic experiments, where conventional elements like the urban grid, building types, historical styles, etc. are exposed to new conditions, generating the emergence of new forms of expression as a result of examining the program and context. The theoretical approach to this specific study is guided by analysis of the dynamic relationships between physical context and cultural landscape through formal, spatial, and material manipulations in response to ideas expressed in Colin Rowe and John Hejduk's, "Master of Lockhart" publication. Analysis of the article's commentary then inspired personal investigation on theories that may shape a working hypothesis for the library design. The research resulted in investigation of Robert Venturi's "The inside and the Outside" chapter from Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture. The given studio prompt and project challenges were then resolved through a project design doctrine which derives its procedures from analysis and interpretation of the two core texts. This manifested into a comprehensive structure in which the reuse, redefinition, and renewal of Lockhart's conventional elements create an appropriate modern addition to the context and cultural landscape.

In form, there is a creation of residual space between the existing structure of the masonic temple and the new form for the library. The plan challenges rectilinear forms found in typical Lockhart structures by using curved geometry, inspired by the Greek revival plan of the original library. In section, the notions of modular walls and closed poche are readapted through the design of custom interactive stacks, and in the use of open poche with a continuous space frame in the atrium. In elevation, the idea of a brick fortress is reinterpreted through examining the relationship between brick and glass in the facade. The residual form derives its appearance from precedent while the new form creates a rainscreen brick facade attached to a curtain wall for the same fortress appearance while allowing for more light to pass through the envelope.

The resultant structure is composed of conflicting polarities that are resolved through contextual, organizational, and tectonic design of residual conditions to achieve a composition in which diametrically opposed exterior and interior conditions may become twin phenomena.

Solid

Form Schematics

Concept Diagram

East Elevation

A-Flashing

B-Corrugated metal sheet

C- Rain Chain

D-5/8” Gypsum

E-Aluminum column

F-Glass railing

G-See Detail Desc.

H-Low-e Glazing

I-8” brick tie connected to mullion

J-Rain Chain

K-2-3/4” Brick

L- Concrete Block with flashing

M-6” hollow core reinforced concrete slab

N-Gutter 1

O-Gutter 2

p-Low-e storefront glazing

Q-.5” Floor finish

R- 6” hollow core reinforced concrete slab with concrete foundation wall

S-Vapor Barrier

T-3.5” rigid insulation

U-24” Concrete footer

V-vapor barrier

W-Gravel

1-Pre-vegetated mats

2-3/4”-3” Growing medium

3-Water retention fleece

4-Drainage mat

5-root barrier and waterproofing membrane

6-perforated metal edging

7-Glass railing

8-Rain chain

9-anchor J bolt

10-paver

11-fastening bolt

12-flashing

13-2-3/4” Brick

14-Rain chain

15-brick tie

16-low-e glazing mullion

17-4” Aluminum Mullion

18-Steel L-bracket

19-Plaster finish

20-5/8” Gypsum Board

21-Metal Sheet

22-Suspended ceiling with tie rod attached to adhesive layer and steel omega profiles

Style Gambit

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Graduate research studio II

Jean Jaminet

AI research, style theory

This study is a product of a research studio focused on the latent logic of image in architecture. Exploration of the art deco and Hollywood regency styles informed the deployment of pattern intelligence throughout the project. Elements discovered in collage studies and artificial intelligence behavior inspired strategies to produce a new interaction with surface, recuperating the lost intimacy with the physical material realm.

Patterns and graphics have the ability to camouflage architectural elements in images by following the logic of image manipulation. Recognizing and incorporating the agency and behavior of stylistic elements and the latent logic of the image may produce a new perception of the built environment.

Following the inspiration of graphics on art deco facades, Hollywood regency was chosen as the style subject for this investigation due to its relationship with two dimensional patterns. Rather than treating patterns as vegetative pieces in architecture, they can be mined for their intelligence in design through intentional manipulation and mutation. As images of artificial nature, patterns are rooted in plant history in architecture, but their graphic qualities also suggest they are inherently tied to the logic of the image.

Sylvia Lavin discusses the ways in which trees have participated in the image of architecture, and how they are used to support the architectural elements or conditions. She has four essays which outline the plant intelligence techniques that have kept them alive in architecture’s image: Trees Make a Plan - framing a scene for an architectural drama, Trees Move in- trees becoming an element of plan, Trees push back- creating depth and structurally supporting the architecture and the image, and Tree speech- trees becoming a sign or symbol for communication. Patterns already act similarly in Hollywood regency interiors, demonstrating their capacity to adapt the ideas of plant intelligence in order to stay relevant with architecture’s evolving image. Their material hosts and application allow them for example to frame a scene like an elevation, create depth, move across floors, and emerge as other interior elements.

The latent logic of the image exhibited in the fakes combined with pattern’s surface decoration in the interior suggests that their surface could do something more through a three dimensional application. The absorption effect that is already produced from their surface decoration in extreme vernacularism could be heightened if the logics of ai and plant intelligence combine to create pattern intelligence.

A systematized deployment of the pattern intelligence logic with images Hollywood regency interiors informed a new surface interaction, suggesting its reputation in discipline and discourse could be revived through intentional manipulation and mutation and applied via a collage of logics.

Interior Reals Sample

Hollywood Regency Interior Collage

Interior Fakes Sample

Patterns make a plan

Patterns Push Back

Patterns Move In Pattern Speech

Bridal Suite Reception Space

Lobby Honeymoon Suite

Cultural Islands

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Integrated Design Studio

Luis Santos

Boston, Massachusetts

Museum, arts center

Louis Vigder

This project aspires to create a community center containing buildings of individual character to represent and serve the diversity that founded East Boston and provide a creative sanctuary for the rapid innovation

The Integrated Design Studio (IDS) investigates the relationship between the figuration and configuration of architecture though material assemblies, structural design, and environmental systems. Focus was placed upon physical integration of components and systems, visual integration of elements into the aesthetics of a built work, and performance integration of how components share function. A more holistic approach to building design was explored through the integration of technical systems with aesthetics and ecological

As a “radical welcome” to the increasingly gentrified community, this design celebrates East Boston’s past and creates a space to grow with the community in the future. East Boston began topologically as five separate islands, populated predominantly by Jewish, Irish, Canadian, Italian, and Portuguese immigrants. Over time, the islands were connected by landfill, creating one, largely diverse but unified neighborhood. Today, East Boston remains the epicenter of diversity with an increase in Central American, Southeast Asian, and Columbian communities. An agent of change, the new structure explores the latest curatorial ideas, connects the public with artists, draws new audiences and tourists, and provides civic space where local residents can gather and socialize. Distinctive, sustainable, and built for the long term, the museum fulfills the promise of its prominent waterfront site close to the city’s historic center.

The proposed design aims to create a space that represents the history of the area by starting as separate masses on the first level, and connecting on the second level with areas of light for reflection between varying spatial environments. Through program, facade development, structure, and interior spatial conditions, each of the five masses is designed to portray its own identity, character, and phenomenal experience as part of the whole. The site is divided into “domestic piazzas” for varying uses to serve as an inclusive campus for a pluralistic society, and motivate the community to embrace the intersection of civic life as East Boston ushers in a contemporary renaissance for interdisciplinary creative fields.

Structural Axon

    

A- 12” vent

B- 4”x4” aluminum skylight mullion

C- 8” skylight support/ roff attachment

D- 5/8” gypsum board

E- 10” batt insulation

F- Spider glazing connection

G- 14” heavy timber column

H- 5/8” gypsum connection to mullion

I- Gutter

J- Double glazed facade

A- 6” concrete Slab

B-14” heavy timber structural member

C- Double glazed facade

D- 4”x4” aluminum mullion

E- 2” Gypsum support

F- 8”x12” vent

G- 5/8” gypsum board

H- steel w6 structural member

I- 8” batt insulation

Articulate in Formation

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Articulate in Formation Seminar

Zahra Safaverdi

Kent, Ohio

Research, Exhibit, Fabrication

Caitlyn Wolford

This project was created in a research seminar studying the pseudo archeology of screens from pre-cinematic exhibitions to post-medium conditions, examining the spatial potential from their flat environments. A range of visualization techniques and representation strategies were studied to provide a framework for the image study. The result is a protoarchitectural image- object which represents in-formation materiality and surface tension in media.

The image in this study is a stock painting from the internet, chosen for its potential in layering to create depth. The image object was created by examining the man-made perception of depth versus technology’s reading of depth. Each team member divided the image into layers based on their inherent perception. Various levels of image traces of the same painting were evaluated for depth based on the digital program’s reading of space in the image.

The man-made depth readings were physically manifested in the model through layers representing the divisions perceived. The image in each layer was replaced with glass domes, to embody the individual’s perception of the image as an object, while providing distortion to create a new image. The digital depth readings were represented by three dimensional prints, showing the intricacies and logic of the program’s understanding of image space.

The dichotomy between the individual human reading of image space and the program’s raises questions regarding human and artificial intelligence and the spatial effects that can occur from both perspectives. The physical representation of these logics illustrates the study of an image’s spatial potential given carefully chosen representation techniques.

This project was featured in the Articulate in Formation exhibit Spring 2021 at the Kent State College of Architecture and Environmental Design. It was also published as part of the Articulate in Formation edition of the academic journal MASKS.

Vernacular + Memory

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Graduate Design Studio III

Gregory Stroh

Roxbury, Boston, MA

Housing/Community Space

This study investigates techniques to battle ramifications of neighborhood endangerment through preservation of cultural memory. In an increasingly gentrified community, the existing built environment and population are at risk of becoming extinct, leaving the neighborhood’s character vulnerable. Both structure and spirit of place are emulated through the design by using history as a vehicle for preserving memory and environmental character.

Building upon the methodology of analysis developed in Endangered Space , Roxbury was chosen as the subject for this study. Synthesis of micro and macro site conditions informed use of vernacular elements to create a design unique character that reflects the neighborhood’s historical and contemporary culture.

The site for the project was chosen based on its proximity to Roxbury and the unprotected Frederick Douglas Historic district, as well as current news surrounding its planned redevelopment as a 22 story luxury dorm. The community and the students of the university are opposed to the new development, fearing the damage it would cause to Roxbury and its contribution to hypergentrification issues.

The proposed program is social housing, combined with a community center and a park. On an urban scale, forms types were organized in clusters that appropriately address each edge of the site, facing either the Northeastern cultural center, residential roxbury, the Ruggles station, or the commercial street. Externally, public space is developed and characterized by porches, balconies, urban stoops, and garden space to promote interaction among public users and site residents, while maintaining opportunities for privacy.

The design of the development operates on multiple scales. On the urban scale, the organization of building masses aims to achieve density similar to surrounding blocks of housing while maintaining spaces for public interaction on the ground level. Within the site, size, facade, and unit development emulate and reinterpret historic elements to create spaces of unique character.

The local character, translated through symbolized vernacular and postmodern design, creates a bespoke cultural object in which the existing and emerging communities of Roxbury may converge to experience and remember Roxbury’s culture. In turn, this urban gesture aims to cultivate a new phenomenon of place that embraces a sustainable and sensitive addition to the growing community.

Jefferson Center

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Toledo, Ohio

Innovation Center

107,000, 4 Levels

$32 MILLION

MAY 2023

This is an adaptive resue and preservation project receiving state and federal historic tax credits, designed by Sandvick Architects. The innovation center is meant to breathe new life into the theater district in Toledo, Ohio by restoring one of its signature landmarks. The neoclassical structure was first known as the Toledo Post office in 1911. After renovation in the 1970’s, the building became a vocational trade school. It will now house classrooms, offices, a public cafe, and collaboration spaces for its new occupants.

Assisted team in preparation of design development, pricing, permit, construction document, addenda, and bulletin drawing sets. Team lead for kitchen and cafe development and coordination, ProMedica Innovations office suite, and pantry spaces. Developed renderings for client reviews and participated in presentations. Shared construction administration responsibilities including reviewing submittals, responding to requests for information, and routine visits to monitor and aid construction progress.

Restored Rotunda Rotunda Pre-Construction Mosaic Pre construction, underneath tile flooring

Marble mosaic and terrazzo floor uncovered and cleaned

Third floor, pre construction

ProMedica Innovations Office

The new office suite for ProMedica Innovations is located on the first floor, adjacent to the new atrium. Historic elements within the space include Windows in the 17' high bay space and original terrazzo flooring, uncovered during construction. Worked with the client to create a collaborative environment, utilizing existing office assets such as furniture and DIRTT Storefront. Led team in design, prepared 3d visualizations, performed client presentations, oversaw DIRTT inventory and coordination, and performed construction administration responsibilities for the suite.

Central Post Cafe and Kitchen

The new cafe is located on the first floor, adjacent to the new atrium. Primary ownership, BitWise Industries was closely worked with in the design and layout of the cafe and kitchen. The space features the original loading dock window, which was uncovered during construction, and a patio space. Led team in cafe detailing, kitchen equipment coordination, and construction administration responsibilities for the area.

Loading Dock, uncovered and restored at cafe patio

Original Loading Dock

Loading dock, enclosed in wall prior to construction

Cafe Renderings Central Post Cafe & Kitchen

45 Erieview Plaza

$83 Million 2024

This sixteen story structure, originally known as the Ohio Bell headquarters, is an adaptive reuse project designed by Sandvick Architects. The project is receiving state and federal historic tax credits for preserving and reviving the building into luxury apartments in downtown Cleveland. Other program includes retail space, co-working areas, a fitness center, pet amenities, and 15th story pool deck and lounge overlooking Lake Erie.

Assisted team in preparation of schematic, design development, pricing, permit, construction document, and addenda drawing sets. Developed renderings for client reviews and participated in presentations. Assisted in construction administration activities including submittal review and responses to requests for information.

Existing Lobby space

Historic elements include granite walls, chrome details, reception desk, artwork, and metal ceiling grid

The Bell Apartments-Typical Floor Plan

45 ERIEVIEW

4-13TH TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN

Thirteen floors of the existing building are being converted into one and two bedroom luxury apartments, for a total of 367 units. Project amenities include a fitness center, dog walk and wash, 15th floor roof deck pool and lounge, and co-working lounges. Apartment features include views of downtown Cleveland to the south, with original angled windows, and views of Lake Erie to the north. Each unit has a custom modular kitchen with luxury finishes and panelized appliances. Corridors include mural of Cleveland landmarks and wood paneling reminiscent of the historic office space retained on the 16th floor

Apartment Renderings

Residential Corridor Renderings

Community room Rendering

Pool Deck and lounge Plan

View from 15th Floor Pool Deck

Pool Deck Progress

The primary amenity of the building is the 15th floor pool deck, overlooking Lake Erie and iconic Cleveland waterfront structures. The area features a pool, jacuzzi, community room and lounge for resident use.

This project consists of two existing structures undergoing adaptive reuse, designed by Sandvick Architects, as part of a five building residential complex in Columbus, Ohio. Originally built as Ford Motor Plant in 1913, the South building is receiving state and federal historic tax credits for preserving and converting the structure The building to the North was acquired by Kroger as a Bakery facility, adjacent to the motor plant. After Ford left the structure, it became a part of the Kroger complex. Today, both are being developed with residential units. The south building is primarily residential, while the North building houses residential, parking, and amenity spaces for the complex.

Assisted team in preparation of design development, pricing, permit, construction document, and addenda drawing sets. Developed renderings for client reviews. Performed Project Designer responsibilities including document quality control, coordinating with consultants, and assisting the Project Manager as needed.

Historic Ford Plant Photos

Existing Silo Condition

New Entry with modified Silos

Existing Typical Floor Condition

Responsible for documentation and coordination of consultant's entry lounge design, including construction documents, material schedules, lighting schedules,custom casework details, and constructibility assessment given the existing site conditions.

Responsible for documentation and coordination of consultant's pool lounge design, including construction documents, material schedules, lighting schedules, custom casework details, and constructibility assessment given the existing site conditions.