Design Portfolio 2020

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute School of Architecture

Selected Work Undergraduate Architecture Fall 2015 - Spring 2020

{1} Finding Higher Ground {2} Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Center for Science II {3} Know Your Neighbor {4} WAVE Competition {5} Reserva Natural Urbana San MartĂ­n Competencia

Mia Rogers

My name is Mia Rogers.

I pride myself on being an aspiring progressive design professional seeking to push the boundaries of architectural design.

Hello!

Who am I? I am an avid runner, baker, world traveler and most importantly, a designer. Every aspect of my life I bring my passion, creativity and highenergy in order to get the most out of each experience I come across.

What makes you stand out?

I am driven to make a change. I am never be satisfied with my work and always believe there is room for improvement. Thus, I constantly set goals in order to make the largest impact I can within the design community.

Thank you for your time!

Table of

Contents

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Center for Science II | Year 4 Undergraduate Project

WAVE Competition Valparaíso, Chile | Year 4 Undergraduate Project

01 02 03 04 05

FINDING HIGHER GROUND | Year 5 Undergraduate Thesis

Know Your Neighbor | Year 2 Undergraduate Project

Reserva Natural Urbana San Martín Competencia Córdoba, Argentina | Year 4 Undergraduate Thesis

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EVACUATION MAPPING | IDENTIFYING NYC NEIGHBORHOODS

Finding Higher Ground The Proposal for an Emergency Refuge City for Climate Migration of New York City Undergraduate Thesis | Academic Project Critics: Christianna Bennett Software: Rhino, V-Ray, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop

The thesis offers a critique upon the current methods of resiliency enacted by urban planning departments within coastal cities such as New York. While the project focuses upon New York City, it is imperative as a field to focus on the many inconsistencies and haphazard strategies the majority of coastal cities today are preparing for the future of their cities, and ultimately marginalized populations that are devastated by these climatic disasters. Thus, the main criticism of cities such as New York the thesis evokes is the lack of resiliency planning for vulnerable areas outside of economic epicenters such as Manhattan. In an effort to promote efforts towards the protection of these vulnerable communities, a future scenario is proposed where cities upon higher ground in proximity to New York City are developed as destinations of refuge for migrants deriving from the vulnerable flood prone neighborhoods throughout the outer boroughs.

The city of Newburgh, which is approximately 60 miles north of New York City, by the year 2080 is proposed as a climate refuge city for inhabitants migrating from the New York Metropolitan region. Within the process of establishing this climate refuge city, it is important to design the necessary steps in order to respect and sustain culture, social and historical elements deriving from both communities. Thus, the primarily goal of the thesis project is to explore the potential methods in which architecture can be a means to address the challenges of migration for both migrant and existing communities of Newburgh.

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PROJECT PHASING | NEW YORK TO NEWBURGH Mia Rogers | 3

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

Within the proposed migration process, it is imperative to identify the endangered neighborhoods within the participating regions of New York City and Newburgh. In New York City, areas within the flood plain such the numerous vulnerable neighborhoods throughout Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens will be cataloged as potential participants within the migratory process to Newburgh.

The second phase within the proposal calls f within threatened neighborhoods of New Yor neighborhoods creates a valuable reuse syst wasting them through city planned demolitio building material can be collected and utilized

While the cataloging of neighborhoods in New York City is taking place, the city of Newburgh simultaneously can identify their current derelict housing structures within neighborhoods such as North Broadway in the historic district. This preparation process of the amount of available structures in the city is crucial in order to accurately determine the amount of space available in Newburgh for migrants coming from New York City.

In Newburgh, while the harvesting of building failing structures can occur. Within this remov architectural strategy to preserve the remain Thus the thesis proposes metal mesh structu well as pose as a ghosted remnant of the pre there.

PHASE 3

for the harvesting of building material rk City. This curated dismantling of these tem for building materials, rather than on of these areas. With this new system, d for new housing on higher ground.

The final phase of the migration process recognizes the future of New York City created by the City Planning Department. While some of these plans have been intricately thought out by city officials and designers, the amount of built space existing within the flood plain is overwhelming, thus leading numerous neighborhoods to become sunken relics of the previous community that occupied the area.

g material takes place, the partial removal of val process, it is necessary to implement an ning viable portion of the housing structure. ure in order to provide structural stability as evious historical housing which once stood

For Newburgh, this final phase of the proposal envisions its future as a Climate Refuge City. Within its Climate Refuge City status, the architectural intervention is composed of reused building material deriving from migrant neighborhoods of New York City. This new intervention not only creates a place of refuge for migrants of New York City, but also pays homage to Newburgh’s rich history as well as creates a new urbanization strategy to revitalize the city.

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Delving further into the concept of identity preservation within the design proposal, the need to analyze the interior phasing of the design within Newburgh proved to be necessary.

Starting from Newburgh’s current state of its abandoned housing structures in 2020, it is necessary to identify the scope of the removal within the derelict historical housing structures. After identifying which portions of the structure should be removed in order to preserve its structural integrity, the intricate removal process will ensue. This phase of the project mimics an architectural scaled surgery, where troubled portions of the historical housing are removed out of necessity in order for the remaining portion of the structure to be revitalized.

Finally, within the final stage of the design proposal, the thesis then developed into determining and designing supporting features which can serve as elements of identity for the migrant. Within the first iteration of these supporting identity features, the migrant has the opportunity to bring a sense of spatiality derived from certain rooms within their previous homes. This proposal then calls upon the implementation of a casting process for significant rooms within the migrants home. The result of this casting process would be preserving the migrants identity established within their homes through the creation of abstract spatial forms of rooms within their previous homes that they can then bring to Newburgh.

NEWBURGH HOUSING PHASING | INTERIOR STUDIES

Following the removal process, the replacement of the failing structures with a metal mesh structure will provide the community with a new programmatic vessel of space that mimics the characteristics of the previous structure. The new metal mesh structure can provide structural stability for buildings threatened with demolition as well as serve as a new communal activity space. Over time, the mesh structure can become a space for nature to overcome its facade, and create a beautiful connection between citizens of Newburgh and their natural habitat.

The third phase of the project, projected between the year 2050 and 2070 can introduce the new architectural interfaces for migrants to occupy. Each of these elements derive their form from profiles existing within details in Newburgh’s historical housing structures, such as trim and cornice embellishments. Each of the forms, as previously stated, are also composed of building material deriving from the migrants neighborhood, which preserves their sense of identity within the new community.

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PHASE 1 | 2020

PHASE 2 | 2040-2060

NEW YORK CITY MIGRANT CASTING PROCESS | Identifying the key rooms of significance within the migrant’s life and using it to derive a familiar spatial form via the process of casting.

PHASE 3 | 2050-2070

PHASE 4 | 2080

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INTERIOR RENDERING | COMMUNITY CONNECTION AREAS

The thesis then focuses upon the investigation at an architectural scale where it is necessary to interrogate the new architectural interface within the urban fabric of Newburgh. First, it seemed necessary to allow a certain level of control from the inhabitant of the structure. Thus, the design proposes that each of the forms existing within the “ghosted” structures of Newburgh should be treated as a “kit of parts”. This kit of parts allows for each of these forms to be subdivided and reassembled back into the structure at the based upon the phases in which incoming migrants enter into the city.

The kit of parts allows for a level of the occupant’s control in the design, which ultimately aims at preserving a certain level of identity within their housing. Migration is not only a matter that concerns solely location, but the process itself Mia Rogers | 7

also disrupts the migrant’s sense of identity that they have established within their home. The thesis then aims to deploy several methods in which the migrant can still preserve their identity within the new environment they find themselves in.

This includes having the ability to customize and combine the designed architectural interfaces with materials from their homes and neighborhoods.

Within the thesis, building materials are not only significant to the project solely due to the projects goal of maintaining a sustainable architectural system, but these building materials also serve conceptually as the effort to sustain the identities of migrants. The preservation of history, culture and identity proves to be a substantial element this thesis wishes to encompass within its design.

customized based upon materials deriving from neighborhoods of origin.

KIT OF PARTS DIAGRAM | EXPLODED DWELLING UNITS

CATALOG STUDY | Investigation of units within migrant housing that can be

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FUTURE HOUSING SECTION | NEWBURGH

While the proposal certainly does not provide a conclusive architectural solution to the future of New York City and the city of Newburgh, I believe it is critical as a field to start challenging the current discourse of resiliency within our urban environments. Instead of simply applying blanket solutions to critical issues within our coastal urban environments, it is necessary for the field of architecture and urbanism to become conscious of these challenges and the potential future outcomes if we do not change our patterns of consumption. That being said, rather than look at these future scenarios as negative repercussions to our actions, we should view them as exciting new opportunities to evolve and redefine resiliency to the field of architecture. Maybe resiliency is not massive works of engineering attempting to prevent nature from sustaining environmental homeostasis; resiliency is possibly the act of accepting the inevitable, and planning the future where we may no longer be able to occupy our coastal urban environments. Thus, my thesis seeks to propose a potential future for two communities brought together through calculated and intricately designed to both preserve and evolve culture, history and identity.

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EXTERIOR RENDERING | STREET VIEW

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EXTERIOR RENDERING | AERIAL VIEW

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Science & Research Center II Innovative Science Research Facility and Social Network Spring 2019 | Academic Project Critics: Gabrielle Brainard + Christopher Parkinson Partner: Jackson Wright Software: Revit, Rhino, V-Ray, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop

How can the rigorous programmatic requirements of engineering research facility coexist with the social demands of a university’s campus environment? Located at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, the thesis of the project utilizes circulation to resolve the distinct division between academic and social life in the university.

The proposal also seeks to analyze the relationship of the autonomous laboratory buildings with a fluid bridge structure.

It is imperative within the project for the bridge to serve as a means for circulation and also the new social epicenter along the generally vacant science corridor of campus.

With this project, the science corridor then becomes a new social artery for campus, intricately placing pieces of social program along the circulation route. The project recognizes its significance on campus serving as an answer to the need for social interaction for students, researchers, and professors within the academic research facilities.

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GROUND FLOOR PLAN | RESEARCH LABORATORY & STUDENT SOCIAL CENTRE Mia Rogers | 13

Site Map | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Campus

A major concept behind the design process for the proposal of the Science & Research Center was the promotion for a stimulating and exciting travel routine for students throughout Rensselaer’s Campus. Currently, the “Science Corridor” located at the south side of the campus is vacant, and not a preferred route for foot traffic by students and faculty on campus due to the lack of alluring facilities such as cafes and social spaces for students to utilize along their way to their classes. This absence of social space, not only leaves the Science Corridor vacant but also the groundbreaking works such as the Experimental Media and Arts Center designed by Grimshaw Architects in 2008.

Thus, the science center proposal finds itself as an imperative means for connecting students to underutilized areas and facilities already existing inside of Rensselaer’s Campus. Through its glazed bridge structure, the Science

& Research Center facilities creates an interior space that is light, open, and filled with natural light, which is pivotal during the long winter months experienced by Troy where long walks to the academic portion of campus is a challenge for students. The bridge then provides a thermally comfortable and aesthetically enjoyable route to class as well as program spread throughout the bridge to stimulate students socially, providing a retreat from their demanding academic schedules. Overall, the Rensselaer Science & Research Center II serves as a vital artery to revive an underutilized portion of campus as well as a new hub for social activity for students and researchers alike.

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Section Details

1. Laboratory Parapet Detail The project decided to utilize a baffled stone rain screen curtain wall system in order to distinguish the monolithic aesthetic of the laboratory building in contrast to the light steel bridge structure.

2. Bridge Roof Joint Detail This investigation of the intersection between the concrete laboratory building and the steel bridge structure posed a major challenge to the design. The manner in which water ran from the baffled stone curtain wall system of the laboratory building onto the top of the bridge structure required a sloping roof structure that included a drainage system which relieves the excess water via a drain located the centrally placed column of the structure.

3. Threshold Detail The change in materiality is a crucial exploration within the project. The threshold detail of the bridge into the laboratory building then serves as an emphasis upon the importance of the dependency of both structures upon one another. The bridge depending upon the laboratory building for HVAC system through the linear diffuser, and the laboratory building’s dependency upon the bridge for social activity.

4. Glazing System Ground Detail The meeting of the glass fin glazing system and the ground of the bridge structure.

5. Bridge Interior Pedestrian Ramp Support Detail A steel shelving element was implemented in order to support the levels of circulation throughout the bridge structure.

Heavy vs. Light One of the many driving forces of the proposal is the contrast between heavy and light. This has not only influenced the structural anatomy between the light steel and glass bridge structure against the heavy concrete research laboratory structure but has allowed for the most dynamic social spaces to emerge from the convergence of the two spaces. The bridge connects to the research laboratory buildings creates a distinct transitional space between light fluid student space and focused academic space. The delicate moments where this occurs also allows for exciting programmatic space to exist such as gallery spaces, cafés and theaters for students to further enrich their social experiences on campus. Overall, the goal of the project was to investigate the interdependency of the two structures, and how this investigation is crucial as a tool in determining the future design of academic buildings on Rensselaer’s campus.

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SECTION 01 | LABORATORY BUILDING AND BRIDGE INTERSECTION

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ROTATE Mia Rogers | 17 Atrium Student Lounge

Library

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Research Laboratory

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01

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EXPLODED DIAGRAM | PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION

01 02

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EXTERIOR RENDERING | RESEARCH PROMENADE VIEW

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EXTERIOR RENDERING | AERIAL VIEW

Know Your Neighbor When Housing Design Expunges Social Media

Spring 2017 | Academic Project Critic: Edwin Liu Partner: Sarah Cimino Software: Rhino, V-Ray, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop

Troy is a small charming town in upstate New York home to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The town has been able to progress and adapt with the intentions of connecting students of the university to Troy’s downtown area. The growth of Troy is increasingly dependent upon students of the university, thus in order for Troy to progress further its is evident that there is a need for a new housing typology in order to connect students and residents of Troy in one social space.

A large issue the project also seeks to address within modern day society is the dependence upon social media in order to interact with friends. The increase of socialization via the Internet has thus lead to the decline of more meaningful interactions in person with the people within one’s neighborhood. Thus, this project imagines the eradication of the Internet within this building in order to promote valuable social connections between inhabitants, students and residents of Troy.

In order to replace social media the inhabitant would be giving up by living within this space, the project provides an enriching program which focuses upon themes of which people can connect via their interests. Each floor of the building has a specific theme such as sports, music, dance, etc. where there is an ample amount of spaces which inhabitants can pursue their interests while getting to know their neighbors.

The floors are also composed of several living arrangements varying in privacy in order to promote a new model of group living in order to connect residents of Troy and students of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

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FIRST FLOOR PLAN | RESIDENTIAL + STUDENT HOUSING

N 2nd Floor Plan 0 5 10 Scale: 1/8”= 1 foot

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Floor 07

Form Assembly Components

Stacking Assembly Process

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Final Form

FLOOR PLANS + FORM FINDING DIAGRAM

Floor 05

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PERSPECTIVE SECTION DIAGRAM | VISUAL CONNECTION

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FINAL MODEL PHOTOS

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INTERIOR RENDERING | SOCIAL BALCONY AREAS

“The center of the city is in the sea.”

EXTERIOR RENDERING | AERIAL FROM VALPARAÍSO

-Pablo Mondragón García de las Bayonas

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WAVE Competition Revitalizing The Coastline of ValparaĂ­so Fall 2018 | Academic Project Critic: Gustavo Crembil Partner: Tanner Vargas Software: Rhino, V-Ray, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop

While the city of ValparaĂ­so in Chile is known more for abounding murals, the city is yet to be known for the beautiful coastline it is settled upon. Spaces along the sea are unused and uninhabited, neglected in favor of commercial ports and buildings that serve as walls between the city and the sea. The proposal seeks to create an ephemeral mirror of the coastline which would then produce a new center of the city in the sea. Currently the coastline exists as a negative (-) space hindering the people from the water, while the ocean can be seen to exist as a positive (+) space, full of potential for vital reconnection. These programs, when coupled with the surrealist-scaled design, birth enormous new potential for the form to become a cultural and visual phenomenon moving beyond its everyday existence.

Imagine a yearly celebration along the water, open to all in its scale and mystery, celebrating Chilean culture along a rejuvenated coast. The new attraction on the coast will draw in both inhabitants of the city as well as people of different origins and backgrounds, providing a space for interaction and admiration of both the city and the newly vitalized coast. The city of ValparaĂ­so has a new connection to the sea, kept alive by relocated interest and a new wave of recollection of what has been there all along.

Concept Sketch Mia Rogers | 30

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AERIAL RENDERING | CITY VIEW

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EXTERIOR RENDERING | AERIAL VIEW

Reserva Natural Urbana San Martín Competencia Córdoba, Argentina Fall 2018 | Academic Project Critic: Gustavo Crembil Partners: Rosario Depalo, Juan Cruz Nuñez, Mathías Zanatto, Pablo Pussetto, Franca Cattaneo, Lautaro do Campo Software: Revit, Rhino, V-Ray, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop

METÁCITO, mutabilidad y adaptabilidad a través de una “envolvente camaleónica” Mutability and adaptability through a “chameleon envelope” Receiving an honorable mention, the Chameleon cultural centre in San Martin design focuses upon the blending on the structure into the natural landscape of the urban preserve.

Through the use of local materials, the structure camouflages with the scenery to allow for visitors to become more in touch with nature, rather than an intrusive design that does not regard the natural beauty of the site. The Cultural Centre also implements a flexible program space through the use of mobile partition walls to allow for the opening and concealing of the space by the demands of the administration of the park facilities.

Overall, the opportunity to work with six students from the FAUD (Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanism y Diseño, Universidad de Córdoba) was an extremely gratifying and incredibly imperative experience within my education. While it was an extremely successful project within the competition, the project is held in even higher regard within my personal experience due to the ability to collaborate with a team despite the barriers of language and the political atmosphere of Argentina at the time.

Concept Sketch | Credit: Rosario Depalo Mia Rogers | 34

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SITE PLAN | RESERVA NATURAL URBANA SAN MARTÍN

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PLANS + SECTIONS | CULTURAL CENTRE