Architectural Designer Portfolio 2017-2024

Michael Ogburu

‘I derive a tremendous amount of pride in developing places that everyday people can experience. I like to create beauty in everyday lives.”

Office : MOTA-DESIGN

Location: Olar, South Carolina

SC State Olar Agriculture Research Center

Year: 2023 to Current

Project type: Educational Structure $4.94M -Work Scope -

BIM modeling of various units, detailing of plans, elevations, and sections of overall Educational structure, site plan, site section, and interdisciplinary coordination.

SC State is determined to construct a new Agricultural facility and will carry out a completely new construction on the existing Agricultural site. This will involve laying the foundation, performing silt carnage, and preparing the building pad, followed by the installation of a reinforced concrete slab. The new 19,000 SF facility will be constructed within an agricultural estate that grows a variety of vegetation, ensuring that the scientists have easy access to conduct research without having to venture too far from the facility.

Front View /Overall Exterior

East & West elevation

North Elevation Main Floor Plan

Laboratory Official layout

Multi-Purpose Room

Entrance

Makers Room

Location: Camden, South Carolina

Private Residence

Year: 2023 to Current

Project type: Residence Building -Work Scope -

BIM modeling of various units, detailing of plans, elevations, and sections of overall residential structure, site plan, site section, and interdisciplinary coordination

The project includes earthwork improvements to the existing residential site to accommodate the new house structure. Silt fencing, minor drainage, and building pad Preparation; installation of reinforced Concrete slab, wood framed walls, and Gypsum board; installation of wood columns; New wood doors and windows; plumbing; Carpentry; concrete; masonry; mechanical; Electrical; installation of architectural Shingles and standing seam metal roof.

First Floor Plan

Foundation Plan Wall Section

Site and Environmental Context

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Year: Winter 2021

Undergraduate Design Studio

The Cooperation Center, an unusual oasis, is part of a growing movement in urban agriculture, utilizing innovative places and technologies for agricultural harvesting inside a highly populated environment. The design intent of the coalition Center is to bring New urban employment opportunities, all while Rejuvenating the nearby Neighborhood by acting as a producing provider. The design calls for connecting the building’s offices and outdoor spaces. These areas support the facility’s vertical farm’s efforts to increase and unify public engagement with its various activities.

Exterior

c Concrete Patio d Parking Spaces e Entrance f Confrence g Ceo Cabin

Exterior View | South Elevation

Exterior View | West Elevation

First Floor | Cooperation Center

Structural

- Steel tube frame

- Ontergrated gutter

- Scupper direct water to Rainwater harvesting system

- Tube steel frame set into site drilled & Cast concrete blocks

INTEGRATED LIVING SYSTEM DIAGRAM

Exploded Axonometic

DESIGN INTENT

Vertical Farms can be very diverse. Both structurally and technologically. Some farms rely entirely on artificial lighting for plant growth, whereas others grow plants vertically, still utilizing some of the sun’s light. Plants can be grown in soil (potted) or using hydroponic methods. Most commercial Vertical farms rely on an artificial warehouse-like structure. Thermally insulated in which, ventilation is kept at a minimum, and artificial light is sued as the sole light source for plant growth. With all this in mind, the design objective of the center will be focused on the following purposes.

• Provide New urban employment opportunities.

• Rejuvenate Boulders Neighborhood (acts as produce provider)

• Serve as the leading agricultural organic market in the area.

• Serve as an innovative research center for the surrounding neighborhood to connect people back to nature.

Hydro

To sustainably feed the world’s growing population, methods for increasing food must evolve. In the case of evolution, different techniques have been studied to improve traditional methods. Hydroponics and aeroponics are two such techniques by which plants can be grown without soil. The advantages of using hydroponics over traditional methods are enormous:

• It is easier to establish new plants

• It is easier to transplant seedlings

• Controlling the root chemistry is easy

• The nutrients will not be depleted as these end up in the soil

• The plant growth is pest and disease free

• Gardening practices can be reduced

• Ensure higher mineral nutrition

Interior View | Hydroponics Farming Quarter

Aeroponics systems used within the design is growing plants suspended in a closed or semi-closed environment by spraying the plants dangling roots and lower stem with an atomized or sprayed, nutrient-rich water solution. The leaves and crown extend above the plant support structure, separating the origins of the plant. Often, closed cell foam is compressed around the lower stem and inserted into an opening in the aeroponic chamber. This decreases labor and expense for lamer plants while trellising is used to suspend the weight of vegetation and fruit.

Location: North Easton, Massachusetts

The Governor Ames Estate

Year: Spring 2021

Undergraduate Design Studio

My program aimed to provide interesting and complex spaces for human connection and interaction, as well as practical but inventive methods of building shelter. As a result, the architecture and landscape design are meant to serve as a socially conscious hub for activity, discussion, and celebration.

The Governor Ames Estate lies in the center of the tightly developed city of North Easton. The town has recently focused its attention on creating a cultural district for marketing purposes. With this in mind, I focused my idea on using lightweight yet durable material to create a compelling space that attracts visitors to a communally-minded center. It would highlight various aspects of the property that provide each visitor with a naturistic experience, encouraging people to explore their surroundings and gather for activities, debates, and celebrations.

NORTH EASTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Ideas To Approach Throughout This Design:

Is the circulation ideal for the placement of the structure?

Can the natural flow of the site be altered?

Where can modifications be made to the topography for a better human experience?

Nature

G O V ERNOR

Tethered Bond | Main Hall Outlook

The Portal | Main Hall The Encounter | Lower Deck

Hall

Interior View | Tethered Bond | Main Hall Outlook

01 ~Concrete Slab Roof & Barrel Vault Archs

02~ Steel/Composite Concrete Linear Systems

03~ Structural Barrel Vault Base Beams

04~ Concrete Foundational Arches

05~ Structural Base

The pavilion was connected to the rest of the property through an immersive promenade. Though not physically displayed, the three fascinating places mentioned above within the site were to be linked together to all lead back to the Varéli Arena, bringing nature, collaboration, and individuals together in natural harmony.

KettlePond

HemlockKnoll TrusteesFrontf i

Front View |Main Entrance

Solidarity Shelters

Location: Lquitos, Peru

Solidarity Shelters

Year: Spring 2023

Undergraduate Senior Thesis

A large number of Venezuelans do not have the necessary documents to legally stay in neighboring countries and are therefore not able to enjoy basic rights that would enable them to lead normal lives. As a result, they are in a very difficult situation, exposed to increased risks of exploitation, trafficking, violence, discrimination, and xenophobia.

My primary objective was to offer immediate shelter to these individuals that is safe and equipped with necessary provisions for a short period of time. I designed a mixed system that provides assistance to evacuees through education, vocational access, and agriculture programs that are harmonized with the surrounding ecosystem. With plans to work with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), using local materials and implementing the 10 COTE Design strategies, Solidarity Shelters aims to provide immediate humanitarian aid and support these brave survivors in getting back on their feet and resuming their lives.

Point

Due to its degree of isolation by the geography of the Amazon, Iquitos has no roads or road network and ensures the land transport, making it possible to access only by air or river

Winter winds strongest from the Northwest, North, Northeast

Summer winds most substantial from the South, Southeast and Northeast

Design interventions within these camp have prioritized the mental, physical, and social well-being of the inhabitants through spaces that foster a sense of safety, comfort, and dignity. These spaces will prioritize the incorporation of adequate housing, appropriate sanitation facilities, and access to healthcare services in order to meet the fundamental needs of refugees.

Efforts have been made to reduce the impact on the environment and make the best use of renewable resources in the design of the camp. This is due to the realization that human settlements need to exist in harmony with the surrounding ecosystems. The camp’s architecture incorporates natural systems such as green areas and water management systems wherever possible.

Wall section + Construction Details

Structural System

Steel + Metals Local Wood Concrete CMU

Photovoltaic array facing south for maximum solar exposer

Rainwater collection from roof, pumped landscape and toilet use

Green areas contribute to purification and cooling of the air and protect the façade from solar radiation

High albedo surface reflects solar heat from absorbing into roofing material.

Overhangs and light shelves shadow high summer sun and refract indirect light into the interior

Section + Design Stratges