Michelleh Wainaina
2025
Bachelors of Architecture Candidate Class of 2027
ARCHITECTURE
Wainaina
Bachelors of Architecture Candidate Class of 2027
Michelleh
Flexible and Adaptable Housing 01
The project’s mission focuses on how the user can get the most out of the space Flexibility at the unit level was essential in the design strategy for this building. The flexibility concepts explored in the units address growth and division, addition and subtraction, affording in stages. This was achieved through creating a unit system that can be easily expanded from 900sqft up to 3,600 sqft. Within these units, sliding and moving walls were incorporated to provide the users with flexibility of varying room sizes. At the building level, the units are able to be stacked, allowing for future renovations to the maximum of 8stories. The structure acts in tandem as a system for the fl exible walls. The Exposed beams and columnsalso act as connectors and tracks for the sliding walls to be mounted. The variety of flexibility provides the user the ability to maximize the use of their space.
02
Facade-less Structure
The main tectonic behavior utilized was braacing. This was explored through a truss system anchored onto a cen consisted of a core that supported a grid system with hanging beads. The “sinching” appearance was inspired by
The materiality of the core, floorplates, and trusses factored into its tectonic behavior. The central core was const stairs. To reinforce the structure of the core, steel columns were placed around the perimeter to mauntain the floo the steel trusses.
Due to the very important role of the core, the program wrapps around the core with vertical circulation through th
The amount of space, or lack thereof, can impact how we as people or objects can interact with it. I explored how to make space accommodate the needs of the object inside. As designers, we must consider how to make as many people comfortable as possible. In this project, I explored how to make the space fit the need of objects that abstractly mimic human motion by stretching the boundaries of the boxes to conform to the needs of the object.
3WALL: Youth Hostel Syracuse
With the prompt of creating a Youth hostel, The idea of using 3 walls to create triangular bedrooms was explored.We are all used to 4 wall rooms, but how do you design with 3?
Room Types 1&2 1’=1/4”
Peebles Island Recreation Center
Peebles Island Recreation Center, perched on Peebles Island State Park in Troy, NY, seamlessly blends leisure and water activities to create a serene environment. The intentional use of an octagonal structure symbolically unites celestial and earthly elements, fostering a harmonious ambiance. Native trees, vegetation, and materials like bamboo wood and stone, inspired by Chinese architecture, contribute to a balanced, nature-infused recreational space. The singular modular spaces and outdoor pathways with octagonal roofing for partial shading promote optimal interaction with the landscape.Peebles Island Recreation Center exemplifies a purposeful convergence of cultural influences and functional design. Its octagonal form, symbolic material choices, and thoughtful layout collectively establish a refined and harmonious recreational space, forging a seamless connection between human activity and the natural environment.
1/8”=1’
Thank You
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mnwainai@syr.edu/njwainaina5@gmail.com Michelleh Wainaina | 2025 | Bachelors of Architecture