This portfolio consists of five selected academic works I have produced between 2021 and 2023. These selected projects reflect my key interests within the architectural field and elaborate on the themes of transformation and adaptation. Exploring these concepts with sensitivity to detail and considering the changing landscapes of the future is a skill I aim to bring to my Master’s and the industry, especially to help vulnerable areas of history and our community.
With the five selected projects, I aim to present my approach, motivation and technical skill, particularly in how initial ideas can be extruded in ways that create intersecting and generative outcomes. I have purposely chosen these projects to represent a diverse range of my skills, including, architectural technical drawings, construction detailing, design communication, scripting, and, physical mediums such as drawing, painting, modelling and photography.
Throughout this portfolio, I will describe my design motivations and give insight into my decision process in each project.
Portfolio
p. 4-11
p. 12-19
Index
Disabling Narrative, 2023 BA Undergraduate. Redesigning Wellington City Archives
Construction, 2023 BA Undergradute.
Design and detailing of a high rise multi use building
p. 20-29
Slow Moving , 2022 BA Undergradute. Ephemeral project focused on extracting form
p. 30-27
p. 38-45
Molecular Flocking , 2023 BA Undergradute. Experimental digital design
Cradle , 2022
BA Undergradute.
Design and modelling of a library for Shelly Bay
About me
After completing my undergraduate studies at Victoria University of Wellington, I gained acceptance into The Technical University of Munich’s Global Exchange Program. In Munich, I completed the first semester of my Master’s in Architecture. This experience gave me insight into different ways of practising architecture, and more hands-on experience, as I directly worked with communities to implement my designs into local environments. I also had the opportunity to expand my theoretical and research skills by contributing to the ‘Visual Investigations Between Activism, Media and Law Exhibition’ in the Pinakothek der Moderne.
In the future, I hope to return to Victoria University of Wellington to continue my Master’s, however first I would like to gain more industry experience and work with people and practices that I can learn from and broaden my skills.
Architectural Design Capstone : This course explores the relationship between architectural concepts, structural systems, materials and construction techniques.
Redesigning the Wellington City Archives required an understanding of how Aoteroa’s history has been recorded in narratives.
Those who control narratives control history. The responsibility of recording a history which is transparent and representative of multiple narratives is often pushed down by the dominating power. Thus it is the responsibility of Archives to record and protect the multiple, sometimes conflicting perspectives of its country.
This Archive is a representation of a dismantled linear narrative. It breaks down and plays with the structure of a central character to allow the perspectives of others to rise through. This concept is achieved through explorative techniques such as by using structure as a filter for light to penetrate within.
p.5 - initial concept drawings demonstrating different forms of disabling central narrative, and how these forms can be implemented in the structure of the building. Charcoal, pencil and ink.
p.6 - A site map of the redesigned Wellington City Archives with relevant details such as topography lines, surrounding and relevant buildings, roads and footpaths. REVIT +Illustrator
p.7 - Two floorplans showing examples of the interior layout of the archives. Thicker walls are structural. REVIT
p.8-11 - Exterior renders of the redesigned Wellington City Archives, demonstrating the concept of a disrupted central narrative
Aitken Street
Mulgrave Street
Guthrie Street
Floor One
Floor Two
construction
SARC321 Construction: The project focused on the principles of designing and building larger buildings, including construction systems suitable for high-rise offices and introduced technologies that are suitable and or mandatory for larger projects .
This project began by designing the structure of a multistorey building in Mount Cook, Wellington. I was required to select a site suitable for residential and commercial purposes, and a structural construction material.
I focused on designing a building structure primarily composed of CLT and LVL timber, because of my interest in sustainable and innovative building material alternatives and how they can be used in New Zealand’s unique environmental conditions. Next, I developed the core and services for the building, which required careful planning and balance, to create efficient systems and details that maximised the useable floorspace for both residential and commercial use. Access was also a large focus, requiring the design to stick to code while being functional for the building. Knowledge of the New Zealand Building Code was paramount to this process. Later the façade was designed with considerations for light and energy sustainability.
p.13 - A site map of the planned area for the building structure in Mt Cook, Wellington. Revit + Illustrator.
p.14 - Floorplans of the ground floor structure consisting of Glulam columns, CLT shear walls/ floor slabs and LVL split primary beams. Revit.
p.15. - Plan and section details of the structural column, CLT floor slabs and LVL timber beams intersection. Revit.
p.16,17 - Floorplan or core and services in Office floors. Revit
p.18 - Facade detailing of the exterior of the building. Revit
p.19 - Constructed 3d axometric renders of facade details. Rhino + Vray
GBTL 60
Sound Transmission Class: 36
Fire Resistance Rating: 60/60/60
Lining: 1 Layer 13mm GIB Fireline.
Light timber frame construction with 13mm one layer of GIB Firline on each side and one layer of GIB aqualine on the other.
Reinforced Concrete Walls to SE
500 mm LVL Columns to SE specification. specification.
TOILET CALCULATIONS
GFA: 948 sqm
Assumption: Every person occupies 10m 2 of space.
948 / 10 = 95 0dp
Assumption: 60:40 men & 60:40 women
Therefore provide toilet facilties for 57 men and 57 women per office floor.
According to NZBC G1 Table:
Women: 3WC + 1HB
Men: 3WC + Urinal + 1HB
Unisex: 3WC + 2HB
Disabled: 1WC + 1HB
PROJECT ADDRESS
WALL FILL LEGEND 5 Belfast Street, Mt Cook, Wellington
DRAWING
DRAWN SCALE
DRAWN BY
DATE
10/09/2023 4:38:56 pm Office Core A Floorplan
1 : 50
Natalie Schoonbee
Sheet Size : A3
Thermosash RS1000
pressure equalized cladding panel system with a matte black anodised commercial grade 20 Micron finish
Flashing between panels and window mullions
Thermosash PW1000
Thermosash RS1000 pressure equalized cladding panel system with a matte black anodised commercial grade 20 Micron finish
Flashing between panels and window mullions
4 sided unitised curtain glass system with double glazed laminated glass.
PW1000
4 sided unitised curtain glass system with double glazed laminated glass.
500mm Glulan Column to SE specification.
Inner wall insulation to SE specification. 500mm reinforced concrete sheer walls to SE specification.
reinforced concrete sheer walls to SE specification.
Thermosash RS1000
pressure equalized cladding panel system with a matte black anodised commercial grade 20 Micron finish
Thermosash PW1000
4 sided unitised curtain glass system with double glazed laminated glass.
PW1000
GIB Fireline Trim
500mm Glulan Column to SE specification.
60mm Concrete floor topping
15mm Timber sill panal
insulation to SE specification.
Thermosash PW1000 mullion in matte black anodised commercial grade 20 Micron finish
60mm Concrete floor topping
300mm CLT slab to SE specifications.
Thermosash PW1000 mullion in matte black anodised commercial grade 20 Micron finish
300mm CLT slab to SE specifications.
500mm Glulan Column to SE specification. 15mm Timber panal
60mm Concrete floor topping
Thermosash RS1000 pressure equalized cladding panel system with a matte black anodised commercial grade 20 Micron finish 1200x600
300mm CLT slab to SE specifications.
Thermosash PW1000 mullion in matte black anodised commercial grade 20 Micron finish 15mm Timber sill panal
4 sided unitised curtain glass system with double glazed laminated glass. Thermosash PW1000 mullion in matte black anodised commercial grade 20 Micron finish 15mm Timber sill panal
300mm CLT slab to SE specifications.
Keylock suspended ceiling system
1200x600 mm Decortech Firesafe
Radiata Plywood with satin blonded finish
Timber framing studs
Timber framing studs
Rigid insulation
Thermosash
Timber framing studs
Thermosash
Timber framing studs
Rigid insulation
slow moving
Comunication : This project develops the representation of design concepts, with a focus on drawing and modelling using analogue and digital media. Emphasis is placed on developing effective graphic communication techniques for design and implementation.
This project introduces the idea of the decomposition and erosion of a physical form. The project evolved into a pavilion that played with how the angles and surfaces of a structure can be used to pursue a playful and naturally lighted form. The concept is executed through the refraction and reflection of light upon its surfaces. This changes the pavilion’s atmosphere throughout the day as the light shifts. Using my original sketches and drawings from the site, I created a geometry that when etched onto clear acrylic holds back and limits light in certain areas to create a canvas for light to play upon. A plinth acts as an empty sheet for shadows and rays to playfully drift along throughout the day. This introduces a visual potency to the surroundings of the pavilion. The pavilion itself is a simple orthogonal structure, designed to be a merging of the layered and composed patterns found through previous isometric geometry explorations. The angles of this multi-dimensional surface divide and connect
the space, while creating a tension with the light thin elements of its structure and the larger mass of the imposing black cliff face.
p.21 - A closeup of the final model, showing etched acrylic-producing shadows.
p.22. - Initial sketches of ephemeral qualities found on the site.
p.23 - Light studies through translucent papers and ink
p.24 - Initial paper models exploring suspension and filtration
p.25 - Exploded diagram of prototype model, this aided in finding new angles and ways of suspending light
p.26 - Section of Model
p.27-29 - Images of the final model on a plinth
Experimentation 3.2
axometric drawing exploring the geometric forms behind suspended structures.
[vector art with rhino + illustrator ]
flocking
Architectural Design II : As an experimental digital design studio, this project explores the theme of ‘systems interaction’ – paying particular attention to the natural/biological processes of living organisms (bio-types) in relation to their respective interactions with their material environments.
This body of work represents the study of how animal behaviours can be mimicked on the micro level of molecular interaction. These learnings were then used to produce filtration networks for drought scenarios.
Three key principles; Cohesion, Separation and Alignment are crucial to understanding the movement and orientation of birds in a flock. These behaviours are often accentuated when under external or internal stress from a predator. These principles were used as parameters for understanding and interpreting the behaviour of hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecular interactions. In this way, I was able to describe the movement and arrangement of the molecules as a molecular ‘flock’, under the influence of other molecular predators.
This digital modelling of the flocking behaviour in molecular interactions produced a wide variety of unique organisations, shapes and changes over time as the scripts interacted. These forms were expressions of multiple variables such as volume, time, and physical properties.
p.31 - The title page comprised images of different computational scripts under the influence of different physical site attributes such as wind velocity, population and expansion rates
p.32 - Highlights the communication of flocking behavious that are the basis for how future scripts were devaloped.
p.33 - An example of how hydrophilic/ phobic molecules interact with a flocking behaviour.
p.34 - Experimentation of how the script could build from a singular point node.
p.35 - This page highlights how the scripting process was integrated with the site. On-site parameters were to be integrated with biological behaviour to create water filtration networks.
p.36,37 - An example of how this script can be developed to create a naturally generating filtration network for water channelling, adaptable to different environments with unsafe radiation levels.
Flocking Behaviours
cohesion, seperation & allignment
{ Simultanious Expression of Flocking Principals within a flock }
The three principal flocking behaviours exist simultaniously throughout every flock, acting with influence at the individual level and over the entire flock. Slight changes from individuals have knock on effects through out the flock, thus influencing the infinite possible arrangments or birds.
i. Cohesion can be expressed in the body of the flock as areas of desnsity ii. Seperation can be expressed in the body of the flock as areas of sparseness iii. i & ii have an knock on effect of the Arrangment of the flock.
Cohesion
i. the force that exists between the birds that steers them towards each other.
Seperation
ii. The need to avoid other birds in the same flight path forces birds to separate themselves from each other , hence simultaneously repelling and attracting each other.
Alignment
iii. In order to stay a unit each bird must try to match the vector speed and direction of other birds within the flock.
Selected Experimental Form
indian ink + water
i. This diagram represents a flock of birds in an random arrangment uneffected by external pressure. The arrangment of the molecular flock is even with similar velocity and directions and even distribution of density.
( as the frames progress the density of the circumerence decreases and the point network spreads furhur into space ) As the wind velocity interacts with the poit density, it spreads them furthur from the site boundary, creating a more organic and reaching shape.
The growth node in this experiment emits particals 22% every 20 rames, this produces a compressedd centre, and thinning edges a
1. Catchment Areas will collect fresh water from the sky and filter it into the core of the structure, filtering it of any contaminants simultaneously
2. Elevation above Radiation - Habitable pods form above the unsafe levels of radiation, allowing humans to live safely
3. Filtration allows air and water to be cleaned. Clean air is filtered out and within the structure. The Structure also produces CO2.
Enviroment Adaptability
Amplitude
Adjusting Amplitude, changes both the velocity and direction of the partials, this decreases the stability of the structure, and the potential elevation height for human habitation. Lower amplitude variables will allow humans to live higher above radiation levels.
[ changes the direction and velocity of wind on the partials } ]
option one : 0.30
option two : 0.60
option three: 0.90
selected option: option three
Exhibited in End of Year Showcase
cradel of the bay
Architecture Design Integration I: This course is about creative processes in architecture and the relationship between form and environment.
Using a variety of textures, materials and form-creating techniques, Cradle documents the detailed examination of a degraded structure and how we can recompose its ideas into something new.
Adrift’s structure was used to create interesting sections and diversions of light within the building’s interior structure. Rather than creating windows out of the facade, gaps were purposely left between beams and posts to filter through direct lines of light onto purposely blank canvases. How the surfaces and angles of the former can be used to pursue a sensual natural lighting solution that emerges from the refraction and reflection of light upon its surface. With its layered and highly composed patterns of angled shadows, the angles of the multi-surface composition divide and connect the space.
p.39 - A closeup of the final model, highlighting the terminus of the water bridge.
p.40 - Initial sketches of how the form can influenced by the site. Ink and Paper.
p.41 - Early prototype paper studies of various structures and forms. Paper and hand.
p.42 - Site Plan of the site and structure. Illustrator + Rhino.
p.43 - Two different illustrative elevations of the design. Illustrator + Rhino.
p.44,45 - Final image of the constructed model, highlighting how light acts when interacting with the building. Made of card, foam and timber.
