Selected Works
portfolio NIYA CROWDER
2026
. STATEMENT I am a second-year Architecture student at UC Berkeley pursuing minors in Structural Engineering and Sustainable Design. I am interested in exploring innovative design solutions through an interdisciplinary lens. My goal is to explore different forms of art and design and integrate them into the way I see and create architecture.
. CONTENTS _01
Solstice Pavilion
_02
Mechanical Object Study
_03
Philosophy Hall Study
_04
Graphic Art
contact me // tel: 928-606-7392 / email: niyacrowder@berkeley.edu
_01
SOLSTICE PAVILION UCLA TeenArch Summer Studio
The solstice pavilion reimagines the UCLA Perloff Hall courtyard through an exploration of origami principles. Using a simple rectilinear folding pattern, the structure achieves a complex, continuous curvature from a planar sheet of paper. This design supports a multi-functional form, exploring the various spatial conditions created.
_01 Solstice Pavilion Using the created curvatures, the spatial conditions are translated into various programmatic zones. On the rooftop garden, strategic cuts along the upper right surface allow direct sunlight to penetrate the roof deck, nourishing a vibrant green space.
Towards the center, the geometry flattens into an overhead canopy, delivering generous shading for ground-level gatherings in the courtyard below. The upper face of this section is angled to maximize solar exposure, integrating solar panels to combine active energy generation with passive shading.
Using only straight, planar folds, a flat sheet translates into a rigid double-curvature envelope, proving that complex performance can emerge from a simple geometric operation. ooto aen
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_01 Solstice Pavillion
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_02
MECHANICAL OBJECT STUDY
ARCH 11A - UC Berkeley An analytical exploration decomposing a mechanical object’s into its geometries, spatial connections, and operational movements through a series of orthographic drawings. le
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_02 Mechanical Object Study Suace nldin
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These drawings are organized following a central vertical axis across each of the representations. Using the asymmetry of the tools within, the drawings highlight rotational movement as a disruption of the vertical symmetry of the object. The unfolding drawing deconstructs the object’s 3D volumes into a two dimensional representation, maintaining accurate points of continuity and overlap. The kinetics drawing studies three distinct movements within the object. The handles closing to the top is shown with a constant tempo, moving with manual effort. Similarly, the tools hinge out at the bottom in the same way. A closing of the entire handle and plier head is shown swinging down with acceleration.
_03
PHILOSOPHY HALL STUDY ARCH 11A - UC Berkeley
This study was conducted by surveying the philosophy hall using only measurements taken using my arm. Small tick marks indicate an arm’s length in relationship to the space. From left to right, the landscape, exterior facade elevation, roof, ceiling, inner wall elevations, and floor are represented unfolding out linearly.
_05
GRAPHIC ART
THANK YOU !