Portfolio - Peter Crowley

Peter John Crowley

I am a graduate M.Arch student at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, currently enrolled in my final term. My studies to date have included, Architectural Design, Building Technology, Graphic Representation, History, and Computational Studies.

I am passionate about people centered design and when not focused on my studies, I enjoy drawing for pleasure, books on architecture, and walking and running for physical and mental well-being. I appreciate simple, clean and elegant design that responds to the needs of its user.

I graduated from the Dalhousie BEDS program in 2021 and I am currently completing my thesis defense in June towards obtaining my M.Arch degree.

CONTACT

Peter John Crowley

Master of Architecture (M.Arch) Term 6 (M6)

pt337102@dal.ca

c: 647-455-0248

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Strong knowledge of Sketchup, Revit and AutoCAD drawing tools and 3D modelling programs such as Enscape (Revit and Sketchup) and Rhino

Expertise in Adobe Suite programs such as Illustrator, In-Design and Photoshop

Knowledge of programming software for 3D modeling such as Grasshopper

Knowledge of experimental rendering and modeling software such as Blender

Familiarity with Embodied Carbon Calculation software such as OneClickLCA

Adept in Geographic Information System programs and mapping software such as ArcGIS

Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, MS Teams

Comfortable in working in remote office settings using MS Teams, Zoom and Splashtop

Comfortable with woodshop tools and construction operations

WHMIS certified

Strong ability to use the Internet and social media for research purposes

Ability to use iPad Pro drawing apps for architectural concept drawings

EXPERIENCE

Architectural Assistant - January to August 2022

Moriyama and Teshima Architects - Toronto, Ontario

Provided design support to senior project managers, and assisted staff in several departments such as interior design and marketing. Made professional diagrams and PDF layouts for company award submissions. Assisted with embodied carbon tasks and research as well as creating renders for material selection.

Student Architect/Designer - Fall 2020

Nycum + Associates - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Provided design support to senior staff and contributed to the development of major projects including technical, administrative and proposal tasks.

EDUCATION

Master of Architecture (M.Arch)

2021- Present

Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

Bachelor of Environmental Design studies (BEDS) Major in Architecture

2019 - 2021

Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

ABILITIES AND AREAS OF INTEREST

Strong collaborative and organizational abilities

Proficient in making quick and clear sketches as well as highly detailed architectural drawings

Strong visual and spatial skills

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage with colleagues, clients and the public

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and as a team member

Excellent at goal setting and self-regulation

Strong time management and organizational skills

Good research and analytical skills

Able to succeed in deadline-driven environments

Self-motivated and adaptable

Other interests include history, architectural theory, psychology, and urban planning

SS ATLANTIC MEMORIAL

Memorial Installation with Peter Braithwaite Studio - Dalhousie UniversityJuly 2021

The SS ATLANTIC MEMORIAL is situated on the rocky coastline of Nova Scotia, south of Terence Bay. This memorial project was designed to be part of the existing SS Atlantic Memorial Park. The SS Atlantic was an ocean liner that sank after colliding with rocks on the coast of Nova Scotia. This tragic event occurred approximately 148 years ago and claimed the lives of at least 535 people. The intention of this installation is to provide visitors with an opportunity to learn and reflect about the event.

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figures 1 -2 by group member Matt Sealy

Figures 3 - 6 by Peter Crowley

Figure 5

Figure 6

SKRA GRAVLER

Undergrad Housing Project - Lunenburg Nova Scotia - Dalhousie UniversityMarch 2020

SKRA GAVLER, translated from Norwegian meaning Sloped Gables, is a four-quadrant residential and commercial complex on the corner of Duke and Montague Street in Lunenburg Nova Scotia.

The two-storey commercial gable occupies a coffee shop at the bottom (designed for quick in and out service) and another coffee shop on the second level which also operates as a bar.

The “three” storey residential gable, located further north and to the right of the commercial gable consists of a kitchen and dining room space on the first level, a lounge/playroom space with a small bedroom on the second level and above, a mezzanine with an open study room and a master bedroom beside it.

BARRINGTON CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY

Final Undergrad Project - Dalhousie University - April 2021

The BARRINGTON CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY, located in the city of Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada is situated on the corner of George and Barrington Street looking at the Grand Parade. The gallery aims to connect viewers to the existing city fabric as well as to the natural forces that are apparent in Nova Scotia. Rather than merely a vessel to house Indigenous, local and international contemporary art, the gallery consciously connects viewers to the exhibitions within and to the surroundings. The gallery considers the viewer’s needs for light, comfort, and wellbeing. It consists of three permanent galleries and several mixed use/temporary spaces that will cater to a large audience. From the outside, the gallery uses simple planar forms reminiscent of architects, Frank Lloyd Wright and Tadao Ando using the familiar materials of concrete, glass, and timber.

The gallery is composed of steel beams and a concretebearing wall structural system. Some floors have a dropped ceiling not exposing the steel structure whereas some have the structure exposed. The skin of the gallery (mostly pine) is in a way the external structure. It not only provides some protection to large glazed surfaces but it also controls the amount of light entering a space.

I wanted the gallery to reflect all my design intentions while keeping the existing city fabric in mind. I designed my cladding and building skin to mimic the existing city elements such as windows, mullions, and walls.

LUCE SEPOLTA

Pavilion Project in Italy - Dalhousie University - December 2019

LUCE SEPOLTA, translated from Italian meaning, Buried Light, is a semi underground concrete structure designed for tourists and residents in Rome, Italy. Specifically it is in the same general area of the case study site it was based on - the Tempietto. The main intent was to eliminate the visual noise for visitors and introduce a sense of calm and relaxation through carefully designed lighting areas and solar chimneys to eliminate humidity. Inspiration for the design included works from Peter Zumthor and Raymond Moriyama.

The project was based on a case study project, The Tempietto in Rome Italy. The Tempietto was built to mark the location of where Christ’s disciple, Peter was crucified.

Tempietto Hybrid Section

Aesthetic InspirationBlade-Runner, 2049

Section: Light Study with Solar Chimney Physical Model + Pencil Drawing

ACOUSTIC WOOD PANEL ROOM

Technology

Project - Dalhousie University - June 2021

The panel is made out of pine which is softwood. Generally wood is not the greatest material for sound as it has more properties for diffusion and reflection, however; if left untreated (no hardening) it does help make the sound less reflective along flat surfaces.

I have designed the panel which is 10 feet in length and 10 feet tall with wooden slats with 4 inches apart. The wooden slats have different depths. Some are very small, some are medium, some are very long. This difference in depth for each slat is to make the overall panel have a “wave” pattern. It is intended that the slats would be either glued or attached with screws to the overall flat-surfaced wooden frame. The slats themselves are also pine but they are hardened making the overall panel more rigid.

Specific research states “Wood conducts sound better in the longitudinal direction of the grain than perpendicular to it. A dense wooden structure reflects sound, and can easily be made into surfaces that channel sound reflections” (Woodproductsfi).

BREWERY AND RESTAURANT

Project in Windor Nova Scotia - Dalhousie University - June 2021

Both site maps are used from the “Sun-catchers Master plan” (Created M.Arch group members, Mark Singleton, Peter Crowley, Rojina Yamin and Jack Were - July 2021)

Initially, the site was challenging as there was so much space in our master plan, we thought that it was best to leave space for mixed use and place my design in a way that is a threshold between two distinct sites within the overall master plan. Specifically, there is a small park above the design site.

The design consists of two (180’ approx) parallel barns, one housing a creamery and a restaurant and the other, a brewery. The restaurant and brewery work together as it is connected by a beer garden that allows for a good amount of sunlight and views to the adjacent highway.

The structure consists of a CLT panel system integrated with a steel truss and beam system that is repeated every sixteen feet. The facade and roof are covered in standing seam which provides durability and protection for the CLT.

OTHER GRAPHIC WORK

Various collage projects - Summer 2020 - Spring 2021 - Dalhousie University

REDEFINING THE CAMPUS

M.Arch Thesis - In Progress - Dalhousie University

Working Abstract:

Every day, people diagnosed with Learning Disabilities (LDs) face challenges and barriers. Yet, no matter the diagnosis, those eager to learn encounter some obstacle in their learning, most of the time subconsciously, and they have trouble finding a solution. This thesis investigates architectural solutions that introduce users to experiment with their learning in a typical post-secondary school environment, specifically at Dalhousie University’s Sexton Campus in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In addition, this thesis investigates concepts and theories of how to enhance the functionality of current educational spaces on Campus through spatial and circulatory organization. Overall, this project aims to raise awareness about LDs and inclusive education within the Dalhousie community and the design profession.

SAMPLE BLENDER WORK

Shed Study - Dalhousie University - February 2023