Rachel Livesey Architecture Portfolio

PORTFOLIO 2021

Architecture Rachel Livesey

I am a self-driven individual who welcomes challenges with a confident, yet considered, approach to work. I am comfortable working in a team or alone. A creative who embraces new technologies and techniques to explore visual communication.

Always looking to further my skill set. Interested in investigating the limits of the built environment, whilst championing the importance of social, historical and natural contexts.

Education:

Technical Skills:

2018-Present: Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff BSc, Architecture (First Class Hons.)

Software: Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Sketchup Pro and V-Ray, Rhino and Grasshopper, Microsoft Office Suite, Procreate

2016-2018 High School Sixth Form, Gloucester A Levels Art (A), History (B), Mathematics (A), Physics (B) 2011-2016 High School for Girls, Gloucester GCSEs (12 A*-B: 4 A*s, 5 As)

Modelling: Card, Wood, Clay Experience with Laser Cutting Crafts: Weaving, Latch Hook

Contact: E-Mail: liveseyrs@gmail.com Website: rachellivesey.myportfolio.com Intsagram: @RSLivesey_Design

Contents

4-11

Forager’s Gathering

University

12-15

Restoring the Social Culture of Farming Through the Hedgerow

University

16-17

Bee Hotel

Personal

18-21

Memories of Home

University

22-27

Pontypridd Performing Arts Centre

University

28-29

Expanded Practice

University

30-33

Wandering Among Wanders

Competition

34-37

Glance into my Sketchbook

Personal

F o r a g e r ’ s G at h e r i n g

University

Tutors: Stephen Maginn Caroline Esclapez

Forager’s Gathering explores the possibilities of an alternative to our common supermarket which counters the environmental impacts of the food production industry. It provides a designated site for foraging in the Welsh town of Llandeilo with architectural interventions to make the experience more time-efficient, social alongside giving the public a greater awareness of where their food is

coming from. This project stems from a research project on the Hedgerows. It works to improve rural relationships damaged through the privatisation of land. The design considers landscaping and materials in regard to carbon storage and sequestration. The final proposal included nine fully realised interventions to benefit the community of Llandeilo.

Three aims were established for the project to fulfil. It must reconnect the public with nature, restore community relationships and preserve native wildlife and landscapes.

A path, inspired by the role of the hedgerow, connects the site and works with hedges to guide visitors across the site. It meanders across the floodplain meadow and gives access the interventions as well as the existing woodland and river Twyi.

Top: Aims Visualed Bottom: Final Project Analogous Map

4

The food production industry is detrimental to the environment. Significantly, harm is caused through emissions through transportation, deforestation decreasing the net carbon sink, food wasted and plastic packaging waste which enters our oceans. Foraging is an alternative to the standard supermarket and could combat the environment issues of the food production industry.

Research Analogous Map

5

The path is what keeps the project connected. It controls the access to the site, guiding through the interventions to form an ideal foraging journey like a hedgerow guides someone walking along a road in the countryside. The design and landscaping around the path are inspired by the structure of the hedgerow.

Top: Path Section Bottom: Path Perspective

6

The market offers a place to trade foraged goods. These can be either foraged by volunteers from the site or by locals who foraged elsewhere. It acts as the entrance to the site. It allows an opportunity for the public to be introduced to the different foods which can be foraged without them having to forage themselves.

The design evolved from the exploration of creating a purpose-built stall for displaying foraging goods.

Top: Market Interior Perspective Bottom: Market Section

7

The greenhouses hold a curation of carefully selected native plants which are safe for consumption and cannot be grown in the meadow or the hedgerow. The design of the greenhouse was based on a single planter. The planter is inspired by the hedgerow, plants grow vertically allowing them to be in arms reach and at eye level.

Top: Greenhouse Interior Perspective Bottom: Planter Module Axonometric

8

The fire pits allow visitors to cook the goods which they have foraged whilst exploring Forager’s Gathering on site. Fire pits provide a space for the community to gather and share recipes alongside advice on foraging and opinions on the site, prompting community interactions. The facade is designed to be a log store, accessed from a path surrounding the structure.

Top: Fire Pit Section Bottom: Fire Pit Perspective

9

The auditorium is created as space for education on the environment, climate change, foraging and the site. Its design is inspired by traditional gathering spaces including: Stone Henge, Casa Rinconada and the Pantheon. Thus, it explores a circular plan and section whilst conforming the limitations of a community build. As a result, it takes the form of a geodesic dome allowing for the use of standard timber.

Top: Auditorium Approach Perspective Bottom: Auditorium Plan

10

1:

7.5 mm Smooth Spruce Cladding 50/50 mm C16 Battens (in 50 mm Cavity) 25 mm Chipboard 170 mm Straw Slab Insulation(between 50/170 mm C16 Studs) Vapour Barrier 25 mm Wood Wool Impact Insulation (between 25/25 mm Studs) C24 Diffusion Wall

2:

18 mm Spruce Floorboard 25 mm Wood Wool Impact Insulation (between 25/25 mm Studs) 170 mm Straw Slab Insulation(between 72/170 mm C24 Joists) 25 mm Chipboard 50/50 mm C16 Battens (in 50 mm Cavity) 7.5 mm Smooth Spruce Cladding

3:

Argon Gas Double Glazing

4:

18 mm Plywood 70 mm x 45 mm C16 Timber

5:

18 mm Plywood 25 mm Wood Wool Impact Insulation (between 25/25 mm Studs) 25 mm Chipboard 50/50 mm C16 Battens (in 50 mm Cavity) 7.5 mm Smooth Spruce Cladding

6:

12/ 25 mm Pine Decking Board 70/45 mm Timber Hempcrete Foundation

3

1

4 5

2

6

Auditorium Technical Section

11

Restoring

the

S o c i a l C u lt u r e

of

Farming Through

the

Hedgerow

University

Tutors: Stephen Maginn Caroline Esclapez

This is a short research project conducted prior to Forager’s Gathering. It explores the different forms of hedgerows witnessed on a site visit to Llandeilo.

Whilst I saw the hedgerows as a guide through the landscape it was uncovered that many see them as obstacles, omitting views and connections to the

surrounding landscapes. After mapping hedge conditions, these were analysed. The tension in rural relationships, significantly between neighbouring landowners, is expressed through the treatement of hedges. Issues which resulted from the Enclosure Acts first introduced in 1603.

Field to Road

Field to Road

Woods to Road

Woods to Road

Field to Field

(Single Landowner)

Field to Field

Field to Field

(Single Landowner)

Field to Field

(Two Landowners)

(Two Landowners)

Field to Woods

Field to Woods

Woods to Woods

Woods to Woods

Left: Hedgerow Conditions Elevations Right: Hedgerow Conditions Plan

12

For centuries agriculture depended on common land, making farming democratic and self-sustaining.

Hedges were only used for enclosure to prevent livestock from crazing crops. Yet, Enclosures Acts were introduced allowing the privatisation of common lands. This brought out the greed in many farmers and destroyed rural relationships. Regardless, through observing how animals interact with the hedgerows there are many opportunities to reconnect the community.

Analoguous Map

13

Road

Verge Ditch

Bank

Hedge

Field Edge

Crop

Hedgerow Section

14

Top Left: Layers of the Hedge- Berries Collage Top Right: Layers of the Hedge- Foliage Collage Bottum Left: Layers of the Hedge- Branched Collage Bottom Right: Layers of the Hedge- Fences Collage

15

Bee Hotel

The Bee Hotels are an extension of Foragers Gathering. 90% of the UK’s bee population are solitary therefore do not live in hives. Yet, it is essential that these key pollinators are supported to ensure that plants can flower, fruit and seed. This personal project explores creating prefabricated

Personal

bee hotels. The hotels can be created from a kit without the need for extra tools, promoting the preservation of native wildlife. A variety of forms was created, offering options for placement in gardens: within the grass, on a fence or a tree.

Top: All Bee Hotel Forms Bottom: Example of a Bee Hotel Kit

16

Bee Hotel Physical Model

17

Memories

of

Home

University

Tutor: Pippa Smith

Memories of Home is a housing project which offers accommodation for those in the early stages of dementia in Pontypridd. A home is a shelter, it is in our memories and is always changing. It is a combination of the people meet and places we have been. The project works on creating a stimulating

environment to slow the progress of dementia. It creates a safe space which is situated close to key amenities and maintains relationships with the local community. The historical context of Pontypridd was carefully considered to ensure that the project does not appear alien in the mining town.

Top: Bedroom Axonometric Bottom: Street View Elevation

18

Site Plan

19

Top: 2-Bed Bungalow Elevation Bottom: 2-Bed Bungalow Detail Elevation

20

1

2

Roof Construction: 20mm Slate 20/50mm Battens 30mm Ventilation Space 30/50mm Battens Vapour Barrier 12mm Chipboard 180/50mm Joists with 180mm Mineral Wool Insulation between them 20mm Chipboard 20mm Plaster

1

4

Wall Construction: 20mm Stone Cladding 20mm Cement Mortar 20mm Cavity Water Repellent PVC 20mm Chipboard 150/50mm Studs with 150mm Mineral Wool Insulation between them 20mm Chipboard 50mm Sound Barrier Insulation 50/200mm Timber Frame Structure 20mm Plaster

3

Floor Construction: 15mm Timber Floorboards 20mm Chipboard 120/50mm Joists with 120mm Impact Insulation between them 20mm Chipboard Waterproof Membrane 200mm Reinforced Concrete

4

Galvanised Steel Cutter

5

250/700mm Reinforced Concrete

2

3

5

1

2 Top: 2-Bed Bungalow Wall Detail Bottom: 2-Bed Bungalow Roof Detail

21

Pontypridd Arts Centre

University

Tutor: Tim Burton

Pontypridd has a large history with the performing arts. Yet, in recent years, many theatres have shut down leaving nowhere to house these creative groups. This project aims to create a performance space which encourages creativity in all forms.

Influence has been taken from Pontypridd’s vibrant

past as a mining and market town. The project is not just a performance space, but a place which inspires the community. It has been landscaped to create a town square. The building contains a foyer with cafe seating, a concert hall and a studio theatre.

Therefore, catering for a range of performances.

Performing Arts Centre Plan

22

Performing Arts Centre Roof Plan

23

Top: Performing Arts Centre Section Bottom: Performing Arts Centre Night Elevation

24

Left: 1:20 Foyer Physical Lighting Study Model Right: Inhabited Foyer Perspective from Model

25

Top: Concert Hall Inital Sketch Bottom: Concert Hall Interior Perspective

26

Top: Studio Theatre Interior Perspective Bottom: Studio Theatre Initial Sketch

27

E x pa n d e d P r a c t i c e

University

Tutors: Andrew O'Murchu Kate Rushe

Expanded practice was a two-week group project. It investigates how our design decisions and material choices can have devastating consequences for the unseen stakeholders with whom we share our environment. We were challenged to explore the

habitats of animals and plants through the exploration of textbooks, scientific journals, and online study. Resultantly, we learnt to critique our assumptions about space and place, to grow empathy towards the biosphere.

Section of Bute Park

28

Section of Bute Park

29

Wandering Among Wonders

Competiton

Shortlised

Wandering Among Wonders was an entry for Beebreeder’s Pavilion of First Contact Competition.

The largest achievements of mankind lie behind the unexplainable. Stonehenge is among the many wonders of the world that has been left by a culture with no written record. Yet, it is constantly revealing more about the history of man. Perhaps, to communicate the greatest achievements of mankind we must look beyond the facts and into

what can be inferred from a creation. The role of the Pavilion is to highlight the achievements of mankind not only for visiting extra-terrestrials, but for the modern day public. Many of the most defining achievements have become overlooked in this age of technology. Through the use the exhibition displays, workshop and performance space the pavilion shall enlighten all visitors on a brief history of the successes of the human race.

Pavilion Approach Perspective

30

Top: Pavilion Plan Middle: Pavilion Elevation Bottom: Pavilion Section

31

Display Exploded Isonometric

32

Top: Exhibition Space/ Gallery Perspective Bottom: Workshop Perspective

33

Glancing

into my

Sketchbook

Personal

Top: St Fagans Visit Sketching Bottom: St Fagans Visit Analytical Sketching

34

Top: St Fagans Visit Sketching Bottom: St Fagans Visit Analytical Sketching

35

Top: Trip to Trinity College Dublin Sketching Bottom: Design Development for Performaning Arts Centre

36

Top: Llandeilo Site Visit Recording Bottom: Design Development for Forager’s Gathering

37