Riley Vernon Work Sample: Architectural Companionship

NEST

SCALING UP - FABRICATION

TYPE: SOPHOMORE DESIGN WORKSHOP, 3 WEEKS

INSTALLED: TEMPLE HOYNE BUELL HALL, CHAMPAIGN ILLINOIS

PROFESSOR: ANDREA MELGAREJO DE BERRY

TEACHING ASSISTANT: HAYLEY METZ

Nest is a multi-scale fabrication project exploring stacking as a structural system. Beginning with a cube, Nest takes inspiration from a Russian Nesting Doll. Each module fits within the next, creating agency in complete subtraction. The final small scale artifact was individually fabricated as a 6-inch cube constructed in red oak and serves as both the basis for the larger model and as a stand alone evolving explorative piece. Through an 8-person group project, three weeks were divided into planning, drawing and constructing to develop a 4 foot interactive model. In pine board framing and strategic faces, each module is fully constructed and stands independently, utilizing cantilever and counterweight. Nest becomes a communicative tool to teach students about physical behavior and spatial relationships.

THE ORANGE

A MEAL FOR 100

TYPE: JUNIOR DESIGN STUDIO, 1 WEEK LOCATION: DOWNTOWN CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS

Tasked with designing a “meal space” for 100 strangers, The Orange sought to meet the goal of facilitating an event that is collective, cohesive, and participatory. How can a singular designed environment accommodate two distinct activities with their own constraints, requirements, and outcomes? How does this meal-space provide an opportunity for the public (people with different backgrounds and identities) to encounter each other and interact with one another in a way that doesn’t currently exist? In this scenario, food becomes a vehicle or prop for bring people together in new ways.

The Orange seeks to answer these questions with the sharable fruit. Inspired by a Wendy Cope poem of the same name, The Orange is an imagined peelable furniture configuration that allows participants to meet their conversational needs in whatever way they see fit. Peel the orange together and share a slice with your neighbor!

OPEN IT!

At lunchtime I bought a huge orange—The size of it made us all laugh. I peeled it and shared it with Robert and Dave— They got quarters and I had a half. And that orange, it made me so happy, As ordinary things often do Just lately. The shopping. A walk in the park. This is peace and contentment. It’s new. The rest of the day was quite easy. I did all the jobs on my list And enjoyed them and had some time over. I love you. I’m glad I exist. — Wendy Cope

BORN IS CREATIVITY

2024 A3 LOGO CONTEST SUBMISSION

TYPE: ANNUAL ARCHITECTURE AWARDS DESIGN CONTEST

ILLINOIS SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

Born Is Creativity was inspired by the impact and importance of boredom in childhood. Designed for the Illinois School of Architecture’s Annual Architecture Awards, I felt compelled to create something that reminds us of where we all started as creatives. The design features the A3 lettering (A3, representing the three A’s in Annual Architecture Awards) extruding from itself, becoming an interactive piece holding space for exploration. Figured by illustrations interpreted from the children’s picture book, The Boring Book by Shinsuke Yoshitake, this logo emphasizes the relationship between boredom and play in shaping the minds of past, present, and future designers.