Rowan Miller
PORTFOLIO.
miller.row@northeastern.edu
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowan-miller-/
+1 (330) 715 6498
SERPENTINE
Birdseye Axonometric
A transformation of a street in Boston’s South Fenway Neighborhood.
Type: Location: Course: Toolset: Urban Living South Fenway, Boston, MA Urban Housing Studio | 2024 Rhino, Illustrator, Photoshop, Enscape
The Streetscape Serpentine is an urban housing proposal aiming to transform Jarvis Street into a vibrant, Dutch-inspired “woonerf” – a pedestrian-friendly shared space that fosters community and interaction. The project reimagines the streetscape, creating a dynamic, welcoming environment where residents and visitors
alike can engage with the space. The ground floor features a mix of amenities, including a rock wall, co-working spaces, and cafes. The housing units are linked by glass volumes with gardens and tranquil spaces, while intersecting bridges create a serpentine-like circulation.
SITE ANALYSIS
I developed a taxonomy of building types in South Fenway to inform my understanding of existing site conditions and housing typologies. This analysis would guide my proposal for a new urban condition that responds to the unique character of the site and its surroundings.
ROW HOUSES
L-SHAPED
MISCELLANEOUS
I-SHAPED
O-SHAPED C-SHAPED
TAXONOMY OF SOUTH FENWAY
ROWAN MILLER AND EDWARD SERGEYCHIK / ANTHONY AVERBECK
Building Taxonomy
Created in collaboration with Edward Sergeychik.
New Site Plan Proposal. The new ground floor plan includes shared ammenities and public outdoor features.
Massing Development
The massing originates from modular blocks that adapt to the site’s boundaries. What begins as simple bar forms gradually transform into two sinuous volumes, positioned to face one another and defined by the dividing presence of Jarvis Street.
Bridge Circulation
Each half contains its own circulation system that links its modules together. In the larger half of four modules and the smaller half of two, single-loaded corridors connect the units, with bridges spanning between modules to provide access.
This organization allows residents to easily reach amenities within their half while maintaining security and privacy, as circulation is reserved for residents only.
Ground Floor Program Diagram
Study Model
STANDARD DOUBLE
2 BED, 1 BATH
785 FT² INSIDE
185 FT² OUTSIDE PRICE: $$
SINGLE
1 BED, 1
STUDIO
1 BED, 1 BATH
538 FT² INSIDE 220 FT² OUTSIDE
PRICE: $
Section Perspective
HEART HILL
Birdseye Axonometric Shows the extension of the existing southwest corridor park into the proposed block.
Site Plan
High density, lowrise housing contributes to the majority of the 550 housing units throughout the site.
Urban Design Framework
Initial scheme designed for the site.
BELOWGROUND GROUNDFLOOR
Farmers Market
Ground floor and adjacent street transforms into a farmers market seasonally.
Lowrise Housing Courtyards allow for residents to have private space and gardens on a more personal level.
DENSITY
RISE HOUSING
ALBERT ST.
PUBLIC POOL
47’
QUIET IN THE CITY
Massing Development
Mass
Tweak
OPEN FLOOR PLAN
Divided by bookshelves, the library’s open floor plan contributes to a sense of community and openness for visitors. Beyond the interior partitions designated for utilities, the library is designed to be flexible and accommodating, perfectly fit for the evolving needs and values of its community.
A structural grid formed by columns directs the placement of interior partitions and shaped the overall massing of the structure.
The ground floor aims to be open and serve as a hub for gathering. After speaking with a librarian at the front desk, guests have many options to chose from for where to go next. Programs and additional ammenities for the ground floor include general reading stacks, cafe, childrens learning area, backyard garden, and restrooms.
The basement is equally programatically diverse, containing additional reading stacks, individual study desks, a subterranean garden, librarian desk, and a rentable auditorium space.
Materiality
Typical materials throughout the buildings. Natural elements sourced from nearby providers.
Aluminum
Fiberglass Concrete
Red Cedar
Kousa Dogwood
THE SUBTERRANEAN
Reading Stacks
Two areas within the project offer a retreat into the natural. The subterranean level of the library contains a small tree, joined by shrubbery. The floor plan is flexible, providing space for additional reading stacks and librarian desks. An auditorium also located on this level, open to all via a simple booking form.
The backyard is designed to give readers the freedom to choose where they enjoy the library during the warmer months. Enclosed by a fence, the space offers a sense of safety and security within the library grounds. By allowing visitors to select their own seating, the design encourages them to linger and naturally adapts to each individual’s tastes and preferences.
THE GROUND FLOOR
The ground floor of the library is designed to feel immediately welcoming. Visitors are first greeted at the main librarian’s desk, where they are oriented to the library’s offerings before choosing their own path. A short flight of stairs leads up to the café, while moving straight ahead opens into the main reading stacks. Alternatively, guests can descend through a sculptural staircase into the subterranean level below.
This sense of freedom reflects a modern interpretation of the library, positioning it as both a quiet refuge for reading and study and a vibrant community space for exchanging ideas or simply pausing to relax within the busy urban context.
The Backyard
Location: Course: Toolset: Copenhagen, Denmark Interior Architecture | 2025 Rhino, Illustrator, Enscape
This exhibition offers a moment of weightlessness, illuminated by the soft light streaming through the windows of Helligåndskirken. Each object is placed in its own setting, allowing its unique form and color to be appreciated.
Site Axonometric
The site is located within the busy center of copenhagen. Green space acts as a transitional space between the exhibition and the urban world.
Interior Isometric
The framework for the exhibition. Standing tables and seating for relaxation follow the proposed circulation.
Section Perspective
Shows how the exhibition pieces in relation to the vaulted ceilings of the church. Highlights the spatial relationships between the objects and gathering areas.
Serial Vision
Presents each object as a series of vignettes experienced while moving through the exhibition space.
1175 CAMBRIDGE ST.
Interactive Community Drawing Type:
Location:
Company: Toolset: Streetfront Rennovation Cambridge, MA Neighbor Architects Rhino, Illustrator, Enscape, Photoshop
Project Goals
I joined Neighbor Architects in June 2025, just as the office won a design competition hosted by the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority. Since the project was still in its early design phase, I built a detailed digital site model in Rhino and Revit to support design iterations and accurately represent the street front.
I then created a rendered elevation in Enscape, which served as the base for a illustrative drawing presented at a community event, where residents contributed their own visions onto the elevation, turning it into an interactive tool for community engagement.
Illustrative Elevation Created in collaboration with Gabrielle Danitz.
Community Event
Designs made by local community members and business owners.
Event Setup
Here I am testing out the layout!
VERTICAL GARDEN
Stacking Demonstration
Type:
Location:
Course:
Toolset: Woodworking Boston, MA
Advanced Arch. Communications | 2025 Rhino, Fusion, Woodworking studio
Project Goals
Given the prompt “play”, we were tasked with developing a design strategy featuring laminated plywood components. We decided on a modular stacking plant stand, based around the universal dimensions of a standart terracotta pot.
From initial sketches to fabrication, this process was all-inclusive and gave great insights into physical production strategies and methods of making This project was made in collaboration with Leanna Elebah.
Modularity
A Universal Fit
Sized for a standard 5” terracotta pot, ensuring easy use anywhere
