Part 1 Portfolio

Part 1 Portfolio

SAM KERCHER

Sam Kercher @samkercherdesign issuu.com/samkercher

Curriculum vitae Part 1 Architectural Assistant Brown & Co

Urbanisation vs Mental Health Dissertation

REthinking Drinking Final Undergraduate Project

Forgotten Voices

Second Year Social Housing Project

Trastevere Urban Proposal Second Year Urban Design Project

Sketchbook

SAM KERCHER sam ker cher 2001@gm ail. com 07598203971 @sam ker cher design @sam ker cher design

RIBA PART 1 ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT (GRADUATE)

I am an open minded, keen to learn individual aiming to develop my career and qualify as an architect. I have a great attention to detail with a keen focus on human and planetary health; topics which supported me to win awards during university, and develop my current practises work.

I ssuu. com / sam ker cher

SKILLS Arc h i c a d

W OR K EXPER IEN C E Re v i t

Ad o b e Su i t e

BROWN & CO September 2023 - September 2024 (Expected) Part 1 Architectural Assistant - Supporting architects with a wide range of tasks:

Twi n m o t i o n

Au t o c a d

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Assisting with design work

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Creating marketing Visuals (Adobe Suite + Twinmotion)

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Feasibility Studies

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Tender Packages (consultation with engineer)

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Assisted in 5 of the 8 RIBA stages of work (expecting to work through all 8)

AWAR D S

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Working with ArchiCAD predominantly

BOSC - BAR AND BISTRO April 2021 - September 2022 Assistant manager / supervisor - Leading a small team in a restaurant. Developing both team work and leadership skills whilst developing customer service techniques.

Ye a r 3 Pr i ze D i sse r ta ti o n

Ye a r 2 Pr i ze o u tsta n d i n g Pe r fo r m a n ce

PORT F OLIO

STEDMAN BLOWER ARCHITECTS February 2019 Work Experience - Shadowing architects both in the office and on site. Meeting clients and producing archicad drawings of a personal project.

ED U C AT ION University - Coventry Bsc Architecture - First Class with Honours

issuu.com/samkercher/docs/binder1

R EF ER EN C ES Alex Darby Architect - Brown & Co alex.darby@brown-co.com

Satvinda Sohal Teaching Fellow - Coventry University ad8873@coventry.ac.uk

A L e v e l s - F a r n h a m S i x t h F o rm Graphic Communication - A* 3D Architectural Design - A Physical Education - A

GCSE - Mill Chase Academy Maths - 8 (A*) English Literature - 9 (A*) English Language - 6 (B)

Brown & Co

Part 1 Architectural Assistant

As a part 1 Architectural Assistant at Brown & Co I have assisted on a wide range of projects predominantly through the RIBA stages 0-4, although having gained knowledge of all stages.

During my time in practice I have supported with key design work, from feasibility stage to developing a more finalised design for both planning submission and thereon construction drawings. I gained invaluable knowledge from experienced architects and town planners regarding all stages within the construction industry. I was able to gain vast knowledge due to having constant communication with a small architecture team of three members working closely with four members in the planning team. Although the team I worked within was small we were part of much larger organisation predominantly operating throughout the east of England, ensuring I gained knowledge of not only the construction industry but also the ins and outs of how a larger business is run.

Through the earlier stages of projects, I have acquired an understanding of balancing client needs with both building regulation and council requirements. This knowledge is then supplemented through being involved in the day-to-day tasks involved in an architectural firm. An increased awareness of construction techniques has been developed with my involvement in tender packages produced during my time in the team.

A task I have been given on various occasions is that of creating marketing visuals of both current and previous projects. The projects presented here were completed before I joined the company but in order to win more work, I was tasked with creating sketchy light visuals; which have been a success with our target market.

Brown & Co

Commercial - Nursery Project An exciting project I have gained vital knowledge from involved designing an extension and refurbishment of an existing building to allow for use as a children's nursery. I supported the project architect in modelling the existing building to then be developed with our design proposals.

B-2-3 Room

Staff Room

C-Pre School Room

A-0-2 Room

Staff Room

B-2-3 Room

C-Pre School Room

B-2-3 Room

C-Pre School Room

A-0-2 Room B-2-3 Room

Kitchen

C-Pre School Room

Kitchen

W/C

A-0-2 Room

W/C

Disabled W/C

A-0-2 Room

A-0-2 Room Meeting Room

Disabled W/C

A-0-2 Room

Utility

To present different options to the client I modelled sketch concepts ensuring that space requirements were met. This option aimed to create a soft and interesting space for the children to interact with. The overhanging roofing sections allow for further intrigue and a practical external space for the children to use as required.

Meeting Room

Utility

This idea was perhaps simpler architecturally, due to cost considerations, but still allowed for a playful cladding system to add interest. I modelled each wall and opening using brick dimensions to allow for easier development later on in the project; the construction method was unknown at this stage.

Brown & Co

Commercial - Nursery Project

After a development stage involving the planning team, the client and the architecture team a design was produced for planning submission. During this process I was involved in development of various ideas and meeting the client on site helped to understand the needs of the site and the end user simultaneously. To support the planning application, I took the model into the Twinmotion rendering software and then Adobe Photoshop to develop visuals.

This presented the design in a more realistic and appealing fashion; these will also be used for marketing purposes.

Brown & Co

Residential Project

A residential scheme that I have been influential in, both on the individual design of dwellings and the overall site playout, has various different complexities that needed to be addressed. The site sits within the green belt, meaning both area and volume of existing against proposed needed to be considered throughout, as well as sitting in very close proximity to the A1(m) meant acoustic issues were a focal point.

With the issue of area and volume, I set up a schedule, which was constantly updating based on changes, that measured both area and volume of the proposed design; these then could be compared to that of the existing. When developing a sketch model at the early stages of this process I researched the national space standards to ensure a suitable design was established.

The ‘cranked’ concept evolved predominantly to address the acoustic concerns on-site. The more solid bedroom wing, on all plots, faces southwest towards the A1(m), allowing for a protected open living space in the shadow side. This concept also created a sheltered external courtyard between the two ‘wings’.

Bed 1

Living Room

Utility Zone

Green Roof

Bath

DR W

Store Kitchen Diner

Bed 2

Ground Floor

Hall

First Floor

Pitched Roof

Dissertation

URBANISATION VS MENTAL HEALTH How urbanisation is affecting happiness in Bordon and Whitehill Sam Kercher

Choosing a place to live can be one of the most important decisions in a person’s life, as architects and urban designers we have the privilege of shaping people’s lives and even their emotions. This thesis reviews the impact an urban environment has on mental health (with a focus on happiness) and techniques urban planners can use to mitigate the negative ramifications of inhabiting an urban environment. With the United Nations predicting that over 90% of the UK population will live within an urban environment by 2050 and statistics already telling us that these environments have a negative impact on both depression (40%) and anxiety (20%) this research is becoming more and more important to the overall wellbeing of society (United Nations, 2018., & Peen, J., 2009).

The focus of the project is an area currently going through the urbanisation process and also part of the ‘healthy new towns’ initiative; Bordon and Whitehill. The regeneration program has been in progress since 2015, and a questionnaire will be generated, based upon Safety, Active, Green and Social; the key factors in defining happiness within an urban environment. A questionnaire will allow for perceived happiness to be compared to the experienced; defined from statistics and knowledge linking to the same four categories. The findings have helped to developed three key recommendations needed to develop positive urban environments. These recommendations have arisen from an overall positive community review of contemporary urban development where the experienced is more important to happiness than the perceived. The knowledge gained cannot be the end of this critical body of knowledge but needs to be considered in future urban developments to benefit the happiness of society.

Full Dissertation

REthinking Drinking Digbeth, Birmingham

One of the biggest social dilemmas in 2023 is the issue of mental wellbeing; especially in

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This project takes the user on a learning and calming journey from the Re-established river Rea to The White Swan pub.

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the younger generation. The built environment is critical to improving mental health.

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Plays a key role in memory and relaying sensory and motor signals, key in mental wellbeing.

Amygdala

Primarily involved in processing emotions and memories associated with fear.

Hippocampus

This project considers the knowledge of the release of neurochemicals in certain

Has a major role in memory and learning, often the main part of the brain damaged by mental health issues.

environments to benefit the students of Birmingham by reducing the probability of

depression and anxiety. A focus is placed on the parts of the brain most affected by depression; the Amygdala, the Hippocampus and the Dorsomedial Thalamus. The negative feelings and actions caused by neurodivergent patients is

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Active Travel

Socialisation

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A positive space needs to be utilized in order for its positive effects to be felt; therefore

combining the positive journey with the influential drinking culture in student societies is critical to the project’s success. Although, alcohol seems to contradict the idea of mental wellbeing, with the negative impact of drinking being widely reported, the theory of the three brains (the brain, heart and gut) allows people to ‘rethink drinking’ whilst improving the microbiome of the gut.

Aerobic exercise has many physical benefits linking closely to circulation and the heart - these physical benefits help to positively impact mental wellbeing.

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The concept of ‘social contagion’ will allow for positive emotions to spread through the space.

Consistent socialisation lowers risk of cardiovascular disease and helps to recover from other heart issues.

Serotonin

70% of serotonin is produced in the gut.

The linear journey created structurally reflects the students mental wellbeing. On the first journey from the river to the pub the structure is ‘falling’, but, on the way back through the site this is reversed thus representing the positive effect of this journey.

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Microbiome

Gut bacteria has a great influence on mood and mental health. A healthy gut can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress whilst an unhealthy gut can also make these symptoms worse.

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REthinking Drinking Digbeth, Birmingham

Student Residency Site

An understanding of both the site and users was critical to establishing the needs of both and therefore developing a successful project. The growing societal issue related to student mental health is worsened by both isolation and consumption of alcohol; common within university culture. These were two issue I aimed to tackle.

Digbeth would be a perfect location for this project to be a success; being both central for all Birmingham Universities and close to Birmingham city centre.

The site will allow for active travel of users, along the positive blue space of the regenerated River Rea and via various strategically placed green nodes.

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REthinking Drinking Digbeth, Birmingham

The journey of growth coincides with the process of producing beer. A critical part of the development of this concept was to analyse how the production stages of beer could positively impact the areas of the human body previously researched; key to mental wellbeing.

In line with the journey, the energy system had vast importance in fully immersing the user into the production process whilst also allowing for a self-sustaining site helping to reduce the heat island effect.

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Sketch proposals explored the site and how a free flowing journey from the river to the existing grade 2 listed pub could be created through a more structured grid system; influenced by Bernard Tschumi and Daniel Libeskind.

REthinking Drinking Digbeth, Birmingham

The plan developed allows for both a simple route through the various structures, removing the stress involved with decision making, whilst also allowing for the user to explore different areas in and around the buildings; encouraging a sense of intrigue. The concept of escaping the city is evident in the external design: the regenerated River Rea flows through the site, barley can be seen throughout the journey, and gardens, both hidden and exposed, are strategically placed throughout.

When entering the first structure the user is immersed into the growth of hops – engaging and appreciating the space. Moving into the second structure a mechanical process can be learnt – the focus in this stage to be the movement through the space. Finally, entering the last structure on the journey the space opens up into a vast and pleasant area – for the event.

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REthinking Drinking Digbeth, Birmingham

The final structure within the journey is the most complex technically; this is down to both its scale and falling design. To overcome the complexity faced there is a combination of external load bearing CLT walls with an internal framing structure. As with many of Libeskind projects the use of concrete could have established a simpler construction design, as could a steel framing system, but these techniques would have contradicted the overall concept. The use of exposed timber allows for the user to experience the benefits of a low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), whilst also creating a bright and engaging environment.

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REthinking Drinking Digbeth, Birmingham

Continuous insulation to stop cold bridging

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20mm Timber Cladding Support

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Recycled Copper Cladding - Flat seam joining system

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Hidden Copper Drainage Gutter

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Timber Support for Drainage System

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Steel Connection Bracket

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5 Timber Floor Plate 6 Steel Connection Nails 7 Steel Connection Bracket 8 Timber Plinth 9 Drip

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10 Timber Support for Nailable Substrate

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12 Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)

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13 160mm Fibreglass Insulation 14 Timber Nailable Substrate

16 Recycled Copper Panels - horizontal flat lock system

1 Timber Flooring (Tongue and Groove)

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200mm Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) roof

1 Timber Flooring Finish 2 10mm Acoustic Layer 3 120mm Fibreglass Insulation 4 200mm Cross Laminated Timber Floor

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6 150mm Steel Connection Screws

10 160mm Fibreglass Insulation

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11 Timber Nailable Substrate

8 300mm Structural Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) wall

12 Typical Copper Panel Attachment Screw

13 Recycled Copper Panels horizontal flat lock system

13 Concrete Foundations 14 Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) 15 Damp Proof Course (DPC)

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Direct Air Capture

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REthinking Drinking Digbeth, Birmingham

Direct Air Capture CO2 Levels -

‘Clean’ Air -

The units will distribute ‘cleaner’ air back into the building, creating a healthier atmosphere.

Direct Air capture will help the global initiative to remove CO2 from our atmosphere

200mm

Carbon Storage -

Air Capture -

Carbon extracted from the air will be stored on level 1 of the building.

The direct air capture unit draws in ‘dirty air’ with fans.

Carbon Use -

Energy -

Carbon extracted will transported and used to both the Bright Tank (Brewery) and the anaerobic digester.

Anaerobic digester biogas energy used to power the units.

300mm

Glulam Column connections via galvanised steel connectors to glulam beams / Concrete Foundations

300mm Glulam Column with 200mm CLT floor joined via a steel connection

Shading Devices

Direct Air Capture

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Stack Ventilation

Used as a secondary Ventilation technique opening through a different plane.

Used to block summer sun; prevent overheating.

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Used to filter carbon for brewing system and facilitating ‘cleaner’ air in the building.

Stack Ventilation Diagram

North Light Opening

Single Sided Ventilation

Allows in natural light into the office / testing space.

Southern Openings used for single sided ventilation. w<2.5h.

Clean Air Carbon

Winter Sun 25

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Not prevented from entering the building, allowing for winter heat.

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REthinking Drinking Digbeth, Birmingham

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150mm D6 0 mm

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REthinking Drinking Digbeth, Birmingham

Modelling was used throughout the project to explore different ideas and composition. The final design developed an exciting set of structures that are seemingly deconstructing from one another; creating a clear journey. Internal spaces develop / change based on the stage that the user is at; most simply defined by space, movement then event.

Forgotten Voices Trastevere, Rome

Young people often feel as though their voices are unheard by the older generation. This is a social issue that is raised when the young person speaks out about having mental health issues; something that is often not accepted by the older generations. This housing project will aim to help these young people to get their voices heard within an ageing society; breaking down the barriers created.

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The project places a focus on integrating the young into the local community whilst also teaching them routine within their housing. The Layout encourages the user to engage with others either directly or indirectly - allowing for both improvement in mental wellbeing whilst still recognising the importance of feeling safe.

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Forgotten Voices Trastevere, Rome

Urban Proposal Trastevere, Rome

A big issue in contemporary urban design is the need for pieces of urban fabric; something that reduces the availability of green ‘healthy’ spaces. This issue is one that is present in the area surrounding the arsenale pontificio complex. Therefore, to rejuvenate the area I will focus on creating a space which improves both the mental and physical well-being of the people that use it. I will achieve this with four key aspects; a focus on well-being, removal of vehicular access (pedestrianisation, adding green spaces and improving the availability of community activities / spaces. A clear issue in the current site is the vast use of vehicles in a fairly small space; creating an unpleasant unhealthy zone. Therefore, the developed area will be completely pedestrianised with new roads being added enforcing vehicles to travel around the site; opposed to through it. Two key aspects to well-being are: having access to green spaces and the ability to socialise with others. To combat these issues I will incorporate a community growing scheme (urban farming) into large green park spaces; creating pro-social areas. Some of these large green spaces will be created by removing some old non required buildings whilst others will be re purposed to fit in with this new concept. Overall, the scheme will appeal to the local community, as well as proposed tourists gaining access to the site going to or coming from Rome city centre; improving the well-being of all that access the area.

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et Cafe

Cycle Path

Walking Path 1m

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Urban Proposal Trastevere, Rome

Sketchbook