Shayla Thomas Architectural Portfolio
4th Year Student | Florida A&M University
ADDITIONAL COURSE WORK Dark Matter University Fundamentals of Design Justice | Spring 2021
SHAYLA THOMAS
In this exclusive and optional course offered by DMU in conjunction with FAMU and the University of Utah, we explored the biases and inequities in the world of architecture.
ARCHITECTURE STUDENT
443-388-4434 shayla2.thomas@famu.edu shaylamthomas2018@gmail.com Florida A&M University B.S. of Architectural Studies August 2018 - April 2022
WORK EXPERIENCE Gensler Summer 2021 | Washington, DC (Virtually) | Research Fellow Responsible for researching the effectiveness of previously implemented strategies that measure the function success of current and future developments. Propose new strategies that measure the function success of current and future developments. Work collaboratively with a small group to produce small and large scale deliverables.
ACTIVITIES Alpha Rho Chi Professional Fraternity A national and international fraternity for architecture and the allied arts, with the purpose of bringing together like minded individuals, going through similar educational paths and eventually creating networking opportunities throughout the profession, while also servicing the community and those around. Dean’s Council Representative Voice student concerns and needs to the Dean and Assistant Dean. I personally lead the successful initiative to implement mental health wellness days in the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology in the Spring 2021 semester. American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) Student-run organization providing programs, information, and resources on issues critical to architecture and the experience of education.
Accumulative G.P.A: 3.7 COMMUNITY SERVICE
Photoshop
Adobe Acrobat
Indesign
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Illustrator
Revit Enscape
School Supply Drive 2016 Provide school supplies to elementary school children in Costa Rica. Community Outreach 2018-Present Various volunteer work with Alpha Rho Chi. FAMU Graduation 2021 Volunteering during previous graduations.
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS Dean's List (5 Semesters) Outstanding 2nd Year Award 2019-2020 Outstanding 3rd Year Award 2020-2021 Co- Author of "Inclusive Pedagogies" 2022
HOBBIES
Table of Contents
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DREAMLAND HEIGHTS
HYBRID BUILDING
STITCHING COMMUNITIES
EMBRACING COMMUNITIES
THE F LINE
R E V I TA L I S E R LE VIEUX PORT DE MONTRÉAL
DREAMLAND HEIGHTS Design 2.2 | Spring 2020 | Professor Elizabeth Lewis
The goal of the project was to create a hybrid building without losing the integrity of historic Seaside, Florida. I wanted to bring a new look to the town but not erase its notable values. With that in mind, an unconventional building form was chosen by experimenting with the shapes of a triangle, taken from the balconies of the existing building, and the 3D form of it, a wedge. From that, birthed this boat- like form which is appropriate for the site since it is walking distance from the beach. Characteristics of the town were used while remaining modern by including colorful geometric, mesh screening devices on the West and South façades to combat the intense summer sun, and to add privacy to those who would inhabit the residential floors. The depression in the form on the first two floors was created so that the third floor could act as a shading device for the southern façade. Color was included in this building because the local houses were very vibrant in their colors. A rooftop terrace is also accessible to the public to provide a beautiful view of the sunset.
BUILDING FORM ANALYSIS
FORM DEVELOPMENT
Summer Sun Angle: 80°
Winter Sun Angle: 35°
SITE FOOTPRINT
VOIDS IDENTIFIED
FORM WITH VOIDS
STRUCTURE
APARTMENT
APARTMENT
OFFICE SPACE
RETAIL SPACE
WEST ELEVATION
LONGITUDINAL SECTION
The form design was directed by the angle of the Sun. The upper levels have shading devices and the overhang of the upper floors on the southern façade protect the lower level from the harsh summer rays. The Sun rays are able to penetrate the curtain during the winter when the temperature can drop as low as 48°.
SOUTHEAST STREET VIEW
BIRD’S EYE VIEW
NORTHEAST STREET VIEW
HYBRID BUILDING Design 3.1 | Fall 2020 | Professor Rhonda Hammond
Located in downtown Tallahassee, the concept of this multi-use building was developed from adhering to the program while remaining contemporary. Due to the required square footage of the commercial space, voids were created on the lower levels rather than create spaces that would have an immense amount of wasted space. The void was repeated on the upper residential levels to provide different sized and priced units. The striking form is to contrast the neighboring rectangular forms and the choice of materials and colors were chosen to compliment them. The protruding structure pays homage to the surrounding red- brick buildings with its balconies and the rustcolored structure.
SOUTHEAST STREET VIEW
CONDO
CONDO
CONDO
CONDO
CONDO
CONDO
CONDO
CONDO
OFFICE
BALCONY
OFFICE
BALCONY
HAIR SALON
BAR
COFFEE SHOP
SOUTH ELEVATION
LONGITUDINAL SECTION A
RESTAURANT
FOOD MARKET
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
A
A
W10x26
COFFEE SHOP
A
B
A
A
B
Brick Clip
A
Level 10 131' - 0"
Utility Brick FOOD MARKET
UP
Sheething
DN
C
C
LEVEL 1
1
Mullion
LEVEL 4
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
A
A
Mullion RESTURANT
A
B
A
OFFICE
A
BALCONY B
A
Curtain Wall Panel Floor
DN
UP
C
Girder
C
LEVEL 2
Mullion
LEVEL 5
Expansion Joint 1
2
3
4
1
5
2
3
4
Level 3 40' - 0"
5 A
A UP
A
B
A
CONDO 1
A
B
Mullion Curtain Wall Panel
A
HAIR SALON
DN
LEVEL 3
FLOORPLANS WITH STRUCTURAL GRID
Mullion
CONDO 2 C
C
Slab on grade
LEVEL 6
WALL SECTION
Level 1 14' - 0"
PHYSICAL MODEL
B
STITCHING COMMUNITIES Design 3.2 | Spring 2021 | Professor Maxim Nasab
A
Located in the heart of college-town Tallahassee, as an attempt to provide safer pedestrian travel for the community, a bridge inspired by the connection of the human body was proposed. The footprint of the bridge mimics a human neuron with its branching pathways. The expanding and contracting gateway structures on the deck of the bridge were inspired by the ribcage. The ribs gradually come together until making a complete circle in the middle of a bridge, just as a community comes together.
B
A
SITE PLAN
DECK VIEW
CONCEPT DIAGRAMS
The sketch models, although constructed individually, were able to combined to develop the form and programming of the completed project.
SKETCH MODELS The sketch models were created to show possible circulation cores, green spaces, and areas of emphasis that were eventually developed to the finished product.
FAÇADE DEVELOPMENT
The façade was developed through extrapolating the canopy and root system of the oak trees that were present on the site. The patterns of the mullions and the window shape are to mimic the elements of the oak tree.
ENHANCING COMMUNITIES
Design 3.2 | Spring 2021 | Professor Maxim Nasab
The task at hand was to create a community center for the city of Tallahassee, working in a group of three. Inspired by the live oak trees of the site, the concept of emphasizing the human connection with nature was developed. As individuals, each member created a concept diagram and sketch model that was able to meld cohesively to establish the program and form of the building. The group’s goal was to have all the communities of Tallahassee (FAMU, FSU, TCC, and the local residents) to feel welcomed in this space which is why clean looking materials of wood and stucco were chosen for this structure. The materials create a “blank slate” for all people that enter this space because they are not colors affiliated with any of the nearby schools. The façade was developed by abstracting the live oak root system and canopy shape. The mimicry of the roots are to symbolize strength and support, while the canopy symbolizes security and shelter and these were qualities of a community that the group wanted to invoke in the design since the town can feel very separated between the sub-communities that occupy it.
UP
UP
DN
DN
RR
UP
DN
RR
YC
IT TIV AC
NS ITIO HIB EX
R TE EN
CE PA
RR
UP
RR
ITY
TIV AC
ER NT CE
ER
T EA TH
E FIR IR A ST
UP
DN
DN
UP
UP
DN
EGRESS DIAGRAM
LEVEL 1
RR
SS CLA
OM RO
HVAC DIAGRAM
RR
1
HIB EX
ITIO
NS
CE PA
DN
SS CLA
OM RO
2
. LEC ./E CH ME
RR
RR
GR
NS EE
C PA
E
P
HO
S NT
PLA
GR
NS EE
C PA
E
LEVEL 2
RA LIB
RY
UP DN
FE CA
GR
NS EE
C PA
E
MIN AD
LEVEL 3
FLOORPLANS
VIEW FROM CAFE
ROOFTOP VIEW 1
ROOFTOP VIEW 2
PHYSICAL MODEL
The F Line
Design 4.1 | Fall 2021 | Professor Maxim Nasab In the wild, ferrets live in prairie dog tunnels and prey on the smaller rodents so I wanted to emulate their habitat in the wild by creating a tunnel system that they can explore. Since their enclosures are usually multi-leveled, the tunnels that incline and decline to simulate the level changes. The nodes were incorporated to create destinations for the pets since they like to explore and hides things. The nodes are in the shape of a dodecahedron so that there are flat surfaces to attach the tubing to and to allow multiple connections. The structure is made of transparent and opaque materials that will be able to withstand the weight and teeth of the ferrets. I took inspiration for the layout of the tunnels system from the maps of subway systems since they are the human version of prairie dog tunnels hence the title: “The F Line”. The stops on the subway are represented by the dodecahedron.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
Dodecahedron Side Length = 6”
0' - 7" 0' - 1"
0' - 4"
1' - 8 7/16"
Dodecahedron Side Length = 8”
4' - 0"
SECTION A
A
0' - 1"
0' - 4"
1' - 3"
2' - 4 7/16"
A
4' - 0"
WEST ELEVATION
4' - 0"
SITE PLAN
Revitaliser le Vieux Port de Montréal Design 4.1 | Fall 2021 | Professor Maxim Nasab
ENTRY VIEW
Ile Sainte-Helene Fleuve Saint-Laurent
Old Mo ntre al P ort
The influence of the design was to draw a connection to the visiting circus which acts as a very popular attraction while also creating a connection with the surrounding environment. The use of the ellipses in the design of the building related to the circular footprint of the circus tent. The circular patterns of the pedestrian pathways are to act as a link to the two buildings. The arch formed by the two buildings act as a framing device and viewing point to see another popular tourist attraction, the Montreal Biosphere which is a museum dedicated to the environment in Montreal. Visitors can travel up the walkway and experience the view like never before. The urban design of the pedestrian pathway mimics the “current” of everyday life, where the patron may not be sure where they are going, but they will have a grand experience.
Pont d
es Iles
Site nt
Po
d
de
cor
on
C e la
Form Developement
Programming
Forces Applied
Rehearsal/ Back of house Public Access/ Theaters Administration Storage
Amphitheater
Children's Playground
B
Cirque du Soleil
A
B
A
Communal Plaza
Auxiliary Theater Administrative Wing Resturant
Main Symphony Hall
SITE PLAN 0
SITE SECTION
10
20
30
40
100
LEVEL 1
0
5
10
15
20
50
NORTHEAST ELEVATION
0
5
10
15
20
50
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 4
SOUTHWEST ELEVATION
0
5
10
15
20
50
AUDITORIUM SECTION 0
10
20
30
40
10
PHYSICAL SITE MODEL
BIRD’S EYE VIEW
MAIN AUDITORIUM HALL
shaylamthomas2018@gmail.com
443-388-4434