KYLER 2023 PORTFOLIO

KYLER SMITH

2023 PORTFOLIO

KYLER C. SMITH

I am always looking to improve my problem solving and design skills so that I am better able to serve my community. I have recently developed an interest in creating cohesion and unity between architecture and its urban context.

STUDY ABROAD

Academic Initiatives Abroad, Rome, Italy | 2022

Historic Architecture + Urbanism and Transit

I recently studied abroad in Rome through the OU College of Architecture. Through this program, I was able to visit cities throughout Italy and Europe, experiencing historic works of architecture and utilizing their robust transit systems.

INTERNSHIP

Peacock Design, Norman, OK | 2022 - 2023

Architecture + Urbanism

I am currently working with Matt Peacock, who runs a small practice in Norman. Through this internship, I am working with diverse clients to create unique urban-focused spaces.

OU Institute for Quality Communities, Edmond, OK | 2021

Tactical Urbanism + City Planning + Project Management

I worked with the City of Edmond, OU IQC, and Architect Michael Hoffner to create a temporary pilot program to showcase improved walkability in the alleyways of Downtown Edmond. Reilly Tuer (another intern) and I owned the project and took charge of the design, coordination, and execution of the pilot program.

Big Box Rawspace, Tulsa, OK | 2018 - 2020

Planning + Programming + Human Centered Design

I used my diagramming and programming skills to assist Scott Phillips with his vision of a modular coworking / makerspace built from shipping containers.

VOLUNTEERING

FIRST Robotics | 2018 - Present

Design + Manufacturing + Teaching + Mentorship

I participated in FIRST Robotics (FRC, FTC, & FLL) throughout middle and high school. Through these programs, our team was challenged to design and build a competition robot. Through this, I developed CAD, manufacturing, team management, and leadership skills. Since then, I have continued mentoring my teams and have volunteered at over 30 FIRST events.

LEADERSHIP

AIAS OU Chapter | 2018 - 2023

www.aiasou.com

- President (22-23)

BSA Troop 26 | 2011 - 2018

www.troop26.org

- Eagle Scout, Senior Patrol Leader

STEAM POST 26 Robotics | 2015 - 2018

www.post26.org

- Founder, FTC Team 10355 Leader

FRC Robotics Team 1209 | 2014 - 2018

www.btwrobotics.com

- Sub-Team Leader

6435 S Louisville Ave Tulsa, OK 74136

918.346.8227

kylersmith007@gmail.com

EDUCATION

- University of Oklahoma: Bachelor of Architecture, 2023

- Booker T. Washington HS

- University School @ TU

SOFTWARE

- Revit / AutoCAD / Fusion 360

- Rhino / Grasshopper

- SketchUp

- Lumion

- Photoshop / Illustrator / InDesign

- Google Drive / MS Office

- Zoom / Discord / Slack

WEB DESIGN

- kyler.oucreate.com

- basebot.co

- troop26.org

- post26.org

- btwrobotics.com

- eskimo.cc

AWARDS + SCHOLARSHIPS

- Christopher C. Gibbs Endowed Scholarship (2020, 2021)

- Oklahoma PTA Scholarship (2018)

- Troop 26 Triple Eagle Scholarship (2018)

- National Merit Commended Student (2017)

- Eagle Scout Award (8/3/2017)

- Twice FIRST Robotics Dean’s List Semifinalist (2016, 2017)

- Duke TIP Scholar (2013)

OTHER SKILLS + INTERESTS

- Backpacking / Camping

- Acting / Public Speaking

- Playing Piano

- Video Editing

- Minecraft / LEGO

CONTENTS

PORTFOLIO UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

MUSEO DI TEVERE

STUDY ABROAD - PAGE 6

THE TRACKS

IQC INTERNSHIP - PAGE 22

FIFTH YEAR

ABLE HOUSING

DESIGN VII - PAGE 34

CHIESA DIRUTA

COMPETITION - PAGE 40

PRECEDENT STUDY

DESIGN X - PAGE 44

CULINARY SCHOOL

DESIGN V - PAGE 46

EQUESTRIAN CENTER

DESIGN III - PAGE 56

FIREFLY HABITAT

DESIGN III - PAGE 62

MUSEO FILTRO DI TEVERE

DESIGN VI - ROME STUDY ABROAD

The intention of our intervention on the site is to create simple and orderly spaces which overlap to create complexity. The first step in this intervention is to create a minimal structure which is generated by mirroring the forms of the Corderia along the central axis of the Arsenale. This creates a long and dramatic entry sequence leading through the Aurelian wall, up to the center of the Arsenale and our central piazza. The Arsenale itself then becomes an analogy for a palazzo type, dominating this central piazza in the front and enclosing a garden space in the back.

The garden will have two large, sunken gathering spaces, which both mirror the arches of the Arsenale and allude to the ships which were once constructed here. In the back of the garden will be a stage, created by continuing the forms of the Arsenale as a minimal structural form, which creates a sense of enclosure in the garden and can be used for community events and gatherings. Radiating out from the stage is a series of tiered platforms which act as theater seating, which transform into layered planters as they approach the river. These radiating forms allow for layered circulation and connect those walking along the river to the garden and theater above.

The central piazza will stretch beyond the facade of the Arsenale, interrupting the street to the northwest and stretching out to provide views of the river on the southeast. There will be three visual connections in this piazza into a subterranean space, the primary one being a rectangular glass floor directly in front of the Arsenale that is directly over the model of rome. This can be walked on, providing unique perspectives from which to view the model. Two circular openings on the extended portions of the piazza act as both fountains and oculi. The water from these fountains connect through a narrow channel which surrounds the rectangular glass opening. This channel must be stepped over in order to walk on the glass, creating a threshold for visitors to pass through if they choose to. All three of these openings interrupt long linear circulation paths and encourage those who are passing through to engage with the site.

The museum spaces are all placed below the ground. There are two entrances to the museum space. One is a ramp within the mirrored rope building form which leads to the space below the main piazza. The second is a staircase leading up from the path next to the river, connecting the runners and cyclists on the river path directly to the museum.

This space is intended to feel like an underground forum, with the two oculus fountains and the central rectangular aperture all providing light and symbolically connecting the piazza above to the forum below. This underground forum acts as the main lobby, accessible from both the river path below and the ramp entrance above. This space also houses the scale model of Rome, acting as an anchor along with the gift shop and restaurant spaces.

The exhibition spaces will be located adjacent to this sunken forum, extending beneath the rope building and the entry space, and will continue along the river. These spaces allude to a basilica typology, with the arches of the rope building acting as a central nave and allowing light to pour into the space, and with frosted skylights rhythmically placed along the aisle spaces, through which you can see shadows of people moving above.

The openings in this gallery space, which is located along the river, mimic the ancient arched storehouses across the river but are angled and inverted, creating a uniquely shaped space.

EDMOND, OK: THE TRACKS ALLEYWAY ACTIVATION

ABLE HOUSING NORMAN, OK

DESIGN FOR ECOSYSTEMS + WATER

The building is located on an infill site which is currently a parking lot. Converting a large portion of this site to a garden space will allow local wildlife to return to the area and share the space with humans, essentially expanding the ecosystem of Andrews Park. The increased plant life will also help collect some of the water runoff that would currently be diverted to the Daws Street creek, and will help alleviate some flooding in the area. The building’s sloped roof is also designed to collect rainwater, which can be recycled and used throughout the building to supplement water from the city.

DESIGN FOR INTEGRATION + EQUITABLE COMMUNITY

This apartment building sits atop an elevated garden space which encourages the residents to engage with each other and the community. This space will provide an experience that visitors to the nearby Andrews Park and municipal buildings will want to come and explore. This will encourage the community and its leaders to interact and form connections with the building’s disabled residents. This will hopefully help lead to a greater level of empathy and understanding for the needs of these residents and how those in the community can help to meet those needs.

This building is designed for everyone, and universal design principles have been applied in order to make everyone feel welcome and considered. Bathrooms have been designed with a consideration for the maneuverability of wheelchair users, and beds can be placed at variable heights to allow those with mobility constraints easy access. The building’s location is optimally placed near Downtown Norman and a transit stop, which allows for easy access to amenities throughout the city.

DESIGN FOR ECONOMY + RESOURCES

The building is constructed from simple materials such as corrugated solar heat gain, and natural ventilation, which will all help cut energy help keep them out of the hospital, allowing them more freedom

DESIGN FOR CHANGE + DISCOVERY

All of the spaces within the building are designed to be adaptable in order to meet the different encourage residents to design and maintain the garden collectively, and the garden will constantly residents to gather in the space and share meals as they learn how to cook together. This

+ ENERGY + WELL-BEING

corrugated metal, steel, and wood framing. This allows for the building to be constructed cheaply and easily. The apartment spaces also take advantage of natural light, energy usage and operational costs throughout the year. This natural lighting and fresh air will also help the residents stay healthier and happier, which will in turn freedom and autonomy.

different needs of each resident. This also allows the building to adapt to different needs over time. The garden is designed to be a community initiative, which will constantly change to reflect the priorities and desires of the residents. The adaptable indoor-outdoor community space contains a teaching kitchen, which will allow This space can also be used for job training, yoga classes, community game nights, or anything else the residents are interested in coming together to do.

GROTTOLE, ITALY CHIESA DIRUTA

CHIESA DIRUTA - Heritage through Architecture and Art

Towering above Grottole’s historic landscape, three prominent structures stand as symbols of perseverance, strength, faith and boldness. For centuries, these buildings have been intertwined with the locals’ culture and tradition, and together, they have overcome countless calamities that have plagued the region throughout history. Scarring as they might have been, those difficult times helped shape Grottole’s identity into what it is today – an inviting, bright and genuine community, where every rock and pebble has a unique story to tell.

Our site is such a place, rich with countless stories – Chiesa Diruta. Taking inspiration from Grottole’s bustling mix of history and modernism, we have complimented the existing structure with elements that will provide the community with not only a concert hall and event space active all year long, but also allow its visitors to witness the region’s true beauty through breathtaking views from the Piazza Panoramica – a marble roof garden, a secondary town center worthy of being the meting point of even the legendary lovers Abufina and Selepino.

There are two venues within Chiesa Diruta - an interior stage surrounded by towering arches and spread out against a beautiful backdrop of the green valley below, and an outdoor stage on the piazza above, situated below the church’s massive vault structure. When not participating in an event or enjoying to a concert within the church, visitors can take a break in the contemporary bar on the balcony, or experience Grottole’s heritage more intimately in the historical museum located at the end of a maze-like walkway that winds around the top of the building, both mimicking and providing views of the town’s many intertwining streets and alleys. If one is an avid lover of theater, they have a unique opportunity to live in the church itself, in a grotto-inspired sabbatical living unit on the lowest floor, where architecture, history, and culture can inspire the creativity, work, and emotions of any artist.

From history, culture, and tradition, to local artists, businesses, and contemporary lifestyle, this revived Chiesa Diruta embodies, hosts, and represents them all both to Italy and the entire world. Whether one is a Grottole local, an artist from afar, or a tourist visiting for a short period of time, this building will offer an unforgettable experience and become a lasting memory, creating yet another story that will be told for many more generations to come.

THIS COMPETITION ASKED US TO TURN A CHURCH IN GROTTOLE, ITALY INTO A CONCERT HALL. I WORKED IN A GROUP WITH THREE INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENTS OVER THE COURSE OF TWO WEEKS.

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA CULINARY ARTS SCHOOL

DESIGN V

OU CULINARY ARTS SCHOOL

SITE ANALYSIS

DESIGN V

THIS PROJECT WAS THE MAIN FOCUS OF OUR DESIGN V STUDIO, WHICH WAS CENTERED AROUND SITE DESIGN. THIS BOARD ANALYZES THE SITE CONDITIONS AND DETERMINES THE OPTIMAL LOCATION FOR A CULINARY ARTS SCHOOL ON THE LARGE SITE LOCATED SOUTH OF THE LLOYD NOBLE CENTER AND NORTH OF HIGHWAY 9 IN NORMAN, OK. I DETERMINED THAT THE OPTIMAL SITE WOULD BE IN THE SOUTHERN BEND OF THE SITE, WHICH WOULD LIE AT THE INTERSECTION OF THREE NATURAL CIRCULATION PATHS. IT IS ALSO FAIRLY SECLUDED FROM NOISE AND SMELLS, AND CREATES A NICE NATURAL WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE PROMINENT RIPARIAN AREA THAT RUNSALONG THE SITE.

OU CULINARY ARTS SCHOOL PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS DESIGN V

ANOTHER FOCUS OF OUR DESIGN V STUDIO WAS THE ANALYSIS OF FACTORS SUCH AS WINDFLOW, DAYLIGHTING, AND ENERGY/WATER CONSUMPTION. USING THIS ANALYSIS, WE WERE ABLE TO DESIGN OUR STRUCTURES IN A MORE SUSTAINABLE, ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS, AND EFFICIENT MANNER. BY USING PV ARRAYS AND RAINWATER COLLECTION, THIS STRUCTURE IS NEARLY SELF-SUSTAINING. THE BUILDING IS ALSO ABLE TO USE PRIMARILY NATURL VENTILATION FOR COOLING, WHICH SAVES ENERGY AND PROVIDES A SAFER AND BETTER AIR QUALITY FOR THOSE WITHIN.

EQUESTRIAN CENTER

DESIGN III

THE LAKE THUNDERBIRD EQUESTRIAN CENTER IS DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF BOTH HUMAN AND HORSE. THE FACILITY INCLUDES STABLES, A RIDING AREA, AND HUMAN-CENTERED SPACES TO FACILITATE BOTH PRACTICE RIDING AND EQUESTRIAN SHOWCASE EVENTS. THE STABLES AND HUMAN SPACES COMPRISE TWO TRIANGULAR FORMS WHICH CREATE A TRIANGULAR COURTYARD IN THE NEGATIVE SPACE FORMED BY CONTINUING THE SPACE GENERATED BY THE RIDING AREA. THIS AREA ALSO FRAMES A VIEW OF LAKE THUNDERBIRD, WHICH CREATES A BACKDROP, AND THE SOUTHWEST FACING OPENING ALOWS FOR MAXIMUM BREEE TO FLOW THROUGH THE RIDING SPACE AND THE STABLES.

EQUESTRIAN CENTER PHYSICAL MODEL

FIREFLY HABITAT DESIGN III

THIS IS A 1:1 SCALE MODEL OF A HABITAT DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF A FIREFLY THROUGHOUT ITS LIFE CYCLE. THE INDENTATION IN THE GROUND ALLOWS FOR WATER TO POOL TO CREATE A MOIST ENVIRONMENT. THE THREADED RODS PROVIDE A JUMPING-OFF POINT FOR MALE FIREFLIES AS THEY BEGIN THEIR FLIGHT EACH EVENING. THEY ALSO CREATE A VISUAL LANGUAGE REPRESENTATIVE OF A SPOTLIGHT, WHICH REPRESENTS THE FIREFLIES HEADING OUT INTO THE FOREST EACH EVENING TO GO LIGHT UP THE NIGHT.