PORT FOLIO TORIN VEASNA HOWARD
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A MATTER OF POSSIBILITY
RAINIER TERRACES
PIKEPINE RADIO
ABOUT ME
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Hi! My name is Torin Veasna Howard, I am currently in my 5th year studying Architecture and Construction Management at the University of Washington. I found myself drawn to architecture when I was very young. My neighbor showed me a secret passage built into her study, and I was fascinated. Ever since, I have always endeavored to design playful and unique experiences in the built environment. Outside of architecture, I love tinkering with obscure and forgotten technology, as well as exploring the natural beauty of Washington on and off the road.
A MATTER OF POSSIBILITY
How can we responsibly employ building materials without bringing forth the associated pollution of so many man-made materials? This studio was heavily based around research into bio-materials, which are ecologically sensitive materials sourced from our natural environment and designed to seamlessly return to the Earth after they have served their use. Our research centered around the exploration of architectural and experiential qualities of apple pomace leathers, bio-char, and mycelium bricks. The project is located in Magnuson Park, serving as a workshop for park-goers to learn about and employ bio-materials in their work. Supporting programs include a cafe and
playful nooks to focus on work. This temple to materiality plays on light, texture, and space in order to create differing moods based on the seasons change. Suspended above the ground on a timber exoskeleton, a dark biochar facade conceals a jewel box of organic tapestries, filling any visitors with delight and inspiration for the coming bio-material future.
JUN 2024
software
heavy timber
mycelium bio-char
Sited in the richly storied Magnuson Park, the site draws on the history of aircraft, as well as hang gliding uses today. It was clear that this hill was imbued with the sense of flight, which is carefully captured in the winglike span of textile roof forms, hovering over the site.
above: long section far left: initial sketches left: site map
The workshop can be configured into different working and display spaces depending on the seasons, with colored tapestries charging the space with different light. Circulating through the building rewards a view of the park at its end.
above: short sections
above right: plan
right: fall view
far right: spring view
RAINIER TERRACES
Collaborating with a group of four, we set out to develop an affordable housing and community center complex in partnership with Environmental Works for the East African community of Rainier Beach. Our brief included meeting the needs of the community while working within the budget of the project. Our work was driven by creating spaces for residents to gather and raise families.
My discipline within the project included development of massing and sustainability aspects, as well as detail development for community spaces and gathering areas. The massing of the building was designed to maximize daylight and views on a relatively tight parcel and maintain a sense of architectural identity. Designing the building to meet various sustainable guidelines results in reduced bills for residents as well as a higher quality of life. Community spaces such as the roof terraces reinforce the aspects of nature and health for the residents. The complete design creates a lively sense of community and oneness within the building, uniting families and identities in a tapestry of spaces.
software used:
above: massing diagram right: terrace view
vinh nguyen
michelle vu
sydney miyasoto
section perspective right: sustainability strategy far right: program diagram
PASSIVE SOLAR GREEN TERRACES AUTO BREATHING
PROGRAM
DIAGRAM
Great care was taken to balance all the residents required needs with the desired sustainability and amenity requests. The final program layout spreads units in a U shape, featuring lots of outdoor space and areas for community gathering in the building.
residential community space daycare
offices / classrooms
youth cafe
basketball court
entry lobby
green roof terraces
Our team worked hard to develop the envelope and facade system, ensuring that a climatically and culturally responsive design was implemented. We created a quarter scale section model to demonstrate our facade design strategies and showcase the unique ground level experience of the building at the basketball court and pedestrian walkway.
left: basketball court view, courtyard entry view, youth cafe interior view
above: section model
PIKE - PINE RADIO
With the goal of activating a forgotten corner at the end of Pine Street, this radio pavilion is a space for people to congregate and broadcast talents, passions, and ideas to the city. The commanding views atop Capitol Hill reach out to Seattle while the sloping pyramidal form pays homage to the taller radio masts nearby. A tall atrium is formed by the boundary of each street and the tower overhead, creating an amphitheater for audiences to enjoy live performances. Internal balconies support auxiliary programs for talk shows and interviews while a recording studio tops the spire, providing breathtaking views and plenty of inspiration for artists.
KCTS
KZJO
below: site section
left: model photo
far left: section
light panel cladding
broadcast antennae
steel skeleton frame
Adopting the structural language of its much taller brethren, the radio tower is clad in a set of light paneling.
above: concept sketch below: plan left: exploded diagram far left: concert view
street corner
MECHABOTANICS
Sited in the Seattle suburb of Columbia City, this project integrates advanced urban farming techniques with a space to accommodate an existing farmer's market. The design emulates the same technological appearance as an industrial factory, embracing Columbia City's history where sawmills and workshops became vital touchstones for community spaces. Program was organized into a series of volumes, each of which are encased by sets of light and heavy enclosures. The market on the ground floor market emulates the traditional hillside town, ascending off the street and towards views and light at the southern end.
DEC 2023
above left: street view
left: model photos
right: section perspective
outer glass
outer glass shell
aeroponic mist
access ladder
PROFESSIONAL WORK
A sampling of my professional work employed as an architectural intern. Some of the projects include a modular system of office layouts, as well as associated detail work and drafting. Other work includes perspective sketches for a city hall. During my internship I spent time creating presentation tools and graphics to work with clients, seeking to establish a graphic dialogue.
AUG 2024
software used: revit rhino7 enscape adobe suite
left: modular office layouts above: associated plans above right: detail section right: perspective sketches
