vira williams
portfolio 2022 2023
architecture design
vira williams STUDENT ARCHITECT / VISUAL ARTIST
education 2020 - PRESENT
BELMONT UNIVERSITY b.a. architecture (graduation set for may 2025) gpa 3.4 2017-2020
GILES COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL pulaski, tn
work experience may 2022 - aug 2022
TAALMAN ARCHITECTURE, LOS ANGELES, CA may 2023 - aug 2023
MALHERBE, PARIS, FRANCE re ta il de sig n a g e ncy
capabilities / skills PROFESSIONAL
PERSONAL
hand drafting model making visual rendering team leadership project managment research skills organized time managment adaptable
positive spirit team player creative collaborator personable attention to detail multitasking dependable determined
personal promotions 2021 winner of o’more’s f irst annual architecture design competition in collaboration with the belcourt theatre, nashville’s historic f ilm center 2021 kevin roche scholarship recipient, was recognized for the award in new york city 2021 represented belmont university on a team at the annual retail design challenge, ideation shop in nashville, tn 2022 placed in the crossdisciplinary architecture and graphic Wdesign competition in team of 4 2023 placed in o’more architecture design competition
co m m u n i ty a t s c a l e YEAR
FOUR
3-14
foye r o f d i s t i n c t i o n YEAR
FOUR
15-20
a ck l e n h o u s e YEAR
THREE
21-28
f ro s ty m o rn YEAR
THREE
29-37
fourth year: 2023
01 community at scale TEAM: ANNA AGNEW, EMILY SCHIEDEMEYER, VIRA WILLIAMS TYPE: LOW INCOME HOUSING LOCATION: AHMEDABAD, INDIA DURATION: 9 WEEKS
Community at scale is a planning and urban development concept for Rama Pir No Tekro, an informal housing settlement, in Ahmedabad, India. The concept refers to the ideas of fostering a sense of community and social connection in larger and more populous settings. Here, traditional notions of close-knit communities might be challenged by sheer size and populus complexity. This large urbanized and diverse social environment recognizes the importance of social bonds, shared values and a sense of belonging by addressing common challenges.
3
4
CONTENT ON THIS SPREAD BY: SCHIEDEMEYER & WILLIAMS
GUJARAT STATE
SITE CITY OF AHMEDABAD
148 ACRES
COMMERCIAL UNDEVELOPED
RESIDENTIAL
RAMA PIR NO TEKRO
CURRENT ZONING
AREA OF INTERVENTION
RAMA PIR NO TEKRO Ahmedabad is located on the banks of the Sabarmati river in the north-western state of Gujarat in India. With an estimated population of over 11 million people in the city, it is ranked the 5th most populous city in India. At the growing rate of 6% per year, informal housing is a growing issue. Rama Pir No Tekro is a slum located on the west side of Ahmedabad, India and houses nearly 15,000 people and 8,500 dwellings on 148 acres. The site is surronded by bus and metro stops, with a large flood zone in the center leaving that area undeveloped. The current housing on the site is very dense and lacks infastructure, essential services and amenities, green space, and community spaces.
5
COMMUNITY AT SCALE
NEW CENTRAL MAIN ROADS SITE ACCESS METRO STOPS BUS STOPS
ER IV
R
N HOUSING MIXED INCOME PARK
MASTER PLAN
RULES : ROTATION
SHAPE GRAMMAR AND RULES:
Having examined the current conditions of the site and it’s challanges, from spatial limitations and clear lack of infastructure, this slum redevelopment demands more than just traditional design methods. We needed a language that understands these intricacies and our aspirations. Shape grammar is a set of visual rules that transforms the shape based on repetitive instructions. It provided us with a structured framework and foundation that not only embraces our vision but adheres to a set of rules, ensuring harmony in our design and varaety of different solutions.
COMMUNITY AT SCALE
6
RENDER BY: WILLIAMS
FRONT FACADE OF SCHOOL
VISUALIZATION BY: SCHIEDEMEYER
community center
religious facility
clinic & market
housing
recriational
educational institutions
live work
PHASE BREAKDOWN Organization of the phase is based on walkability. Our approach places residential areas on the periphery to ensure easy access,. Towards the center, we position workplaces, educational institutions, essential services and recreational spaces to optimize convinience and efficiency in everyday lives of the community.
7
COMMUNITY AT SCALE
RENDER BY: WILLIAMS
CENTRAL PLAZA
STATISTICS BY: AGNEW
phase breakdown RECREATION/PARK SPACE 10% RETAIL/COMMERCIAL
5% EDUCATION/ESSENTIAL SERVICES HOUSING 65%
20%
phase size
640,000 SQ FT
# of people
4,000 PEOPLE
# of families
500 DWELLINGS
building size
2,400 SQ FT PER FLOOR
# of families
12 DWELLINGS PER BUILDING
# of floors
2-3 STORIES
15 ACRES
250 OF MIXED INCOME
200, 400, & 600 SQFT
walkability
2 MINUTE 4 MINUTE WALK TO OPPOSITE END .15 MI
E S S E N T I A L S E R V I C E S L O C AT E D THROUGHOUT - AMPLE ACCESS
COMMUNITY AT SCALE
8
CONTENT ON THIS SPREAD BY: WILLIAMS
RULES : A practical application of shape grammar principles in action.
RULE A
RULE B
RULE C
RULE D
RULE E
600 SQFT
PLAN A
PLAN B
PLAN C
PLAN D
FLOOR PLANS
3' 6'
3' 6'
3' 6'
5'
9' 22'
6'
13'
12'
12'
9
LIVING ROOM
STORAGE/CLOSET
KITCHEN
BEDROOM
COMMUNITY AT SCALE
11'
13'
24'
24'
22'
9'
5'
7'
BATHROOM
22'
10'
24'
5'
9'
STREET VIEW: APARTMENT COMPLEX
COMMUNITY AT SCALE
10
CONTENT ON THIS SPREAD BY: AGNEW & WILLIAMS
APARTMENT COMPLEX: SEMI-PRIVATE
APARTMENT UNIT SIZES & POSSIBLE LAYOUTS
FUTURE GROWTH
CIRCULATION
600 SQ FT 400 SQ FT 200 SQ FT
ELEVATION: HOUSING UNITS VARIATION
11
COMMUNITY AT SCALE
SPACE FOR CAR OR BUSINESS
RENDERS DONE BY: WILLIAMS
PARK
DIVERSION CHANNELS CLOSE IT OFF
FLOOD WATER LEVEL N
NORMAL WATER LEVEL FLOOD WATER LEVEL NORMAL WATER LEVEL FLOOD CREEK CHANEL
PARK: A park was designed with the intent to serve and accomodate the community with versitile spaces like playgrounds, gathering areas, markets, and green spaces. Positioned on a flood plane, we propose using diversion canals to control flooding, by diverting the flood water to undeveloped areas. A separate channel(s) will divert flood water away from developed areas and back to the natural downstream. At the head of a diversion channel, a structure will be placed to help control which route the water takes. COMMUNITY AT SCALE
12
CONTENT AND DESIGN ON THIS SPREAD BY: WILLIAMS
40’
POLYESTER MESH
POLYESTER CABLE
RAIN
ROPE
BAMBOO
FOG HARVESTING
14’ 7’
CLAY TILE
WATER HARVESTING AND COOLING INSTALLATION Recognizing the fundamental need for clean water, and the site’s cooling needs, we introduce water and cooling installations. The tower is a passive structure that functions only by natural phenomena such as gravity, condensation, and evaporation. It harvests water from the atmosphere (rain, fog, dew) providing an alternate water source for drinkable water. The tower incorporates traditional evaporative cooling techniques that allows the surrounding air to be cooled down by 9 to 12 degrees celcius. It is built of only low-maintenance, natural materials, allowing it to be fully maintained by people in the community.
13 COMMUNITY AT SCALE
RENDER BY: WILLIAMS WATER COLLECTION AND AIR COOLING INSTALLATION PLACEMENT AS NEEDED
COMMUNITY AT SCALE
14
fourth year: 2023
02
foyer of destinction TYPE: EDUCATION LOCATION: NASHVILLE, TN DURATION: 1 WEEK
This entryway serves as an introduction to the creative and dynamic environment within the building. Celebrating the vibrant, diverse, and ever-evolving world of design. It reflects elements of architecture, interior and fashion design, highlighting the idea that design is an inherently multifaceted field with infinite possibilities for creativity and innovation.
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16
BELMONT UNIVERSITY CAMPUS WEST
N
SITE PLAN AREAS OF WORK
Pairing brass rods with bricks is a choice that offers a perfect blend of strength, aesthetics, and versatility; symbolizing a commitment to long-lasting, sustainable, and practical design solutions. This combination of materials adds a touch of elegance and sophistication that creates a striking visual contrast to the entrance. The contrast between the reflective surface of brass and the porous texture of bricks creates interesting light and shadow effects adding an element of dynamism to the space.
EAST ELEVATION
17 FOYER OF DISTINCTION
ORIGINAL O’MORE MONUMENT
2 OFFICES WILL BE RELOCATED
NEW RAMP
NEW WALLS ADDED
TO THE NEW BUIDING
BRICK AND BRASS RODS STRUCTURE ADDED
NEW EDDITION
STEEL RODS EXTERIOR FLASH
BRICK WALL
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAMS
FOYER OF DISTINCTION
18
EXISTING BRICK WALL PLUG MECHANIC JOINT BRASS ROD STUD SCREW PLASTIC SOCKET
SECTION DETAIL: CONNECTION TO THE WALL
NORTH SECTION The design communicates that the act of entering the building is an experience in itself, making a bold statement about the school's commitment to design excellence.
19 FOYER OF DISTINCTION
RODS AND BRICK AXONOMETRIC
FOYER OF DISTINCTION 20
third year: 2023
03
acklen house TYPE: residential LOCATION: NASHVILLE, TN DURATION: 4 WEEKS
The Acklen House is an adaptive and healthy home, enabling it’s dwellers to live a comfortable and secure life without going to any extra measures. Embedded within the unconventional design is economy and efficiency, integrating the layers of a typical house into fewer and smarter parts promoting sustainability and low impact alternatives to on-site building methods.
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22
SITE PLAN
AIR SYSTEM
23 ACKLEN HOUSE
SHELVING & STORAGE
PLUMBING
ELECTRICAL
STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES
WATER COLLECTION
6 5
2
7 4
1
3
FLOOR 1 1 LIVING ROOM 2 KITCHEN 3 PRIMARY BEDROOM 4 BEDROOM 1 5 BEDROOM 2 6 BATH 7 LAUNDRY/UTILITY
SOUTH ELEVATION
ACKLEN HOUSE 24
6
2
5
7 1
4
3
GLASS
CONCRETE AIR SYSTEM
WOOD STUD FRAMING PLYWOOD FINISH
FIBER-CEMENT CLADDING PANEL PLYWOOD SHEATHING LED LIGHT STRUCTURAL COLUMN WALL CAVITY
SCREW FLASHING ELECTRICAL CORD
WALL DETAIL 1
25 ACKLEN HOUSE
6
2
5
7 1
4
3
GUTTER FRAME EDGE WATER DRAINAGE ROLLER DRIP IRRIGATION NOZZLE
VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTER SUPPORT STRUCTURE IRRIGATION TUBING
WALL CAVITY
FLASHING
WALL DETAIL 2
ACKLEN HOUSE 26
EXPLODED AXON:
MATERIALS:
METAL ROOF PANELS
27 ACKLEN HOUSE
CONCRETE
ALUMINIUM BEAMS & COLUMNS
PLYWOOD
CORAGGATED FIBER-CEMENT PANEL
HALLWAY & KITCHEN VIEWS
SOUTH CROSS SECTION ACKLEN HOUSE 28
third year: 2023
04 f rosty morn TYPE: MIXED-USE LOCATION: CLARKSVILLE, TN DURATION: 5 WEEKS TEAM: ANNA AGNEW, OLIVIA HOBBS, JASON THOMAS, VIRA WILLIAMS
The meatpacking plant, which operated for many decades, was a major employer and contributed to the local economy and social history. Over time, it became a recognizable symbol of Clarksville's industrial heritage. By transforming the once iconic meatpacking plant into a vibrant community center, we honor the past while creating a dynamic space for the future. Preserving the industrial charm of Frosty Morn, the design integrates modern functionality with a nod to the building's heritage. The exterior is enveloped in lush greenery, creating a living tapestry that not only enhances the aesthetics but also fosters a sense of connection and social interaction.
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RENDER BY: WILLIAMS
30
IVE FROSTY MORN DR
CONTENT ON THIS SPREAD BY: AGNEW & WILLIAMS
RED
ER RIV
ET
E STR
SITE PLAN KRAFT STREET
TRAFFIC CIRCULATION
PROPERTY OUTLINE
CIRCULATION ON SITE
PROPERTY LINE
PEDESTIRAN
PRIMARY ROAD
EXISTING BUILDING
VEHICLE
BUS STOPS
DEMOLISHED PREVIOUSLY
PARKING
ADDED BUS STOP
OTHER INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES
FROSTY MORN DRIVE
Frosty Morn Drive is the main access point off Kraft Street, we expect most traffic to be south-bound on Frosty Morn Dr coming to the front of the building. This determined the placement of the bus stop and the emphasis to create the largest and most inviting approach to be facing Frosty Morn Dr. The site is designed to be utilized by the community as needed. The site provides a community garden, walking and running trails, a farmer’s market and eventa plaza, and a space for food trucks to park. 31 FROSTY MORN
PUBLIC SECTORS PRIVATE SECTORS CENTRAL ATRIUM
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 1
FLOOR PLAN: THIRD FLOOR
RESTROOMS EGRESS STAIRS/ ENTRANCES ELEVATOR
WORKSHOPS STUDIOS CENTRAL ATRIUM EXHIBITION SPACES VENUE FOODHALL / INCUBATOR KITCHENS RETAIL / CLINIC COMMERCIAL KITCHEN
DEMOLITION PLAN
SPORTS PROGRAM NON-PROFIT AGANCIES
In response to the diverse needs of the community, the facility houses a clinic for health services, a grocery store for local convenience, and incubator kitchens to nurture entrepreneurial spirits. The integration of a playground and skate park adds a youthful energy, promoting active lifestyles and recreational opportunities for all ages. FROSTY MORN 32
CONTENT ON THIS SPREAD BY: WILLIAMS
SECTION THROUGH ATRIUM The centerpiece of the project is a grand atrium, a verdant oasis that traverses the building vertically, symbolizing growth and renewal. This space serves as the heart of the community center, promoting natural light, fostering a serene atmosphere, and encouraging communal gatherings.
33 FROSTY MORN
FROSTY MORN 33
CONTENT ON THIS SPREAD BY: WILLIAMS
ARTIST’S STUDIOS CLINIC & RETAIL COMMERCIAL KITCHEN
GALLERY ATRIUM
INDOOR SKATEPARK
WEST CROSS SECTION
34 FROSTY MORN
WORKSHOPS
FOODHALL, INCUBATORS, SMALL DISTILERY
VENUE
FROSTY MORN 35
CONTENT ON THIS SPREAD BY: HOBBS, THOMAS & WILLIAMS
DETAIL 1
STEEL RODS
WATER CIRCULATION
PLANTS
PLANT HOLDING PANELS
LIVING WALL ASSEMBLY
36 FROSTY MORN
STEEL COMPONENTS
RENDER BY: THOMAS
POST-PRODUCTION BY: WILLIAMS
EAST EXTERIOR VIEW
EXISTING BUILDING CONDITION
Throughout the site, green walls are placed to continue the language and connection between the interior and exterior while highlighting areas of social gathering. The commitment to sustainability is reflected in the incorporation of community gardens, providing not only a source of fresh produce but also a hands-on learning environment. Offices within the complex facilitate local business growth and collaboration, contributing to the economic vitality of Clarksville. FROSTY MORN 37
05 personal work TYPE: SKETCH LOCATION: PARIS, FRANCE BELMONT CAMPUS DURATION: 30 MINUTES - 2 HOURS EACH
The following few pages contain both personal and professional work. Personal sketches of places I have visited and early design drawings for projects in hospitality and retail, as well as product design.
38 SKETCHES
COMMERCE, PARIS, FRANCE SKETCHES 39
PHUC LONG, TEA & COFFEE SHOP DESIGN IN VIETNAM
SKETCHES
41
PRODUCT DESIGN
42 SKETCHES
vira williams
NASHVILLE, TN VIRA.WILLIAMS@ VIRA.WILLIAMS @BRUINS.BELMONT.EDU +(1) 931-629-5502
2022 2023