Architecture Portfolio by Vira Williams

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