HAYDEN WHITECLIFFE DESIGN DISCOVERY PORTFOLIO Focus: Architecture Harvard Graduate School of Design Harvard University
16 June – 26 July, 2019 haw893@gsd.harvard.edu H.whitecliffe@live.com
Photograph: Final project model (detail) week 6
About Design Discovery Project 1- [Object] Space
Pg.
4 5
- [Chair] Space
6
- [Stair] Space
7
- [Re-invent] Space Project 2- [3D] Space
8-9 10 - 12
- [Found 3D] Space
13 - 14
- [Create 3D] Space
14 - 19
Project 3 – TRANSFORM //// TRANSLATE
20 - 30
About the Design Discovery Program
Design Discovery is a 6-week intensive on campus program run through Harvard University’s graduate School of Design. Students select an area of study to focus on in addition to the core Design Thinking Curriculum. I choose to focus on Architecture. Over the 6 weeks students work on three core projects which are run in small studio groups out of the student body cohort. Work was presented and critiqued on a regular basis including formal reviews from Harvard GSD and MIT Graduates. External professionals, academics and GSD professors delivered lectures throughout the program. In addition to studio time and lectures, program instructors presented daily tutorials or workshops to their studio groups.
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Hayden in ‘The Stacks’ at Graduate School of Design
For more information, refer to the Design Discovery website, https://designdiscovery.gsd.harvard.edu/ 4
WEEK 1
Plan
Section
Elevation
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Project 1 - [Object] Space 5
WEEK 1
Plan
Section
Elevation
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Project 1- [Chair] Space 6
WEEK 1
Plan
Section
Elevation
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Project 1- [Stair] Space 7
WEEK 2
About the project Using the drawings from week 1, we created a collage with prints of our work at different scales. We then were tasked with using the collage to create a representative drawing set with a related narrative. I focused on the circulation and negative spaces between the chosen drawings to create the below building plans. It was on the third level that a unique shape emerged which I though created interesting moments within the atrium and the adjacent staircase.
Paper collage from project 1 drawings
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Level 1 - Plan on vellum
Level 2 - Plan on vellum
level 3- Plan on vellum
Project 1- [Re-invent] Space 8
WEEK 2
Influence 2: Drawing of the cheese grater The cheese grater has been transformed from a functional tool into a key thematic influence. The transparency of the object has been used throughout the design of the space. You can imagine someone who enters be able to walk to different spots, such as at the end of the raised walkway in the main atrium and be able to see through to opposing side of the building or outwards through the rounded glass windows on the second level. Likewise, someone could stand on the third levels and look down and outwards. The negative spaces from the cheese grater’s largest openings were used to form the shapes of the columns within the building and the outline for the third level which feature prominently. This created a strong synergy with the classical components from the staircase. The grater holes were realigned to be consistent spaced. Hayden presenting work for critique with Instructions, Harvard and MIT Graduates and studio group
Collage transformation project Influence 1: Drawing of the Harvard Museum staircase
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
The plan and section drawings of the staircase and duality of its two handrails were chosen to be used in the collage to form the exterior shape of the building in order to juxtapose their existing form and function. The curvature from the classical non-functional handrail (as seen in the drawing plan) features prominently as a raised walkway that forms the interior, and exterior of the space depicted. This is now a functional element as well as creating an aesthetic quality for the exterior shape. The newer interior handrail was likely added to the subject staircase for ergonomic support for patrons of the museum. This shape has now been transformed to create aesthetical as its core function. The handrail support bars are transformed into glass columns that sit on the interior of the building. You could imagine two people standing on opposing sides of the glass. They would be able to see each other, but not speak. The opposing side of the building in the plan uses the sectional view of the stairs to form the entrance to the building. The angled stairs create a functionally interesting way for people to enter the main atrium created within the space and the angle provides a directional flow for the space towards the rear staircase. The triangular negative space of the handrail from the stairs section was used to create the rear atrium. We can imagine that this area, along with the windows on the exterior would provide an array of potential light patterns [insert name of pattern type] that would add to the intrigue of the space.
Influence 3: Drawing of stacked chairs The negative space from the curvature of stacked chairs sectional view was used to create the rounded staircases in the space and were transformed in conjunction with the outline of the cheese grater to create the third level’s unique and intriguing space. These curves along with the placement of the columns ads to the flow of the space and would lead a patron of the building eventually up to the top level. Conclusion You can imagine the building being used as a public space such an art gallery, a public galleria with cafes/restaurants or a modern open plan office. It has benefited from drawing influences from Designers such as Richard Rogers and Marcel Breuer whose combined styles would form a truly unique and exciting space.
Project 1- Rationale 9
WEEK 2
About the project In week 2 we began with taking a shape from our first project and sketching in charcoal. We then chose a shape and created a foam negative for casting rockite into to continue exploring designing and thinking three dimensionally. I chose the atrium space from my drawings and created a positive and negative of the two shapes with foam. We were also introduced with a verb to which we had to create a narrative. I was assigned “blend” to work into my model.
4X4" Charcoal sketches
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Rockite casting model in foam 4x4x4"
Project 2- [3D] Space 10
WEEK 3
Rockite model image 1
Rockite model image 2
Rockite model image 3
Rockite model image 4
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Project 2- [3D] Space 11
WEEK 3
About the project After thinking within the smaller dimensions of the 4"/4" cube, we were tasked with creating a model with objects we found or purchase for less than $10. Within the model, we had to provide a circulation for a scaled figure to move from point A (Front left of level 2) to point B (Rear right level 3) of the diagram and optionally allow for movement to level 1. I purchased two ice cube trays, a plunger and a doorstop for my object models.
B Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
A Found object model - Template 8"/8"/12"
Found object model - Moment
Project 2- [Found 3D] Space 12
WEEK 3
Found object model - Plan view
Found object model - Elevation view
Found object model - Moment 1
Found object model - Moment 2
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Project 2- [3D] Space 13
WEEK 3
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Found object model drawing - Section 1
Found object model drawing - Section 2
Found object model drawing - Plan
Project 2- [3D] Space 14
WEEK 4
About the project Following the completion of the object model and related desk critiques we were tasked with creating our first model based on a refined design. My model focused on the expansion and contraction of space and how this would impact the experience of being in this space whist still being able to traverse from point A to point B.
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Found object model - Moment
Found object model - Template 8"/8"/12"
Project 2- [Create 3D] Space 15
WEEK 4
Model 1 - Elevation
Model 1 – Elevation (2)
Model 1 – Elevation (3)
Model 1 – Plan view
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Project 2- [3D] Space 16
WEEK 4
Model 1 – Plans level 2/3
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Model 1 – Moment image
Model 1 – Sections
Project 2- [3D] Space 17
WEEK 4
Found object model - Plan view
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Model 1 – Moment images
Project 2- [3D] Space 18
WEEK 4
Found object model During the process of creating the found object model I retrospectively identified that I lost the essence of my assigned verb throughout the process. I spent too much time deconstructing the ice cube trays then thinking abstractly to create new moments form the objects themselves and how they might create new spatial conditions. This however, did allow the compressions and contraction of space moment to emerge that were used in the third part of project 2. Project 2 final model
Hayden presenting work for critique with Instructions, Harvard and MIT Graduates and studio group
The final model successfully allowed the circulation between point A and B, but also between the other levels through the use of the staircases. I choose to accentuate the curves of the floors and ceilings within the models with the design of the single support structure that the model relies on, shifted from the centre (as shown in the drawings) to the far right in the final model. This gives the model a sense that it is floating like a cube in the air. The façade wraps around but is impacted by the interior. I could imagine the design being used a concept for a seaside pier or a in public space to engage the public. It has a strong connection with water due to the ebbing shapes of the floor plates and curvature of the façade.
3D Object transformation project Rockite model Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Using my assigned verb, “blend” I created an abstract concept of how the two shapes that emerged from project one could be blended together to create a spatial concept. The rockite cast successfully achieves this “blend” by pulling together the positive and negative components of the chosen shape from my first projects. At scale you can imagine entering the void of the negative space at the bottom and following the curved interior that pulls you upwards into the atrium like space into the exterior of the positive casting. Reaching this opening you have options of heading through the narrow space to outlooking balcony that hugs the exterior curvature or into a private space that runs above and adjacent to the staircase. This directional circulation of the building creates a sense of interconnectedness of the two spaces with the related curvature.
Project 2- Rationale 19
WEEK 4
About the project In project three we were assigned a precedence to study in pairs. Myself and my partner were assigned the auditorium and convention center of Plasencia by Selgas Cano. The building features a geometric shell with a design that accentuates it’s dynamic interior. The building features a prominent walkway which pierces the building dramatically as well as unique circular doorways. Our first task was to create essence diagrams which highlight features of the building and then secondly create a series of models which focus on features or moments within the building. We were then assigned verbs to transform or translate these essence models selected by the studio as a whole. My verbs were fragment and align.
Selgascano, auditorium and convention center of Plasencia (Cáceres), image by Iwan Baan
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Selgascano, auditorium and convention center of Plasencia (Cáceres), image by Iwan Baan
Project 3 – TRANSFORM //// TRANSLATE 20
WEEK 4
Essence diagram – Site conditions
Essence diagram – Icon
Essence diagram – Circulation
Essence diagram – Interior form
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Project 3 – TRANSFORM //// TRANSLATE 21
WEEK 5
Fragment
Essence model – Interior balcony
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Essence model + fragmentation – Interior balcony
Essence model – External view of interior balcony
Essence model + fragmentation – External view of interior balcony
Essence model – Plan view of interior balcony
Essence model + fragmentation – Plan view of interior balcony
Project 3 – TRANSFORM //// TRANSLATE 22
WEEK 5
Align
Essence model – Interior door
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Essence model + fragmentation – Interior balcony
Essence model + alignment – Door entrance from below
Essence model + alignment - Door entrance plan view
Essence model + fragmentation – External view of interior balcony
Essence model + fragmentation – Plan view of interior balcony
Project 3 – TRANSFORM //// TRANSLATE 23
WEEK 5
About the project The final part of the 6 week course was the creation of civic engagement centre with a specific set of programming and a provided site. Our design needed to use the essence(s) of the precedence that we identified and developed in conjunction with chosen/assigned verbs. Starting with a site visit and a briefing from urban planning student cohort of the program, we progressed through The stages of drafting, massing modes and final drawings with desk critiques between stages before a final presentation to our studio group and external assessors from Harvard and MIT.
Photograph of final model
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Birds eye view photo of massing model
Project 3 - [Public] Space 24
WEEK 5
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Project program requirements
Project 3 - [Public] Space 25
WEEK 5
Initial elevation sketch
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Photograph: Massing model (from side)
Photograph: Massing model (from above)
Project 3 - [Public] Space 26
WEEK 5
Elevation drawing (draft)
Section drawing - level 1 (draft)
Section drawing - level 2 (draft)
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Section drawing - level 3 (draft)
Project 3 - [Public] Space 27
WEEK 6
Final Section drawing - level 1
Final Section drawing - level 2
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Final Section drawing - level 3
Project 3 - [Public] Space 28
WEEK 6
Photograph: Final model (from above)
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Photograph: Final model (detail)
Photograph: Final model (from side)
Project 3 - [Public] Space 29
WEEK 6
Photograph: Final essence model
Hayden Whitecliffe – Design Discovery Portfolio
Photograph: Final essence model
Photograph: Final essence model
Project 3 - [Public] Space 30