Seeking a "Tukul" Home Seeking a "Tukul" Home

TEAM PROJECT | FALL 2022 | DURATION: 1 WEEK | LOCATION: TUNAYDBAH, SUDAN | SIZE: 538 SF

SKILLS: Revit, Enscape, Photoshop, Illustrator

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The goal is to identify a specific refugee population and design a temporary sheltered environment that provides safety and psychological comfort to refugees. Specifically, the project focuses on Ethiopian refugees from Tigray fleeing to Sudan, given the current humanitarian crisis and conflict within the Tigray region. With designing for necessity in mind, the refugee camp will utilize local and accessible materials to create a maintainable temporary shelter that support Tigrayan refugees through accommodating their cultural needs and promoting their well-being.

The United Nation's refugee settlement will be located in Tunaydbah, Sudan, specifically at Village 8 soon after crossing the Ethiopian boarder into Sudan.

Tigray has a semiarid climate near the equator with daylight from 6 am to 6 pm year-round. The roof gets the most solar heat gain, while the north and south walls get the least.

CONCEPT | Mancala

Forced into unfamiliarity and a game of chance, national conflict drives refugees to leave behind a place of comfort. Ethiopia, the origin of the popular pastime Mancala, currently faces a civil war impacting its citizens. The symbolism of the strategic game reflects the refugee’s journey in escaping from violence and civil unrest while inspiring the design of the temporary refuge. The protected area will function as a safe haven, offering shelter, food, and security. Derived from the concept of Mancala, recessed planes and individual huddles will shape the architectural forms to cycle groups of vulnerable populations toward a secure destination.

Context Of The Terrain

The arrangement of the community creates context for how the individual huddles may be grouped together to meet the needs of multiple refugees by providing access to toilets, water, and a distribution center.

Year-round warm to hot temperatures and constant droughts with minimal rainfall averaging 21.85 inches annually. May sees the highest average temperature of 80°F, while December has the lowest at 71°F.

Zoning Of The Huddle

The theory of prospect and refuge informs the design by enhancing the refugee’s sense of predictability and choice fostering a sense of security that will allow them to rest and store personal items.

The furniture within the space plan mimics the architectural forms by encompassing curvilinear elements while paying homage to the natural materials.

Tukul Community

Each pair of huddles will share an outdoor canopy which fosters community amongst refugees. Bringing familiarity into the space, the exterior structure mimics the typical Ethiopian homes with a partial conical roof made up of straw and woven materials for the outer walls.

KEY NOT

Communal Area

To Scale

Offered in each huddle, a communal food preparation area provides ample counter space and a traditional cooktop for Ethiopian cultural dishes, along with resources distributed at the refuge center. The furniture system wraps along the wall covered by a beaded partition that offers daylighting and privacy.

Resting Den

The overflow rest space above the mattresses can be folded up and turned into a colorful, decorative feature, creating a functional space representative of Ethiopian culture with the incorporation of traditional patterns. The adjacent private area offers a reflection space for refugees.

Resting Den

The straw-filled blankets are color coordinated to provide a sense of personalization with culturalpatterned hammocks which fold to create artwork when not utilized. Located under the bed, secure storage is offered to users for personal belongings, such as suitcases and backpacks.

Strozier Library Redesign Strozier Library Redesign

Embodying Versatile Environments Embodying Versatile Environments

TEAM PROJECT | FALL 2021 | DURATION: 4 WEEKS | LOCATION: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA | SIZE: 23,000 SF

SKILLS: AutoCAD, Revit, Photoshop, Digital Rendering (Procreate), Hand Rendering

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project focuses on redesigning Strozier Library on Florida State University’s Campus. Being a central hub on campus, this redesign had to be functional and accessible for all students and faculty, to offer both a productive and relaxing space for everyone to utilize. The design scope encompasses preliminary research, a redesign of the circulation desk, and the first floor of Strozier as a team with Sarah Johnson and Natalie Stiles.

Although we all contributed equally to create the design, started with digitally rendering each perspective prior to it being rendered in Photoshop with final touch ups.

CONCEPT | Versatile Ecosystems

Taking away from the Interior Ecosystem Model, the concept Strozier’s redesign focuses on versatile ecosystems. The Interior Ecosystem Model explains how humans are affected by 3 environments: the built environment, the natural environment, and the behavioral environment; and in turn, how those environments are affected by the human organism. This concept will be applied through zoning, varying material types, utilizing biophilic elements, and establishing contrast in colors and forms. Additionally, adjustable furniture and lighting fixtures in the design further support the concept as it offers users a greater sense of control in the surrounding built environment. With all of these ideas in mind, the design will create a space where students and library staff can be productive while also enjoying a calm and peaceful environment

Circulation Desk

By utilizing the building's existing architectural structure, adding color to the columns, and installing signage, the circulation desk becomes highly visible and identifiable to all users. Conveniently located near the entrance, the desk is easily accessible from multiple sides featuring a drop-off box and roll-under space for wheelchair users.

LEARNER'S COMMON

Several types of seating and zones are offered to users who desire different tasks. While the media center provides students with computers and access to technology, the lounge offers students a space to recharge, and the tutoring hub enables students to receive help in groups or one on one.

Residential Design Residential Design Aging in Place Aging in Place

FALL 2021-THIRD YEAR | DURATION: 10 WEEKS | LOCATION: BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO | SIZE: 1,800 SF

SKILLS: AutoCAD, Revit, Hand Drawing, Hand Rendering, Photoshop

Project Description

The goal is to design an aging-in-place house for the clients, Joe Smith and Jane Smith in Breckenridge, Colorado that is safe, durable, spacious, and overall accessible - not only in consideration for the residents but also for guests and possible future needs. To provide a design solution that allows for convenience and functionality in all spaces to accommodate the daily tasks and interests of both clients. To plan spaces suitable for all age groups and visitors- ranging from young to old, with the added requirement of wheelchair accommodation. To create a flexible design that communicates and aids the current lifestyle of both clients, while exhibiting the potential to become the home of the future.

Concept Statement

The design of Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s house, located in Breckenridge, CO, will be inspired by nature and the surrounding environment to promote independence. The design will primarily focus on creating an accessible, safe, and convenient space through the use of natural and durable materials, while simultaneously marrying the preferred sophisticated country style of the clients with a modern rustic style heavily inspired by the environment and culture of the city. This design intends for the clients to feel serene, comfortable, and to establish connection and a sense of belonging. Overall, the design intends to create a living space that fits the current lifestyle of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, while providing flexibility and adaptability for possible future additions and changes as the clients age in place.

Floor Plan

This floor plan incorporates an open layout with clear sight lines, wide openings, and walkways to consider for aging-in-place. Through the floor plan, it becomes visible that several natural tones are utilized, through the variety of wood, grays, and greens, therefore connecting back to the concept of nature.

NOT

Living Room

Taking into consideration the preferred sophisticated country style of clients Mr. and Mrs. Smith, this living room space incorporates exposed wooden beam ceilings, a fireplace, lighting, and furnishings to accommodate their taste.

Kitchen

While adhering to the preferred sophisticated country style of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, this space also considers accessibility with wide walkways and a roll-under sink.

Kitchen

Features of this kitchen include a double oven, induction range-top with front controls and a sideby-side refrigerator in consideration for the safety and convenience of the clients. Keeping aging-in -place in mind, these features allow the clients to feel comfortable and safe within their home.

Primary Bathroom

The accessible primary bathroom features a zero barrier shower, built-in bench, grab bars, and a comfort height toilet These features enable the clients to feel a sense of belonging and comfort within their home through consideration of safety and convenience catered toward them.