Columbia, SC | Alternative South Carolina High School for Specialized Learning
Comprehensive Studio | Spring 2024 | Partner: Alexander Rosno | Instructor: Dr. David Franco | Software: Revit, Rhino
The state of South Carolina provides specialized high schools called Governor’s Schools. Standout students can attend for 1 to 2 of their 4 years in high school if admitted. Three schools exist within South Carolina, The Governor’s Schools for Math and Science, Arts and Humanities, and Agriculture. This project is to select an existing school format to replicate and improve upon on a new site provided by faculty.
Preliminary Research
The Exemplary Library
Preliminary Research
The Exemplary Library
“An exemplary school library program supports a school’s instructional program, extends and enhances the students’ learning experiences beyond the textbook, and serves as an information center of the school community.”
-2012 Program Standards for South Carolina’s School Libraries
The Sheds’ roofs are sloped downward to the south. They are intended to collect and utilize solar energy, whether this be through the plants in the greenhouse directly or through the system of photovoltaic panels covering the remaining roof.
Exterior Perspective of The Sheds
The Sheds
Classrooms, Labs, Greenhouse
The greenhouse is positioned directly alongside the main corridor, separated only by glazing, giving students the sensation that they are walking through it on their way to class. Rooftop venting and operable greenhouse windows allows the exhaustion of hot air, avoiding overheating the space and adjacent corridor.
The barn should be an architectural object that symbolizes agriculture, but with some of the utilitarian nature removed to starkly contrast the purely practical functions of the buildings surrounding it on the site. This structure would still capture the essence of barn construction, but at a greater scale.
Interior Perspective of the Barn
The Barn
Dining Hall, Library, Auditorium
Structural/Spatial Section
Dormer Section
2
system, powdercoated matte white, perforated at fenestrations for reduction of thermal gain
Flashing at gutter system, decking and termite flashing as detailed
3 Floor Assembly, So it - 4” concrete w/ radiant heating
5 1/2“ DLT w/ 1/2” sheathing, ran parallel to 8“ beams - 8” x 8“ cantilevered beam w/ threaded rod installed in top of beam
7 1/4” polyiso insualtion between cavities
1/2” sheathing - Vapor Barrier
Landscape Fabric
Sloped sleepers away from structure w/ perforated trim for drainage - Facade System (See Above)
4 5 Primary Structural Assembly, Column to Rafter
through plate and structure, beam attached at end of cantilevered rafter for lateral stability, white powdercoated HSS bracketed at end, secured to header attatched to DLT to minimize deflection Primary Structural Assembly, Interior Column
12” x 12” column bolted to footing w/ stando w/ knife plate, insualtion, vapor barrier and concrete applied over top of footing, supports 12” x 12” beam system supporting floor above, interior of beam routed out for concealed electrical chase for charging area, countertop to be two piece configuration a ixed over concealed “C” shaped steel brackets spanning structural bays
Sliding Facade Section
1 Roof Assembly
- Wausau Invent Window system
- Insulated spandrel panels located behind opaque surfaces, corners and gutters w/ vapor barrier - HSS may be required for lateral stability, optional location behind mullions to match size, as needed*
- Perforated facade system
Brackets fastened to mullions or structure - Structural facade framing
Panelized aluminum facade system, powdercoated matte white - Perforated
Flashing at edges, peak and gutter system as detailed
2 Exterior Wall Assembly
Wausau Invent Window system, see details for flashing and trim
Facade System - Brackets fastened to structure - Structural facade framing, minimum 6” of clearance between framing and sheathing for gutter system - Panelized aluminum facade system, powdercoated matte white, perforated at fenestrations for reduction of thermal gain - Flashing at gutter system, decking and termite flashing as detailed
3 Floor Assembly
- 12” x 12“ Timber beam connected to columns w/ knife plate, bolt holes plugged with dowels for finishing - 5 1/2” DLT w/ 1/2“ sheathing ran perpindicular to beams - 3 1/2” DLT w/ 1/2“ sheathing ran perpindicular to DLT below, gaps left for mechanical and electrical systems management, bolted to primary glulam column
- 4” concrete w/ radiant floor tubing, steel angle at edge for casting
- Staggered facade panels to allow for sliding over the top of one another - Metal Track above and below panelized system
- Metal casters on top and bottom
- Custom powdercoated bracket as detailed
- Flashing as detail
Sliding Track System Decking
- 2” x 10” treated joists on 12” x 12” treated deck posts
- Metal hardware attatched to primary building structure
- Wooden finish decking material
First Floor Structural Plan
Basement Structural Plan
Structural Load Path Analysis [with Zero Fenestrations]
Structural Diagram
Exterior Perspective of The Barn
Section Elevation of The Barn
Entrepreneurial School for the Formerly Incarcerated
Philadelphia, PA | Adaptive Reuse of Eastern State Penitentiary
Fluid Studio | Spring 2023 | Instructor: Dr. Andreea Mihalache | Software: Revit, Rhino
This project is an adaptive reuse of an existing building: Eastern State Penitentiary. The project program should in some way benefit or help those who have been formerly incarcerated, but the prompt is left open ended. Reuse of existing structure is paramount as well as acknowledging the history of both the site and existing building.
Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with criminal records, which can make it difficult for them to secure stable employment. This can lead to financial instability and difficulty finding housing, which can in turn lead to homelessness. Additionally, those who spent time incarcerated may face stigma or discrimination in other aspects of their lives, which further exacerbates these challenges. Overall, the difficulties that individuals with criminal records face when it comes to finding work and securing stable housing can have a profound impact on their lives and can make it difficult for them to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. It is this demographic who this project is designed for, but doing so using an existing prison comes with its own set of challenges.
Acknowledge
Students encouraged to acknowledge their situation and what can and cannot be changed.
Intervene
Facility aids in students escaping structure of inequity. Students break the mold and pursue careers in entrepreneurship where their past cannot impede their success.
Uncover
Curriculum organized to uncover passions which translate to entrepreneurial opportunities. Students learn business skills and finances of running a business from on-site faculty.
Re-Imagine
On-site research and fabrication facilities allow students to experiment with new ideas without the added stress of simultaneously keeping a business afloat.
Connect
Students are able to connect face-to-face with customers and the public through real-world business implementation and transactions.
Sharpen
Students hone business skills before setting out to pursue their own business ventures with newly acquired business knowledge and profound financial literacy.
Aerial View of Site Labeled Site Plan
In addition to the academic facilities, the project also includes attractions designed to bring in guests from the public onto the site. These are intended to create a sense of community and engagement between the school and the surrounding area. The inclusion of these on-site attractions will help to create an engaging environment beneficial for both students and the surrounding community.
Students will be provided the opportunity to implement their learned business skills on real-world customer interactions. Multipurpose spaces surround the central core of the project acting as spaces where public and private combine. The spaces are outfitted with the necessary equipment to run a small business out of and are designed to be adaptable, accommodating a wide range of experimental business ventures. Students establish the business of their choosing within these spaces and operate it with help of faculty to hone their customer relations skills as a last step before graduating.
Exploded Axon
Dormitories
Offering complimentary dormitories is an important component of this project as it provides an option for those who might otherwise struggle to find stable housing. This is particularly important for individuals with criminal records, as they may face significant challenges securing said housing. This helps to reduce the risk of future homelessness and provides students with the stability and structure one needs to rebuild their life and reintegrate into working society.
Retained Construction
Exterior Perspective of Dorms
Interior Perspective of Dorm Room
Salt Lake City Hyperloop
Salt Lake City, UT
Thesis Studio | Fall 2021 | Instructor: Dr. Robert Walsh | Software: Revit
The hyperloop is a conceptual means for travel across the country via high speed rail through a vacuum sealed tube. The project was to conduct extensive research which would then be used create a hyperloop station for a major city. This station should embody the city or region in which it resides and create an event out of arrival and departure. The Salt Lake City hyperloop connects the cities of Denver and Las Vegas. The direction of these cities in relation to cardinal North as well as the sheer speed of the hyperloop impacted design motions. Materials used will then better represent those traditionally seen in the region...tying together past and future.
The hyperloop station should be unique to its city, not a structure which could be copied and pasted across the country. This would create a sense of celebration upon arrival and of gratitude upon departure. The project being placed in Salt Lake City, a southwestern American city, created interesting design directions. The end result should merge the existing tan, clay, pueblo-esque architectural style used throughout the region with a sense of sleek, modern technology due to the nature of the hyperloop itself.
Aerial View of Site
Interior Perspective of Lobby
LOWER AVENUES NEIGHBORHOOD
HYPERLOOP PATH
DOWNTOWN
0.1 MILES 1 MIN. WALK
0.3 MILES 5 MIN. WALK
0.5 MILES 8 MIN. WALK
1.0 MILES 19 MIN. WALK
GAS STATION
COFFEE
POLICE
RESTAURANT
RESTAURANT
RESTAURANT
Facade Pattern
A large number of native tribes have resided in this region over time, some of the larger tribes being the Ute and Navajo. Similarities in native artwork were used as inspiration when designing facade pattern. This project, brought to life, would utilize spokespeople from the Ute tribe and Navajo Nation to ensure this was done in a way that respected their rich cultures.
Master Plan
Interviewee’s Desired Transit Hub Features
Wayfinding
• High ceilings, especially near changes in elevation such as stairs
• Simple layout
• Ample signage
• Logical numbering of terminals
• Solutions to combat congestion and overcrowding
Security
• Police presence is appreciated at smaller hubs such as subway stations but in this context, a clear view to a security desk is sufficient
• No dead-end corridors/alleys
• Wide corridors with clear lines of sight to and from gathering spaces
• Well lit in all areas, day and night
• Solutions for constant worry over possessions
Amenities
• Quiet space to focus and get work done
• Gym
• Child Play area
• Good food/coffee
• Large outdoor space
• Bag storage for multi-hour delay
Implications
• Tall ceilings in all corridors, terminals, waiting areas, entryways, etc.
• Clearly visibly, easy to understand, and strategically placed signage
• Symmetrical floor plans easily understood by stressed or tired travelers
• Security desk(s) placed in central location
• Locker system for stowing luggage during delays
• Large enclosed outdoor space - courtyard
• Ample activities to busy the mind and body while waiting
• Designated areas to be alone or to get work done while waiting.
• Escalators and moving walkways to combat congestion
Ground Floor Plan
Museum of American Automotive History
Columbia, MO
Studio IV | Spring 2021 | Instructor: Lyria Bartlett | Software: Revit
The intersection of Providence Road and Broadway is widely known around Columbia as the starting point for the downtown district. This project was to create a museum for the topic of our choosing. The result should interact with the already heavily walked and biked surrounding cityscape and act as a gateway for Downtown, Columbia and as a landmark for the region.
Track
Initial structure footprint drawn in oval shape resembling the track of most popular American motorsport: NASCAR
Extrude
Structure footprint is extruded upward 60 feet creating space for four above ground floors
Dive
Elevation manipulated to express the changes in forces experienced while behind the wheel
Driving Concept
The structure should capture the essence of what an automobile is inside and out. Design elements should be taken from automobile design and applied in an abstracted way implying movement and aerodynamics. The interior should manipulate lighting and form to give the impression of being amongst the inner-workings of an automobile, while creating maximum drama for museum exhibits, so to give museum visitors the greatest impression of American automobiles possible.
Sculpt
Structure is carved and sculpted to exaggerate aerodynamic form used in automotive design
Master Plan
First Floor
Third Floor
Second Floor
Fourth Floor
Virtual Reality
Third Floor
American Motorsport
Second Floor
60’s - 00’s Automobiles
First Floor
Creation - 50’s Automobiles
Large interior corridors and openings allow for rotation of large exhibits
Basement Gift Shop
Rubber flooring will withstand heavy vehicle and foot traffic and also dampen sound
Opaque exterior facade blocks natural sunlight which could damage vehicles inside
Sunken courtyard acts as gathering place for heavily-walked downtown Columbia
Axon View
Quadruple-height lobby space designed to imitate internal combustion engine.
Mechanical aspects of an engine such as cylinders, pistons, engine block walls, oil traveling throughout, and fuel spilling into an engine block were incorporated into the design to give museum patrons the impression of being inside the inner-workings of a vehicle’s engine.
“Almost-symmetry” used throughout mirroring vehicle design. From plan views to elevations, the museum’s design appears nearly symmetrical based on a central axis running North-to-South. This was done intentionally to draw attention to the “almost-symmetry” used in automotive design which uses complete symmetry but leaves driving components (steering wheel, pedals, internals) as the lone asymmetrical design aspects.
Interior Perspective of Lobby
Center for Contemporary Families
Columbia, MO
Studio III | Fall 2020 | Instructor: Mohammed Dastmalchi | Software: Revit, AutoCAD
The Center for Contemporary Families will house a number of departments for the University of Missouri focusing on human treatment and development at all ages. The center functions as a full-time research facility, allowing access to both hands-on and observational learning for students at the university.
At their core, the departments housed in this structure will revolve primarily around learning through observation. The goal of this project is to create a center which facilitates an innovative environment for learning and observation through the use of solid and void... Transparency and opacity... To pursue modern solutions and create a space where observation can become an event and is present throughout.
Aerial View of Site
Exterior Perspective
Initial Volume
Rectangular shape is extruded upwards 45 feet to allow for 3 stories with high ceilings on each level.
Shift
Mass is split into two equal halves and shifted to maximize use of space on the site and access to natural lighting from the exterior.
Bend
One of the halves is bent outward from the center to create a visual boundary for a shared lobby space and front entryway to the structure.
Subtract
Mass subtracted from underneath creating shaded outdoor space. Corner shaved off to create distinct entryway to Child Development Lab.
Connect
Mass is added to create cohesive form using mirroring angles from the existing structure to create interesting geometrical shape from any perspective.
The Child Development Lab (CDL) is a fully functioning day care affiliated with the Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) within the College of Human Environmental Sciences (HES). The daycare rooms are separated by age group into four different age ranges. CDL’s purpose is to provide real-time observational learning about child evelopment. Each classroom has an attatched observation room for this purpose.
Departments
Adult Day Connection
The ADC program is a daycare service for adults with health or disabling conditions that require supervision. This program gives adults an opportunity to participate in social and group activities as well learning and personal development experiences. MU students are able to interact with the participants through exercise, art, and companionship activities.
Center for Family Policy Research
CFPR focuses on learning, tracking and improving legislature impacting children and family rights. The department also conducts research which directly impacts policies and legislature of similar nature.
Department of Human Development and Family Science
HDFS is the department housing the Child Development Lab. This department studies child behavior and how to handle it while allowing for hands on experience and observation within the CDL.
Robert Combs Language Preschool
The SHP-LP is a preschool program that offers treatment to young kid children (between 2-5 years old) with language development problems. The program gives students studying speech, language, and hearing sciences an opportunity to work hands on with children in a clinical setting.
Legend
3 - Language Preschool
3.1 Director’s Office
3.2 Main Area
3.3 Observation Room
3.4 Work Room/Storage
3.5 Restroom
5 - Child Development Lab
5.3 Preschool Room
5.3.1 Preschool Observation
5.4 School Age Room
5.4.1 School Age Observation
5.7 Teacher’s Storage
5.12 Meeting Room
6 - Human Development + Family Science
6.2 Library
6.2.1 Work Room
6.6 Meeting Room
6.4 Projector Room
6.5 Instructors’ Room
6.6 Faculty Workspace
7.1 Public Restroom
Exterior Perspectives
The CDL Wing’s diamond-patterned facade was designed with children in mind. Access to sunlight and studying sun patterns are shown to aid in early child development. Studying geometric forms and tracing paths in ones head encourages creativity and free-thinking.
Lamp Fabrication
Advanced Building Systems | Instructor: Ben Watkins
Design and build a fully functioning lamp with complete creative freedom. The only constraints for this project was that it be constructed by manipulating three of the following five materials: concrete, glass, metal, plastic, or wood.
Wood
Metal
Glass
X 10 9°
Photo of Lamp
From the Designer
Thank you for taking the time to review a collection of my works during my time as an undergraduate student. The study of architecture continues to present new insights into the true nature of our environment. I am thankful to be a part of an industry that prides itself on innovation and societal awareness. I am eager to see what the next chapter in my personal development will be, and I look forward to providing my own contributions to a community
