Aaron Danko | Design Portfolio by Aaron Danko

Aaron Danko Design Portfolio | 2018 - 2024

“It is my firm belief that the experimentation of design rooted in the deep conceptualization of urban theory will provide innovative solutions to solve the most pressing urban challenges of today and the imminent future.”

- Aaron Danko

Table of Contents Professional

Academic & Competition

01 257 Park | 6th Floor Pre-Build

04 Urban Woodland

Pages: 3-6 Project Category: Architecture Project Location: New York City, New York Year Completed: 2022

02 111 5th Avenue | Roof Terrace Pages: 7-10 Project Category: Architecture Project Location: New York City, New York Year Completed: 2023

03 145 West 30th Street | Lobby Pages: 11-12 Project Category: Architecture Project Location: New York City, New York Year Completed: 2023

Pages: 13-18 Project Category: Architecture, Urban Planning, & Landscape Project Location: Warsaw, Poland Year Completed: 2018

05 LilyPOD Pages: 19-20 Project Category: Urban Design Project Location: New York City, New York Year Completed: 2020

06 Sensorial Walkability Pages: 21-26 Project Category: Urban Design & Research Project Location: Detroit, Michigan Year Completed: 2019-2020

07 Hope Multi-Faith Center Pages: 27-28 Project Category: Architecture Project Location: Hong Kong Year Completed: 2019

08 Watercolor & Photography Pages: 29-30 Year Completed: 2015-present

01 257 Park Avenue 6th Floor Pre-Build

Professional | GraySpace Architecture Client: The Feil Organization Spring 2022

The prompt for this project was to create a new Pre-Build for The Feil Organization that challenged the way we designed office space pre-pandemic. To do so, we envisioned transforming the design of the office to allow employees to have more choices in their work environment and have access to the material and technology that accommodates their needs and styles— similar to how a local or college library functions. Programmatically, this is an environment that transitions from more active areas that provide the social collaboration we all craved during the pandemic to more intimate spaces, like the peaceful environment we have while working remotely. The project reached substantial completion in October of 2022.

21st Street EEast 21ST STREET

Design Considerations Our design intended to create a space that responded to the post-pandemic need for more active and more relaxed areas in the same space. The first zone, The Grounds (active section of the office) houses the louder spaces, such as the pantry, lounges, and open collaboration areas. This section of the design featured “Active” finishes. The vestibule (transition) is a mix between the more active and quieter spaces. It features your standard workstations and enclosed conference rooms. The final area is The Study (Quiet), which aimed to promote a peaceful work environment with phone booths and enclosed huddle spaces. This section of the Pre-Build featured “Quieter” finishes.

The Study HUDDLE

Small Breakout Rooms SMALL BRE Single Person Seating LIBRARY Privacy Phone Booths SINGLE-PE Warmer Finishes PHONE RO

[SLIDING D

PRIVACY

HUDDLE

Quiet & Peaceful QUIET &

GREEN WALL OFFICE OFFICE

The Vestibule Transition Space COPY / PRINT

Park Avenue PARK AVE South SOUTH

Finish Selection Quiet Colors + Textures

IT / STOR

BREAKOUT

GREEN WALL

RECEPTION

HUDDLE 9

LOUNGE

BREAKOUT

The Grounds Loud & Active

Cafe Collaboration Spaces Open Lounge Seating Reception Cooler Finishes LOUD &

Active Colors + Textures

CAFE

TRANS Private Offices Workstations [USES HUD Conference Room PHONE RO

LARGE CO PANTRY RECEPTIO OPEN LOU

MECHANICAL

East 21st Street

Ceiling & Lighting Design The lighting and ceiling design was critical to communicating our overall design concept for the space. Similar to how we selected different finishes for The Study and The Grounds, we wanted to create a lighting plan that responded to the diverse needs in those separate areas. For The Grounds, we went with a more sporadic approach. We used a variety of linear fixtures and pendants to create a more cafe-like environment. We also incorporated acoustic clouds in some of the enclosed spaces in the zone. For The Study, we went with more subtle lighting like you would find in a library. We specified mostly drop fixtures and linear acoustic baffles.

Existing Wall New Partition Exposed Ceiling

Park Avenue South

Reflected Ceiling Plan Legend:

Suspended Acoustic Ceiling

GWB Soffit + Ceiling

Acoustic Baffles

Acoustic Clouds

Light Fixture Recessed Light Strip

02 111 5th Avenue Rooftop Terrace

Professional | GraySpace Architecture Client: The Winter Organization Summer 2023

Our clients, The Winter Organization, decided they wanted to transform the roof of their marquee midtown Manhattan building into a vibrant terrace instead of the mechanical penthouse it was. Since 111 5th Avenue is a landmark protected building in New York City, we had to go through an extensive process to gain approval to do any work on the exterior of the building. After several months of design proposals and discussions with the Landmark Preservation Committee of NYC, we obtained approval to start construction drawings. As of December 1st, 2023, this project is mid-way through the construction process, with a projected substantial completion date of March 11th, 2024.

Design Considerations After deliberating with the Landmark Preservation Committee of NYC, the decision was made to transform half of the roof into a terrace space and keep the other half as a mechanical penthouse. Our vision for the terrace was a primarily open space enclosed by a series of planters and benches and protected by guardrails. We designed the terrace to step up towards the corner, which followed the existing slope of the roof. To do so, we installed pavers on pedestals, with a ramp on both sides. For the finishes, we attempted to compliment the color palette of the existing facade as best we could. The final color scheme was gray and black, with a pop of greenery from all of the plants. In addition to the design of the terrace, we recladded the entirety of the roof with new materials, including all of the mechanical spaces and the penthouse office.

PENTHOUSE OFFICE

Design Plan Legend:

Modern Planters

Potted Trees

Artificial Hedges

ROOF TERRACE DN

Outdoor Furniture

Custom Wood Benches

24”x24” Pavers

Finishes & Products:

Perforated Metal Fence with Gate in Matte Black Finish

Wall Sconce in Metallic Black Finish

Flat Stock Steel Railing in Matte Black Finish with Stainless Steel Cable & Teak Handrails

24”x24” Paver in Light Gray Finish

Plants in Modern Planters 9

Corrugated Metal Wall Panel in Slate Gray Finish

Flush Parapet Wall Panel with Reveal in Light Gray Finish

Technical Details 1/2" x 2" PAINTED STEEL

ISSUANCE / REVISIONS

NO DATE:

FLAT STOCK

REMARKS

ISSUE FOR BACKGROUND ISSUE FOR 09.11.23 BACKGROUND ISSUE FOR 09.15.23 FILING AND PRICING 07.26.23

1/2" x 2" PAINTED STEEL FLAT STOCK GUARDRAILS & POST

HANDRAIL STAND OFF. FINISH TO MATCH POST

STAINLESS STEEL CABLE RAILING BY CABLE BULLETT

ROOF TERRACE & INTERIOR ALTERATIONS

3'-6"

111 5TH AVENUE 13TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NY

3'-0" W 2

P 2

METAL WALL CLADDING

ASSOCIATED FILINGS:

1/2"

SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"

VARIES

1/2" BOLTED CONNECTION

ROOFING MEMBRANE

METAL FLASHING AND DRIP EDGE

RAILING SUPPORT COORDINATE WITH STONE ENGINEERING

PROJECT NO:

Metal Flashing

METAL WALL CLADDING W 2 DATE:

062310

DRAWN BY:

W 3 METAL WALL CLADDING 06.30.2023

W 3 W 2

METAL WALL CLADDING EXISTING ACCESS PANEL

ALC

DOB JOB NO:

SLOPE: .75:12

Up/Dn Wall Sconce

FENCE AND GATE

Guardrail Connection Detail

P 2

4'-0"

2"x1/2" FLAT STOCK STEEL, PAINTED W/ S.S. CABLE

3'-0" 3'-6"

PAVER ON PEDESTALS F 1

3'-0" 3'-6"

Handrail Connection Detail

METAL WALL CLADDING W 2

SCALE: 3" = 1'-0"

ELEVATION @ TERRACE CORNICE NewWEST Gutter with Downspout

ELEVATION @ TERRACE SOUTH CORNICE

ROOFING STRUCTURE

A-503

1/2"

LINE OF FLASHING CAP

A 2"x1/2" FLAT STOCK STEEL, PAINTED P 2

B A-501

PAVERS ON PEDESTALS 2" CONCRETE PAVERS W/ F 1 ADJUSTABLE PEDESTALS OVER COVER BOARD

1-1/4" x 1-1/4" STEEL TUBE POST

A-503

3'-0" 3'-6"

2"x1/2" FLAT STOCK STEEL, PAINTED W/ S.S. CABLE

1 1/2" DIA. TEAK HANDRAIL ON PAINTED STEEL STANDOFFS

BLOCKING AS REQUIRED AT BRACKET.

2" CONCRETE PAVERS W/ ADJUSTABLE PEDESTALS OVER COVER BOARD

2"x2" TUBE STEEL POST SLEEVE WELDED TO FLAT STOCK BAR

3'-6"

4'-0"

EXISTING ACCESS PANEL

3'-6"

4'-0"

TERRACE DETAILS

1'-7"

A-503

PAVER ON PEDESTALS F 1

SURFACE MOUNTED PAINTED STEEL PLATE METAL WALL CLADDING W 3 (5"x4"x1/4") W/ (4) 1/2" EPOXY BOLTS

DRAWING TITLE:

LINE OF FLASHING CAP METAL FLASHING AND DRIP EDGE

FENCE

1-1/2"

4" MAX. TYPICAL

3'-6"

METAL WALL CLADDING W 2

FLAT METAL PANEL CLADDING SYSTEM WITH CONCEALED FASTENERS.

PROJECT:

3'-0"

1'-7"

2"x1/2" FLAT STOCK STEEL, PAINTED P 2

METAL WALL CLADDING W 3

1/2" x 2" PAINTED STEEL FLAT STOCK

1-1/2" DIA. TEAK HANDRAIL, STAIN FINISH

The design of the terrace required an investigation into the structural system of the existing roof. After multiple surveys, we developed a strong understanding of the composition of the existing FLAT METAL PANEL SYSTEM WITH roof membrane CLADDING and structure, which allowed us CONCEALED FASTENERS. to lay out the pavers. The pavers were designed 1-1/2"on adjustable pedestals over a cover board. to be Also tapping intoSURFACE the existing roof membrane was MOUNTED PAINTED the STEEL PLATE the handrail around ramps. We detailed the (5"x4"x1/4") W/ (4) 1/2" EPOXY handrail to come down onto a steel tube, which BOLTS was then affixed to the roofing membrane. Both the handrail and the protective guardrails were BLOCKING specified as a 1/2” x AS2”REQUIRED painted steel flat stock AT BRACKET. railing with teak handrails. We believed the flat stock look of the handrail would help elevate the 2" CONCRETE PAVERS W/ design of the space instead of using a tube railing. ADJUSTABLE PEDESTALS OVER COVER BOARD 1/2" In addition to the already mentioned details, we paid great attention to the installation of the new metal wall cladding and flashing throughout the terrace. We liked the idea of adding some ELEVATION @ TERRACE SOUTH CORNICE three-dimensionality to the exterior CMU walls of the penthouse, which is why we specified a corrugated metal wall panel. We then went with a flush metal parapet panel for the tops of the penthouse walls.

2”x1/2” Painted Flat Stock Steel

A-503.00

PAGE:

16 OF 20

D A-503

Fence with Gate

Existing Louver Pavers on Pedestals

Metal Wall Cladding

Fence with Gate

4'-0"

3'-6"

3'-0"

2”x1/2” Painted Flat Stock Steel

East Exterior Wall Elevation

ELEVATION @ TERRACE EAST EXTERIOR WALL

03 145 W 30th Street Lobby Renovation

Professional | GraySpace Architecture Client: JEMB Realty Spring 2023

The premise of this project was to renovate the existing main lobby in a building in midtown Manhattan. Our client, JEMB Realty, allowed us to have complete control over the design of the space, including all finishes and furniture. The premise for the renovation was that the existing lobby featured dated finishes and needed a better layout and flow. Our main design goal was to redesign the space to improve its functionality, as well upgrade the finishes and ceiling conditions. This project reached substantial completion in September of 2023.

Design Considerations

Our first priority was to redesign the flow of the existing lobby. To do so, we moved a series of interior closest into the demising wall of the space, as well as removed a couple of partitions. Once we settled on the overall design, we focused on the ceiling. We decided to create a series of lighting coves to help raise the ceiling height by approximately 1’-0” in various locations. Lastly, we wanted to bring the concept home with lighter finishes and more modern furniture. After a lengthy process of ordering different finish samples, we landedDOOR on a gray palette and used a variety of textured and floor tiles. ELEVATIONwall B ST STL CLAD ELEVATOR

COMMERCIAL STOREFRONT LED COVE LIGHT

W 2

LED PENDANT

NATURAL PORCELAIN TILE IN LIGHT GRAY

LOBBY 145 WEST 30TH STREET W 2 3 ELEVATIONS DATE: 07.27.2022

GRAY NATURAL PORCELAIN TILE IN DARK GRAY

Elevation A

SK-1.4

TEXTURED PORCELAIN TILE IN LIGHT GRAY NATURAL PORCELAIN TILE IN LIGHT GRAY

LED COVE LIGHT

LED PENDANT

Programming: 1. New Commercial Storefront Entry Doors 2. Custom Millwork Reception Desk 3. Cassina LC2 Furniture 4. Existing Elevators, re-clad in Stainless Steel 5. New Storage Closet

Elevation B

ST STL CLAD ELEVATOR DOOR

04 Urban Woodland

Academic | Politechnika Warszawska Urban Development Studio: Warsaw Professor Andrzej Gawlikowski In Collaboration with Jason Tran Winter 2018

The goal of this design studio was to transform an existing vacant plot of land in the Pyry neighborhood of Warsaw. Careful consideration was given in this design studio so that each project engaged with elements of urban planning and design, landscaping, and architectural design. Inspired by the forest adjacent to the site, the Urban Woodland development sought to create a unique project that promoted engagement with both the urban and natural environments. The Urban Woodland features over 100,000 square feet of residential space, 14,000 square feet dedicated to commercial units, and over 6 acres of outdoor space and recreational areas.

Site Considerations & Analysis Site analysis played a vital role in the ultimate formation of this project. While visiting the project site, nearby urban conditions, assets, as well as local plant life, were documented and mapped. The analysis of local vegetation inspired the plants and landscaping components used in the final site design. Site Analysis of Plant Types:

Bulrushes Scirpoides holoschoenus

Horsetail Reed Equisetum hyemale

Saw Grass Cladium

Atamasco Lily Zephyranthes atamasca

Trollius

Buttercup Ranunculus fluitans

Baby’s-breath Gypsophila elegans

Feather Grass Proposal Site Stipa borysthenica

Alder Alnus

Pine Tree Pinus

Map Key:

Neighborhood Node Transit Hub Public Transit Stop Main Pedestrian Circulation Route Main Vehicular Circulation Route

Cattails Typha

Siberian Iris Iris sibirica

Poppy Papaver rhoeas

False Dragon-Heads Physostegia virginiana

Birch Betula

Site Concept Diagrams:

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Extrude the Site Perimeter

Create Central Park

Divide into Zones via Throughways

Connect to Forest Trails

Overall Site Design The creation of a central landscaping component was central to the project’s theme as an urban woodland. Surrounding that centralized park, and almost framing it, was a series of residential and mixed-use buildings. Connections to existing circulation routes were key in determining the patterns of the residential buildings on the site. Additionally, the consideration of public and private spaces was vital in the layout of the project’s specific zones. The zones located closer to the forest were more private with residential. Whereas the zones more proximate to the main road were more public with commercial space.

Commercial

Semi-Commercial

Private Residential

Recreation

Site Plan

Site Section

Townhouse Design Strategies

Townhouse Typical Floor Plans:

Each townhouse is composed of three total floors which comprises one residential unit. The first and second floor of each townhouse is less private spaces as it includes space for entertaining, and the third floor is more private with bedrooms. The total square footage of each house is 2,100 square feet. Materiality and roof orientation rotated from house to house to add aesthetic variety to the site. The inspiration for the materiality was from the adjacent forest, so woods and neutral tones were utilized.

Living Room

Dining Room

Living Room

Bedroom

Townhouse Axonometric Ground Floor 700 Sqft

Living Room

Kitchen

Ground Floor 700 Sqft

Bedroom Living Room

Bathroom Dining Room

Living Room

Kitchen

First Floor Ground Floor700 Sqft 700 Sqft

Bedroom

Bathroom

Kitchen

Ground Floor 700 Sqft

Living Room

Connection between Housing & Landscaping First Floor 700 Sqft

Bathroom

Bedroom

Dining Room

Bathroom

Dining Room

Bathroom

Kitchen

Bedroom

Bathroom

Bedroom

Second Floor 700 Sqft

Living Room

Bedroom

First Floor

Second Floor

700 Sqft

Bedroom Bedroom

Bathroom Bathroom Bathroom Bathroom

Living Room

Bedroom

Second Floor First Floor 700 Sqft 700 Sqft

700 Sqft

Bedroom

Bathroom

Bedroom

Second Floor 700 Sqft

Marketplace Located within the Commerical Area. Allows residents within the area to buy and sell goods.

Seating Circular seating found within central meeting spaces around the site.

Marketplace Marketplace

Bridge Walkway Covered elevated walkway that cuts through the central greenspaces within the residential areas.

Play Pavilions

Marketplace Located within the Commerical Area. Allows residents within the area to buy and sell goods.

Components Diagram: Seating Circular seating found within central meeting spaces around the site.

Marketplace Bridge Located Walkway within the

Commerical Area. Covered elevated Allows residents walkway that cuts within the to through thearea central buy and sell goods. greenspaces within the residential areas.

Pavilions found near each residential building. Offers structure to relax and play Marketplace in. Located within the Commerical Area. Library and Gardens Allows residents within offers the area to Library community buy and goods. space for sell residents. Gardens are southern facing to allow for sunlight

Located Located within within the the Commerical Commerical Area. Area. Allows residents residents Allows within within the the area area to to buy buy and and sell sell goods. goods.

Seating Seating

Circular Circular seating seating found found within within central central meeting meeting spaces spaces around around the the site. site.

Bridge Bridge Walkway Walkway Covered Covered elevated elevated walkway that walkway that cuts cuts through through the the central central greenspaces greenspaces within within the the residential areas. residential areas.

Seating Circular seating found Amphitheater Amphitheater

Play Play Pavilions Pavilions

Bridge Walkway

Library Library and and Gardens Gardens

within central meeting Centralized Amphitheater spaces around the site. allows residents to gather for group events.

Covered elevated walkway that cuts through the central greenspaces within the residential areas.

Pavilions Pavilions found found near near each each residential residential building. building. Offers Offers structure to to relax relax and and play play structure in. in.

Library Library offers offers community community space space for for residents. residents. Gardens Gardens are are southern southern facing facing to to allow allow for for sunlight sunlight

Public Commercial

Private Residential

Public Recreation

Landscape Design Strategies The connection to the adjacent forest and the project’s concept as an urban woodland ultimately inspired the landscape design. The landscaping considerations and components slightly varied based on whether it was in the public commercial, private residential, or public recreation zone. However, the landscaping in each of the three zones directly fed into each other, as they continued the circulation pathways from the forest and main commercial corridor. A series of pedestrian bridges, pavilions, seating areas, vegetation gardens, and paved courtyards comprised the landscape of the project. Within the private residential zone, a variance of topography was utilized to provide privacy to the residents living and playing there. Specific types of grass, flowers, bushes, and trees were used based on the original plant life analysis done while on the existing site.

Site Access:

Pedestrian Pathway

Pedestrian Throughway Residential Road

Pavilion Axonometric Landscape Components Axonometric

05 LilyPOD

Competition | NonArchitecture Competitions In Collaboration with Jason Tran & Muhamad Naqshbandi Fall 2020

In this competition, participants were encouraged to develop visionary concepts for an alternative public space that embraces today’s most significant challenges. The challenge utilized in this design concept is the threat placed on public space due to rising land values in metropolises worldwide. As the value of urban land continues to rise in contemporary society, a new type of public space emerges, one that steps onto the water— the LilyPOD. As a visionary urban design intervention, the LilyPOD produces a new generation of public spaces dedicated to user interaction with the natural environment. Drawing inspiration from nature— specifically the lily pad— this project utilizes biomimicry as a design tool.

Design Considerations The LilyPOD consists of three primary components: a curvilinear eco-park above water, a stemmed central core dedicated to user interaction with plant and marine life reaching into the depths of the water below, and finally, a series of leaf-like vegetative rings that stimulate the cleansing of polluted waters and the production of regenerative marine habitats. These three components work collaboratively to produce a dynamic type of public space that reaches both above and below the water surface while positively impacting the natural environment. Engage

Play

Regenerate

Components Diagram:

1: Green Space

An elevated above water green space programmed with park-like features such as trees, walking paths, and seating areas.

2: Circulation &

Viewing Space A central core stretching underneath the water providing a set of viewing platforms for users to engage with marine life.

3: Regenerative

Coral Rings

Three large rings coded in corals and other plant life dedicated to creating regenerative habitats for marine life.

06 Sensorial Walkability

Academic | University of Detroit Mercy Graduate Thesis Studio Professor Christoph Ibele Fall 2019-Winter 2020

The following project is an excerpt from a yearlong ‘architectural’ thesis completed at the University of Detroit Mercy. Ultimately, this thesis aimed to create a strategic framework plan that would begin to reintroduce walkability to underserved neighborhoods in Detroit through a series of urban design proposals. The design strategies showcased in this work are centered around the belief that the residents of Detroit’s neighborhoods should be able to take full advantage of the social, economic, and health benefits that are present in walkable communities without the gentrification and displacement that is commonly associated with New Urbanism. These overarching goals were explored through a sensorial ideology called the Four S’s, and a unique pair of proposals focused on sensorial walkability.

Walkability 2.0

The Four S’s

Urban designers, especially in contexts like Detroit, must push the envelope on the basic understanding of walkability and the methods utilized to create it, so that members of the city can reap the several benefits of walkable communities. General New Urbanism design strategies are not enough, and often, they do more harm than good in regards to gentrification and displacement. So, how can walkability reach beyond the generalized approach? This thesis sought to challenge the conventional understanding of walkability by creating a definition that is focused on embracing the individuality of all those that walk within urban areas; this definition is:

Walkability is the Subjective Analysis of Pedestrian-Friendly Urban Environments...

The Method in which Humans Conduct Subjective Analysis

Scale

Sound

Speed

Smell

As a psychological ideology, subjective analysis is the humanistic way in which people are able to understand and analyze the living or built environment in which they are in. The way in which urban spaces are understood is based on the ability to analyze what is observed, smelt, heard, or touched. As a result, this thesis created a new urban analysis tool titled the Four S’s based on this thinking. The Four S’s, as a tool, suggests that humans analyze the built environment based on Sound, Speed, Scale, and Smell. So, what if we analyzed and designed, for walkability off of this ideology? How can this ideology impact the implementation of walkability, especially in a post-industrial and car oriented context such as Detroit? Neighborhood Selection Map:

Conant Gardens

North End

Subjective Analysis Image: Detroit

Subjective Analysis Image: Madrid

Conant Gardens

In Conant Gardens, the analysis process began by working with nine community members to analyze how pedestrian-friendly their neighborhood was through a sensorial lens. Through in-depth interviews and a process of mapping out the Four S’s, commonalities became clear. The decision was made to dive further into one node located in the Northwest corner of the neighborhood. After a period of over two months of studying the Four S’s in that specific area, it was then divided into sensorial zones based on the analysis. These zones were the Food Zone and the Social Zone. Each zone played a key role in shaping the design solutions that followed.

Smell

Sound Map

Smell Map

Speed Map

Scale Map

“I live next to the school, so I always hearing everything going on.” -Khalil Felder

“The smell at Conant and Seven Mile from all them restaurants is definitely strong.” -Tiffany Williams

“I like to drive fast up Seven Mile, so I guess I’m part of the problem.” -Devon Cobb

“Theres still a lot of nice blocks here compared to other neighborhoods in the city.” -Dalana McNeal-Norman

Sensorial Asset Mapping:

Food related smell coming from Deluxe’s Coney Island

Ambulance Siren Sound of music from inside of the Faith Temple Church Food related smell coming from a BBQ outside of the Faith Temple Church

Older person walking by at a swift pace

Two women having a conversation outside of Happy’s Pizza

Semi-Vacant Commercial Corridor with similar building heights

Car driving really slow with its hazards on

Scale

Smell

Multiple cars going by at a fast speed

Mix of 2-story homes and one story commercial buildings

Conant Gardens

ile

Conant

Food Zone

St.

Primary Goal: Slow People Down

Social Zone

Primary Design Tool: Speed

The overarching goal in Conant Gardens was to slow people and vehicles down to draw them in by all of the intriguing smells from restaurants and bars within the area. To do so, each major road that intersected the neighborhood hub would be painted pink. The goal of the ‘painted streets’ was to become a neighborhood attraction while helping to slow traffic down. Additionally, a unique aspect of Conant Gardens is the neighborhood’s lack of public space, which prompted a series of seating areas and a neighborhood park to be incorporated.

2 3

Neighborhood Proposal:

Painted Streets

Physically altering the color of the street to permanently change the way people walking and driving perceive this neighborhood.

2: Public Seating Area Providing public seating areas to begin to draw the sounds that exist within the two neighborhood churches out to the street.

3: Public Park

Programing an existing vacant green lot in the hub into a public space that promotes different types of interactions.

4: Temporary Vendor Space Transforming the end of a large parking lot into a space that could be used for a variety of vendors such as food trucks or newspaper salesman to promote a different pedestrian experience at the street edge.

The North End

Eleven North End community members assisted in subjectively analyzing how walkable their neighborhood was by highlighting key sensorial cues. Through indepth interviews and a process of mapping out the Four S’s, commonalities became clear. In the North End, the community members suggested selecting a node in the middle of the neighborhood that included popular restaurant Parks BBQ, as well as Bennett park, and the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative. This node was then analyzed for its existing sensorial assets for around two and a half months. The node was then divided into three zones based on the analysis.

Sound Map

Smell Map

Speed Map

Scale Map

“I always hear kids hoopin’ (playing basketball) at those new courts on John R.” -Lala Jones

“That smell coming from Parks (Parks BBQ) always gets me.” -Vanessa Alanis

“To be honest, I really only feel unsafe walking on Woodward because of how big of a road it is.” -Dane Finshaw

“I always liked the mix of larger buildings here by being so close to downtown.” -Logan Flowers

Sensorial Asset Mapping:

Sound of children playing basketball

Almost vacant residential area Sound and smell of a delivery truck

Sounds of Children playing tag around the play-set

Smoky smell coming from Park’s BBQ Restaurant

Sound

Smell

Car driving fast down the street Vegetative smell coming from the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative

Two male teenagers walking by at a slow pace Sound

Smell

Sound of music from a passing Car

The North End

Bea

Brus

ien

Play Zone

St.

h St

Primary Goal: Creating Social Interaction

Food Zone

Primary Design Tool: Scale

In the North End, community members consistently agreed that the neighborhood’s overall sense of connectedness is often lost. As a result, the design goals for promoting walkability in the North End followed the theme of ‘promoting social interaction.’ A series of pedestrian-only streets with specific social themes were proposed. The first, a Social Street, was dedicated to spurring social interaction among adults in the neighborhood. The second, a Play Street, aimed to provide children with a safe and engaging way to ‘play’ in their community.

Farming Zone

Neighborhood Proposal:

1: Social Street

Transforming a street to promote social interaction through permanent fixtures that utilize both scale and sound.

2: Play Street

Re-purposing an existing street with a series of permanent fixtures to create a unique way for children within the area to play and interact with each-other.

3: Transition Lot

Utilizing an existing vacant lot as a way of creating a connection point between the three zones within the neighborhood hub.

4: Public Seating Area

Public seating options would be at each end of the pedestrian alley to promote two different types of sound based on the different way people use the farming and food zones.

5: Pedestrian Only Alley Transforming an existing vacant alley into a pedestrian connection zone, that connects the Play, Food, and Farming zones to one another.

07 Hope Multi-Faith Center

Competition | IF Design Competition In Collaboration with Jason Tran & Muhamad Naqshbandi Summer 2019

The objective of this design competition was to create a space where races and religions have no differences, and everyone respects each other while living together in peace. Religion plays a psychological, sociological, and anthropological role in our lives. Religion is hopeful. In secularized Hong Kong, a city currently engulfed in political tension, neither religion nor hope can be oppressed, as they are a human right. Based on this fundamental concept, the Hope Multi-Faith Center, nestled in the Kowloon City neighborhood, provides worship space for all people, regardless of race, religion, sexual preference, or gender.

Design Considerations Both the historical context of Kowloon City and the program of the project influenced the final design created. The curvilinear form and white materiality were done with the intention of allowing the building to stand out compared to the bland rectangular structures surrounding the site. Inside, the programming of the project was limited to provide as much open space as possible to allow for the practice of individual worship. The Multi-Faith Center in Kowloon ultimately seeks to be a beacon of hope for a future where religions have no differences, and the design choices implemented seek to reflect that goal.

3 1

4 9 5

6 Formal Axonometric Diagram

Programming: 1. Communal Space 2. Educational Space 3. Storage 4. Religious Chief Offices 5. Seminar Room

Longitudinal Section

6. Religious Washing Facility 7. Bathrooms 8. Multi Faith Space 9. Religious Artefact Space

08 Watercolor & Photography Showcased are a few of my watercolors and some images from my travels. In my personal time, I thoroughly enjoy sketching, painting, and watercolors. I also find joy in photographing the built environment, which is directly tied to my love for traveling. Exploring the built environment through visual media has undoubtedly played a significant role in my architectural education inside and outside the classroom.