Alexander Thomas McKenzie
ALEXANDER MCKENZIE
Contents
My objective as a young architect is to create a thoughtful work environment within myself and the people around me, in order to think optimistically and carefully about the potential unique environments created by passionate designers. 815.871.2466 | alexandermckenzie0997@gmail.com | 1100 E 32nd Street Apt 204, Austin, TX LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-mckenzie-769404176/ | Portfolio: https://issuu.com/alexandermckenzie
Work Experience
Skills & Interests
University of Texas at Austin | Austin, Texas
Revit AutoCADD Illustrator Photoshop Lightroom InDesign Rhino3D SketchUp Rendering
Architecture and Society Teaching Assistant | January 2020 - Present
Texas Tech University College of Architecture | Lubbock, Texas Architectural Representation 3 Teaching Assistant | August 2018 - December 2018 - Grading sophomore level student’s digital assignments as well as assisting solving in digital programs such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and Rhino.
individual students with problem
Woodshop Assistant | January 2018 - December 2018
- Assisting Architecture students in woodshop safety and problem solving within their wood working projects along with making sure a clean and safe work environment was maintained.
Tikka Shack Indian Grub | Lubbock, Texas Assistant Manager | February 2019 - July 2019
- Assisted in opening of second location and managed store operations
Kettle Foods Potato Chip Factory | Beloit, Wisconsin Packer | June 2017 - January 2018
Cashier and Loader | March 2015 - January 2017
Photography Weight Lifting / Exercising Recreational Sports Video Gaming Sneakers Rap, Alternative, R&B Music
Education
Awards
University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture
Texas Tech University Presidential Scholarship
- Coursework: Vertical Studio 1 & 2, Environmental Controls 2, Theory of Architecture 1, Construction 4
Texas Tech University College of Architecture
- Packed bags of chips into boxes in assembly line style
Village Green Home and Garden | Rockford, Illinois
Masters of Architecture I | August 2019 - Present | Current GPA : 3.67
2015 - 2018
Texas Tech University College of Architecture
Moffit Scholarship 2017 Coombs Scholarship 2018 Raymond Powell Scholarship 2018
Bachelors of Architecture | Graduated December 2018 | GPA : 3.26
Boylan Central Catholic Highschool
Rockford, Illinois | Graduated May 2015 | GPA : 3.6
Boylan Catholic High School
Highest Honors, 1st Honors; 2011 - 2015 Nic-10 Scholar Athlete 2011-2014 Excellence in Engineering Graphics and CADD 2013 - 2014
01
Luminiscient Reflection
13
Elemental Program
23
Dueling Tornadoes
33
A Pavilion of Wood
39
Revit Experience
11:00
17:00
14:00
05:00
08:30
02:30
11:30
17:30
14:30
05:30
09:00
03:00
12:00
18:00
15:00
06:00
09:30
03:30
15:30
06:30
10:00
04:00
10:30
04:30
11:00
05:00
11:30
05:30
12:00
06:00
12:30
06:30
13:00
07:00
13:30
07:30
14:00
08:00
14:30
08:30
15:00
09:00
15:30
09:30
16:00
10:00
16:30
10:30
17:00
11:00
17:30
11:30
18:00
12:00
18:30
12:30
19:00
13:00
19:30
13:30
20:00
14:00
20:30
14:30
21:30
15:30
18:30
12:30
The rice fields of Isla Mayor, just south of Seville, Spain, present a spectacular landscape, which while devoid of physical complexity, is filled with phenomena. The phenomena that I refer to is the reflective properties of the shallowly filled water pools which are required for the growth of rice. This attribute of the region was the emphasis of our project. 13:00
19:00
16:00
07:00
13:30
19:30
16:30
07:30
20:00
17:00
08:00
14:30
20:30
17:30
08:30
15:00
21:00
18:00
09:00
15:30
21:30
18:30
09:30
19:00
10:00
14:00
(44, 86)
Our study was of the color palette of the region. This color palette is completely dynamic and ever changing, specifically in response to the color of the sky. The color of the rice fields themselves changes as quickly as that of the sky.
SITE
16:00
22:00
16:30
22:30
19:30
10:30
17:00
23:00
20:00
11:00
17:30
23:30
20:30
11:30
18:00
00:00
21:00
12:00
18:30
00:30
21:30
12:30
19:00
01:00
22:00
13:00
19:30
01:30
22:30
13:30
20:00
02:00
23:00
14:00
20:30
02:30
23:30
14:30
Our study of the landscape is shown in this map of the region, which represents the changes in color of the rice fields in response to the time of day. The color changes from east to west, in respect to sunrise, mid-day, and sunset. The vertical strips represent time changes in order to give more information about how the color would affect the landscape. (67, 42)
The tower we proposed is directly inspired by the map, with the exterior elevations being a mirror, drawn from the time change strips which show contrast in the scenery. The exterior elevations of the building also show contrast in the physical environment, by showing you what is behind you in the landscape juxtaposed next to what is in front of you. The tower’s interior is simply a viewing chamber where you enter below the tower, and peer upward to take in an interior made to showcase the distinct colors of the landscape in a more isolated fashion. 21:00
03:00
00:00
15:00
21:30
03:30
00:30
15:30
22:00
04:00
01:00
16:00
22:30
04:30
01:30
23:00
05:00
02:00
17:00
23:30
05:30
02:30
17:30
00:30
06:00
06:30
03:00
03:30
(44, 86)
(67, 42)
16:30
-3 HOURS
24:00
+6 HOURS
15:00
In collaboration with Michael Castillo Critics: Professors’ Rafael Beneytez-Duran, Angel Martinez-Posada
+9 HOURS
21:00
Luminescient Reflection
18:00
18:30
166 165 164 163 162 161 160 159 158 157 156 155 154 153 152 151 150 149 148 147 146 145 144 143 142 141 140 139 138 137 136 135 134 133 132 131 130 129 128 127 126 125 124 123 122 121 120 119 118 117 116 115 114 113 112 111 110 109 108 107 106 105 104 103 102 101 100 99 98 97 96 95 94 93 92 91 90 89 88 87 86 85 84 83 82 81 80 79 78 77 76 75 74 73 72 71 70 69 68 67 66 65 64 63 62 61 60 59 58 57 56 55 54 53 52 51 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Y 0 X
02:00
+3 HOURS
37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21
08:00
-6 HOURS
1
110 109 108 107 106 105 104 103 102 101 100 99 98 97 96 95 94 93 92 91 90 89 88 87 86 85 84 83 82 81 80 79 78 77 76 75 74 73 72 71 70 69 68 67 66 65 64 63 62 61 60 59 58 57 56 55 54 53 52 51 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38
2
Regional Colors
Landscape Colors
Rice Development Colors
Time of Day Colors
Isla Minima
Stage 01
Sunrise
Isla Minima
Stage 02
Morning
3
4 Dehesa de Abajo
Stage 03
Noon
Dehesa de Abajo
Stage 04
Afternoon
Stage 05
Sunset
Bombas (44, 86)
Isla Mayor (67, 42)
8M
8M
5
6 4M
4M
2M
2M
1 Meter
1 Meter
Exterior Perspective
Map Time Comparisons
Physical Map Model
7
8
9
10
Interior Perspective
11
12
Upper Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Elemental Union Critic: Professor Andrew Fulcher
The interaction of programs is a very important principle to learn as a young architect. It can make or break your building and needs to respond to context and circulation. The emphasis of this project is how to relate programs to their context, and how to allow programs to interconnect and relate to each other. The project itself is an outdoor activity shelter which houses six sleeping spaces, two bathrooms, and multiple unprogrammed areas for users.
13
The site of the building is theoretical. Designed by myself, it’s focus is on simple elevation changes and a creek that runs through the center. The building itself sits on the edge of the creek and certain elements cantilever over the creek. The programs are laid out in response to lighting and water. The bathrooms are placed where drainage into the creek would be very accessible, and are thus elevated to give private views of the creek. The sleeping spaces are focused on the interaction with light to allow light in the morning and evening, with good shading in midday. The stalactite like partition walls allow for a open aired continuous space that divide the sleeping spaces and circulation areas for privacy. They also allow light in at your feet to give a focus to the circulation spaces.
14
5 Feet
10’
20’
Plan
Sleeping Spaces Sleeping Spaces
B
Restrooms
A
A
15
16 Restrooms
B
N 5 Feet
10’
20’
5 Feet
10’
20’
40’
North Elevation
17
18
Section AA 5 Feet
10’
20’
40’
Interior Perpsective 2
Interior Perpsective 1
19
20 Southern Interior Perspective
Northern Interior Perspective
Section BB 5 Feet
10’
20’
21
22
White Sands National Monument, New Mexico
Dueling Tornadoes Critic: Professor Ophelia Mantz
In Lubbock, Texas in 1970, two tornadoes raged through the north eastern side of the city and disrupted many neighborhoods and populations. Aztlan Park, is one of the major regions that was affected by this natural disaster. Aztlan Park is the site of this project, and the form of the ampitheater is derived from the two tornadoes which crossed paths near its location.
23
The structure itself actually accomodates two different performances at once. The larger ampitheater is dug into the shallow hill and allows for a sheltered performance that can also accomodate films on a large screen. The program on the ground level is arranged so that at all times you are able to view the performance, whether you are in the stands, getting a bite to eat or something to drink, or entering the restrooms. This line of site is representative of the first, smaller tornado. The upper ampitheater is reached by taking a large ramp with plenty of open grassy space for unprogrammed activities. Once you have reached the performance space you have an area that is affected by the elements and can be seen from a greater distance due to its elevation. The over arching ramp structure represents the second, larger tornado. The structural system of the ampitheater is inspired by the many railroads that run near this area, as another token of history that is preserved in the ampitheater.
24
30 Feet
60’
120’
0’
183’
240’
242’
391’
B
410’
501’
523’
561’
590’
640’
602’
655’
773’
Restrooms
4
3
2
1
+12’
+11’
+10’
+9’
+8’
+7’
25
A
A
+6’
26
+5’
Ampitheaters
+4’
+3’
+13’
Concessions
+13’
B
+12’
+11’
Plan 30 Feet
+15’
60’
+14’
+15’
+14’
120’
+13’
+12’
+11’
+10’
+9’
+8’
+10’
+9’
+8’
+7’
240’
+6’
+5’
+4’
+3’
N
+2’
+1’
0’
-1’
-2’
-3’
-4’
-5’
-6’
25 Feet
50’
100’
Axonometric
Section BB
At 2:30 PM
Summer Solstice 75.06° Equinox 51.20°
Winter Solstice 22.28°
27
28
Summer Solstice 74.63°
At 4:30 PM Equinox 43.18° Winter Solstice 24.66°
Section AA 25 Feet
50’
100’
200’
29
30
31
32
Cathedral Rock, Sedona, AZ
A Pavilion of Wood Critic: Professor Michael Benedict
The Pavilion of Wood was designed from ground up with a construction focus. Construction was the driving factors of the design and all else was secondary. The program was intended to be a park pavilion with multi uses. The building itself is inspired by the gesture of clasping hands together. The gesture is a simple action that represents the idea of community and togetherness.
33
The design process was heavily focused on the structural elements and making a pavilion that is structurally sound. One of the constraints was that the Pavilion must come down to the ground on four columns. Each roof structure comes down on two columns. The two strucutes are linked by steel cables from the columns to the roof beams. Therefore each structure is dependent on the other for strength. The roof structures have oculi in each of them, in order to reveal the second roof structure above and to allow into the hospitable space.
34
35
36
37
38
Taliesin West, Arizona | Frank Lloyd Wright
Revit Experience
GYPSUM WALL BOARD PLYWOOD SHEATHING
3RD ROOF ELEVATION
3 A-400
966' - 8 1/8"
7
BLOCKING
1 GYPSUM CEILING, TYP.
3
963' - 1 3/4"
A-300
SKYLIGHT
957' - 10 1/4"
KITCHEN
PLYWOOD SHEATHING RIGID INSULATION BOARD
Roof 2 961' - 0"
AIR SPACE
BEDROOM 3' - 0"
BIRCH FINISH
7" 1' - 5"
Level 3 Plan 953' - 4"
DOOR FRAME
3' - 0"
Level 2 Plan 947' - 4" Level 1 Plan 944' - 4"
1
4' - 0"
LIVING ROOM
9' - 0"
SOFTWOOD LUMBER
3' - 2"
1ST ROOF ELEVATION
Roof 1 955' - 9" 11' - 0"
2
2' - 3 1/4"
Roof Plan 964' - 8"
3
4
5' - 0"
2' - 0" 8" 2' - 1 1/4" 1' - 6 3/4" 2' - 1 1/4"
2ND ROOF ELEVATION
5
6
BATHROOM
C
Detail 3 Door Jam
5
6
Level 0 Plan 938' - 4"
GYPSUM WALLBOARD 1
SOFTWOOD LUMBER
Section 1
DOUBLE TOP PLATE DOOR TRIM
39
PINE DOOR 1 A-300
D
C
A
2' - 0"
3RD ROOF ELEVATION
2ND ROOF ELEVATION
SKYLIGHT
963' - 1 1/4"
1ST ROOF ELEVATION
RAILING 3'
957' - 10 1/4"
GYPSUM CEILING TYP.
PLYWOOD SHEATHING PURLINS PLYWOOD SHEATHING
RAILING 3'
Roof 1 955' - 9"
RIGID INSULATION PLYWOOD SHEATHING SOFTWOOD LUMBER
9' - 0"
11' - 0"
Level 3 Plan 953' - 4"
1' - 5"
Level 2 Plan 947' - 4"
STONE TILE FASCIA
7' - 7"
Level 1 Plan 944' - 4"
COPPER SOFFIT Roof Plan 964' - 8"
BATHROOM
Level 0 Plan 938' - 4"
3
DOUBLE TOP PLATE SOFTWOOD LUMBER PLYWOOD SHEATHING RIGID INSULATION BOARD WATERPROOFING AIR BIRCH FINISH
Section 2
2
Detail 1 Roof Overhang
B AIR
Roof 2 961' - 0"
BEDROOM
BATH TUB
4
COPPER FINISH
966' - 9 1/4"
3' - 10"
2' - 1 1/4" 2' - 1 1/4"
Roof Plan 964' - 8"
8"
1' - 6 3/4"
B
2' - 1 1/4"
E
7' - 6"
F
Detail 2 Door Trim
40
1' - 3 3/8" 1' - 2 5/8" 2 5/8"
B E
11 3/8" 8"
2' - 6"
COPPER FINISH PLYWOOD SHEATHING
3' - 6"
AIR
1
Roof Plan 964' - 8"
A-300
PLYWOOD SHEATHING
5'x6' WINDOW
TOP PLATE
SILL PLATE
SINK
RIGID INSULATION
Roof 2 961' - 0"
PLYWOOD SHEATHING
3' - 3"
OVERHEAD CABINETS, TYP.
5' - 0"
956' - 4 1/2"
PLYWOOD SHEATHING
CABINETS, TYP.
COPPER FINISH
Roof 2 961' - 0"
AIR
Roof 1 955' - 9"
Roof 1 955' - 9"
1' - 11"
1' - 1 1/2"5 1/2" 1' - 3"
955' - 3"
3' - 0"
Roof 2 961' - 0"
Roof Plan 964' - 8"
RIGID INSULATION BOARD
Level 3 Plan 953' - 4"
SOFTWOOD LUMBER Level 3 Plan 953' - 4"
Roof 1 955' - 9"
Elevation 1 - a
SILL PLATE
GYPSUM WALLBOARD OAK FLOORING
GYPSUM WALL BOARD
Level 3 Plan 953' - 4"
1' - 4 1/2"
TILE WALL SINK 3
Level 2 Plan 947' - 4"
PLYWOOD SHEATHING GRADE
SHOWER
GYPSUM WALL BOARD CAST IN PLACE CONCRETE
SOFTWOOD FRAMING
TOILET
A-300
3' - 0 1/2"
SOFTWOOD LUMBER FRAMING
GYPSUM WALL BOARD
PLYWOOD SHEATHING GRADE
1' - 3"
RIGID INSULATION BOARD
RIGID INSULATION
939' - 7"
Level 1 Plan 944' - 4"
AIR 938' - 4"
Level 2 Plan 947' - 4"
1' - 2 1/2" 1' - 3"
1
PLYWOOD SHEATHING SOFTWOOD LUMBER FRAMING
TOP PLATE
41
PLYWOOD SHEATHING
TILE FINISH
OAK FLOORING
BIRCH FINISH CAST IN PLACE CONCRETE
Level 0 Plan 938' - 4"
CAST IN PLACE CONCRETE Level 1 Plan 944' - 4" RIGID INSULATION BOARD
CAST IN PLACE CONCRETE
2
RIGID FOAM INSULATION BOARD
Elevation 1 - d
Level 0 Plan 938' - 4" 3
Wall Section 1 4
Wall Section 2
42
43
44
Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona, Arizona