DESIGN PORTFOLIO ALEX HALL
M.ARCH 2022
SELECTION OF WORKS FROM UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA + UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
ALEXANDRA HALL
L E E D G R E E N A S S O C I AT E
EDUCATION
2020-2022
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
Masters of Architecture, 2022 Merit Scholarship Recipient 2016-2020
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, 2020 Sustainability Minor, 2020 Cum Laude
EXPERIENCE
2022
BJARKE INGELS GROUP
SKILLS
2021
KOHN PEDERSEN FOX
2021
MORPHOSIS ARCHITECTS
2021
GROUNDING THE CLOUD
2020
20
2020
NATIONAL CENTER FOR SMART GROWTH
2020
COLLEEN HEALEY ARCHITECTS
DESIGN ASSISTANT NEW YORK, NEW YORK
ARCHITECTURAL INTERN NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Photoshop Illustrator InDesign Rhino Revit AutoCAD Premiere Pro ArcGIS Pro
ARCHITECTURAL EXTERN NEW YORK, NEW YORK
RESEARCH ASSISTANT CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA TH
CENTURY HISTORY OF IDEAS
TEACHING ASSISTANT CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
Processing 3 Enscape Sketchup Climate Consultant Climate Studio LEED Microsoft Hololens
2019-2020
Fologram
CREATIVE PLACEMAKING INTERN COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND
ARCHITECTURAL INTERN WASHINGTON, D.C.
VKS ARCHITECTS: DESIGN + BUILD ARCHITECTURAL INTERN KATONAH, NEW YORK
3D Printing Laser Cutting Model Making
2017
BEDFORD AUDUBON SOCIETY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL INTERN KATONAH, NEW YORK
ACHIEVEMENTS
2021
RESEARCH FELLOW CARLO PELLICCIA TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
Awarded funding for individual design research in Sardinia, Italy. 2021
P R E S E R VAT I O N T E C H N O L O G Y C O M P E T I T I O N MASONRY ARCH COMPETITION UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
Analyzed, designed, built, and tested a historic masonry arch for APT PETC. 2020
PUBLISHED PROJECT THE WASHINGTONIAN MAGAZINE COVID-19 DESIGN CHALLENGE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
Published in the August 2020 issue of The Washingtonian. 2020
FA C U LT Y AWA R D FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN
DESIGN
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
Awarded to a Senior Bachelor of Science degree candidate for high achievement in design. 2019
1ST PLACE
S E N I O R I N T R A-S T U D I O CO M P E T I T I O N UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
Received first place award for “reCAPTURE”, a sustainable innovation center at the University of Maryland. 2019
FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENT JOHN + SARAH STEFFIAN FUND UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
Awarded to support the study of environmental degradation in the built environment.
JOURNALISM
2020
A
V E H I C L E
F O R
2020
CO R O N A-V I R U S
2020
L I F E
2017
P l a n t s
2017
P l a n t s
CO N N EC T I O N
MAGGIE HASLAM, UMD TODAY
D E S I G N
C H A L L E N G E
WASHINGTONIAN STAFF, THE WASHINGTONIAN
A F T E R
M A RYs t u d i o
ALEX HALL (91), BEYOND JOURNAL
f o r
a
D e e r
R e s i s t a n t
ALEX HALL + JANELLE ROBBINS,
f o r
a
D e e r
S u n
BEDFORD AUDUBON SOCIETY
R e s i s t a n t
ALEX HALL + JANELLE ROBBINS,
G a r d e n :
G a r d e n :
S h a d e
BEDFORD AUDUBON SOCIETY
01
SHIFTING COASTLINES R E G A I N I N G A D A P TA B I L I T Y AT L A B A R C E LO N E TA
02
PRODUCTIVE GROWTH FOOD PRODUCTION AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
03
reCAPTURE SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION CENTER
04
(W)ORK (I)N (P)ROGRESS CARLOS RAMIREZ CHICANO ARTS CENTER
05
RESEARCH THE METALLIFEROUS RING
ALEX HALL
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
01
SHIFTING COASTLINES REGAINING ADAPTABILIT Y AT LA BARCELONETA A R C H
8 0 1 0
F A L L
2 0 2
1
La Barceloneta represents the division between the City of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. Shifting Coastlines focuses on the legacy of recreation along the Costa Brava and on the surmounting necessity for storm resilience. The entire dynamic of La Barceloneta relies on it’s relationship to the Sea, one that is anything but static. In order to restore the adaptability and inherent protective power of the beach, this project introduces a system of mobile dunes, submerged topography, and an inundation zone. Working with the master plan, the building and boardwalk reinvent the legacy of the San Sebastian baths and provide a unique vantage point for new coastal resilience research.
ALEX HALL
R I SE
SP LI T
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
SI N K
0 1 . In u n d a t i o n
03. Spreading
0 4 . Fl o o d i n g
05. Erosion
In the event of an energetic storm, sea waves will overcome existing dikes and breakwaters. This essentially renders these structures useless against coastal flooding.
As hard engineered coastal barriers are inundated, water will continue to spread along the beach and into the development.
Storm waves will continue to bombard defense structures and eventually lead to flooding. The low slope of the beach is an inadequate protection against storms.
As the storm recedes, the powerful waves will reform the underwater topography pulling sand away from the shore. At the beach, erosion will occur in a crescent pattern.
d
I
n nu
on
i at
ne
Zo
le
M
i ob
nd
Sa
s
ne
Du
n
io
at ve Wa tenu At
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
La Barceloneta originated from the combination of both fluvial and sea b a s e d p r o c e s s e s o f a c c r e t i o n a n d e r o s i o n , t h e r e l a t i o n s h i p b e t we e n land and sea only became contentious when humans attempt to stabilize this cycle.
ALEX HALL
Geomorphological processes incessantly shape Barcelona’s coast.
The power of the beach is it’s flexibility. We redesigned the coastline to coexist with the Sea.
ALEX HALL
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
ALEX HALL DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Program and building form work in tandem with the shifting coastline. B y d raw i n g f r o m t h e s i t e ’s h i s t o r y a s a s o c i a l b a t h h u b , t h e n e w b u i l d i n g d raw s a t t e n t i o n t o c o a s t a l r e s i l i e n c e t h r o u g h b o t h r e s e a r c h a n d r e c r e a t i o n .
02
PRODUCTIVE GROWTH FOOD PRODUCTION AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING A R C H 7 0 2 0 F A L L 2 0 2 0 I N C O L L A B O R AT I O N WI T H S I ER R A B R O WN
Manhattanville, New York has a rich history of production. However, as the ‘city’ began moving further and further uptown in the 20th century, Manhattanville became a peripheral extension of the city; a place more often traveled through than traveled to. Our proposal includes a roof garden above a market that serves as a gathering place for residents. This space and the green pockets within the towers expose residents to urban farming on a daily basis. Ultimately, our goal is to provide truly affordable living: affordable rent and fresh food, job opportunities, and, most importantly, a cohesive infrastructure that existing community networks can expand upon.
ALEX HALL DESIGN PORTFOLIO
GR EEN S PACE
EPI CEN T ER
M U LT I-USE
After disastrous events, NYC communities respond. Crises reveal networks of people and organizations as they unite. over time, these networks create community resilience. We saw this occur after 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy and today as New York is hit hard by COVID-19 and raises awareness for BLM .
NEW YORK CITY NETWORK COVID-19 Pandemic
Hurricane Sandy
A
Historical Sites
Manhattanville
Manhattanville
Evictions
Sandy Flooding Hurricane Zone
Covid Cases
Activated Organizations
Activated Organizations
MANHATTANVILLE NETWORK Black Lives Matter Organizations Columbia Opposition Organizations COVID-19 Organizations Black Lives Matter Network Columbia Opposition Network COVID-19 Network Black Lives Matter Protests + Events Columbia Opposition Protests + Events
W 125th St Influence Zone Columbia University Influence Zone
Manhattanville Building Damage Activated Organizations Dust Particle Zone
Evacuation Center Historical Landmarks
Annual Festivals+ Events
9/11 Terrorist Attack
Community
Health
Arts
Education
ALEX HALL
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Manhattanville is experiencing a food access crisis. Recognizing the needs of today’s Manhattanville community while also drawing from its roots as a food production center. Our proposal integrates food production and resident operated gardens within the towers.
THIRD FLOOR
GARDEN FLOOR
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
GROUND FLOOR
ALEX HALL
How can affordable housing design support healthy living? We responded to the lack of landscaping by situating the open public spaces nearest to the street which are directly accessible. Next, each tower was strategically placed to allow for the most sunlight to reach the garden level. this resulted in a highly productive zone on the South Western corner as well as a varying quality of shade across the garden. This layout can support 7,500 sqft of greenhouse food production, 4,500 sqft of traditional field area, and 5,000 sqft of residential gardens.
ALEX HALL DESIGN PORTFOLIO
APARTMENTS BENEFIT FROM BUILDING MASSING, BRINGING IN LIGHT
PUBLIC MARKET WALKWAY CONNECTS TO THE LANGUAGE OF THE EXISTING VIADUCT
Sunlight intensity studies helped determine field placement. The diagram on the right shows the sunlight lux levels. The annual average is 31,55 lux for these outdoor growing spaces. The standard lux requirement for outdoor plant growth is around 20,000 - 25,000 lux. We used this analysis to place the cutouts within the interior spaces. Void spaces act as overhangs to protect against ‘solarization’.
8,000 LUX Annual Sunlight Exposure
50,000 LUX
ALEX HALL DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Summer Solstice Sunlight Exposure
500 LUX
Winter Solstice Sunlight Exposure
The building integrates food production and community sustainability. Our program integrates the agricultural research with the economic needs of the site, which both culminate in the marketplace on the ground floor of the building. The hydroponic system will extend far beyond just production of fresh food. The greenhouses and fields can produce enough produce to feed 90% of our residents each year. PRODUCTIVE FIELDS + GREENHOUSES
COMMUNAL RESIDENTIAL GARDEN
ALEX HALL
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
02
reCAPTURE SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION CENTER A R C H
4 0 3
F A L L
2 0 1 9
Located within the Paint Branch River watershed, reCAPTURE facilitates cohesion between the built environment and the floodplain. Using the river as a lens, the need for stormwater management becomes overt. This project explores the role of water and topography in environmental systems and as tool for spatial exploration.
I N T ER SE C T
E X T EN D
ALEX HALL
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
FLOW SI N K I N T ER AC T
N
SI T E PL AN
reCAPTURE mitigates flooding by absorbing and collecting rainwater. On a rainy day in College Park, water sweeps down the field and pools up at the entrance of campus. the building form and roof angles encircle the oversaturated ground and collects rainwater which is diverted into cisterns and treatment systems inside.
ALEX HALL DESIGN PORTFOLIO
N
S E C O N D FLO O R
N
FI R ST FLO O R
Multiple strategies work toge minimize energy use. Rising out of the landscape, the building benefits from the thermal properties of the earth. As the building carefully extends from the topography, the green roof becomes a garden area while decreasing impermeable surface. The massing of the building allows for elongated Eastern and Western facades with appropriate passive shading strategies. Building orientation is equally symbolic as well as it is a strategic sun shading technique. Minimizing the Eastern and Western facades allows for controlled Northern and Southern light. Vertical fins flow along the facade tying in the classic brick color of campus as well as controlling ambient light.
ALEX HALL
ether to
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Sustaina embedd
CL A S SRO O M SE C T I O N
Native vegetation lines storm water unlike the grass. Plants like Gold constructed wetland t building. The wetland collection system dire toilets and sinks. O FFI CE EN T R AN CE
I T ER AT I VE M O D EL S
s the site and properly processes e current groundcover of mown den Ragwort and Milkweed fill the that flows naturally around the filters water and then the roof ects excess water within the building’s
O FFI CE SE C T I O N
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
E X H I BI T I O N SE C T I O N
ALEX HALL
able design practices are ded into the building’s form.
04
W.I.P. / L.A. I N T E G R AT ED AR T I ST I C S PACE S A R C H
7 0 2 0
S P R I N G
2 0 2 1
The proposal (W)ORKSHOP (I)N (P) ROGRESS taps into the Boyle Heights neighborhood rhythm and projects that energy into a dedicated creative space supporting the Chicano Arts movement. A main component of this project is a ceramic material system which envelopes and folds to create this network, allowing us to divide the art spaces by discipline while providing an opportunity to also connect them through this datum.
ALEX HALL
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Boyle Heights is an existing Chicano arts and culture hub. This project expands its reach. The new arts center capatilizes on the thriving network of LA artists. As a new space, the building is respectful but welcoming to both interested visitors and talented residents.
ALEX HALL
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Encapsulated artistic pods are formed within the building. Three variations on the traditional glass facade occur in this building. Each facade is strategically placed according to program requirements and sunlight conditions.
B
LEGEND
VERTICAL GREEN WALL
CERAMIC TILE
5’-0 ”
C
F
A
25’0”
B
5’-0 ”
C E
A B
METAL PANEL
WIDE FLANGE STEEL COLUMN WIDE FLANGE STEEL BEAM GLASS PANEL METAL PANEL VERTICAL VEGETATION SUPPORT CERAMIC FACADE SYSTEM
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
A B C D E F
25’0”
5’-0 ” D
ALEX HALL
A
25’0”
Spatial definition is provided by the wrapping facade system. The flexbrick facade is a tool that not only provides protection against sunlight, but becomes a way to understand program and volume within the building. Each facade wraps its way around a specific set of elements.
ALEX HALL
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Circulation as datum. The hanging bridge becomes a workspace as well as vertical and horizontal transition space.
ALEX HALL
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
F G
H
I
J
K
L
STAINLESS STEEL PLATE WIND ANCHOR SYSTEM VERTICAL STEEL MESH WIRE CERAMIC TILE WEIGHT ANCHOR SYSTEM
A E
C D
LEGEND A B C D E F G H I J K L
1’-6” CONCRETE RETAINING WALL 1/8” METAL MOAT COVER MOAT FINISHED CONCRETE FLOOR REINFORCED CONCRETE SLAB ATTACHMENT PLATE BASE ISOLATOR REINFORCED CONCRETE FOUNDATION MOISTURE BARRIER 6” VAPOR RETARDER 6” DIA DRAINAGE PIPE GRAVEL LAYER
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
A B C D E
ALEX HALL
LEGEND
ALEX HALL
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
04
RESEARCH T H E M E TA L L I F E R O U S R I N G A R C H
7 1 0 0
S P R I N G
2 0 2 1
Coastline Conditions: Sardinian Mining Typologies explores the relationship of valuable mineral deposits and the history of architectural innovation on the island of Sardinia, Italy. Within this research topic, I seek to analyze the buildings created as an ancillary process of the mining industry. The relationship between architectural development and mining on the Mediterranean island is undeniable and rooted in centuries of mineral extraction. Over time, the presence of geological formations has diverged and coalesced with political factions, fueled economic surges and remained steadfast in defining Sardinian culture. This confluence of geology, economics and culture has allowed for the architectural articulation of the Sardinian coastline. Ultimately, years of cliffside development has resulted in an abundance of sea ports, mineral laundries, watchtowers, railways and villages. Together, these structures become a physical materialization of the island’s mineral fortune.
ALEX HALL
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
CAN YOU LOOK PAST GEOGRAPHIC SURFACE LAYERS AND SEE THROUGH THE VERY GROUND YOU STAND ON?
ALEX HALL
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
IF YOU COULD, YOU WOULD SEE EARTH’S SUBSTRUCTURE: THE GEOLOGY THAT BUILDS UP, ERODES, AND REFORMS INCESSANTLY.
ALEX HALL DESIGN PORTFOLIO
BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THESE LAYERS INTERSECT?
ALEX HALL DESIGN PORTFOLIO
MINERAL EXTRACTION AND INTRINSIC ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN.
Ca
a or
Masua is re-established as a mining town
Horizontal Tunnels
Construction of the first horizontal tunnel called "San Vittorio gallery" by the Iglesiente Pietro Diana
P
19 1 0
Silver Mining
Silver casting under Catalan Rule
Silver and Galena Mining
19
19
rin g
Pr a
Industrial, Econ om ic an Significant Engi nee d
tu ra l
Peak in Sardinian Minin
20
19
Tunnel Constructed
1950s-60s Sardinia was the most importa mines for lead and sphalerit
Connecting the Montecani and Acquaresi mines
and Technologic al I n n ov at i
Abandonment of Mines
Depopulation of Iglesias after Arborean defeat
Porto Flavia
Expedited mineral loading
tic Ar
Genoese Agreement
Genoese extraction of Sardinian minerals
Mine Revived
1862
1813
so ci o
1
n Mi Belgian discovery of a new mineral vein
Min p fo ing etu Effi lS for Unique A a w o c l cie l rch a t iti a ite l h n o c st ice ct
sua Ma
ess row ,P es tion ci ula
Galena Mining
A license is granted to a Cagliari merchant to extract galena
Crisis
4
1
17 2
174
Rekindles interest in Iglesciente mines
i ad ier
Masua Mines are sold to Lanusei Mines
174
Control of Mines
Giovanni Massa
Lead mining is active
nds + even ic tre ts m no o c -e r Sardinian
Control of Mines
Swedish Società Mandel control all mines in Iglesias
Società Nieddu e Durante control all mines in Iglesias
Lead Foundry
e sit
Masua Mines
L
m ar am
g in in
ria
ve La
Ig le si e
m
ar ch ite c
la D
om e
s ti ca
Por to
Fla via
his to ric
e nt
n: tio a v no n i l ra u t
ces + instan s e i olog typ
Porto Flavia
Section through horizontal gallery and extension to loading ships
Exploitation of minerals under Pisan Rule
on
Porto Flavia
6000 BCE 3000 BCE 1000 BCE
0
Pb
16
Ag
29
Economic Crisis
30
Fe Cu Zn
26
S
47
Porto Flavia closed
82
Savoy Rule
Spanish Rule
Incessant fighting between the Catalan/ Aragonese (Spanish) and the Arboreans (Sardinians)
Pisan Rule Aragonese Rule
Roman Rule
Phonecian Domination
Punic Rule
Nuragic Civilization
neolithic bronze age iron age
Elevation on the cliffside
Post-
Porto Flavia bec
High Production in Sardinian Mi 1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
1850
1900
1930s
ALEX HALL DESIGN PORTFOLIO
es
ng
ant tes
Geotourism
Porto Flavia is open to the public as a Museum
Complete Cessation
All mining activity stops in 1998
UNESCO Recognition
Parco Geominerario della Sardegna Mining region designated as culturally significant
Decline in Mining
COVID-19 Pandemic
Global mining development makes it hard for Sardinian mines to compete in the 70s-80s
-War Operation
came obselete in the 60s
ines 1960s
1990s
today
THANK YOU. ALEX HALL
M.ARCH 2022