amanda weiker architecture portfolio
amanda weiker weikerac@gmail.com 111 Marquette Ave South #2005 Minneapolis, MN 55401
CONTENTS University Innovation Center Value Comparison Flexible Learning Station 52 Cards to Cantilever Wellness in the Park Explorations Abroad Low Line in the Greenway Professional Work The Tree House
Spring 2012 Professor // John Comazzi
UNIVERSITY INNOVATION CENTER A Collaborative Program
The challenge for this project was to develop a program for an innovation center located on the historic knoll of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. The program created focuses on four wings that join in the center to encourage an overlap of activities and ideas. The main programmatic elements include creating, collaborating, performing, and commuting. The massive masonry walls contain the program and intersect a light framed glass center. Boundaries vary from open to frosted glass to allow physical and visual connections between the spaces. The project also focuses on integrating the building with the landscape and creating uid movement from the interior to the exterior.
creative shop & material store
atrium
performance space
Building Section
The materials throughout the building define space related to thresholds in different programmatic areas. A wood floor covers the majority of the building and at certain points extends out into the landscape creating a space outdoors related to the interior program. At entrances to each wing the wood floor continues up a wall separating the wing from the central space and reveals a concrete surface behind it. The thresholds are defined by the material changes and fluid boundaries between the spaces. The promenade through the building organizes the structural masonry walls and the orientation of the building on the site. The walls are angled allowing the natural walking path though the site to be integrated into the building design.
Material Assemblies
Promenade
Thresholds
media sharing//collaborating Outdoor Gathering
gathering//performing
creating//constructing
Front Entrance
commuting//lounging
Program Layout
Performance Space
VALUE COMPARISON Light & Dark Study
The value drawings compare and contrast two different spaces. On the far right is a space captured by a photograph in a book. The drawings on the left are from the Science Technology Student Services building on the University of Minnesota campus. I chose to compare the light qualities in both spaces because I found similarities in the different approaches toward an opening that connects one space to another. Both of the buildings use light to reveal a space above. The space from the book image engages the person through movement between the levels. The light cascading down the staircase creates a path. In contrast, the Student Services building reveals the oor above but maintains a disconnect between the levels with no obvious way to access the oor above.
Fall 2010 Professor // Matthew Finn
Spring 2012 Professor // John Comazzi In collaboration with Chen Hu
FLEXIBLE LEARNING STATION Study. Create. Display.
The program for this project included a group work station for 3 to 4 people, an individual study area, a display area, and an additional program of our choosing. The project stipulated that the learning station needed to be constructed with a minimal amount of material on a CNC router. The focus of our design was centered on the premise that the people assembling the station have freedom to arrange the pieces to their choosing allowing for creativity. The design consists of a kit of parts of varying sizes of wood planks that are stacked and screwed together. A set of instructions come along with the kit stating a gradient of light should be incorporated into the design of the project and angled pieces should be used on one side of the station in order to leave at surfaces for seating and display space on the opposing face. The pieces with the largest surface area may be used as table tops, shelves, or benches.
7
13
25
Shadow Casting Units
Basic Building Units
Flexible Program
Spring 2010 Professors // Benjamin Ibarra Sevilla Adam Jarvi // John Comazzi In collaboration with Janelle Bruner
52 CARDS TO CANTILEVER An Attempt to Defy Gravity
The project requirements included a cantilever that extends 2 feet from a railing and supports the weight of one tennis ball using only cards and no adhesives. My partner and I developed a system of tabs that interlocked the cards creating a structural concave triangle. An additional tri-fold face card is inserted into the triangles to create extra strength. The face cards are seen on the exterior of the cantilever creating a unique aesthetic.
A
B A
B C
A D
B A
C
E
D B A
C Process of Assembly
E
D
C B
A
WELL NESS IN THE PARK The state of being healthy in body, mind, and soul. St. Paul Prize Design Competition 2014 - Outdoor Education & Community
MIND Flexible classroom space allows students and community members the opportunity to learn about the importance of nutrition. Raw food cooking lessons are provided with vegetables grown in the adjacent plots. Space is available for use by the Open Cities Health Center for education on preventative health care. BODY Walking paths and the direct connection to the north Griggs bike trail promote an active and balanced lifestyle. The multi-sport court is open for use by both the Gordon Parks Alternative High School and the High School of Recording Arts. Green space and the open field are grounds where students are encouraged to participate in physical education to release energy and emotion.
SOUL
community gathering space
art fair market space
MIND
SOUL Covered outdoor space allows for artistic expression through community art fairs and seasonal markets. As an extension of the gathering structure, the fragrance garden is a space for healing and relaxation with a direct connection to nature. Herbs such as parsley, basil, and mint are grown and harvested for sale in the farmers market on site. Reinvigorating live music shows are provided weekly by community members and students from the High School of Recording Arts.
display area
learning center
BODY
The challenge of the competition was to create an outdoor education and community space on an existing site in the Midway District of St. Paul. This urban area surrounded by a mix of retail, warehouse, office and parking lots provides an opportunity for a green community gathering and education space.
outdoor classroom green house 1’
5’ 10’
Fall 2014 In collaboration with Holly Engle
rain gardens
outdoor amphitheater art festival space/ seasonal market
community gathering
healing garden & bee habitat
bicycle parking native plantings
community & student plots
solar panel roof
rain water cistern
outdoor classroom multi sport court
outdoor yoga studio bicycle paths
open ďŹ eld
View from the North
display area
art fair/ market space
Adjacent to the outdoor classroom is a greenhouse with a small hydroponics garden. Water is collected from the butterfly roof and is stored in a cistern below ground. Plants set in water trays absorb water with the necessary nutrients to flourish. The greenhouse provides students with education on alternative agriculture options while the world experiences an ongoing decline in arable land available. Solar panels, native Minnesota plantings, and rain gardens in the northeast all offer opportunities for alternative energy and sustainable education. The butterfly and bee habitat stresses the importance of maintaining natural habitat for insects that pollinate various flowering and agricultural plant species.
gutter green house
down spout
overflow tube
water cistern wicking string
learning center
pump
outdoor classroom
Building Section
Spring 2012 Professor // John Comazzi
EXPLORATIONS ABROAD An Afternoon in Florence Watercolor as a Medium for Representation
I was fortunate enough to spend time traveling throughout Italy for a May term study abroad. During the three week class in Florence I was able to develop my sketching skills and ability to analyze and represent architecture. The rich culture and architecture inspired me to explore unique spaces through water color renderings. The line work provides the initial form but the watercolor brings color and texture to the spaces. This medium allows for the exploration of the intangible qualities like light and emotion. The uidity of the medium allows for an unexpected result that contributes to the exploration of the space. The sketches depict my last afternoon spent in Italy and capture the essence of Florence in some of my favorite locations.
Ponte Vecchio
Piazza della Repubblica
Campanile di Giotto
Duomo di Firenze
LOW LINE IN THE GREENWAY Bridging Minneapolis Neighborhoods
Fall 2013 Professor // Kristen Paulsen In collaboration with Ellie Ziaie & Amanda Duca
The focus of the studio was centered on site analysis with the intention to create an integrated design that would encompass the 5.5 mile long historic rail corridor known as the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, MN. The site was historically a below-grade shipping freight corridor. Currently half of the trench is being used as a bike corridor while the south side remains undeveloped for a potential street car line. Extensive site research and exploration was a crucial aspect to understanding and developing the vast area. Extensive and intensive boundaries were explored during the site analysis through a complex hybrid drawing. Extensive boundaries along the greenway are more visually apparent than intensive boundaries. A fairly clear boundary that can be seen is one created on either side of the pedestrian path through changes in the surface material. The black top clearly denotes the width and length of the path. The walls along the greenway are extensive boundaries created by a line of trees or stacked stone acting as a retaining wall. Bridges spanning the greenway every few blocks are perceived as vertical boundaries below grade in the trench. Intensive boundaries manifest through the temperature change experienced while passing under a shaded bridge. Other intensive boundaries include the points of high connectivity where streets and ramps converge with the greenway and where changes in elevation cause fluctuations in wind speed to occur. The collaborative proposal for the entire site included interventions that would continue ten years post the initial development. The group strategy developed included the introduction of fissures into the landscape. The narrow lines formed in the earth create pathways to bring the community down into the greenway thus bridging the northern and southern neighborhoods. The fissures begin at grade and eventually end at the level of the greenway approximately 25 ft. below the level of the city.
Concept
Existing Greenway
Introduction of Fissures
At the Nicollet Avenue site the program is focused on providing a safe haven for teenagers living in the surrounding neighborhoods. Tucked into the hillside of the greenway is a teen since lab, media space, and lounge. Urban plots along the site provide the opportunity for students to implement what they learn in the science lab through growing their own food. Remediation was an essential part of the development of the rail corridor. The fissures in the landscape also guide storm water into the greenway where it is collected and filtered through rain gardens. Program Addition
Site Analysis of Existing Conditions
current development 2-3 years existing ramp drainage & bike amenities 5-10 years future ďŹ ssures & art/ecology program
bike amenities existing schools existing recreation program existing art program rain gardens bike path pedestrian path
View Along Main Path to Greenway
Path Showing Drainage and Urban Plots
View Along Greenway
400’
NORTH
0’
200’
800’
Summer 2013 - Present Completed at Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc. Leader Designer : Jack Highwart Project Architect : Mark Rosberg
PROFESSIONAL WORK King’s Cross Foodservice Building
Sited in bucolic Wisconsin, King’s Cross is a new construction project for the Epic Corporate Campus. An impressive 50,000 sq. ft. foodservice building, inspired by Kings Cross train station in London, that will service thousands of employees daily. The building is currently under construction and expected to open May 2015. Personal responsibilites included drafting exterior elevations, floor plans, and details, modeling architectural cast stone pieces, and reviewing shop drawings. Additionally, numerous site visits were taken for construction administration and coordination with consultants.
12 5 R
MTL-H
SLOTTED CONNECTION BENT MTL PLATE 2
7/8" CFMF-3
Watercolor Rendering of Main Facade
T.O.S.
2 1/2" MTL STUDS AT 15" O.C.
1062' - 1"
4 KC-A400 6"
F.H
2' - 9 5/8"
F.G
F.F
F.E
6 KC-A304
F.D5
F.D
F.C
F.B
F.A
2"
UNDLY-2
FV-1 LAP UNDLY-2 OVER WB-2 AND KEEPER STRIP
4"
5 1
KC-A400
KEEPER STRIP
KC-A702
MTL FLG-3A WITH PER EDGE
2 1/2"
7
1049'-6 1/4"
PLY SHG-3 1 1/2"
3"
2"
8
5" 1 1/2"
LVR-3
KC-A401
2
7 1/2"
2
MTL FLG-3A
1 KC-A304
KC-A401
KC-A401
1 KC-A304
13AM
13A
3 KC-A401
ZINC VENT SEAL TO PRECAST
13B
WB-2
13B
12A
13B
13BM
13BM
13BM 9
ACS-7
KC-A150 10
10 5"
1/2"
STONE ANCHOR
02A
02A
06
03
03
06
07
07
07
09
07
07
07
04
06
04
06
02A
1 1/2"
1 KC-A492 4 KC-A304
Clock Tower Roof Eave
East Elevation
Fall 2014 - Present Completed at Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc. Project Architect : Mark Rosberg
PROFESSIONAL WORK Roundhouse Landway
The Roundhouse is a landway that will connect the King’s Cross Foodservice Building with a future building on the adjacent campus. Acting as lead designer on the Roundhouse has provided the opportunity to produce hand drawn renderings for the clients approval as well as provide documentation for the design development set. I continue to expand my design experience and dive further into the details which include large exterior wood doors with intricate metalwork and ornamental brickwork. Wooden Door Elevation Studies
F.5
F.6
F.8
F.7
F.11
F.10
F.9
SOUTH ENTRY
D16
KC-0211 5 KC-A797
SOUTH CORRIDOR
SOUTH VESTIBULE KC-0210
KC-0201
F.H
20.7°
12' - 0"
F.R1.5
37' - 10 1/2"
12.8°
1' - 8 1/8"
17' - 4 1/2"
F. R1
KC-0209
26' - 3 5/8"
SOUTH TUNNEL
BH.2
SOUTH TUNNEL
55 '5 1/2 -1 " 1"
° 20.7
F.R2
1 05 -A3 KC
R
R
KC-0226
56 '
KC-0225
65' - 4 3/8"
MECHANICAL
F.RA
R7
6' 8
1/2 "
° .7 20
.7° 20
9"
20.7°
2
'21
20 .7°
F.R3
F.RB
20.7°
20' - 0"
KC-A305
F.R8
F.R4
FUTURE SKYWAY CONNECTION - TBD
F.R7
F.R5 F.R6
View of Roundhouse Plaza
Floor Plan for Design Development
THE TREE HOUSE A Northwoods Retreat Recipient of Editor’s Choice - Cabin Life Magazine October 2013
About the Clients Perched on a rocky slope overlooking Lake Vermilion in northern Minnesota the Tree House was designed for a young couple looking to spend quality time with friends and family. Facing a unique design challenge with differing opinions of what the couple desired in their cabin, the final design reconciled those differences with modern simplicity. Just like a traditional tree house, the cabin features plenty of outdoor living spaces and unique attributes. Design Approach Discover what makes a Minnesota cabin a long time tradition. Incorporate sustainable features and maintain a light touch on the site. Develop a design that responds to the unique lake front location. Design a place that encourages family bonding and time spent together.
Site - Lake Vermilion in MN. Visited site to map topography, photograph terrain, and draw inspiration.
Spring 2013 Professor // Dale Mulfinger
UP UP
DN
DN
T e cto i g n yri h p o C 7 0 t2
3' - 7 1/2"
DN
REF
1st - Ground Level - Bedrock Room
2nd - Main level - Forest Views
3rd- Upper Deck - Canopy Room
Section Looking North
Material inspiration came from the site. The weathered wood exterior blends into the birch woods while the corten steel core, reminiscent of the red pine bark, stands out against the winter snow. Gabion walls on the lower level provide shelter from the harsh winters. Passive solar strategy was implemented with overhangs above the windows on the south facade that provide shade during summer months. Southern glazing provides opportunity for solar gain during the winter months. A screened in porch and deck wrap around the west end to the north and a large deck is located on the third level just off the canopy room. Winter Solstice - West Elevation
Winter Solstice - South Elevation
Summer Solstice - West Elevation
Summer Solstice - South Elevation