design identity brian prichard
My objective is to develop my architectural style by observing existing paradigms within the field of achitecture and evolving them to better suitb a sustainable and production oriented society; this includes moving from a purely function based architecture to a more aesthetic and sustainable style. I am determined to create meaningful buildings, which remain true to their surrounding and foster healthy lifestyles as well as creating beautiful functionality.
I look forward to the chalenge of professional practice and am determined to integrate myself into the design process and the day-to-day operations of an architecture firm which deals with a variety of program types and maintains a leadership position within the design community
table of contents
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epa region 6 lab
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performing arts academy
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low income housing
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martin puryear museum
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tevereterno redevelopment
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locavore center
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stool design and fabrication
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scenic overlook
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beam design and fabrication
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EPA Region 6 Lab Houston, TX From the exterior, no one would guess the importance of the work taking place within the walls of the EPA Region 6 Loaboratory in Houston. Located in a forgotten and aging office park on the outskirts of Houston, the lab and its workers are all but forgotten by the disinterested and apathetic public. Overworked and underappreciated, this causes a lack of job satisfaction among the EPAs scientists and degrades the sence of accomplishment for the valuable work they produce. The core of the EPAs objectives is to protect the environment and maintain its ability to support human habitation. This has become harder and harder as climate change continues to evolve landscapes and make habitation harder for humans. This is where the idea of a synthetic environment emerges; manmade environments which make the
uninhabitable habitable.
habitation.
Examples of synthetic environments, and the geo-engineering which makes them possible, are already present. Dubai and Las Vegas both cities in which geo-engineering allows to exist through the importation of water and the collection of solar energy for power. The Biosphere 2 experiment, which took place in Arizona in 1991, created an entire synthetic ecosystem which was used to study the closed loop systems. Completely air tight, this structure perfectly embodies the idea of a synthetic environment and allows for the progression of such sciences as geo-engineering and botany. By taking the concept of a biosphere and, reducing it to a small scale, the EPA could continue to develop techniques and gain information of the workings of planetary energy flows and how we affect them negatively, as well as how the effect of such changes to maintain the environments suitability for human
Matter, energy and information are all flows within closed systems. This is the very premice behind the original biosphere. In proposing the EPAs new building, this idea of flows will be taken into effect, and relate to the work produced by the scientists, the correlation to the environment, and the information gained and distributed to the public. The building will facilitate the production of this information through its inventive laboratory structure and the use of 3 miniature biospheres, used in the research of geo-engineering techniques.
Time Spent By Scientists
Program Breakdown
Existing EPA Facility
48 Lab Modules + 3 Biodome Modules allow for continued expansion.
Lab
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40,000 SF+
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Below: Closed System Energy Flows: The flow of matter, energy and information is fostered within the building, as the public is introduced to the work the EPA does. Each area of the building promotes one of these flows, and by making the work and information available to the public, the building will hopefully foster interest and passion about the EPAs work.
38% Support
35% Offices
27%
Critical lab support space requires adjacencies and servisability. 60 offices serve the tecnicians as well as administrative positions.
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60% of time
40% of time
Energy
Information
Matter
The EPAs Region 6 laboratory is charged with caring for the greater part of South-Central United Stated, covering New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. Dispite their determination to protect the environment and better the lives of people within their region, the EPA lacks an identity in their current state.
Located on the outskirts of sprawling Houston, the EPA has no connection to likeminded scientists. There is no academic interaction between researchers and people in the community. In order to better facilitate this interaction and increase the EPAs visibility within Houston, a new location has been picked for the design proposal.
Located between the Astrodome District and the Medical District, the new site creates connections not only to the surrounding community, but also to downtown Houston. Located moments away from public transportation, the EPA can begin to build an identity by practicing green activities within the community and fostering relationship with the scientists in the surrounding buildings (i.e. IMM Building)
Directly adjacent to Brays Bayou, the EPA secures a frontline position on the highly traveled bike path, as well as the light rail witch continues on to downtown Houston. Views to the north include the University of Texas Medical Center and The Institute for Molecular Medicine, increasing the buildings exposure to pedestrians and commuters.
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First Floor Plan
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1. Entrance 2. Auditorium 3. Biosphere 4. Biosphere Support
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5. Private Lab 6. Public Lab 7. Support/Mechanical Area 8. Cistern
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Second Floor Plan 1. Auditorium 2. Offices 3. Office Kitchen 4. Support/Mechanical Area
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The flow of matter, energy and information is fostered within the building, as the public is introduced to the work the EPA does. Each area of the building promotes one of these flows, and by making the work and information available to the public, the building will hopefully foster interest and passion about the EPAs work.
Knowledge
Lectures
Exchange
Conservation
Work
Biosphere
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performing arts academy: kansas city, mo The redevelopment of downtown Kansas City has been gradually turning abandoned and underused areas of the city metro into thriving communities. The River Market, Power and Light District, Crown Center and Union Station have all been redeveloped to accommodate a younger, hipper crowd. Continuing with this theme, a proposal for a new Performing Arts Academy has been brought forward. Located between the River Market and Power and Light Districts, the site for the academy is ideal for attracting large crowds and youth from the area. The site is within walking distance of many public buildings, including the Kansas City Public Library and municipal buildings. The goal of the design is to attract the talented youth from the area and give them a safe place to develop their skills.
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Facilitating classes, clubs, and independent studies, this facility would become a flagship project for community redevelopment in the area.
ties, and an outdoor movie screening area. The exterior cladding system was devised to visually convey the public portions of the building, with a perforated metal curtain covering the more private areas. This façade, while cold and sterile during the day, glows with the interior light at night. The half inch perforations allow light to enter into the spaces behind while limiting solar heat gain because of the double skin system. Fully detailed, the metal panels are designed on a module to allow for quick and easy installation.
Rendering (Right) shows north-western corner of the building. (Revit rendering, altered using Adobe Photoshop)
Hopeing to attract the hearts and imagination of Kansas City’s youth, the Performing Arts Academy is a symbol of the hard work and talent these children possess. Displaying their hard work and fallowing them from first practice to final production, this facility will feature the best talent Kansas City The design includes such spaces as large has to offer and capture the attention of and small practice rooms, set workthe entire community. shop, back-stage area, shower facili-
Sketch exploring form, spacial flow and circulation (Bottom Left).
The design for the Performing Arts Academy centers on the main performance auditorium. Aimed at showcasing the processes of the performing arts from intitial practice to final performance, the auditorium seating overlooks the practice rooms as well as the stage. This allows patrons to get glimpses into practice sessions. Curtains close off the space during a performance, blocking out any light from the adjoing spaces. By showing the process of learning, practice and final performance the design gives the public a better understanding for the amount of work that goes into each performance.
Sketch exploring concept of auditorium-practice room relationship (Bottom Middle). Diagram showing inspiration taken from Brown University’s Center for Creative Arts (Bottom Right).
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Aluminum Flashing Connection Bolt Structural Connector Plate Waterproof Joint Bat Insulation Panalized Insulation Corrugated Metal Decking Perforated Metal Screen Double Glazing Connection Bolt Aluminium Joint Cover
Mullion Cap Mullion Cast-In-Place Concrete Slab Floor
Section perspective (Left) showing the relationship between the performance space and practice rooms. (Revit rendering, altered using Adobe Photoshop)
W10x33 Aluminium Joint Cover Metal Drainage Grate Insulation
Typical Parapet Wall Detail (Top Right) Typical Floor Joist Connection Detail (Middle Right) Typical Footing Detail (Bottom Right)
Wate Barrier Gravel
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First Floor Plan (Left): Allowing students to enter separately from other patrons, practice spaces are kept secure from the general public.
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Second Floor Plan (Right): The main source of entry for patrons, allowing them to observe, but not interact with, the practicing students.
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low income housing: santa fe, nm Located on a small site within Santa Fe’s historic district, the objective was to create a simple and effective housing project to help low income families. Originally programed for six new dwelling units, eight were created while simultaneously allowing for private and semi-private space for each as well as amenities such as laundry and recreation rooms. By placing eight residential units on the site, and keeping down construction costs by using locally available materials, it is not necessary for the government to subsidize the properties as highly. Using the traditional adobe material in an untraditional way, multiple types of clay were taken from the surrounding areas. Depending upon where the clay is collected it contains different minerals. This gives clay different colors and when laid one layer upon another creates a distinctive pattern. This helps create a unique aesthetic while staying true to the local vernacular.
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Exterior Rendering (Right) (Revit rendering, altered using Adobe Photoshop)
The eight units range in size from three to four bedrooms, each with access to a semi-private courtyard (Ablove) which helps promote community interaction and escape from the desert heat. Naturally ventilated, these exterior spaces take advantage of the prevailing southeastern winds of the summer.
Blending into the vernacular of the historic area was desirable and adobe construction techniques (Above) were utilized. The many colors of local clay were used to create a layered effect within the architecture, while still staying true to the traditional materials of the region.
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First Floor and Site Plan (Far Right): Spreading out across the site allows for sheltered outdoor space. Amenities are found on this level. Second Floor Plan (Middle Right): Containing the majority of the bedrooms, this floor creates private space for the residence. Third Floor Plan (Immediate Right): The third floor is home to the private balconies. Each balcony has some view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains which surround Santa Fe.
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South Elevation (Top Left) Longitudinal Section (Bottom Left)
East Elevation (Top Right) Transverse Section (Bottom Right)
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Section Perspective (Right) cutting through the galleries and cafe. (Sketchup model altered using Adobe Photoshop) Programatic diagram (Far Left) Gallery-street relationship diagram (Left)
martin puryear museum: new york, ny Beginning as a site study in the SoHo district of New York City, the project developed into a single artist museum, showcasing the modern sculpture of Martin Puryear. Puryear has created
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a number of permanent installations in countries such as England and the United States, and his larger than life scale sculptures are best viewed in spacious environments. Larger spaces allow for better circulation and viewing of the artwok. Many of his art pieces are meant to be interacted with or even inhabited, giving his work a more tangible aspect which relates well to architecture. Thus,
the art galleries of the museum were created to interact with the streetscape, creating viewing angles to showcase the artwork to the public. Views of stairs from one gallery to the next help keep circulation clear, and create interest and anticipation for the next group of artwork. The building sits on an old parking
lot and anchors the corner of a highly developed and eclectic portion of the city. Interior gallery spaces create a clear path through the museum and look out, engaging the streetscape below. The galleries, which protrude from the traditional brick façade, help to form other primary spaces, such as the cafÊ, which overlooks the dramatic New York skyline to the south.
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urban site analysis: soho, new york Given the choice between two sites in the prestigous SoHo district of New York City, urban analysis was used to better understand the surrounding areas, including usage, access to public transportation and pedestrian and vehicular traffic flows.
Commercial Residential Industrial Vacant Lot Institutions Green Space
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Commercial
Residential
Industrial
Vacant Lot
Institutions
Green Space
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transportaion analysis: soho, new york
SoHo Area Map
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Subway Lines and Stops
Five Minute Walking Distance
Five Minute Walking Distance
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Basement Floor Plan
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First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Third Floor Plan
Fourth Floor Plan
Fifth Floor Plan
Sisth Floor Plan
From Left to Right: South Eastern Elevation Longitudinal Section Transverse section through galleries South Western Elevation
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locavore center and farmers market: manhattan, ks A locavore is a person who only eats food grown locally. This is a new trend in the food world spurred on by the high price of food and the desire to sustain local farmers. By creating a central location for local growers to bring their produce, the city of Manhattan, Kansas hopes to create a year-round farmers market. The farmers market and
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locavore center will not only supply the community with farm-fresh produce, but also facilitate classes and tours, teaching the public about local growers and the benefits of eating local. Dynamic Design for Changing Needs The design for the locavore center is based around the growing seasons. In the winter months, the structure is sealed tight, with windows to aid in solar heating. The amount of produce
available in the winter months is minimal, so the interior space is sufficient for farmers to set up their stands. As spring comes around, more and more produce will become available and more space will be needed for stations. At that point the exterior walls are able to be rotated open, creating an overhead structure and space for a vendor to set up their stand. One by one, the modules of the Locavore Center begin to open, the faรงade visually communicating the availability of the produce.
The opening of the walls becomes a ritual for the farmers market communicating the presence of farm-fresh produce. Passive heating and cooling is utilized with the walls becoming sunshade devices for the patrons in the hot summer months. Restroom facilities and sitting areas are provided, to further the enjoyment of people attending the farmers market.
South Elevation (Left Page): This view shows the market as it would appear closed and displays the recycled metal siding that was used to construct the wings.
Each wing has its own pulley system, allowing them to be opened individually. These diagrams show the closed and open states (Above).
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A section perspective of the final design (Right) shows the Farmers Market in use, demonstrating how the wings are opened as needed, to accomodate more vendors.(Sketchup model altered using Adobe Photoshop)
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An exploded axonometric (Above) reveals the floor plan of the structure, with bathrooms, and space for kitchen facilites as the Locavore Center grows in popularity. By Creating the structure on a module, it is possible to begin construction with only a few bays and add on as more space is needed.
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konza prairie scenic overlook: manhattan, ks Commissioned to create a sacred space for the Konza Prairie while simultaneously taking advantage of the amazing views, the most iconic shape of religious structures emerged. The basilica plan with a transept and nave was borrowed to
help facilitate a sense of spirituality in nature. The larger space directs views out into the landscape, framing a view that stretches for miles. Two smaller spaces were created, mirroring the chapels of the Christian church. These spaces create a more intimate and contemplative environment, with views restricted to a short distance up the hill. By creating a few diverse spaces, the
overlook facilitates different uses including solitary and group experiences. The materials were all required to fit in a pickup bed and be brought to the site via hiking trail. It was decided to use recycled shipping pallets as the main source of enclosure, while utilizing heavier grade lumber for all structural installations. The larger forward space is oriented
horizontally to direct views, emphasizing the horizontal nature of the Konza Prairie. The smaller spaces have vertically oriented lumber to help move the eyes up, towards the prairie sky which is fully half of any prairie scene and create a scenario to contemplate a higher power.
Final model overlooking panoramic view of site (Right Page) Diagram showing topography and siting.
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Massing plan diagram
Circulation and views diagram
Structural diagram and grid (Below)
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Longitudinal Section: Shows spacial relationship between large and small spaces.
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Study model (Above): First itteration of design began as a less traditional shape, creating spacial flows and exploring the possibilities of the form. Final model (Left): Looking through the model along the main axis, views are framed and spacial flow is maintained.
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tevereterno redevelopment: rome, italy Located in the historic section of Rome, Italy, Tevereterno is a project which aims to rejuvenate the mostly neglected stretch of the Tiber River. By taking cues from past temporary art projects along the river’s edge, we can begin to visualize a new use for the unattractive and often dangerous area. By creating a linear park on the sight, spanning the river itself, a greater amount of permeability and visual connection can be created, linking the pedestrians on street level to the river below. The historical nature of the river and its importance to the formation of Rome as a city was important in the design process. Creating habitable space at water level rejuvenates the once mythical nature of the river and how people interact with it. Seasonal flooding causes a problem with year-round habitation of the area; however, through the meandering quality of the proposed park, it will remain functional regardless of river height. The concept of a “green river� covered in vegetation becomes the driving force behind the design, creating contrast between the industrial and polluted feeling of this section of the Tiber River. The proposed project for this section of the Tiber River will create interest in this area of Rome, which is currently
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overshadowed by the many monuments which inhabit the city around it. It creates a destination that would not only attract tourists but serve locals as a safe and inviting place to lunch, walk, socialize and play. Tevereterno can become the flagship project of the Tiber Redevelopment Program, which aims at reintegrating the Tiber River into the city of Rome as a historical landmark and a beautiful natural feature.
Diagram depicting the relationship to the site and other historical sites in the area. (Below)
Sketch Perspective of an entrance to the linear park (Right) Transverse section (Below) shows the sculpture garden, with human figures displayed in precarious positions on columns.
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Four diagrams (Left) describe the progression of the river and design intent. The Tiber River is transformed into a linear element at Tevereterno. A green “river� is created and then superimposed on the site. Sketch Perspective (Right) showing an alternate view of the sculpture garden and its relationship to the park. Bottom: Site Plan (hand drawing with water color)
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interlocking planes: digital fabrication project Challenged to develop a stool design utilizing only a 4’ by 4’ section of 1/8� melamine coated particleboard and plywood top, it became clear the limitations of the material would be tested. Using the Rhinocerous software, and a laser cutter, I created scale studies of the final design, which would be cut out on the
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CNC Router using Rhino CAM. I challenged myself to develop a stool capable of supporting over one hundred pounds, which could be assembled in no more than 6 steps, in under one minute, and without using tools. Standing twenty-four inches tall fully assembled, the entire construct breaks down and fits into an area of 18x24x2 inches. The entire assembly therefore remains extremely portable and all
instructions are etched on the bottom of the tabletop to insure their continued availability. The stool can be used as a small end table, a coffee table or even a computer stand. The outcome was an extremely versatile and strong table, which remains portable and easy to assemble out of the box.
Diagram showing the assembly process (Left Page), including six steps and taking less than one minute. xploded view of the product (Above), designed in Rhino and cut using Rhino CAM and CNC router. Final product (Right), including plywood top and Melamine base.
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spinal beam: concrete design and fabrication Continuing a study in digital fabrication, this project began as a study of form-tie concrete structure and ended in a completely re-imagined idea of form-tie construction. The form-tie
Concept Modeling
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concrete beam was the outcome of a series of concept drawings as well as small-scale mockups. The final model and formwork were created using Rhino modeling software and assembled by hand. A fiber reinforced concrete mix was created using fly ash as the cementing agent. The beam was poured upside down and a power sander was used to
vibrate the formwork, releasing any air bubbles. The result is a slick beam, nine feet long and spanning 7 feet. The 1/8� plexiglass form-ties were left as a reminder of the construction process. The entire beam weighs just over fifty pounds with a 2x3 inch cross section at the smallest point.
Formwork Modeling
Computer Modeling
Final Production
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Formwork Fabrication
After designing the beam in Rhino, the formwork was cut out using Rhino CAM and the CNC router with 1/8” down bits.
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Formwork Assembly
1/8” Plexiglass was used for the formties. Cut out on a laser cutter, they were left in the finished beam to create a spine-like look.
1/2” plywood was used to give the Melamine board more rigidity, while maintaining the smooth texture.
To simplify the process, the beam was poured upside down. The mixture of fiber reinforced concrete was cemented with flyash and a quickening agent was added.
Final Production
Spinal Beam: Concrete Fabrication
A Power sander was used to shake the formwork and release any air bubbles.
The form-ties released on either side of the beam, leaving a very smooth and extremely strong product.
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contact information brian prichard
Baltimore, MD 484.226.5250 brianmprichard@gmail.com