design portfolio
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The proper study of mankind is the science of design, not only as the professional component of a technical education but as a core discipline for every liberally educated man. -Herbert Simon
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Christopher Perkins Design Portfolio Undergraduate Studies University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture This portfolio is a comprehensive collection of Undergraduate work by Christopher Perkins at the University of Detroit Mercy from Fall 2010 to Fall 2013. Each project is a unique and extensive investigation of concepts and constructions within the realm of architecture and design. The portfolio includes three in-depth Vertical Studio projects and three Foundation Studio projects which can be understood collectively as an examination of Process. Also included is a series of photographic works emphasizing the importance of visual language within architecture. As with all projects, this portfolio and the works within it are at once always and never done - yet all are complete macrocosmically.
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Contents Project
Instructor
6_Detroit City Concert Hall Becky Nix 12_Vistula Informatorium Anna Grabowska 18_Center for the Study of Failed Utopias Tony Martinico 22_Origami Pod 24_BirdHouse Project 26_Luthier Shop 28_Wall Theater
Allegra Pitera Tom Roberts Tom Roberts Tom Roberts
30_Photography
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Detroit City Concert Hall Civic Architecture Building Type: Multi-Use Site: Gratiot + St. Antoine, Detroit, MI concept: The Detroit City Concert Hall is a multi-use cultural center featuring
a 1600-seat Grand Theatre and a 1000-seat Auxiliary Theatre on the second level. These dramatic, concrete forms contrast the light, glass facade of the Main Lobby which evokes a sense of openness and community.
Within this space is a BlackBox Theatre and open Gallery and Exhibition Space. The DCCH also includes an autonomous Youth Education Facility focusing on music and performing arts which
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Vistula Informatorium Critical Architecture Building Type: Educational Facility Site: Port Praga, Warsaw, Poland concept: The Vistula Informatorium achieves integration with nature without the use of formalistic imitation. Using modern materials and simple geometries, the building maintains a connection with the nature while understanding that a built form can never embody a natural form and it never needs to. It is within the dichotomy that the two find their identities.
Yet the building, along the Great Vistula River, still celebrates the natural environment. The exterior shell of the building is a simple rectangle of tinted glass creating a building which reflects the surrounding space. Because of this, it can be understood as an invisible building--a building without an exterior. Conversely, each room within the Informatorium is composed of an individual box--a series of interiors creating a meditative, introspective space, separate from the wild, expressive nature of the exterior site.
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Center for the Study of Failed Utopias theoretical Architecture Building Type: Urban Center Site: Grand River + W Forest, Woodbridge, MI concept: Located in Woodbridge, Michigan where the 1967 Detroit Riots first erupted, this multi-use, urban center acts as a reminder of the past, a critique of the present, and a vision of the future. The dramatic "sink-hole" entrance off of Canfield Street leads into a research library which functions as a learning center for visitors - explaining the intentions of the Center and detailing the history of the Site itself. Walking across a long, elevated bridge leads into a larger theatre and exhibition space where local artists and speakers can display work or hold events. Each subterranean space is built beneath pre-existing concrete foundation slabs that have been raised and repurposed as roof and landscape elements. These are meant to be experienced from all angles: above, from the bridges, below, in the underground spaces, and in intimate, first-person view from traversing the site on foot. The Center for the Study of Failed Utopias uncovers pieces of history while acting as a bridge to the future from the tumultuous, textural present
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Origami Pod A Sketch Problem concept: The Japanese art of origami evokes the architectonic language of delicacy and precision. With this in mind, the objective of the Origami Pod project was to construct a package to hold a specific origami figure. The origami frog is able to flip when the back legs are compressed and released. The pod created to house the jumping frog is similarly dynamic with a lid that flips open when lifted. The curvilinear shape is reminiscent of items found in nature such as leaves and shells
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Esherick BirdHouse a Precedent Study concept: The first phase of the Birdhouse Project was to choose a historically relevant house of the 20th century as a precedent study. The house was then modeled and analyzed so that its architectural principles could be used to create a birdhouse that would theoretically be placed on the site of the initial house.
Louis Kahn's Esherick House was chosen for phase one and the concepts of monumentality, connection, rhythm, and variation were incorporated into the design of the birdhouse
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Luthier Shop A materials study Building Type: Retail Facility Site: University Ave + Freedom Way, Windsor, Canada concept: With the Windsor Armouries Building being restored as a part of the University of Windsor, the opportunity presents itself for a rethinking of the area. As the site across the street is merely a parking lot, this space acts as a blank canvas for new architectural design. The goal of this project was to design a trade building, in this case a Violin-maker's shop. Following the lines of musical instruments while incorporating practical workshop and display/performance spaces, the Luthier Shop would provide a welcome addition to what could become a new art district in Windsor
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Wall Theater A Social Study Building Type: Theater Site: W Adams + Park Ave, Detroit, MI concept: How can architecture engage the public to make the most of a long unused space? The intent of the Wall Theater project was to use the existing elements of the Adams Theater in Grand Circus Park to create a new indoor/outdoor theater. Large glass shards dramatically pierce the facade creating a space for performers on the outside of the building. On the ground level is a practice space covered in frosted glass so that pedestrians can be more engaged with the everyday use of the building. The main entrance for the Wall Theater is a long, winding ramp in the back also encased in glass.
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Photography Vital to the perception and appreciation of architecture is the craft of photography. While architecture can best be understood experientially, this is not always geographically or logistically possible. With this is mind, the integral role of photography in field of architecture is apparent. The following photos were taken in cities throughout Europe (Warsaw, Berlin, Venice, Paris, and London) and in Detroit
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Christopher Perkins Design Portfolio Undergraduate Studies University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture 39