Christopher Sanders | Selected Works by Christopher Sanders

Christopher Sanders Selected Works, Rice University

Selected Works. Extensible Connectivity

p.06

Mediatech Library

Rethinking the School

p.18

Primary School

Right to Housing

p.30

Affordable Housing

Nesting Solitude

p.40

House of Meditation

Communal Dwelling

p.50

Multifamily Housing

Maison Hermes Construction Detailing Study

p.58

Education 2021-Present

Rice University Master in Architecture Candidate

2016-2020

Texas Tech University Bachelor’s of Science in Architecture

Experience 2021-Present

HOME-OFFICE Graduate Assistant for Rice University, selected by professor Brittany Utting’s research and design collaborative. Current responsibilities include research and schematic design drawings for two upcoming (disclosed) exhibitions.

2021-2021

Small Business Administration Worked as a Loan Officer, which involved processing and analyzing loan applications for small businesses in disaster situations. Also, responsibilities consisted of working directly with clients in order to understand their case by case situations. This role was a culmination of customer service, research, and data analyzing.

2017-2018

Willis Law Group Intern Personally assisted a handful of lawyers within the office. Responsibilities included organizing previous and current case files. Additionally, I was responsible for handling and restructuring the case filing system, which consisted of cases as far as 20 years prior.

Organizations 2017-Present

NOMAS (National Organization of Minority Architecture Students) Currently helping create the groundwork for NOMAS Rice, which is the founding group of the university. This organization focused on professional development, community advocacy, and design excellence. Current responsibilities include curating and setting up events, attending discussion meetings that are key to progressing the organization’s goals.

2021-Present

Recess (Rice Architecture Mentorship Program) Recess is a student run organization at Rice University, with the focus on outreach to middle school and high school students. Current responsibilities include curating lesson plans that inform and teach students about architecture and design. Additionally, I curate hands-on activities for students to better understand the built environment.

2018-2020

CROP The yearly journal of Texas Tech University’s College of Architecture. Responsibilities included graphic design, editorial duties, and project managing. Additionally, I assisted in setting up various events and exhibitions.

2018-2020

Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps people in communities. Texas Tech’s construction class partnered with Habitat for Humanity. We produced diagrammatic and technical drawings of micro storage facilities. Also, we were able to build multiple micro storage facilities for the communities throughout Lubbock, Texas.

2021-Present

Black Graduate Student Association Rice University’s Black Graduate Student Association that aims to uplift and highlight the black graduate students throughout the university.

Selected Awards & Recognitions Deans List / Texas Tech University - (2016-2020) Academic Leadership Award Nomination / Texas Tech University - 2018 National Honors Society / Texas Tech University - 2017

Proficiencies Computer Skills / Rhinoceros, Adobe Suites, V-Ray, Grasshopper, Revit, AutoCAD, Office 365 Prototyping | Fabrication / 3d printing, laser cutting, vacuum forming, modeling

Christopher Sanders 214 543 9551 ck.sanders@icloud.com 1520 N Beckley ave Dallas, TX 75203 United States

Extensible Connectivity Mediatech Library

Texas Tech University Academic, Studio VI, Spring 2019 Instructor: David Isern

This building is a media library designed for various interactions. The design of this library allows for information to be transmitted both digitally and physically, while focusing on increasing human interactions within the surrounding community. The programs in the library are split and separated by the changing topography that sits on the ground level. This topography is used to connect people and form experiences throughout the various levels of its surface. The role of the library in contemporary society has changed over time. There is an abundance of research and information at the palm of our hands. This questions the need for an analog experience, when needing to learn new information. This shifts the role of the library to becoming a space that can focus the surrounding communities. Libraries now serve as safe spaces for after school programs and schooling events. The “Mediatech Library” combines information and activity by utilizing technology as an adaptation to current trends.

The site is based in downtown of Lubbock, Texas. The topography serves as a meeting place for people in the community to enjoy outdoor activities, host events, and create many other experiences. The library is tucked into this topography, with an opening that slices diagonally across the surface. The interior is designed to enhance the interaction of people that can lead to even more information being spread. The stacks and data are located throughout the four drum shaped rooms that are elevated above the surface. The rooms are in the four corners of the site, which act as the cornerstones of the building. Users can look up when experiencing the outdoors and see these data and server rooms produce information that is directed back throughout the library underneath. These data and server rooms allow flexibility for new innovations in the coming future. Technology will be able to transport in a plethora of ways. The green space and open floor plan allow for the library to be a safe space that can influence youth to have access to more resources within their own city.

Drawing | Macro map of Lubbock, scale 1:1000

The role of the public library in contemporary society allows for people to do research, creates opportunities for jobs, and create new experiences overall. The role of the university library in contemporary society allows for students to conduct research and access information pertaining to their studies. The role of the community centers in contemporary society creates a safe space for the youth, as well as a place for resources to those who lack direct access. The role of the public parks in contemporary society influences the positive effects of outdoor activities and gatherings.

Drawing | Geographical analysis Macro map of Lubbock, scale 1:2000

03 & 04 05

Image | Section Model , Image | Study Model Image | Section Model

Image | Axonometric of museum & gallery space, stack and data collection space, server center

Drawing | Ground plan, scale 1:500

Drawing | Underground plan, scale 1:200

Drawing | Section, scale 1:100

Image | Axonometric of three parts of the underground

The colors used in these images are symbolic of the programmatic differences throughout the library. Being able to combine various programs allows for a plethora of interactions and experiences to be created. There is a playfulness that is depicted throughout the design. This playfulness is embedded in the topography that creates openings and places the user in different viewpoints all throughout.

Image | Three emblematic images

Rethinking the School Primary School

Rice University Academic, Studio 504, Fall 2021 Instructor: Brittany Utting

Classroom environments play an important role in students’ motivation, engagement, and achievement at school. Over the years, researchers have suggested various ways to conceptualize the characteristics of classroom environments that would be related to students’ adaptive engagement. Two influential frame-works have been achievement goal structures—students’ perceptions of the motivational emphases in their classroom (Ames, 1992b; Kaplan & Maehr, 2007; Meece, Anderman, & Anderman, 2006) and the classroom social climate (e.g., Fraser, 2000; Haertel, Walberg, & Haertel, 1981). These two frameworks have made important contributions to understanding the nature of positive classroom environments; however, each has limitations. This overall perspective is strong theoretically but not in terms of relating students’ perceptions of the environment to actual teacher practices and classroom life, particularly social interactions and relationships. In turn, the classroom social climate perspective is strong in depicting actual classrooms and students’ perceptions but is not well

-developed in its theoretical explanation of the underlying processes linking classroom environments and student outcomes. Current studies suggest that classroom goal structure and social climate research are complementary and can inform each other’s weaknesses. In this project, I wanted to explore & critique the standard way of learning. This led me to critique the school and classroom through research and my personal experience. Architecturally, I wanted to explore how this space would effect learning if there were limitations on imposing physical constraints. The critique of traditional school settings allowed me to see what was done both successfully and unsuccessfully. Through research I found schools are typically have these runway style hallways that discourage social interactions. There are limited textures, natural light and variety of spaces. These three qualities are what led me to design this open flexible learning space that are broken up by courtyards.

This design process mirrors the progressive educational methods, which are intended to help children learn how to learn and to take an active role in the learning process. The environment itself should hold information about the world for them to discover or for educators to use to illustrate ideas.

01 & 02

Image | Site context - Houston Heights 1984, Image | Axonometric programmatic spatial study

Texture is celebrated. The movement of light is valued, and all rooms are day-lit. Each classroom has its own outdoor space. Subscribing to ecological values is much more meaningful for children if they see the environment valued in their daily life. Nothing is designed as a “throwaway.” With mild weather, covered outside space provides circulation and is an opportunity for social interaction. It is made up of stopping places with attention to the sequence of views and the color and texture of for and wall surfaces. Not surprisingly, the bridge that safely links the site across the alley is one of the children’s favorite places because it provides a space from which they can view their surroundings. Traditionally, what people think of as a playground appropriate for children is a large paved space to run around, a sports field, and a play structure. Kids need more than that. They need a variety of spaces for improvised play where they can use their minds creatively and work out

Space of Assembly

Space of Collection

Space of Learning

03 & 04

Drawing | Plans of concept diagrams, Drawing | Axonometric of concept diagrams: spaces of learning, play, service

Drawing | Second level plan, scale 1:200

Drawing | Second level plan- Enhanced moment of the various spatial moments

School environments should be about play and discovery. Play is a form of learning, which the traditional design of schools undervalues the legitimacy of play and isolates classroom space from outdoor spaces. Classroom environments play an important role in students’ motivation, engagement, and achievement at school. Over the years, researchers have suggested various ways to conceptualize the characteristics of classroom environments that would be related to students’ adaptive engagement.

Drawing | Longitudinal section, scale 1:200

08 & 09

Image | Section model- Translucent and Opaque facade moment, The courtyard spaces & learning pockets in between

The section model enhances the spatial conditions of the second level of the building. The cut through the courtyard spaces, as well as the various learning spaces, allow for the interconnection of spaces to be highlighted. Understanding how light is allowed into these spaces and how they overlap is key to the experiential moments of this building. Also, the facade being translucent and opaque in different spots allow for the public vs private moments.

Image | Section model- Cut through library and learning space

Image | Between the courtyard and private learning space

Image | Between the courtyard and learning space

Right to Housing Affordable Housing

Rice University (in-progress)* Academic, Studio 504, Spring 2022 Instructor: Reto Geiser

The fourth most populous city in the United States, Houston is not only subjected to a steady population growth, but along with it also a rapidly increasing disparity in income distribution. Wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, which means that wages at the bottom, and even in the middle, cannot match the exponentially increasing cost of housing, especially in areas with access to jobs and public infrastructure. In response to this challenge, we tackled the development of a speculative approach to collective living with a focus on long-term support for Houston’s homeless population. “Right to Housing” is a design and research project that will address homelessness through the architectural lens of housing; reconsider the role domestic space; and propose new typologies for multiunit housing.

In progress

Initially we worked on an in-depth discussion on homelessness and possible architectural responses to this social problem by re-considering collective forms of living and their implications on public space and the urban environment.

Drawing | Unit block typologies, scale 1:200

Drawing | Ground plan- enhanced view of spatial moments between units

Drawing | Site Plan, scale 1:500

Image | Shared balcony spaces between units

Implementing shared outdoor spaces was an important design goal when initially starting this project. Understanding that housing goes far beyond interior private rooms, and that outdoor spaces are just as valuable to the residents was something found during research. Making sure that the stigma of affordable housing was not translated in this project, prompted the realization that those who are homeless or live in affordable housing want to fit into the fabric of their surroundings.

Image | Elevation of the exterior bar that houses public programs connected to the housing units.

Nested Solitude House of Meditation Texas Tech University Academic, Studio V, Fall 2018 Instructor: Sora Key

This House of Meditation is a place for users to experience meditation of various forms despite being in a busy surrounding city. Meditation is a practice by an individual using a technique that helps focus on thought, activity, or an object. Meditating is usually depicted as isolating from distractions or noise. Building a meditation home in downtown Denver, Colorado initially brings a challenge due to the number of events and activities that occur. There is a juxtaposition that occurs when placing an isolation-based program into a capacitated space.

From the nested greenspace in the center of the building, to the translucent envelope skin that hugs the exterior, the user is always in a different space.

The building is elevated by a series of low arching columns that creates a moment of intimacy when the user walks through. Elevation is a concept that not only has meaning architecturally but also symbolically. The programs are ordered to transcend the user to the ultimate program which is the meditation room. There are plenty of moments to meditate throughout the spaces, but the designated room for meditation represents a hierarThe concept behind the “House of Meditation” is chy. The programs are ordered by common rituals that based on a series of iterations that focused on pushing all people partake in daily. Entering the building, you and pulling space. Punch, carve, embed and nest are are introduced to the designated living space which all words that represent the design theory behind this then leads you to the eating space. Finally you arrive building. Giving the user the ability to feel isolated and at the meditation area, which is created by focusing on connected through each design move is the goal. sound and materiality.

The site is based in Denver, Colorado which is an urban location that offers activities and attractions for all ages. Placing a meditation home in the middle of the city is a challenge that requires analyzing all aspects of the city.

Image | Collage of the site in Denver

Denver, Colorado

Drawing | Downtown Denver site plan, scale 1:1000

Drawing | Ground plan, scale 1:200

Drawing | Second floor plan, scale 1:200

Drawing | Section, scale 1: 250

Communal Dwelling Multifamily Housing

Texas Tech University Academic, Studio VII, Fall 2019 Instructor: Hendrika Buelinckx

Housing projects are about accommodating large groups of people in small spaces. This housing project focuses on the individuality of people and acknowledging various lifestyles. The units are distributed across the site, encouraging social interaction, diversity along with a mix of various lifestyles. Between the houses, programs are formed using field conditions. Typical networks are broken up by spaces designed for public activity — such as communal planters, farmers markets, and sporting activities. This village is a collection of dwelling and public space typologies, each placed to cater to various demographics and households. Each unit also has a semi-private area that provides an outdoor living space that suits them. The number of programs that are placed throughout the site encourage the connections amongst one another.

The site, located in Lubbock, Texas, posed various challenges that required various design decisions. Ecologically, there was a focus on reducing wind pressure and controlling solar heat gain and nighttime cooling. The double skin façade on the exterior of the units provided the solution to those ecological problems. Grouping the housing in various forms and directions limits the amount of exposed facades, as well as using trees to block the harsh winds of Lubbock.

Circulation and space are broken up by programs all throughout the site. The programs are dispersed throughout the site evenly, to focus on giving each user equal access to the amenities. Being on a different side of the site shouldn’t limit you to experience certain activities. The programs are based on communal rituals that connect the variety of typologies along the site.

Meeting Platform

Pergola

Shopping Center

Farmers Market

Green Houses

Playground Box

01 & 02

Diagram | Initial volumetric studies, Diagram | Programmatic rituals

Emblematic Image

03 & 04

Drawing | Site plan, scale 1:500, Image | Axonometric of cluster of units situated amongst the field condition

Drawing | Typologies of unit plans- 1400 sqft plan (top left), 700 sqft plan (bottom left), 1000 sqft plan

Drawing | Unit section of 1400 sqft unit, scale 1:200

07 & 08

Image | Oblique perspective- Field condition broken up by programs, Image | Spatial condition under unit

The Utilization of a curved sloping roof allows for the runoff of snow and rain that is common in West Texas. The exterior facade acts as a cooling strategy respective to the weather in Lubbock, Texas. Each Unit is rotated and placed close to one another because it allows for the blocking of harsh wind and cold weather. This is efficient for heating during the winter time. There is space under each unit that is allocated to outdoor activities for the user. Each user has their own outdoor space that has the ability to be unique.

Image | Exploded axonometric

Maison Hermes This project was focused on studying the structure and details on the “Maison Hermes” building by Renzo Piano. The project required research and constructing a wall section, elevation and axonometric detail.

Academic, Building Technology, Spring 2020 Instructor: Peter Raab

01 & 02

Image | Elevation of facade, Drawing | Wall section detail of facade system

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1 Steel Columb 2 Steel Plate 3 Plaster Board Ceiling 4 Sun Screen 5 Fire Spray Potection 6 Steel Square Beam 7 Fire Spray Coating 8 Fire Spray Coating 9 I-Beam 10 Concrete Slab 11 Plare Spacers 12 False Floor 13 IGU 14 Glass Block 15 Flexible Steel Cage 16 Steel Edge Finishes 17 Point Bolt Finish 18 Insulation Space 19 Facade Rods 20 Concreete Reinforced Beam 21 Rolling Damper Clip 22 Steel Glass Block Frame 23 Visco Elastic 24 Point Fixed Floor Pin 25 Steel Channel Spacer 26 Electric Duct Spacing 27 Steele Columb Footing 28 Roller Pin 29 Damper Rolling Connection 30 Canteliever Steele Support