PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO
SELECTED WORKS // CONNIE LEE //
01_Mechanisms of Mechanisms
fall 2024
atlanta, georgia
instructor: daniel baerlecken
collaborator: kelsey payne
This project reimagines the underutilized first floor of the Georgia Tech Architecture West building, transforming it into a vibrant and functional space. The redesign incorporates a system of counterweights, pulleys, ropes, and panels to unify and revitalize the area, with the motion of the counterweights serving as a key visual and functional element. The adjacent outdoor area, previously underused due to sun glare and poor circulation, is enhanced by adding a new structure. This structure supports six movable panels that
extend the existing conditions, offering shading and additional pin-up space. Operated by a hand crank, gears, and pulleys, the panels are designed to be user-friendly and accessible. As the user moves the hand crank, the counterweight balls are lowered into the ground and the panels are lifted up. Safety and usability were prioritized in the design. Counterweights are securely locked into the ground to prevent unintended movement. A small bench and crossbracing create a semi-boundary, discouraging through traffic while having private spaces.
exploded isometric (event day) site photos:
01_outdoor
02_study area --> exhibition
03_atrium
04_cafe diagram: atrium
The entrance area, currently arranged as a study space with rows of tall tables, will be transformed into an exhibition space—filling the existing gap for showcasing student work to the College of Design community and visitors. This intervention introduces a motorized system where counterweights descend into a bench with a translucent backing, creating a visually engaging feature for those entering the building. The system is supported by a structure anchored to the existing concrete waffle slab, with panel size and spacing aligned to the waffle grid. As the
counterweights descend, the panels fold upward toward the ceiling, and as the counterweights rise, the panels lower into position. While the panels typically rest in the lowered position to display permanent exhibitions, they can also feature work when folded up, utilizing the ceiling as an alternative display surface. Furthermore, the panels could also be used as additional pinup spaces. Additionally, six display cases are positioned near the windows, providing dedicated spaces to showcase models.
The atrium’s new intervention introduces panels that descend from the second floor, providing additional pin-up spaces and additional exhibition panels to showcase student work. These panels operate from a motorized pulley system attached to the existing fluting on the third floor, with a track installed along the second floor for the panels to rest on. The wiring is discreetly routed through the HVAC system and controlled remotely from the first floor. As the panels lower, the counterweights rise, and vice versa. For safety, the counterweights are
positioned at an inaccessible distance from the second floor. To compensate for the relocated study spaces near the entrance, the design incorporates new tables and chairs. The café intervention reimagines the space by removing the existing concrete walls, opening up the kitchen area to create a functional mini cafe. This replaces the current setup of a standalone serving table with a more integrated and inviting design. The system utilizes counterweights, panels, pulleys, ropes, and torsion springs, all supported by a new structure connected to the
existing waffle slab. The design features two panels divided at the existing column, creating a distinct flow: customers order on the left side and pick up their orders on the right. The setup is optimized for one to two employees. When the cafe is open, the panels lift upward, signaling its availability, and when closed, the panels lower to seal the space. The counterweights travel along the ceiling and descend into a translucent box where they lock securely. Opening the panels is effortless, requiring minimal force due to the torsion spring. Once raised, the panels
are secured with a side-locking mechanism. The panels extend outward from the existing structure, making the café visible from the entrance and inviting passersby to engage with the space. The new cafe also invites people to hang out in the atrium. The system is highly adaptable, seamlessly accommodating various scenarios such as pinups, events, or everyday activities. Even when not actively in use, the panels and counterweights contribute to the space’s visual appeal. The panels showcase work, while the
counterweights double as sculptural elements, adding a playful dimension to the environment. The café, designed as an integral part of the space, would typically remain open during events, further enhancing functionality and fostering engagement. For example, on event days with larger crowds, the outdoor panels can be raised to extend the usable space, offering additional seating and shading. The exhibition panels can also be lifted to create areas for serving food, while the atrium panels are raised to maximize open space for the event.On typical
days, the panels can be adjusted as needed to provide shading for study or relaxation, offering flexibility based on individual preferences. All panels, except those in the cafe, are designed to double as pin-up spaces, adding functionality and versatility to the environment.
02_Mudfire Studio +
Gallery
summer 2024
decatur, georgia
instructor: katherine wright
The renovations to MudFire aim to create an inclusive community hub for makers and artists, fostering collaboration and creativity while addressing the needs of the community and owners, Daphne and Deklan. The design balances open, interactive spaces and private areas for focused work, with minimal walls to allow for adaptable, multi-functional spaces that cater to present and future needs. A new second floor extends approximately four feet beyond the existing footprint, adding a perimeter walkway. This walkway enhances the
outdoor garden (16) by providing shading and a sense of enclosure, creating a more inviting and functional space. Key areas such as the gallery (12), event space (13), and reception with supplies (14) are repositioned near the entrance to welcome visitors, replacing the original gallery’s hidden location at the back. The main studio, also near the entrance, offers an open and inviting workspace for both visitors and makers, while the RA studio in the back provides a quieter, more private area for resident artists. The outdoor garden (16) serves as a
section_01
main studio perspective behind wall perspective study model
communal space where studio members can socialize, have lunch, and connect. Adjacent to the garden, the breakout room (15) offers a social and collaborative space for learning and interaction. The classroom (07) is designed as a semi-private space, utilizing shelving as partitions. Practical features like sinks and cleanup areas are located at the rear, adjacent to the outdoor area for shipments and waste disposal. The glazing area (06) is positioned on the right side, equipped with shelves for supplies and additional tables for glazing work.
Kiln operations are housed in a separate space (existing), with indoor kilns and storage complemented by an outdoor kiln under a newly added roof structure. The second floor includes private spaces for Daphne and Deklan’s office and incubator spaces for professional artists running businesses. This adjacency is helpful since the owners offer a program to these professional artists and require collaboration. An additional workspace above the kiln room offers a quieter area for makers seeking a more private working environment.
The walkway around the second floor allows views into the outdoor garden and other exterior spaces, enhancing connectivity. A large elevator links the two floors, designed to accommodate the movement of large works and materials. Storage, a primary concern for the owners, is integrated throughout the studio.
This redesign ensures MudFire is both functional and inspiring, fostering a thriving creative community.
03_Framing the Sky
fall 2023
myvatn, iceland
instructor: george johnston
Located in northern Iceland next to Lake Myvatn, a beer spa is proposed to replace a souvenir shop next to Hotel Sel. Connecting guests to the Aurora Borealis, Myvatn craters, Hverfjall volcano, and the amazing landscape that surrounds the site. This building joins the essence of nature with an experiential journey. The final location of the site was based on three main factors: the adjacency to the hotel, the panoramic views of the Skútustaðagígar craters, the proximity of the main highway, and the symbolic connection to the Hverfjall volcano.
By extending these matrices, a “plinth” was formed, creating a foundation for the beer spa to rest on. Inspired by the ethereal skyscapes of James Turrell, the design concept aims to forge a profound connection between visitors and the celestial canvas above. At ground level, the entrance to the beer spa stands distinct and separate from the main entrance, delineating two distinct experiences for visitors. The cafe, souvenir shop, and brewery is located on the first floor and is inclusive to all visitors, separate from the beer spa on the second floor. The spa’s
entry begins at the ground level, adjacent to the hotel. Visitors transcend to the second floor, where they will travel through the main hallway. There, guests are greeted by vertical wooden panels, simultaneously serving as an ambient light experience and a protective shading device. The beer bath, relaxation room, and changing rooms have sawtooth roofs, framing the aurora borealis at night to the north and blocking the sunlight from the south. The journey culminates on a terrace offering a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscape
and celestial spectacle. A vertical language permeates the structure. Stark black wood cladding adorns the exterior, contrasting with the transparent glazing of the ground floor to create a weightlessness to the spa, like it is floating.
site photo exploded axon site plan diagram: cafe
plans
terrace render physical model pictures diagram: hallway
section diagram: end of hallway
04 Jardins De Maria
Matilde Almendros summer 2023
barcelona, spain instructor: mark cottle + sekou samuels
collaborator: fatima jarquin
main streets
existing nearby illas metro stations
nearby schools on ramp perspective
diagram: top view plan
In the heart of Eixample, this project seeks to revitalize an urban garden by blending its rich historical context with modern design elements. Jardines de Maria Matilde Almendros is a small interior garden, named after Catalan radio broadcaster and actress, Maria Matilde Almendros. Due to overpopulation and the rapid growth of buildings, the site, a once open space for children to play, is reduced to a small area with limited sunlight and poor ventilation. A hotel was built in 2015 which significantly decreased the size of the garden.Today, the garden remains
a cherished refuge for many seeking tranquility from the busy streets. This initiative seeks to reclaim the space for its original purpose, reintroducing children to the space while embracing the diverse needs of the community. Nearby activities such as main roads, other gardens, and metro stations, were analyzed to provide context for demographics and circulation patterns. Inspired by the original materials found on site—glass blocks, brick, and concrete—the intervention carefully integrates these elements. Prioritizing accessibility, the layout incorporates
site 2009
int. + ext. isometric
site 2023
existing elevations
diagram: under brick arch nook
an arrangement of ramps and stairways, guiding visitors along a well-planned circulation path. Mirroring the existing brick arches onto a blank concrete wall, the design introduces playful nooks and seating areas, paying homage to the site’s history and materials. Continuous brick nooks along a wall offer children opportunities for exploration and play, while a spacious seating area ensures parents can supervise their little ones comfortably. Additional seating areas, including benches positioned along ramps and a secluded space behind a ramp, provide ample
opportunities for relaxation and contemplation. This rejuvenation project, rooted in a deep respect for its cultural legacy, aspires to create a vibrant and inclusive community space that harmoniously balances the old and the new.
fall 2022
decatur, georgia
instructor: mehmet s. bermek
collaborator: kelsey payne
nine bridges photo kagome pattern column location top view exploded axon process diagrams
This project centered on using Grasshopper and Kangaroo to model the pre-existing Nine Bridges Country Club, transforming it into a pavilion situated in Decatur Square. The portion focused on in this study is the main clubhouse, specifically the atrium. The atrium space of the main clubhouse is composed of timber columns and roof with an envelope of clear glass providing a transparent and open space. The timber columns are created from a kagome pattern, which has long been used in Japanese basketry. Kagome is geometrically
referred to as trihexagonal tiling, consisting of equilateral triangles and regular hexagons arranged to fit perfectly and create a six pointed star. Modeling this structure was done in 5 steps (shown in diagrams): (a) Anchor points applied from undulating perimeter curve with 8 peaks and 8 valleys and flat curve at base (b) Anchor points applied at column locations (c) Physics simulation from Kangaroo applied (d) Piping from kagome pattern projected onto mesh from physics simulation (e) Base with steps created from initial undulating curve footprint + offsets.
06_Deep
Decoration fall 2022
rocinha, brazil
instructor: stuart romm
collaborator: niknaz tillavaldyyeva
The House of the People, nestled within the vast rainforest of Rocinha, Brazil, serves as a multifunctioning space for the community. Inspired by the intricate beauty of Islamic tessellation patterns, the building radiates like a lantern amidst the dense rainforest. Inside, a subtle curvature in the interior panels delineates two distinct zones, forming a mini atrium. This central hub, adorned with faceted hemispherical vault structures, serves as the heart of the building, housing essential elements such as elevators, pathways, and graceful staircases leading to the
grand rooftop. Throughout the structure, faceted hemispherical vaults not only captivate the eye but also serve a practical purpose, defining various spaces including the entrance, private sanctuaries, and the expansive rooftop. Solid aluminum plates adorning the bay windows provide efficient shading, ensuring optimal energy usage and maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. The pleating exhibited on the facade aims to limit sunlight in private areas, while increasing sunlight in more public areas. Islamic tessellations are ancient decorative
patterns that symbolize order and peace, described as the “beauty of heavens brought down to earth”. Beginning with a simple circle, these patterns undergo mathematical transformations, yielding an array of designs that can stretch into infinity. The discovery of Girih shapes, including the decagon, bobbin, pentagon, bow-tie, and rhombus, provided a means to systematize these intricate patterns. As the exploration of Islamic tessellations progressed, the development of adapter tiles such as the pyra, kite, and cone allowed for
creative variations and smoother transitions between primary Girih tiles. To start, symmetry, girih tile connections, and transformative operations were analyzed through precedents. Next, by combining various girih and adapter tiles, a configuration field was established, offering a diverse canvas for further exploration. A specific section of this configuration field was selected for in-depth analysis, which was then further analyzed through a physical model employing operations such as rotation and scaling. These tangible explorations provided
section plan exploded axon
valuable insights into the interplay of shapes and transformations, three-dimensionalizing two dimensional planes and allowing for the formation of implied spaces. The pleating process starts with a two dimensional girih tile. Points on the vertices are lifted to dimensionalize the tile starting from the exterior border. This helps ensure that the 3D tile can still connect to different tiles. In the first model iteration, which explored pleating, subtracting, and extruding, the bobbin and bow tie shapes were extruded after completing the pleating process by folding
each girih tile. The extruded bobbin introduces pockets of space, while the bowtie structure provides support for the pleated fields and ensures horizontal continuity throughout the composition. The second model iteration aimed to explore pleating, bending, and lofting. Pleated fields are created on the exterior panels. The panels are bent gradually, creating a telescoping effect, explored in the physical model. At the core of the composition lies a central decagon, lofted at an angle of 72 degrees, inducing a twisting effect that infuses dynamism into the
THE HOUSE // 7535 SF
• Small Cafe Table - 360
• Seating (Small) - 240
• Seating (Medium) - 300
• Cafe Booth / 130
• Small Food Booth - 450
• Office - 400
• Lobby - 450
• Kitchen - 225
• Creative Space - 450
• Library - 600
• Dining Area - 600
• Athletic Activites - 600
• Roof Food Booth - 600
• Museum - 600
• Open Garden Area - 400
• Auditorium - 1100
SELF-EDUCATION // 6680 SF
• Face-To-Face - 300
• Face-To-Face - 450
• Face-To-Face - 1200
• Gardening Class - 350
• Ecology Class - 350
• Geology Class - 350
• History Class - 350
• History Of Music - 350
• Craft Making - 300
• Spirtuality + Religion Class - 350
• Biology Class - 350
• Samba Dance Class - 600
• Samba Drumming Class - 500
• Music Class - 300
• Fashion Studio - 300
• Capoeira studio - 280
SELF-GOVERNING // 3695 SF
• Private Tables - 75
• Private Tables - 300
• Private Tables - 360
• Presentation Room - 380
• Presentation Room - 450
• Presentation Room - 650
• Library Of Local History - 450
• Computer Archives - 290
• Clinic - 450
• Counceling - 290
structure. Further experimentation with lofting techniques was demonstrated by elevating the remaining decagons and their accompanying interior star shapes, showcasing a diverse range of spatial transformations. Inspired by the explorations of the physical and digital models, a massing model was created to align with the programmatic requirements. The program is divided into two sides, separating government and education programs. The house programs operate mainly on the entry level and bottom floors. This allows visitors to
easily navigate the building and to connect with different demographics. The pleated facade of the building responds to the activities of the interior spaces. Through subtle manipulations, the vertices of the 3D Girih shape are pinched along the x and y axes, strategically channeling sunlight into public areas such as the presentation room and expansive classrooms.
fall 2022
atlanta, georgia
instructor: mehmet bermek
collaborator: kelsey payne
This project analyzes John Portman’s first personal family home located in Atlanta, Georgia: Entelechy I. Entelechy I focuses on a popular Portman concept of “space within space”, imitating the order of nature. First featuring large multi-use columns, as if they were large tree trunks giving the space a certain rhythm, and second by featuring a hierarchical zoning of the house based on public versus private function. This hierarchy is further accentuated by the double height of the public, or entertaining, zone. There are
three helical staircases in the entirety of the building, one specifically for the public zone, one for the general family (private) zone, and one specifically for the primary suite, connecting the primary bedroom and bathroom with Portman’s office. These functions were analyzed through three steps: utilizing a grid, distinguishing between column distinctions, and generating isovist diagrams. Grasshopper was used to generate various column variations, through lofting and rotation.
plans
entelechy i photos floor grid columns/floor
isovist diagrams/floor
08_Doris Farms
spring 2021
macon, georgia
instructor: hayri dortdivanlioglu
site plan
site photos
exterior view
diagram: double cottage living/ dining room
Located within the rural confines of Macon, Georgia, this single and double micro hotel cottage explores the interplay between solidity and void through the manipulation of interior and exterior spaces. Drawing inspiration from the rich local history of Macon, Georgia, the building pays homage to the vernacular architecture of the region, particularly the “shotgun house.” Embracing this historical influence, the structure is conceived as a vertical interpretation of the traditional shotgun house, with each floor seamlessly connected in a linear fashion akin
to the layout of its horizontal counterpart. Elevated 15 feet above the ground, the first level serves as a versatile platform traversing each floor. This design fosters an immersive indoor/ outdoor experience, challenging conventional notions of spatial boundaries. The platform is enclosed in glass, featuring a sliding door that is tailored to each floor, enhancing accessibility. However, the rooftop floor welcomes occupants with a distinctive single-panel door, inviting them to explore panoramic views of nature. Within the interior, each floor offers captivating
vantage points of the level below, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and continuity. The building’s facades showcase strategic extrusions, delineating occupiable areas and adding depth to the facades. Decorative wooden slabs further define the division between public spaces, such as the living and dining areas, and more intimate zones like the bedroom and workspace. The slabs also act as shading devices, specific to the activities of interior spaces. Wrapped in timber slabs, the structure seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings,
immersing visitors with the surrounding landscape. The vertical orientation of the slabs adds an intriguing dimension to the exterior aesthetics of the cottage. Public areas, like the living and dining rooms, are strategically positioned at the lower levels, for convenience. In contrast, private sanctuaries such as the bedrooms and workspaces are nestled towards the top, providing tranquility and seclusion. Each space boasts its own distinct outdoor area, providing residents with a variety of captivating views to enjoy.
09_Ways of Seeing
summer 2023
barcelona, spain instructor: maria valasquez
my sister’s hands (2020) // graphite on paper // 10’’ x 12’’
