A R C H I T E C T U R E P O R T F O L I O
COURTNEYBOTTS
“LOGIC WILL GET YOU FROM A TO B. IMAGINATION WILL TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE” ALBERT EINSTEIN
TABLE OF CONTENTS 5
STATEMENT OF PRACTICE
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GOWANUS REMEDIATION LAB
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GEO-THERM ENERGY TOWER
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GRASSHOPPER ITERATIONS
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535 MISSION MIRCRO-HOUSING
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MODULAR COMMUNITY FOR HAITI
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ABOUT
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STATEMENT OF PRACTICE I have been in arts programs throughout high school, and choosing architecture in college was an easy decision that I was able to stick with. What I didn’t know was how much I didn’t know about the profession. Since being in architecture school I have begun to develop an opinion and philosophy about the profession. I went to school in love with the clean lines and simplicity of the modernists, but have since seen how abandoning the knowledge of the past is a mistake. The beautiful glass houses with minimal lines and footprints are extremely inefficient, I believe that buildings should be designed for the user...not the popular style. Every building should not be the same, but should be a reflection of the architect, the client, and the site. I have learned that a “good” building is not one that has the best renders, the coolest form, and the most hype; but the ones that are efficient, that solve the problem at hand, and become a valuable space to the client and to those that use and inhabit the building. That being said, my interests include rendering and digital modeling. I love being able to see my designs come to life in renders. I do not accept renders that look digital but I want them to have a certain atmosphere or mood about them that conveys my intent for the project. I’ve always been very computer 05
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savvy, I’ve learned a new program for almost every project I’ve done, and enjoy the challenge of using technology to achieve my goal, and to bring my building to life even though it isn’t built. I don’t like the idea of what I can do in a certain program limiting what I am able to design, and one of my favorite things is mastering a new software to achieve my desired result. I view being on a team as a being part of a bigger whole, the architect isn’t the end all-be all...meaning that there are a plethora of others that go into getting a building built or designed. I believe that every aspect of the design and construction is important to the overall quality of the building and I have learned through group projects in studio that communication with teammates is key to a good design. One of the things that I am looking forward to in architecture is learning new things. I like the fact that once I graduate and find a good firm to work for, my education isn’t over. I love to problem solve, to find the best solution to fit the space and I like how architecture combines both the problem solving, and analytical elements with creativity and art. I feel lucky finding a profession that I will be able to be passionate about and spend the long hours that are often required on. COURTNEY BOTTS_SAMPLE OF WORK
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GOWANUS REMEDIATION LAB *Renders, elevations, axonometric, process work produced by Courtney*
This project focused on creating a remediation lab and exhibit space for the notoriously dirty Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, NY. Placed directly on the canal, we wanted to create a space that could evolve as the canal was cleaned up and the uses for the building changed. Our idea was to create open spaces that fit the current needs but could be changed to more public access in the future. Our project consisted of an auditorium space, public exhibition space, testing labs and lounge space for employees, an upstairs gathering space with conference rooms that looked out over the canal and city.
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1st Floor Plan
Front Elevation
2nd Floor Plan
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ROOF
WINDOW SYSTEM
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
WALLS & FLOORS
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GEO-THERM ENERGY TOWER *Render, model, Grasshopper definition, site work, process work produced by Courtney*
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*Possible sites for Geo-Therm Tower
For the Evolo Skyscraper competition, we envisioned a geothermal energy tower that would sit in Pugent Sound to provide energy and fresh water to the city of Seattle, Washington. Our goal was to create a tower that could be used around the globe as an energy generator and battery for a city as well as a green alternative to provide fresh water to a community. 15
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LIVEABLE SQUARE FOOTAGE
RESEARCH LABS
PUBLIC SPACE
MECHANICAL SPACE
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GRASSHOPPER ITERATIONS
Before starting the Evolo skyscraper competition the class participated in a series of Grasshopper workshops in which we created a series of individual projects using parametric algorithms to create forms to then be 3D printed.
Grasshopper definition generating the curved diagrid structure 17
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Skeletal Voronoi morphology that became the precedent for the structural system used in Evolo project.
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535 MISSION MICRO-HOUSING
*Individual project produced by Courtney*
This project focused on creating a sustainable high rise in San Francisco to help alleviate the growing homeless population. Using a helical form, my project was able to take advantage of the city views as well as allow enough sunlight to the generous outdoor spaces on each floor for green spaces and small gardens. The program included 40 micro-units for the recovering homeless and 80 micro-units for young professionals searching for affordable housing in the city. All units were under 300 square feet and tailored to the needs of those living in them.
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Emerging Professionals Floor Plan
Homeless Floor Plan 21
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East Elevation
Emerging Professionals Unit
Homeless Rehabilitation Unit COURTNEY BOTTS_SAMPLE OF WORK
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MODULAR COMMUNITY FOR HAITI *Individual project produced by Courtney*
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*Kit of Parts for Shipping
During the 2010 earthquake in Haiti many people were displaced and forced to live in tent cities as a result of their homes being destroyed by the quake. There are many problems faced with the relief effort such as disorganization and trouble getting aid to those affected. Other problems included lack of hospitals and medical supplies, crime and looting, poor living conditions and outbreaks of cholera.
*Water retention system model based on experimental ceramic system.
My project attempts to create cost effective and efficient living structures that can be quickly and easily distributed and manufactured. This project is meant to create a community for the displaced victims to help reduce crime, encourage community and systematically distribute supplies, funds, and medical care effectively. COURTNEY BOTTS_SAMPLE OF WORK
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COURTNEY BOTTS is a 21 year old fourth year senior in Louisiana Tech University’s School of Architecture. Since a child she has been involved in various arts programs including Louisiana’s “Talented Arts Program” in high school with the end goal of pursuing a career in art and design. She is on track to receive a Bachelors of Science in Architecture as a pre-professional degree and is planning to pursue her
Masters to eventually be able to gain architectural licenture. In addition to architecture, Courtney has been a member of the Louisiana Tech Wakeboarding team since 2012 and more recently elected treasurer. She has also had the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a firm while working at a local interior design firm located in Ruston, LA while in school.
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318.453.8661 3673 Park Trail Dr. Shreveport LA, 71105 courtneybotts@gmail.com