Dan Laster
Works 2009-2013
Automation RISD Digital Representation 2011 Instructor: Peter Dorsey Project Length: 12 Weeks Program: Gateway
Inspired by Neil Spiller and Étienne-Louis Boullée, I designed visionary architecture by aggregating complex geometry. We began by developing simple modules into field patterns. A module was designed to follow a three dimensional pattern. The program and scale of the module were considered and detailed accordingly. Carefully considering the more intriguing conditions of the work, I defined the relevant boundaries and extracted the conditions including the ground for further study. These conditions were examined for the development of a construction unit. The repeatable module was implemented as an enclosed structure within a landscape. Materials and user designations were later applied.
2D Module Interations
3D Aggregation
Module Fragment #1 Module Fragment #2
Module Fragment #3 Module Fragment #4
Masonry Exoskeleton
Module Fragment #5 Module Fragment #6
Cast-in Place Concrete Surface
Aggregated Masonry Exoskeleton
3-Axis Steel I-Beam Grid
Concrete Footing, Typical
New Echelon RISD Degree Project 2013 Primary Advisor: Thomas Gardener Secondary Advisor: Silvia Acosta Project Length: 20 weeks Site: Las Vegas, NV Program: Park, Water Reclamation Plant
While solar energy projects have provided sustainable power in the Nevada desert, vacant casinos offer uncharted opportunities. This proposed integrated a solar tower complex with the unďŹ nished casino Echelon Place, establishing a continuum of environments publicly accessible to the Strip and regionally applicable to the Mojave Desert. Water collection and reclamation was also explored. This constructed park tests if Las Vegas could feasibly transition from an economy of tourism into a self-sustaining district of energy and water independence.
Site Context
1968
2012
Molten Salt Tank Steam Room Spa Rooms Indoor Pool Heliostat Array
Solar Tower Project
Water ClariďŹ ers
Echelon Place Site
Elevated Pathways
Casino / Commercial Property
Water Aerators
Abandoned / Stalled Resorts Water Reclamation Plant
Stepwell (Typ.) West Water Tower Bridges South Water Tower Stardust Memorial East Water Tower
Water Collection
Convention Center Power Plant Performance Hall Parking Garage Casino Hotel Retaining Walls
Winter Solstice
Existing Structures
Crescent Dunes, Tonopah, NV
Site Plan
Experiential Renders
Spa Section Det etail et aill
Heliostat Field
Water Treatment Section
Indoor Pool at Solar Tower
Solar Tower built on Existing Elevator Shaft
Sol S So oa arr Tow Tow wer er F Fiin Fin nal al Dra Drawin Dr rawin ng
Excavated Chapel RISD Advanced Studio 2012 Instructor: Nick Winton Project Length: 12 weeks Site: Brown University, Providence RI Program: Chapel, Research Archive
A non-denominational chapel and research archive buried within the campus of Brown University shifts between landscape and architecture. A brief charrette, calling for spaces of meditation and reection, led to the conceptual idea of the chapel— physically descending into the ground as a means to displace individuals from their surrounding context. A series of watercolor perspectival sketches were drawn as a framework to approach the chapel. By considering the structure as an excavation, and interpreting the archive as a descending corridor, strategies for light and procession were considered.
Site Analysis
Charrette Proposal
Concept Development
Site Plan
Courtyard
Sky Room
Entry
Site Plan
Classroom
Classroom Chapel
Courtyard
Archive
Carrels
Sky Room
Pre-Function
Staff OfďŹ ce
Entry
Floor -1
Private Study
Floor -2
Co C ourty urrty u tyar ard rd
Chap Ch ape ape ell
Arrch A rcch hiv ive
Offfi O Offi fice ce ce
Sky Room
Cou Co urrty tya arrd
En E Entr ntr tra an nce ce
Lobb Lo obby bb by
Prrivva P atte Stud Sttud S ud dyy
Sk S ky Ro Room Room om
Adaptive Row Housing UNLV Architecture Studio 2009 Instructor: Harry O. Ray, AIA Project Length: 4 Weeks Site: Downtown Las Vegas Program: Row Housing
Following a precedent study of Quinta Monroy by Elemental, a similar idea for adaptive row houses were considered in Las Vegas. The complex is purposefully unfinished to quickly fill housing for low demand, while additional units can be constructed over time to match increased demand. A community courtyard provides a car-free space for children to play while their parents can supervise from their balconies.
Louvers provide much-needed shade for the desert climate. The copper panels oxidize over time, allowing senior tenants to easily distinguish their homes. First floor car parking can evolve into retail space if demand increases, offering a live-work lifestyle in downtown Las Vegas.
2’- 0”
1’ - 8”
2’- 6”
10”
Photovoltaic Louvers
9’- 6”
finished ceiling
Steel Framing
4’- 6”
finished floor
finished ceiling
9’- 6”
Cast-in-place Concrete Walls
2’- 0”
finished floor
finished soffit
2’- 6”
Oxidized Copper Window Panelss
6’- 4”
finished ceiling
4’- 0”
3’- 2”
Housing Options
Dual Exchange RISD Independent Study 2012 Advisor: Peter Dorsey Credit: Royce Bixby Project Length: Ongoing Site: BEB Gallery Program: Installation
How can prefabricated sheet materials When installed properly, two Microsoft enhance the qualities of interior space? Kinects, two projectors, and one laptop would be secured at the center column. Dual Exchange combine methods of Users interact by entering one of two digital fabrication, motion sensing tech- rooms where the Kinect can read bodies nology, and digital projection to create within a close proximity. When two an interior space where individuals can individuals simultaneously stand in interact with each other via light, sound each room, a feedback loop begins, and and material porosity. The installation a virtual interaction occurs. As more is constructed by assembling laser cut users enter each room, the projections sheet material. When the projectors are increase in vibrancy. This creates a off, the porosity of the walls create a memorable experience for those who either engage or observe the space. stimulating encounter.
Laser Cut Sheet Material
Malleability
Spatial Opportunities
Installation Proposal
Floor Plan
Floor 2
Floor 1
House for a Ceramicist RISD Integrated Building Systems 2011 Instructor: Almin Prisc Credit: Brett Dunnam, Alyssa Saltzgaber Site: Providence, Rhode Island Project Length: 12 Weeks Program: House, Studio, Gallery
Brick was the material assigned to explore the building issues of heating, cooling, lighting, and drainage. A fictitious client, a ceramicist, led to the idea of a live-work artist studio. A private gallery was included for patrons to experience the ceramicist’s entire process from concept to completion. The windowless gallery is indirectly illuminated by a north facing top light window. The client idea also led to the design of a personally owned kiln used to heat the house. The heat released from the kiln is harnessed with a radiant heating pipeline installed prior to casting the concrete floors. The water used in the radiant heating system is collected directly from the roof and released into the street when at maximum capacity.
Public Entry
Kiln as Heat Source
Private Entry
Gutter
Roofing Membrane
Sheathing
Structural Frame
Backer Rod Brick Wall
Window Frames (8) 3’x3’ Triple Glazed Windows
Tyvek Insulated Sheathing, Typ.
Frame Support
Gutter
Guest House
Gallery
Strainer, Typ.
Exhaust Chimney
Roof
Radiant Heating Pipeline
Kiln
Draine Pipe
Grey Water Storage Tank
Cast-in-place Concrete Base
Cast-in-place Concrete Columns
Radiant Heating Water Storage Tank
Outdoor Entrance Ramp
Water Runoff / Retaining Wal all Water al Feature
Gallery
Kitchen
Dining
Studio
Kiln
Insulated Brick Lintel Brick Wall
Sheathing
Exhaust
Fire Brick Insulated Wall Kiln
Radiant Heating Pipeline Typ.
Aluminum Rail Typ.
Fire Brick Insulated Door
Precast Concrete Base
Cast-in-place Concrete Floor
Prefinished Metal Cap Flashing Air Gap Brick, Typ. Roofing Membrane Tyvek Insulation Sheathing Precast Concrete Roof Frame
Glass Precast Concrete Stair Window Frame, Typ. Tyvek Insulation Radiant Heating Pipeline Air Gap Prefinished Metal Flashing Cast-in-place Concrete Sidewalk Retaining Wall Gravel Cast-in-place Concrete Footer
Bedroom m
Kitchen n
Hallway w
Dan Laster danlaster.com dan@danlaster.com 702.308.4148 3155 Paintedhills Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89120