Deirdre Spahr portfolio 2024

Deirdre Neill Spahr

About Me

Recent graduate with a Master of Science in Interior Architecture and a background in education, environmental science, and the visual arts. Looking for opportunities in commercial interior design and design research. Focused interest in human behavior within the built environment, sensory experience, daylighting, environments for neurodivergent users, adaptive reuse projects, and wellbeing. I am excited to apply my lived experience as an educator towards the design of working, learning, play, and health spaces.

Experience

2021 - PRESENT

Freelance 3D Modeling & Rendering

3D modeling and rendering in Revit, Rhino, Enscape and photoshop; 2D drawings and floorplans in Revit and CAD

2021 - PRESENT

Research Assistant

Synesthetic Research & Design Lab, Jefferson University

Literary research; presentation drawing preparation

2021 - 2022

Drafting & Administrative Assistant

Boland Woodworking

Project documentation management; construction drawing preparation; measured survey

2009 - 2019

Educator, Grades K-8

Shining Star Waldorf School; Rewild Portland; Waldorf School of Philadelphia

Teacher for grades K-8; language arts, math, science, history and art

2002 - 2006

Program Coordination Assistant

EarthPledge NYC; Doctor’s Without Borders

Public education program coordination; research; advocacy and outreach

A photo timeline of design process development:

Education

2020- 2023

MS Interior Architecture

Jefferson University

2011- 2013

Waldorf Education Certification

Antioch University

2006 - 2009

BA Environmental Studies

City University of New York

2000- 2002

Sustainable Development

Friends Global Program

Memberships & Affiliations

Skills

Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD

Sketchup, Rhino

Adobe Creative Suite

Hand Drafting

Sketching

Design + Product Research

Data Visualization

AI Assisted Specifications

AI Assisted Visualization

Presentation Development

Awards & Achievements

Tau Sigma Delta First Place

Design with Light / IES Philadelphia 2022

Contact

(718) 724-4477

dnspahr@gmail.com

Wingohocking Creek School + Autism Assessment Center

P1-10

Floating Storytellers Library

P11-16

MadBjerg Kulturhuset

P17-24

Jefferson University Equity + Inclusion Center

P25-28

Point Breeze Community Center + Food Co-op

P29-32

Cerro Pedernal Visitors Pavilion

P33-38

WINGOHOCKING SCHOOL + ASSESSMENT CENTER

Graduate Thesis Project / Advised by Severino Alfonso

LOCATION

EAST MT. AIRYPHILADELPHIA, PA

AREA OF SITE

CONCEPT 45,000 SQ/FT 2023

YEAR PROG RAMS

REVIT ENSCAPE ADOBE CS

All Paths Lead to Illumination: Daylighting design through indirect illumination and sensory zoning for the creation of healthier educational and work conditions for autistic users with a wide variable of differences in sensory needs and preferences.

Daylighting design for autism is an area of contentious debate. Autistic individuals can experience greater sensitivity to the changing conditions of natural light. However, research shows that exposure to sufficient natural light levels has a positive impact for autistic people’s health.

SENSORY ZONED DAYLIGHTING DESIGN

This project utilizes design strategies supported by existing autism design guidelines, developed through the work of Magda Mostafa (ASPECCTS tm) and Kristi Gaines. A consistent level of daylighting integrated with artificial lighting, shading system controls, and finish materials, provide a zoned, light sensory experience that supports the users comfort and wellbeing.

Autism Design Strategies

Indirect Daylighting Strategies

Lighting Design Requirements:

- Consistency

- Intensity

- Zoning

- Indirect

- Control

- Choice

Spatial Planning Strategy

Floorplan is oriented to maximize optimal daylight to classrooms and central corridor. Classrooms hug exterior walls and have direct access to outdoor green areas. Central corridor is daylit from above by large atrium on a N/S axis with controlled E/W exposure. Spaces are zoned based on function and sensory experience, with transition or buffer spaces in between. The assessment center is public facing, while school entrances have greater privacy.

Early Childhood Classroom

Collaborative Faculty Workspace

Daylighting Design Strategies

A. Low-e glazed, high skylights, provide diffused light to gym. Direct light and contrast reduced by architectectural elements and acoustic baffles.

B. Low-e glazed central atrium skylight. Direct sunlight and contrast reduced by beam elements, oriented N/S to block E/W direct light and glare. Sensor contolled Draper shade protects space from glare and heat gains.

C. White glazed dome skylights provide diffuse daylight and focal points for wayfinding through rambla.

D. North facing monitor skylights provide consistent light for classrooms, offices, and corridors.

E. Velux sun tunnels provide focused daylight to hard-to-reach spaces and task surfaces.

F. Large picture windows on north façade provide consistent light for vocational corridor, double height space, art and music rooms.

G. Motorized high clerestory on east and west side of gym space permit indirect light into double height space. Sensor controlled shades prevent glare and heat gains.

H. Large façade window on south side of gym with exterior light shelf bounces daylight towards ceiling of athletic space. Three foot roof overhang protects interior from glare.

I. High, deep sills, and curtains shield rooms from glare and heat gains along east and west facades. In east and south façade classrooms, casework nooks expand sill depth, provide a curtain easily operable by students, and creates an interior light shelf below operable portion of window.

J. South façade windows feature exterior light shelfs that reflect lights towards interior ceilings.

K. Main school lobby is shaded from southern exposure by covered entry and brick screen walls.

Integration of Daylighting With Ceiling Design

1. Rainwater feature and open-air skylight provides focal point and daylight for protected gathering space and main school entry.

2. Operable clerestory windows and large picture window (with curtain) set in exterior facade behind a casework nook, bring indirect light into all classrooms.

3. Domed ceilings bounce indirect light from high, organic shaped window, creating a soft glow in kindergarten focused task area.

4. Custom, north-facing, monitor skylights with Vitro Solar Ban 60 glazing, permit 70% of visible light to pass through and block 62% of solar energy, controlling light levels and heat gain.

5. Velux circular dome skylight with white acrylic glazing.

6. Draper Motorized Skylight FlexShade mitigates glare, provides UV protection and controls solar heat gains.

7. Rambla atrium with Vitro Solarban 70 low-e glazing, permits 64% of visible light to pass and blocks 94% of UV energy.

8. Two layers of 3ft deep beams diffuse light, preventing glare and direct daylight.

9. Large, sloped skylights light atrium with Vitro Solarban 70 low-e glazing.

10 Velux light tunnel skylights provide daylighting to hard- to-reach spaces.

THE FLOATING STORYTELLERS

LIBRARY

LOCATION GANVIE, BENIN

AREA OF SITE

CONCEPT 3,230 SQ/FT 2023

YEAR PROG RAMS

RHINO

REVIT

ENSCAPE

ADOBE CS

DISCORD AI

Inspired by the power of the human voice and storytelling as an accessible gateway to literacy, the Floating Storyteller’s Library is envisioned as a collective repository of knowledge.

Literacy rates in the region are low and the people here lack access to electricity and the internet. Ganvie is rich, however, with oral storytelling traditions. Through designing a space for the preservation of oral history, this library seeks to empower many

A SEMI-MOBILE, OFF-GRID, SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION

Ganvie is the largest lake village in Africa. Founded by the Tofinu on Lake Nokoue’ in the 17th century, to evade the Fon, who were engaged in kidnapping for selling people into the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The Fon’s religious beliefs did not permit them to attack people who lived on water. The Tofinu named the town Ganvie, meaning “We Survived,” and built a society centered around fishing and aquaculture. Today, poverty and environmental challenges, caused by sewage, tourism, and the overgrowth of invasive water hyacinth, are a threat to traditional ways of life and the local economy.

MATERIALS

A. Red ebony

B. Water hyacinth panels

C.Traditional Benin textile patterns in paint

D.White corrugated metal

E. Water hyacinth plant

F. Benin woven textiles

G. Water hyacinth mat

H. Benin woven textiles

MADBJERG KULTURHUSET

LOCATION

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

AREA OF SITE YEAR PROG RAMS

CONCEPT 6,500 SQ/FT 2022-23

REVIT ENSCAPE ADOBE CS

MadBjerg Kulturhuset is an adaptive reuse design project for an existing cultural house within an early 20th century street car depot. The redesign was undertaken with the intent to increase community involvement and support for the organization’s mission to promote intercultural connections through cooking, gardening, and food waste reduction.

ADAPTIVE REUSE + DAYLIGHTING DESIGN

This project encapsulates the sum of my learning through the DIS Copenhagen summer session on Scandinavian Design and Adaptive Reuse Studies. I had the truly incredible experience of visiting architectural sites such as Dipoli, the home and studio of Alvar and Aino Aalto, Louisiana, the Artipelag Gallery, and the Kaleva Church. I was inspired through studies of Rieulf Ramstad Arkitekter’s Kornets Hus, colombo brick tiles, Danish furniture design, and local materials.

Meeting Rooms + Resource Library

Staff Canteen

Section 1

The public facing facade has northwest exposure and opens onto a small courtyard and world renowned skatepark. Orientation and structure of the roof permits NE and SW facing fenestrations for daylighting. The existing site is visually obscured from circulation through the courtyard, due to the location of the main entrance and NW facade design. The redesign opens the NW facade to the park, reorienting the main entrance for maximum visibility. Visual access into the cafe and teaching kitchens, with the large woodburning fireplace and bread oven

as a focal point, communicate the building’s function. The roof has been optimized as additional playspace for children and a community garden with adequate access to daylight. Exterior edgelines of the roof are softened with low maintenance sedum gardens, increasing the visual appeal of the building and providing additional habitat for pollinators. Noise from rooftop activities and the skatepark is buffered by the construction of a “mountain” facade, providing neighboring residences with greater privacy.

Daylighting Design Strategy

Existing daylighting fenestrations have been expanded upon to optimize natural task and ambient lighting to spaces below. The roof skylight design is inspired by Raili and Reima Pietila’s work at Dipoli. Streetlight type fixtures placed over skylights permit the maintenance of light levels on overcast days and evenings, creating a consistant composition between the skylight voids and interior artifical lighting design.

JEFFERSON

DIVERSITY + INCLUSION

LOCATION

EAST FALLS PHILADELPHIA, PA

AREA OF SITE

CONCEPT 3,370 SQ/FT 2022

YEAR PROG RAMS

REVIT ENSCAPE ADOBE CS DISCORD AI

The Jefferson Center for Diversity + Inclusion is conceptually anchored in the landscape. A low profile radiates into the topography and creates protected, outdoor rooms. These spaces invite students, teachers, and guests to explore and interact. Rehabilitation and rewilding of the landscape becomes the environment that encapsulates this space, dedicated to aspirations of creating an equitable, inclusive, school community.

SMALL FOOTPRINT + MODULAR DESIGN

Modular units are layered in a dynamic push and pull with the topography to create an arc connected by a glazed corridor. Stormwater runoff issues on site are harnessed for the creation of rooftop gardens and a drainage system that feeds into a rainwater garden that becomes the exterior focal point around which the building is oriented.

Plan:

Low profile structure, with radial plan, maximizes daylighting and integrates building within the landscape.

Patio

Site

Rain Garden

Main Entrance

North Elevation

Meeting Room + Presentation Space

View Into Galleries from Rain Garden Patio

Rain Garden Paths + Education Space

POINT BREEZE COMMUNITY

CENTER + FOOD CO-OP

HEALTH + WELLBEING

LOCATION POINT BREEZE PHILADELPHIA, PA

AREA OF SITE

CONCEPT 30,000 SQ/FT 2022

YEAR PROG RAMS

REVIT

ENSCAPE

ADOBE CS

The community center and market are designed as a point of connection between two neighborhoods, with respect for their unique social contexts and histories. The environment is therapeutic and creates a space for community members to participate in social and health focused activities.

Health and wellness are built into the design through integration of natural light from a central atrium and large windows along the façade. The main focal point of the space is a double height green wall in the central courtyard. Integrated lighting is conceived of as an “exploded trellis,” which lights the foliage and blends in with the host structure. Biophilic elements are introduced through lighting fixtures, textiles, and finish materials.

Process Sketches

Ground Floor Plan

SecondFloor Plan

SectionElevation

11-13.

1. WP 1-6 - Behr Premium Plus (Zero VOC)

2. WC - Expanse by Knoll

3. AC1 - Armstrong Plasterform Panel

4. AC2 - Armstrong Woodworks Panel

5. WT1 - Seves Eco-Friendly Glass Block

6. TF2 - Rubber Tile by Tarkett

7. WT2 - Vulcanika by Olympia

8. WDF - Reclaimed Natural Maple

9. TF2 - . Avente Brick Like Cement Tile

10. CF - Polished Concrete

C1-C3 - David Oakey Human Connections Kerbstone Carpet Tile in Moss, Granite/Moss, and Granite Edge

CERRO PEDERNAL VISITORS

PAVILION

LOCATION CERRO PEDERNAL NEW MEXICO

AREA OF SITE

CONCEPT 400 SQ/FT 2021

YEAR PROG RAMS

The Cerro Pedernal visitors pavilion melds with the landscape, providing a refuge with curated views to the mesa and arroyo laced landscape. The structure straddles one such arroyo, as if a rockhewn block has been upheaved by the earth itself, and somersaulted into place. The enclosure encourages visitors to pause and reflect at this place of transition.

CONCEPTUAL ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

Working in Rhino, this design began as an exploration of movement, specifically a timelapsed image of a middle school student performing handsprings during recess. Through gestural study the form was shaped. In the secondary phase of development, design elements inspired by the life and artwork of Georgia O’Keeffe, and the traditional adobe architecture of the Tewa Pueblo People, were incorporated.

RHINO ADOBE CS

13 Million Years Ago - Cerro Pedernal begins to form

1940 - O’Keeffe moves to Ghost Ranch

2021 - visitor pavilion construction begins

2456 - site discovered by alien archaeologists

2940 - site returns to near preconstruction state

2022 - construction completed

2106 - site abandoned then stripped of valuable materials

The color palette for Cerro Pedernal Pavilion was inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe’s Rust Red Hills. Textures were sourced from microscopic imaging of valerian and chamomile petals by Oliver Meckes and Nicole Ottawa.

“Nobody sees a flower - really - it is so small it takes time - and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.”

- Georgia O’Keeffe

Thank You