Emily Mair University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign B.Arch Candidate 2024 Architecture Portfolio
A Little Bit About Me Hi, I'm Emily! I am a junior at UIUC pursuing a degree in Architecture with a minor in Landscape Architecture. I am passionate about the evolution and creation of spaces and imagining new ways to fabricate the built environment. During my time at UIUC, I have become skilled in concept development, graphic design, peer critiques, model building, woodworking, and fabrication. I am the current the President of the Society of Business Management in Architecture, an organization which explores the many career paths available to those with an Architecture degree. We connect members with peers and leaders in the field and teach valuable networking skills. Outside of the studio, I enjoy reading, crafting, rock climbing, camping and hiking.
The Urbana Marketplace May 2023
The Urbana Marketplace is a tensile structure with the goal of gathering community members and organizing a fresh food market in the heart of Urbana, Illinois. The market is strategically organized to promote comfortable and efficient circulation within the building.
The market is a multifunctional space. The majority of its square footage is taken up by a variety of market stalls. These stalls are organized by category and consist of fresh meats, fish, produce and hand-crafted goods. Adjacent to the food stalls is a food court. A raised platform separates the eating and gathering space from the high circulation of the market stall space. The platform continues outdoors for a more versatile eating experience. Additionally, the public outdoor plaza located on the West end of the building can be utilized for temporary stalls, live music or events to engage the greater Urbana community.
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Structurally, the market consists of a steel frame aided by cables to create a unique tensile roof form. The steel beams support the roof material, pushing it upwards while the cables in turn force the material down, creating a unique form. The roof is a semi-transparent canvas material and is composed of two layers with an air pocket in between to aid in temperature regulation. The final design draws inspiration from several study model iterations as seen below.
“A Catwalk Arou architectural strate with a “single line” s of loanable therapy
A CATWALK A R O U N D T H E
BARK
By pairing the slanted g the orthogonal grid of a pet library might enc beaten path.
The building’s slante existing city grid to fa public front lawn, a sem enclosed dog-park area
Emily Mair and Mekhai James, December 2023
A Catwalk Around the Bark will be a public resource center in Albany Park, Chicago, which allows guests to visit with companion animals for the sake or stress relief and leisure. Visitors may receive their “animal therapy” on site in one of the many bonding spaces, or they may loan out an animal for the day.
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und the Bark” uses an egy that uses an offset grid structure to organize a library y animals in Albany Park.
grid of the building's footprint with the city, this project explores how courage people to venture off the
ed footprint diverges from the acilitate distinct zones: including a mi-private exterior pavilion, and an a in the back for safe off-leash play.
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In practice, visitors can enter through one of two main entrances leading to a central reception desk. They are encouraged to explore both floors, interacting with animals. If they develop a connection with a specific animal, they can request it at the front desk, where paperwork is processed, and necessary supplies such as food, toys, poop bags, and leashes are provided. Short loaning periods encourage return visits.
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Tinted Taste: A Tubescape of Beverages
Tinted Taste is a venue designed with the intent of connecting 100 strangers through the exploration and consumption of beverages. Upon arrival, guests will be given intentionally small cups which they will fill with the myriad of beverages inside of the venue. The guests are invited to meander around the space as they taste test all of the beverages and mingle with their fellow consumers.
“Meal for 100” Mini Project, September 2023
Colorful beverages circulate the space via a network of clear tubes. Each tube is designed so that the liquids remain in constant circulation during the event. When tubes dip below the floor, their paths are still visible from the surface due to the semi-transparency of the floor. The playful and lively atmosphere prompts conversation and encourages strangers to take the first step in connecting with folks from a myriad of cultures, hometowns, ages, religions, races and backgrounds.
Sketches and Artwork
Pen on Paper, 2”x3”
Pen on Paper, 6”x5”
Charcoal on Paper, 36“x24”
Pencil on Paper, 4”x6”
Pencil on Paper, 3”x4”
Design Award
ANNUAL ARCHITECTURE AWARDS 2024
Annual Architecture Awards 2024 Logo Design Winner January 2024
Paintings
Acrylic Paint on Paper, 3”x4”
Pen and Watercolor Paint on Paper, 8”x6”
Acrylic Paint on Canvas Fabric, 5”x7”
Guache Paint on Paper 3”x3”
Stained Glasswork
Stained Glass on Mirror, 4”x5”
Stained Glass on Mirror, 4”x5”
Stained Glass on Photo Frame, 5.5”x7.5”
The One That Started It All December 2021 I often refer to this project as The One That Started It All. As my first design studio project from my freshman year of college, this project represents my first taste of the world of architecture. The One That Started It All was proof to me that I could do it, because I had done it, and after final reviews, I knew that I would be able to do it again and again and again. This design, inspired by the Lavender Breasted Roller, an exquisitely colorful bird native to the deserts of Southeastern Africa, embodies the creativity, beauty, playfulness and incorporation of the outdoors that I will work to implement into our built environment.
Floor Plan
Section A-A
Section B-B