P O RT F O L I O I E M I LY M O R G A N
I
Methodology
Cartography Center
Sustainable Transportation
Kunsthaus Facade
Dewey Square Park
Community Design
Methodology Simplicity can not define one type of architecture. It is not at one scale and it is not easily achieved, but it is something I have always strived for in my designs. One form of simplicity is the Japanese WabiSabi artistic aesthetic. It is a set of design beliefs that state that nothing is finished, nothing is perfect, and nothing lasts forever. It is meant to show the beauty in the materials and in the imperfections. The material starts to take a life of its own. The form does not come from symbolism but is derived from the material itself, as an expression of its natural properties. The simple idea of the imperfect has brought me inspiration for a methodology to achieve this simplicity. Creating an object that embodies Wabi-Sabi can test this methodology. My thesis developed a design method that incorporates both the process of design, the qualities and behaviors of the material, and the process of making to allow the
design to embody the idea of WabaSabi. This method can then be used to create form at multiple scales. First it starts with the door, then the wall surrounding the door and then onward until a space is created. Through this somewhat unconventional design method, my thesis gave me a greater understanding of achieving simplicity through architecture.
Design method: The clay that is formed by the hand is revealed through the poured plaster cup.
Wabi-Sabi Wabi-Sabi design is not meant to be mass produced, perfect or even long lasting. It is meant to show that beauty is in the materials and in the imperfections. Through the use of clay and plaster I started to create an object derived from these concepts. The folding of the clay is formed by my hand and the plaster starts to shape those imperfections in the clay. The two purposes of the cup, the handle and the basin started to shape the form. As the liquid plaster is poured into the mold it is unpredictable and not easily controlled, as the clay is pealed away the form is revealed. The imperfections of the folds, and the structure of plaster helps create the irregular, unique object.
Design method: The contrasting heavy and light nature of the cup were paralleled by the housing surrounding the object. The object influences the space.
Detail of the two opposing elements of the container
The light plexiglass sides slide into the concrete “C�
Plexiglass was cut to hold the contours of the cup
Process iterations of door handle design
Full scale mock up of door handle, created by pull and push of user’s interaction with door
Simplicity: Capturing the Imperfect From the methodology of the door I wanted to create a space that would embody the same process. The space enhances the surrounding site and expresses the process of construction. The duality found in the door was brought into the design of the space. The juxtaposition of two adjacent spaces heightens your awareness of the opposing experiences. I wanted three experiences. First to be exposed to the elements, wind temperature and light and feel as if you’re rooted to the ground you stand on, but a focus to the sky. Second I wanted the user inside, feeling the shadow above and the change of temperature and sights as the door cuts you off from the sites elements. Lastly I wanted to open up the roof and allow the connection back to the sky and to be washed over by light. As the user walks through the space a bench is reveled shaped for the human body. The view from the bench reveals where the user came from but also the construction of the space.
Process of making: Axon of space created
Concrete base, first step of process
Pieces of space fit within base
Detail of wood overhang
Cartography Center World’s End in Hingham, MA was originally planned by Omsted as a development but unfortunately did not advance past the planning stages of the paths. The paths are lined with trees and as you break away, the trees begin to vary. The idea of planned vs unplanned inspired me to design a cartography center that would bring the people off the path and down through the building and closer to the coast. As you approach from the road, the building’s front façade is designed to match and appear as only a single mass however as you become closer the panels break apart and reveal an opening to enter the building.
Depth of field site analysis study
AutoCAD section drawing through pathway
Final model
Perpectives showing panel facade approach. Modeled in 3DS MAX, Rendered in Indigo, post-edit in Photoshop.
Center for Sustainable Transportation The site has a defined separation between the different modes of transport. The car, bike and pedestrian traffic never come together however they cut off the site from the green space and other amenities including public transportation and bike paths. Through bridges and separated entrances, a space has been created which separates the person from displaying their car or bike and brings them into the central showcase area. The showroom is used for cars, bikes and other information regarding transit.
+11.4
2.45 m
3.8 m
+7.0
0.5 m
3.9728
+2.5 +2.34 0.5 m 0.3 m
2.6 m
Detailed wall section, Enlarged stair detail -1.3
2.05 m
34 m
1.8 m
10.7 m
See Detail B
3.5 m
5.7 m
3.7 m
2.5 m 3m
2m 1.2 m
1.15 2.4 m
4.25 m
2.5 m 32 m
Final AutoCAD Section
7.8 m
Left: First floor plan with surounding contexts. Above: Final Perpective, Modeled in Revet post-edit in Photoshop
Kunsthaus of Bregenz Facade Precident Study. To understand more deeply the complexity and tectonics of facades, my group and I were assigned The Kunsthaus of Burgenz in Switzland. We had to reconstruct a section model that explored the panel system, and interior structure. The model stands 3 feet tall and expressed the double façade of Peter Zumthor’s museum.
Paneling Detail
Clear Story Detail
Structural Detail
Community Design As a senior studio class group poject we took an under used area of Boston and incorporating multi-use buildings, historic mills and new neighborhoods to being back a identity to the area. Each student designed a plot of land and surrounding hardscape in order to incorporate surrounding buildings and walkways. I chose to work on a housing project, and to incorporate more families into the neighborhoods I designed the first floor with multi family units and then studio apartments on the top floors. To integrate a way for residents to uniquely change their own faรงade I incorporated wooden movable shades to the south faรงade.
Rendering of movable wooden facade
Multi-Famiy and studio unit, Modeled in Revit, post-edit in Adobe Photoshop.
Competition: Dewey Square Park Workers in the financial district surrounding the Dewey Square Park, right outside of south station, mostly utilize it for morning coffee or lunch breaks. For the studio wide competition a studio calssmate and myself designed a one-year installation that provides a solution to the ever-changing needs of the people and the park. With moveable seating and landscape boxes on a track, people can move seats as required for example placement together for a group lunch or a coffee break and all of the trees can be moved to one side to open up space for event. Plan of day scheme within the Boston Greenway
Morning Rendering, Modeled in Audodesk 3DS Max, Rendered in Indigo, post-edit in Adobe Photoshop
AutoCAD and Photoshop sectional drawing
Detailed Perspective of Movable Parts
Daytime Rendering, Modeled in Audodesk 3DS Max, Rendered in Indigo, post-edit in Adobe Photoshop
Personal rendering of Mies van der Rohe’s Crown Hall. Modeled in 3ds Max, Rendered in Vray, Edited in Photoshop
Emily Morgan
34 Whiting Street
I Boston, Ma I 02119 I Phone: 508-215-9314 I Email: Emilyacmorgan@gmail.com