Erika Omae University of Oklahoma Second Year Portfolio
Outdoor Theater 2nd Year Project Duration: 6 weeks
The idea of the outdoor theater is to incorporate elements from two precedent objects while also implementing a preamble characteristic. Ideas were derived from a beehive and a metronome in a way that could function ideally with the wall. The window façade of the wall represents the busy and rapid movement of the bees within the hive. It traces a representation of a bee’s path, which was then given three-dimensional properties in order to create a more dynamic appearance. The panels created from these geometric forms are either composed of a transparent or solid material. This can be related to the honeycombs within the beehive that are either occupied or vacant. The structure of the wall is organized in a constant and even pattern to demonstrate the repetitive beat a metronome emits when in motion. A grid system best coordinates the placement of the structure and supports. The idea of hierarchy is imposed here to represent the hierarchical relationship between the queen bee and worker bees in the hive. Permeability is achieved through the horizontal bars beneath the geometric window façade. These bars are separated in small, consistent increments, just like the beat and motion of a metronome, so that one is still able to see the silhouette of a person behind the bars. The outdoor theater is a functional building at any time, and it also provides an interesting appearance to provide excitement in a developing site trying to achieve a sense of community.
Nature Center 2nd Year Project Duration: 12 weeks
Wheeler Park is located in the middle of Oklahoma City and is surrounded by an urban environment. The nature center is placed in the middle of the city that creates a juxtaposition of two opposite environments. The form of the nature center is derived from the contour lines of the site. The original contour lines are further emphasized to create a more evident, steeper slope and are also used as terrace farming. The main building mimics the form of the terraces, while also following the lines of the contours. The main concept of the design is forced circulation. In order to achieve this, the buildings take a circular form so that a curved hallway going along the edge forces people to circulate the building in a certain way. The next concept is the idea of isolating the urban city from nature. Each arc-shaped building has a courtyard in the center, which blocks the view of the urban city. Within the main building, there are no visible windows on the side facing the city. This will restrict the inhabitants view, forcing them to only focus on the nature. The final concept is the refraction in the direction of movement from one building to another. Within each building, the circulation goes in a forced direction, but once one tries to go to the next building the path is completely changed. The purpose of the nature center should enhance the inhabitant’s experience with nature in harmony with the urban city around it.
Transit Terminal 3rd Year Partner Project with Kira Collins Duration: 18 weeks
Main concept: The form and development derives from two main conceptual areas: studying the properties of the existing site and a conceptual approach to circulation. Building Placement Through an extensive site analysis, the ideal placement of the building was decided through the existing conditions. Positioned at the top of the hill, it is able to receive the best views, optimal breezes, and efficient access from the parking lot, street, train tracks, and park without creating too much congestion or conflict with nature. Circulation: The approach, entry, and exit was crafted as a bigger journey, so that the building would slowly unfold itself to the inhabitant as he/she moved through the site from various starting points. At the same time the circulation types (bus, car, bike, pedestrian) were sorted in a way that they would no longer conflict with each other. Overall, they were kept separated, but then weaved them into each other as they journey towards and through the building.
Site Analysis: Artificial Factors
Methods V Project 02 Site Analysis: Artificial Factors Kira Collins | Erika Omae
Methods V Project 02
Site Analysis: Natural Factors Site Analysis: Natural Factors Kira Collins | Erika Omae
Building/Structure Development: The main structure is a concrete shell positioned on the major axis of the site, cut down the middle to introduce light and define spaces of rest and spaces of movement. Lighter steel rods wrap the building and penetrate the concrete to mediate the connection with the outside and define ancillary, subordinate volumes of space (the food truck pavilion, the bus pavilion). Inside, the concrete recedes to expose the tectonic connections between the steel and the concrete. Another volume collides with the main structure where all the paths meet, providing a sense of hierarchy, and is oriented along the most beautiful axis in the park, opening up to allow people to disperse off the path into the landscape.