FRANK M C C A B E p o r t f o l i o 2 0 1 5
FRANK M C C A B E p o r t f o l i o 2 0 1 5
EDUCATION 2014-2015 - MArch Advanced Architectural Design University of Strathclyde
Frank McCabe BSc(Hons) MArch CV OBJECTIVE Having recently completed a Masters degree in architecture I am now looking to fufill my RIBA part 2 practical experience requirements. I hope to find a working environment that challanges me to expand upon my current abilities and provides significant opportunities to contribute to varied and engaging projects.
SKILLS I am experienced with various design software and always striving to learn the latest techniques. Currently I am working on improving my Revit capabilities.
- Adobe Creative Suite - Autodesk AutoCAD - Autodesk Revit - Rhino 3d - VRay - Sketchup
PUPLICATIONS - MAP Publication 006: Greenland - Paperspace 2014 - Dissertation Extract
CONTACT www
www.frankmccabearc.wordpress.com francismccabearch@gmail.com +44 7402 710010 @francismccabe
4
Frank McCabe
2014-2015 - Freelance CAD Technician (Carillion) Alongside my studies I worked on a one off project as a CAD technician. This allowed me to gain experience producing construction drawings and working with construction industry professionals.
FMc
2008-2014 - BSc(Hons) Architectural Studies (2:1) University of Strathclyde
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2012 - 2013 - MAP architects, Copenhagen Architectural Assistant
MAP architects specialise in architecture in extreme environments. This allowed me to pursue my passion for architectural research and gain experience on a wide range of unique projects. I was also able to develop key skills such as 3D modelling with complex geometry and preparing drawings for planning applications.
Glasgow Lighthouse ‘Icelab’ Exhibition Exhibition curation, physical modelling, 3D printing, 3D modelling, infographics, animation, film editing Iceberg Living Station, Antarctica Design development, 3D modelling
Kalø Slotsruin entrance and viewing tower, Jutland, Denmark Site analysis, 3D scanning, detail design, physical modelling, planning application drawings Polar bear alarm system, Svalbard, Norway Team leader, research, concept design, prototype manufacture
Red Bull Sports park, Hulhumalé, Maldives Design development, presentation drawings, 3D modelling
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
2013-Present - Classrooms for Malawi
I have a deep passion for humanitarian work and have dedicated my Masters project to developing Classrooms for Malawi’s school design. In partership with the charity, I am currently applying for funding to develop a prototype school in Malawi made of earthbags. On top of this I have made several trips to Malawi and worked on various construction projects there through Classrooms for Malawi. -
Classroom Design and Research Project Construction site management, Michiru Primary, Malawi Construction team, Kachere Primary, Malawi Construction team, Chisenjere Primary, Malawi Construction drawings City Building Construction Training Fundraising work
2010-2011 - LEAP
Energy Assistance Advisor At LEAP, a local Glasgow charity, I worked to improve the environmental condition of elderly resident’s housing through home surveys and low cost interventions such as draught excluders and radiator reflectors. This helped residents retain heat and reduce bills.
References available on request
MASTERS THESIS Classrooms for Malawi
‘TO CARE’ Kelvingrove Young Person’s Hospice
‘TO CARE’ Kelvingrove Bath House
p6
p14
p24
‘TO PLAY’ Glasgow Vinyl Archive
‘TO LIVE’ Affordable Urban Housing
p34
p40
CONTENTS
‘TO GATHER’ A Place of Worship p44
MAP ARCHITECTS Svalbard Polar Bear Alarm
MAP ARCHITECTS Kalø Slotsruin, Denmark
CLASSROOMS FOR MALAWI Michiru Primary
p48
p50
p52 5
MWANZA
BLANTYRE
GALAFA VILLAGE
CHIRADZULU
BLANTYRE CITY
CHIKWAWA
MOZAMBIQUE
ZOMBA PHALOMBE MULANJE
THYOLO
Classroom for Malawi MOZAMBIQUE
65km
NSANJE
GALAFA VILLAGE
SCHOOL SITE
75m
150m
MASTERS THESIS
CLASSROOM FOR MALAWI This thesis looks at one community, Galafa village, and propose a solution to the specific needs of the area. This will act as a exemplar project that could be adapted for use elsewhere across the country. The thesis asks whether a holistic approach to classroom design, with a focus on providing assets for the local community as well as quantity and quality of learning spaces, whether urban or rural, could help change Malawi’s fortunes and set it on a sustainable course out of poverty. The project in Galafa is on a site set aside by the local community and village chief. The land is intended for a school but the community do not have the resources to build one. Having met with the District Education Manager for the Mwanza area, the local government have agreed that, should a school be provided by the community, they can provide a teacher. The project remains at the conceptual design phase as the charity, Classrooms for Malawi, seek funding for a prototype classroom block. If successful my design will become the new standard construction model for Classrooms for Malawi. 7
school kitche n
store
office
breako ut space
staff room
existi struc ng ture
classro om std 1/2
classro om std 3/4
teach er house ’s school garden
commu nity shop
commu nity water pump
commu nit teachin y g space
classro om std 7/8
classro om std 5/6 8,750
views f ro water c m ollectio n to adult learnin g
2,400
2,400 tr us centres s maximu span m WCs
8
floor plan
9,600
84m² = 1 per pup .4m² il 16% ab ove min
Classroom design can account for 25% of improvements in a pupil’s performance. A rectangular plan helps children focus their attention on the teacher, improving their comprehension and understanding of lessons. This should be as wide as possible without being square so as to prevent some pupils being too far from the teacher whilst retaining a directional quality. This design basis the dimensions on the minimum space standards for each pupil (1.2m2 per pupil) actually exceeding it to 1.4m2 per pupil. The other main factor is the span of the corrugated metal roof which requires support at 2.4m centres. This allows for a class of 9.6m x 8.75m. Each class also includes a breakout space for small group lessons and a storage space. As resources are limited it can be very useful to have learning aids, such as alphabets and times tables, on the walls, reducing the need for textbooks. Many teachers like to have a classroom they can lock in the evening so as to allow children’s work to remain on walls without fear of vandalism. This would prevent real community ownership of the space so a communal space is included in each block for various uses.
PREVAILING WIND
NATURAL SITE BOUNDARY
MAIN COMMUNITY ROUTE
DEFINED OUTDOOR SPACE
WATER AS COMMUNITY FOCAL POINT
COMMUNITY SPACES
9
classroom interior
10
technical section IBR roofing 600mm spacing
timber mono-pitch trusses 2400mm centres
grass matt ceiling between trusses
concrete ring-beam 400 x 230mm
earth-bag barbed wire walls 400mm plastered inside and out Damp Proof Membrane
iron framed windows with grass matt shutters
earthbag foundation (5% cement & increased gravel content)
Concrete screed 50mm
hardcore
0m
1m
2m
11
12
POTENTIAL SITE: WILLIAM VILLAGE
POTENTIAL SITE: CHILANGOMA PRIMARY EXTENSION
The general intentions of the design are that, whilst the provision of a school can improve lives in the medium to long term, a community must be provided with assets right away if it is to rise out of poverty. The school must also be designed in such a way that minimises the barriers to attendance and maximises student’s performance. Immediate assets are provision of water and energy through the school, the new focal point of the community. There will also be opportunity for adult classes in a designated community space. These provisions will help the current population of the area improve their lives and have an immediate impact on poverty in the area. The school will ensure that the next generation are less likely to grow up in poverty and are better placed to improve the community themselves.
POTENTIAL SITE: CHISENJERE
POTENTIAL SITE: MICHIRU PRIMARY EXTENSION
13
‘TO CARE’ Kelvingrove Young Person’s Hospice
14
YOUNG PERSON’S HOSPICE The hospice project is a complex and diverse programme with various valid approaches. A delicate balance between avoiding isolation and ensuring privacy is essential. This balancing act became the driver for the scheme, manifesting itself in an attempt to bring the public into the building, shared bedrooms with flexible private spaces and a plan arrangement that provides numerous semi defined secluded areas adjacent to more active spaces. Creating a sense that patients are ‘still a part of city life’ despite their condition was imperative and members of the public are invited to enter the hospice’s cafe. The site is bound by Kelvin Way to the east, the river Kelvin to the south and west and by a new path, extending from an existing axis within the park. Treatment and staff areas act as a buffer from the street to more private spaces beyond. These spaces are domestic in scale with punched windows rather than the glass walls of the communal spaces, open to the internal courtyard. Four ‘key’ spaces break into the inner courtyard and each has a higher ceiling height than surrounding areas. The individual requirements of each space are expressed in section with pitched roofs at optimum orientation. For example, bedrooms are pitched to allow east light and the lounge for south. 15
Kelvin
Views & sound of the Pa rk
Ax is
N 16
17
perimeter = 365m²
18
l Co Sp mm ac u es na
Pr Tr iva Sp eat te a ac me nd es nt
St a
ff
Ar ea
s
Pr Be iva dr te oo m
s
perimeter = 225m²
Programme organisation extends perimeter optimising natural light and ventilation
Creates semi defined internal and external spaces
Roofs pitched to suit light orientation and increase surface area and potential for natural light.
Extended perimeter defines views around the park whilst maintaining privacy.
19
As there are benefits to sharing a bedroom and to having a private space, I chose to provide both. An L shaped plan allows two flexible walls to close off each space with ‘two bedrooms in one’. With both walls unfolded two patients can share the space and avoid isolation. Conversely, with the wall closed each patient has a contained space of their own. Each patient has access to a private south facing terrace. As many patients may not be able to leave their room very often, natural light and outdoor space are essential. Terraces range from 1m to 2.5m above ground level so the user may be at canopy level with a view towards the river Kelvin. A nearby weir creates the sound of falling water making for a particularly tranquil space. Deciduous trees to the south of bedrooms will give shade in the summer but allow solar gain in the winter when it is most essential.
20
21
Roof Construction Copper cassette panels Steel frame for cladding Thermal Insulation DPM SIPS panels Service cavity Plasterboard
1.5 55 100 1 150 85 12
Wall Construction Copper cassette panels Steel frame for cladding Thermal Insulation DPM SIPS panels Service cavity Plasterboard
1.5 55 100 1 150 33 12
Floor Construction Screed with underfloor heating Separating Layer Vapourproof thermal insulation Concrete slab
22
80 1 100 200
23
‘TO CARE’ Kelvingrove Bath House
24
KELVINGROVE BATH HOUSE Since the 1896 Olympic Games, Scotland has punched above its weight in the pool as a proportion of the UK population. Scotland has contributed 22% of team GB’s medals in the pool yet only accounts for 8% of the population. With limited facilities north of the border, both of these athletes trained in England. Scotland has never produced a medallist in diving. The proposal for a new bath house in Kelvingrove is an opportunity to improve the standards of Scotland’s swimmers and divers and give access to sports that are otherwise unavailable for the majority of the country. The bath house will be a top training centre for swimmers and divers and include a 3 lane 50m pool, a 10m diving platform as well as dry training and treatment facilities. The priority of the scheme will be to facilitate the latest training techniques and technology. The bath house uses algae filled panels as a live facade system to make use of sunlight and help maintain environmental standards within the building. The algae blooms in sunlight, reducing solar gain and produces fuel for winter heating. The attitude towards building in a public park is that the building should provide more for the public than it takes. As such, the roofs are accessible and include facilities for basketball and 5 a-side football as well as cardiovascular and weight lifting equipment. The idea is that the park has merely been lifted and placed on top of the building. As a major civic building, the design takes cues from the nearby Kelvingrove art gallery. Parking is to the rear with landscaped paths taking users to a central entrance reception facing Sauchiehall Street.
25
N hospice
26
sauchiehall street
national cycle route
27
The site is arround 10,000m² and relatively rectilinear. A similarly proportioned building would lack direction and focus. Currently on the site are 6 tennis courts and 2 bowling greens. The perimeter is kelvinway to the W, residential blocks to S and E and the park and river to the N.
28
A linear building creates a strong E - W axis accross the site. This is, like the nearby art gallery, parrallel to Sauchiehall street and can relate to the street and park equally. Public ammenities spread along the axis would help create a new pedestrian and cycle thouroughfare.
Wet areas form an L shape plan around dry areas, alowing the active spaces to relate to the city. Pools are in the N of the site to minimise glare. The diving pool acts as a buffer to the street and allows the public views in.
Large volumes are required for the diving and dry dive training areas. A 10m diving board requires at least another 4m clearance. Terraces take advantage of thesouth facce and provide views down to activty below. Heights are limited to that of the surrounding tennements (around 14m).
Rather than remove the sport fields from the site entirely, the park is extended on to the roof of the building. Two public multi-sport fields are incorporated onto the pool roof and the tennis courts are moved south. The focus of the area becomes sport and recreation.
The large south facing facade is creates an opportunity for utilising solar energy. An algae bio-reactor facade system will provide a significant proportion of the energy requirements. Algal blooms will produce bio-fuel for a combined heat and power system.
29
30
31
32
33
The aim of my undergraduate thesis was to study the process of recording a live album, pressing it to vinyl, selling and archiving it. Performances would be recorded before being mixed by a sound engineer. They are pressed to vinyl as it is the highest quality physical format. Over a period of time the archive would amass a catalogue of the local music scene. Every element of the album is produced within the building. Artwork is designed and produced in the studio at the top of the building. I studied the way music is recorded and designed the venue to suit, with a large stage area to separate musicians. The capacity is 200 standing with a long stage surface to allow as many people to get close as possible. The design of the building is intended to create informal meetings between varied music professionals and fans through visual connections between different areas of the building. The intention is that, whether through browsing the shop or attending a performance, collaborations will occur due to chance meetings in the venue. Materials reflect the urban nature of the site and the venue marks nearby building heights yet during a performance, lighting allows the building to act as a local beacon.
34
‘TO PLAY’ Glasgow Vinyl Archive
35
36
37
38
39
The urban housing project was based in Dennistoun, in Glasgow’s East End. I designed an accessible, mixed use block for around 60 people. It was important to me to provide low cost housing for the most vulnerable people in the area. I created a variety of unit types to attract various groups of people. All units are accessible, although only the flats are suitable for wheelchairs. To make the most of the south facing facade each unit includes a conservatory. These open up to allow private outdoor space as well as contributing to energy demand during winter. I also provided communal spaces for laundry and a greenhouse. This again cuts energy demand and creates an opportunity for residents to meet and collaborate with neighbours.
40
‘TO LIVE’ Affordable Urban Housing
41
42
43
The brief of the ‘to gather’ project was to provide a space of worship for the town of Inveraray in Argyll. I focused on creating an atmosphere of reverence through the control of natural light. The three tiered roof lights represent the Christian idea of the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, all as one. The materials are limited to concrete, timber, copper and glass. This is a move away from the traditional opulence of church buildings to a more sober palate. The site in Inveraray is on the northern edge of the town. The church conforms with the original eighteenth-century Georgian plan of the town and invites the community to gather in its formal courtyard.
44
‘TO GATHER’ St. Kenneth’s, Inveraray
45
46
47
48
MAP architects Whilst at MAP architects I led a small project for a prototype polar bear alarm for Svalbard. The alarm was designed and built with salvaged materials such as lamps, bicycle lights and laser pens. The design was created through a number of experiments and tests within the studio. I was also required to learn new skills such as working with circuit boards.
Svalbard Polar Bear Alarm
Due to the exceptional relationship between the human population of Svalbard (2500) and the polar bear population (3000), the encounter between the two species occurs often, and not necessarily in the best of terms. Although the bears are protected by strict laws, no one is allowed outside zone 10 (urban area of Longyearbyen) with out a rifle or a guide with a rifle. This become clear when entering any public building or store, you are asked to leave your rifle or hand gun behind…. they provide security lockers for this. Albeit the high security measures, when encounters occur, whether in town or out in nature, bears are often scared off by flares, or shots in the air. But when a polar bear has not eaten for months, they are quite determined, and on many occasions, casualties have occurred. The proposed design allows for a “soft” perimeter alarm, not one that will stop polar bears from approaching the designated area, but allows for an acoustic or visual alarm to be triggered. More over, specially in the long dark season (6 months) the laser allows for the inhabitants to recognise the alarm, and avoid unnecessary triggers. This flexible system creates a nomadic edge, which can be moved at will, defining the limits of safety, and the boundary between “animal” and “human” territory.
49
MAP architects Kalø Slotsruin
One of the major projects I worked on whilst at MAP architects was the Kalø slotsruin. The ruin is one of Denmark’s best maintained medieval castles and a part of the Real Dania ”Stedet Tæller” (the site matters) and ”Steder i Landskabet (places in the landscape), located on the south of Djursland, Denmark. My responsibility on the project was with several drawings for the municipality. I was a part of meetings with an engineer. We discussed the technical elements of the project as well as the format of the drawings to be submitted to the municipality. They required a set amount of information, including plans, sections and details. I made these drawings from a 3D model and a CAD drawing and edited them with Adobe Illustrator. All drawings were at 1:100. These drawings were all annotated in Danish with the help of our engineer. I created the template for the municipality drawing format, as agreed upon with the engineer, that all drawings were based on. I also helped build a development model at 1:50. This was in paper and was for an investigation about what type of cladding we should use. I worked on a model at 1:1 to test some of the spaces we hope to create. This was done with card and marked out in our office in tape. This allowed us to test the extremes of the minimum standards. As the ruin has deteriorated since the latest drawings were made we had to do extensive surveying of the site and structure. This included using a 3D scanner attached to a drone to scan the interior and allow us to make an accurate 3D model of the castle.
50
51
CLASSROOMS FOR MALAWI Michiru Primary
Michiru primary is the third classroom block I have worked on in Malawi and the first in which I spent time as project manager. I led the charity’s construction team and was the main contact with our Malawian contractor. This involved ensuring materials were delivered to site on schedule, the construction site was safe and the block was built to a high standard. As the team leader I briefed our volunteers each morning on the tasks for the day and ensured work remained on schedule. This required surveying the site regularly and trying to reduce down time by scheduling work in the most efficient order possible. I also kept material stocks high enough that we would not run out during the day but minimised overnight storage as the site was not secure. At one stage in the build I was forced to have the construction team rebuild a section of the classroom as, after I’d inspected the wall, I discovered it was not sufficiently reinforced. I was also a part of the construction team and worked on bricklaying and making timber trusses.
52
53