M'Arch Portfolio - 2025

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2025 ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

GRACE CARLSON

EDUCATION

University of Nebraska - Lincoln Master of Architecture // 2023-Present

Master of Architecture Study Abroad Program London, Prague, Rome // Fall 2024

University of Nebraska - Lincoln Bachelor of Science in Design // 2020-2023

HONORS

PAC Scholarship Winner 2024

London Abroad Scholarship 2024

SGH Dri-Design Competition Finalist 2023

UNL Deans List 2019-2023

SKILLS

Adobe Creative Suite

Rhino

Revit

Sketchup

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

Twinmotion

Enscape

Lumion

Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Modeling

EXPERIENCE

BCDM Architects Architectural Intern // Summer 2024

Assist in schematic design development, conceptual planning, 3D modeling, and presentation graphics

Collaborate with senior architects to lead client meetings, presenting design proposals and gathering feedback to refine project outcomes

Produce high-quality video footage and visual materials for fundraising campaigns

Pact Studios Architectural Intern // 2023-2024

Assist in the development of architectural drawings & renderings

Collaborate with project teams to contribute to the design solution

Participate in site visits to gather relevant project information

LUXE Dance Academy Instructor // 2016-Present

Provide a safe & fun environment for students Choreograph & teach dance lessons Ef fectively communicate with students & parents

Sandhills Global Graphic Design Intern // 2022-2023

Create a brand & identity for clients Collaborate to increase marketability

Use visual sof tware to communicate core values

INVOLVEMENT

Graduate Learning Assistant 2023-2025

Unicameral Design Magazine 2024

Learning Community Peer Mentor 2021-2022

Engineering Ambassador 2019-2020

PLEASE TOUCH THE ART

Addition to Sheldon Art Museum Lincoln, NE Spring 2023

01-16

SOMA STATION

Adaptive Reuse Design Omaha, NE Spring 2024

17-30

ANEW COMMONS

Research & Master Plan Concept Omaha, NE Fall 2023

31-44

PLEASE TOUCH THE ART

New Build Spring 2023

Collaboration with Clara Hetherington, Sidney Renelt

“Please Touch the Art” is an informal approach to experiencing how art is traditionally observed and created. Taking part in an individualized journey of the creative process, occupants of the space are encouraged to engage in art through a variety of different ways. Through colorful, immersive installations and spaces where creativity can be fully expressed, this building engages its occupants in the creative process so that they can view themselves as artists. This design serves as an addition to the Sheldon Art Museum, proposing new ideas for interactions with art.

SHELDON ART GALLERY

PROGRAM ANALYSIS

The addition is structured around three phases of the artistic journey. On the LEARN floor, students draw inspiration and expand their understanding of art. The CREATE floor offers a collaborative environment where ideas come to life through individual works. Finally, the EXHIBIT floor becomes a platform for showcasing creations, allowing students to leave a meaningful impact. Together, these levels guide a fluid yet personalized creative journey.

STUDENT CONTROLLED INTERACTIVE INSTALLATION

ACCESS TO GREEN ROOF

RESERVABLE CLASSROOM SPACE

STUDENT ART GALLERY

MAKER’S SPACE

SIDEWALK ENTRY

ITERACTIVE INSTALLATION

ACCESS TO SUNKEN COURTYARD

SITUATE SPLIT ENGAGE

The new addition is located in the sunken garden of the Sheldon Art Museum, with the goal of revitalizing and breathing new life into the area.

The extrusion is divided into three floors allowing for an individualized creative journey as one moves through the building.

The form is strategically shaped by the of travel around enabling visual into areas of

ENGAGE ACTIVATE CONNECT

strategically the primary paths around the site, visual connections of creation.

Outdoor spaces come to life through the implementation of green systems, strategically positioned where nature can inspire creativity.

The link to the Sheldon facilitates a physical transition from a hub of expression to an area dedicated to creative activities.

ORGANIZATION

BUILDING ENVELOPE

SECOND LEVEL

FIRST LEVEL

LOWER LEVEL

green roof
sunken courtyard
student exhibition
maker’s space
interactive student installation

KEY SPACES

COURTYARD social hub

MAKERS SPACE visual connection

CLASSROOM

nature connectivity

GALLERY exhibit creativity

Grace Carlson

scan me for an interactive experience

https://kuula.co/share/collection/7F8QX?logo=1&info=1&fs=1&vr=0&sd=1&thumbs=1

FIRST LEVEL

1. STUDENT LOUNGE
SHELDON ART GALLERY
MAIN CORRIDOR
STUDENT ART GALLERY
OUTDOOR PASSAGEWAY

FACILITATE INDIVIDUALIZED CREATIVE EXPRESSION

ESTABLISH COMMUNITY

ACTIVATED ALLEY

EXTERIOR DESIGN

LED panels are placed on the building’s exterior, aiming to showcase student work and provide an interactive experience that begins prior to entering the structure. The framework illustrates how the artwork dynamically changes and responds as individuals move around it.

Exterior fin iterations to improve thermal performance on the interior of the building.

SOMA STATION

Professor Jeremy Reding

Omaha, NE

Adaptive Reuse

Spring 2024

Collaboration with Reid Shubert, Nico Forte, Ana Wand

SoMa Station re-imagines the site at 12th and Farnam in downtown Omaha as a dynamic link between the historic Old Market and the revitalized Gene Leahy Mall. This design creates pathways that unite the two areas, inviting recreation, social interaction, and community engagement. The repourposed building will transform into versatile spaces, energizing the site as a vibrant urban hub. Terraced structures flood the area with natural light, while a thoughtfully designed canopy provides shelter and comfort. More than just an architectural intervention, SoMa Station is a vision for fostering connection and enhancing urban life for generations to come.

SITE

THE OLD MARKET

GENE LEAHY MALL

SITUATE SITE

RELAX EXPLORE INTERACT

This design embraces a mixed-use approach that fosters a sense of community through three core experiences: EXPLORE, RELAX, and INTERACT. The EXPLORE program integrates spaces for active engagement and familyoriented activities, bridging the connection between Gene Leahy and the Old Market. The RELAX programs offers a calming escape, creating an ideal environment to unwind and recharge. The INTERACT program offers dynamic spaces such as rock climbing, collaborative areas, and walking paths, encouraging exploration and social connection. This thoughtful blend of programming supports a diverse range of activities, enriching downtown Omaha as a vibrant, multi-functional space that appeals to residents and visitors alike.

scan me for an immersive experience

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-MVgu0THSI

USER ANALYSIS

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

SAFETY + SECURITY

FAMILIES

ENTERTAINMENT + LEISURE

INFORMATION + GUIDANCE

WORK LIFE BALANCE

FINANCIAL STABILITY

PERSONAL GROWTH + FULFILLMENT

COMMUNITY + CONNECTION EXPERIENCE

HEALTH + WELLNESS

ACCOMODATION + TRANSIT

RELAXATION EXPLORATION INTERACTION

LEARNING + DISCOVERY

VISITORS + TOURISTS

EXISTING REMOVE EXPAND

EXPAND TERRACE POPULATE

GROUND LEVEL

cozy modern inviting views connected elevated peace warm home relaxed gatherspatial outdoor nature connection discover activity enrich excite expand bold curiosity enjoy enjoy unwind unwind unwind rejuvinate zen zen zen easygoing easygoing serene serene serene chill tranquil tranquil tranquil restore restore calming peace recovery recovery community community bond network network connect connect participate

gatherspatial outdoor greenery nature connection

TERRACE

cozy modern inviting views connected elevated peace warm home relaxed

RESIDENTIAL

cozy modern inviting views connected elevated peace warm home relaxed open gather fresh spatial outdoor greenery nature connection

RESIDENTIAL

cozy modern inviting views connected elevated peace warm home relaxed

greenery nature connection open gather nature connection open

modern entertain views connected elevated peace warm relaxed unwind restore community connect vibrant

RESTAURANT CHILD CARE

open outdoor greenery connection discover activity adventure journey learn wonder enrich social network engage connect meet

EXISTING

PROPOSED

Grace Carlson

EXISTING

PROPOSED

ANEW COMMONS

Research & Master Plan Concept

Fall 2023

By 2050, nearly 70% of the global population is expected to live in urban areas. This master plan re-imagines an urban site in Omaha, Nebraska, with a focus on economic sustainability and long-term vitality. It assesses current site programming to identify opportunities for growth while incorporating flexible strategies to meet the needs of future generations. The design emphasizes community well-being, environmental resilience, and economic renewal. With thoughtful planning, the project aims to create a vibrant, adaptable space that endures for decades. To achieve these goals, it follows three key phases: redesign, reoccupation, and rejuvenation.

PROJECT GOALS

INCREASE PROGRAMMING BUILD COMMUNITY

ACTIVATE SITE

DESIGN RESEARCH

Urban areas contribute over 80% of the world’s total economic output, making their economic sustainability vital as cities grow. Despite occupying only about 3% of the Earth’s land, urban areas house over half the global population and are expected to accommodate nearly 70% by 2050. With businesses relocating from downtown regions, revitalization efforts must focus on fostering vibrant, economically resilient communities. Research shows that mixed-use developments combining residential, commercial, and cultural spaces drive economic activity by attracting diverse populations and businesses. Investing in green infrastructure, such as urban parks and pedestrian-friendly streets, can increase surrounding property values by up to 20% while supporting local economies. By aligning sustainability with economic opportunity, urban planners can ensure downtowns remain hubs of innovation and long-term growth, even amid shifting business landscapes.

ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

PROJECT STRATEGIES

This project employs three key phases to achieve the overarching goal of introducing 30,000 jobs and 30,000 new residences to the Omaha downtown area by the year 2030 to support the economic vitality of this area. Firstly, it focuses on the redevelopment of the current site through an expansion of programming. The second phase involves the revitalization of the site by strategically designing mixedincome housing and fostering new job opportunities. Finally, the synergistic combination of these two aspects allows the space to undergo a comprehensive revitalization, activating streets and rooftops. Users can now engage with and enjoy the new programming that was previously absent.

COMMUNITY RECREATION ENTERTAINMENT

RETAIL

REDEVELOP

350 RESIDENTIAL UNITS

500 PARKING SPACES

250 HOTEL KEYS

COMMUNITY GARDEN STREETSCAPE TRANSIT

REINHABIT REVITALIZE

PROGRAM STACKING

PARKING

RESIDENTIAL

ENVIRONMENT

STREET LEVEL

FARNAM
HARNEY
1. HOTEL 2. RETAIL 3. DINING 4. PARKING 5. COMMUNITY RECREATION

THANK YOU!

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