Grace Alice Dixon
Candidate for Master of Architecture The University of Texas at Austin
architecture
product design
photography
reclaiming community
solid +/- void
the kitchen cafĂŠ
breaking boundaries
uncorked
digital.fabric
architectural inspiration
Exterior Section Perspective
LIVE+WORK+GROW
Fall 2012 | An economically + socially sustainable small-business incubator promoting community involvement and shared brainstorming through open, adaptable work space.
a variety of unit types support different family sizes allowing for a mixed-income community small, continual, modular design allows for a mixture of on- and off-site fabrication
second level of residential contains [8] studio apartments + the second floors of [4] two bedroom units + [4] three bedroom units semi-private patios supply more intimate spaces contrary to the office spaces. facing the main walkways they still advocate community interaction
first floor contains [8] one bedroom units {ADA accessible} + the entrances to [4] two bedroom units + [4] three bedroom units
AT RETRE
E ITALIZ + REV
elevated and seperate living spaces encourage residents to interact with their neighbors and positively influence fellow smallbusiness owners
enclosed spaces fulfill the need for both intimate gatherings or larger conference meetings TION BORA OLLA C + Y IBILIT FLEX
columns inform organization and adaptable division of work space based on varying needs
Interior Perspective | 2 Bedroom
[THE KITCHEN CAFÉ] EXPANSION PROPOSAL Fall 2008 |The Kitchen Café, located in downtown Boulder, Colorado, is a successful local restaurant in need of expansion. This project explores relocation to an existing historic building near its current site. My proposal retains similar program in a larger space while preserving the brick structure already located on the site. While trying to balance modern aesthetics with the beautifully historic, I created an inviting atmosphere to carry on The Kitchen’s prominent reputation.
The Kitchen
B
A
Utilizing the existing structure on the site, I created two different atmospheres separated by a glass ceilinged corridor . The historic brick building encompasses a more casual, relaxed lounge while the new construction is a more formal dining experience. There is a total seating capacity of 118 [40 outside, 66 inside, 12 lounge + bar seating]. The overall development plan also includes two bathrooms, full kitchen, and an employee break area.
FLOOR PLAN
SECTION A
SECTION B OUTDOOR DINING
SOLAR
ENTRY
HOST
W.C.
BAR/LOUNGE
GASKET
STORAGE
PROGRAM
PRIVATE/PUBLIC
CIRCULATION
MATERIALITY
COMPRESSION/RELEASE
SOLID/VOID
STAFF KITCHEN
OUTDOOR DINING
HANDCRAFTED MODEL | CHERRY + BASSWOOD
SOLID +/- VOID
Spring 2013 | Beginning with Cooper Union as precedent, this project first explored how Morphosis utilized a Boolean strategy to generate form and engage in site and context. Focusing on irregular cuts, projected forms, and folding of exterior structure, I created an explorative rule system diagram which provided a method for generating new organizational patters, with extreme potential for adaptive space making. The next step was to build a physical model based on our most successful iteration. I explored the folding technique with only one solid, finding it lost its original appeal after too many applications. As a solution, I took one angular solid, divided and merged the results, and then folded its edges within itself. This created an outer shell, which provoked the user to search within the object. The final step of this process was to morph this abstract shape into a habitable pavilion. I created a pedestrian walkway that encouraged both movement and interaction throughout the space, with an upper pavilion for moments of reflection and relaxation.
FRAME
GRID
REGION
West Elevation of Final Pavilion
BOOLEAN/FOLD
TRANSFORM
MERGE
BREAKING BOUNDARIES
Spring 2011| Contemporary bowl design exploring vertical vs. horizontal construction methods.
Digital Rendering of Initial Design
VERTICAL FABRICATION
This design was explored and developed using rhinoceros 4.0. An algorithm created with the plug-in grasshopper split the surface into profiles with uniform connections throughout each piece. Individual profiles were laser-cut out of acrylic and connected with wooden dowels.
By first exploring the acrylic construction, I was able to physically see the design’s strengths and weaknesses. The main discovery was the instability of the base of the bowl. This issue was corrected by flattening the two points tangent with the bottom plane in the digital rhino file. When I plugged this file into the CNC machine, it left a flat edge that increased the stability of the overall product.
HORIZONTAL FABRICATION
With the same design, I extruded the surface, added excess tabs and created a negative to support the bowl during the CNC process. Select types of hardwood were laminated together and the first side of the design was cut using the CNC machine. That form was turned over and drilled into the negative. The final side of the bowl was then cut and the excess tabs were removed. Sanding and staining were then applied for a smoother, uniform product.
[un]CORKED
Fall 2012 | Utilizing items that are thrown away daily, my partner and I created an innovative wall system that provides soundproofing, fire resistance, and weatherproofing. Cotton t-shirts and plastic bags, both commonly found items that are constantly thrown away, offer insulation and protection from outdoor conditions. Smooth aluminum flashing on the exterior contradicts and distinguishes itself from the recycled wine corks on the interior surface. The texture, color, and height variation from the corks provide a unique surface that encourages user interaction.
+
+
Digital Rendering of Interior Application
DIGITAL. FABRIC
Spring 2011 | An investigation of generative digital fabrication through graphical algorithm.
Detail View of Physical Installation
A physical model constructed of thirty painted INSULFOAM profiles and polyvinyl chloride pipes. Ten different shades of paint initiate movement through the space. Metal wire is used to suspend the installation from the ceiling. The recycled, lightweight materials create a sculpture that is easy to install and proposes zero physical harm to anyone below. The final result is a visually stimulating installation that does not affect the structural stability of the ceiling.
ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Spring 2011 | FP4 black and white film printed on multigrade IV RC deluxe paper, glossy surface
TAXI 2 BUILDING
zeppelin development denver, colorado
SUGAR CUBE
kpmb architects denver, colorado
Here’s a little more about myself... EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN | COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING
Candidate for Master of Architecture, First-Professional Candidate for Master of Science of Historic Preservation Current GPA: 3.75
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER | COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING
Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture Graduated with Honors May 2011 Cumulative GPA: 3.74
CIEE | STUDY ABROAD
Three weeks studying the language, art, and architectural history of Prague, Czech Republic [4 credits] Cumulative GPA: 3.93
SKILLS
Adobe Indesign, Illustrator, + Photoshop Autodesk Revit Architecture AutoCAD 2013 Rhinoceros 4.0 Autodesk 3dsMax Film photography + printing
ACADEMIC HONORS
Chancellor’s Achievement Scholarship [2007-2011] College of Architecture + Planning Dean’s List [7 semesters] Graduation Gala: Digital fabrication + independent study projects exhibited [2011]
EXPERIENCE
CITY OF FORT COLLINS | HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND CURRENT PLANNING INTERN
I was able to expand my creative capabilites with graphic design and publication work. I also assisted with conceptual and development reviews, landmark designation research and applications, and basic office tasks and organization.
ACTIONPIC9 + SHERRI BARBER PHOTOGRAPHY | PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT As a photography assistant, I helped with equipment setup and tear down, order placement, and assisted customers through the selection and purchasing process. After six years with the company, I have an immense appreciation for successful, passionate small-businesses and the field of photography. VINCENT HEAVENLY PIES AND PASTA| SERVER I was entrusted with many responsibilities as a server and bartender for this locally owned business. This included opening and closing the restaurant by myself, stocking, organizing, and cleaning the front of house, and being proficient and effective during solo shifts. FORT COLLINS COUNTRY CLUB | SERVER During my years here, I served for banquets, the grill room, dining room, pool, and bar cart. This allowed me to create relationships with members, hone my networking skills, and adapt to many unique situations.
AUGUST 2012-PRESENT
AUGUST 2007-MAY 2011
SUMMER 2010
ORGANIZATIONS
National Society of Collegiate Scholars Golden Key International Honour Society American Institute of Architectural Students Habitat for Humanity Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
AUGUST 2011-JANUARY 2012
JANUARY 2004-JANUARY 2012
AUGUST 2011-AUGUST 2012
MAY 2008-AUGUST 2010
After completing nearly five years of architectural education, I feel I am well prepared for an opportunity to gain professional experience. I am a focused, responsible, and passionate person who loves to create anything as long as the final product serves its user well. I am extremely interested in architecture and historic preservation, as well as graphic, interior, and product design. I believe in total design, and think as architects we should be capable of producing useful, stunning solutions for any design problem we encounter. I care deeply about any task I am given in both educational and professional situations. My strong work ethic and desire to be an important asset to my employer is evident in the responsibilities I have held in my past jobs. With six years of experience in related fields to architecture and the restaurant industry, I feel confident when tackling new challenges. I hope you can give me the opportunity to be a beneficial addition to your firm.
please feel free to call me... 970.420.9618
or e-mail me. grace.dixon2011@gmail.com
Grace Alice Dixon 606.B Franklin Blvd. Austin, TX 78751