Grace Dixon Portfolio 2014

Page 1

SELECTED WORKS


// CONTENTS

Grace Alice Dixon Candidate for Master of Architecture University of Texas at Austin


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1-8

4/

23-26

7/

35-38

[pod]agogy

solid +/- void

digital.fabric

2/

9-16

5/

27-30

8/

39-42

east austin social club

101 years of interior design

models made

3/

17-22

6/

31-34

9/

43-44

reclaiming communit y

uncorked

resumĂŠ


[POD]AGOGY FALL 2013

A consistent problem in today’s educational system is not only how children are being taught but also the environment they are being taught in. Portables were meant to be a temporary solution to the issue of space and overcrowding, but instead have become permanent and dated structures. This project proposes an efficient and retrofitted modular solution for an adaptable learning environment. Utilizing the core between exterior and interior conditions allows for the flexibility and innovation that are lacking in today’s portables. Individual modules can be rearranged based on the special and educational requirements of the class. This [pod]agogical method would encourage a system where students advance based on their learning and performance instead of seat time, creating a “no child forced to move ahead” philosophy.



standard classroom

//orthogonal layout with fixed furniture and limited program flexibility

CAN WE TEACH COURSES THAT FIT ALL LEARNING TYPES? TOUCH

MOVEMENT

FIRST SEMESTER

1 er

clus t

History Math English ESL POTENTIAL CURRICULUM

2 er

Health

clus t

NEED TO BLUR DISTINCTION BETWEEN PROGRESS LEVELS

HISTORY ART ENGLISH

Special Education

Science

MATH SCIENCE MUSIC

NATURE

1 er

MATH ART HEALTH

2 er

HISTORY MUSIC THEATRE

MORAL

1 er

SCIENCE HISTORY DANCE

2 er

MATH THEATRE ENGLISH

SPIRITUAL

1 er

clus t

SOLITARY

ENGLISH THEATRE ART

2 er

clus t

SOCIAL

clus t

TONAL

clus t

VISUAL

clus t

LOGICAL

clus t

VERBAL

MUSIC HISTORY DANCE

Art

FIRST SEMESTER

Theatre

NEXT SEMESTER

Computer Technology

* If there were enough courses with a minimum of at least three subjects per course, one student could repeat any subject needed without judgement by his peers.

NEXT SEMESTER

multi-subject learning

3

+

prefabricated + modular

+

flexible + adaptable

3 er

ENGLISH COMP.TECH DANCE

3 er

HISTORY ENGLISH ART

3 er

clus t

THEATRE COMP.TECH HEALTH

clus t

clus t

Dance

clus t

3 er

Music

STRUGGLING STUDENT

SCIENCE HEALTH MATH


Fall 2013 | Advanced Studio | Clay Odom

4


FORM DEVELOPMENT [STANDARD TO MODULES]

INTERIOR DEVELOPMENT [STANDARD TO INTERACTIVE]

1 standard classroom

1 standard classroom

5 activity corner [reading/writing]

2 all components moved to perimeter for open plan

2 entrance

6 subject pod placement

3 walls adjusted for light and entrance

3 personal storage

7 pod + entrance enclosure

4 modular componentization for aggregation

4 furniture storage

8 shelter

5 Fall 2013 | Advanced Studio | Clay Odom


Fall 2013 | Advanced Studio | Clay Odom

6


B

A

C

D

7 Fall 2013 | Advanced Studio | Clay Odom


Section A 1/8” = 1’

Section B 1/8” = 1’

Section C 1/8” = 1’

Section D 1/8” = 1’

Fall 2013 | Advanced Studio | Clay Odom

8


EAST AUSTIN SOCIAL CLUB SPRING 2013

This exciting and challenging design process began with exploring hundreds of different Boolean operations in order to develop a general architectural form. From there I took a unique approach and re-applied the Boolean technique to the form based on restrictions and influences from the site. Once the form was developed, I arranged the programs within it based on organizational and space requirements. This outward-in approach was unique and challenging compared to my normal design process, especially with the added stress of learning an entirely new computer program. The final product was an extravagant, urban social club, fitting for the changing downtown Austin economy.



*chief executive officer

*young professional

racquetball with CFO shower pedicure dinner with wife + family

Public

grab coffee meeting with potential client attend lecture series on growing your own business cocktails with old college friends

*EASC employee

*stay-at-home mother

bike to work along waller creek trail shower monthly staff meeting supervise evening wedding

buy groceries at on-site market swim laps shower host art gallery opening as fund raiser for local charity

staff locker rooms

offices event scheduling

office+client meeting space

event scheduling

event space

concert hall

banquet hall

outdoor market

lecture hall gallery

lecture hall gallery

concierge

host/reservations/ticket office/receptionist

lecture hall

host

member+client meeting space restrooms reservations

ticket office

locker rooms racquetball

receptionist

member+member meeting space management restaurant

river front pabilion urban beach

bar cafe

security equipment storage

spa

lap poop outdoor movie theatre

outdoor movie theatre

kitchen cafe

salon

Exclusive External

Internal

11 Fall 2013 | Vertical Studio | Kory Beig

6a-12p

12a-6a

6p-12a

Primary

12p-6p

Time in use

Secondary

Programmatic Connectivity

Tertiary

Spacial Connectivity

Sound

Views


Fall 2013 | Vertical Studio | Kory Beig

12


13

Fall 2013 | Vertical Studio | Kory Beig


Fall 2013 | Vertical Studio | Kory Beig

14


UP

UP

First Floor Plan

15 Fall 2013 | Vertical Studio | Kory Beig

Third Floor Plan


Fall 2013 | Vertical Studio | Kory Beig

16


RECLAIMMING COMMUNITY FALL 2012

This design for a vacant lot in East Austin proposes an economically and socially sustainable small-business incubator. The program called for a live-work community and with appropriately sized living units above, this allowed for a large open work environment below. This adaptable workspace would promote community involvement through shared brainstorming and collaboration. When starting a new business it is extremely important to be surrounded by those who are either going through similar struggles or can provide useful information based on recent experience. The studio itself helped improve my construction knowledge and Revit capabilities while also exploring new representation techniques.



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

PROGRAM first floor contains [8] one bedroom units (ADA accessible) + the entrances to [4] two bedroom units + [4] three bedroom units

elevated and seperate living spaces encourage residents to interact with their neighbors and positively influence fellow small-business owners

TALIZE

+ REVI T A E R T E R

enclosed spaces fulfill the need for both intimate gatherings or larger conference meetings

columns inform organization and adaptable division of work space based on varying needs

19 Fall 2012 | Vertical Studio | Ulrich Dangel

FLEXIBI

RATION O B A L L O LITY + C


Fall 2012 | Vertical Studio | Ulrich Dangel

20


Office Floor Plan

21 Fall 2012 | Vertical Studio | Ulrich Dangel

First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan


Fall 2012 | Vertical Studio | Ulrich Dangel

22


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

BOOLEAN/FOLD

TRANSFORM

REGION

MERGE

25 Spring 2013 | Vertical Studio | Kory Bieg


Spring 2013 | Vertical Studio | Kory Bieg

26


WEAVING THE PAST+ PRESENT FALL 2013

The Interior Design Program at The University of Texas at Austin was fortunate enough to celebrate their 101st anniversary this past year. As part of a three-day symposium celebrating the rich history of the program, I was hired as assistant curator for a month-long exhibit at The School of Architecture. I was given an exciting and challenging opportunity to not only help with the overall organization of the show but also compile a vast amount of information into a cohesive timeline that was displayed throughout the exhibit. This provided a unique experience that required me to consider how visitors would interact with the graphic design and its effect on the space. This timeline honored the influence of more than 1,000 interior design alumni that have left their mark on the program. *In collaboration with Dr. Nancy Kwallek, Elise Wasser-King, + Austin Art Services



29 Fall 2013 | Assistant Curator | Nancy Kwallek


Fall 2013 | Assistant Curator | Nancy Kwallek

30


[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. *In collaboration with Ellen Sampson



THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Recycled Plastic Bags

33 Fall 2012 | Vertical Studio | Ulrich Dangel

+

+ Excess T-shirts

wine

Unused Corks


Fall 2012 | Vertical Studio | Ulrich Dangel

34


DIGITAL.FABRIC SPRING 2011

We began this design with a simple fabric swatch, using the undulating curves of the piece to create a three dimensional, digital object. Using grasshopper and rhinoceros we were able to explode this form into multiple slices combined by two singular rods. A physical model was then constructed of thirty painted INSULFOAM profiles, each CNC routed, and polyvinyl chloride pipes. Ten different shades of paint initiated movement through the space and metal wire was used to suspend the installation from the ceiling, creating a floating effect. The recycled, lightweight materials created a sculpture that is easy to install and proposes zero physical harm to anyone below. The final result was a visually stimulating installation that does not affect the structural stability of the ceiling. *In collaboration with John Gackstetter and Rob Jones



37 Spring 2011 | Digital Fabrication + Production | Marcel De Lange


Spring 2011 | Digital Fabrication + Production | Marcel De Lange

38


MODELS MADE 2008-2013

I have decided to feature my models not as an aid in explaining projects but as an exhibition of my attention to detail. It is hard to experience an image of a model in this same way you can experience the physical object. The true purpose of a physical model is to understand the exterior and interior special relationships. I believe handcrafted models are a beautiful part of architecture and unfortunately are becoming a dying art. My hope in showing these models is to display my appreciation for accuracy, creativity, and craft.



41 Spring 2011 | Digital Fabrication + Production | Marcel De Lange


Spring 2011 | Digital Fabrication + Production | Marcel De Lange

42


THANK YOU


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