ARCH 1300 - 2020 University of Detroit Mercy Instructor: Enrique Ledesma
Architecture Portfolio
Isabella Virgilio
ABSTRACT When thinking of the function of architecture, practicality, economics, and aesthetics come to mind. However, to a seasoned architect, poetics is one of the most important functions that they can bring to a space. Although it is not physically present, poetics is the soul of a building and what makes people feel the way they do when entering a space. In my opinion, the way that people move through a piece of architecture creates a feeling that can not be provided with forms or materials. Creating a building that has a good sense of circulation makes a person understand and appreciate the space that they are in much better.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT .........................................................................1 PRECEDENT STUDY .......................................................3-6 SITE ANALYSIS ................................................................7-8 CONCEPTUAL DESIGN .................................................9-12 SCHEMATIC DESIGN ....................................................13-16 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT .............................................17-20 FINAL DESIGN ..............................................................21-25 SELF REFLECTION .............................................................26
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PRECEDENT STUDY
North Section
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Roof Plan
First Level Plan
Second Level Plan
West Section
Elevation
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In studying the Piraja house by Estudio Bra, I was able to learn from the difficult site that he was working with. This diagram shows how we was able to let a significant amount of daylight in with only a small area of open exterior wall space to work with.
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In this diagram along with the plans in the previous page, I learned how Bra was able to create an open concept in such a small space. He included columns only on the exterior of the building along with minimal partition walls.
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Site Analysis
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Site Analysis
Dobson St Elevation
After analyzing the polish hill site, I came to many conclusions about how important the topography would be to my design. As well, I spent time researching the context of the site so that I could think about the people using my buildings and what they will enjoy.
Brereton St Elevation
Figure Ground Plan
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Conceptual Design
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Scheme 1
Third Level Plan
Site Plan
I first created three design concepts that respond to the site as well as the context of Polish Hill. Each home-work building is specially suited for the resident that will live there. Second Level Plan
First Level Plan
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Scheme 2
Fourth Level Plan
Site Plan
Third Level Plan
Second Level Plan
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First Level Plan
Scheme 3
Fourth Level Plan
Site Plan
I chose to move forward with this design as it best encompasses circulation throughout the site as well as adequate space for both residents and the public.
Third Level Plan
Second Level Plan
First Level Plan
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Schematic Design
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In this phase, I chose which design I liked best and began working with Revit to create a digital, three dimensional model of my design.
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Fourth Level Plan
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Third Level Plan
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Second Level Plan -
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Site Plan
First Level Plan -
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North Elevation
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Roof 48' - 1 3/16"
Level 4 38' - 1 3/16"
Level 3 ground 3 100' - 1 3/16" 28' - 1 3/16" ground 2 24' - 1 3/16" Level 2 18' - 1 3/16"
Level 1 8' - 1 3/16"
ground 0' - 1 3/16"
East-West Section
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Roof 48' - 1 3/16"
Level 4 38' - 1 3/16"
Level 3 28' - 1 3/16" ground 2 24' - 1 3/16" Level 2 18' - 1 3/16"
Level 1 8' - 1 3/16"
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South Elevation
North-South Section
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ground 0' - 1 3/16"
The focus here was mainly the exterior. I played with a push and pull concept to try and make my ‘pancake’ forms into a more interesting design. I also began to think about fenestration and circulation in the site.
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Design Development
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North-South Wall Section
Roof Plan
Fourth Level Plan North-South Section
Third Level Plan
Second Level Plan
East-West Section
The wall section on the previous page clearly shows the way that my design responded to the site. The large staircase, where people can sit and enjoy the site, is connected to the buildings by a ramp which leads to the second level. First Level Plan
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South Elevation
The interior and exterior perspectives, as well as elevations, show my consideration for materials. The interior includes ceramic tile and hardwood flooring and the exterior includes stone and stucco, depending on the sections use.
North Elevation
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Site Plan
Brereton Street
Final Design
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North Elevation
East-Wesr Section
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Roof Plan
Fourth Level Plan
Third Level Plan
Second Level Plan
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First Level Plan
In the final phase of this design, I worked with lumion and different rendering softwares to allow my design to come to its full potential. I also created an axonometric view to outline the interior and exterior of my design without having overly detailed plans.
North Elevation
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SELF REFLECTION This semester’s focus was the design process as a function of context, program, and the engagement of both interior and exterior spaces. Throughout this semester, I began by studying the Piraja house by Estudio Bra and used his solutions for the small space in this design to begin thinking about how I can use his ideas to create an interesting building in this unique site. I then analyzed the given Polish Hill site and designed a group of five buildings that included the programs as well as the resident specific units. In beginning this project, I think that I played it safe by separating each unit into a different building, however, in the design development phase I added the design features that made my design interesting and original. I chose to focus on the circulation on this site and how both residents and the public will move through the space using stairs, ramps, and pathways. This focus allowed me to incorporate what would be a difficult site into something that is celebrated. I struggled with my choice of rendering software as it was my first attempt at creating a design in Revit and I think that the software may have hindered my ability to create a unique design due to its limitations in the early phases. Persevering with this software payed off in the end as I was able to bring my ideas to life and render them in a way that showcased my vision for this project. This semester forced me to go out of my comfort zone both with my design ideas as well as the way that it was created. I think that I learned a lot about context and the engagement of interior and exterior spaces as well as the use of Revit to showcase my ideas.
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