A NETWORKED LANDSCAPE

Instructor: Craig Douglas

Location: Saugus, MA / Individual work

Sea-level rise and climate change have become pressing concerns for the eastern seaboard, and the marshland of Saugus is particularly vulnerable due to its location at the intersection of the land and the sea. The region faces the threat of flooding, hurricane events, and sea-level rise, which are likely to have significant impacts on the ecology, infrastructure, and urban fabric of the area. To address these challenges, this project proposes to reshape the existing infrastructure and create multi-functional spaces that can adapt to changing conditions. The new infrastructure will be designed to be resilient and adaptable, incorporating green infrastructure such as living shorelines and wetlands that can absorb excess water and reduce the risk of flooding. This multifunctional infrastructure will provide space for recreation, socialization, and economic opportunities for the surrounding community. The proposed network of shared spaces is not only about mitigating risks but also creating a more equitable and resilient future. It will provide a space where people can come together, share ideas and resources, and create a more connected and resilient community by transforming the existing infrastructure into multi-functional spaces.

Civic Center Design

Instructor: Robert Natke, Patricia Natke

Location: Chicago, IL / Team work

Roles in team: Concept design, plans design, and represetation Most works shown here were done by me

Chicago is a prime example of a city that successfully incorporates green spaces into its urban landscape. A civic center, as a type of architectural design, should prioritize the physical and emotional needs of people while retaining the vitality of nature. Our main challenge was to design a building that could embrace and honor the memory of nature. To achieve this, we aimed to create a seamless integration between the building and its natural surroundings. We divided the large site into several areas that incorporate greenery, landscape, and architecture, and ensured that the flow of movement between them was natural and intuitive. To ensure that our design was both unique and functional, we carefully considered the needs of both designers and visitors. Our programs were designed to cater to the diverse needs of the community while maintaining a cohesive and unified system connected by a central garden. In essence, our approach to design embraces nature and recognizes its importance in creating a sustainable and livable urban environment. By creating a harmonious balance between architecture and nature, we hope to create a civic center that is not only functional but also provides an enriching experience for all.

Wheel 1893

Historical Exhibition

Instructor: Catherine Wetzel

Location: Chicago, IL / Team work

Roles in team: Curator, historical research drawings, representation of exhibition. All drawing shown here were done by me

The Space Problem

Instructor: Arthur Takeuchi

Location: Chicago, IL / Individual work

The exhibition looks at the spectacle associated with the Ferris Wheel of the Columbian Exposition, 1893. When built, the Ferris Wheel of George Washington Gale Ferris was the largest moving structure of its kind. It was also the tallest structure in Chicago at that time. Based on rare technical drawings of the first Ferris wheel, we reconstructed the whole Ferris wheel by collecting research documents. We worked collectively to produce graphic documents and models for exhibition purposes. The works are to make visible the sensational qualities of the Ferris wheel as it may have been experienced in 1893. Through research, drawing, and modeling, we used collages to express a narrative of the Ferris wheel and its legacy which will be constructed as a means of the potential of kinetic architecture.

A courthouse will be utilized as a means to make clear the essential features of the space problem. There are two parts in this study: The first is a series of abstract experiences to clarify the essentials of the problem. The second is to study the application of the principles derived from the first to solve the problems of a residence and its functional requirement. I use a collage of color as an essence of what is to be portrayed. In addition, the essential constructional principles are based on Mies' principle. Materials are another part of expressing the spatial condition. Elements such as materials for partitions, paintings and sculptures are introduced as separate, distinct and moveable parts until finally positioned. This allows numerous possibilities for trial and assessement until the best combinations are found.

BUILDING — CHARACTER — URBAN SPACE

Instructor: Angelo Lunati Giancarlo Floridi

Location: Chicago, IL / Individual work

The project explores the relationship between a building, its environment, and infrastructure in the West Loop area of Chicago. The proposed station with a market is designed to connect the fragmented urban context through its unique location. The building's form and facades reflect the tension between the context and the building, with concave surfaces representing the immediate urban factors. The ground floor plaza acts as a third place for social cohesion, and the building's interior is designed with a spiral staircase and separate floors for office space and public market. The design takes inspiration from the Manhattan Building in Chicago and the Velasca Tower in Milan, incorporating vertical and horizontal elements to respond to the urban landscape.

The Performance Of The Body

Instructor: Ewa Harabasz

Location: Cambridge, MA / Individual work

Two drawing depicts a figure with contrasting qualities of strength and fragility. The body appears to be in a state of flux, with a simultaneous expansion and reduction that creates an unusual gesture. The composition of the drawing is such that the viewer can easily see the entirety of the figure, which seems to be in a dynamic state of transformation. The use of contrasting elements, such as the hard and soft forms of the figure, creates a sense of tension and interest in the artwork. Overall, the drawing conveys a powerful and delicate presence, which captures the attention of the viewer and inspires contemplation.