Architecture Portfolio 2021 by Jay Schairbaum

Jay Schairbaum jdschairbaum@gmail.com (937) 902-8465

Selected Works

2017 - 2021

CONTENT

In [Medias] Res

UbiquitoU.S. Conditions

Holz und Stein

Fall 2017

The Assembly

Spring 2020

Tree House

Temporal Theatre

Fall 2020 Spring 2021

Summer 2018 Fall 2019

Jay Schairbaum Hello. Thank you for taking interest in my work and for spending the time to give it a look. What follows is a collection of independent and collaborative projects I have had the opportunity to complete during my time at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Michigan. I hope you find the work to be both reflective of my design proficiencies and indicative of my personal interests concerning design equity, innovative and sustainable construction, and ethical practice. Architecture is often found in a mediating position between complexities of community representation, economic viability, zoning regulations, construction feasibility, and code requirements. It is between these factors where opportunities can be found and extracted to create compelling work. I appreciate this complex process of collaboration and bring to it a mindset of diligence and openness for new ideation. Making this work has been a pleasure and I look forward to the challenges of whatever projects may come next.

CONTACT Email Phone Web

jdschairbaum@gmail.com (937) 902-8465 jayschairbaum.com

2021

EDUCATION

EXPERIENCE

University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI

August 2019 - May 2021

Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning (TCAUP) Master of Architecture University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH

August 2014 - April 2018

College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) Bachelor of Science in Architecture Summa Cum Laude SKILLS Digital Rhino AutoCAD Revit Sketchup InDesign Photoshop Illustrator Grasshopper V-Ray Bluebeam

Manual Woodworking Model Making Drafting Sketching Photography 3D Printing Laser Cutting CNC Milling Metal Working

+ Interests Running Music Hiking Photography Cycling Travel

Involvement North Brooklyn Runners ARC Umich Neighborhoods Now UC Running Club AIAS Member Leap Sandcastle Classic Clean Up Cincy

LTL Architects (Lewis.Tsurumaki.Lewis) Designer

May 2020 - August 2020 December 2018 - August 2019 New York, NY

Researched implications of COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on urban space and building mechanical systems. Proposed urban strategies for safe re-opening of businesses in Jackson Heights neighborhood through Neighborhoods Now initiative. Coordinated graphic standards and produced drawings for “Manual of Physical Distancing.” Collaborated on higher education residence hall for Carnegie Mellon University from programming through design development phases. Responsibilities included facade and building envelope development. Executed work in Rhino, AutoCAD, and Revit. COOKFOX Architects Design Intern

May 2017 - August 2017 New York, NY

Assisted in competition proposal for high-rise multi-use tower in San Francisco. Completed renderings and diagrams for client approval. Worked with interior design department on material studies. Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Design Intern

August 2016 - December 2016 San Francisco, CA

Worked on series of small retail spaces in construction documentation. Team member for tenant improvement from concept design through schematic design proposal, responsible for initial schemes and visualization material Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture Design Intern

January 2016 - April 2016 Chicago, IL

Completed design studies and drawings for high-rise competition in Chicago from initial concept through final submission. Collaborated with structural engineering consultants and assisted with visualization for client presentations. RECOGNITION AIANY Project Award Citation (For Serving As An Impactful Resource), “Manual of Physical Distancing” with LTL Architects Super Jury, project nomination, “UbiquitoU.S. Conditions” Taubman College Student Show 2021 featured work, “In [Medias] Res” Taubman College Student Show 2021 featured work, “The Assembly” Taubman College Student Show 2020 featured work, “Temporal Theater” Taubman College Merit Award Scholarship DAAPworks 2018 Showcase featured work, “Human Occupation” UC Cincinnatus Founders Scholarship “Holz und Stein” Exhibition, Reed Gallery UC International Study Abroad Scholarship DAAP End of Semester Exhibition, featured work “Inside Out” Exhibition, Reed Gallery, featured work “Foundation” Exhibition, Weston Gallery, featured work

2021 2021 2021 2020 2020 2019 - 2021 2018 2014 - 2018 2017 2017 2015 2016 2016 2015

CV 05

In [Medias] Res Fall 2020 // University of Michigan Professors: Ellie Abrons & Meredith Miller Collaboration: Victor Mardikian & Jamie Wiberg Location: Detroit, Michigan Recognition: Taubman College Student Show 2021

In [Medias] Res

Detroit, like most American cities, relies on the single-family detached home as a primary typology for its residential neighborhoods, an interest spurred by the prosperity of mid-century industrialization. In Island View, located to the northeast of downtown, many of these lots, sit empty revealing the challenge of maintaining this type of low density housing. This project introduces the typology of the “missing middle” through an aggregation of duplex, triplex, and other multifamily living conditions. If detached homes share only a property line and row houses a party wall, then we suggest a third option in which walls between adjacent dwelling units become highly optimized and activated to program the most necessary and prescribed elements of housing: circulation, kitchens, bathrooms, and mechanical systems. These thickened walls, constructed of 5-ply CLT panels, provide each unit with its own independent kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and ground floor entrance with the addition of an outdoor stoop.

The result of this unit arrangement are four building types based on a pattern of programmed and unprogrammed space, where the areas of occupation are mostly void space and the areas between them are a dense poche of services and systems. Unit plans are based on three sizes that can be adapted by users to match different bedroom and living arrangements. Each of the four building types borrows from the style and scale of existing homes in the neighborhood. Their gabled roofs, balconies, and brickwork evoke a residential appeal while allowing the facade to be playful in its wrapping of metal roof panels and change of brick color at the base. Such an appearance along with consideration of Island View’s zoning requirements allows for a seamless integration of this new housing density into the neighborhood. It also reveal how the project manages the relationship between attainability and individuality by using repetitive elements to make unique living conditions.

In [Medias] Res

Townsend Street Stoops and stairways allow for each unit to have their own connection with the ground. The massing of each building type is respectful of the residential scale of the neighborhood.

Programmed Wall Rather than separating dwelling units by a property line or party wall, thickened programmed walls contain an interwoven network of service spaces like circulation, utilities, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry that are shared subliminally by each of the units.

In [Medias] Res

Building Type 1 (3x) GSF: 5,832 SF 5 Units Unit Areas (SF): 1. 825 2. 825 3. 1,585 4. 1,282 5. 1,316

Unit Types: S 2 M 2 L 1

Building Type 2 (3x) GSF: 6,042 SF 6 Units

Unit Types: S 3 M 1 L 2

In [Medias] Res

Unit Areas (SF): 1. 1,411 4. 600 2. 1,242 5. 1,366 3. 697 6. 728

Building Type 3 (1x) GSF: 8,474 SF 8 Units

Unit Types: S 4 M 2 L 2

Unit Areas (SF): 1. 1,498 5. 1,250 2. 1,400 6. 742 3. 750 7. 1,450 4. 625 8. 757

Building Type 4 (1x) GSF: 5,832 SF 5 Units

Unit Types: S 6 M 2 L 2

Unit Areas (SF): 1. 1,500 6. 1,418 2. 770 7. 1,353 3. 800 8. 742 4. 730 9. 1,442 5. 623 10. 757

In [Medias] Res 11

In [Medias] Res

In [Medias] Res 14

Site Strategy Along Townsend Street the different building types fill vacant lots between existing homes. The adjacency with Butzel Playground means that unit entrances are both street facing and park facing, with walkways and portals connecting the two sides. Kercheval Avenue, a high traffic vehicular thoroughfare shown on the left, is abutted by a higher density structure that includes ground floor retail space and live work units.

In [Medias] Res

Kercheval Block

In [Medias] Res

GSF: 32,287 SF 31 Units

Unit Types: S M L Live Work

6 2 2 3

Unit Areas (SF): 1. 954 8. 1,572 2. 1,484 9. 550 3. 705 10. 1,371 4. 1,444 11. 662 5. 1,222 12. 1,368 6. 1,212 13. 1,487 7. 705 14. 550

15. 1,615 16. 705 17. 662 18. 1,341 19. 507 20. 1,285 21. 618

22. 1,217 23. 1,371 24. 550 25. 1,457 26. 746 27. 1,143 28. 1,285

29. 507 30. 1,310 31. 688

In [Medias] Res

In [Medias] Res 18

Kercheval Block From the Park Walkways connect Kercheval Avenue to Butzel playground through openings in the Kercheval Block. Alleyways These pedestrian passageways enclose private entrances for residential units with bridges that connect hallways on upper floors

In [Medias] Res

Brickwork A stepped, corbeled brick pattern indicates the areas of programmed walls on the facade, they also mark entrances to units at the ground floor. Variations of red, orange, and gray brick colors are used across the site.

Pattern The facade of each building indicates a pattern of programmed and unprogrammed space, where the areas of occupation are mostly void space and the areas between them are a dense poche of services and systems.

In [Medias] Res

UbiquitoU.S. Conditions Spring 2021 // University of Michigan Professor: Julia McMorrough Location: Main Street, USA Recognition: Thesis Super Jury Project Nomination 2021

In many ways, America is a landscape of localities, both connected and distinguished by unique systems of infrastructure and manufacturing. These conduits behave as filters to how global factors might be perceived at the scale of cities and towns. While American towns each have a unique flavor, they are unified by a set of underlying parameters like zoning codes, land ordinances, construction methods, and architectural styles that have been adopted as standards throughout the country. They behave as prototypical models resulting in a ubiquitous condition exemplified through nostalgic downtowns, catalog homes, franchised establishments, and suburban subdivisions. It is because of this phenomenon that globalization can be seen at the scale of Main Street. Energy usage is perceived through gas prices, food consumption through chain restaurants, and commodities through big box stores. Yet, Main Street offers more than such a caricature implies.

UbiquitoU.S. Conditions

The challenge of these ubiquitous conditions are their double edged nature. On one hand they promote a certain level of individual agency through ownership and DIY culture, and on another they decentralize communities through policies of exclusivity and suburban expansion. This type of development introduces the opportunity for a civic space to exist between the nostalgia of main street and the expansiveness of globalization.

This project introduces the proposal of A New Town Hall for America’s Main Street that addresses this reliance on familiarity by evoking an affinity for locality and an awareness of a town’s position amongst global factors. It occupies a typical grid plan block measuring 300’ x 350’ and is composed of four main structures arranged around a central plaza. The Depot includes a bus station, an occupied roof connected to the plaza, and an observation deck that doubles as a clock tower; the Parking Court contains classrooms overlooking a basketball court, parking on lower levels that can be converted to occupied floors over time, and a greenhouse on the top level; The Meeting House includes both ground level public amenities servicing the plaza and offices for the city government; and finally The Gathering Hall houses the council chamber, an auditorium, the town archive, and public event rooms. Each of the four buildings suggest possibilities of public space that might help aggregate new modes of community interaction. They independently express discrete modes of construction and facade articulation borrowed from traditional methods and materials, but still culminating in a unified urban space. The project responds to the conditions of ubiquity in the American Townscape by instilling an ethos celebrating place and identity through community engagement and representation.

UbiquitoU.S. Conditions

Vignettes The project began by taking stock of common conditions found along the American Main Street like diners, movie theaters, corner stores, and Sears and Roebuck catalog homes. These elements help define the nostalgia of cities and towns.

Mapping Main Street and the American Grid The map shows an overlay of every city hall in the United States (shown with black dots), the National Rail System (shown in blue) and the Interstate Highway System (shown in red). Below is a scale comparison between block sizes of grid plan cities in the U.S. Their average size measures 300’ x 350’.

UbiquitoU.S. Conditions

Factory of Vernacular Construction As a rhetorical exercise, this image reimagines the city as being cut off from the Interstate Highway System and other global influences, instead having to locally produce all of its goods and architecture from a central factory. Ubiquitous Details These details show four of the most commonly use construction materials in the U.S. and their qualities of efficiency. They include steel framing with precast hollow-core slab elements, CMU block with open web joists, dimensional lumber framing, and metal stud framing. Each of these methods have been optimized through the commoditization of construction parts and other forms of mass production.

UbiquitoU.S. Conditions 29

UbiquitoU.S. Conditions 30

Town Hall Exterior The Depot clock tower and observation deck offer a new perspective over the town (1). Alleyways between the Meeting House and Gathering Hall connect the street with the plaza (2). The Gathering Hall assembly spaces are transparent to the street front while a series of stairs and ramps on the parking court allow for easy circulation (3). The occupied roof of The Depot acts as a canopy over the bus station (4). Context The town hall exists between a traditional main street and franchised establishments like gas stations and fast food chains. Its elements are a response to both a pedestrian and vehicular scale.

UbiquitoU.S. Conditions

Plan Each of the four building massings are determined by their diverse programming and adjacencies. They are arranged around a central plaza with pedestrian portals that connect to the street. Town Hall Interior The facade of the Gathering Hall facing the plaza includes a light installation that can be changed to match certain events (1). Walkways in the Parking Court connect classrooms and also overlook the sports court below (2). A greenhouse on the roof of the Parking Court influences community based food production (3). The atrium of the Gathering Hall shows the adjacencies of different programs like the council chamber and auditorium (4).

UbiquitoU.S. Conditions

UbiquitoU.S. Conditions 38

Building Materials and Details Facade materials range from brick and metal expanded mesh to precast concrete and painted steel that counters the vibrant colors of the surrounding signage. The lighting installation of the Gathering Hall is made up of LED bars that are able to change colors. Part to Whole Each of the four main elements has their own character, yet combine to form a cohesive urban block, not unlike the combination of styles and materials found in a typical American Town.

UbiquitoU.S. Conditions

Holz und Stein Fall 2017 // University of Cincinnati Professor: Terry Boling Location: Reed Gallery // Cincinnati, OH

The culmination of two-month’s study through Central Europe, Holz und Stein (Wood and Stone) is an exhibition of student work showcasing the architecture and construction techniques prominent in the regions of Central Europe. Intended to capture physical and emotional aspects of the trip, students were tasked with curating drawings done in situ and creating discursive objects that expressed the character of these distinct places. Visited cities were categorized into one of four regions: Bohemia, Croatia, Northern Italy, and Switzerland, and each region was represented by a single human-scale, built object. These spatial constructions shared the building ethos of the region by implementing aesthetic and technical detailing commonly found in those places. They were then supplemented with drawings and collages.

In order to explain the scope of the trip, a map was built. Consisting of reclaimed timbers and red oak frames. The 6’ by 6’ map is a layered composition that borrows techniques and materials from other exhibition elements. On its surface is a textured finish of aggregate showing the qualities of material indicative of each region. The physical materials used on the map’s surface are ones commonly found in the architecture of those countries. On top of the textured surface are collaged elements that express the critical regionalism of these places. At the center of the gallery, a chronological display of photos is suspended along a series of six tripods. Curated photographs show significant sites visited and workshops completed by students. The tripods function as discursive objects themselves by employing details that solve the difficulty of suspending these photos in this manner.

3 2 4 1 17

15 12

Holz und Stein

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.

Vienna, Austria Brno, Czech Republic Prague, Czech Republic Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic Budapest, Hungary Zagreb, Croatia Dubrovnik, Croatia Split, Croatia Pucisca, Croatia Bol, Croatia Venice, Italy Vicenza, Italy Verona, Italy Milan, Italy Chur, Switzerland Dornbirn, Austria Bregenz, Austria Vals, Switzerland Zurich, Switzerland

Holz und Stein

Holz und Stein 43

Holz und Stein

Bohemia

Croatia

Northern Italy

Switzerland

Holz und Stein 45

Holz und Stein

The Assembly Spring 2020 // University of Michigan Professor: Eduardo Madiero Collaboration: Amelia Linde Location: Madrid, Spain Recognition: Taubman College Student Show 2021 Madrid is part of a global shift in urban property value characterized by a stratification of wealth long spurred by property laws resulting from economic measures taken during the 2008 crisis. In 2015 a set of Urban Lease Laws that had been regulating property and rents expired after 20 years of protection. Since then, rents have increased an average of 25% with extreme cases exceeding twice their 2015 value. The neighborhoods experiencing the most abrupt changes are Malasana and Lavapies. Both are largely residential areas adjacent to Madrid’s historic city center and are characterized by narrow, sloped streets, and local eateries. However, now they are the backdrop to a contentious fight between volatile, speculative housing markets and locals who wish to remain in the places they have lived most of their lives. The Assembly is a proposal for a new urban complex that uses a co-op financial model of property ownership, crowdsource funding, and phased modular construction, allowing for existing residents to claim ownership of their neighborhood while exhibiting their vibrant local culture.

The Assembly

The site is a 30,000 SF vacant plot owned by the city. It is an infill condition with a gradual 16’ slope from north to south with large frontage to the south and smaller frontage to the west and north.

With assistance from the city, the ownership of the land would gradually be transferred to a network of existing co-ops in the surrounding neighborhood. This network would then put forth the required capital to complete incremental stages of the project, acknowledging that the upfront costs for this scale of construction would be difficult to provide at one time. The project is composed of four main structures that coincide with construction phasing: the assembly hall which houses maker spaces and a large gathering room, the co-op network foundation offices, co-op multifamily housing, and coworking offices. Each are arranged around a central courtyard that is able to host public events. At all stages the project is able to be used and occupied with an emphasis toward community engagement. The programming and material of the complex embraces a temporal character whose form evokes function. Precast concrete columns and beams of a red coloration are set to a regular module and are able to receive future room arrangements and applications. Larger trusses allow for larger gathering spaces and uninterrupted circulation through the site. The Spanish brick matches the palate of nearby buildings to allow for seamless connection with the neighborhood.

The Assembly

2020

2022

2024

2027

2031

2035

Phased Construction Construction begins with site work, foundation, and cores so that essential building systems are in place. Framing elements like columns, beams, floor plates, and facades are then able to be placed into this system for each of the four buildings as funding allows.

The Assembly

Infill Site The red concrete and Spanish brick match the warm palette of the neighborhood while the concrete truss allows for a large entry into the courtyard.

Catalogue of Structural Logic This drawing shows each of the components required to assemble the entire project. Standard floor heights and column spacing make for modular and repetitive parts while still allowing each of the four buildings to have their own identity.

The Assembly

ASSEMBLY HALL

TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN

COWORKING OFFICE

CO-OP HOUSING

The Assembly

COURTYARD PLAN

CO-OP NETWORK FOUNDATION OFFICES

The Assembly

Tree House Summer 2018 Independent Study Location: Site-less

When at the individual scale, architecture is most equipped to excite the senses. It converts observation into experience and heightens the awareness of a user. In this site-less project, the intent is to create a space of retreat and contemplation, a space devoid of immediate constraints. What began as a formal exploration became a pragmatic exercise in constructing a space that can be adapted to places of retreat.

Tree House

Its form needed to be simple as to be unimposing to its natural surroundings, its impact light so excavation would not be required, and its size small so it could be experienced at the individual scale. The result is a forest of thin columns that suspend a space for living and sleeping. On the lower level there is space for eating and relaxing with an array of windows along one side that open

to surroundings. The upper level is a glass cube that houses a place to sleep and is surrounded on two sides by a balcony. In order to protect its elements of comfort, resilient solutions are in place that can be applied to different environments. The footings and access bridge are equipped for both flat and sloped topography. Overhead, the shed roof provides ample shade while also protecting from harsh precipitation. On the lower level, an expanded metal mesh skin wraps the entire perimeter, providing a protective barrier. The panelized system is operable over glazing, allowing widows to be fully opened and providing an awning that shades direct sunlight. Materials chosen are sensitive to their surroundings, and their muted tones allow the cabin to recede into its environment.

Tree House

Living Space

Sleeping Space

Canopy Joist

Canopy Beam Canopy Joint Transitioning Column to Beam

Framing System

Periphery Balcony Sleeping Space Awning Formed by Operable Mesh Skin

Operable Mesh System

Operable Mesh Skin General Wall Assembly Window Shown Open

Living Space

Mesh System Joint Attached to Column

Expanded Metal Mesh

Standard Wood Column

Concrete Footing

Tree House 63

Tree House

Temporal Theatre

Fall 2019 // University of Michigan Professor: Julia McMorrough Location: Ann Arbor, MI Recognition: Taubman College Student Show 2020

Visual performances rely on the passage of time to tell a story. It is along this fourth dimension that audiences suspend their disbelief and allow their perception to be manipulated by the spectacle of a show. The Temporal Theatre acknowledges this phenomenon and foregrounds the role of a performance venue as a place to experience time.

a scene shop, a cafe, and the black box theater are oriented outward along a consistent horizontal datum that meets the surrounding urban condition at a pedestrian scale. Through these portals, patrons are transported from the outside condition to a place where they are able to be captivated by the live performance.

Composed of two performance spaces, a main stage that seats 1,333 and a flexible black box theater for up to 256, the venue embraces the tradition of live performance along with the progressive nature of production and stagecraft. At the project’s center, the main stage resembles the form of classical venues like Greek amphitheaters and the Broadway stages that emulated them. The fly tower matches the footprint of the stage below and rises to the project’s highest point in order to accommodate rigging, lighting, and other mechanisms. From this highest point, the roofscape is draped over the remaining program which is arrayed radially on the site. Main entrances, rehearsal spaces, offices,

Taking the main stage is a production of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. The play is an example of how time and perception are able to be manipulated in live theater. The show delves into the mind of protagonist Willy Loman as he grapples with the promise of the American Dream. The audience is transported from reality to the perspective of Willy’s memory as the narrative unfolds. At the beginning of the show the set is a complete doll-house like home. As time progresses this Levittown-esque, gable roofed silhouette disintegrates showing the audience the collapse of the American Dream that is occurring in Willy’s mind.

Temporal Theatre

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Four Scenes In these preliminary exercises, four discrete areas of the theater are studied: the entrance and how it engages the surrounding park, the lobby and its accommodation of diverse program, the auditorium and its ability to envelop the audience, and the ceiling which connects the spectators back to the outside world.

Temporal Theatre

Temporal Theatre 74

Death of a Salesman The set is comprised of four mobile units arranged in various configurations to create a transformable backdrop. After each unit has served its purpose and is no longer needed, it is removed from the stage until none remain at the show’s conclusion.

Temporal Theatre

THANK YOU

Jay Schairbaum jdschairbaum@gmail.com (937) 902-8465