ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO James Foo | 2022
2 |
040201030506 4TH YEAR | 2021 FALL SEMESTER 4TH YEAR | 2022 SPRING STUDIO 2ND YEAR | 2020 SPRING SEMESTER 2ND YEAR | 2019 FALL SEMESTER INTERIOR THESIS | SUMMER 2022 3RD YEAR | 2021 SPRING SEMESTER ATLANTA NIGHTCLUB 04 MONTGOMERY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 16 WOOD COMP 2019 22 PRINTER’S ROW PRINTSHOP 30 MONTGOMERY HOTEL/APARTMENT 42 OPHELIA’S HOME 48 CONTENTS | 3
NIGHTCLUBATLANTA WithExperimentingExperience
01 4 |
The challenge of creating a unique experience is one of the most difficult challenges in architecture. In my fourth-year interior studio, I went through a series of experiments with this goal in mind. The process involved removing constraints and critically analyzing a certain experience that is enjoyable (favorite book, movie, music etc.), Followed by a series of further experimenting with increasingly constrained context until ultimately forming an architectural project.
| 5
Experiment 1
Experiment 3
EVOLVING EXPERIENCE
Experiment 2
After capturing the construct, the next step was to augment the photos to even further push out concept. After the images were altered, scale figures were added so that these images start to become places. Finally, anther written analysis of these images helped identify the key elements that would serve as the basis of the rest of the project.
DEFINING EXPERIENCE
The first experiment was a written description of an individual favorite experience. For myself, I chose coffee, my favorite drink, with an emphasis on the brewing process. Specifically, I found the most enjoyable part was the building anticipation for the finished result. This concept of building up to a moment was my starting point for creating my experience.
KEY ELEMENTS: - Light - Immersion - Geometric Patterns - Fantastical Landscape 6 |
The next step involved recreating our written experience as a physical construct. The only requirements were that the construct had to be made from items found around our homes. This encouraged critical thinking and ensured the construct was NOT architectural in nature. My construct focused on filtering light through water which is then boiled. The increasing movement of the boiling water combined with a light creates a dynamic experience that builds in intensity as the water boils. The light is then projected into a tube covered in a reflective material which increases the intensity of the experience. The final product was to capture the construct (photograph, sketch, etc.) and the experience they create.
CREATING EXPERIENCE
image was taken through the water as it was boiling. This created a dynamic image with a lot of depth. To emphasize the depth and create space, the image went through an extrusion filter, which also became a form generator.
The third image was taken through the steam and condensation that formed when the water was boiling. The water distorted the light in very interesting ways. This image went through a series of color adjustments to create a type of sky. This would become an atmospheric generator for the next
The second image was taken on the waters surface. This image is focus an implied reflective surface and the effect the geometry has on the lighting. The image goes through an outline filter to emphasize this geometry and will be an form generator for the next design.
The first shot was taken directly looking into the water while it was calm. The light source dominated the image, creating a texture of color. To emphasize this texture, the picture with through a posterization filter in Photoshop. This image would form the color basis of one design option.
Thephase.final
| 7
THE BOX Experiment 4 With a base theme and elements established, it was time to begin creating an architectural space. Using our images, we had to make a 3D-model which recreated the experience from the photos. My focus was on playing with geometric patterns and light to create a fully immersive space. My box was divided into two levels, each with a different design language and target image to recreate. The bottom level has a bubbly, cube-based design language. The upper level had a triangulated metal “sky” and reflective floor which surrounds occupants in a gradient of different lights and colors. LEVEL 2 8 |
| 9
LEVEL 1 10 |
| 11
Video Walk Through FINALE Experiment 5
12 |
The final step was to incorporate all of the design languages established in the previous experiments into an interior architecture project. The site was an old hotel in Downtown Atlanta which had its interior burned out, leaving only a brick shell to work with. Each student was given an individual program based on what would work well from their previous experiments.
| 13
14 |
Additional residential space is provided on the upper floors, contributing to South residentialDowntown’score.Facade matches geometric theme of club interior and follows the patterns of the existing building. It has a floating appearance, symbolizing new Atlanta rising from old Atlanta. The existing building is almost untouchedcompletelybythe additions, keeping in line with Atlanta’s historical preservation goals. The patterns set up by the existing facade are continued in the new facade, creating a hamonious relationship between the two. Small retail stand provide another day time destination and also serves as an additional boundary space the helps seperate the noise and light from the club from the street.
Office space is provided to provide a daytime fuction to the building. It serves as a barrier between activity and residential space at night. Having living, working, and recreational space all in one building highlights the new work environment created by the Thepandemic.mainattraction- this space is what makes this a destination. This space plays with light and geometry, completly engulfing occupients in a kaleidascope of color. This is a special space to encourage people gather and contributing to the recreational development of South Downtown Atlanta.
Site Research and Programming
The first step of the project was to research the future of the area a determine a program that would work. According to the Downtown Atlanta Master plan, this area is going to become a residential hub and residents want more activities. Therefore, my program mixes both residential and entertainment with a night-club on the main floor and apartments above with a rentable office space to separate them. The night-club was the main focus of the project.
| 15
16 The|
FIRST FLOOR PLANSECONDSECTION FLOOR PLAN
The final result was a fully immersive interior where every surface, texture, and color focused around the concept of being surrounded by geometry and light. The metal arch “sky” from the box was transfered into the space and serves as the main visual piece that ties everything together. To enhance the sky, floating “planets” were also added which serve as small micro-worlds where the same immersive theme is even more extreme. This space in a space was derived from the layered space of the combined box Customizedexperiment. furniture and lighting were also designed to meld with the rest of the geometry. The existing building was left completely intact, with the new residential block floating above it. The facade design of the apartments draws from the geometry of the night-club, creating a uniform design language.
Ultimate Immersive Experience
| 17
18 |
Spire Competition 2022
Placement:
02 Video Walk Through | 19
For our second competition, we were asked to design an elementary school in downtown Montgomery, AL. This was the first fully integrated project that required students to look into structure and HVAC systems, along with the regular design work. Honorable Mention
SCHOOLELEMENTARYMONTGOMERY
Hallway 20 |
CafeteriaClassroomGymnasium | 21
Offset to expand courtyard spaces and increase exterior connection Populate between to create strong urban edge and connect with surround facades a b a/b = Φ Place largest program on corner to create strong urban relationship Fill out remaining program to create courtyard space
22 |
MASSING DIAGRAM
Offset to expand courtyard spaces and increase exterior connection Populate between to create strong urban edge and connect with surround facades a b a/b = Φ Place largest program on corner to create strong urban relationship Fill out remaining program to create courtyard space
Offset to expand courtyard spaces and increase exterior connection Populate between to create strong urban edge and connect with surround facades
a b a/b = Φ Place largest program on corner to create strong urban relationship Fill out remaining program to create courtyard space
Offset to expand courtyard spaces and increase exterior connection Populate between to create strong urban edge and connect with surround facades a b a/b = Φ Place largest program on corner to create strong urban relationship Fill out remaining program to create courtyard space
The main idea behind my elementary school is to blend the local culture and nature together to create an immersive learning experience. The master plan for Montgomery emphasizes the importance of creating strong urban relationships so I started by creating an urban edge on the main road. This created a long building geometry that would go on to become the main geometric motif of the concept. The gym and cafeteria are placed at the corners so that they create a strong urban moment. The rest of the program was offset from this edge and then broken up to create a series of courtyard that allows the entire structure to have a connection to outside spaces.
Urban Connection And Site Planning
2’ 0’[LEVEL 1]4’6’8’10’12’ 14’ [LEVEL 2] 28’26’24’22’20’18’16’ 30’ 32’34’36’ SITE PLAN CITY SCALE SITE PLAN | 23
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
Organizational Strategy
All of the spaces are connected and blend into each other. Classrooms have operable glass wall the allows the class to blend into the hallway. The stairs in the auditorium courtyard blend together to create a checkerboard pattern which symbolizes the space’s to be both a gathering space and a play space. The building is split into different layers based on a hierarchy of interactions. Person to person interaction are based in the classrooms and have the lowest roof level. Class to class interaction take place in the hallways and have the mid roof level. Grade to grade/community interaction take place in the exterior spaces, cafeteria, media center, and gym and have the highest roof level.
SECOND FLOOR PLAN 24 |
| 25
COURTYARDSECTIONSECTION
MEDIA CENTER SECTION HALLWAY
26 |
LOBBY SECTION | 27
077200 ROOF MEMBRANE 072100 RIGID MINERAL WOOL INSULATION 072217 ROOF BOARD SHEATHING 064800 WOOD FRAME FASCIA 061719 CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER 233713 SUPPLY/RETURN DUCTS 072600 VAPOR BARRIER 28 |
077200 ROOF MEMBRANE 072100 RIGID MINERAL WOOL INSULATION 072217 ROOF BOARD SHEATHING 081113 HOLLOW METAL FRAME 064800 WOOD FRAME FASCIA 08800 064216061600061000GLAZINGFLOORJOISTSFLOORSHEATHINGWOODVENEERFLOOR FINISH 064216 WOOD VENEER FLOOR FINISH 061719 CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER 061719 CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER 033000 CONCRETE FOUNDATION 072600 VAPOR BARRIER 072100 RIGID INSULATION 072600 VAPOR BARRIER 061800 GLULAM BEAM 077200 ROOF MEMBRANE 072100 RIGID MINERAL WOOL INSULATION 072100 RIGID MINERAL WOOL INSULATION 072217 ROOF BOARD SHEATHING 081113 HOLLOW METAL FRAME 064800 WOOD FRAME 08800 062023GLAZINGWINDOW CASWORK SEATING 061000 FLOOR JOISTS 061600 FLOOR SHEATHING 064216 WOOD VENEER FLOOR FINISH 074229 TERRACOTTA WALL PANEL 055000 RAINSCREEN STRUCTURE 061719 CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER 061719 CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER 061719 CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER 061800 GLULAM BEAM 033000 CONCRETE FOUNDATION 072600 VAPOR BARRIER 072100 RIGID INSULATION 072600 VAPOR BARRIER 072500 WEATHER BARRIER | 29
Thepoints.main
WOOD COMP 2020 Pushing the Limits of CLT For our first competition, our studio was asked to design a pavilion made out of cross-laminated timber (CLT). The competition was funded by the Alabama Forestry department who would build the winning pavilion. The site was the Osher Life-long Learning Institute (OLLI), a small site located just off of Auburn’s campus. The main requirement given for the pavilion was that it had to make two spaces, one for a small group of 4 people, and a larger one for 20. I split my spaces by creating an X. This set the geometric theme of the main structure as a series of X’s intersecting at different advantage of CLT is its ability to be cut into any flat shape through the use of CNC routing. To capitalize on this fact, my pavilion created an advanced geometric pattern by weaving a dimensional lumber lattice roof on top of the X-based cross structure. The two geometric patterns combined to form a unique experience with incredible lighting and visuals. This method of using CLT also allowed for surprisingly easy construction, with each prefabricated member sequentially falling into place.
4 People 20 People 03 30 |
| 31
FRONT ELEVATION BACK ELEVATION EXPLODED AXON DIAGRAM 32 |
FIRST FLOOR PLAN | 33
34 |
BEST DRAWINGS AWARD | 35
36 |
PRINTER’S ROW PRINT SHOP Exploring the Urban Condition
This project marks students first attempt at designing in an urban setting. Located in historic Printer’s Row, Chicago, the program included both workshop and printing areas, as well as public gallery spaces. The project also required a large public exterior space on the street level. While the program of the building is a print shop, students allowed to choose what type of printing would be done. For my project, I chose book printing to tie the project back to the history of the site.
The main design feature of this building was the separation of public and private spaces into separate buildings that are interlocking.
The exterior space creates an L-shape on the first level that allows for two distinct entrances. The public level is split into three levels: cafe/lobby and two galleries. The interlocking design allows for people who are in the public the building to look down into the business space, allowing for the mechanical part of the printing shop to be part of the display for the gallery. The design also creates some private spaces under the public space where offices and storage is. The circulation was split into three sections with two elevators serving as primary circulation for the business part, a central emergency staircase that serves both buildings, and an extended staircase that wraps around the mechanical rooms for the public section.
04 | 37
Conference/Break Room
This is the primary space of the commercial side of the building and contains the printing and other printing machinery. This are is overlooked by the public galleries.
PRIVATE PROGRAM 38 |
The top floor is occupied by a design studio, where the books are formatted and edited Print Shops
The space under the gallery is used as both conference space and rest space, allowing workers privacy while resting and discussingbusiness.
Design Studio
Museum Galleries
Part of the ground level is occupied by a large public plaza. Is serves as an entry threshold to the building, as well as helps split the entrances between the public and private buildings. Cafe
The primary space of the public side of the building. This space serves as a museum both the history of the site and to printing in general. It overlooks the print shop, making the shop a part of the gallery and blending the two programs together.
The first floor hosts a cafe which serves to entice visitors and provide another function to the building.
PUBLIC
PROGRAM | 39
Public Plaza
Level 1- Ground Scale” 1/16” - 1’ Level 2/4- Print Shop Scale” 1/16” - 1’ Print Shop 40 |
Level 3/5- Ground Scale” 1/16” - 1’ Level 6- Design Studio/Offices Scale” 1/16” - 1’ Gallery | 41
42 |
05 | 43
Interior Thesis
APARTMENTHOTELMONTGOMERY/
For our interior thesis, we were asked to convert a decrepit building in downtown Montgomery into a housing project. For the first half of the summer, we focused on housing with an emphasis on accessibility. For the second half, the we turned it into a hotel. For both, my concept was to bring a form of artificial nature into the building to compensate for the lack of interest from the site.
44 |
MONTGOMERY APARTMENT [First Half] SITE PLAN SITE PERSPECTIVE APARTMENT LEVEL 2-4 PLAN APARTMENT LEVEL 1 PLAN APARTMENT LOBBY PLAN APARTMENT SECTION | 45
Due to the engaging environment of the immediate site, the building inverts the traditional focus of views from exterior to interior. This inversion is accomplished by inserting voids of light through the building, which become the new visual focal point. These light shafts were filled with a metal sculpture based on natural forms, intended to reintroduce nature back into the living environment. Both the rooms and the hallway have a visual connection to the shaft, unifying the entire building. Both the ceiling and the floor have wood elements, adding to the natural feel of the room. Furniture is designed to be simple and not conflict with the attention of the light
Theshafts.lighting is designed to emulate the sculptural element, relating back to the overall theme and increasing the shafts connection to the interior. When looking on how to refine concept for the next half, two conceptual collages were made. One focused on the idea of the sculptural element as a more extreme abstraction of nature. The other focuses on the concept of bringing nature into the space in a more literal sense. Both of these collages would form the basis for hotel.
46 |
APARTMENT CONFIGURATION PLAN RENOVATION PLAN HOTEL CONFIGURATION PLAN LOBBY PLAN
The hotel maintains the concept of inverting the visual focus by adding voids of light. As an evolution of the sculptural element, the new shafts are filled with a screen based on local flora. To emphasize the theme of abstraction and inversion, the organic shape of the screen is colored red, the inverse of green typically associated with Rednature.becomes the unifying thematic color, with surfaces like the floor being colored the same way and creating an immersive and cohesive environment. There are glass openings in the individual rooms, revealing the screen, and connecting them to the overall immersion of the space. The fantastical immersive space is intended to become an attraction and entices visitors to the city.
PROGRAMFLEXIBLE
MONTGOMERY HOTEL [Second Half] SECTION 1 SECTIONAL AXON SECTION 2 {3D} Copy 1 | 47
Lighting is also designed to be focused on the screen, with some screen members becoming a light source. The remaining lighting is simple to avoid conflicting with the attention given to the screen. The screen is metallic, creating a more exciting play of light off it. The inorganic nature of metal is also related to the theme of natural abstraction. The hallway floor is carpeted to help dampen the sound created by breaking the sound barrier between the floors with the shaft. Many furniture materials are red and white to connect to the overall theme. The hotel is also capable of transforming back into an apartment by simply removing a few walls and renovating a bathroom into a kitchen.
HOMEOPHELIA’S Hands On Experience Ophelia’s home is the most recent house done by Auburn University Rural Studio. After facing almost two years of set-backs and delays due to COVID, my team completed the project during the Spring 2021 Semester. This house is just the latest in a series of homes Auburn students have built. Each takes from the last to research affordable, sustainable, and significant homes for rural Studentscommunities.research materials, building methods, and talk with clients to determine their needs, resulting in each house being completely unique.
48 |
06
| 49
The defining feature of Ophelia’s home is the quarter bedroom. Ophelia prefers the comfort of the living room over a bedroom and has been sleeping there for years. Therefore, students wanted to maintain her current living situation and adapt it for a more general population. The result was the quarter bedroom. This nook is attached to the living room and provides a space for Ophelia to keep her day bed while also providing space for a dresser and cabinets. The main bedroom is occupied by her son, James, who lives with and cares for her. The bedroom has its own door and patio so people living here can come and go without disturbed. This style of living arrangement is ideal for any caretaker style living condition. The quarter bedroom can also be envisioned as a guest quarters, also making this house ideal for people who receive lots of visitors. The house also has an ADA compliant ramp, made to accommodate Ophelia’s other son, who is wheelchair bound and moving into her old home. The rest of the house also complies with FHA and ADA accessibility clearances so it is accessible to all.
First Floor Plan 50 |
The Quarter Bedroom
Testing
When deciding what type of siding to use for the house, one goal was to fix the proportions of the east window. Drawing inspiration from dazzle camouflage used on WWI battleships, the idea was to create the illusion of different sections of the facade using only color, texture, and orientation. Students used both hand drawing, rendering, and mock-ups to explore possible options. My role was to render the different options and allow fellow students to see how their options change the overall design of the house.
Fixing Proportions Through Dazzle Camouflage
Through Rendering CHOSEN OPTION | 51
As part of the research to create a more affordable home, students explored the possibility of hand-making the cabinetry instead of store buying them. The process involved learning the actual wood working components as well as doing research for material costs vs. store bought cabinets. Every cabinet in the house was designed and built by students. All drawings, research, and instructions were complied into a 300+ page book to provide the information for any future students who want to make cabinets. My role involved both working on building the cabinets as well as making every drawing for the instruction manual part of the book.
K T C H E N KITCHEN CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS 48 CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS 49 50 51 UPPER SINGLE CABINET UPPER SINGLE CABINET UPPER SINGLE CABINET 68 69 70 71
52 |
Handmade Cabinets
| 53
Learning Through Doing Rural Studio is a design build program where, providing students with valuable experience on how a house is built. Students did almost all of the work including building walls and applying the exterior sheathing. My team was the MEP team, responsible for running the plumbing and electrical wiring. Students planned, drew, bought, and built every detail and material for the house. The integral knowledge of construction and the building process allows students to better understand how to design.
Contact: Eric Wilson, AIA, Senior Director of Architecture E: ewilson@acs-architects.com 770-757-3803
T:
GRASSHOPPERLUMIONREVITINDESIGNPHOTOSHOPILLUSTRATORRHINOAUTOCADSOFTWAREDIGITALSITEDETAILINGSECTIONPLANARCHITECTUREPROBLEMCOMMUNICATIONTEAMWORKTIMEGENERALSKILLSMANAGEMENTSOLVINGANALYSISMODELING3D 54 |
RESUME Contact JAMES FOO 2110 Shadowwood Drive Marietta GA 30066 T: 404.702.0722 E: jef0033@auburn.edu Education AUBURN UNIVERSITY Bachelor of Architecture Bachelor of Interior Architecture Minor in Asian Studies [Japanese] GPA: Graduation:3.8 Spring 2023 Work Experience PRIME ENGINEERING INC. Time of Employment: Summer 2020 Primarily worked on construction documents for Amazon distribution centers. Gained knowledge on Revit, construction document creation, and construction management. Reference Contact: Bruce Morris, AIA, Senior Architect E: bmorris@prime-eng.com T: 404-425-7100 ACS ARCHITECTS Time of Employment: Summer 2021, Winter Worked2021 on construction documents for Cambria hotels, Yard House restaurants, and senior housing complexes. Total responsibilities include rendering projects, detailing buildings, and laying out initial design Referenceschemes.
| 55
