P O R T F O L I O jillian m kuehnis
prelude T h e f o l l o w i n g selected works were carefully c h o s e n t o r e flect my best abilities in a variety o f m e d i u m s a nd project sizes over the course of m y c o l l e g e c areer. I h a v e s p e c ifically selected certain projects t o e m p h a s i z e my enthusiasm with built-work a n d t h e i n t i mate detailing of projects, but a l s o a f e w projects to show my capability to design in a master-planning and o v e r v i e w s cale before delving into the i n t r i c a c i e s of spaces and their character. F u r t h e r m o r e , although most of my final renders a r e c o m p l e t ed digitally and with Photoshop, I m a i n t a i n a preference of hand drawing m e t h o d s f o r conceptual development and quick p h o t o s h o p p e d vignettes at initial stages of d e s i g n . R e g ardless, I work in both analogue a n d d i g i t a l w orlds fluently. I t i s m y i ntention with this portfolio to c o m m u n i c a t e my passion for design and a r c h i t e c t u r e that has grown exponentially with e a c h y e a r o f study. Though my exit of the s c h o o l s t u d i o environment is a transition into s o m e t h i n g n ew, I can assert that my rigor, e a g e r n e s s , and commitment to learning and i m p r o v i n g a s a designer will remain unmoved.
CONTENTS
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16
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T h e s i s Wo r k
Vellum 2013
Gastronomy Center
Architectural moments for pause along Highway 1
F urniture Competition Bookshelf Piece San Luis Obispo, CA
Market + Culinary School Competition Florence, Italy
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30
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Bellariva
Descent
Research Campus
Italian Industrial Design Museum Florence, Italy
Uffizi Exit Sequence and Piazza Space Florence, Italy
Sustainable Laboratory + Center for Education St. Croix, Virgin Islands
THESIS work T h e A m e r i c an highway system is a great u t i l i t a r i a n a chievement which allows one to t r a v e l a c r o s s the United States without actually s e e i n g a n y t h ing. The normative value of “rest s t o p s ” i s r e a lized in their utility for supporting t h e f u n c t i o n of goal oriented travel from place to place. B u t r e s t s t o ps could also serve as places for v i s i t o r s t o s y nchronize internal sense of being w i t h a l a r g e r timeless sense of being – in the h e r e a n d n o w , by channeling the serene effects o f n a t u r e a n d place to affect one’s disposition. T h e s t u d y a n d skillful use of light, view, sound, c l i m a t e , s e a s ons, cardinal orientation, soil, site h i s t o r y , s e q u ence, and other site characteristics i n t h e d e s i g n of these interventions should a l l o w v i s i t o r s to return to the road with a greater a w a r e n e s s a nd understanding of the world; c l a r i t y , a n d c almness. T h i s w i l l b e done with small scale architectural i n t e r v e n t i o n s at slightly damaged roadside s i t e s i n o t h e r wise extraordinary natural settings t o i l l u s t r a t e the potential of architecture to o r i e n t i n t i m e and space, to enhance sensory a w a r e n e s s , t o inherently inform and reveal, and t o e v o k e a c alm acceptance of the presence of what is true.
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FALL 2013 - SPRING 2014
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Th e f i n a l t h e s i s m o d e l s .
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A b o v e a r e t h e e a r l i e s t f o r m s t u d i e s investigating form, shape, light, shadow, rhythm, tex ture, material c o m b i n a t i o n s , a n d c o m p o s i t i o n . These tiny models were the inspiration from which my thesis work b e c a m e a s e r i e s o f s m a l l s c a l e i n terventions along a unified pathway.
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THE BRANC H Crescent City
SITE view
On a m o u n t a i n ’ s e d g e , amids t a f o r e s t , r e s t s a platfor m t h a t a f f o r d s a peace f u l p l a c e t o p e r c h and l i s t e n ; t o c h i t c h a t with t h e t r e e s . . . T h o s e tall, t a l l t r e e s . S w i s h i n g their l e a f c o v e r e d l i m b s i n the sw i r l i n g o c e a n b r e e z e below.
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THE DEN Muir Beach
SITE view
On a g r a s s y h i l l t h a t overlo o k s the coast beyon d s i t s a d e n ; a p l a c e of she l t e r n e s t l e d i n t o t h e earth w h e r e o n e c a n r e s t at eye l e v e l w i t h t h e l o n g grasse s s w a y i n g i n t h e ocean b r e e z e .
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THE DOCK Tr i n i d a d
SITE view
On a b e a c h i n a l a g o o n , where t h e h i g h w a y t o u c h e s the wa t e r , s i t s a d o c k . B u t not jus t a n y d o c k , t h i s o n e serves a s a n i n s t r u m e n t to me a s u r e w a t e r l e v e l chang e s i n a t i d a l l a g o o n and on a n e v o l v i n g p l a n e t .
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THE Portal Big Sur
SITE view
view
On a p r e c i p i c e s i t s a p a t h to dra w v i s i t o r s t h r o u g h a meditation space, remov i n g them from turbul e n t t h o u g h t s o f t h e road, p u l l i n g t h e m t h r o u g h an op e n a b y s s , a n d t h e n out in t o t h e a i r . I n t o t h e view; s u s p e n d e d . .
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vellum 2013 V e l l u m w a s an opportunity for me to learn a new s k i l l a n d t o refine other ones. I am astounded t h a t I w e n t so long without learning how to w o r k w i t h m etal. Even though it took me three a t t e m p t s t o get clean miters on the frame pieces a n d s e v e r a l days to practice my welds before p u t t i n g t h e n ew skills to work, my perseverance s h o w e d i n t h e finished product. I t w a s a m a z i ng to see a design of mine become a f u n c t i o n a l , adjustable, high-quality piece of f u r n i t u r e s o quickly and I couldn’t be happier w i t h h o w i t t urned out.
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FALL 2013 _ REICH
O n e o f m y b i g g e s t m o t i v a t i o n s f o r participating in Vellum 2014 was my desire to learn how t o w e l d . I h a d n e v e r w o r k e d w i t h s t e el prior to this piece of furniture and thoroughly enjoyed p r a c t i c i n g m y w e l d s a n d r e s e a r c h i n g various finishes and learning the general process of craft and connections.
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E a c h s h e l f g l i d e s o n i t s i n d i v i dual tracks (greased up with beeswax) to allow for m a x i m u m a d j u s t a b i l i t y , c u s t o mization, variability, and the capacity to maintain a l e n g t h e n e d p r o f i l e o r o n e o f a compact unit - if desired.
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Ga s t r o n o m y C e n t e r I n d e s i g n i n g this gastronomy center, design e f f o r t s w e r e put forth to develop a friendly and p r a c t i c a l a r r angement of restaurants, tasting a r e a s , m a r k et spaces, and a culinary school. W e w e r e s e e king to change the way people see t h e i r f o o d t h r ough educational eating. T h i s m a r k e t space would become the city’s m a i n c o m m unity hub on the border of F l o r e n c e ’ s historical center, a gate to the c i t y . T h e r o o f’s undulating surface was formed i n o r d e r t o entice people into the spaces w h i l e m a i n t a ining a low profile relative to its s u r r o u n d i n g s . The slices in the roof allow light t o p e r m e a t e through to the spaces below while a l s o c o n s i d e ring the interior layout. The three e n t r i e s a n d t heir adjacent piazzas allow plenty o f c o m m u n i t y dwelling space, and the orchard b e y o n d c r e a t es a chance for a farm-to-markett o - t a b l e a p p r oach towards food. Customers can m e e t t h e i r supplier, therefore strengthening c o m m u n i t y r elations and the value of food.
20 SPRING 2013 _ CSUIPSTAFF
fresh cafe cucina toscana fish of the sea
T H E M A R K E T P L A C E
THE
EA TER IES
p r o d u c e
RE CR EA TIO NA L
m e a t
CE NT ER
TA ST IN G
+
f i s h f l o w e r s
CO UN TE RS
cardio room locker room locker room
studio
child’s center
studio
main lobby
weight room
cafe auditorium library lecture hall demo g r a i n s
classroom
kitchen
student cafe
classroom
kitchens student lounge
d a i r y
student
pa n t r y
T EN UD ST
G IN LIV
Maste r p l a n : A s p r e a d o f m a r k e t s p a c e w i t h t he adjoining culinary school and recreation center. A city hub .
P L A N
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P o r t r a y i n g t h e w i d e s c o p e o f movement through the front piazza over the course of a day at the market.
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Proce s s m o d e l s t o d e t e r m i n e s p a t i a l h i e r a r c hies under the undulating roof surfaces based on program distrib u t i o n f o r t h e v a r i o u s a c t i v i t i e s i n t h e g astronomy center.
Progra m D i s t r i b u t i o n :
Market
S t u d e n t -space
Recreation Center
Student Housing
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The archetype of the market is analogous to a melting pot, in the sense that it catalyzes spontaneous exchanges between city residents, merchants, and students of the adjacent culinary school.
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B E L L A R I VA A n a s s i g n m ent to restore a city’s relationship w i t h i t ’ s n e i g hboring river, the Bellariva project p o s e d a n o pportunity for me to explore work i n a n u r b a n context, while also attempting t o a p p r o a c h the controversial role of a new m u s e u m i n a n old city. This was a task of urban r e n o v a t i o n and environmental improvement w h i l e g i v i n g a rather worn down site, a new identity. T h e I t a l i a n Design Museum of postwar work n e e d e d t o b e an entirely flexible display space, b u t a l s o a functioning place of connection t o t h e A r n o River. My project served to draw p e o p l e i n a t street-level, sweep them up to g a l l e r y s p a c es with channelled views, and drop t h e m o f f a t r i ver-level with a cafe and courtyard s p a c e . T h r o u gh use of circulation and strategic p r o g r a m d i s tribution, this museum works to r e e s t a b l i s h t he river as an important destination.
26 WINTER 2012 _ CSUIP STAFF
GALLERY 02
TOP FLOOR
GALLERY 01
ENTRY
ENTRY LEVEL
OFFICES
AUDITORIUM
GROUND FLOOR
STORAGE
PATIO
LOBBY
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Section Schematics: Gallery Public Circulation Storage
East
S E C AP S G N I P P A L R E V O EHT NEEWTEB TNEMEVOM EHT DNA SENOZ GNIGNAHC 004:1
S N O I T C E S C I TA M E H C S
E VR E S B O
EVOM
TCELFER
North
ELGNIM
KROW
South
West
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The se m i - s h e l t e r e d e x t e r i o r s p a c e b e s i d e t he main lobby connects all three volumes and forms a gathering place a m o n g t h e m .
In the g r o u n d l e v e l l o b b y a l l o f t h e s p a c e s c onverge into one open area with a view of the Arno River.
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DESCENT The task was to design a new exit for the Uffizi muse um and the adjacent piazza space with goals to create an important gathering place and transitional space in the historical center of the city. This project looked at quality outdoor dwelling places, dealing with a height change fro m the exit of the museum to the piazza level, about a 4 meter (approximately 12 feet) drop, and posing a modern intervention among a completely historical setting. I worked to provide a constantly changing perspective of the historical setting as visitors descend from the controlled, peaceful, pensive museum environment into a bustling and captivating city-scape.
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FALL 2012 _ CSUIP STAFF
Iterati v e p r o c e s s s k e t c h e s c r e a t e d a l o n g s i d e several formal studies.
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1
+0m
GROUND PLAN
SECTION 1
1:200
1
+0m
GROUND PLAN
UFFIZI LEVEL PLAN
SECTION 1
+4m
SECTION 2
1:200
1:200
THE ACT OF DESCENT
2
T R A N S I T I O N . D W E L L I N G . C O N T I N U AT I O N
PIAZZA LEVEL PLAN: +0 m MUSEUM LEVEL PLAN: +4 m
+4m
UFFIZI LEVEL PLAN
SECTION 2
1:200
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2
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RESEArch campus C a m p u s P r o gram Includes: 1 2 l a b s a n d offices, shared preparatory space b e t w e e n l a b s , staff lounge, class and computer l a b , a d m i n i s tration offices, public education a n d i n t e r a c tion space, student housing, c a f e t e r i a , t h eater This project explores nature as an interconnected s y s t e m o f l i n ked ecology. It functions to link a s e r i e s o f components from macro to micro r e l a t i o n s , a l l for the purpose of spreading k n o w l e d g e t h roughout the educational research c e n t e r . T h e building facilitates the connections a m o n g s i t e , scientists, students, and the v i s i t i n g p u b l i c, by means of carefully configured p r o g r a m a d jacencies and circulation paths w o v e n t o g e t her to create interactions among o c c u p a n t s a nd visitors. Interactions become l i n k s , l i n k s become opportunities for learning, a n d a s a r e s ult the facility becomes a fusion of g r o w i n g i n t e l ligence. I n p a r t t w o of this two-quarter studio, we r e t a i n e d t h e same assignment brief, site, and c o n s t r a i n t s , b ut started with a partner from s c h e m a t i c d esign where someone else left off w i t h t h e i r w ork. This second quarter of studio t a u g h t m e c ommunication skills, compromise, a n d t h e v a l u e of teamwork.
34 SPRING 2012 _ CABRINHA
Campus Organization: Nodes of Interaction Labscape Public Gallery Housing
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+25
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Entering the place where science, education, and the public mingle.
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jillian m kuehnis 645 PALM ST. APT #5 TEL: 650.743.1006
SAN LUIS obispo , ca JILLIANKUEHNIS@GMAIL.COM
EDUCATION 2009 - 2014
CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY | SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA ARCHITECTURE
2012 - 2013
B.ARCH Degree conferred 2014 Magna Cum Laude Honors
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM | FLORENCE, ITALY
10 month study abroad program Proficient in Italian
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Demonstrated personal qualities: diligent | creative | works well with others | fast learner | enthusiastic | self-motivated | organized | reliable | efficient | punctual
ARCHITECTURAL SKILLS
Problem solving | conceptual/schematic design | technical drafting | free hand drawing | modeling in a range of scales and materials | photography
DIGITAL SKILLS
Rhino | VRay | CAD | Sketch Up | Form Z | Adobe Creative Suite Programs | Microsoft Office | iMovie
JOB EXPERI ENCE summer 2014
summer 2012
2014
2007 - 2011
TEACHER | SUMMER CAREER WORKSHOP, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA
Worked with a class of 15 high school students to help them develop a sense for what architecture and design
INTERN | STUDIO G ARCHITECTS, CAMPBELL, CA
Worked in CAD and Rhino to assist in CDs and renderings, contributed to conceptual development in early stages of projects, and additionally per formed various office tasks.
COMPUTER TECHNICIAN - PEER ADVISER |CAL POLY, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA
Served as a leader in a the architecture depar tment’s Mac lab assisting students with their work in Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling software and CAD.
EMPLOYEE | CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN, SAN MATEO, CA
Held a variety of positions over a five year period and as a seasonal employee.
VOLUNTEER/SERVICE ACTIVITIES 2013 2012 2011 2005 -
2014 2013 2012 2010 2009 2007-2009 JUNE 2008 2008 2003-2008
5th Year Student Representative English Tutor | Dino Compagni Middle School, Florence, Italy College Based Fee Committee Member | Cal Poly Architecture Depar tment Unit Leader | Diamond Crest Day Camp Student Physical Trainer | Riekes Center for Student Development Chief Editor/Head of Photography | High School Yearbook Leather back Sea Tur tle Expedition, Ear thwatch Institute | Matura, Trinidad Ar t Class Assistant | Central Middle School Youth Coordinator | American Cancer Society Relay for Life