JOE POLACEK
DENSITY - DIVERSITY - DURABLITY
My interest in architecture began early while growing up in a pre-WWII neighborhood just one block from the beginning of post-war expansion. Major differences between the two neighborhoods became clear to me as I spent time in both. While studying architecture through the Recession, it occurred to me that our country is reexamining some of the standards established during the Great Depression. Many of these standards related back to the contrast between the pre-war and post-war neighborhoods. I believe that reurbanization is upon us and The City of Minneapolis is the perfect model for this movement. Its already high living standards and room to grow make it the perfect example for post-recessional growth. I find three aspects to be most crucial in the proper development of Minneapolis: density, diversity and durability. Many centralized areas of density are already established and lively within the city, while many others remain empty and underutilized. This diverse cityscape boasts lakes and parks that compliment the urban grid and make it a healthy place to live. This is a great city with much greater potential. By preserving and constructing durable structures in Minneapolis we allow it to have a sustainable and powerful future.
Joseph D. Polacek 924 West 53rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55419 joe.polacek@gmail.com 612.708.4074
Objective: Be part of a comprehensive team to design structures to benefit the livelihood of residents of Minneapolis and neighboring communities Work Experience: C J MA
CJMA Financial Assistant Developer
Faribault, MN Summer 2012
Analysis of bankrupt housing development Streamlining of new sales information Development of model-home
Central Parking - Gaviidae Commons Valet
Minneapolis, MN May 2007 - January 2012
Greet customers and record car information Parking and retrieving cars quickly but safely Record vehicle location and reorganize stock as needed
Education: University of Minnesota School of Architecture Bachelor of Design in Architecture
Minneapolis, MN Graduated Spring 2012
Classes taken include but are not limited to: Design Fundamentals, Infrastructure, Twin Cities Geography, Urban Design Knowledge in GIS, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Kirkythea
Loyola University College of Arts and Sciences Visual Communications, Entrepreneurship
Chicago, IL 2007 - 2009
Classes taken include but are not limited to: Drawing, Micro-Economics, Two-Dimensional Design Knowledge in Adobe Suite - Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign
Southwest High School International Baccalaureate Program (I.B.)
References available upon request
Minneapolis, MN June 2007
DESNOYER MERIDIAN
COMMERCIAL
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INDUSTRIAL
RESIDENTIAL
DESNOYER MERIDIAN The St. Paul Desnoyer neighborhood is undergoing a significant transformation with the addition of a Light Rail Transit line. This improvement to public transportation has caused an increase in population density in the areas surrounding the train stops. Residents of Desnoyer will now have to cross an industrial area in order to reach the LRT Raymond stop prompting neighborhood groups to oppose construction of a new industrial park. By diversifying the program of the proposal everyone’s needs can be satisfied. The building’s adaptability will ensure its durability for generations to come.
DESNOYER MERIDIAN
Before:
After:
DESNOYER MERIDIAN The St Paul Port Authority had proposed a warehouse for this site with surrounding surface parking - a predominantly auto-oriented development. However, Neighbors and the City Council want a pedestrian friendly passage to the LRT. This addition of a mixeduse structure wrapping two sides of the original proposal increases density on the lot and creates a better environment for pedestrians. This revised proposal encourages diverse means of transportation making it a more durable solution for a sustainable future.
DRAWING STUDY: CALHOUN SQUARE
CHAMBERS CABIN
Construction Sequence
CHAMBERS CABIN Gun Lake, MN - A cabin is meant to be an escape from urban density and a worry-free getaway. The current Chambers cabin, however, absorbs water each year, creating significant problems to the structure, air-quality and relaxation time. This new cabin requires underground tiling to repel water and improve structural durability. While building a larger cabin on the site is prohibited, a growing family needs more space for sleeping, on the same footprint. The lofted areas offer diverse sleeping arrangements so this cabin will be more comfortable than the last.
THE ALLEY
2
5 3 1 W 53RD ST
The alley is integral to the neighborhood because of the way it removes car traffic from the street, but also for the living space it creates for the neighbors within the block. This alley is densely constructed with neighbors in close proximity. By putting cars in the back, diverse modes of transportation are encouraged. The alley is an important part of block structure for durable urban development.
2. STOLEN BBALL HOOP - 10 YRS heard hoop get ripped off while inside clubhouse. “why didn’t you get it back?” said owner of hoop. 3. GARBAGE RACOONS - 12 YRS pulling into garage, mom starts honking car horn. “Raccoons!”
ALLEY
1. THIEF WITH STROLLER - 7 YRS a young woman in yoga pants and sunglasses walks through with running stroller “she’s was just scoping it out” says Dad.
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4. FIRED MOWER - 14 YRS a two day tardiness is grounds for termination on 53rd Street, even while rainy. 5. YARD OLYMPICS - 16 YRS built and rode large luge on snow-day. toboggan start in side yard and jump into alley.
DUPONT AVE
THE ALLEY TIME/SPACE MAP
PLAZA DE LA SOLEDAD
Caption (if necessary)
PLAZA DE LA SOLEDAD While studying abroad in Oaxaca, MX, we came to a historically significant but largely underutilized church yard. By removing walls and streamlining the stairs we created a diverse set of spaces for passing and inhabiting. The addition of a public library increases the density of the plaza and makes it more useful to the people. The surrounding buildings are durable after hundreds of years and this plan helps keep them productive parts of the city.
DRAWING STUDY: ST ANTHONY MAIN
MONSEIN HOME
MONSEIN HOME Retiring baby-boomers are demanding different kinds of homes than previously supplied. When Peggy and Matt Monsein retire they want a smaller and more comfortable house than their current family home. For easier mobility, this home is laid out on one floor and small enough to fit in a dense neighborhood. Rooms are adaptable for the diverse uses they expect through changing lifestyles. The construction is simple and straightforward for a durable house that is sustainable for the next generations.
He nn ep
in
Av e
2324 COLFAX AVE S
Colfax Ave S
W 24th Street
Current Boarding Houses
Neighborhood Apartments
2324 COLFAX AVE S Two dilapidated boarding houses sit on a highly-valued corner in south Minneapolis. The neighborhood is diverse in building type with single-family homes in close proximity to the Hennepin and Lyndale commercial strips. A local developer wishes to increase the density at this site by replacing the existing structures. This concept includes two houses atop a single underground garage, connected by open-air halls on each level. The structures are small so more funding can be allocated for durable construction.
2324 COLFAX AVE
Small Living
Large Living
Open-Air Hall
Elevation
Fourth
Third
Second
First
MICRO UNIT At 2324 COLFAX
Smaller unit sizes allow for a greater attention to detail. Allocating more funding for craftsmanship on a smaller footprint can mean a more durable product that lasts for generations. These small spaces afford great living conditions at affordable rates in dense areas of town. Per square foot, this micro unit hosts more diverse programs without wasting space. The kitchen becomes the living space for maximum productivity and includes a built-in desk and shelving. It is simplified into living, laying and closet spaces. Ultimately, the unit is comfortable and usable with adequate privacy for the inhabitant.
CHAMBERS CABIN 109 MILES NORTH
ST ANTHONY MAIN MONSEIN HOME
2324 COLFAX CALHOUN SQUARE
THE ALLEY
PLAZA DE LA SOLEDAD 1940 MILES SOUTH
DESNOYER MERIDIAN
Joseph D. Polacek