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CONTENTS 1| Retreat Station | 03 2| ADM&F | 11 3| Anderson Infill | 15 4| Solar Mapimations | 21 5| Solar Molecule | 27 6| SUMO | 33 7| Dry-In House | 37 8| Personal Work | 41
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1| RETREAT [station] A station for retreat is created for one to relax and contemplate in an area without distraction. Separate elements combine and integrate into one whole. These elements consist of a structure, space for three bodies, circulation wall, and shade screen. The structure lies on a central axis, serving as an anchor from which curvilinear members stem and undulate outwards. Subtractive techniques create voids in the 13’ x 8’ x 7’ volume that respond to various resting positions of the human body. The final screening device exploits the idea of detachment. This allows people opportunities to observe areas around the station while providing a level of privacy and shade for the occupant.
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Figure 1.2// exploded axon
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Figure 1.3// perspective
Figure 1.4// structure_study
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Figure 1.5// structure_study
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2| ADM&F
[interlocking smart brick]
ADM&F, Advanced Digital Modeling & Fabrication, was a studio directed for the exploration of digital environments - where the laser cutter, 3D printer, and CNC router became research tools to facilitate a transition from digital to analog. Interlocking smart brick is a tectonic investigation using one shape, then mass producing that one shape to create a larger component - leading to an unpredicted result. The initial design is created from basic circles, then cut and etched using the laser cutter, allowing the piece to bend about two planes. Finger-like appendages snap in predetermined holes for any desirable result.
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Figure 2.1// smart_brick
Figure 2.2// assembly
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Figure 2.3// model
2| ADM&F
[sculpting skyscraper]
Starting with a sculpture by Isamu Noguchi, a building form was generated using 3D modeling software. Enclosure, multi-level spaces, and curtain walls were components examined. Physical models were then built based on exact componentry of the 3D models through laser cutting and 3D printing. The exercise of learning and breaking down specific components of building structure then exporting that information into CNC equipment begins to reveal a certain nature of digital documentation feasible in architectural practice.
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enclosed mulit-level atrium spaces Figure 2.4// physical_model
Figure 2.5// negative_impression
Figure 2.6// atrium_space
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Figure 2.7// perspective
3| ANDERSON [infill] Students were charged with a task of revitalizing an empty building space. The program is mixed use with retail space at street level, museum space on the main floor and upper floor, and storage space and offices on the lower floor. Brick exterior walls and a column structure were all that remained in this worn-out building. The new building design is one with two grids overlaid on one another. A contrast between New vs. Existing and Indoor vs. Outdoor become central themes in the design. A strong cross-directional emphasis creates a connection with both ends of the building. Multi-level spaces and an open floor plan allow users to remain in constant interaction with one another. A folding wall creates a connection that extends from the basement level upward, transitioning into a roof structure. Its continuous movement pierces and intersects floor plates, dynamically transforming one’s experience within the building.
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Figure 3.1// overlay_diagram OUTDOOR GREEN SPACE VERTICAL CIRCULATION USABLE FLOOR SPACE
WALLS SPLIT AND SHIFT IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS ALONG EXISTING WALL LINE, ALIGNING TO NEW GRID
Figure 3.2// roof_construct
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Figure 3.3// floor_plans
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Figure 3.4// front_elevation
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4| SOLAR [mapimations] The mapimations project is one that utilizes modeling software to analyze the MEGA condition of solar behavior. New three-dimensional maps offer information about solar absorption and irradiance never before perceived, in turn creating a platform for design proposal. A two-dimensional map was constructed to delineate areas of high Btu consumption across the world. Research shows that a considerable amount of energy is consumed in North America and areas throughout Asia, making them a high priority for energy distribution. Two datascapes are constructed based from solar absorption and irradiance data along the earth’s surface. This information is an average of data gathered from satellites over a period of one year. The datascapes are then overlapped and trimmed at intersecting areas, identifying new spatial relations known as transmission archipelagos. With the new information gathered, all elements are then combined to create a final map - one that identifies specific areas of high energy consumption and the relation to solar conditions in its surrounding environment.
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Figure 4.1// heat_absorption
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Figure 4.2// Btu_map
solar_absorption solar_irradiance
Figure 4.3// cross_sections
Figure 4.4// surface_intersect
Figure 4.5// solar_overlaid
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SEPARATION
of mapping elements allows further examination of tertiary spaces that exist within. Through the mapping process, surfaces begin to behave like large landmasses. The landmasses become figurative archipelagos of information. They then shift vertically into layers, revealing coastlines and stratospheric clouds of data.
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5| SOLAR [molecule] In 40 minutes of daylight the sun releases upon the Earth the amount of energy that is consumed by the entire population of the planet in one year. Each day more solar energy falls to the Earth than the total amount of energy the planet’s 6 billion inhabitants would consume in 27 years. Currently, we harness about 1% of this energy. Through the iterative process of three-dimensional mapping using data gathered on solar behavior, transmission archipelagos were formed. The transmission archipelagos are defined by vast amounts of solar molecules, each with a diameter of 1,300 feet, occupying its space in the upper atmosphere. Solar molecules function to store, convert, and redistribute energy. Converted energy is distributed by means of microwaves to towers on the Earth’s surface where solar energy is most absorbed. A solar molecule’s surface is composed of large, continuous photovoltaic farms. Linear directives transform the sunlight into electricity and move it into a storage chamber located at the center of the structure. Heat given off from these linear directives creates an atmosphere inside the solar molecules that is higher in temperature from the air outside. In theory, this change in temperature will create enough uplift to raise the giant structures into the atmosphere.
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Figure 5.2// scaled_formation
SITE ANALYSIS: Considering the infinite nature of light and the sense of it being out of reach, a condition is created that not only introduces an object into an area that was before unoccupiable, but also negotiates that sense of place with existing natural forms.
Figure 5.1// cloud_formation
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CORE// volume which stores collected electricity and prepares it for transmission.
SOLAR CELLS// farms of photovoltaic panels clad the surface for energy collection.
LINEAR DIRECTIVES// rods attached to each photovoltaic farm convert sunlight to usable energy and transfer to the Core.
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Figure 5.3// site_map
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Figure 5.4// molecules
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6| SUMO The SUMO, Specialized Unit for Mega-communicative Occupancy, is a furniture unit designed to facilitate long distance communication for a group of students and professor. The project was stimulated by the need for a quiet space in the studio for students at Clemson University to communicate with their professor in Genoa, Italy during class time. Completion of the first prototype was successful through the combined effort of all ten students participating. The SUMO allows two positions, one for working and another for resting. The CNC router is utilized for production of the prototype. To maximize use of 4’x8’ sheets of material, each rib is divided into two pieces using a curvilinear dovetail joint for reconnection. Rigid insulation and masonite are laminated together to create a high density, light weight construction that is durable enough to withstand day-to-day wear from travel. Polycarbonate on both sides allows for light transmission and visibility while maintaining a reduction in noise levels.
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Figure 6.1// movement
Figure 6.2// sketch
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Figure 6.3// process
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7| DRY-IN
[house]
The design of the Dry-In House is one that creates a strong emphasis on the section, giving families the opportunity to customize their ceiling and roof lines, while ultimately maintaining a New Orleans vernacular. Exposed trusses, Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS), and Polycarbonate panels make up the building materials. By exploiting concepts of mass customization, prefabrication, and mass production, the Dry-In House is a design which is able to offer an affordable and easily customizable solution for families. The Dry-In House is a concept house for post-Katrina victims started by professors Doug Hecker and Martha Skinner. A group of five students were then approached to further develop the project, exploring modes of construction and material usage. Communities can come together with hardly any understanding of the building process to assemble the entire house. All building components were carefully examined and chosen to maximize the prefabrication process, eliminating much need for on-site construction. Equal responsibility was delegated among each of the five students to successfully orchestrate and complete a mock-up of the Dry-In House prototype.
Figure 7.1// CNC_raster
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Figure 7.2// exposed_trusses
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Figure 7.3// process
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Figure 7.4// process
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8| PERSONAL
[works]
Much of my influence in architecture comes from my background in art. The human figure has fascinated me through much of my studies. The human body becomes an interesting investigation as a complex, intricate system of components all working interdependently with one another. The following piece is a reproduction of Edgar Degas’ bath study. The student’s task was to recreate an artist’s work to the best of his or her ability while using and understanding the artist’s style. The next work is a pointillism piece which explores the spectrum of expression and emotion. It was awarded “Best in Show” in 2002 at the Coker College Student Art Expo. Using my art background as a platform, I have been able to view architecture from a perspective relative to the human condition that is both observant and creative.
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“Bath Study.” Charcoal. 2006
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“Speechless.” Pen and Ink. 2002
CASE STUDIES become a design method, an exercise where a larger picture is
viewed and broken down into smaller pieces to understand inner workings of various conditions. This method exhibits much of my formal studies and approach to architecture. Form, light, spatial arrangements, and construction type are a few elements illustrated in the following case studies.
Figure 8.3// Shade house
Figure 8.4// Park Guell
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Figure 8.5// Barcelona Pavilion