JP JACKSON
University of Cincinnati | Architecture Portfolio
Selected Works Academic 03|10 11|18 19|26 27|32
Pool House Body Mantle Ludlow Library Ice Pavilion
Professional 33|36 37|42
Mclean Commons Taylor Parcel
Table of Contents
01|02
Pool House The Pool House combines a number of programmatic elements to create a multisensory experience for the visitor. Throughout the design process particular emphasis was focused on the following considerations: enclosure, foundation, siting, and sequence. While speculative, a specific topography was issued. Thus, the relationship between site and building became the primary topic of discourse informing my design process. This relationship influenced a series of section slice models in turn inspiring conceptual section perspectives such as the one shown on the right. These drawings sought not only to address issues such as orientation, approach, and movement, but also the experience derived from occupying the various spaces and programmatic elements within. Also, the drawings initiated a formulation of tectonic relationships to dictate systems of enclosure and modulate light.
Section Perspective - Mixed Media
03|04
Programmatic elements for the pool house included a large pool, small pool, plunge pool, sauna, showers, and changing rooms. Consistent with my exploration of the building massing and its relationship to the topography, these elements were conceived as a series of levels offset from a central “spine�. The spine acts as a unifying element and an object of extension as visitors move alongside and through the spaces. The framed overhang of the spine carries visitors into the space where they are initially met by a reflecting pool easing their transition from nature
to structure. As the reflecting pool spills into a lower, more isolated court, visitors are presented with two unique yet complimentary volumes comprising fixed entities atop concrete columns stemming from the foundation of the structure. The changing rooms and sauna occupy these spaces. From the sauna, visitors can descend straight into the plunge pool experiencing the building’s direct connection to the river, continue along the spine to the large pool, or access the small pool. The large pool extends directly into the landscape while the small pool entrenches itself in the natural setting.
Conceptual Sketch + Site Model 1/16”=1’-0”
05|06
Body Mantle The Body Mantle explores the connective potential of a singular unit and consequentially its ability to compound upon itself in a regular, yet inspiring fashion. This growth was to be achieved through the addition of a consistent attachment mechanism, or a singular “stitch”. Further, the object of creation was to be driven by an established relationship with the human form. After a multitude of material explorations, pennies were chosen as the unit of focus. Extensive experimentation with a variety of “stitches” led to the selection of copper wire. The copper wire “stitch” acted as a compliment to the materiality of the pennies and allowed for the movement necessary to conform to the variant contours of the human figure. The pennies multiply in a structure reminiscent of chain mail protecting the body’s most vital organ, the heart.
Concept Sketch
11|12
Completed Body Mantle > 400 Pennies
13|14
Ludlow Library Located roughly one mile north of the University of Cincinnati’s Uptown Campus, our building site was situated on Ludlow Avenue, part of Clifton’s Gaslight District. Ludlow, recognized as Cincinnati’s first “Main Street neighborhood”, enjoys a variety of eclectic shopping and dining experiences nestled amongst the surrounding housing. Specifically, our site sat adjacent to Burnett Woods, a ninety acre park that acts as an intermediate between Ludlow Avenue and campus, and a Skyline Chili Parlor. The current Clifton Branch Library sits slightly west of our site in the Gaslight Business District. Although a popular spot within the cozy neighborhood, the current conditions feel constricted and unwelcoming. Thus, our program sought to create a new library and community center to include a flexible lecture hall, media room, and gallery space for a collection of rare art books. My design focus was driven by a desire to highlight and illuminate the energy and collaborative efforts of the community. This specific intent influenced all design decisions and was adhered to throughout the duration of project development. It is reflected in the building’s form, transparency, and materiality.
Figure Ground Site Analysis
17|18
1 Existing Condition The site for our Library/Community Center was a parking lot located on Ludlow Avenue. The lot was adjacent to a Skyline Chili Parlor and across the street from Burnett Woods Park.
2 Site Sensitivity The building mass was extruded from site with respect to existing site conditions and contextual buildings. Building aesthetic and form were derived from existing street and neighborhood fabric.
3 Merge + Define Merge larger volume with secondary volume. Larger volume defined as private spaces within library program. Lesser volume encompasses community oriented, public spaces.
4 Lift + Engage The community centered volume is lifted above ground level and assumes the angle of Ludlow Avenue. A small pool spans the street front and ushers visitors to the entryway. The pool draws emphasis to the floated volume and frames the community activities within.
5 Circulation Patterns A tertiary volume is added to the main building massing to negotiate circulation between Ludlow and Hosea Avenues. Thus, the entry acts as a bridge between street fronts.
6 Activate Framed views and a rooftop garden activate the site. Both the pool and elevated terrace naturally tie the building into the existing context and its perception as an extension of Burnett Woods.
Design Thinking Diagrams
19|20
Final Model 1/8”=1’-0”
21|22
Ice Pavilion The Ice Pavilion explored the tectonic relationships between a given palette of materials. These established relationships informed a process by which to manipulate a foundation and enclosure system for a 1,000 cubic foot ice sculpture. The design was entirely derived from a clearly defined structural assembly. The resultant form sought to be structural, variable, well crafted, and cohesive with special attention to the expression and differentiation of joints within the pavilion and between the pavilion and its base. Additionally, the structure was required to provide a carriage for carving and displaying the hypothetical ice sculpture as well as channels to drain water away from the sculpture to prevent accelerated melting.
Manipulation of the base was initially contrived through a series of axonometric, subtractive drawings. These subtractive measures were intended to create a system of circulation around the sculpture between two entry/exit points. One of these entryways had to accommodate 50,000 pounds of ice. This directive naturally informed a primary and secondary threshold. Development of the base prompted a series of wall assembly/joint studies with particular focus on the relationship between the structure and its base.
The resolved tectonic relationships inspired the form of the pavilion. The lesser volume designates the primary entry, which opens to a larger, secondary volume that encloses the ice sculpture. Remnants of the lesser volume are carried throughout the structure with the intent of creating a more intimate scale. Another significant directive in both the form and structural assembly of the pavilion was lighting. The repetition of the assembly allows for an extremely controlled and rhythmic system of light modulation.
Concept Diagrams + Detail Model Shots
29|30
Final Model 1/8”=1’-0”
31|32
Mclean Commons McLean Commons represents a competition entry for WDG. The proposed condominium building is located in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia. Tyson’s Corner, an up and coming area in the greater DC area, has experienced significant development in recent years. This entire project was conceived and generated in only two weeks time. Working in coordination with one of the assigned principals, I was solely responsible for development and modeling efforts. I also assisted in correspondence with the rendering firm, generation of conceptual plans, and compilation of a presentation package for the client.
Daytime Rendering
33|34
Pool House
Daytime Rendering
35|36
Taylor Parcel The Taylor Parcel is a proposed three building development located in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia. The bulk of my efforts were geared toward the foremost building, an affordable housing project with lower level retail and parking, adjacent to DC Metro’s new silver line. My responsibilities stemmed from initial ideation and conceptual massing studies to a fully realized 3D model to be forwarded to the renderer. Beyond offering design input whenever possible, I also built the site model and acted as the liaison between WDG and the outside rendering firm.
Facade Development Sketches
39|40
In Progress... JP Jackson 270-779-9892 jacks2jp@mail.uc.edu
Site Design Charrette - Current Studio
43|44