karrah lynne vila, m. arch SELECTED WORKS 2007-2012
contents | p2
SELECTED WORKS from Tulane University, Rome [Italy], and my home community of New Orleans. These works best express the studio, construction, and artistic education I received from 2007-2012.
contents p2-3 thesis algiers, la
p4-9 rome program rome, italy
p10-19 urban build 6 central city, new orleans
p20-25 bayou house delacroix, la
p26-29 resume/contact p30-31 p3
thesis | p4
SACRED: THE TRANSCENSION OF ARCHITECTURE THROUGH SENSES AND REFLECTION. This project is the culmination of my studio career. Its existence is in my mind, in my computer and in model form; but would like to be in Algiers, LA. This building represents all of the qualities I believe architecture should have, as well as testing the idea that spirituality can be instilled in a form without deity.
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_focus upon object of reflection _perspective
elements
orientation
_focus / contrast
light
_continuous
sound
_water as “cleanser”
nature
_water as “cleanser”
colors
_social in physical realm _personal in mental realm
social aspect
_sacred realm left open for personal reflection
language SIGNS
_”playground”
_maze _short vision lines
_ephemeral / veiled
_repetitive / sporatic
_artificial
_social _decrease in gambling
_personal _increase in gambling
_explicit
THESIS STATEMENT | Architecture as a physical, visible manifestation of space can inspire the mental, invisible realm of the Sacred. With a non-denominational program, a spiritual experience can be evoked through design, form, lighting, sounds, materiality: all sensory qualities. Traditionally, religious spaces are deemed “holy” as they are defined by activies (rituals, prayers) and objects (altars, shrines) reflective of the represented religion. Our new idea of “faith”, other than religion, can be directly tied to an architecture that allows the physical to impact our mental state through engagement of the senses. The building as the manifestation of a reinterpreted material realm inherently becomes holy in its “being”ness, with secular programming engaging and immersing the unsuspecting visitor in an abstract concept and the physical site. The proposed project tests this goal in close relation to the intensity and mystery of the Mississippi River, in search of faith and reflection.
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river path change
meanders
industrial figure
boat channel
Karrah Vila
The Transcension of Arc
A Sacred proposal at the the A
site analysis
river courses topography industrial figure
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THIS SITE ANALYSIS diagram was extremely valuable for the project. It shows context, the contours of the river bed, the industrial ďŹ gure of the river [barges, etc], the channels of boat travel, and most importantly: the courses the river took throughout history [shown in light gray]. These courses layered directly on top of the site, building it up and carving it away over the years. The site was charged with so much rich spirit that it became the perfect site for a spiritual building.
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chitecture
Algiers-Mississippi River bend
manifestation of space can inspire acred. With a non-denominational be evoked through design, form, sory qualities. Traditionally, religious DUH GHÂżQHG E\ DFWLYLWLHV ULWXDOV V UHĂ€HFWLYH RI WKH UHSUHVHQWHG er than religion, can be directly tied hysical to impact our mental state The building as the manifestation of ently becomes holy in its “beingâ€?g engaging and immersing the concept and the physical site. The lose relation to the intensity and VHDUFK RI IDLWK DQG UHĂ€HFWLRQ
PROCESS MODEL A
PROCESS MODEL B
PROCESS MODEL A was a projection of New Orleans’ city lines across the river onto the site. It also shows the angle of Algier’s main transportation via the black string. PROCESS MODEL B was an initial study of historical layers the site wasmade up of [ie. originial settlement lines, river boundaries over time, and the abstract lines of the river’s constrictions.
TWO SKETCHES show the process of the building’s formation, both in plan and section. In both, the building reflected the past river courses organically. With this inspiring the building’s form spiritually, it was left to decide on the appropriate program. Inserting a spiritually based program [such as spa] into this building would have been too like a church or temple. In short, it would have been too easy. Therefore, the BUILDING’S inherent ability to be spiritual was tested through the program of a casino. In this way, we can really see the results.
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rome program | p10
MY ADVENTURES IN ROME, ITALY were unfortunately condensed into these few pages. Shown are one of the projects we completed as well as some sketches. But whether they be based in the studio near the Pantheon; sketched atop a lonely curb, or along the cobblestone streets, these and more contributed greatly to the designer and person I am today. *piece of sky
LANDSCRAPER
A one week project in a Roman suburb in which the neutral ground was transformed into urban use.
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purliving ifyi ng worry genres hearing
chords
stress
practicing
studying
criticism notes
enjoying
music
labor settlement base practicality
pre-bombing 1943
nightlife restaurants drugs entertainment protest
post-bombing 1943
music clubs and areas in rome
URBAN COLLECTOR
A project based in a small suburb of Rome, Italy. We visited the site many times but were given program parameters of housing and community service together. After noticing a large musical inspiration in the neighborhood and a large university nearby, this project is a musical university with performance spaces for learning and the community. [RIGHT] The thesis statement in diagrammatic form.
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learn
discussion
live
practice
listen
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third floor
ground floor
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY
AUDITORIUM
PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICEE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE
LIV E
spatial diagram
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second floor
[LEFT] The second floor plan, showing performance, living, and common spaces all connected by a practicing bar which ‘filters’ music daily. [ABOVE] shows this space in a simple rendering.
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SKETCH
Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza [LEFT] SKETCHED a block away from the church, is a gem to see considering the facade is so hidden. The church is only open sparingly throughout the week. [RIGHT] was sketched during one of these times. Both of these views are special to me as this churches exhudes Roman simplicity.
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SKETCH
Santa Maria della Pace SANTA MARIA intrigued me because of its unique approach. It, like Sant’Ivo, is one of Rome’s more hidden churches and has a hide/reveal view as you walk down the street. It is never open to the public; and as this was sketched while sitting outside my favorite cafe, this is a special church.
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SKETCH
il Pantheon, coffers I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER that I sketched this sitting on a pew on a rainy day, with my head bent all the way back, sketchbook up in the air.
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urban build 6 p20
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IN COLLABORATION WITH BILD DESIGN, Tulane’s URBANbuild chose a lot in Central City, a small close-knit community in New Orleans, LA. to establish the sixth house. This is where I had the exciting opportunity to physically form what architects usually imagine. Everything from pouring the foundation to framing walls, and painting on 40 ft. scaffolding to installing new flooring was achieved in 4 short months of Spring 2011.
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bayou house | p26
STILT HOUSES make up the infrastructure of Delacroix, LA - a small ďŹ shing community. Throughout my life, I ďŹ shed the waters of this area, but during this project I designed a home for a family who lives off its land.
structure
ventilation
one house
people house + fish house
THINKING OF THIS PROJECT in a prototypical way, the ease of construction and reduction of materials while retaining strength needed to combat hurricanes, a structural diagram was conceived in the form of a bridge-like structure with triangulated heavy timber. Not only does this allow for flexible interior spaces (as interior walls can be places anywhere) but since the two open ends are enclosed with sliding glass doors, the entire house can be opened up for cross-ventilation. A natural vernacular was envisioned for this area - and designed in the form of two buildings: one for the people and one for the fish - a large if not whole part of this fishing community. the fish house is slightly rotated to provide views of the bayou and lake borgne (to the north of house).
3/4” plywood heavy timber studs (8” deep) drywall/interior cladding ͤQLVK IORRULQJ spray insulation heavy timber beams (14” deep) insulated corrugated metal panel
piling
callout 1/2” = 1’-0”
longitudinal section 1/8” = 1’-0”
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8
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site + mezzanine plan 1/8” = 1’-0”
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8
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site + mezzanine plan 1/8” = 1’-0”
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site + mezzanine plan 1/8” = 1’-0”
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resume | p30
OBJECTIVE: To sharpen my skills in the ďŹ eld of architecture in a ďŹ rm that pushes me to do so; through similar interests and missions, and abundant respect for peers and executives.
karrah lynne vila 504.884.6516 | karrahvila@gmail.com | 1608 N. Upland Ave. | www.issuu.com/karrahvila Metairie, LA 70003
SKILLS Autodesk | AutoCAD 2007+, Revit Adobe | Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign, Acrobat Pro Rhino 3D version 4.0+ Google Sketchup V-ray | for Rhino, Sketchup Hand drafting Physical modeling
EDUCATION
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Tulane University May 2012 School of Architecture, Undergrad New Orleans, LA Master of Architecture [M.Arch] East Jefferson High School May 2007 Metairie, LA Diploma | Honors & Gifted/Talented
Rome Program August - December 2010 Rome, Italy Studies in public spaces [piazzas] Studio Drawing Materials & Methods Contemporary City Italian Language
EXPERIENCE
CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE
HR Personnel & Assistant to Timekeeper January - May 2013 Wyatt Field Service Chalmette, LA Phoned, met, and hired hundreds of employees Maintained applications and employee records Assisted timekeeper with daily duties and contacts
Tulane URBANbuild January - May 2011 Central City, New Orleans Building a single family residence - 1,200 sq. ft.
Sales Associate May 2010 - January 2013 Tomato New Orleans, LA Opened, closed, and ran store solely Tended to phones and social media pages Performed ofďŹ ce work and inventory
Motivated and hardworking Patient and respectful Resourceful Organised and a problem-solver
Sales and Baker August 2009 - August 2010 Be Sweet Cupcake! New Orleans, LA Opened, closed, and ran shop solely Cleaned and re-stocked nightly
PERSONAL SKILLS
REFERENCE Nina P. L’Hoste Owner of Tomato tomatogirls@gmail.com
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