P O R T F O L I O K AT H E R I N E M E R C E R B.DesSt, M.Arch
K A T H E R I N E
M E R C E R B.DesSt, M.Arch
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS Master of Architecture
University of Canberra
2009 (August)
Bachelor of Design Studies
University of Queensland
2004
Senior School Certificate
Brisbane Girls Grammar School 2000
mercer.katherine@gmail.com
PRIZES AND AWARDS Scots-Australia Council Scholarship for Architecture Work Experience in Scotland
2007-2008
2nd Prize sona 24 hour Design Competition ACT
2007 (m)
0408 737 264
Commendation sona 24 hour Design Competition ACT
2006
(h)
07 5561 1105
Deans Commendation for Academic Achievement University of Queensland
2002
DOB
24 May 1983
5/28 Woodroffe Ave Main Beach Q 4217
ARCHITECTURAL WORK – SUMMARY Student Architect
Cox Humphries Moss
Oct 2008 – July 2009
Scholarship Architect
SMC Hugh Martin Partnership
Jan 2008 – May 2008
Student Architect
Cox Humphries Moss
Feb 2006 – Nov 2007
Student Architect
Bates Smart
Jan 2005 – Feb 2006
Student Architect
Arkhefield
Jan 2004 – Nov 2004
Work Experience
Donovan Hill
July 2000
EXHIBITIONS Canberra Contemporary Art Space (CCAS) Invited exhibitor
2006
Bachelor of Design Studies Exhibition University of Queensland
2004
COMPETITIONS sona 24 hour Design Competition ACT
2nd Prize
2007
sona 24 hour Design Competition ACT
Commendation 2006
sona 48 hour Design Competition NSW/ACT
Entrant
2006
01
ARCHITECTURAL WORK - DETAILS Cox Humphries Moss Oct 2008 – July 2009 (Canberra office of the COX Group) 22 Jardine St, Kingston, Canberra Five months full time, 4 months part time 3.5 days per week. Revit 3D modelling and design documentation of multi-residential, mixed use, public, education, sporting, and government projects and temporary structures Revit Elements training course Sun study analysis both manual and computer based Graphic design of reports using Adobe suite Feasibility and siting analysis for government infrastructure Coordination of competition entries and company marketing Attendance at client and consultant meetings
Student Architect “year out”
Scholarship Architect Scots-Australian Council Scholarship for Architecture Work Experience in Scotland
Student Architect
Student Architect
SMC Hugh Martin Partnership Jan 2008 – May 2008 (now Archial Group) 18 Rothesay Place, Edinburgh Five months full time PowerCAD documentation of office, hostel, recreation and masterplanning heritage conservation and adaptive re-use Sketch design for commercial project Attendance at weekly CPD seminars
Student Architect
Cox Humphries Moss Feb 2006 – Oct 2007 22 Jardine St Kingston ACT 2604 Six months full time, 12 months part time 2.5 days per week Project Centre document control and file uploading AutoCAD 2007 training course AutoCAD documentation of interior elevations and custom joinery details BCA compliance Site visits during construction
Bates Smart 1 Nicholson St, Melbourne
Jan 2005 – Feb 2006
13 months full time AutoCAD documentation of entertainment, public and commercial projects AutoCAD drafting for local and international competition entries Interior finishes schedules and sample boards BCA compliance Attendance at CPD seminars and product information sessions
Arkhefield Jan 2004 – Nov 2004 418 Adelaide St, Brisbane 2 months full time, 8 months part time 2 days per week Construction of presentation models AutoCAD training AutoCAD documentation of large scale multi-residential complexes, sustainable townhouse prototype, single residences, commercial and mixed-use projects Feasibility study and sketch design of multi-residential development
Work experience
Donovan Hill 112 Bowen St Spring Hill, Brisbane
July 2000
Construction of presentation models
02
SERVICE WITHIN ARCHITECTURE
OTHER EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Australian Institute of Architects and Student Organised Network for Architecture (sona)
Customer service
University of Queensland student representative to sona
2004
Customer service
sona National Vice-President
2004
Student representative to RAIA Queensland Chapter Council
2004
OTHER INTERESTS
Student representative to RAIA Queensland Chapter Education Committee
2004
Rowing
Student advisor to the Tertiary Accreditation Visiting Panel
2004
Member of sona and RAIA
2002 - 2009
University Organisations “RE:HAB” Australa / New Zealand Student Design Congress Organising committee, University of Canberra
2009
Sponsorship Manager and Master of Ceremonies University of Canberra Graduating Exhibition
2007
Member of “Arclub” Architecture Students Club University of Canberra
2007 - 2009
Student representative to the Architecture Department Academic Advisory Committee, University of Queensland
2004
President of “Bruce” Architecture Students Club University of Queensland
2004
Treasurer of “Bruce” Architecture Students Club University of Queensland
2003
Member of “Bruce” Architecture Students Club University of Queensland
2002 - 2004
Little Sprout ‘Read Play Learn’ 2008 – 2009 Canberra Centre K and K Creative Toys 2000 – 2005 260 Moggill Rd, Indooroopilly
Member of the Canberra Rowing Club ACT Rowing Association Regattas Corporate Regatta Dragon Boating Corporate Regattas Music Piano Clarinet Theory of Music
2007 - 2009 2008 - 2009 2006 2004, 2006, 2007 AMEB grade 7 AMEB grade 7 AMEB grade 5
REFEREES Mr Graham Humphries Director Cox Humphries Moss 22 Jardine St Kingston ACT 2604 02 6239 6255 canberra@cox.com.au Mr Paul Millwood Cox Humphries Moss 22 Jardine St Kingston ACT 2604 02 6239 6255 paul.millwood@cox.com.au Mrs Jane Campbell 20 Charlane Ave Indooroopilly Qld 4068 07 3371 5958 / 0403 042 545 janecampbell@bigpond.com
03
T H E
G R E A T
H A L L
AND UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA MASTERPLAN The project explores the architectural development of a large scale iconic building in the form of a new Great Hall for the University of Canberra, within a revised campus masterplan. The hall will accommodate 1100 people for graduation ceremonies, 1000 for theatrical performances, and 450 for Alumni dinners and other functions. The total gfa is approx 2500sqm. The proposed scheme addressing the aspirations of the University outlined in their strategic framework for the campus: “engaging and connecting with the surrounding community” “being at the heart of Belconnen’s cultural, recreational & educational hub” “creating a strong campus brand & identity with a distinct sense of place” “encouraging a mixed use community that is cohesive, vibrant & safe” “creating a public domain used by the University & the community” The proposed masterplan for the University of Canberra extends and enforces the “green axis”, perpendicular to the existing campus concourse. The green axis connects the formal eastern entrance and the western pedestrian entrance, drawing people into the heart of the campus.
LAKE GINNINDERRA
The Great Hall is colocated with a new Sports Hall and a Piazza which is elevated at the same level as the University Concourse, the heart of the Campus. Elevated walkways link the Piazza with the Concourse via a new Alumni Sculpture garden, new library and the existing Engineering building. EXISTING CONCOURSE AXIS
LAKE GINNINDERRA
UC CAMPUS
PROPOSED GREEN AXIS
TO CIT Y
This forms a new cultural precinct on campus for students, staff and the greater community, thus fulfilling the aspiration of the University to have “a campus community with a vibrant cultureal and recreational life” and a place renounded for its musical events and festivals. The Great Hall is envisaged as a hive of activity with a ceremonial core, a grand internal space wrapped in social and support spaces, based on the concept of two overlapping boxes; the anchor and the lantern. The “anchor” contains the support spaces and sets the datum for the surrounding Sports Hall and Library.
BLACK MOUNTAIN
The “lantern” envelops the social spaces and is elevated, appearing to float above the Piazza and the campus. The “lantern” holds a prominent, elevated position creating a beacon for the University visible to the greater community.
LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN
PARLIAMENT HOUSE
The immediate and open relationship between the grand internal spaces of the Great Hall and the Sports Hall and the public Piazza between them allows for multifunctionality, setting the stage for large scale events, fares and festivals, whilst allowing separation for smaller, more intimate performances and ceremonies.
04
IT Y TO C
SCHOOL OF DESIGN UNIVERSITY DR NORTH
EX LIBRARY
DR DO N
B11
PROPOSED GREEN AXIS
SPORTS HALL PROPOSED GREEN AXIS
PIAZZA
LIBRARY TO BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE
THE GREAT HALL
EXISTING CONCOURSE AXIS
PIAZZA
UNIVERSITY DR EXTENSION
SUPPORT
STAGE
THE GREAT HALL
TO AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT UNIVERSITY DR SOUTH ALT ROUTE TO CITY
100m
10m
40m
UPPER FOYER
MEZZANINE
5m
ALUMNI SCULPTURE GARDEN
CAMPUS RESIDENCES
PROPOSED PARKING
25m
SPORTS HALL
HAY
THE CAMPUS GREEN
CONCOURSE
AIKM
AN D
RIVE
EXISTING PARKING
FOYER
PIAZZA
10m
05
PIAZZA
ENTRANCE BAR
UPPER FOYER
FOYER
ATRIUM VOID MAIN FOYER
STAFF AMMENITIES
STORE
STAFF AMMENITIES
KITCHEN LOADING & STORE
PUBLIC AMMENITIES
5m
CONCOURSE / PIAZZA
UPPER FOYER STAGE BELOW
HALL BELOW
LIGHTING STORE
THE GREAT HALL
MEZZANINE SEATING
MEZZANINE SEATING
MEZZANINE SEATING SUPPORT
STAFF ROOM
STORE
REHEARSAL SPACE
PUBLIC AMMENITIES
10m
MEZZANINE
MEZZANINE PROPOSED LIBRARY
ELEVATED WALKWAY TO LINK PIAZZA WITH CONCOURSE
ALUMNI SCULPTURE GARDEN
5m
THE GREAT HALL
BIO BOX
BAR STORE DRY
STORE
ADMIN OFFICE
STAGE
DRESSING ROOM 2
DRESSING ROOM 1
BAR STORE COLD
SOCIAL / PUBLIC CLOAK
RECEPTION
SUPPORT
UPPER FOYER
STAGE UNIVERSITY DR EXTENSION
10m
06
M O U N T O B S ERVATO RY
S T R O M L O A N D
PL A N E TA RI U M
Along the ridge of Mount Stromlo thirteen existing buildings lie in varying states of use, preservation and ruin. These structures stand as follies in the exposed landscape, mementos of the devastating 2003 firestorm and of the history of Commonwealth scientific endeavour in Canberra. The project brief was to develop a public precinct on Mt Stromlo, with the aim of stimulating public awareness of, and interest in, astronomy. The scheme will also provide new research facilities in astronomy and astrophysics. A strict design process was developed to generate the architectural scheme via a series of inputs / actions. In such a prominent position, and stripped by the firestorm, Mt Stromlo has important visual connections with Walter Burley Griffin’s geometry for the city of Canberra. While the public precint aims to attract visitors inside the buildings for learning and research the precinct must also relate to its context. The architecture aims to define these relationships and vistas, thus orienting the visitor within their spatial and historical context (of site, city and sky). Learning and discovery should not be limited to activities housed within the buildings. The entire proposal aims to stimulate and intrigue visitors, encouraging all to explore the entire site, visiting the restored / preserved buildings and learning of their historical significance and beautiful setting. This design scheme proposes to restore / preserve all existing structures. They are interpreted as a constellation of destinations within the site. To create the new public precinct a generating mass was placed at the centre of the converging constellation vectors. First a circle was experimented with, then an elipse, followed by a square form. The “constellation vectors” between destinations (structures) were utilised to slice the generating mass (step 1). These vectors then displaced the resulting fragments, according to the principles of gravitational attraction. The distribution of the architectural program informed the ratio of this displacement, in both plan and section. By altering this ratio the displacement and therefor the overall arrangement of the site is altered (step 2). A second series of vectors was then overlaid: vista vectors relating to the city. These were utilised to carve voids and viewing platforms from the fragments of built mass, defining internal and external circulation and orientation (step 3). These “vist vectors” reopen visitor and staff movement through the difficult terrain of the site, whilst encouraging all to explore and investigate their environment and meaning. Thus the sliced and dispersed building masses and reconnected, and the visitor reorientated, through this third layer or process.
07
1
CONSTELLATION OF DESTINATIONS VECTORS BETWEEN EXISTING FACILITIES SLICE GENERATING MASS
3
VIEW VECTORS CARVE VOIDS THROUGH MASS AND EXTEND INTO LANDSCAPE
TO SIDING SPRINGS
MOUNT AINSLIE BLACK MOUNTAIN ANU CITY HILL LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN PARLIAMENT HOUSE
MOUNT STROMLO
2
PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION INFORMS DISPLACEMENT RATIO IN PLAN AND SECTION NEAR PUBLIC AND PLANETARIUM
FURTHER
FAR
WORKSHOP AND LABORATORIES
OBSERVATORIES AND ACCOMMODATION
08
LABS ACCOMMODATION WORKSHOP
EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITION
DISPLAY & RETAIL CAFE & FUNCTIONS (PLANETARIUM)
THEATRE
TERRACE LEVEL LOOKOUTS
VIEWING INTO MAIN OBSERVATORY & WORKSHOP
LABS
OBSERVATORIES ELEVATED LINK ENTRY CAFE
LABS
PLANETARIUM ACCOMMODATION PUBLIC VIEWING INTO WORKSHOP
OBSERVATORY PUBLIC ADMIN OBSERVATORY
MAIN OBSERVATORY
PUBLIC FACILITIES ADMINISTRATION
VIEWING
UPPER LEVEL 1
VIEWING FOYER & DISPLAY TICKETS
WORKSHOP
OBSERVATORIES
LABS
ACCOMMODATION EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITION (BEYOND)
MAIN OBSERVATORY (PUBLIC)
MAIN OBSERVATORY
LABS
OBSERVATORY
LOOKOUT OBSERVATORY
VIEWING INTO WORKSHOP
MANAGEMENT
ELEVATED LINKS
THEATRE
UPPER LEVEL 2
09
C
C
A
S
CANBERR A CONTEMPOR ARY ART SPACE To create a new home for the Canberra Contemporary Arts Space this proposal aims not to create a modern “contemporary” building, but rather a timeless scuplting of the earth itself, folding and buckling the site surface to create a new terrain with oportunities for occupation. Leather was selected as a metaphor and experimental tool as, like a building, it has no pretence of being a living organic being, rather it triggers in the viewer an association with a living thing. The inanimate material is animated by the forces which shape it. The site is in a transitional zone, sandwiched between Canberra’s CBD and the Australian National University. The compression and expansion of the architectural material reacts to this; upthrust and compressed at the northeastern end (facing Marcus Clarke Street) in response to the scale and activity of the civic centre; unravelling and releasing pressure to rejoin the earth toward ANU. The proposed building is to be constructed mostly of concrete, to capture the moment of balance between the lifting and dipping surface, and in reference to the building’s creation out of the limestone bedrock beneath the soil. In order to occupy the voids created beneath this surface a series of long ‘boxes’ are inserted under the ‘skin’. At night these boxes are lit internally, appearing like glow worms nestled within the folds of earth. This series of smaller enclosures enables climate and lighting control, and allows the spatial requirements for current needs and into the future. Once arranged in the current configuration the boxes are ‘hung’ from the building skin, allowing adjustment to fit the folds and buckles. This also allows removal, rearrangement and addition of different boxes ensuring spatial and functional flexibility into the future of the Canberra Contemporary Arts Space. BLACK MOUNTAIN
A continued contemporality occupying the earth itself.
MOUNT AINSLIE
Long horizontal elements support and join with the folded plane, creating an enticing opportunity to experience the surfaces and draw the patron into the building.
LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN
PARLIAMENT HOUSE
25m
50m
The walls of both buildings tilt and shift around circulation zones, fracturing the linear series of folds, creating further opportunities to journey into the structure and its internal spaces.
10
11
R R R
STORE & DRY CORE LOUNGE BED WASH
DINING
R PRIVATE YOGA TERRACE
R
SERVICES & WET CORE
R
R R
R ADJ FIXINGS TIE BOX BACK TO MAIN WALLS 2m
R
C
4m
LEGEND F G S R A M SS C B V
-
FOYER GALLERY STUDIO RESIDENCE ADMIN MEETING SUPPORT/STORE CAFE BOOKSHOP VOID
B
S1 S2 S3 S4
G2 SS
F A
G1
V
SS
S6 S7 S8 S9
V
A
G3
A M
SS
S10
S5 SS 7m
14m
12