moments
Moments within Minutes Katie Kowalski
Clemson University
Bachelor’s of Arts in Architecture 2013-2017
c The last four years of my education has been full of defining moments. The experience that I have gained over these years has been more beneficial than I could have imagined. I learned that time is a great factor in both studio and life. Time management is one piece to this puzzle. However, on a larger level, I know that my career will always be composed in segments of time. It takes a few seconds to make a minor design decision. It takes months to realize an entire project and put those ideas into actions. While some of my moments have not resulted in complete success, I still take away the lessons that I learned from the experience. Likewise, I know that there will continue to be defining moments throughout my lifetime. I look forward to the moment I finally realize that I have succeeded in becoming the architect that I want to be. Time constantly moves on and I understand that I will always have to be aware of what I am working towards. An enlightening trait in the field of architecture is the involvement of people in a community. Everyone has individual goals, but it is very important to take into account the goals of a society. Experience will teach me how to honor the thoughts of everyone involved on both a personal and a local level. Each semester and each project has been a moment that, when compiled, has become my portfolio and my story.
1
contents time is a
Collage of fragments that piece together to create stories
pages 3-8
details are
Characteristics of people and places
pages 9-10 an instant of
Reflection benefits both the individual and the society
pages 11-16
the building blocks of a
Community stand the test of time
pages 17-20 a second of
Peace or meditation allows for perspective to take shape
pages 21-24
spaces are evolving to adapt to the
Forms of a changing world
pages 25-26 a
Moment within a Moment is a fragile and fleeting time which requires patience
pages 27-28
Experience is quite the combination of people, place, time, and effort
pages 29-30
2
c N
3
S
collage Farmers’ Market Location: Clemson, SC F2016, 4th year Professor Robert Bruhns, studio
n. nL
diso
Ad
N
1. 5.
2.
A collage is a joining of different moments into one. Similarly a farmers’ market combines moments of chaos and relaxation into a social center where people are free to shop, eat, and talk all they want.
3.
Opposite page: front elevation Current page (from left and clockwise): ground floor plan, second floor plan, site plan, site model
N
N.
Cle
ms
on
Av
e
4.
1. vendor lockers 2. permanent market 3. bakery 4. residence 5. storage
4
c E
E
E
5
W
W
W
collage E
W
A typical farmer’s market or flea market is often composed of a series of bays under a truss roof design. By experimenting with different structural trusses, the resulting truss is an elaboration of the more simpler design. This allowed for ample roof overhang, while simultaneously allowing light to enter from the back of the site and down into the farmers’ market below. This was accomplished using clerestory windows and roof cut-outs. Furthermore, the position of the monumental staircase and roof overhangs communicated that the nodes created are places of socialization. The farmers’ market is a very public space that is designed for the specific community and the interaction of individuals. Opposite page (from left and clockwise): side elevation, section through vendor locker space, model of staircase Current page (from top and clockwise): section through permanent and conditioned market, model of residence
6
c N
N
S
Each locker allows for a vendor to sell merchandise for a set amount of time or on a day-to-day basis. The parking is designated for the vendors and their easy access to the corresponding unit. Current page (from top and clockwise): longitudinal section through residence, bakery, and staircase storage, model of staircase, model of vendor lockers
7
S
The residence on the second floor is a home for the owner of the bakery. It is meant to provide a live-work environment. The market space to the direct left of the bakery is a conditioned space meant for a permanent market. Produce and perishable items would be sold from here.
collage The ultimate goal of the farmers’ market was to create a permanent solution to the temporary market. Current page (from top and clockwise): model of bakery, model of upper street entrance, rear and front elevations, operable windows
S
N
S
N
N
S N
8
S
c
Ornaments are purposeful details that are used in the illustration of a place. The rooster weathervane was designed as an ornament to the farmers’ market. The weathervane served as a practical element becuase it was used to forecast wind and weather. Similar wind mills are still used in agriculture today. The rooster is a symbol of this agricultural history and it is a representation of what is sold at a local farmers’ market. Opposite page (left to right): full elevation, side elevation. transverse section Current page: representative model of rooster
9
characteristic
10
r
P L S P P
T t w r o l m
O C
11
reflection Public Library Location: Genoa, Italy S2016, 3rd year Partner project with: Brayton Gregory, undergraduate Professor George Schafer, studio
The library was designed as a public community center in the heart of the city of Genoa. The site proved difficult as it was located in a valley to an underground river. The library reflected the site conditions while offering a physical space of reflection for the visitor. The community was in need of a localized space that houses the library as well as computers, maker spaces, and an auditorium
1.
2.
3.
Opposite page: rendering of front entrance Current page (from left and clockwise): site model, 2nd floor plan, 3rd floor plan, ground floor plan
5.
4.
1. auditorium 2. atrium 3. administration 4. library 5. reflection nodes
12
r
N
N 13
Brayton and I both felt very strongly about relating the library to the site. We drew upon the retaining wall that bordered the site and echoed the aqueduct-like arches as bays in our design. Furthermore, we symbolically brought the river to the surface again by creating a reflection pond that surrounds the main branch of the library. Lastly, the entrance is a transparent atrium that allows the visitors to experience the library in relation to the existing buildings beyond the library. This visual path would allow for a deeper connection to the buildings as the site was further developed. Brayton focused on the visualization of our project by creating site plans and renderings that corresponded with our ideas. I worked on the details of our project by concentrating on the sections and plans. While we were complements to each others work styles, we worked well in envisioning our concept together.
reflection
Opposite page (from left to right): site plan, rendering of library Current page (from left and clockwise): diagrammatic massing model, model of bays and reflection pond, front elevation, model of reflection pond and reflection spaces
14
r
15
reflection The circulation throughout the spaces was in imitation of the flow of the hidden river. The staircases were dispersed throughout the quiet spaces as an easy way of movement. The position of the staircases created nodes that aligned with the protruding bays. These nodes were designated areas for quiet reading and reflection and they overlook the reflection pond in order to provide a sense of peace. Opposite page (from top left and clockwise): side elevation, interior rendering of circulation, transverse section showing circulation Current page (from top to bottom): transverse section through atrium and auditorium, longitudinal section through library and circulation The grey shaded areas represent the different levels of circulation.
16
c
N. B
roa
17
dwa
y St
.
community Mixed Use Apartment Building Location: Chicago, IL F2015, 3rd year Professor Robert Bruhns, studio
The mixed use apartment building was designed to relate to the individual household while maintaining a connection back to the community. The first floor is public space maintained as retail stores. The second floor is community space only accessible to the residents of the complex. The upper five floors hold a total of forty apartments that are available in four different sizes and floor plans. Each apartment has a balcony or outdoor patio bordering the exterior. These spaces are meant for the individual apartments, however they allow for the optional socialization with neighbors. This promotes outdoor activity and the upkeep of outdoor spaces in an urban environment. Opposite page: view of apartment complex Current page (top and right): unit plans for apartments Current page (bottom from left to right): floor plans 1 through 7
N
N Retail Space
Community Space
18
c Each apartment has an exterior entrance. This also gives the appearance that each apartment acts as it’s own building block. The brick material relates back to the traditional Chicago apartment complex. The vertical circulation elements house staircases and elevators. They mimic the vertical skyline of downtown Chicago and give a city-like ambiance to the complex. Opposite page (top to bottom): building model, front elevation Current page (top to bottom): transverse section, longitudinal section
19
community
20
p
V W S P
O C
21
peace
Visitors Center Woodland Cemetery, Clemson, SC S2015, 2nd year Professor Clarissa Mendez, studio
N
N 1. 4. 5.
2. 3.
Opposite page: rendering of visitor center Current page, top: massing models, bottom left: first floor, second floor
1. lower exhibition 2. lobby 3. storage 4. meditation room 5. upper exhibition
22
p
The visitor center is a light filled space that offers small areas for exhibitions and a main gathering room for peaceful meditation. Bamboo planters embrace the exterior of the center offering a connection to the vertical pine trees surrounding the site and offering a bit of shade and privacy as well. The geometry of the building provides horizontal windows that are in slight contrast to the vertical meditation room and bamboo trees. There are two ramps that meet at an outdoor deck. The deck overlooks the cemetery while one of the ramps leads visitors to explore the cemetery further. Opposite page (left to right): building sections, wall section Current page: building model
23
peace Wall Section
24
f
In experimenting with volumes intersecting other volumes, different forms and spaces were created. I naturally gravitate towards using geometry as definition for my projects. For this particular study only cubes were used.
25
form
Solid and Void Space F2014, 2nd year Professor Robert Silance, studio
Wire frame and solid models were created as representations of the resulting voids. The function of boolean was used to study the same conditions of solid and void digitally. I use this massing technique during concept phases.
26
m
M F A P
T i m a o t T j t l p N t
M
27
moment Moment within a Moment F2016, 4th year Architecture of Leadership Professor James Barker, studio
There will be a brief time when one realizes that they are in a moment that will define the rest of their lives. The moment they realize they are in the moment is fragile and will disappear quickly. In studying the architecture of leadership, the moment within a moment, may be the time in which one realizes they are going to be a leader. The pending opportunity of changing for the better. The journey of getting to this point is personal and everyone takes a different path in reaching the triangle of leadership: leaders, followers, and goals. The journey involves people, places, communities, and the surrounding environment. Not everyone will perceive such an important moment, yet time always continues on. Model representing the moment within a moment during a journey of leadership.
28
e
29
Experiencing Italy through sketching
experience EDUCATION Clemson University, BA in Architecture, Expected Date of Completion: May 2017 Minor in Business Administration Study abroad in Genoa, Italy: spring 2016 GPA: 3.58
Katie Kowalski katiekowalski26@gmail.com LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-kowalski-b31952109
WORK HISTORY President of Student Ambassadors, College of Architecture, Arts, and Humanities Clemson University, Clemson, SC student ambassador: fall 2015 and spring 2016 president: fall 2016 and spring 2017 Lindsey Kovach, Program Coordinator, CAAH Student Services Center Architectural Intern, Curtis Group Architects Pawleys Island, SC Summer 2016 Ben Ward, Associate/Project Architect Cashier, Ocean Lakes Family Campground Myrtle Beach, SC Summer 2012-2015 Wade Cooper, Manager
ACHIEVEMENTS Dean’s List, Clemson University: spring 2015, fall 2015, fall 2016 President’s List, Clemson University: spring 2016
SKILLS Computer Software, Intermediate AutoCAD Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) Rhino Spanish Language, Intermediate Understanding Writing/Speaking
30
moments within minutes