Portfolio_LOH by Laila.O.Halabi

LAILA HALABI

PORTFOLIO [ 2012 - 2015 ]

CONTENTS

GREENSBORO METRO VILLAGE

http://issuu.com/lailahalabi/docs/lailahalabi_booklet

PRIVATE ROOFTOP TERRACE

GARTH NEWEL MUSIC CENTER

STUDY ABROAD

http://issuu.com/lailahalabi/docs/study_abroad_pamphlet

JACKSON PARK

PRICES FORK COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY GARDEN

FOUNDATION YEAR

Greensboro Metro Village, [Senior Design Project]

The Larger Picture | Converting an auto-oriented edge city into a place for people

Landscape Design and Planning Studio | F14 - S15

This project explores ways and reason to bring park-like qualities to the street component of everyday urban public life. Modern day expansion has impacted the way of life of the urban resident, causing time to become an increasingly limited asset. In this very fast-pace lifestyle, the urban resident is obliged to a number of responsibilities. Individuals are continuously stressed; be it changes in the urban environment, or the cumulative social responsibilities, or the overwhelming demand for new technologies. Consequently it is becoming inconvenient for the individual to experience the benefits of a park as part of their daily or even weekly routine.

Tysons Today 100,000 Jobs 17,000 Residents

Projected Plan for 2050 200,000 Jobs 100,000 Residents

50 Employees 50 Residents

“Underperforming Asphalt” must be replaced with a mix of uses, dwellings, and businesses organized on walkable streets and blocks.

SELECTED SITE Tysons Corner, Northern VA

DISTRICT ANALYSIS

Greensboro Metro Station Quadrant

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WILL EVENTUALLY BE REPLACED BY NEW DEV. THAT RESPONDS TO THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT. LATER PHASE OF THE PLAN.

After an assessment of a couple sites against the criteria, along with the exploration of my intention, a 75-acre piece of underutilized land in Tysons

FIC AF S TR HT LIG

GOSNELL RD. THROUGHWAY FOR A NUMBER OF BUS ROUTES

OFFICE USE

. EMPLOYESS HAVE NO PUBLIC / GREEN SPACE TO ENJOY ON THEIR LUNCH BREAK . VIEWS OUT OFFICE BUILDINGS ARE VERY DULL, NO STREET ACTIVITY

BUILDING FRONTAGE BECOMES ESSNETIAL TO BRINGING IN ACTIVITY (BILLBOARD)

corner allowed me to investigate my study. “Point of Interest” Modern Apartment Towers Bus makes a turn into

3 crucial factors:

OFFERS THE OPTION FOR EMPLOYEES TO LIVE, DINE, SHOP AFTER WORK.

1. High concentration of offices and businesses 2. An extension of the DC metro rail runs through the Tysons urban boundary.

UNDERUTILIZED LAND

A new metro station exists on the selected site.

. DOMINATED BY SURFACE PARKING . OUT OF DATE STRUCTURES . APPROXIMATELY 50 ACRES . SUPERBLOCK CONDITION

.TOWNHOMES + APARTMENTS 2 - 4 STORIES . THE ONLY ‘GREEN’, WOODS ON THE WEST SIDE.

3. Masses of underutilized land provide opportunity and flexibility with intervention

FIC AF S TR HT LIG

. UNDERUTILIZED AREA . UNFAVORED RETAIL . POTENTIALLY BECOME PARK WITH SOME DINING AND RETAIL

POTENTIAL FOR WALKABLE CONNECTION FOR RESIDENTS DIFUSE RESIDENTIAL COMPONENT INTO DEVELOPMENT

EXPAND / DEVELOP GREEN NETWORK

. METRO ACCESS PROVIDES A LOT OF OPPORTUNITY . RAISED STRUCTURE ALSO RESTRICTS VIEW ACROSS ROUTE 7

GOSNELL ROAD POTENTIAL TO BECOME MAIN FEED INTO SITE.

KOONS CAR DEALERSHIP CAN BE RELOCATED. LAND VALUE INCREASED AFTER METRO EXTENSION

O CT NE ON NT. .” C ME RD ELOP E S V OU DE TH T OF UR CO IN/OU LD “O LINK

FIC AF TR HTS LIG

1/4 MILE RADIUS 1/2 MILE RADIUS 1 MILE RADIUS

Greensboro Metro Station

Silver Line extension of DC metro rail in Tysons Urban Boundary

. UNDESIRABLE ROADWAYS FOR PEDESTRIANS . DANGEROUS . AUTO ORIENTED

C O N ST R AIN T S

1. Route (7) & Route (123) - two major highways that frame the site. Auto-dominant, Impossible to cross 2. Metrorail elevated tracks obstruct views across Route (7). Physical wall barrier causing a disconnect 3. Lack of landuse diversity.

ASSE T S

. UNDERUTILIZED LAND . UNFAVORED RETAIL . POTENTIALLY BECOME RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT . POTENTIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAMPUS

1. Greensborro metrorail station: encourages TOD. Makes area more accessible. Land value higher because of metro access 2. 65% of the area consists of surface parking: underutalized land, which allows for flexibility with development / intervention 3. No major topographic concern.

EXI S TI NG

1. West side residential dev. 2. Major office bldgs across Route (7). 3. Bus routes. 4. Major Koons Auto Dealership (can be relocated). 4. Outdated big lot buildings + Only convenience dining. 6. 4 Traffic lights along parameter

DISTRICT MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT

DISTRICT CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT Goal

The overall strategy for developing the district master plan was to challenge the contemporary suburban model. The goal is to design a livable urban center with a focus on the pedestrian realm, which also features multimodal transportation options. 15

Proposed Traffic Light

20 16

RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT

14 9 4

Potential Park Proposal

RETAIL MIXED-USE DISTRICT

1 3 2

OFFICE MIXED-USE DISTRICT

Catalyst for Redevelopment + Expansion

Objectives > Increasing the residential component of the density mix.

> Introducing a new street grid that reinforces the street-building relationship Scale 1”=100’

(human scale). > Establishing prominent pedestrian connections and/or places for people within the public environment.

LIVE

WORK

> Providing a range of public amenities that can be experienced by both pedestrian and vehicular access. > Proposing enough space that allows for a mix of uses and opportunities that meet the needs of every day life.

P L AY

100’

200’

300’

Metro Plaza [Bus / Taxi Drop Off]

Library Plaza

‘Cafe Park’

Movie Theater

Hotel [St. Level Commercial]

‘The Green’

Metro Cafe

Main Grocery Store [e.g. Whole Foods]

Cafe Park Diner

Metro Station

Gym

Residential Quad

Social Spine [Main Retail Street]

Bank

Day Care

Church

Drug Store

Elevated Metro Tracks

Library [Arch Monument / Destination]

Bakery

[New Extension]

UNDERSTANDING THE MASTER PLAN

Open/Green Space Network

Breaking The ‘Super Block’

Parks/Squares/Plazas .Restorative .Recreational .Communal Spaces .Transit Hubs .Courtyardsw

Framework adresses: - Buildings - Roads [Controlling the asphalt] - Green/Open Space Rules [Case Studies] - Block sizing - Interior of the lock - Complete Street Network - Destination Places - Zoning + Mix of LandUses.

Circulation

Proposed Building Inventory

- On street parking available on all proposed local streets of the district

SERVICE

Land-use / zoning concept Proposed Traffic Light

RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT

- Longer term parking is tucked underground.

Potential Park Proposal

RETAIL MIXED-USE DISTRICT

x Ta

OFFICE MIXED-USE DISTRICT

Catalyst for Redevelopment + Expansion

p oo

- Providing a range of ‘alternative transportation’ options to the single use vehicle mode.

Roads [pedestrian emphasis] .Pedestrian Destination - Retail .Collectors Office/Business [Linear Parks] .Shared Residential [weekends/evenings]

Proposed Square Footage Residential 3.5 Million Sq.ft. Commercial 90,000 Sq.ft. Office Use 75,000 Sq.ft.

SITE PLAN (A)

METRO PLAZA PLAN

SITE PLAN (A)

METRO PLAZA PLAN

Metro Station

Lawn Stretch

to take place while simultaneously being the prominent

Bus Stop [Bus + Taxi Drop Off]

10 Tree Planters w/ Bench Seating

transit hub of the district.

Seasonal / Art Display Corner

Tree Canopy [Intimate/Restorative]

12 Open Stone Pavers [Traffic Calming]

Market / Food Truck Area [Temporary]

13 Bike Rack

Seasonal Fountain / Skating Rink

Metro Cafe

15 Elevated Metro Rail Tracks

GOAL To design a vibrant square that allows for a range of activities

OBJECTIVES

> By breaking up the larger space of the plaza of roughly 2.5 acres into smaller pockets where a number of activities may be taking place simultaneously.

> Utilizing the ground plane as a carpet to encourage visual

Skate / Bike Rental Shop

Big Decorative Planter w/ Edge Seating

Stone Planter w/ Seating

HOTEL

> Establishing the boundaries and edges using the

SPATIAL / FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM

physical design elements.

E PIK RG (7) BU E ES UT LE RO

+ physical connections.

Besides the metro station, seasonal festivals, and/or weekly markets, the two buildings

OVERLOOKING BALCONY DINING

E PIK RG (7) BU E ES UT LE RO

on the block in addition to others that frame the plaza offer shopping, dining and

recreation that will continuously keep the space populated and busy.

2 13

Commercial 9

Commercial

Sec. E

Commercial

Ledge Seating 15’ Sidewalk

60’ Wide Fountain

EATERS

MOVIE TH

Commercial

Metro Cafe

Pub

B PU

Bike Rack

55’ Wide Lawn Stretch

Plaza spills onto 25’ sidewalk

N Proposed Commercial Bldg with Underground Parking

Section E

Proposed Commercial Bldg with Underground Parking

20’

40’

60’

Scale 1”=20’

SITE PLAN (B)

RESIDENTIAL PARK PLAN

SITE PLAN (B)

RESIDENTIAL PARK PLAN

GOAL To design shared residential quads that serve as both a visual and physical retreat for a diverse community [age + ethnicity].

These two residential are framed

OBJECTIVES

by 8-10 story buildings.

> Designing smaller pockets within the larger quad that

CAFE PARK

Despite the variety of public

offer both an opportunity for interaction and/or community gatherings as well as for individual personal/observation spaces.

destinations, as well as places for

Sloped Lawn [Communal]

people to occupy on the streets

Pavilion Structure w/ Patio

within the district, the design

(Grill + Fire Pit + Stage)

intention is to ultimately provide

> Catering to the possible needs of the different age groups.

the residents with a more private

(children, teenagers, adults and possibly elderly)

outdoor retreat; physical and/or

> Providing features that contribute or promote a healthy lifestyle.

Sec. G

visual.

c Se

CAFE PARK 1

Community Garden

Trellis Structure

Pond (stone wall back drop

Rock Climbing Wall

The Great Lawn

Clubhouse / Pool Area

Viewing Gardens

Flexible Patio w/ Fire Pit

Tot Lot

Dog Park

Cafe Patio

Canopy Walk

Circuit [Connector]

Private Patio

Paul’s Cafe [St. Level]

7 3

with rock garden framing) 4

9 1

A proposal for a small urban

community garden, a pool

clubhouse with a patio area,

a trellis promenade, that

frames the great lawn space.

A circuit [path] that loops around the circumference of the space with narrower paths that connect across

Communal Space

and break up the space into smaller

Restorative

rooms. All ground floor apartments

Flexible Hardscape Programmed Space

N 0

40’

Scale 1”=40’

80’

120’

facing in wards are provided with a small outdoor private patio space as well.

Residential

138’ From Patio Edge to Patio Edge

Residential

8.5’ St. Parking

Residential

Residential 2 (12’) Travel Lane

104’ Tallest Side

Residential

Underground Parking Entrance (20’)

Private Patio

Vegetated Bed

Circuit Path

Vegetated Bed

Dog Park

Canopy Walk

Circuit Path

60’ Wide Parkway

Private Patio

. Linear Park . Green Buffer Between Highway and Residence .Green Edge / Direct Route from Residence to Metro . Adequate / Safe Lighting

Median [Elevated Metro Rail Tracks]

(4) 12’ Travel Lanes . Route (7) . Bus Route

. Route (7) . Maintained Planting

Prop. High Rise Res. Bldg w/ u.g prkng

Proposed High Rise Residential Bldg w/ Underground Parking

Section F

Residential Residential

Residential

Pavillion Structure

Range of Activities + Diversity in Age Groups on the Lawn

Fire Pit Wooden Decking

Vegetated Edge/Buffer

Accomodates Bikes + Strollers Flexible Seating

Residential

Residential Private Patio

Prop. High Rise Res. Bldg w/ u.g prkng

Residential

Circuit Path 10-15’

Sloped Vegetated Bed

100’ Wide Lawn Stretch

Circuit Path

60’ wide Pavillion Area

Circuit Path

Private Patio

20’ SW

. Access to underground parking . Safe Lighting . Canopy

On St. Prkng

2 (12’) Travel Lane

Prop. High Rise Res. Bldg w/ u.g prkng

Section G

Private Residence Rooftop Terrace, NYC, NY Christian Duvernois Landscape/Gallery | Summer Intern 2014

Bird’s Eye View

3 low cylindrical pots at the three corners of the upper terrace. Each will be planted with a columnar evergreen ilex species: ‘Sky Pencil’ Holly.

Lower Terrace Plan

(10) Gandia Blasco stools with a high top dining table. Centred in front of the window. IPE wood fence that mimics the existing one on the other side of the building. This corner is practically enclosed by an aluminium framed pergola. Lower Terrace Elevation

Restoration of Garth Newel Music Center, Hot Springs, Bath County, VA Design + Construction Documentation Studio | S 14 Socio-Cultural Analyisis

The original owners of the property built Garth Newel

ENTRANCE DRIVE

Sen

se o

f En

clos

ure

in 1924 where the Kendall couple trained and rode fine Arabian horses, painted, and enjoyed musical evenings in their home with friends. After the husband passed away, it was donated to

Wooden fence lining entrance drive. Entrance constructed of irregular coursed field stone.

the Girl Scouts of America to be used as a summer camp. Finding that it was too much to maintain, Mrs. Kendall regained possession and started a fund to re-purpose the property as the Garth Newel Music Center.

Large boulders line road near Herter Hall and upper parking lot.

Sense

HERTER HALL

As a nestled landscape in the Blue Ridge Moun-

of Op

ennes

Environmental Analyisis

tains, site restoration challenges included protection from hydrological degradation that was becoming a threat on site while preserving the historic elements

Retaining stone wall separating Herter Hall from Barn

and pastoral sense of place.

E X I S T I N G M AT E R I A L PA L E T T E

BRICK PAVERS

Wooden Fence detail separating Herter Hall from Barn

M A N O R H O U S E & A M P H I T H E AT E R

Irregularly coursed field stone retaining wall on the south side of the Manor House

CLAPBOARD

Wood Fence detail

Constraints

THE KNOLL

ASPHALT PAVING

ROOF SHINGLES

Opportunities

CORK PAVING

FIELD STONE

Known as owners Large Shade favorite spot on the Trees. Some are property. Historic historically ďŹ rplace Constructed recognized. View of fieldstone with a overlooking short chimney. Dunnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gap

MASTER PLAN

SITE-SCALE PLAN

The proposed Master Plan’s overarching goal is to assist Garth Newel with achieving their mission, essentially by translating it into the landscape. It will respond to the agrarian aesthetic characteristic of the place. Using simple yet elegant gestures. It will resolve the problematic areas on the property. It is not meant to change the place but better it; it will preserve the sound conditions and improve upon areas that require improvement.

Design Intent

Concept Diagram

DRAINAGE AREA #3

Hydrology Concept

DRAINAGE AREA #2

This area of the larger property occupies a fairly central location. With the notion of redirecting the primary vehicular route behind Herter Hall, this area becomes the pedestrian point of beginning for a number of users. The first and foremost design intent is to propose a safer connection between both parking lots and the foyer that spills out in front of Herter Hall.

Design Intent

DRAINAGE AREA #5 DRAINAGE AREA #6 DRAINAGE AREA #4

Goals + Objectives

DRAINAGE AREA #7

DRAINAGE AREA #1

1. Design a safer walk/path from the upper parking lot to Herter Hall + Shorter run increments with longer landings in between + Slightly wider tread width with a handrail on both sides of the path. 2. Address erosion problem occurring on the hillside - Water flow from upper portion of the site is redirected before it hits the now primary vehicular route. - Vegetate hillside with grasses and ground covers that can withstand poor soil conditions as well as partial shade. 3. Create a more prominent connection point between Herter Hall, the Manor House and the upper parking lot. - Shifting the ADA parking lot further back into hillside. - Using vegetative visual connections

THE TRIANGLE SOCIAL GATHERING SPOTS VIEWS GOING DOWNSTAIRS VIEWS GOING UPSTAIRS

1. + + 2. + + + 3. + + + 4. +

Goals + Objectives

Address the hydrology problem on a master plan scale Capture the water flow running downhill towards the property before it hits the road. Introduce water collection methods on the property that protect against heavier/longer storm conditions. Promote a more pedestrian-friendly core Redirect the primary vehicular route behind Herter Hall to encourage a pedestrian core Flexible hardscape and vegetated spaces around actively occupied buildings. Safer connection paths that will support pedestrian movement across this topographic landscape. Preserve the agrarian qualities of Garth Newel Preserve the existing vegetation and historical trees Introduced planting palette will only include native species Any hardscape material will be characteristic of existing palette. Accommodates the different user groups (day guests, overnight/stay guests) Creates pockets within the larger property that encourage one to share, explore and celebrate.

A Signage + Evergreen delineate entryway B Screening for the Kendal Cottage C Addition of Boulders / Informal seating D Lower/welcome terrace E Barn re purposed as administration bldg F Entrance to the lawn G Fence H Rain Garden I Courtyard J ‘Grand Room’ Spills out

F G

100

200 300

N H

I K

A B C D E F G H I J K L M

K Defined path to Knoll + outdoor flexible hardscape L Knoll character preserved M Access to trails N Handicap parking O Primary parling lot P Wide swale along side main route Q Vegetated hillside mitigates erosion R Herb Garden S Outdoor picnic area T Service lot + Loading Dr. U Wild Flower Planted Hillside

Green swale - responds to MP Paved winder main Rd - responds to MP White Pines - visual connection - route emphasis Vegetate existing swale Vegetated hillside Viewing platform Vegetate hillside + preserve orchard Gravel infiltration bed Green swale - redirect flow away from ADA lot Stone walk to manor house Common Lilacs - Herter hall entrance connection ADA parking lot shifted back into hillside Primary parking lot regraded

Full set of construction documents for this project are available upon request

Site Scale Layout Plan

Site Scale Grading Plan

Detail for stairs 22

Public Nodes - Social Spaces in Urban Places

Interdisciplinary Summer Study Abroad Program | Europe 2013 >> The Public Space Network. Prague, Czech Republic

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of most interest in urban design is informal public life, which occurring beyond the realm of formal institutions, entails choice and voluntarism.â&#x20AC;? >> The Connection. Zaanstad, The Netherlands

I would have never imagined an overlap of the hierarchy of the systems of transportation could actually result in a moment for pedestrians to appreciate. In Prague, I took a closer look at this one traffic circle at the heart of a larger residential zone.

In this case the street becomes the true connecting, rather than dividing element within the city. While this intervention reunites the city and its citizens under a single roof by bringing its three parts back in touch (the south, north and the River Zaan), the distinction of this project is heightened even more as it meets the demands of movement and social place within virtually the same physical space.

Jackson Neighborhood Park

Site, Program and Community Studio | S 12

Goals and Objectives 1. To offer relief from the built environment for the residents which can be used throughout the

Alternative 1

changing seasons.

- By providing sheltered spaces throughout the park in addition to altered hardscapes. - By providing opportunities for interaction with nature, using both programmed as well as passive

1. Jackson Park Branch Library 2. Library Deck + Terraces 3. Main Promenade 4. Parking 5. Outdoor Classroom 6. Open Lawn 7. Plaza + Rockclimbing Wall 8. Park

9. Community center extn. 10. Formal lawn + gardens 11. Firepit 12. Child play area 13. Parking 14. Community center 15. Multipurpose sports fields

recreational green spaces. 2. To provide an aesthetically pleasing environment that serves as a social and recreational focal point for surrounding neighborhoods.

- By incorporating a diverse set of species & materials that correlate together with consideration to existing historic trees on site.

Alternative 2

- By proposing a recreation center/facility that would host a number of activities and encourage communal interaction. 3. To incorporate site programs that would cater for all age groups.

- By ensuring accessibility to the park from all entry ways; providing comprehensible biking and pedestrian paths - By breaking up the space while incorporating different elements to offer multiple programs.

Alternative 3

(e.g play area for children).

A closer look at the upper quad of the Jackson Park

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playground

1 5

Fire pit

Formal garden

Redefined entry way that accommodates for

2-way traffic while also featuring a medium along the center of the road that captures and

treats water runoff

2 1

New paved parking courtyard in front of the center

7 8 6 6

Interweaved picnic areas

Bench seating

Connecting pathways

Hill-side lawn area

Sketch Idea for the children play area

North - South Section from the drive looking into the park

Prices Fork Community

Site, Program and Community Studio | S 12 The Vaughn property is located right off of Price’s Fork Road in Blacksburg, VA, part of the larger Montgomery County. While the design intent is to develop an urban community, the overall theme for the proposal is ‘water’, which naturally ties into topography. This will result in more of an urban interaction with water in contrast to the existing agrarian aesthetic. Despite the increase in proposed construction, it is encouraged that pedestrian traffic prevails. Target the street to become a dominant public space. The horizontal roads mimic the topo lines while the vertical streets piercing downwards become the ‘water streets’. Pedestrians will be able to either see or hear the water as it is channeled along the runnels on the roads.

Master Plan

Over ruling goal | To revitalize & reclaim the prices fork community. GOAL 1 | Economic: To provide space for viable local businesses in order to expand and sustain the economy GOAL 2 | Movement: To offer a diversity of movement strategies in PFV while still achieving regional connectivity GOAL 3 | Socio/Cultural: To increase social interaction while respecting cultural identities GOAL 4 | Environmental: To celebrate and preserve the existing ecological conditions and views

Physical Analysis It was important for us to conduct a slope analysis in order to determine suitable construction areas and also identify the areas that needed to be preserved for a more natural or green public space.

St. Sketch Concept Concept Diagram

10 % +

8 - 10 %

5-8%

2-5%

0-2%

Mountain View Community Garden

Site-Scale Plan

Site, Program and Community Studio | F 12

A community garden can help transform people who happen to live in the same place into a united community. Mountain View neighborhood is one of Roanokeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central communities, located north of the Roanoke River. The design proposal aims to celebrate diversity in individual plots while creating opportunities for people to work together and learn from each other about gardening, food preparation, organics, food security, and sustainability. In addition it would aid in enhancing the visual front to the green way system of the city of Roanoke

Truthing Diagram

Goals and Objectives

Site-Scale Concept Diagram

Sun / Shade Study

1. To encourage communal relationships that will last beyond the growing season. a- By creating opportunities for people to work together and learn from each other about gardening, food preparation, organics, food security, and sustain ability. b- By offering a paved/seating area that would serve as a gathering space. 2. To provide an aesthetically pleasing environment tha could be easily cultivated and maintained by volunteers and members of the community. a- By incorporating a diverse set of species amongst all the planting plots, in addition to the other vegetation on site. b- By using durable & user friendly building material that could still offer an aesthetic appeal. 3. To Incorporate a site program that would cater for all age groups of the community. a- By varying heights of planting beds off of the ground to enable all users to participate planting and/ or gardening community activity. b- By breaking up the space while incorrporating different elements to offer multiple programs.

Planting Plan

Cleveland Avenue

13th Street

Plant Schedule

Mountain View Community Garden Opinion of Probable Construciton Cost

Though the primary intent of this project is to provide a community garden, the setting also serves as a gathering space for the neighborhood; a notion of a house layout is introduced, making it feel more like a ‘neighborhood hub’. Patio area serves as a main entrance, the actual garden performs as the ‘living room’ which connects to all the other subdivisions of the entire space. A ‘backyard’ is introduced with the smaller margin in the back for fruit trees to be grown. The lawn is deliberately assigned right across from the market, the patio and is bordering the kids planting zone. The ‘market’ will allow for communal interaction and it will grant people the opportunity to set up individual stands. 5 parking spots are proposed to encourage access to the site as well as for loading purposes.

First Year, Foundation

Foundation year engaged students with basic elements of design, addressed visually, conceptually, and haptically. We were encouraged to explore our studies in two and three dimensions using various materials and tools. Inquiries were focused on the process of design, discovery, through experimentation.

Vocabulary in the woodshop

Engaging the Landscape 36

This project intends to rethink an old existing site on the VA Tech campus. It is an old amphitheater mainly constructed of ‘Hokie Stone’ (limestone) - one of the signature building materials of the campus’ infrastructure While trying to maintain the existing form dented into the ground, the proposal permits access from both the lowest and higher levels of the property. A defined stage edge is introduced to allow for more practical and inviting use of the venue.

“Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” – Napoleon Hill [1883 – 1970]