a collection of thoughts architecture is a process Through the process of drawing, an idea ‘becomes’ Through the process of construction, a building ‘becomes’ Through the process of being in-the-world, an architect ‘becomes’ [ praxis & practice ] “Praxis is the unity of theory and practice. Praxis is a theory practically tested and it is a practice theoretically charged....” [Jason Young, University of Michigan, Dimensions 13] Architecture: the unity of art and science // mind and body Architectural practice: infused / imbued with theory gentle reminders on expressing value: 1. Encourage people to participate in your process; make architecture relatable (accessible), not ‘precious’ 2. [ Be authentic ]; be transparent about how you work, what you value, and what you can actually do as a professional 3. [ Design is not ‘show-and-tell’ ]; it is a thoughtful dialogue between people, an evolution of ideas and active decisions 4. Be engaged in the community in which you work 5. Be involved in all aspects of the clients needs: identity/ branding, story-telling, thought-leadership, building 6. Build credibility through research; this is the only way to resist ‘fast-casual’ architecture self-conscious architecture avoid pursuit of the icon look left and right, take a step back, move forward productive naivety trust in process rather than design habits [ question defaults ] leave room for uncertainty allow yourself to be amazed practicing form // forming a practice building a form // forming a building [ drawing a building // building a drawing ] life of a building // building a place to live inhabit a drawing // drawing ‘life’ collection and composition of lines [ a line is a form of collected knowledge ] the architect composes the lines of a building the architectural participant collects the lines of a building
marcus confino | marcus@confino.net
01 basis indep.
school mclean, va k - 12 private school
02 cooper middle
school mclean, va public middle school
03 oakton high
school vienna, va public high school
04 basis indep.
school fremont, ca k-6 private school
[ note ] All work contained in the following pages is property of Marcus Confino and Perkins Eastman Architects. Professional photographs provided by Sarah Mechling (Perkins Eastman), unless noted otherwise.
1 // existing atrium condition 2 // rendering of atrium commons
Independent K-12 School - McLean, VA 130,000 SF interior renovation + site work Completed: August 2016 Conversion of a 1980’s era corporate office building into a clean, modern Pre-K through 12th grade independent school for math and science. Primary Responsibilities: Concepts,SD, DD: programming analysis and layout, concept visulization & rendering, material selection, BIM modeling
basis independent mclean
CD: preparation of addendums, detailing, millwork, doors & hardware, structural & MEP coordination, site planning & landscape, permitting & code review CA: submittal & RFI responses, weekly site meetings, preparation of CCD & ASI documentation, field reports, punchlist review
completed atrium commons
[ Adaptive re-use ] Transforming a corporate office building into a functional K-12 school requires more than aesthetic alterations. This project is about re-defining key spatial relationships within the building and creating meaningful interventions where they will have a positive impact on the life of the building. The architecture of the new space celebrates the unique nature of the existing condition while providing new environments for learning and growing.
overall site plan
program organization
existing building
main entry vestibule
pre-k commons area
atrium commons
monumental stair rendering
[ Redefining public spaces. ] The north atrium of the school is the heart of student activity and the intersection of the public and private realms. The monumental stair provides opportunities for students and teachers to participate in the life of the building. The stair breaks down the existing circulation pattern and transforms the functionality of the ground floor common space.
monumental stair
stair construction & completion.
[ Programmatic relationships. ] By removing 5000 SF of concrete structure and working within the constraints of the existing concrete bays, the design team was able to create a double height space for school athletics. This grand space is put on display for the college counseling and admissions departments, becoming a key piece in student recruitment.
sight-lines & visibility
multi-purpose room rendering
multi-purpose room
demolition of third floor concrete structure
alternate study: atrium lab wall
GLAZING
CNC ROUTED WOOD SPANDREL
ABSORPTIVE FABRIC INFILL
VERTICAL FABRIC- WRAPPED ACOUSTIC BAFFLE
HORIZONTAL MULLION GLAZING
alternate rendering
[ Presence and purpose ] The ‘lab-wall’ is an architectural intervention that works within the rhythm of the existing structure. It provides a physical presence to the science labs and visual connection between various grade levels and program areas. In this way it helps to define the collaborative atmosphere within the school.
sight-lines into the science labs
atrium volume connects programs across floors
[ Spatial character ] Working within the logic of the building, the architectural character is defined by its unique response to existing conditions. Exposed ceilings reveal the concrete pan structure of the floor plates. An existing light shelf that runs the perimeter of the building was modified to reflect light deep into the interior. Transparency and careful use of color bring clarity to the new spaces.
1 // typical classroom 2 // engineering 3 // reading room
‘spatial fragments’ capturing details that define the character of the building
north-east aerial rendering
Public Middle School - McLean, VA 176,000 SF renovation + addition, site work Projected completion: Fall 2023 Modern renovation and expansion of a 1960’s middle school in Northern Virginia. The design provides contemporary learning spaces that support high academic achievement, while updating its community presence.
Primary Responsibilities: BIM Manager, Project Designer Concepts,SD, DD: programming analysis and layout, concept visualization & rendering, material selection, phasing, client and consultant coordination
cooper middle school
CD: exterior detailing (windows, doors, roof, curtainwall), structural & MEP coordination, site planning & landscape, code analysis, preparation of drawing set
area plan main entry rendering
[ Parti development ] The building parti was developed from two primary factors. 1. A response to exterior site conditions, primarily the east property line and steep slope to the south. 2. Improve building circulation by completing an internal ‘loop’, while enclosing a new courtyard. Important program elements are placed at either end of the new courtyard, anchoring the new and the existing.
parti development
massing study: old v. new
second floor plan schematic
first floor plan schematic
[ Schematic limits ] This project was severely limited by its F.A.R. limits and various site & topographic constraints. Therefore the design had to be efficient in its form and its space planning. The sloped site and tight zoning areas influenced the placement of the new addition as well as the presence of the building on the expansive site. Oppostie: The design scheme re-positioned large programmatic pieces while maintaining efficient circulation throughout the plan.
site constraints
existing site - south
main entry and cafeteria
[ A civic entrance ] The proposed design provides a new face to a tired building while establishing a rooted place for student growth. The main entrance features a colonnade of large masonry piers, purposely scaling down an otherwise expansive building, while conveying a strong civic motif to the surrounding community.
basswood study render
main entry illustration
north elevation - student entry
curtain wall study
elevation study - metal panel
east elevation - academic wing
east elevation study
south elevation - library
south elevation illustration
[ Site Presence ] The civic motif continues at the library, which faces the expansive site to the south. The masonry colonnade now sits on a brick base, bringing a strong physical presence to the south facade. On the interior, the architecture creates a layered spatial experience, with the curtain wall ‘peeled’ away from the masonry, and teaching areas anchoring the large space.
floor plan - library
perspective - library
exterior study
[ Internal fabric. ] On the interior, the design of Cooper Middle School is centered on the imperative of collaborative learning. The major circulation paths have been re-configured to provide more natural movement through the building and to integrate extended learning spaces into the fabric of the building. Gathering spaces are pushed to the building perimeter, taking advantage of exterior views
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north commons // 1 academic commons // 2 corridor alcove // 3
overall site plan; produced by others Public High School (9-12) - Vienna, VA 300,000 Renovation + 110,000 SF Addition + 58.65 acres of Site Work Projected Completion: Summer 2022 Modern renovation and expansion of a 1960’s high school in Northern Virginia. The design team was challenged to provide new types of learning environments and provide much needed modernization and improved site circulation. Primary Responsibilities Design Development: space planning, site and building surveying, material research, various design elements of interior spaces
oakton high school
CD: site & landscape design; site building design and detailing, consultant coordination of all site elements (MEP, Civil, Structural); BIM drafting (interior detailing, floor plans, general QA/QC)
courtyard rendering // 1 ‘clay’ study model // 2 interior material study // 3
program organization; in collaboration with others
programmatic relationships; by others
aerial rendering; by others
existing conditions
[ Outdoor spaces ] This 400,000 SF building has six courtyards, each with its own programmatic adjacency. Each courtyard ties these programs together and provides gathering and teaching spaces. A limited material palette meant seating and paving had to be carefully organized to provide structure to wide open spaces. Careful coordination with civil and plumbing engineers ensured a functional series of outdoor spaces.
top // cafeteria commons middle // academic wing bottom // athletics & art
[ Auxiliary buildings. ] The 56 acre site is defined by a number of athletic fields and out-buildings. It was important to provide an aesthetic and well-proportioned building at the site’s entry. The ticket booth design features grey brick, metal panel accents, and clerestory windows, with simple passive cooling strategies. Accessibility and security necessitated a gated entry and a series of ramps leading to the athletic fields.
material & texture study
proportion studies
clay rendering study
internal facade - concessions & commons stair
ramp parti & development
[ Internal facade ] ‘Oakton Hall’ is the primary public gathering space in the building. A consistent ‘internal facade’ ensures a common language between the concessions stand and the monumental stair and ramp. The ramp intersects the the stepped planes that lead to a sunken common area. The ramp is conceived as being ‘carved’ from a piece of millwork and acts as an anchor point within a large volume.
floor plan - oakton hall
existing entrance canopy
Independent K-6 School - Fremont, CA 30,000 SF interior renovation + site work Completed: July 2016 Conversion of a 1980’s era call center building into a clean, modern kindergarten through 4th grade independent school for math and science. Primary Responsibilities Concepts, SD, DD: programming analysis and layout, concept visualization & rendering, material selection, BIM management & modeling
basis independent fremont
CD: code analysis (occupancy and plumbing loads), fire protection, detailing, millwork, door schedule & hardware, structural & MEP coordination, site planning & landscape, permitting & code review, finish plans, CA: submittal & RFI responses
entrance design intent classroom rendering
mirror glass facade, steel post and cross-bracing structure, glu-lam wood roof structure
programming diagram
entrance canopy iterative design
canopy design intent
completed entrance canopy
[ Simple design moves ] When time and budget are considerable constraints, the most effective changes are the simple ones. The design team brought the building up to current fire code and life safety standards. Site accessibility and signage are improved as well as internal space acoustics. From a design perspective, a clear circulation pattern transforms the building from a call center to a functioning school. Exposed structure is celebrated where possible, giving each space a unique character. *photographs by others multi-purpose room
cafeteria, exposed steel bracing
typical classroom
corridor
main entry vestibule
[ dc international school ] This project is part of an extensive re-development on the 66-acre site of the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center in northwest Washington D.C. The program features an international charter school and language immersion school. My role was schematic RCP design, stair and elevator detailing, and eventual CA punch-listing and site observation.
[ citylab dallas - independent school ] CityLab is a Dallas area independent school with a unique design and engineering curriculum. This project is an adaptive re-use development of a 5-story concrete office building. I was involved in preliminary programming, spaceplanning, creating graphics for client presentation, and furniture design.
[ alexandria county school proposal ] This proposal was for Alexandria Public Schools and their new initiative to use existing buildings for educational use. Our expertise in adaptive re-use school buildings gave us a unique perspective on this project. Transforming the interior floor plan, improving the building image and approach, and making subtle but impactful additions were key parameters of our proposal.
additional experience
[ coolidge high school proposal ] This proposal for DC Public Schools was for the renovation and expansion of an outdated high school in northwest Washington D.C. I created massing schemes and floor plans based on the provided design guidelines. Providing new entry points and improving street presence were also key considerations.
[ wharf phase ii - southwest waterfront ] The Wharf is a large multi-use development on the waterfront of southwest Washington D.C. My brief role on this project was aiding the Phase II master-planning and large-scale coordination of five buildings on the site. I studied various underground parking schemes, testing them against the structural systems of the surface buildings and the parking requirements of the client, as well as code. (*image by others, property of Perkins Eastman) [ silverstone senior living complex ] This was a feasibility and massing study for a senior living community. The study involved building massing, parking and site circulation, site amenities, and street presence. I tested the building mass against site constraints and zoning, as well as test-fitting apartment units and underground parking spaces.
floor pattern study
[ line-making ] composing lines to study texture, material, pattern, massing, facades, elements [ photography ] my interest in photography is focused on architecture and landscape; creating images that capture a singular moment or describe a series of moments.
personal work
Marcus Confino | marcus@confino.net | @marc.confino
blacksburg, va
http://cargocollective.com/marcusconfino
a line gives one time to think.