Mathew Conrad
Undergraduate Portfolio
Mathew Conrad
Jefferson University Class of 2020 Tel: 717.524.6629 conrad9953@mail.philau.edu
2016 01 Cabin Competition November 2016
p4-7
02 Cultural Center December 2016
p8-11
2017 03 Eco-Learning Center May 2017
p12-15
04 Lighting Competition October 2017
p16-17
05 Student Design Center December 2017
p18-21
2|3
01
Cabin Competition
November 2016 Pennsylvania State Game Land #100 For this competition, a preexisting cabin (in this case Permanent Camping by Casey Brown Architecture) had to be placed within the confines of a Pennsylvania State Park or Game Land. The original design for the cabin mimics the form and function of a tent: the exterior flaps can fold in to create a sense of privacy or pull out to reveal views. The cabin was intended as a retreat away from people’s busy lives in a more secluded location. With this in mind, the new placement for the cabin was in a large open field where the views could be taken advantage of, and privacy remained a priority.
4|5
Interior Perspective
First Floor
Second Floor
Prayer Space
Market/Exhibition
02
Cultural Center
December 2016 1217 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia While intended as an international cultural center, the primary focus of this design is Syria and the Syrian refugee crisis. The idea behind this design was to bring people and communities together , weaving different threads into one another. Initial form inspiration came from traditional Arab architectural motifs regarding the interaction of public and private elements. Two interlocking L shapes were used to create a private couryard on the interior. Simultaneously private parts of the center including housing were pushed up and away from the street. However, context was just as important including bringing in natural light and integrating the community. 8|9
03
Eco-Learning Center
May 2017 Bluebell Park, Philadelphia An eco-learning center for children in the middle of Bluebell Park, Philadelphia. Initial formal inspiration came from the existing paths and topography; while the two paths converge with one another, they divide landscape.The building reconnects the terrain, creating a center that not only teaches about nature but is informed by nature. Structure is composed of glulam beams and concrete bearing walls; the beams erupt out of the ground furthering its connection to the landscape.
Roofing
Glulams
Concrete
12 | 13
04
Lighting Competition
September 25 - October 2, 2017 Philadelphia University The intention of the project was to create a temporary lighting installation that allows for students to unwind and relax from their studies. Forests became the primary inspiration for the creation of spaces within the installation. The form creates a canopy over the space, opening up as it ascends. Simultaneously, horizontal composition varies in density creating a variety of spaces; there are both denser areas for individuals and more open areas for socialization. The forms themselves are composed of wood supports with fabric stretched between them, allowing the lights to filter through but also creating shade during the day.
16 | 17
Studio
Critique
05
Student Design Center
December 2017 13th and Locust, Philadelphia Intended for students from several universities within Philadelphia, the primary purpose of this building is to foster mentorship and networking within design fields. Design students will be able to take cross-disciplinary classes within the building and simultaneously design professionals will be able to rent or reserve space in close proximity. The exterior facade is composed of wood paneling and wood-backed concrete which break it up and scale the building down to a human level; a brise soleil system exists for passive heating and daylighting purposes. The four visible forms on the exterior also help define interior space, with certain areas being more private or public. 18 | 19
Mathew Conrad
Jefferson University Class of 2020 Tel: 717.524.6629 conrad9953@mail.philau.edu