MELISSA WATSON Selected Works 2020
MELISSA WATSON •
+1 816 813 6288
•
watson.lissa@gmail.com
•
linkedin.com/in/melissa-l-watson/
E D U C AT I O N 2015 - 2020
The University of Kansas | School of Architecture & Design Master of Architecture - With Highest Distinction - 3.85 Cumulative GPA - Dean’s List - Graduate Program - KU Architecture Co-op | Fall 2019 - Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program | May 2018 • Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, & Switzerland
2011 - 2015
Harrisonville High School - 4.41 Cumulative GPA - Valedictorian of Graduating Class - Activities: National Honor Society, Freshman Mentoring, Track & Field, Cross Country
EXPERIENCE May 2019 May 2020
GastingerWalker& | Architectural Intern
June 2018 January 2019
Burns & McDonnell | Architectural Intern
Develop diagrammatic narratives for campus and master-plan program documents. Generate and detail construction document submittals. Model and compose renderings for client review and prepare presentation packages. Remote work experience during Spring 2020.
Advance programming & schematic design phases through construction & interior programming documents. Generate graphics in Revit and Adobe Suite to illustrate interior and exterior building details.
Spring 2018
Dirt Works Studio | Consultant Coordinator Investigate MEP conditions of renovation site and report through construction documentation. Communicate with consultant engineers to implement HVAC resolutions.
INVOLVEMENT
SKILLS
2015 Present
Software
2017 - 2018
American Institute Of Architecture Students KU Public Relations Coordinator | 2018 - 2019 AIAS FORUM 2018 - Seattle, WA | December 2018 Freedom by Design Project Manager | 2017 - 2018 General Member | 2015 - 2020
The Haiti Project Design-Build Project: Communications Team
2017 - 2018
2015 - 2016
Fall 2018 Fall 2018
Photoshop
SketchUp
InDesign
Lumion
Lightroom
Rhino 3D
Bluebeam Revu
Enscape
Microsoft Office
Professional
KU Center for Community Outreach
Public Speaking
Communications
Volunteer
Teamwork
Narrative Development
Leadership
Graphic Representation
R E S E A R C H + P U B L I C AT I O N S
KU Arc/D Design Showcase
FAA Smart Airport Competition
Project - 601 Main St
on behalf of the KU Institute for Smart Cities | Winter 2020
Masterprize in Interior Design Project - Makerstudio
The Sharing Economy & Housing Impact
World Architecture Community Student Award
on behalf of the KU Architecture Co-Op | Fall 2019
Elizabeth Rivard Scholarship KU Arc/D
Fall 2017 Present
AutoCAD
Tour & Curriculum Guide
Project - The Haiti Project
Fall 2018
Illustrator
School of Architecture Ambassador
DISTINCTIONS Spring 2019
Revit
Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society Initiation Top 10% of KU Class
Transitions To An Open Office Workplace on behalf of GastingerWalker& | Summer 2019
University Of Kansas Health System: Post-Occupancy Evaluation Report on behalf of KU Health+Wellness Institute | Spring ‘19
From an early-age, I was inspired by both the natural and built environments around me. How the two coexist with one another and influence individuals’ lives is something that persistently intrigued me. Architecture, both in simplistic and complex forms, has the capacity to not only satisfy fundamental needs, but also impact individuals as they grow and change through time. I am committed to this all-encompassing and evolving profession, and am passionate about the way in which we, as architects, can contribute meaningful works to the world around us.
01.
MONTRÉAL DOMESTIC TERMINAL (YUL) airport expansion
02. 6 0 1 M A I N ST. urban venue development
03. REVIVING FORGOTTEN INDEPENDENCE streetscape design & socio-economic housing
04. MAKERSTUDIO design-build renovation
05. THE HAITI PROJECT rammed earth exploration & community outreach
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01. MONTRÉAL DOMESTIC TERMINAL (YUL) Airport Expansion Proposal | Dorval, Canada
Spring 2019
Senior Comprehensive Studio
Prof. Kapila Silva
Partner Project with Gavin Goga
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) serves as Montreal’s major international passenger travel hub. As the headquarters to Air Canada and Air Transat, it has been ranked the third busiest airport in Canada, serving 18.16 million passengers in 2017. With increasing demands, YUL is proposing to separate all domestic and international flights with the new design and construction of a 12-gate regional terminal. The concept for this terminal design stemmed from the combination of many different responses including acknowledgment of the site and context, standard functionality features, environmental impact, and cultural influence within aviation design. Through the development of pier configurations, a solution was created to follow suit of the existing terminal, while additionally considering the various opportunities to connect to the current facility. The final design is unification of these considerations, while employing a repetitive structural module that echoes that of long houses that date back in Montreal history. Through each of these responses, the final synthesis considers how aviation design must not only serve passengers quickly and efficiently, but leave a lasting impression upon travelers as they visit and depart from Montreal.
Arrivals Hall
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Montreal Domestic Terminal
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Current Taxiways
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Terminal 1
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Proposed Terminal 2
Proposed Taxiways
Airport Boundary
Airport Facilities
Current Runways
Context
Surface Parking Lots
High Intensity Approach Lighting 0’ 100’
500’
1000’
Site Analysis
T H E P R OJ E C T S I T E The current airport configuration houses flights in three distinct zones: trans-border, international, and domestic areas. In analysis, the airport accommodates for departing, arriving, and transfer traffic amongst these three zones, but is in need of more space to adapt to growing travel rates. Utilizing the southern end of the site, the proposed terminal has both an airside and landside connection to the existing terminal for optimal functionality, and houses 12 new domestic gates.
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Montreal Domestic Terminal
Conceptual Development
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Montreal Domestic Terminal
0 1 SITE + CONTEXT The project is a 12 gate expansion to help serve the YUL airport. Located south of the existing terminal, this project will work to maximize use of current taxiways and airport parking.
0 2 NEXUS CONFIGURATION In preserving the pier configuration of the existing terminal, the new terminal will form connections to both the landside and airside areas of the current building for all users.
0 3 PROGRAMMING Utilizing the connection points as concourse circulation, the terminal programming features two centralized common spaces for user amenities such as concessions, an ice skating rink, and interior park space.
. 0 4 EXPANSION In consideration for future growth, the result allows the current private lounges to convert to additional hold room areas while the piers can be extended for more gate accommodation.
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Concept Diagrams
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0 5 WAYFINDING The floor plate is curved and mirrored across a central axis to aid in passenger circulation. The central axis is then widened to form a centralized decision point for additional signage and flight information displays.
0 6 FORM ARTICULATION To distinguish amenity areas from concourse circulation, a central atrium core is extruded and differentiated through materiality choices and transparency levels.
0 7 VERNACULAR INFLUENCE From studying the first Indian Nations log homes in Montreal, there was an opportunity to inject a piece of history within the modular rib structure that encloses the concourse circulation areas and in to the terminal atrium areas.
0 8 FINAL SYNTHESIS The final design is a blend of cues from both the site and culture to form a terminal that is responsive to existing conditions and reflective of Montreal’s future.
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Montreal Domestic Terminal
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O2 O1
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KEY 01 02 03 04 05 06 07
DEPARTURES HALL SECURITY DECISION POINT / INFO CENTER PRIVATE LOUNGES ARRIVALS HALL EXISTING TERMINAL LOADING ZONE
DEPARTURES LEVEL
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Floor Plans
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DEPARTURES LEVEL 15’-0”
ARRIVALS LEVEL 0’-0”
PASSENGER FLOWS DIAGRAM ARRIVING PASSENGERS
CHECK-IN
PRIVATE VEHICLES
DEPARTING PASSENGERS
SECURITY
TAXIS
DECISION POINT
BAGGAGE CLAIM
REM TRAIN BUSES
REM STATION LEVEL -15’-0”
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Montreal Domestic Terminal
Holdrooms
Cutaway + Vignettes
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Rink Plaza
Ticketing
Baggage Claim
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Montreal Domestic Terminal
HOLDROOM SEATING
LOUNGE NOOKS
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CONCOURSE INTERIOR
Concourse Components & Interiors
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1. Insulated low e-glazing skylight 2. Metal sheathed roof cladding
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3. Steel truss system 4. Perforated plastic ceiling panels (acoustical) 5. Wood-clad rib structure 6. Air supply ductwork
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7. Gutter covering 8. Built-in air supply grille 9. Speaker system
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8 9 MODULE ELEMENTS
LONGITUDINAL SECTION
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Montreal Domestic Terminal
Concession Village & Decision Point
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Montreal Domestic Terminal
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Terminal Constructability
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ETFE ROOF SYSTEM (A) A
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ETFE PILLOW 1 ALUMINUM CLAMPING 2
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COMPOSITE SHEET GUTTER 3
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AIR SUPPLY TUBE 4 ALUMINUM STEEL FRAMING 5
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WELDED TO SECONDARY BEAMS SECONDARY BEAM SYSTEM 6
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6X6X1/4 HSS (TOP CHORD) 7
CLT STRUCTURAL WALL (B) SELF TAPPING SCREWS IN WOOD BLOCKING 1
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2’-6” WIDE FLANGE BEAM SYSTEM 2 8” RIGID INSULATION 3 3-LAYER CLT WALL FACE 4
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WOOD BLOCKING 5 EXT. METAL FLASHING 6
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GLAZED ALUMINUM MULLION SYSTEM 7
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INSULATED LOW E-GLAZING 8 7
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FLOOR CONSTRUCTION (C)
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STRUCTURAL GLASS FIN 1
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FABRICATED STEEL CONNECTION 2
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BRONZE COVER PLATE 3 CONT. BRONZE WATERSTOP 4
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CONC. SURFACE COURSE 5 BINDER COURSE 6 1 1/2” EXPANSION JOINT 7 GIRDER BRIDGE 8 2” WIDE FLANGE BEAM 9
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Montreal Domestic Terminal
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T H E PA S S E N G E R E X P E R I E N C E Intuitive wayfinding techniques are a necessity within aviation projects. Within both the structure and materiality of the terminal, we implemented various techniques to create a more straightforward pathway to gates. Through signage, floor patterning, daylighting, and the floor plate shape, passengers are guided through the terminal to the concourses in a natural manner. The terminal additionally creates a better sense of place and cultural identity for the city. Materiality choices allude to vernacular long houses native to the city, while the use of warm colors, wood, and green spaces draw the natural world within the space to evoke a more peaceful and positive environment for travelers visiting. The following renderings follow the sequence of travel from arrival to the airport to the secure holdroom areas.
1. CURBSIDE
2. DEPARTURES HALL CHECK IN
3. CONCESSIONS VILLAGE
4. AMENITY PARK & HOLDROOM SEATING
Airport Sequencing - Assorted Views
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02. 6 0 1 M A I N S T. Urban Masterplan & Sports Venue | Kansas City, Missouri
Fall 2018 Senior Urban Design Studio Profs. Peter Broeder & Matt Keys Individual | Selected for KU Arc/D Design Showcase
From analysis of the current Kansas City I-70 loop, findings have shown the potential to remove the north portion and extend an urban development through the current two mile site. With this opportunity to explore, this studio focused on a three-part project investigation and development: 1 | Master Plan 2 | Venue 3 | Experience 601 Main St. is a multi-use sports venue that focuses on highlighting crucial circulation movement in Downtown Kansas City to define a venue that functions for tennis matches, concerts, seasonal events, and more. Through the implementation of a concourse level that bridges Main St. from downtown to Main St. in the River Market, users can find park space, shopping and food opportunities, and a true community gathering point at the heart of north Kansas City.
Main St. Boulevard
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601 Main St.
0 1 SCALE The site lies between two contrasting architectural perspectives, and must further consider the sense of scale as a user and the programming elements to integrate within the context naturally.
0 2 PUBLIC REALM Three anchor points lie within the city that offer diverse forms of entertainment: strong night life, hospitality, and quiet leisure space. The site has the potential to bring forward more of these spaces, and bond the existing together more cohesively.
0 3 AUTHENTICITY Kansas City holds traditions and history within each district and it is important to consider these insights and foster connectivity within the built and natural environment.
Master Plan Diagrams
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PROJECTED SITE LINES STREET CAR ROUTE & STOPS TRAFFIC DENSITY
MASTER PLAN PROPOSAL
RIVER BLUFF The westernmost point of the site is focused on a continuation of the existing residential building types in the districts. With connecting park spaces, this area is focused on providing residents with enough privacy from high-trafficked spaces and street connections to desired amenities.
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601 MAIN ST.
COLUMBUS PARK
The heart of the development is centered on connectivity from downtown KC to the historic River Market. Where the most activity lies, this district area contains the venue and amenitydriven spaces such as shopping, eating, and activity-focused spaces.
With the growing need for urban housing and park space in downtown KC, this portion of the site was allotted to better connect the Columbus Park neighborhood to urban amenities and open outdoor areas.
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601 Main St.
PROCESS The following drawings provide a glimpse into the design process for this project. Starting with a typical stadium size and form from the initial master plan proposal, I transitioned the enclosed space to become more open, dynamic, and transparent to the public. Creating a strong bond between to the River Market and Downtown areas was crucial, as was emphasizing the pedestrian experience and critical circulation points.
Venue & Site Development
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601 Main St.
0 1 STANDARD
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0 2 CIRCULATION
0 3 PERMEABILITY
0 4 EXPERIENCE
Venue Concept & Formation
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A N E W A P P R OAC H Through consideration of the existing conditions of the street structure near the site, an opportunity became apparent. As Main Street in the Financial district does not align with Main St. in the River Market area, a natural stadium concourse creates a bond to increase pedestrian movement and walkability between the two district areas.
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601 Main St.
UPPER CONCOURSE
CONC. TOPPING SLAB OVER MOLDED SHEET DRAINAGE PANEL
FOUNDATION INSULATION
14’- 0”
COURT LEVEL
COMPOSITE WATERPROOFING SYSTEM
-15’- 6”
WATERSTOP STEEL HANGERS
TERM. BAR SET 2" MIN. FROM EDGE OF CONC. SEAL OVER WITH WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE FLASHING
MILD STEEL CHANNEL
DRAIN
PERIMETER CHANNEL CEILING FINISH STOREFRONT CURTAIN WALL SYSTEM
(1) FOUNDATION
(2) CONCESSIONS DROP CEILING
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B 34’- 0”
4 GLASS ROOF SHEATHING FLASHING STEEL FASTENERS GLULAM TRUSS
2’-10”
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BUILT UP ROOFING INSULATION SLOPED TO DRAINS PARAPET
GLAZED ALUM. FRAMED CURTAIN WALL SYSTEM
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STORAGE
Wall Section & Details
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GLASS ROOF SYSTEM
PRECAST CONCRETE RISERS
WOODEN TRUSS SYSTEM
UPPER CONCOURSE 14’- 5”
STEEL PLATE THREADED ANCHOR RODS
GLULAM RAKER BEAMS
FLASHING (BEYOND)
CONCRETE COLUMNS
(4) ROOF SYSTEM
(3) RISER CONSTRUCTION
C 41’- 0”
6’- 0”
8’- 6”
UPPER RISER
32’- 9”
3 UPPER CONCOURSE
14’- 5”
2’ x 4’ CONCRETE COLUMN 24’- 0”
18’- 0”
CONC. TOPPING SLAB OVER 071413 MOLDED SHEET DRAINAGE PANEL
MAIN CONCOURSE
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SLAG WOOL FIBER BD. INSULATION APPLIED TO UNDERSIDE OF PRECAST CONCRETE SANDWICH PANEL WALL
LOCKER ROOM
COURT LEVEL
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601 Main St.
C O M M U N I T Y- D R I V E N The integrated nature of the venue creates an environment that is well-knit into the current urban community. The venue is approachable, and features many mixed-use opportunities including a Main St. pedestrian boulevard that extends to the northernmost point of the city. Bridging the connection from downtown to the historic River Market district allows a multitude of community events to occur at the heart of two critical urban spaces.
Venue Experience
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03. REVIVING FORGOTTEN INDEPENDENCE Urban Streetscape & Socio-Economic Housing | Kansas City, Missouri
Spring 2020
Graduate Design Studio
Profs. Peter Broeder & Matt Keys
Part 1: Streetscape (Individual) | Part 2: Housing Development (Collaborative) Team: Anastasia Popova & Shane Kim
The sharing economy, also known as collaborative consumption, is the idea in which a flexible network allows people to exchange tangible/intangible goods and services with another. With the outreach and network of technology continually expanding, this concept has sparked the development of many applications and services to be readily accessible and used by people everywhere. In addition, the concept of ownership is shifting to consider the opportunities private and public space sectors have to overlap with one another. Reviving Forgotten Independence is a two-part semester project that explores the concept of these shifting perceptions of ownership and community in the architectural discipline. This concept is explored in the following urban scenarios below: 1 | Individual student exploration of an urban design typology within a masterplan 2 | Collaborative effort towards a desired building of focus Within these two schemes, opportunities show how technology, architecture, and community engagement can work in accord to increase peer-to-peer sharing along the crucial corridor of Independence Avenue in Kansas City.
International Marketplace
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Reviving Forgotten Independence
PA R T O N E : U R BA N I N T E R V E N T I O N Approximately
19,600
vehicles
pass
along
Independence Ave. each day, creating a heavily trafficked corridor in the historic KC area. Narrowing focus to a site between Paseo Ave. and Chestnut Trafficway, my streetscape exploration included the evaluation of four critical street
COLUMBUS PARK
PENDLETON HEIGHTS
arteries. Considering the growth of autonomous vehicles & public transit use in future Kansas PARKVIEW
City, emphasis was placed to transform car-heavy streetscapes to lively pedestrian spaces. In the
PASEO WEST
vignettes below, elements such as bike lanes,
FORGOTTEN HOMES
INDEPENDENCE PLAZA
transit stations, wider sidewalks, and new storefront infill are incorporated to increase pedestrian activity & form engaged community spaces. P
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TYPOLOGY A - INDEPENDENCE AVE. “THE LOCAL”
TYPOLOGY B - LEXINGTON AVE. “THE PEDESTRIAN STROLL”
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STREET-CAR/ BUS LANE
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PUBLIC REALM/ TRANSIT STOPS
INFORMAL STREET PARKING
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Streetscape Typologies
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KESSLER PARK PARK HISTORIC NORTHEAST KC
PENDLETON KESSLER PARK HEIGHTS
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DOWNTOWN KC
“THE LOCAL” TRANSIT-FOCUSED + PUBLIC REALM
PUBLIC REALM/ TRANSIT STOPS
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“THE CONNECTION CHANNELS” CRUCIAL VEHICULAR CORRIDORS
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TYPOLOGY C - MAPLE BLVD. “THE CONNECTOR”
TYPOLOGY D - CHESTNUT TRAFFICWAY “THE CONNECTION CHANNEL” 10’
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LACK OF GREENERY VACANT PARCELS
INCONSISTENT STOREFRONT FACE
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EXCESS SURFACE PARKING
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GARFIELD AVE.
MAPLE BLVD.
WOODLAND AVE.
HIGHLAND AVE.
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Reviving Forgotten Independence
VEHICULAR CIRCULATION / PARKING
STREET CONDITIONS - BEFORE
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PROSPECT AVE.
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PARK AVE. E PARK AVE. E
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AMPLE MARKETPLACE SPACES
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TRANSIT / PUBLIC REALM PROPOSED INFILL DEVELOPMENT VEHICULAR PARKING
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Reviving Forgotten Independence
PA R T T W O : BU I L D I N G FO C U S
0 1 SITE SELECTION
0 2 SITE CUES
At the critical intersection of Paseo Ave. & Independence Ave, the site provides
Following cues from Kansas City univer
ample opportunity to incorporate a new housing model and international
incorporation of public realm space at the
marketplace to celebrate cultural diversity in the historic area.
of housing and market typologies to increa
0 4 PROGRAM FORMATION
0 5 COMMUNITY SPACES
The basic program typologies are broken down into sizable spaces for residents in
Commerce opportunities are located along I
forms of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom options that follow a modular grid system, as well as
international marketplace. The use of both
community spaces that yield to critical space intersections and pathways.
encourage spontaneous interactions among
Concept Diagrams
0 3 TYPOLOGY MASSING + ACCESS POINTS
rsity, a prominent axis influences the
From contextual influences, the various spaces are extruded. Locating critical
forefront of the site, along with the blur
entrance areas at intersections and space alignments help indicate programmatic
se peer-to-peer sharing.
needs and locations.
0 6 EXPERIENCE & ACTIVATION
Independence Ave. and in the centralized
The final result highlights local businesses through flexible storefronts and market
h interior and exterior social stairs also
stalls featuring artists, restaurants, and retail. This further activates the streetscape
residents and visitors alike.
to include spirited activities to strengthen community engagement.
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Reviving Forgotten Independence
Community Amenities
S PAT I A L V E R S AT I L I T Y The diversity of the interior and exterior spaces creates an adaptable living and work environment for residents of the historic avenue area. Open community spaces allow users to engage in collective events or participate in more personalized peer-to-peer exchanges. Because of its adaptability, the main housing area can serve as a community hub for all residents of the district area and emphasizes engagement to surrounding businesses and neighborhoods.
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04. MAKERSTUDIO Design-Build Renovation | Lawrence, Kansas
Spring 2018
Junior Design-Build Studio
Prof. Chad Kraus
Studio Role: Consultant Coordinator Awarded the Masterprize in Interior Design
Tasked by KU’s very own School of Architecture and Design faculty, my design-build studio worked to rethink the traditional spatial program of a studio wing in Marvin Hall to become a collaborative makers’ studio for all design disciplines at the university department. Enabling transparency and areas for group engagement through the minimization of physical barriers, this project sought to foster a stronger sense of community and collaboration amongst studio groups. As consultant coordinator for the project, I worked closely with the external contractors and engineers to implement the necessary mechanical and HVAC resolutions for the project. From thorough documentation and analysis, we were able to remove a large central air shaft that hindered visibility across the space to enable a fully open studio work space.
Demolition Project Stage
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Makerstudio
Before
After
Design Concept & Elements
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FICE
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OPENNESS & FLEXIBILITY
THE MEETING POINT
Recognizing the existing amount of wall space that hinders a collaborative and transparent studio culture, our team worked to consider the implications of removing these barriers to create an open makers’ studio space.
Utilizing a kinetic wall system, the studio sought to implement a multi-use architectural wall and tabletop system to act as both a collaborative workspace and pin-up presentation area.
3 - 5/8" METAL 3STUD - 5/8" METAL STUD 2 LAYERS OF 2 5/8" LAYERS GYP. BOARD OF 5/8" GYP. BOARD
FIRE CAULKING FIRE CAULKING
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Makerstudio
WOOD MOUNTING WOOD BLOCK MOUNTING BLOCK
NEW WOOD DECKING NEW WOOD TO DECKING TO SPAN ACROSSSPAN BEAMS ACROSS INSIDEBEAMS INSIDE SHAFT SHAFT B/O FINISH CEILING B/O FINISH CEILING 14' - 4" 14' - 4"
EXISTING WOOD EXISTING BEAM WOOD BEAM
EXISTING TONGUE EXISTING AND TONGUE AND GROOVE WOOD GROOVE FLOORWOOD FLOOR EXISTING 2 X 10 EXISTING TIMBER 2 X 10 TIMBER
NEW CONCRETE NEW OVERLAY CONCRETE OVERLAY
T/O FINISH FLOOR T/O FINISH FLOOR 0' - 0" 0' - 0"
1 1/2” EXISTING1 CONCRETE 1/2” EXISTING TOPPING CONCRETE TOPPING
BENT SHEET METAL BENT SHEET TO METAL TO ISOLATE TIMBER ISOLATE VIF TIMBER VIF
EXISTING WOOD EXISTING DECKING WOOD DECKING
NEW CONCRETE NEW WITH CONCRETE WITH MICROOVERLAY MICROOVERLAY
T/O FINISH FLOOR T/O FINISH FLOOR 0' - 0" 0' - 0"
ADD NEW DECKING ADD NEW DECKING 1 HR. FIRE RATING 1 HR. FIRE RATING UNDERLAYMENT UNDERLAYMENT
UNDERLAYMENT UNDERLAYMENT
2 X 10 DECKING 2 X 10 DECKING
ADD 2X4 NAILER ADD TO2X4 EXISTING NAILERSTUDS TO EXISTING STUDS
EXISTING WOOD EXISTING FURRING WOOD FURRING
2 LAYERS 5/8" 2SHEET LAYERS ROCK 5/8" FIRE SHEET ROCK FIRE CAULKING CAULKING
2X4 NAILER
2X4 NAILER
2 LAYERS 5/8" 2GWB, LAYERS FIRE5/8" GWB, FIRE CAULKING CAULKING 3 - 5/8" METAL 3STUD - 5/8" METAL STUD RETURN AIR SHAFT RETURN AIR SHAFT
3 - 5/8" METAL 3STUD - 5/8" METAL STUD
EXISTING WOOD EXISTING BEAM WOOD BEAM
NEW RETURN AIR PROPOSAL
C T
REMOVE PORTIONS OF EXISTING STONE WALL
RELOCATE EXISTING THERMOSTAT T
RELOCATE EXISTING THERMOSTAT
18' - 9 1/4"
T
B
35' - 10 1/4"
REMOVE EXISTING AIR GRILLE
REMOVE CONNECTING DUCTWORK REMOVE EXISTING VAV BOX REMOVE EXISTING SUPPLY AIR DUCTWORK 26" X 6" SR-1
REMOVE EXISTING AIR GRILLE
RELOCATE RETURN AIR
24" X 6" SR-1
T
17' - 1"
REMOVE EXISTING THERMOSTAT
REMOVE EXISTING AIR GRILLES
STUDIO RM 301
STUDIO RM 303
OFFICE RM 302
A 20' - 5 3/4"
19' - 11 1/2"
20' - 4 1/2"
60' - 9 3/4"
1
2
RETURN AIR SHAFT RELOCATION
3
4
Construction Documentation
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A2 A1
C1
B2 B1
H1 D1
H2
D2
H3
D3 D4 D5 F2 F1
E2 E1
G1 G2 I5
G3
I3 I2 I1
I8
I7 I4
I6
DROP CEILING AXONOMETRIC
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Makerstudio
Progression Photos
RENOVATION PROCESS After completing construction documentation and shop drawings, the studio completed a tedious renovation process for three months. Tasks during this phase included full demolition of mudane interior walls and finishes, sand blasting to review the hundred-year old stone wall, and the construction of two new drop ceilings and the kinetic wall system. Working diligently alongside my peers, I experienced the all-encompassing nature of an architectural project and gained knowledge of construction methods and practices used within the field. I had the opportunity to communicate with the external contractors and engineers for the project that aided in the MEP implications. From this role, I gained knowledge of the integrated nature of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components within a building system, how they work with one another, and the ways in which we as architects can be more cognizant of these features in interior design.
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Makerstudio
Final Photograph
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05. THE HAITI PROJECT Design-Build Global Studio | Torbeck, Haiti
Fall ‘17 & Spring ‘18
Design-Build Studio
Profs. Chad Kraus & Kent Sprekelmeyer
Studio Role: Communications & Photography Documentation Awarded the World Architecture Community Award
The Haiti Project, KU’s first global architecture studio, was a highly interactive course in which the studio worked to design a community shelter for a rural town in Les Cayes, Haiti that was recently affected by natural destruction. This shelter is currently in progress, and my particular role in the project was to research rammed earth construction techniques to then document various project mock ups in forms of photographs and tutorial videos for native Haitians to utilize in future construction processes. From studying a simple vernacular construction technique, I had the opportunity to learn and experience a global project from a hands-on perspective, experiencing the joys and challenges of a real construction project. Architecture is a powerful medium that can impact communities of any size, and I am excited to see the impact this project will have upon the Haitian community in the future as they continue to rebuild and grow.
Rammed Earth Process
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The Haiti Project
Rammed Earth Prototypes
FALL 2017 In the fall semester, the studio constructed two 4’ tall prototypes that explored consistent compaction rates (left photo) and experimentation with different pigments and grid variation (right photo). With each iteration, we began to see how this construction technique could begin to weave Haitian culture into the architecture of the community shelter through color vibrancy. From both research and experience, we gained a better awareness of the project scale and the ways in which we could become more considerate in our design work.
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The Haiti Project
2X3 WOOD STUD PONY WALL
CONCRETE RING BEAM
FABRIC INFILL PANEL
30CM RAMMED EARTH WALL
10CM CONCRETE SLAB
10CM COMPACTED COURSE GRAVEL COMPACTED BACKFILL
CONCRETE FOUNDATION EXISTING RUBBLE FOUNDATION
Half Scale Mock-Up
SPRING 2018 During the spring semester, we continued our exploration of rammed earth, but additionally studied how the roof system, composed of bamboo trusses, would work in conjunction with the wall construction. We completed a half scale mock-up (shown above) to better understand these new components & their relationship to one another.
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The Haiti Project
Exhibition Photographs
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MELISSA WATSON
+1 816 813 6288 watson.lissa@gmail.com