Micah Fitzgerald | Undergrad Architecture Portfolio | WIP

MICAH

My name is Micah (23) and I’ve lived in Florida for 12 years. I was lucky enough to be able to grow up in multiple countries and multiple states and I’ve always gravitated to learning new perspectives and adapting to new environments. I’ve been studying the craft architecture for over 8 years now and I’m grateful to be able to explore all the nuances of our built environment.

This work is a glimpse of my journey through my studies at the University of Florida.

Experience

Dasher Hurst Architects

Summer 2023 | Architectural Intern

- Produced detailed construction documents, including detail drawings, sections, schedules, and elevations.

- Applied design skills to contribute to schematic design, utilizing rendering programs to create visually compelling design options for landscaping and facade materials.

- Conducted on-site visits to construction projects, gaining experience and insight into the practical aspects of architectural practice

- Developed a better understanding of project scale, construction systems, and the coordination required for successful project execution

- Adapted to a dynamic work environment, handling various work types in short periods of time

NOMAS Competition Team

Summer 2023 | Project Captain

- Responsible for scheduling meetings and managing work flow of group members

- Learned to work with larger amounts of people in single project; focus on organization

- Designed an affordable living development in Albina, Oregon

ACE Mentorship Program (Architecture, Construction, Engineering)

2016-2019 | Project Manager, Architectural Drafter

- Worked on projects that would be presented in front of architecture mentors, business owners, contractors, and anyone that attended the events at the University of North Florida. Main softwares used were Revit and AutoCad.

Softwares

CAD/BIM

- Rhinocerous 7

- AutoCAD

- Revit

Adobe CC

- Photoshop

- Illustrator

- InDesign

Rendering

- Lumion

- V-Ray

MANHATTAN,

GAINESVILLE,

PORTLAND, OREGON (SUMMER 2023)

WINTER PARK, FLORIDA (SPRING 2023)

CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA (FALL 2022)

3rd Ave EcoHub

Manhattan, New York

PartnerProject:MicahFitzgerald&DavisonOser

Keywords/Terms: adaptive reuse, affordable housing, facade, lighting, urban challenges, biophilic, sustainablilty

This adaptive reuse/residential project aims to align with New York City’s forward-thinking ‘City of Yes’ initiative, a plan dedicated to modernizing zoning regulations for sustainable urban development. This project introduces a 34-story mixed-use tower that not only preserves the existing structure but also contributes to the city’s housing needs. Embracing the principles of social and environmental sustainability, our design incorporates enclosed green spaces within the tower, utilizing indigenous trees and vegetation to enhance both aesthetics and air quality. We also focused on how the lighting conditions can be improved through layering an operable facade with both clear and diffused glass

8 AM

1 PM

6 PM

Affordable Rental Units

Residential Gym Ammenity

Residential Lobby

Collaborative Work Spaces/ Meeting Rooms

Public Speaker Room

Mail Rooms

Leisure Space

Solar Volume Spaces

Service Floor

Studio Spaces

Photo Development Spaces

Exhibit Space

Public Cafe / Local Businesses

Lobby / Circulation

Fire Station / Police Precinct

PrivateSection

Semi-Public

Section

PublicSection

Transparent glass allows natural light directly into the building, activitating the interior materials. Once the natural light reaches the semi-opaque glass edges, there is an increase in overall illumination, minimizing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.

The semi-opaque glass also helps regulate temperature, ensure privacy, and capture the intricate play of shadows cast by the surrounding vegetation. Acting as a canvas that captures the passage of time through these shadows, the semi-opaque glass creates a dynamic and visually engaging experience for occupants.

Semi-Opaque Glass

- diffuses light

- captures shadows

- temperture control

- UV protection

- energy efficient

- durability

- ease of maintenance

- temperature regulation

- slip resistence

- biophilic connection

- sustainably harvested

- light reflection

- energy efficient

- unique acoustic properties

- biophilic connection

- improved air quality

- temperature regulation

- acoustic comfort

- stress reduction

- enhances cognitive funciton

- sustainable principles

Light shining through TRANSPARENT glazing

Concrete Floor Tiles

Interior Wooden Finishes

Vegetation / Plants

Light diffused through SEMI-OPAUQE glazing

The operable facade offers adaptability for indooroutdoor connections. Our design creates unique lighting conditions within the tower, influencing the character of the programmatic spaces. This dynamic feature serves as a tool, enhancing both functionality and the distinctive atmosphere of the building.

Facade Structure

Electronic Pantograph System

Peforated Metal Mesh

Shell Mound Trail

Cedar Key, Florida

Keywords/Terms: circulation, tradition, atmospheric conditions, environment

This project is an exploration of enhancing the Shell Mound Trail’s circulation and discovering a dialogue between material functionality and the surrounding environment. The program includes a boat house for row boats, an informal dining area, a library, and a solstice observation tower.

Library & Solstice Tower Section

Boathouse Section

The site has as variety of vegatation, all living in harmony amongst the shell mound. Natural edges are blurred throughout the trail, creating unique ecosystems and delicate ground conditions. The structures were designed to seemingly float above the ground, hiding within the dense vegetation, with materials that act as a canvas for atmospheric conditions.

Form Iteration 1

Form Iteration 2

Form Iteration 3

Timber, chosen for its natural warmth and versatility, establishes a tactile connection with occupants, allowing them to understand the structural elements. Corrugated Metal, with its rugged aesthetic, not only provides durability but also reflects the climate as the material ages over time. Semi-Opaque Glazing serves to create a dialogue between light and shadow, forming a visual connection between the interior and the exterior. This material palette prioritizes transparency and a sense of place.

Studio 5

rofessor Jamie Lindsey

Chamber of Edification

Gainesville, Florida

Keywords/Terms: vessel, forum, education, exhibition, legacy

The Gallery is designed to emphasize the intricay and the harmony of the downtown area. Gainesville has a diverse community, rich with a history of innovation. The purpose of the vessel is to be a forum for all collages at the Univserity. The vessel is designed to promote discusion and enlightenment, representing the Gaineseville community at large.

Materials on Site

The program of the Gallery is composed of an exhibit space, an auditorium, conference rooms, admin offices, bathrooms, and storage rooms. The Gallery encourages circulation up three floors, where occupants can encounter blurred boudaries between static moments and areas of movement.

The Gallery includes three key layers of assembly: the main structure , the facade ribcage, and the sunshade facade. Semi transparent and fully transparent glazing is used throughout the atrium, creating unique lighting conditions throughout the day.

Sun Shade Facade

Facade Ribcage Structure

Primary Structure

Albina Green Belt

Portland, Oregon

Role: Captain

Members: Patrick Rodriguez, Yousef Alsherif, Olivia Huffer

Keywords/Terms: community, smart growth, mixed-use, affordable housing, renewel

The endeavor of this project focuses on the redevelopment of a long-vacant parcel of land adjacent to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, historically known as the Hill Block. The site, condemned in the 1970s for an expansion that never materialized, is now being donated back to the Black community through the Williams & Russell CDC. Driven by five community priorities—Support for Entrepreneurs, Affordable Rental Housing, Homeownership, Education/Workforce Training, and Community Space—aims to revive the oncethriving African American commercial district. Our design solution integrates mixed-income residential development with commercial, retail, and community spaces. The key focuses of this project were the business incubator for local entrepreneurs and job opportunities, affordable housing, and the integration of green spaces that seamlessly connect with adjacent green areas.

AxoDiagrams:MicahFitzgerald&YousefAlsherifBase

RenderPhotoshop:YousefAlsherif

Render&Map:MicahFitzgerald

SectionLineWork&BaseRenders:MicahFitzgerald RenderPhotoshop:YousefAlsherif&OliviaHuffer AxoDiagram:YousefAlsherif&MicahFitzgerald

A Collection of Anonymity

Door, Window, Stair

Keywords/Terms: reading, anonymous, intimate, identity

This is a vessel where literature is published anonymously. A space where relics of knowledge are accessible for those searching for truth and enlightenment. A space with no bias and no institution.

This structure is a fragment of a larger concept, containing transient, intimate, and enlightening spaces. Occupants encounter edges of semi transparency, encouraging exploration and curiousity

Ideograms were the first step in figuring out a narative and form for the structure. All drawings used in collage are from the era of the industrial revolution. The idea was inspired by Architectual Designer Douglas Darden. Section Collage

The program consisted of two main spaces:

A space for holding relics of knowledge

A space for holding activity, thus the production of memory.

Level 5555

Verticle Datum

Keywords/Terms: scale, transition, illumination

This structures design followed the story of BLAME!, a science fiction manga written and illustrated by Tsutomu Nihei. In this manga, the main character journeys through an infinitely tall tower. The structure I have designed is a fragment of this tower. The design explores how sound can impact ones navigation through a space, and how rhythm and repition through tectonics relate to the sound made thorughout the structure.

The physical model making process was derived from a collage that was composed off photos from early stage sketch models, and panels/pages from the manga. Earlier model phases were constucted with styrofoam, and soldered wires. The final model was constrcutued with yellow pine, soldered wires, and covered vellum.

The program consists of two types of spaces:

Episodic Spaces:

- Arrival/Departure: Gravity Beam Pod

- Spectacle: Studio/ Acoustic Chamber

Constant Spaces:

- Lodging: Confinement Cells

- Holding: archive of sounds never heard

Nexus of Power

Winter Park, Florida

Keywords/Terms: mentorship, funnel, compression, diffusion

Winter Park is a site that holds a unique historical context. From the train tracks adjacent to the library, to the history behind the founders of the town, it’s clear that this community will benefit from a cultural hub that embodies Winter Park’s identity and character. This library and plaza is desgined to respond to the history held within the SunRail’s train tracks, seeking to serve as a nexus of power.

Train Depot/Farmers Market

Market Vendors

SunRail Station Stop

Roof Surface

Polycarbonate Facade / Skin

Facade Structure

Primary & Secondary Structure

Planar / Structural Makeup

The ground level focuses on creating an accessible environment, inviting people to explore and discover the library. It includes facilities such as the bookstore, cultural cafe, and a reading lounge with tables for social events. The second floor focuses on creating moments for collaboration and innovation; including a genius lab, a computer lab, and a mentorship center that empowers and supports individuals in their personal and professional goals.

The third floor focuses on providing a quiet and focused space for studying, research, and contemplation, including study rooms, reading chambers, and an open reading area.

Alfonso Perez

Central Atrium / Book Tower

West Side Reading Corner

1 Cultural Cafe

2 Bookstore

3 Public Forum

Through the plaza and the library, this design aims to create a cultural hub that embodies Winter Park’s identity and character. By integrating with the SunRail and the Central Park events, the library becomes an essential part of the city’s cultural landscape, inviting visitors to embrace the wonderful atmosphere of Winter Park.

4 Computer Labs

5 Genius Labs

6 Mentorship Center

7 Auditorium

8 Study Rooms

Through the plaza and the library, this design aims to create a cultural hub that embodies Winter Park’s identity and character. By integrating with the SunRail and the Central Park events, the library becomes an essential part of the city’s cultural landscape, inviting visitors to embrace the wonderful atmosphere of Winter Park.

Alfonso Perez

The materiality of the train tracks and surrounding ground conditions inspired this libraries tectonic assembly, and the transition between the plaza’s edges

Ecosystem Studies

Natural Area Teaching Laboratory, UF

Keywords/Terms: climate, atmosphere, light, time, ecosystem

Cyanotype printing was the first step in studying and capturing the atmospheric conditions of each of the three ecosystems within our site. The cyanotype prints revealed moments of time and densities within the site.

Hammcock

Wetlands

Upland Pines

This project focuses on how assembly of a structure can capture and enhance the atmospheric qualities of the site while exploring the atmospheric conditions within varrying ecosystems.