2012 Graduate Portfolio

M I C H A E L

T

B E C K E R P O R T F O L I O

“

Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go,

only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be

--- Karen Ravn

”

Studio Work

H i g h

S p e e d

C h i c a g o

M i l w a u k e e B o u t i q u e

T r a n s i t H i g h

S t a t i o n

S c h o o l

f o r

F i l m

H o t e l

P u b l i c

C h i c a g o

L i b r a r y

C r e d i t

M i l w a u k e e

Additional

S t a t i o n

S k y s c r a p e r

I n t e r m o d a l

E x e t e r

R a i l

S t u d y

U n i o n

C o m m u n i t y

L i b r a r y

Work

E v i d e n c e

D i s p l a y s

A r c h i t e c t u r a l

S k e t c h e s

a n d

A r t w o r k

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10

Studio Work

H i g h

S p e e d

R a i l

concept sketches_

S t a t i o n

- graduate project - A high speed rail system is currently under development in the Midwest and throughout the United States. The design of this intermodal transportation hub strives to create an exciting and unprecedented experience for travellers arriving or departing from the city of Chicago via high speed rail. The site is located along the west side of the Chicago River confluence, providing spectacular opportunities to display and frame magnificent views of the city. The design encompasses a variety of sustainable features, including high efficiency glazing, a highly durable and efficient polytetrafluoroethylene roof membrane, and an active enclosure system that allows for ventilation and collects solar energy. The station not only enhances the experience of the traveller, it also becomes and interactive art piece within the urban fabric of Chicago, using light and movement to express the dynamic qualities of the city.

1

site analysis - transportation options_

1

outer concourse_

1

form diagram_

inner concourse_

active enclosure_

Air Pressure Release Valves

0

north - south section_

1

2

3

south entrance_

south plaza_

1

project received

Graduate Award for Design Excellence_

- School of Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Fall 2011

east-west section_

structure/enlcosure diagram_

1

site model_

building model_

1

structural detail model_

1

C h i c a g o

S k y s c r a p e r

- graduate project - The goal of this studio project was to analyze building systems and design a vertical city in downtown Chicago.

This is a mixed-use skyscraper that contains commercial space, residential units and retail space, as well as a restaurant, cafe, and fitness center. The tower incorporates both innovative and efficient design and focuses on sustainable solutions. The form of the tower is optimal for providing views out towards Lake Michigan for many of the building’s occupants. The triangular shape also provides an efficient method for minimizing wind pressures on the building as well as down drafts onto the streets below. A thorough analysis of tall building systems was conducted, providing the information needed to develop detailed structural, elevator, and curtain wall systems. This was a partner project.

2 main entrance_

wind analysis_

residential_

commercial_

structural system_

elevator system_

2

residential unit interior_

building lobby_

north-south section_

south_

east_

north_

west_

elevations_

2

commercial wall detail_

2 residential wall detail_

building model_

2

I n t e r m o d a l

sectional perspective_

T r a n s i t

S t a t i o n

train platforms_

form diagram_

3

- graduate project - The city of Chicago is laden with awe inspiring and captivating experiences. The design of this Intermodal Transit Station and Hotel focuses on providing both the unfamiliar and familiar traveler a unique and stimulating encounter. The site of this transit station is located between the Chicago Art Institute and the new modern wing of the art museum. Millennium Park is located directly north, with the infamous city skyline to the east. The design of this intermodal transportation station is a response to the context surrounding the site. The program is unique in that it includes a hotel that focuses on providing the business traveler with a place to not only sleep but also to work. Each room has an office type setup, with plenty of space to conduct work. Dispersed throughout the hotel are lounge spaces, recreational spaces, bike storage rooms, fitness facilities, coffee and snack bars, and computer labs. The goal is to provide a live/work place for the business traveler who does not have a permanent office. The train platforms are large, outdoor spaces, inviting the public in and becoming an expansion of large public parks that surround the station.

concourse_

hotel program diagram_

view from hotel balcony_

3

birds eye perspective_

north-south section_

3 site plan_

M i l w a u k e e

school entry_

H i g h

S c h o o l

f o r

F i l m

outdoor theater_

4

riverside gallery and river walk_

4 - undergraduate project - When designing the Milwaukee High School for Film, the focus was placed on 5 key components - site, spatial sequence, student interaction, building tectonics and efficiency. The site is located at the river confluence of the Menomonee and Milwaukee Rivers. Downtown Milwaukee is just north of the site, and the refurbished Historic Third Ward area is across the river to the east. The building places emphasis on not only student to student interaction, but interaction between students and the public. A river walk extension, outdoor courtyard, student gallery, amphitheater, and outdoor theaters provide a variety of opportunities for the students and the public to engage each other. The building is not only a school to help students learn about film and develop as young adults, it is a place to bring the community together, to revitalize this struggling part of the city.

sectional perspective_

school courtyard and theater_

4

B o u t i q u e

H o t e l

- undergraduate project - Natural light and building efficiency were key components that influenced the design of this Boutique Hotel. On the ground floor, where the bar, restaurant, and retail spaces are located, operable glass wall panels may be opened to engage the sidewalk and allow for natural ventilation.

On the common floors, louvers are used to control direct sunlight while still allowing natural daylight into the hotel rooms. Horizontal louvers are used on the south, and vertical louvers are used on the east.

Solar panels are installed in the spandrel area of floors 3 through 13 on the south side of the building to provide electricity for the hotel. The building form and orientation were developed in order avoid blocking out natural light from the existing building to the north and to capture magnificent views of the Milwaukee River and downtown area.

5 perspective hand drawing_

concept sketches_

Down to second level

Parking Mechanical

Service Retail Womens

Office Reception

Kitchen Mens

Lobby

Restaurant

Mechanical Retail

Bar

Ground Floor

PARKING

east-west section_

Service Suite

Green Roof Office

Service

Meeting Room Open Lobby to Below Conference Rooms

Common Rooms

Lounge

Lounge

Kitchen

Roof Suite

Open to below

2nd Floor

north-south section A_

5 Service

Suite

Common Floor

north-south section B_

Top Floor

E x e t e r

P u b l i c

L i b r a r y

building model_

S t u d y

- undergraduate project - As a group, we were given the assignment to research and analyze the architectural characteristics of Louis Kahn’s Exeter Public Library.

Our group analyzed all aspects of the library including movement and circulation, private vs. public space, natural vs. artificial light and light penetration. The analysis was done by constructing a highly detailed physical model of the building.

6

C h i c a g o

main entry_

C r e d i t

U n i o n

- undergradute project - During my final semester at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, I was fortunate enough to be one of twelve students selected to participate in a Chicago Design Program. The program was headed by Mr. Neil Frankel. The Chicago Program gave us the opportunity to transition from an academic environment to a professional environment. The emphasis of the studio was on research based design. In groups of three we were given the opportunity to meet and work with professionals in the city. We presented our projects to professionals at Goettsch Partners and SOM. Our primary project was the design of a credit union, located in the lobby of 111 S. Wacker. Through research and analysis, we worked to re-create the typical credit union using the latest technology and versatile design. Our primary concept was based on the development of social media and connection. We extend to life of our credit union beyond the typical work hours by creating a building that “morphs� into a social club at night where people can gather to share and distribute knowledge.

M e t a m o r p h o s i s

main entry_

7

Kiosks/ATM Outdoor Cafe Entry/Lounge Cafe/Social Space Service Counter Offices/VIP Education Room Bathrooms

researched based design_ program analysis_

day_

night_

interactive kiosks_

7

morphing process_

7

M i l w a u k e e

entry and public plaza_

C o m m u n i t y

L i b r a r y

- undergraduate project - This library is designed to be a place in the community where people can come together and interact with each other. The library offers plenty of space to relax, read, use a computer, or have a cup of coffee with a friend. The design draws people in from the street, moves them through the library and at the far east end they come to a look out point, where they can enjoy views out towards Lake Michigan. Since many libraries contain delicate materials, it was crucial to control sun light penetration into the building. Large screens on the south facade serve to block harmful direct sun, while still allowing people to view through them. The screens also become an expressive, innovative architectural feature. Exterior louvers, material selections, spatial orientation and a variety of other features strive to make this building an efficient and sustainable design.

3

2

1

8

cafe/computer lab_

outdoor plaza_

8

entry_

8 east look out point_

Additional Work

E v i d e n c e

D i s p l a y s

D E N dSe fIi nTi tYi o n p o p u l a t i o n Arithmetic Density

Physiological Density

Agricultural Density

Residential Density

Urban Density

Ecological Density

Employment Density

Merthyr Tydfil

Wales

Danville

Illinois

The total number of people The total population / area The total rural population / The number of people The number of people The density of population The total number of people / area of land of arable land (land used area of arable land (land living in an urban area / inhabiting an urban area / which can be supported employed / area of land for agriculture) used for agriculture) area of residential land total area of urban land by the natural resources

low population/employment density

D e i l ons sd o fu j osb s t a nr d i p oap ul l ait i zo n ad e tc r ie aos e sn

1990 2000 2010

Population Unemployment Disease

DEINDUSTRIALIZATION BEGINS

42570 people

cancer

Heart Disease

Heart Disease

1910 1930 1950 1970

20 - 24.9

25 - 29.9

Unemployment

12.7

12.4

16.6

Individual earnings

77647

77531

63808

20

14.8

13.7

81655

81248

> 30

16.3 54061 17.0 49027

Article - The association of body mass index with social and economic disadvantage in women and men. Study in Finland

Heart Disease

Population Unemployment

Disease

=10,000 people = 5000 males unemployed = 5000 people treated with diabetes or respitory illness

DEINDUSTRIALIZATION BEGINS

Merthyr Tydfil

anxiety

s t r e s s

t i m e p e r s p e c t i ve

Article - Unemployment and its association with health-relavant actions:investigating the role of time perspective with German census data. by Reinhard Schunck and Benedikt G. Rogge.

Merthyr Tydfil

Danville

55700 people 14871 people 11140 diabetes

s t od eri nyd u s t r i a l i z a t i o n

71840

+19.71%

low employment density

low population density

Obesity and Chronic Disease

1990

< 20

Individual earnings cancer

76000 people 5700 people

60000 people 12000 people

Women

Unemployment

85000 people 29750 people

68000 people 4420 people

Wales (1910-2010) Wales (1910-2010)

Sedentar y Behavior

90000 people

Population Population Population Change Population Change

Men cancer

9 +15.45%

Illinois Illinois (1970-2010) (1970-2010)

Merthyr Tydfil (1910-2010) Merthyr Tydfil (1910-2010)

38985 people

33828 people 41856 people 1080 deaths 33904 people 2305 people 1000 deaths 32467 people 4987 people 905 deaths

Danville Danville (1970-2010) (1970-2010)

-31.23%

41856 people

MERTHYR TYDFIL_WALES

2010

=10,000 people = 2000 people unemployed = 400 deaths per year

Low Employment Density and BMI

1980

1970

1960

DANVILLE_ILLINOIS

-29.88% -29.88%

Low Population Density

E V I D E N C E

obesity and chronic disease

A r c h i t e c t u r a l

marquette building_

S k e t c h e s

10

beach house_

grand stair_

milwaukee art museum_

sydney opera house_

A r t w o r k

colored pencil and pastel_

colored pencil and pastel_

water color_

10 colored pencil and pastel_

stippling_

colored pencil

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

The heights by great men reached and kept / were not attained

by sudden flight / but they, while their companions slept / were

â&#x20AC;?

toiling upward in the night

--- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow