MICHAEL AMIDON LEHIGH UNIVERSITY | M.ARCH I CANDIDATE
“Working in philosophy-- like work in architecture in many respects-- is really more a work on oneself. On one’s own interpretation. On how one sees things.” -Ludwig Wittgenstein
Have a Seat
2013 Photography Michael Amidon
Contents
Self-Generated Design Unitary Modulation
Diagrammatic Architectural Design
5 6
13
Lehigh Visitors’ Center
14
One Room Schoolhouse
20
Architectural Design in the Urban Context
29
Urban Infill
30
Bethlehem Riverfront Development
40
Painting
63
Self-Generated Design
“You can’t plan unless you have a basic unit with which you plan… Variety within this unit, tremendous variety, no limitation, and yet [there is] complete order… The idea that there can’t be variety with unity is entirely wrong. There is only chaos without it.” -Ernest Kump
Falling Leaf
2013 Photography Michael Amidon
5
Unitary Modulation Studio 1, Spring 2012
Professor Hyun-Tae Jung
Two-Dimensional System Development Translate
Simple units can be used to identify and formalize patterns. From these patterns, systems of organization can be derived to serve as a foundation for the development of more complex forms. This process teaches one to see form and provides a method to encourage a self-generating approach to design. If this process is further developed, it can later be translated into a procedure for designing architecture.
Rotate
Identify
Cut
The unit was analyzed for expansion. Straight segments were created to allow for connections to other units.
Offset
Isolate
To maximize potential connections to other units, I made a cut in the middle of the unit.
6
Three-Dimensional Unit Development
Mirror
Mirror
Connect
Join Rotate
Each individual volumetric unit has 16 possible connection points allowing for limitless expansion.
Connect
Internal Element Organization
Mirror
Pull
7
System Production
Rather than cut individual units, I cut them out in rows. This increased the efficiency of production and ensured consistent quality by decreasing the number of joints to be glued.
Rotate
Multiply Join
Connect at joints
After the rows were joined together, units were twisted in alternating directions. In this way, neighboring rows were connected to one another. This simple repetition intertwined the rows to create a single fabric.
8
Twist alternating units in opposite directions
System Variation
Isometric View of the Field’s Variation
The variation of this system is subtle due to the delicate nature of the unit’s connection points.
Top, Front, and Right Side View of the Field’s Variation
9
Final Model Photographs 36”x24”, Paper and Glue
Top Left: Detail View Bottom Left: Isometric View Right: Top View
10
Diagrammatic Architectural Design
“Is form really an aim? Is it not instead a product of the design process? Is it not the process which is essential? Does not a small shift in the process's conditions produce an entirely different result? Another form? I would therefore wish that we march on without a flag.� -Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Drip
2012 Photography Michael Amidon
13
Lehigh Visitor’s Center Studio 1, Spring 2012
Professor Hyun-Tae Jung
Site Analysis I chose the spiral as a diagram due to considerations of view and the centrality of the site. It opens up the sharp corner of the site to all angles and maximizes views (looking in and looking out). The Visitor Center’s site sits on a prominent intersection of campus, and therefore, is very busy with students, faculty, and visitors. The spiral promotes the circulation of these users.
N
Circulation Analysis
Vehicle Circulation Bus Circulation Pedestrian Circualtion
N
Maximization of Views
Diagramming Form Based on Site Analysis
The spiral is straightened to provide suppport, circulation, and program.
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The bases are connected to form a single band skewed at the angle of a spiral.
The plane divides public and private programs while contrasting the continuity of the established form.
Adjusting the band’s shape offers varied indoor, outdoor, and covered outdoor spaces.
Maginnes Hall F.M.L. Courtyard
FairchildMartindale Library Neville Hall
S.T.E.P.S. Lawn
S.T.E.P.S. Building
dents
Stu
ker Ave.
East Pac
Proposed Site
Faculty
rs
Visito
Studen t
Fa c y ult
s
Vine St.
Program Analysis
ChristmasSaucon Hall
rs sito Vi
Packard Laboratory Packer Chapel
Program Relationships to Users Cafe
Offices
Lounge
Restrooms
Information
The programs of the Visitor’s Center are organized by their users. The programs used by the faculty are dropped to the lower level while student and visitor spaces are raised to the upper level.
N
Site Program Analysis
Recreation Space
Study Space
Classroom Space
Tour Path/Destination
The programs of this site consist mainly of work and study areas. The Visitor’s Center will be built to give students a centrally located place to relax and mingle with prospective students.
The staircase connects the private program below and the public areas above while maintaining continuity in the bend.
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Program Analysis
Lounge
Offices
Cafe
Information Restrooms
Ground Floor
1st Floor
The floor plan of the program analysis displays the regulating lines used to organize space. Various spaces line up with one another to create a sense of balance through the building. This volumetric study displays the proportion of space devoted to specific programs in relation to each other. Spaces devoted to relaxation, such as cafes and lounges, are intended to promote a sense of calm. Relaxation areas are not common in other buildings surrounding the Visitor’s Center. This is the reason the cafe and lounge occupy the largest area of space in the building.
Information/Reception Cafe/Lounge Restrooms Office Space Vertical Circulation
Volumetric Program Zones
16
Surface Development lic
Pub
te
Priva
Windows were cut out of the surface to provide light
Separation of Public and Private Space
The Visitor’s Center was broken up into public and private sections. The public section contains the entry floor programs and the underpass below the building. The private section contains faculty offices and the bathroom on the ground floor. Lounge
The cut-outs were made according to a predetermined pattern
Final Floor Plans
Offices
Cafe
The bands were scaled and formalized to accentuate the proportions of the building
Restrooms
More public areas contain a denser series of cuts than private areas.
Ground Floor
Information
1st Floor
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Final Model Photographs 28”x24”, Wood, Acrylic, Foam Board, and Glue
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Top Left: Underpass Detail Bottom Left: North-East Isometric Right: South-West Isometric
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One Room Schoolhouse Studio 3, Spring 2013
Professor Hyun-Tae Jung A
The One Room Schoolhouse is intended for use by Lehigh University’s psychology department. Since they will use it to carry out studies of children, the building has to be a stimulating environment to encourage social interaction and development. It is proposed to be built in a site surrounded by buildings of a much larger scale. Its small height relative to other builings made it important to incorporate the roof into the design intention of the schoolhouse’s diagram. I approached its design with the idea that the schoolhouse would become a focal point to anchor the courtyard in which it sits.
Christmas-Saucon Hall
Fritz Lab
Packer Chapel
Proposed Building Site
N
Chandler-Ullmann Hall
Site Plan A’
Site Analysis
Chandler-Ullmann Hall Fritz Lab
Proposed Building Site
A
20
West Site Section and Viewing Paths
A’
Formal Development
The volume of the building takes the form of three cubes at staggering elevations, each representing different programs. The intersecting spaces between the cubes are subtracted to keep a continuous flow in the interior.
Diagrammatic Development
Study Model 1
10”x8”, Foam Board and Tape
Expand the path to move in both the x axis and the y axis.
Branches break off from the singular path to fill more area and allow for a variation of densities.
Study Model 2
14”x10”, Chipboard, Foam Board, and Glue
Folding the surface at various joints turns the surface into volume. These folds can be controlled to create specific forms and spaces.
Study Model 3
14”x10”, Wood, Acrylic, and Glue
21
Program Development Deck General Purpose Large Group
Study Room
22
Restrooms Storage
Reception
Visualization of the Continuous Band Connecting Roof, Floor, and Walls
Design Intention Deck
General Purpose Large Group
Restroom
Reception
Study Room
Restroom
Storage
Final Floor Plan
The path is continuous throughout the entire building and creates the various forms, spaces, and levels. The path is simultaneously the surface and the form of the building. Inserting glass and wood in the open spaces of the path allows for the enclosure of space and the creation of a rhythm throughout the building’s façade. The floor plan shows how the path’s density changes with different programs. The path and inserts combine to define various programs on the outside and the inside of the building.
Expanded Isometric View
23
Final Model Photographs 34”x30”, Wood, Acrylic, Foam Board, and Glue
Right: Site Plan Below (Left to Right): West, South, East, North Elevation
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Above: Interior Details
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North-East Isometric View
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34”x30”, Wood, Acrylic, Foam Board, and Glue
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Architectural Design in the Urban Context
“To generate exuberant diversity in a city's streets and districts four conditions are indispensable: 1. The district, and indeed as many of its internal parts as possible, must serve more than one primary function; preferably more than two... 2. Most blocks must be short; that is, streets and opportunities to turn corners must be frequent. 3. The district must mingle buildings that vary in age and condition, including a good proportion of old ones so that they vary in the economic yield they must produce. This mingling must be fairly close-grained. 4. There must be a sufficiently dense concentration of people, for whatever purposes they may be there.� -Jane Jacobs
The Hand of Penn 2013 Photography Michael Amidon
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South Bethlehem Urban Infill Studio 3, Spring 2013
Professor Hyun-Tae Jung
Urban Analysis The urban landscape provides a challenging environment in which to design. The close proximity of buildings to one another creates a unique interaction between adjacent spaces. To be successful, new buildings must maintain their own identities while also accepting the surroundings as a constraint. If used correctly, this environmental constraint can help advance the design of a building. The intention of this project was to create an infill building. Rather than concentrate on form, this allowed me to focus on designing around program, interior circulation, and facade.
Nolli Map of South Bethlehem
hem y thle wa Be reen G Ne
wS
tre
eet
Str
4t h
St re et
et
4th
>4 Stories 3-4 Stories <3 Stories
New
Stre
et
4t
h
St
re
et
Analysis of Building Height Variation
Local Residents Students
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Analysis of Building Usage
Tourists
Bethlehem Greenway
Bethlehem Greenway
Analysis of Programs Related to Proposed Building
Adams Street
New Street
Adams Street
New Street
N
4th Street
N
4th Street
Analysis of Vehicular and Pedestrian Circulation
Dining/Food Nightlife/Bar Shopping
Vehicle Route Pedestrian Route Heavy Medium Light
4th Street is a main pedestrian and vehicle route through downtown Bethlehem. Residents, students, and tourists converge on this block because it provides a wide variety of programs accessible from the street. This is a prime location for a retail store and restaurant because the program will satisfy the needs of all three demographics.
Bethlehem Greenway
Adams Street
New Street
N
4th Street
The two lower floors of the four-story infill will be a two-story retail store featuring a lofted second floor. The roof of the building provides a unique opportunity for rooftop dining that is not currently available in Bethlehem so the third floor and the roof will be converted into a restaurant.
Analysis of Lighting Around Proposed Building
Program Analysis
Bar 300 SF
Changing Rooms 40 SF
Receiving 64 SF Storage/Freezer 150 SF Pre-Prep 100 SF
Ware Washing 150 SF
Display 800 SF Office 64 SF
Final Prep 300SF
Retail Store Restaurant
Dining Room 50 seats 750 SF
Employee Space
Open Space
Stairs
Elevator
Entry Waiting Area
Restrooms 100 SF
Changing Rooms 40 SF
Bar 120 SF
Service Area/ Pick-up Station 100 SF
Customer Space
Private Space
Rooftop Dining 50 seats 750 SF
Restrooms 100 SF
Customer Service
Display 1,000 SF
Checkout Entry
Offices 128 SF
Receiving/ Inventory 144 SF
Storage 100 SF
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Skin Development The column is strong and dominant in the building’s composition. I used horizontal bands to ground the column and to emphasize its heaviness. I varied the widths and depths of the bands to display the different floors.
Formal Development
The form of the Urban Infill consists of a heavy column contrasted with a light glass façade. To maintain its integrity, I cut back the glass face from that of the column.
The development of the building’s program allowed me to reduce wasted circulation space. To do this, I used the column as a vertical circulation and utilities hub. The Urban Infill is very narrow so clustering programs on the ends allowed me to create better proportioned open spaces through the middle of the building.
Vertical Circulation
Stairs, Elevators, Landings
Employee
Offices, Storage, Kitchen, Bars
Customer
32
Restrooms
Changing Rooms, Seating
“Every problem has its own solution. Architecture is not just a mold, a formula to be found, but it’s a whole way of thinking.” -Eero Saarinen
Study Model 1
Study Model 2
7”x3”, Chipboard, Paper, and Glue
24”x6”, Chipboard, Wood, and Glue
Final Floor Plans STORAGE/ FREEZER BAR RECEIVING/ STORAGE
OFFICE
CHANGING ROOMS DISPLAY AND SHOW ROOM
CHANGING ROOMS
KITCHEN RESTROOMS
DN
BAR
UP
DISPLAY AND SHOW ROOM
ROOFTOP DINING
RESTROOMS
DINING ROOM CHECKOUT
UP
DN
DN
UP DN
UP
RECEPTION/ WAITING
MAIN ENTRY
FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
THIRD FLOOR
ROOFTOP
Path of Circulation
Isometric Circulation Analysis
33
Urban Infill Elevation
Urban Infill Site The elevation of the Urban Infill displays how the context shaped its design. The floor levels and dominating lines are regulated by the lines of the buildings surrounding it. The site section shows the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relationship with the slope. The slope allows many of the buildings along the street to line up with the infill.
Urban Infill Section Through Site and Building
34
Site Model Photographs
22”x18”, Chipboard, Paper, Wood, Glue
Above: Back View into Courtyard Top Right: Street View, Facade Bottom Right: Street View, Facade
The model photos explain the building’s relationship with the street and the volumetric spatial qualities of the surrounding buildings.
Sout-East Isometric 24”x6”x12”, Wood, Acrylic, and Glue
36
Final Model Photographs 24”x6”x12”, Wood, Acrylic, and Glue
Above Left: South-West Isometric Above Right: North-East Isometric Left: North-West Isometric
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Final Model Photographs 24”x6”, Wood, Acrylic, and Glue
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Left: Rooftop Dining Detail Above: Rooftop Plan View Right: Rooftop Bar Detail
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South Bethlehem Riverfront Development Studio 3, Spring 2013
Professor Hyun-Tae Jung
Bethlehem Site Analysis The railroad system was once very important to Bethlehem. It ran directly through Bethlehem Steel and required multiple lines running along the Lehigh River. When the steel mill closed, many of those tracks became obsolete. Their footprint has created a long, narrow, undeveloped tract of land along the river that serves to reinforce the division between North and South Bethlehem. The goal of this development is to breathe life back into the Southside and provide attractions for Northside residents so that they can become unified and grow together once again.
City Hall
North Bethlehem
e
ill Bridg
Fahy Bridge
Hill to H Lehigh River Lehigh River
Proposed Development
Undeveloped Land
3rd Street Greenway
N
4th Street
N
South Bethlehem Vehicle Circulation
Heavy Medium Light
Pedestrian Circulation
The heaviest routes of vehicular traffic correspond with the heaviest routes of pedestrian circulation. The two bridges are the only connection of Northside and Southside which makes them dangerous for pedestrians to use.
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Heavy Medium Light
North Bethlehem
The vegetation dispersal is noticeably uneven between North and South Bethlehem. The predominantly industrial railway in Southside left the riverfront barren. The vegetation provides an example of a general disconnection between the two sides.
Lehigh River
Undeveloped Land
N
South Bethlehem
Vegetation
10 M inu North Bethlehem te W alk 5 Minute Walk
Greenspace
Lehigh River
Undeveloped Land
Greenway
Presently, there are not many attractions in Southside to encourage Northside residents to travel between the two. This lack of circulation through the city is further exaggerated by the dangerous traffic conditions of the bridges which are the only methods of transportion for pedestrians. This has led to an underutilization of Southside despite the short walking distance from one city center to the other.
N
South Bethlehem Walking Distances in Relation to Focal Point of the Site
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The average household income levels of various zones of both Northside and Southside correlate with the methods of transportation they use to get to work. Areas of higher public transportation, walking, and car-pooling generally have the lowest average incomes.
North Bethlehem
These areas are also the closest to the proposed riverfront development, and therefore, their financial needs should be given appropriate consideration in the design of various programs.
Lehigh River
Average Household Income Per Year ($) 60,000 -- 65,000 50,000 -- 55,000 40,000 -- 45,000
N
South Bethlehem
30,000 -- 35,000 20,000 -- 25,000 10,000 -- 15,000
Average Household Income Levels
Lower income households taking the bus or walking to work often cannot afford cars. Their leisure activities are limited to within walking distance from their homes or along convenient public transportation routes. The various programs of this development should enhance the lives of the residents of the community and provide free alternatives for residents to entertain themselves during leisure time.
Northside
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
100%
75%
50%
25%
0%
Southside
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
100%
Car
75%
Car-pool 50%
Walk 25%
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0%
Bus
Transportation Diversity
Program Analysis Bethlehem has been very proactive in attracting artists from around Pennsylvania to reside and participate in various art programs around the city. There are many art galleries in North and South Bethlehem. Often, events such as First Fridays happen at the same time in both halves of the city, yet there is no way for the participants to interact with one another. This development provides an opportunity for a collaborative effort between the two art hubs, bridging the gap that currently exists so large-scale events can be experienced as one city.
City Hall
Bridge Proposed Development
Fahy Bridge
ill Hill to H Lehigh River
3rd Street Greenway
N
4th Street
Bethlehem Community Program Art Gallery Park/Greenspace
User Categories by Age
0-18 18-40 40-60 60+
Community Oriented Programs Soccer Field Tennis Courts Basketball Courts Running Path Biking Path Pool Sun Bathing Changing Rooms Picnic Area Plaza Green Space Shaded Areas River Access Pedestrian Bridge History Museum Sculpture Garden Amphitheater Gallery
Program Categories
Sports/Recreation Riverfront Development
Municipal Complex Residential Small Business Commercial
Recreation/Fitness
Family/Leisure
The Riverfront Development is a large tract of land that offers many programming opportunities to unite the community. This area consits of a diverse age demographic. I wanted to offer many options for all ages of the community and create separate spaces for people with a variety of interests.
Art/History
43
Formal Development Community Leisure
Art Corridor
Community Fitness/Recreation
The main programs of this site were divided into three sections. Different elevations offset each one from the others. These primary sections were broken up into smaller interacting planes.
The planes were extruded to create solid volumes and the circulation was laid out based on the requirements of specific programs. Structures were added to anchor each section, provide shade, and further program enrichment.
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Community Fitness/Recreation Art Corridor Community Leisure Circulation Buildings/Pavilions
Circulation was refined and simplified. Ramps were included at the highest circulation densities to increase ease of mobility. Design was clarified and optimized through the definition of a singular circulation path. Sub-sections are accessible to one another through steps and all sections are accessible from the main path.
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North Bethlehem Lehigh River
Pedestrian Bridge
Tree Sanctuary Sculpture Garden Picnic Pavilion
Basketball Court Tennis Courts Recreation Pavilion
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Multi-Purpose Field
Museum
Changing Room & Public Restrooms Swimming Pool Picnic/Park Amphitheater The Plaza
South Bethlehem
Buildings/Pavilions Vegetation/Greenspace Circulation Path Seating Light Poles Lehigh River
47
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Riverfront Development Site View 60”x24”, Wood, Acrylic, Chipboard, Paper, Moss, and Glue
49
Downtown North Bethlehem
North to South Connection
Fahy Bridge
Lehigh River
Hill to H
e ill Bridg
The largest influence of the Riverfront Development on the Bethlehem community is the pedestrian-only connection between North and South Bethlehem. This new foot bridge will reduce pedestrian traffic along Bethlehemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busiest bridges to make travel safer for both automobiles and pedestrians. The safety resulting from this new traffic pattern will encourage more movement between the two halves of Bethlehem. It will also provide direct access for pedestrians to move between the two centers of Bethlehem.
Pedestrian Circulation Heavy Medium Light
50
Downtown South Bethlehem
Circulation Path Detail
60”x24”, Wood, Acrylic, Chipboard, Paper, Moss, and Glue
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Final Model Isometric
60”x24”, Wood, Acrylic, Chipboard, Paper, Moss, and Glue
52
Riverfront Development Analysis Vegetation provides the development with much needed shade. The trees offer shade in high activity areas, such as the multi-purpose field and the main circulation path which is used for walking, running, and biking. Vegetation is also used to connect the park areas on the Northside of the river with the new park areas on the Southside.
N
Vegetation and Shadow Analysis
A single circulation path anchors the riverfront development and promotes the North-South and East-West axes. All areas of the development are accessible off of these main axes. Spaces are provided for various sizes of congregations, and secondary circulation allows for visual communication between terraces of different levels.
N
Circulation Analysis
The lighting system is designed to create different atmospheres in different spaces. Some lights provide 360 degree coverage while others are focused to specific directions. For example, smaller lights are used to illuminate and dramatize the trees of covered spaces. N
Lighting Analysis
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54
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Changing Room
Picnic/Park Space
Sun-Bathing/Lounge
Community Pool
Riverside Outlook
Community Leisure There are not many spaces for South Bethlehem families to gather. The biggest feature of this section is the community pool providing direct contact with the river. Another attraction of this space is the picnic area. Sitting at a higher elevation, it overlooks the circulation path on one side and the pool and river on the other.
56
Final Model Photographs
60â&#x20AC;?x24â&#x20AC;?, Wood, Acrylic, Chipboard, Paper, Moss, and Glue
Left (Left to Right): Changing Room Detail, Sun-Bathing Detail Below: Community Leisure Detail
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Public Plaza Art & History Museum
Riverside Outlook Sculpture Garden Amphitheater B 12’ 16’
Bethlehem Art Corridor The Bethlehem Art Corridor is an attraction intended to unite North and South Bethlehem. The three focal points are composed triangularly to each other.
Reception DN
Gallery 2
12’
Entry 16’ UP
DN
A
A’
Gallery 1
The Bethlehem Art and History Museum houses the work of local artists and displays the history of Bethlehem.
18’
8’
Level 2
The sculpture garden transitions pedestrians from the bridge to the museum. It is higher in elevation than the museum so it becomes an art piece looking out from the museum.
12’ 16’
The amphitheater provides a large plaza for gatherings and is a spot for outdoor shows and concerts.
Storage
Gift Shop
Restrooms
Gallery 3
UP
A’
A 6’
UP
Gallery 4
Entry 8’
8’
Level 1
58
B’
Museum Floor Plans and Corresponding Elevations
Art Corridor Detail
60”x24”, Wood, Acrylic, Chipboard, Paper, Moss, and Glue
B’
A
Section 1
B
B’
A’
Section 2
Section 3
59
Recreation Pavilion
Multi-Purpose Field
Tennis Courts
Tree Sanctuary
Picnic Pavilion
Basketball Court
Community Fitness/Recreation The Community Fitness/Recreation section encourages Bethlehem residents to be physically active. It provides space for the most diverse group of people because different sports attract different age groups. There are areas to participate in tennis, basketball, and grass sports as well as activities on the field. While participating in these activities, participants can also enjoy the picturesque view of the Lehigh River. The picnic pavilion provides a space for gathering and resting between periods of play.
60
Final Model Photographs
60”x24”, Wood, Acrylic, Chipboard, Paper, Moss, and Glue
Left (Left to Right): Recreation Pavilion Detail, Picnic Pavilion Detail, Sport Complex Detail Above: Community Fitness/Recration
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Painting
“In creative work, a powerful identification and projection takes place; the entire bodily and mental constitution of the maker becomes the site of the work.” -Juhani Pallasmaa
One Man’s Palette
2012 Photography Michael Amidon
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Snack-Time Yellow (2013)
18”x18”, Oil Paint, Palette Knife on Wood Panel
Snack-Time Orange (2013)
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18”x18”, Oil Paint, Palette Knife on Wood Panel
Brunch (2012)
12”x12”, Oil Paint, Palette Knife on Wood Panel Featured in 2013 Lehigh Review
Breakfast (2012)
12”x12”, Oil Paint, Palette Knife on Wood Panel Featured in 2013 Lehigh Review
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Untitled (2013)
24”x18”, Oil Paint, Palette Knife on Canvas
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Untitled (2013)
36”x24”, Oil Paint, Palette Knife on Wood Panel
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Untitled (2013)
24”x18”, Oil Paint, Palette Knife on Wood Panel
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Unititled (2013)
48”x36”, Oil Paint, Palette Knife on Wood Panel
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