Natalie Perri Architecture Portfolio

Selected Works

Natalie Perri

Content

Natalie Perri

Contact

natalieperri.com

nperri@upenn.edu

Collaborators

Cited accordingly

Published on

Issuu, inc.

Majority of this content comes from core studio work at Stuart Weitzman School of Design of The University of Pennsylvania.

All content, including concept design, layout design, and cover design has been produced by Natalie Perri. If the project was completed in partnership with students and colleagues, it is cited on the cover page. All text and descriptions have been written by Natalie Perri. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any other form without permission from the author.

Public Station in Urban Context Professor Maya Alam | Spring 2021

Reimagining the Hoover Dam Professor Karel Klein | Fall 2022

Urban Housing with Vertical Farming Professor Scott Erdy | Fall 2021

Recycling Plant and Artist Studio Professor Simon Kim | Spring 2021

Architecture Competition Entry Partner: Andy Hu | Spring 2023

Point Cloud Translations Artwork

Prologue

As a future architect, I am deeply passionate about designing spaces that not only serve functional purposes but also enhance the well-being of its inhabitants. My portfolio showcases my commitment to biophilic design and sustainable architecture, two vital elements that I believe are necessary for creating a harmonious relationship between the built and natural environments.

Biophilic design is a concept that recognizes the innate human connection to nature and aims to integrate elements of nature into our built environments. By incorporating natural light, greenery, and organic shapes into our spaces, biophilic design has been prooven to improve our physical and mental health, enhance our cognitive function, and increase our overall satisfaction with the spaces we inhabit and spend our lives in.

Sustainable architecture, on the other hand, is a crucial aspect of my studies, as it seeks to minimize the environmental impact of our built environments. I believe that architects have a responsibility to reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings, conserve resources, and create spaces that will stand the test of time.

My portfolio is a reflection of my values and beliefs as an emerging architect, and I hope it will inspire others to consider the integration of biophilic design and sustainable strategies in their own practice. By working together, we can create a more sustainable and harmonious world for future generations to enjoy.

Frame of Mind

Instructed by Maya Alum Spring 2021

The proposed redesign of this Philadelphia Train Station aims to celebrate the vibrant street art culture of the city and create a dynamic community space for residents to host events. The new design incorporates two key organizational systems to create a unique and functional train station.

First, the waffle structure is utilized to create a distinct, sculptural form for the station. This structural system allows for the creation of large, open spaces inside the building, while still providing adequate structural support. It also creates a visually striking facade that will serve as a landmark for the city. Second, a traditional grid system is used to organize the interior spaces

and provide a clear and efficient circulation path for passengers. This system allows for the easy navigation of the building, while still allowing for the integration of street art into the interior spaces. The use of the grid system also creates a flexible space that can be easily adapted for different events and activities.

The combination of these two organizational systems creates a train station that is both functional and visually striking. The design celebrates the street art culture of Philadelphia and encourages residents to use the space for events, further enlivening the city and creating a new destination for locals and visitors alike.

A Transportation and Artist Center Philadelphia, PA

Waffle Roof Structure

Section shows the flow of spaces, perfect for multiple cross-sectional views of the and graffiti art

Steel Grid 01

Steel Grid 02

SEPTA Transit Line

Nested Concrete Structures

(Machine) Visions of Excess

The Hoover Dam, built in the 1930s, stands as a testament to American ingenuity and engineering. However, as we look to the future and the pressing need for renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, it is time to re-imagine this iconic structure. This project proposes to utilize state-of-the-art AI technology to redesign the Hoover Dam into a green energy hub and autonomous city.

This new design of the Dam was generated using StylGAN, a cutting-edge AI technology capable of creating high-resolution images. The AI algorithms will be trained on a diverse set of

images of modern green infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and sustainable building practices. The biggest feature is an open public park for people to cool off in a hot desert climate. The dam will serve as a tourist destination, featuring observation decks, visitor centers, and educational exhibits showcasing the latest in green energy and sustainable building practices.

The re-imagined Hoover Dam will serve as a symbol of American leadership in the fight against climate change and a beacon of hope for the future of sustainable infrastructure.

Instructed by Karel Klein Fall 2022

Reimagining the Hoover Dam Clark County, NV | Partner: Alec Naktin

StylGAN AI generated images selected to be used to transform the Hoover Dam

Photograph of the final chunk model

Renderings shows the central park space that unifies all of the geometries together

Model photograph shows the texturized condition achieved through hydro-dipping practices

vertical farming into the building’s design, residents will have access to fresh, healthy produce and can reduce their carbon footprint by reducing the need for transportation and preserving resources.

Overall, this project is a visionary proposal that will help to create a more sustainable and self-sufficient future for the city of Philadelphia.

Exterior street render shows the urban housing system and aesthetic quality to the building

Farmingscape added ontop of existing Enterprise Center

Rice patty field added

Existing Enterprise Center mass

Hanging trellis geometry added

vertical trellising

aquaponics entrance

entrance entrance

entrance

egress

vertical core

green roof housing

(Above) Site plan hints the rotation is derived from a neighboring social housing structure | (Below) Sectional drawing showing aquaponics and housing modules

(Above) Site model photograph | (Below) Model of floor one of redesigned Enterprise Center

Embedded Toxcitiy

The proposed project is a semi-submerged building located in the Delaware River, designed to address the issue of waste and environmental degradation. The building serves as a recycling plant that separates toxic and non-toxic materials, making a commentary on the wasteful habits that humans exhibit today and the impact they have on the environment.

The structure of the building is a combination of a brace frame and a space frame, providing a stable and durable platform for the facility’s operations. The semi-submerged design allows for optimal use of the river’s natural flow to assist in the recycling process. It’s also a commentary gesture, as the Delaware River is the ninth most polluted river in the United States. Lastly, the building’s location

in the Delaware River also serves as a symbol of the intersection of humanity and nature, highlighting the critical importance of reducing waste and protecting the environment.

The toxic spaces are equipped with advanced ventilation systems and protective barriers to ensure the safety of both the workers and the surrounding environment. The use of rough, industrial materials such as corrugated steel and concrete serves to highlight the reality of the problem, while the subtle curves and organic forms suggest the possibility of a better future. This design serves as a reminder of the impact of human behavior on the environment and a symbol of hope for a more sustainable future.

Instructed by Simon Kim Spring 2022

Recycling Plant and Artist Studios Philadelphia, PA | Partner: Echo Ma

01. Inital “Big Box” mass

02. Sink mass into site

03. Carve the roofscape

04. Interior biosphere spaces with nested studio spaces

(Above) Transformational diagram illustrates the mass generation | (Below) Plan shows the toxic spaces vs. the non-toxic spaces on the second floor

(Above) Section drawing | (Below) Detail drawing set

Envelope floor to wall

Foundation detail Space frame to biosphere joint

Roof to wall connection

Biosphere to interior wall

Sandbox Apartments

This proposal is a multi-functional building designed to provide shelter and support to refugees in need. The design concept of the building is inspired by the traditional brick masonry techniques used in the city of Philadelphia, giving the building a sense of familiarity and belonging for the refugees.

The first floor of the building is dedicated to community space, designed to be open, bright, and welcoming. On the second floor and above,

the building features housing units for refugees. In addition to housing and community space, the building also includes play spaces for children. These play spaces provide a safe and creative environment for children to explore and play, promoting their physical and emotional wellbeing. The play spaces are designed to be interactive and imaginative, with bright colors and engaging features, providing children with a sense of wonder and excitement.

Partner: Andy Hu Spring 2023

A Refugee Center Competition Entry Philadelphia, PA

W01.

W02.

W03.

1. Common Space

2. 3 BR + 2 Bath Unit

3. Studio Unit

4. Courtyard

5. 2 BR Unit

6. Sandbox (Playspace)

Solid Red Brick Wall

Perforated Screen Red Brick Wall

Set-Back Opening Red Brick Wall

W04. Glazed Brick Wall

Legend

void out a large courtyard of public space.

considering the urban context, link mass with I-95 Park, highlighting the corner condition.

diversify facade conditions utilizing various Philadelphian brick patterns, leading to interlocking program blocks of housing units.

fill the edges of the interior with more housing units to maximize the lot space, still allowing for many offsets and vertical greenery throughout the stepping terraces.

create more balcony spaces for the street facing facades, enabling these units to access the outdoors and provide a safe and private space to relax outside.

01. Void 02. Connect 03. Diversify 04. Populate 05. Extend 06. Unify

create a vertical community with various indoor & outdoor spaces for community members to congregate and enjoy skyline and park views.

(Left) Typical housing level floor plan | (Right) Transformational Diagram

Studio Unit

2 Bedroom Unit

3 Bedroom Unit

Playspaces

this program is woven throughout the building, encouraging the younger population residing here to explore and learn.

Community Wellness Center

this semi-submerged wellness center can be refitted to accommodate temporary shelters in emergency situations.

Shared Community Spaces

the ground level includes a community cafe, gallery spaces, and organic circulation pathways.

Foundational Support

these support spaces assist the community in finding permanent housing, job placement, and solidifying immigration status.

multiple levels of toys and exploration

balcony facade condition

traditional facade condition

P.A

epic slide to explore levels

balcony and perforated facade condition

traditional and perforated facade condition

balcony, perforated, and traditional facade condition

traditional facade condition; multiple stories

2.A

2.B

2.A 2 BR Unit

2.B 2 BR Unit

3.A

Playspace

3.A 3 BR Unit

1.A Studio Unit

1.B Studio Unit

Unit Renders

Point Cloud Translations

Robotic Imaging

Philadelphia, PA

At Robotic Imaging, I have been responsible for converting the point cloud data, which is the output from laser scanning equipment, into a format that can be used by BIM software. This involves interpreting and transforming the point cloud data into a 3D model. This grid of translations includes scanning data that was remodeled into the BIM software AutoDesk Revit. All translations have a high level of accuracy and integrity to the point cloud data throughout this translation process.

In collaboration with Robotic Imaging’s team

Raw point cloud data

Overlaid BIM on point cloud

final digitized building information model

pointcloud scan

exterior photograph

Artwork

Mixed mediums

Acrylic painting of North American grey wolves