Nedith Ann Margaret Wikina
Architecture Graduate Portfolio [Selected Works]
A Reconsideration of the Threshold Constructing a place of entry + departure as a spatial condition.
[Previous + opposite page] Conceptual Model: Moving through a threshold of gradual change
Encounters of the threshold are a daily occurrence with the body and mind. Whether it is a physical moment of contact or psychological occurrence, the threshold is a state that must be crossed so a new state may be inhabited. It is what allows us to move forward. The motivation to cross the threshold is an innate need and movement, it is a liminal zone, a moment that is barely perceptible. This thesis is about exploring unbroken movement through the absence of the conventional doorway. It is an exploration of the threshold as an inquiry about what can
West Farms, Bronx New York Master of Architecture Graduate Thesis Professor Hassan Uddin Khan, Spring 2013
happen within the space in the middle, between the foreground and the background. It is an examination of the shared boundary lines of two contrasting spatial conditions. What are the architectural qualities of a place that gradually transitions between two contrasting environments? Dutch Artist M.C Escher’s 1967 wood cut print, “Metamorphosis III”, is the inspiration from which this thesis draws on ideas of the foreground, the middle ground and the background. This is an architectural exploitation of the in-between, extending the process of transition, creating an architectural space for habitation as well as passage to another space.
A Journey Through Environments for Calisthenics Movement [opposite page_top to bottom] Diagrammatic model of site condition An abstract spatial translation of the epic poem Conceptual sketches relating site and program
[below] An abstract depiction of the Dark Woods, the Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso
The epic poem-The divine Comedy- provides an illustration of a journey through distinct environments. Each of the three realms; the Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso, embodies a character that identifies a spatial atmosphere and contains additional spaces of varying degrees in which activities occur. An architecture composed of spaces for calisthenics workout is a narrative that takes a journey through the process of exercising. It is a sequence of taking the body through environments that contributes to the preparation, training, and relaxation of a workout. The architectural idea about the threshold as a
condition of space, is inspired by the linear narrative of moving through a series of spaces with a distinct character; stretch, warm-up, conditioning and cool down. The program lies within each threshold with architectural elements supporting the space. The study model is a translation of the character defining elements illustrated in the poem. The inferno is interpreted as a deep heavy space with an entry marked by a woodsy landscape; dense space. Purgatorio is a climb, a space of continues upwards movement; circulation. And paradise is open and airy; a space varying in lightness and translucency.
[above] Perspective of public entrance via street
[top image] A sketch of the architecture’s relationship with the site
[below] Perspective of the dance studio [below] Conceptual collage of the public entrance
This architecture is public and seeks a pedestrian accessible realm that can be spontaneously encountered along the way. It desires to be situated between nature and an urban environment, offering its presence as place of entry between the two. A location along the 23 mile long Bronx river Greenway, serves as a threshold for transition between the densely, vegetated watershed corridor and the surrounding urban environment that once was a land used for manufacturing. The river provides an encounter with the calming amenities of nature. The pedestrian and bicycle paths along the rivers and the raised subway rail channels individuals through the site providing an opportunity for the site to perform as a platform that stimulates conversations with the surrounding environment.
[top image] Diagrams of the relationship between the architecture, landscape and elevated railway
[A Threshold] Between an Urban and a Natural Landscape
| Site West Farms, Bronx New York This architecture is public and seeks a pedestrain accessible realm that can be spontaneously encountered along the way. It desires to be situated between nature and an urban environment, offering its presence as a place of entry between the two. The site is located along a 23 mile watershed corridor that is the Bronx River. This portion of the river is an under developed link between the Northern Westchester County and Southern Bronx portions. . The Greenway River plan is a comprehensive overview aiming to provide 633 acres of multi-use parkland extending the full length of the river flowing through the Westchester county + the Bronx as well as providing solutions for the urban runoff pollution. It is the only fresh water river in New York city. The presence of 19th centry manufacturing plants led to the decrease in water quality, turning the river into a natural sewer for natural waste and expansive amounts of impermeable surfaces prevents rainwater from naturally being intercepted by vegetation and infiltrating into the soil, disturbing flow patterns within the channel. The West Farms, eight-mile stretch of river is currently undergoing restoration of wildlife habitats and its water quality by the Bronx River Alliance, The Bronx River Watershed Coalition and the Bronx River Ecological Restoration progam. The selected place of exploration presents an urban block that directly abuts an extreme natural condition. The building will be situated near a major trafficked avenue, an elevated portion of the subway rail sourced in Manhattan, New York that borders two edges of the site and has close proximity to the transit stop of the railway. With the the Bronx River Art Center is located within the selected block for intervention and close locations of several education facilities for learning, there is a potential for this site to become a recreational focal point for a community plagued by high crime and slow urban renewal
| Precedents
Espai de la Lira | Ripoll Spain| RCR Arquitectos |44m Bridge, 599 m2 Square surface
Ciaxa Forum |Madrid Spain | Herzog & De Mueron |2008 | 11000 m2 | 118403 ft2
This space was constructed to be the “gateway of the public space” of the square that connects the Paseo del Maestro Guich and 1’Escorxador street. It is a square sited within a architectural complex built on the demolished theatre La Lira. A two level pedestrian and contemplation bridge spans across the river. La Lira is located at the crossing of two rivers, Ter and Freser; which water energy was used to forge steel. Steel was used to evoke memories of the historic metallurgical industry in Ripoll.The objective wwas to create a covered space for a meeting point of arrival and departure while maintaining the spirit of the theatre.
Bamboo Bridge School |Fujian China | Li Xiadong | 2009| 240 m2 | 2583 ft2
It is an adaptive reuse construction, incorporating the walls of a older power plant and the site of an old gas station, with new construction underground as well as above. It is a multi-purpose art centre with galleries, offices, auditoriuim and restarants. The materiality of the classified brick shell is remincetent of the early industrial age in Madrid. The architectural gesture of the floating mass that draws the visitors to the door. The covered public space provides shade to vistors and the location of the main entrance. It is a place between the outside and the inside.
The goal was to provide a place for children to learn, a opportunity to cross the river and a place for public gatherings. It is composed of two schoolhouses that are flexible multi-purpose spaces for the rural village. The pedestrian bridge is located underneath the school and spans the width of the river. The school is supported with two large steel spans with smaller framing as supports and local material was used help blend the architecture with the surrounding context through texture and aesthetics.
“He paused on the threshold and then entered.”
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Abstract
Encounters of the threshold transpire as a daily occurance with the body and or the mind. Whether it is a physical moment of contact or psychological occurance, the threshold is a state that must be crossed so a new state may be inhabited. It is what allows us to move foreward. The motivation to cross the threshold is an innate need and movement, its is a liminal zone, a moment that is barely perceptible.
A Reconsideration of the Threshold: Constructing points of entry as a spatial condition. This thesis about exploring unbroken movement through the absence of the conventional doorway. It is about constructing a spatial progression that is gradual. Inspired by the notion of one individual journey through distinct environments; the sequence of departing one place and arrival into another is of interest. What occurs between the place being departed from and the place the one is arriving into? Imagine the existence of a threshold that is more than just an abrupt cut through a wall that lie between to places. This inquiry about the space in the middle; between the forground and the background, examines the shared boundary lines of two contrasting environments and the architectural possibilities of the act of transitioning.
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Program
The soul for which this investigation of the threshold with manifest is in the form of an Stretching_______________________________________ architecture that supports exercise, going beyond an organized system of air condiRelaxation tioned open spaces filled with treadmills, exercise bikes, wieghts and other fitness appaGallery Lounge 1_2500 ratus. It is imagined that this is a place that embraces the active body not only in the moment of fitness but transitioning in and out of it as well. Therapy Physical + First Aid [400] Physical Therapist Office 1_100 This program is an architecture that embraces body movement and prepares the body Examination Room 1_200 for departure and arrival. It will provide spaces for calisthenic movement, a simple rhythStorage 1_100 mical exercise that does not require the support of equipment. Body strength (muscular and cardiovascular fitness) and flexibility are increased through self-weight acting as Reception Lobby 1_500 resistance. The presence of the spaces will take on the role of an external resistance on the participant, to increase fitness benefits. The collection of spaces is divided into the Total 4700 four phases of exercise which is gradual sequence that provides preparation, recreation Warm-up_______________________________________ and recovery time for the body to safely endure fitness. Preparation Stretching prepares the body to move from rest to activity. This Personal Storage Locker rooms (M +W) 1_2900 phase will provide a place to lounge, a space allowing time for the body to properly improve flexibility and reduce muscle stress. Conditioning_____________________________________ The warm-up also prepares the body to move from rest to activFitness ity, but lessons the stress placed on your heart and muscles, by gradually increasing Rhymthic Dance studio 3_1500 breathing, heart rate and body temperature.This phase will be a spatial threshold to entering the spaces for conditioning. Aquatic Canoe + Kayak dock 1_500 The conditioning produces fitness benefits. This phase will proSwimming pool 1_ 12500 vide spaces for cardiovascular fitness: Rhythmic, Aquatic ,and Sport . The cool down recovers the body , allowing for the heart rate Sport Bicycle lane 1 and blood pressure to return to near resting value. It is a slow decrease from intense activity. It is also known as the “carbohydrate window”, the period of which the body opRunning track 1_ 1,312 ft timizes its ability to replenish energy stores, depleted during the conditioning phase. Football pitch 1_5000 This phase will provide a space for : consumption of food and beverage that will refuel the body, ease muscle tension and improving blood circulation.
| Client Nike | Game Changers The “Design to Move” campaign promotes an increase in the physical activity that has slowed down immensely with the arrival and progression of the digital age. Their mission is to stimulate children before unhealthy static activity sets-in, by integrating physical activity into their everyday lives. This launched by thirty-three partners including Nike and Architecture for Humanity, believes that perpetual motion inhernent in adolescents should not be overlooked but instead harnessed.
Total 19500 Cool Down_______________________________________ Recovery Food + Beverage Snack bar 1_500 Relaxation Steam space 1_1000 Total 1500 Gross Square Area 28000
Nedith A. Wikina | Arch 641 | Graduate Thesis Research Seminar | Professor Hasan-Uddin Khan
Research Presentation Poster Zoning
[opposite page] Perspective within the Bronx River corridor Figure Ground
Public Parks
Topography
Spaces that Transition into Another
[top image] Perspective of reception space and the beginning of the unisex lounge [above] Abstract collage of plan: deconstruction of Metamorphosis [below] Process study models: Conceptual translation MC Escher’s two dimensional geometric tessellation into habitable space
[top image] First Level Plan: Unisex lounge and change space, administrative offices, and reception
[above] Conceptual section through the reception, changing stalls and outdoor terrace
The elements of M.C. Escher transformation prints depicts alternation between dissimilar possible conditions, where the foreground and background are interdependent. The resultant architectural scale is one that will be driven by the absence of abrupt transitions and continuous movement. The metamorphosis series inspired the organization of the architectural scale and the internal character of the spaces composed within a volume. The presences of thresholds lies within a sequence of spaces. Each space offers an opportunities for exercising the body and serves as a spatial threshold for the next. The collage is an abstract plan, speculating the puzzle like connectivity between the spaces. A literal translation of the drawings, extruded the basic two dimensional shapes and explored the spatial qualities of a raw extrusions. The found qualities were abstractly interpreted into conditions for habitable space.
Dialoguing Sacred Heritage Advocating Mahatma Gandhi’s mission for peace through a Museum of Tolerance
[Previous page] Conceptual Model: Moving through a threshold of gradual change [opposite] Collage of a space to exhibit intolerance
Worli Waterfront Mumbai, India Graduate Comprehensive Design Studio Professor Roberto Viola Ochoa, Fall 2011
Perspective of a gallery of intolerance
The proposal for the museum manifests from India’s heritage of achieving introspection through pilgrimage. This self imposed journey is one of the eldest ways of traveling from one destination to another, historically in search of salvation. Mumbai- a city established by foreign hands- has consistently rooted itself as a culture that is thickly woven with rich character. A variety of lineage, language, religion, massive population densities and a sharp contrast in economic status are only a few of the elements that layer, creating the complex energy that fabricates the tight knit atmosphere, present today. Gandhi’s life mission was to resonate a state of
total harmony amongst humanity. A museum of tolerance is envisioned as a journey of stillness and vulnerable consciousness posing thoughts about humanities selfinflicting recurrent confrontations and moments of harmonious coexistence. In the midst of a massively populated and economically separated diversity, the museum will provide a place that promotes mutual respect and social responsibility to achieve a state of peace.
[opposite page] Concept sketch: A landscape leading to the water
A Landscape for Self- Reflection
[top to bottom] Street Level plan of public landscape above the museum located below Perspectives of the architectural landscape Concept Sketch: A green space with access to water
Edge Conditions
Approach
Topography
The staggered linear presence of the architecture was a response to the architectural language of the existing ghats along India’s coastal edge. Four distinct volumes, increase in width moving away from the street to the water. At the center of the largest volume are step to the water cutting through the thickness mass presenting a contemplative meeting with the water. The volumes extend above street level providing areas of shade and protection against the hot, humid climate of Mumbai. The origins of the landscape through the museum begins with the axis of the street edge and extending the beginning of the Haji Ali causeway into a social platform that stretches towards the museum and staggering
towards the water. The landscape is comprised of two linear strips composed of recycled stone and ceramic tile that weaves above the museum below through the concrete volumes. All the program resides below grade, allowing the landscape to weave in between the solid forms, visually connecting with the museum below. The architectural walls are facing north-west and south-east, preventing strong southern and harsh western light from penetrating the museum, the directionality of the walls, facing north east and south will allow for soft light with in the building.
Reconnecting with the Wind and Sea
[above] Perspective of entry to the water at high and low tide.
The Museum is sited away from the Haji Ali causeway, allowing the experience of the procession towards the Mosque and the inhabitants of Mumbai moments of pause and interaction with the water. Views towards the water and the surrounding context are removed with entry into the museum and introduced through the Gandhi exhibit. The landscape above directs the inhabitants senses to the reflection of the sunlight and the activity of the museum down below. Narrow openings are made through the volumes to provide moments of the viewing the water beyond the large concrete
volumes. The physical language of the spaces maximize natural ventilation and light through the courtyard room and recessed spaces into the ground to decrease heat gain taking advantage of the earth’s thermal mass acting as insulation. The orientation of the form, allows for partial penetration of the wind to carry cool air through the building. And the internal courtyard provides opportunities for natural cross ventilation. The high humidity and relatively warm temperatures allows the program to be recessed below below grade [above high tide] to mitigate the amount of heat gain in the summer months.
A Tea Table for Yin + Yang Fabrication of a 30” x 30” wood coffee table [opposite page] Fabrication plans
1 1/2” Finishing Nail
[below_ left to right] Fabrication Details Two halves assembled as one
1/4” dowels | 2 ” OC
[left] Study model exploring a detail for interlocking [below_ left to right] A progression of study models
Inspired by the Chinese Yin-Yang symbol- the visual appeal of opposing principles in nature that are interdependent conjured an image of two tables that could be composed and used as one. Explorations using scraps of wood, investigated the idea of interlocked halves, achieving contrast through manipulation of the grain and the refinement of edge conditions. The coffee table is composed of two mirrored halves that slide together to create one piece. Material The wood planes are doubled up to achieve a 1 1/2” thickness 8 | 20”X 20” 3/4” thick, Wood Planes 2 | 20” x 6”
Bristol, Rhode Island Special Topic: Furniture Design University of Washington Visiting Professor Carl Safe, May 2012
Historic Liberty Street School Community Partnerships Center : Historic Rehabilitation proposal; Public Gallery and Bed + Breakfast Warren, Rhode Island Historic Preservation, Semester Course Professor Arnold Robinson, Fall 2012
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
SCALE: 1/16"=1'-0" NORTH
LOCUS PLAN PROPOSED
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PROPOSED SITE PLAN
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PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
The Roger Williams University (RWU) Community Partnerships Center (CPC) provides project-based assistance to non-profit organizations, government agencies and low- and moderate-income communities in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Their mission is to undertake and complete projects that will benefit the local community while providing RWU students with experience in real-world projects that deepen their academic experiences. The Liberty Street School proposal was organized around a sequence of course assignments that approximated the standard approach used by design and preservation professionals planning for the rehabilitation of a historic structure. A proposed mixed-use program, offers flexible space on the first level only occupying the original 1847
portion of the historic building, accommodating administrative office use and gallery exhibition that can hold the collections of one of the historical societies in Warren, RI. The current kitchen and office area, occupying the 1910 addition, will be used as dining and kitchen areas, servicing the bed and breakfast that operates on the second level of the building. A bed and breakfast on the second level would provide temporary living spaces and attract travelers to the historical school, which would increase public awareness of the Liberty Street School. The exterior landscape design of the site will service a handicapped ramp, parking for all occupants of the Liberty Street School, and a leisure garden space for the residences of the historical district.
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Bristol , Rhode Island Art on Campus, Installation Roger Williams University, Spring 2014
Conceptual sketch of “Contemplation in the Public Realm”