Graduate Portfolio

Nedith Ann Margaret Wikina

Graduate Design Portfolio [Selected Work]

Contents 05 Graduate Thesis 21 Comprehensive Design Studio 31 Furniture Design 35 Historic Rehabilitation 37 Semester Abroad

“Contemplation in the Public Realm�

41 International Competition

Bristol , Rhode Island Art on Campus, Installation Roger Williams University, Spring 2014

45 Photography Work Sample

05

A Reconsideration of the Threshold Constructing a Points of Entry as Transitory Space.

West Farms, Bronx, New York [Images]

Master of Architecture Graduate Thesis Distinguished Professor Hassan Uddin Khan, December 2013

Conceptual Model: Moving through a threshold of gradual change

Encounters of the threshold transpire as a daily occurrence with the body. Whether it is a physical moment of contact or psychological occurrence, the threshold is a moment 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 inquires about an architecture that exists without conventional doorways; an open plan that allows its occupants to move freely between spaces without abrupt encounters of spatial division. 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 middle ground, the moment where the existence of the foreground and the background are dependent of the boundary of the other. A boundary line that exists as a condition of space for activity rather than a demarcation between spaces, will allow for a fluid transition between places. The proposed project is an aquatic recreation and fitness facility located long the 23mile Bronx River in West Farms, New York. It will be situated against the riverbanks and will provide a bridge across the river connecting two urban blocks. The presence of the facility will allow kayaks and canoes from the river to dock, inviting patrons to use the place as a point of entry into the river, across the river and transition from wildlife to manmade life.

[Opposite page-_top to bottom] (Trace paper, charcoal, graphite, pastel) An abstract depiction of the Dark Woods, the Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso An architectural translation of the illustration [Below] A diagrammatic model of the site condition

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 a 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.

Program Department

Program Component

Quantity

Total Net Area

Area NSFT

Total Gross Total Gross 70% 85% Efficiency Efficiency 0.85

Relaxation Stretching

Gallery Theraphy [Physical + First Aid] Reception

Warm-­‐up

Preparation Personal Storage Fitness Rhymthic Aquatic

Conditioning

Cycling Sport

Recovery Cool Down

Space 1.42 [70%] Factor 1.29[85%] Building NASF/ GSF Efficiency Ration

Food + Beverage Relaxation

Lounge Physical Therapist Office Examination Room Storage Lobby Total

1 2 3 3 1

3000 150 200 200 500

3000 300 600 600 500 5000

2100 210 420 420 350 3500

2550 127.5 170 170 425 3442.5

Lockerroom [Women] Lockerroom [Men] Total

1 1

1300 1300

1300 1300 2600

910 910 1820

1105 1105 2210

Dance Studio Canoe + Kayak Dock Swimming pool Bicycle Lane Running Track

3 750 1 500 1 1250 2 1 1,312 FT

2250 500 1250

1575 350 875

637.5 425 1062.5

1,312

918.4

1115.2

Football Pitch

1

0

0

0

0

Basketball Court Total

1

0

0 5,312

0 3,718

0 3,240

Snack Bar Steam Space

1 1

750 1000

750 1000 1750

525 700 1225

637.5 850 1487.5

12,212

14662 20,820.04

10,263

Total Total Net Total Gross [70%] Total Gross [85%]

Remarks

Multi purpose room| Flexible space

Use

A-­‐3 Assembly, unconcentr [tables and chai Business Business S-­‐1 Storage Business S-­‐1 Storage S-­‐1 Storage

A-­‐3 Assembly, unconcentr [stages, platform A-­‐3 Assembly, standin A-­‐4 Assembly, indoo A-­‐5 Assembly, outdoo A-­‐4 Assembly, indoo A-­‐5 Assembly, outdoor a spectator seatin A-­‐5 Assembly, outdoor a spectator seatin

A-­‐2 Assembly [considere because it is less than 7 A-­‐3 Assembly, standin

Table 1004.1.2, Maximum Per Occ

See 100

18,913.98

10,380

Occupancy Loads Floor Area per Occupant [ft2] Area Type (net Or gross)

rated seating irs]

rated seating ms] ng space or arena or arena or arena arena with ng arena with ng

ed business 750 sq ft] ng space

m Floor Area Allowances cupant

03.2.2.9

Area Ratio [ft2]

# of Occupants

# Means of Egress

Egress System Capacity [inches]

Minimum Minimum Clear Door Width Corridor [inches] Width [inches]

net gross gross gross gross

15 100 100 300 100

200 2 2 1 5 210

2 1 1 1 2

40.00 0.40 0.40 0.20 1.00

32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00 32.00

44.00 36.00 36.00 36.00 44.00

gross gross

50 50

23 23 46

2 2

4.60 4.60

32.00 32.00

44.00 44.00

net gross gross

15 15 50

50 29 22

2 1 2

10.00 5.80 4.40

32.00 32.00

44.00 36.00 44.00

net

7

188

2

37.60

32.00

44.00

net

7

0

2

net

7

0 289

2

100 5

7 170 177

1 2

gross net

722

Bathroom Requirments Urinals

Water Closet Male

Drinking Fountain

Lavatories

Female

Male

Female

* Classified as Business Occupancy Zone for Plumbing Fixture Calculations * Occupancy Loads given in terms of Gross area are given a re-­‐ calculated using 85% efficiency

7

9

9

3

3

3

1

1

2

1

* Classified as Business Occupancy Zone for Plumbing Fixture Calculations

2

2

2

1

* Classified as Arena Occupancy Zone for Plumbing Fixture Calculations *Occupancy Loads given in terms of Gross area are given a re calculated using 85% efficiency

44.00

1.40 34.00

32.00

44.00

32.00 32.00

36.00 44.00

3

4

8

2

* Occupancy Loads given in terms of Gross area are given a re calculated using 85% efficiency * Classified as Business Occupancy for Plumbing Fixture Calculations

6

8

8

3

3

Table 4-­‐, Minimum Plumbing Facilties http://www.americanrestroom.org/code/code_upc_table41.pdf * Occupancy loads given in terms of Gross area are given a re calculated using 85% efficiency

2

[A Threshold] Between an Urban and a Natural Landscape [Opposite page] Perspective within Bronx River corridor

Figure Ground

Topography

Zoning

Public Parks

Residential Manufacturing Commercial

Site Approach, Sun + Wind Direction

Edge Conditions

Existing Buildings

Landscape Site Plan

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 Green-way, 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 elevated 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.

Site Plan

[Opposite page] Perspective of public entrance via street [Current page_top-bottom] Southeast Elevation Northwest Elevation

[Current page] Abstract collage of plan: deconstruction of Metamorphosis [Opposite page] First Level Plan: Unisex lounge and change space, administrative offices, and reception Process study models: Conceptual translation of MC Escher’s two dimensional geometric tessellation into habitable space

Spaces that Transition into Another

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 extrudes the basic two dimensional shapes and explores the spatial qualities of a raw extrusions. The found qualities were abstractly interpreted into conditions for habitable space.

21

Dialoguing Sacred Heritage Advocating Mahatma Gandhi’s mission for peace through a Museum of Tolerance

[Opposite page] Conceptual Model: [Current page] Perspective of a public entrance

Worli Waterfront Mumbai, India Graduate Comprehensive Design Studio Professor Roberto Viola Ochoa Fall 2011 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 self-inflicting 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.

[Below] Collage of a space to exhibit intolerance [Opposite page] Perspective of a gallery of intolerance [Left_top] Site Model: Chipboard, plexi-glass, wood, acrylic paint Site plan

[Left] Conceptual Sketch: gradual steps to the water with increased mass for a gradual transition from a city of noise towards inward reflection Concept Sketch: A green space with access to water

Edge Conditions

Approach

Topography

[Opposite] Perspective of the architectural landscape

Reconnecting with the Wind and the Sea

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 re-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 maximizes 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.

[Bottom] Perspective of entry to the water at high and low tide.

[Opposite Page_ top to bottom] Perspective above the museum within the public landscape Initial collage depicting a landscape made for a journey

A Landscape for Self- Reflection

[Below] Street Level plan of public landscape above the museum located below

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 steps cutting through the thick 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 extends the beginning of the Haji Ali causeway into a social platform that stretches towards the museum and staggers

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.

31

A Tea Table for Yin + Yang Fabrication of a Wood Coffee Table

Bristol, Rhode Island Special Topic: Furniture Design University of Washington Visiting Professor Carl Safe, May 2012 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”

1 1/2” Finishing Nail

1/4” dowels | 2 ” OC

[Opposite page_ top to bottom] Fabrication plans Fabrication Details A study model exploring a detail for interlocking

[left] Two halves Assembled Initial sketches [below_ left to right] A progression of study models

35

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 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.

Sketch of the commercial stalls within the Mercato Centrale [Below]Filling in the missing eighth bay of Palazzo Rucellai with a contemporary infill: Process for constructing the additional elevation

Mercato di San Lorenzo

37

Contemporary Intervention in History Retrofitting a historic fabric for new uses and understanding the individual threads through sketching

Florence, Italy Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti Sketch of urban street proportions Palazzo Rucellai along via della Vigna Nuova

Section through, Piazza Ognissanti A open loggia across the street, along via della Vigna Nuova

Proportion and illusion compose the Palazzo Rucellai facade

Study Abroad: Advanced Design Studio Professor Carlo Achilli, Spring 2011 As part of a semester design brief aimed at generating collective ideas about contemporary architectural space within an urban setting in a historical context, the task was to locate a permanent market space within Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti as well as provide a new entrance with gallery space for the University of Florence School of Architecture and student dormitories.

The urban plan is the result of extending the existing pedestrian patterns present in the urban fabric, reusing traditional materials with a contemporary language and introducing abstract interpretations of the vernacular architectural forms

[Below] Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti

Student Housing

Movement through open urban space

Understanding pedestrian and vehicular traffic

University Entrance + Gallery Space

Open Market Space

A Network of Open Space

Immediate Historic Figures

Approach

Major streets along the Piazza

Pedestrian Parking Garage Entrance

41

Woven Dreamscape Triumph Pavilion 2014: “Dream Pavilion�

Dreaming of a place that inspires a series of thoughts, images and sensation.

Museum Gardens, London, England Competition Submission

Adding, subtracting and weaving to create the experience of being within a dream. The spatial experience within the pavilion is similar to being in a dream, where views are distorted, visitors meander in and out of the pavilion, and reflections of the environment are present.

[Opposite page] A perspective of an entrance into the pavilion [Current page] Axon perspective A perspective looking up within the pavilion

[Above_ Left to Right] A perspective walking past A perspective walking through [Left] Axon of a woven and reflective pavillion to inspire dreaming

Overall Grid

Internal Grid Combined Grids

Two pieces of 1.27 cm dia. metal, custom milled + welded together

The path is subtracted from the two grids and no posts are placed there. This allows for visitors to meander through.

The posts, or ‘needles’ are placed on a reflective surface, to further the feeling of density within the pavilion.

7.6 meters

The Eye, where the thread is placed

Area of Repose

7.6 meters

Internal Grid of Needles

Overall Grid

Plan 0

1

2

4M

Partial Section

Underneath a Closet full of Clothes

Photography Work Sample

45

Coaxing Abstraction Capturing an alternative perception using artificial light and a point of view

Spoon

Pop-up Toaster

Steel Wool Pad

Sugar and Metal Dispenser