Presence of the Past is an in progress thesis investigation into traditional culture and how it could be translated into contemporary architecture, this question is explored in the context of Nigeria, specifically the Igbo peoples of the southeastern region.
Colonialism came with the destruction of many local traditions and life patterns as well as the embedded history in the minds and physical environments of the people.
Presence of the Past does not seek to "re-animate the corpse" of a by-gone architectural past, but "reincarnate the spirit" in new form to help recall past memories, establish a stronger sense community identity, and address current challenges facing the Igbo people.
ECOTONE DIALOGUES 02
An Ecotone (noun) is defined as a transitional region between two separate biomes. Ecotone Dialogues expands this concept to the boundary between the natural and man-made worlds. Its site, the Kennesaw State University Field Station, is a rural, 25-acre property nestled within a small forest along Interstate 75. It has been paved over "constructed" for an expansion to I-75, deconstructed, and reconstructed for KSU's growing field station activities over a 7 year time frame.
Architectural drawing and drawing-based models were used as a speculative tool in generating potential interventions on KSU’s ever-changing field station site to one: provide expanded research and living facilities, and two: encourage increased public engagement with the site.
This group project was created in collaboration with Sean Spencer. My contribution were: all drawings and models displayed here and significantly to the composite plan.
“THE POND”
“THE ENTRY”
“THE GALLERY”
“THE RESEARCH”
“A GREENHOUSE”
“A GREENHOUSE”
“A GREENHOUSE”
This model investigates how a gradual rolling and folding of the relatively flat field station landscape can define and differentiate unique zones.
Architectural Response - Study Model & Sketch
Architecture responding to the field station site's major axises
Idea of courtyards and landscape integration
Design Process
Ground
Start with the bare site
Enclose
Carve out circulation, "pull up" ground to create building form
Circulatory spaces are enclosed by a light ETFE structure overhead
Ecotone
Excavate
1 - Living & Working
The vertical separation between living and working space [labs]
2 - Expelling
The mundane is given an architecturally interesting experience
3 - Learning 1
Research on-site is taught to and discussed by visiting students
4 - Welcoming
The welcome center directs visitors to the underground gallery
5 - Exhibiting
The gallery showcases research done by the field station & university
6 - Gathering 4 5 6
A folly marks the end of the gallery and creates a grand gathering space
Multipurpose Lab I
Multipurpose Lab II
INTERSTICE FACTORY
Hulsey yard sits as an underutilized industrial lot which the Interstice Solar Panel Factory seeks to revitalize. It challenges the traditional factory typology by integrating the public into the complex process of photovoltaic manufacturing through the intentional layering of its distinct programs and circulation. A “social condenser” is created which generates moments of interaction and education between the public and the workers.
This relationship "demystifies" solar panel technology in the minds of the public, dispelling inaccurate narratives surrounding it and green energy as a whole. Ideally, this inspires a more honest conversation around the necessity of moving away from fossil fuels and the industries that propagate and propagandize their continued use.
This project was created in collaboration with: Eric Newman and Emmanuel Olasiyade. My contributions were: all drawings displayed here and concept development.
The Savannah and Brunswick port system are Georgia’s gateways to the world, connected to Atlanta through the CSX rail line.
Mapping the Interstice - Hulsey Yard, Atlanta Local Inspiration
Site boundary
Hulsey yard is at the intersection of three major transport lines: The CSX freight railroad, the Inman Park Marta Transit Station, and the Beltline [The famed walk/ bike trail of Atlanta]
Trains pass safely underneath
Photovoltaic Manufacture Process
Beltine MARTA rail line
Inman Park MARTA Station
CSX Freight Line Krog Street Art Tunnel
Interstice Factory
Placement
Site manufacture hall between rails for ease of transportation
Accessibility
Public program block placed outside of rail for public access
Bridge
Connect each side of the building complex
Community engagement spaces
have view of manufacturing hall
Connection
Extend Beltline trail beside the building to connect with context
Natural Response
Stagger volume to capture winds; Channel glass gives natural light
As part of the duties of graphics chair, I was tasked with designing the merchandise line for the 2023-2024 year of Kennesaw State University's AIAS chapter.
Extracurricular Work 2023 | Individual
Adobe photoshop was primarily used to ideate and finalize the shirt design. Organization
[American Institute of Architecture Students]
05 THE BACKYARD
2ND PRIZE - Barbara G. Laurie Design Competition
The Backyard is a celebration of the black culture of West Baltimore. For generations, it was a pioneer in the development of black: music, arts, and civil rights, as well as an example of a well-connected, self-sustaining community hosting: corner stores, locally owned businesses, and a tight-knit social support structure before the creation of the highway to nowhere fractured this. To recreate the success of these spaces, we focused on three core themes: resilience, recreation, and expression.
I was part of a group of 9 total students representing our NOMAS chapter, who included:
• Mayowa Odunjo
• Nicholas Grier
• Jonathan Rivers
• Joy Cherichel
• Andres Mendez
• Jesus Vielma
• Mayra Mendez
• Ethan Joel
My contributions were: concept development, the performance theater complex design, and the axonometric master plan. I also served as one of two presenters in Baltimore on both competition days. NOMA Competition
RESILIENCE
Continued survival in the face of external challenges
Community town hall nestled in the historic Ice Factory
Fought hwy to nowhere stopping its completion
Community land trust [CLT] development keeps rents low
Town Hall
CLT Housing
RECREATION
Activity done for one's own or a group's own enjoyment
Translate black cookout culture programmatically
Black recreational culture: Cookout, sports, stoop-sitting
Informal gathering space: "neighborhood's stoop"
Corner stores, recreation centers, courts, etc. provide...
EXPRESSION
The sharing/ performance of one's creative talents
Legacy of Pennsylvania Avenue a.k.a the: "Broadway of Baltimore"
Showcase the history of West Baltimore and its local arts culture
Food Hall
The Stoop
Amenities
Art Gallery
Performance
Theater Complex
Build the next generation of artists and performers
Town Hall Courtyard Commercial District
Apartment Balcony
Stoop & Performance Theater
PERSONAL ARTWORK
A small selection of my personal artworks. Pictured right is a series of urban sketches done throughout Italy during a study abroad trip in 2023. All these sketches are traditionally done in ink and graphite.
Names of drawn locations/ objects [starting from top left]:
