Architecture Portfolio Fall 2014
Ceara Donovan
Instructor: James Forren ARCH 1110
Cube The main idea of this project was about creating implied space. This was done by creating a 6x6x6 inch cube using a set of irregularly shaped pieces. These pieces had to be put together in a way that defined three sides of the cube and enclosed two implied spaces. Later, four extra pieces were added to the cube. These extra pieces could go beyond the 6x6x6 inch boundary and had to make another implied space.
Axonometric of the original cube
Exploded Axonometric of the pieces added to the cube
Carpenter Center Learning Space This project continued to use the idea of implied volumes, but also introduced the idea of notation and manipulating the ground plain. These ideas were applied to create a learning space outside the Carpenter Center at Harvard. The learning space includes areas for large group, small group, and indiviual study. My design is based around the idea of an underground maze. Two entrances are connected by a path that winds through each learning space. Each learning space is separated by different ground levels, walls, and opeings in the ceilings. While the main learning spaces are underground, the varying ceiling heights also allow for groups to gather outside.
A
B
Plan
Axonometric of the Carpenter Center and learning space
Diagram of the different size learning spaces
Section A
Section B
Christian Science Center Plaza Pavilion The focus of this project was to create apertures. These apertures either frame views of the surrounding plaza and two sculptures, or play with light inside the pavilion. My design was based around the location I chose. At its location, a path runs uninteruptted through the entire plaza, so my pavilion tries to focus on this line of sight. In addition, the two sculptures are also placed along this line.The pavilion is divided into three boxes, each frame a view in the plaza. Between each box is a path that cuts through letting in light.
Section Axonometric
Site Plan
Plan
Section A
Section B
Museum Stairs This project was about creating gallery spaces for two paintings, and connecting the two different floors of the museum. My design is based around a zigzag motion, so the circulation through the building winds back and forth. I also divided the space into six boxes of varying dimensions that are offset from one another to make another zigzag. The apertures on the front of the building create alleys of light and dark within the building that cut through the zigzag. The boxes that contain paintings are designed base on studies of the paintings. One is about a direct viewing, while the other is about a slow reveal.
Diagram of Painting Space vs. Circulation Space
Exploded Axonometric
Diagram of Light
B
A
Plan 3
Plan 2
Plan 1
Section A
Section B