Nicki Reckziegel Portfolio 2014 by nickireckziegel

portfolio // architecture

NICKI RECKZIEGEL

CURRICULUM VITAE

Nicki Reckziegel 216 rue Prince Arthur Est Montréal, Québec H2X 1B9 CANADA nickireckziegel@gmail.com cargocollective.com/nickireckziegel/ 1(514) 967-5150

Éducation

Maîtrise professionnelle en architecture, Recherche dirigée atelier design Université McGill, Montréal, QC, 2012-2014

Baccalauréat en sciences, architecture Université McGill, Montréal, QC, 2007-2010 Expérience professionnelle

ARCHITEM Wolff Shapiro Kuskowski architectes, Montréal, QC, 2010-2011 Stagiaire en architecture: membre de l’équipe du concours Amphithéâtre Trois-Rivières, dessins CAD, préparation d’offres de services, graphismes promotionnels, relations fournisseurs.

Sandra Donaldson paysagiste, Montréal, QC, 2010 Stagiaire en architecture: dessins CAD, dessin industriel, plans de plantation.

Rénovation résidentielle, Montréal-Ouest, QC, 2010 Consultation indépendante de design et élaboration de plans pour la rénovation d’une maison patrimoine à Montréal-Ouest.

Département d’urbanisme, Ville de Beaconsfield, QC, 2008 Stagiaire avec le service municipal d’aménagement urbain. Bénévolat et parascolaire

Enseignante bénévole de l’anglais et des ordinateurs, SCAO, Phnom Penh, Cambodge, 2013 Habitat pour l’humanité bénévole de construction, rénovation d’un refuge pour femmes, Miechowice, Polande, 2011 Ministre des Affaires extérieures de l’Association des étudiants en architecture de McGill (représentante CASA), 2009-2010 Gérante du Café d’architecture à McGill, Montréal, QC, 2008-2010 Habitat pour l’humanité bénévole de construction, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Montréal, 2008 Shad Valley, Programme d’été de science et d’entrepreneuriat, Université du Nouveau Brunswick, 2005

Prix et Médaille Henry Adams du American Institute of Architects, Université McGill, 2014 distinctions Attribué pour excellence générale à l’étudiante de premier rang dans le programme M.Arch. (Professionnelle).

Tableau d’honneur de l’Institut royal d’architecture du Canada, Université McGill, 2014 Attribué à un étudiant classé dans les 10 pour cent des meilleurs finissants de leur promotion M.Arch. (Professionnelle).

Prix ARCOP/ALCAN, Université McGill, 2014 Attribué pour un projet final présentant une sensibilité particulière aux traditions architecturales et culturelles de son emplacement.

Prix A.F. Dunlop, Université McGill, 2014 Bourse de voyage attribué pour un projet de recherche proposé.

Mention honorable pour le Prix Ping Kwan Lau en architecture, Université McGill, 2014 Attribué pour l’excellence dans la recherche, l’analyse du site et la préparation du programme pour le projet final.

Nominée pour le Canadian Architect Student Awards of Excellence, Université McGill, 2014 Attribué pour l’excellence en design architecturale.

Nominée pour la Bourse du Collège des Présidents de l’Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ), Université McGill, 2014 Attribué à un finissant en architecture au talent prometteur afin de lui permettre de réaliser un voyage d’études.

Bourse BDC, Banque de développement du Canada, 2012-2013, 2007-2008 Attribué pour le mérite académique et les activités parascolaires afin de poursuivre des études supérieurs.

Amphithéâtre de Trois-Rivières sur Saint-Laurent finaliste, Architem, 2011 Le bureau d’architectes a été sélectionné comme l’un des trois finalistes au concours international de design.

Prix Murdoch Laing pour la conception d’une maison de ville de coût moyen, Université McGill, 2009 Attribué pour la conception d’un logement urbain de coût moyen dans une compétition suivant l’achèvement du cours ARCH 304.

Irlande | Islande | Cambodge Compétences Design, graphisme, dessin technique, rendu, écriture d’articles universitaires

Logiciels — Adobe Creative Suites, Autocad, Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, VRay, 3D Studio Max, CNC, ArchiCad, Ecotect, Daysim, Radiance, Google Sketchup Français et anglais — oral et écrit

mcgill university school of architecture

BACHELOR of SCIENCE (ARCH)

2007-2010

EXTENSITIESStation Jean Moulin, Paris, France Extensities n. pl. The attribute of sensation that enables one to perceive space or size. Extensities is a tramway station in the outskirts of Paris. its atypically lightweight concrete construction is designed to envelop the user by creating different sensations at different scales of experience. From afar, the project can be understood by the atmosphere created beneath the floating surface of the porous skin. The varying degrees of porosity generate an environment in which the play of light and shade as well as the microclimate establish a transient tone for those circulating beneath the surface. in contrast, the experience of waiting on the tram platform revolves around the structure as a whole. An extended period of time standing beneath the surface further develops the interest generated by the atmosphere and draws the userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention to the curves of the surface. From here it is discernible that the seemingly continuous surface is in fact composed of a unique tessellated texture. in the case of Extensities as a destination or meeting point, the tessellations form a landscape accessible to users. At this close range, the intricate details and layers of the concrete tiles forming the surface become apparent. Consequently, Extensities has uncovered an elusive balance between atmosphere and building by allowing people to interpret and experience subjectively at different levels. The project concedes that atmosphere, as it exists within the city as a whole, cannot be regulated, so it endeavors only to guide it in innovative and engaging directions.

ACSA International Student Design Competition: Concrete Thinking for a Sustainable World | partner Eileen Shen | Winter 2009 ARCH 304 Design and Construction 2 | instructor Aaron Sprecher

interior perspective of tram station 7

LIGHT INCISION HOUSEPlateau Mont-Royal, Montreal, Qc Awarded Murdoch Laing Housing Competition Prize 2009

saint-andrĂŠ elevation

physical model

The correlation between solid and void is one of the defining characteristics of the Plateau Mont-Royal. Many residences lay claim to either a backyard garden, a rooftop terrace or a balcony overlooking the street. This project illustrates the culmination of these different ideas by creating a home that is more void than solid, all the while providing ample living space for two units. The intention of the two offset shafts that compose the building is to allow as much light as possible into all three storeys . Thus, a series of skylight strips were developed on the terrace in accordance with sun studies to allow daylight into the ground floor. These skylights were then reflected onto the wall facing the terrace to provide light to the upper storeys. The final product is a home that defeats some of the major issues of urban living by opening up an often cramped housing typology to sunlight, while providing abundant living space in open plan and adaptable spaces.

Murdoch Laing Housing Competition | Fall 2009 ARCH 405 Design and Construction 3 | instructors Martin Bressani Sinisha Brdar Howard Davies Carlos Rueda

interior render

BIBLIOTHĂ&#x2C6;QUE MARC FAVREAURosemont Petite-Patrie, Montreal, Qc

BE RT

SE MO RO

IN T

-D EN

SITE

RPL BIBLIOTHEQUE MARC FAVREAU

SA IN THU

As an institution and typology, the library seems to be at a threshold moment. Library content is increasingly shifting into a variety of digital, virtual, non-spatially bound forms. Architecture may become the cohesive element in the convergence of diverse medias, and a link between physical and virtual reality. As the content becomes remotely and individually accessible, the library becomes less about storing information and more about celebrating a rare truly public space in the city. This project seeks to merge cultural infrastructure with public transport infrastructure to activate the site daily with a flow of diverse commuters. The winding form creates a contained park space that is fully accessible to the public, re-energizing the neighbourhood and encouraging all demographics to enjoy the library.

BOULEVARD ROSEMONT

Rosemont Public Library: Bibliothèque Marc Favreau | Fall 2009 ARCH 405 Design and Construction 3 | instructor Sinisha Brdar A

1 circulation desk 2 technical service room 3 offices 4 concierge room 5 staff lounge and lockers 6 cloak room 7 ladies washroom 8 mens washroom 9 children’s stacks 10 activity room 11 adolescent’s stacks 12 adolescent group room 13 multi-purpose room/ computer terminals 14 adult’s stacks 15 adult group rooms 16 exhibition space 17 mechanical and electrical room

14 16

12 MAIN ENTRANCE

M ET

1 B

4 3

5 9

8 17

plan

20m

BIBLIOTHÈQUE MARC FAVREAURosemont Petite-Patrie, Montreal, Qc The integrated furnishings transform the library into an inviting and usable space. The inner perimeter of the building is fully glazed and allows for groups or individuals to sit, read, work and play within the continuous undulating plane forming benches and tables along the entire path of circulation. The outer perimeter is encased in channel glass and intended for quiet, private study, the stacks providing a protective buffer from the remainder of the library.

section A - A detail through adult’s stacks

section B - B through children’s stacks 12

Rosemont Public Library: Bibliothèque Marc Favreau | Fall 2009 ARCH 405 Design and Construction 3 | instructor Sinisha Brdar

interior perspective of the children’s ramp section

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY CENTERAbuja, Nigeria 1 ceremonial drop off 2 public plaza 3 culture and art gallery 4 library/cyber cafe 5 theater 6 theater support 7 administrative offices 8 meeting rooms 9 kitchen 10 rest rooms 11 multi-purpose room 12 lecture hall 13 projection booth 14 back of house services 15 outdoor amphitheater 16 parking

plan 14

Lyceum Fellowship Competition: International Community Center for Abuja, Nigeria | Winter 2010 ARCH 406 Design and Construction 4 | instructor Howard Davies

Within complex socioeconomic and political parameters, the Nigerian Federal Government has deemed it important to create the international Community Center in Abuja. The projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objective is to celebrate Nigerian culture, serve as a gathering place for local residents and visitors, and foster a sense of civic pride and nationalism. it must also be a world-class modern and sustainable building that embodies Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fierce aspiration to take its place on the global stage. The form is concurrently provocative and subtle, simulating not an international brand but a local one, an extension of the landscape on which it sits. it applies a basic and open structural system to construct an extensive roof, sheltering the distributed program elements as well as a large public gathering space. The individual buildings under the roof open on to a central plaza, providing the opportunity in some cases to become larger combined spaces adaptable for many uses. The shape of the roof is a direct response to the Abuja climate, generating specific conditions by blocking direct sunlight in the hot season and allowing cooling winds to flow through. The sequential rise and fall of the roof is intended to draw visitors through the space. The project remains compact in its use of the site, prescribing that the surrounding area be further developed in the hopes of generating a more dense urban fabric in the future.

hexpo 67Place des Nations, Ile Ste-Hélène, Montreal, Qc

site plan

section

20m

1000m

Event Infrastructure: A Roof Over Place des Nations | partners Katherine Messina Don Toromanoff | Winter 2010 ARCH 406 Design and Construction 4 | instructor Howard Davies

More than opening up Québec to the World, and more than opening up the World to the Québecois, Expo ‘67 was a celebration of the ethos of Montreal. The Fair propelled the city onto the world scene in such a way that its distinctiveness and individuality became all the more apparent. The historical importance of Place des Nations within the framework of Jean Drapeau’s agenda for Expo and the Ville de Montréal necessitates a concurrent acknowledgement of past and present. Thus, the project aims not only to be a corporealization of the zeitgeist of Expo, but also of the palpable caratère which continues to define Montreal. With a geometry and color palette firmly rooted in the architecture of the ‘67 World Fair, the structure’s subversion of the ubiquitous hexagon and atypical superposition of structure pay homage to the tone that permeates the metropole - a spiritedness which continually reimagines the commonplace. The eccentric-hexagonal roof structure becomes a manifestation of the eclecticism and singular mannerism that have become illustrative of the holistic experience of the Ville de Montréal. The driving intentionality attempts to derive - from a formal gesture that, although unusual, remains accessible - an engaged experience entrenched in dynamism and subtlety.

hexpo 67 was a three-part, evenly distributed collaboration between myself, Katherine Messina and Don

Toromanoff. i contributed to all aspects of the research, design and production over the seven week period.

perspective roof detail

architem wolff shapiro kuskowski architectes

WORK EXPERIENCE

2010-2011

AMPHITHÉÂTRE DE TROIS-RIVIÈRESSUR SAINT-LAURENT phase 1 Trois-Rivières, Québec Modulation Orchestrée by ARCHITEM is a competition entry inspired by the history of Trois-Rivières in Quebec, Canada. The project enhances the natural landscape and creates an iconic architectural presence that focuses on the connection to the river. Sitting atop the new town square, the building is a portal from the city to the river, inviting the public to enter and discover the river parkland, simultaneously announcing the cultural activities within. Viewed from the river, the building is a distinctive icon on the shore. The square, geometrically formal on the city side, deconstructs as a landscaped roof for the amphitheatre on the river side. This roof is articulated to create landscaped platforms. An origami play of folded planes that allow natural light to penetrate to the seating below generate accessible platforms for a variety of activities. The 3-dimensional façade, with the multilayered perforated metal cylinders, is superimposed to create an undulation that recalls the rolling motion of the waves. During the day, the building provides a vibrating rhythm on its double skin, a kinetically created illusion that changes as we move along its surface. At night, it glows as a floating wave that transforms itself into a colourfully lit beacon, a magnet to the cultural arena.

Modulation Orchestrée | ARCHITEM Wolff Shapiro Kuskowski architectes | 2010 Amphithéâtre de Trois-Rivières sur Saint-Laurent Competition | phase 1

AMPHITHÉÂTRE DE TROIS-RIVIÈRESSUR SAINT-LAURENT phase 2 Trois-Rivières, Québec

Modulation Orchestrée | ARCHITEM Wolff Shapiro Kuskowski architectes | 2011 Amphithéâtre de Trois-Rivières sur Saint-Laurent Competition | phase 2

AMPHITHÉÂTRE DE TROIS-RIVIÈRESSUR SAINT-LAURENT phase 2 Trois-Rivières, Québec

Modulation Orchestrée | ARCHITEM Wolff Shapiro Kuskowski architectes | 2011 Amphithéâtre de Trois-Rivières sur Saint-Laurent Competition | phase 2

mcgill university school of architecture

MASTER of ARCHITECTURE

2012-2014

REPRESENTATIONAL FRAGMENTATIONMacdonald-Harrington Building, Montreal, Qc

Material Play Mock-Up | group Josiane CrampĂŠ Vincent DĂŠsy Ji Won Jun Xavier Proulx Ivy Wong Lyndsay Townsend | Fall 2012 ARCH 672 Architectural Design 1 | instructors Manon Asselin Sinisha Brdar Katsushiro Yamazaki

The project is a constant play of transitions, between the seen and unseen, darkness and illumination, transparency and opacity, private and public. It identifies comfort as a general sense of well-being, a comfortable space, here, being one for introspection, reflection and self-healing. There is comfort in the feeling of calmness and serenity that exists in the glow of the first moments of wakefulness. Spatially, comfort subsists in the private enclosure and the ability to perceive, through the materiality, the indistinct presence of others beyond; to be alone without being alone. Thus, the project creates a personal sense of place that fosters self-contentment as well as an intimate connection to others. This is achieved through a language of hierarchies, wherein the same unit that generates the plan also divides the spaces. This language links the spatial model in a continuous ensuite assembly separated by clustered units whose faceted geometry allows the play of materiality to achieve a variation of effects that enhances the overall feeling of the space.

PUBLIC

SEMI-PRIVATE

PRIVATE

REPRESENTATIONAL FRAGMENTATIONMacdonald-Harrington Building, Montreal, Qc

Material Play Mock-Up | group Josiane Crampé Vincent Désy Ji Won Jun Xavier Proulx Ivy Wong Lyndsay Townsend | Fall 2012 ARCH 672 Architectural Design 1 | instructors Manon Asselin Sinisha Brdar Katsushiro Yamazaki

hyperCUBEPlace des Arts, Montreal , Qc

Material Play Event Box | partner Ji Won Jun | Fall 2012 ARCH 672 Architectural Design 1 | instructors Manon Asselin Sinisha Brdar Katsushiro Yamazaki

The origins of architecture in traditional cultures are closely tied to ritual, wherein architecture is defined not by style or materiality, but by its ability to frame ritual events and performances. Accordingly, design should reveal a space of “participatory performance” for ritualistic and spontaneous events and the coming together of language and culture.1 In this sense, space is characterized by events, thus, where events are defined as time, space is characterized by time. This link between architecture and the “fourth-dimension” of time opens a dialogue about the programming and organization of space relative to the events, planned and unplanned, that occur within it. hyperCUBE further expresses the concept of the fourth-dimension by drawing its formal and programmatic inspiration from the qualities of the “fourthdimensional” hypercube. Just as a cube is an extrusion of a plane, a hypercube is an extrusion of a cube, composed of coinciding cells that share space within the volume. Thus, the program elements can also share space with the building volume. hyperCUBE is different from every angle, each façade playing its part in filtering light and views to its adjacent spaces. hyperCUBE generates a cornerstone for Quartier des Spectacles, creating an engaging icon that completes the visual axes of both Place des Festivals and Promenade des Artistes. The open and fluid programming of the main spaces allows for a multitude of everyday/spontaneous events as well providing support for larger planned events; the space itself, a malleable shell for the city to participate in. 1

Alberto Pérez-Gómez

hyperCUBEPlace des Arts, Montreal , Qc

Hypercube | Cell Division | Sharing of Space

4D Hypercube | Orthographic Projection

VISUAL AXIS FROM PLACE DES FESTVALS

VISUAL AXIS FROM PROMENADE DES ARTISTES

Plan

MAIN MULTIPURPOSE SPACE Axonometric

Intersection of two main volumes form the main space

Structural Systems PUBLICITY

TRANSPARENCY

Glass

Fritted Glass

Structural Structural Systems Systems

Main Volumes | Tension Cable System

4D Hypercube | On-site form development

PRIVACY

OPACITY

SU N

Expanded Metal Mesh

Main Volumes Main Volumes | Tension | Tension Cable Cable System System VIEW

Elevation

Transitional Transitional Surfaces Surfaces | Diagrid | Diagrid System System

Section

MATERiALiTY: VARiEGATED TRANSPARENCY

STRUCTURAL AND SKiN SYSTEMS

Columns Columns and Floor and Plate Floor System Plate System

Material Play Event Box | partner Ji Won Jun | Fall 2012 ARCH 672 Architectural Design 1 | instructors Manon Asselin Sinisha Brdar Katsushiro Yamazaki

TENSIONSMacdonald-Harrington Building, Montreal , Qc

Digitally Fabricated Sunscreen | group Éloïse Choquette Émélie DT Eve Lachapelle Brittany Marshall Veronica Soncini Christina Vendittelli | Fall 2012 ARCH 678 Advanced Construction | instructor Maria Mingallon

SEPTEMBER 21 existing

The ground floor architecture studio of the Macdonald Harrington building of McGill University presents several major functional issues due to the orientation of the windows relative to the sun. The changing of the suns angle throughout the year leads to varying issues from glare during the winter months to heat gain during the summer. A sunscreen was designed to respond to these issues, thereby increasing the comfort of the students working in the space and improving the general ambiance of the studio.

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with prototype

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The passive and natural solution of tree foliage surrounding the building as well as the temporary solution of trace paper that the students hang in the windows acted as inspirations for the project. Both allow a soft filtering and diffusion of light to enter the room while eliminating glare. A lightweight and delicate cable net and tensile structure was utilized, its irregular grid responding to sun conditions. Translucent textile panels were then stretched within the cable net, appearing to float in the lightweight structure, filtering and diffusing the sunlight.

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DECEMBER 21 existing N

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300 583

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867

Illuminance, lux

with prototype

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1150

1433

1717

2000

TENSIONSMacdonald-Harrington Building, Montreal , Qc

FABRiC PANELS

GRiD CELLS CROSS CABLES

start

GRiD VERTiCES

end

ROD ENDPOiNTS

BASE GRiD 0

RODS

ORiENTATiON

{0,0} True False True False

{0,1} True False True True

{0,2} True True True False

{0,3} True True True True

ARRAY OF FABRiC PANELS

{0,0} True False True False

ATLAS OF THE CRITICAL MOMENTGeneva, Switzerland

Preliminary Research on Geneva, Switzerland | studio group | Winter 2013 ARCH 673 Architectural Design 2 | instructor Talia Dorsey

ECOLOGICAL WATER TREATMENT CENTERGeneva, Switzerland The city of Geneva is largely defined by its adjacency to Lac Leman. However, despite the lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s centrality and proximity, the citizens have little interaction with its waters. This project endeavors to fit within the Archipelago Masterplan whose aim it is to introduce an infrastructural system that will reorganize the relationship between the urban and natural systems in Geneva, particularly by contributing new potentials to the city in terms of the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use and quality. Thus was initiated the program of a water treatment center to address the larger intentions of the Masterplan of rehabilitating the quality of the water in the city. Given the expansiveness of the intervention of the Masterplan, it was vital that the project embody the ethos of the future Geneva. in that context, the introduction of a standard chemical water treatment facility, particularly in the center of the lake, seemed counter-intuitive. A much more interesting strategy was to establish an ecological water treatment system that would echo the natural processes of the lake itself.

Comprehensive Design Studio | Winter 2013 ARCH 673 Architectural Design 2 | instructor Talia Dorsey

The circulation of the public through the site follows the water flows, culminating at the cistern where they become keenly aware of the accumulation of treated water. As the water fills the cistern, it removes occupiable space and the public inhabit an â&#x20AC;&#x153;underwaterâ&#x20AC;? environment in which they are surrounded by water and sunlight filters in from above.

ECOLOGICAL WATER TREATMENT CENTERGeneva, Switzerland Furthermore, it was a crucial factor of the project to ensure that its impact expanded further than the islands themselves, rather introducing a system that could have implications beyond. To this end, the treatment facilities are complemented by research facilities that work to constantly evolve and test the system, fostering innovation that could potentially be deployed as part of a system for Geneva as a whole. Finally, as another tactic to expand the impact of the project, it became important to create an infrastructural system that functioned further as a public event and public space. Thus, taking advantage on the natural landscaping provided by such an ecological treatment facility, the public was introduced to the site to use it both as a public park and an educational space. The site would engage the public in the process allowing them to develop an awareness and understanding of the processes and the value of the innovations in water systems. In brief, this water treatment facility acts as a generator for the future providing both as ecological and engineered system for water treatment, research facilities for further development, and finally introducing infrastructure as a public event, engaging the public in the processes.

Comprehensive Design Studio | Winter 2013 ARCH 673 Architectural Design 2 | instructor Talia Dorsey

RETRACING A PLACE OF MEMORYLiberating an architecture of remembrance for Cambodia Emerging from a period when memory itself was a crime, Cambodia has suffered a discontinuity of collective memory. Cambodia has a rich cultural and spiritual history in which memory ebbs and flows cyclically. However, the four-year rule of the Khmer Rouge set out to create an agrarian utopia and obliterate the past, criminalizing memory and rupturing social and cosmic order across the country for years thereafter. In the past decade, religion and ritual have slowly reemerged and Cambodians are reclaiming traditional means of remembering and healing. This remembering has the potential to exist beyond the metaphysical and be expressed in architecture, wherein architecture is a transcendent record of human experience. Bearing that considerations of memory are not universal but are constructions of culture, belief, time, and place, it follows that the architecture of memory will fluctuate in kind. Tuol Sleng, once a modernist High School in Phnom Penh, was usurped as the central prison and interrogation centre during the Khmer Rouge, before its adaptation as a politically curated ‘authentic’ museum. This design project reimagines the existing Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes, with its prescriptive and fragmented memory, to engage Cambodia’s own notions of memory. The design recovers suppressed social memories, banned rituals, and subverted practices while re-establishing the socio-cultural institutions through which memory is transmitted. A juxtaposition of the recognizable historical traces of the site with mnemonic programs evokes new interpretations of both elements individually and collectively. This thesis considers Tuol Sleng within the context of Cambodia’s past and present, using design as a tool to reveal a place of memory that both reflects and confronts Khmer life, and create a framework for the ‘bursting forth’ of memory within everyday life. The result is an architecture that does not dwell on or stand as evidence of past traumas; rather, it liberates a more meaningful consideration of memory activated by human experience.

Directed Studio Research | Design Thesis | 2013-2014 ARCH 682 Directed Research Project 1-2 | Advisors Alberto Pérez-Gómez Ipek Türeli

The Sower was born in Kampong Cham Province. In the countryside he and his family were rice farmers. He is one of the newly urban peasantry that has recently migrated to Phnom Penh in search of higher wages. The Sower straightens his back, aching from the hunched posture necessary for uprooting the delicate green shoots he will soon transplant from the seedbed to the prepared rice field. Arching his back and using the back of his wrist to wipe the sweat from his brow, he considers the building before him. From the outside, all was as it once was, except for the openings. What was once an amalgam of wooden shutters, steel bars, and barbed wire has been replaced by horizontal stretches of spindly bamboo. The slender rods, like the scaffolding in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s constructions and demolitions, are both delicate and stabling.

Directed Studio Research | Design Thesis | 2013-2014 ARCH 682 Directed Research Project 1-2 | Advisors Alberto Pérez-Gómez Ipek Türeli

The melodic cacophony fades away as the Prayer withdraws from the city. From within, the void is immersive, only faint echoes of life permeate, a slight breeze, muffled voices, diffused sunlight, the drip drop of rain from a recent storm.

Directed Studio Research | Design Thesis | 2013-2014 ARCH 682 Directed Research Project 1-2 | Advisors Alberto Pérez-Gómez Ipek Türeli

The man descends the wide staircase and is submerged below ground where he tastes the damp and earthy air on his tongue, his nose recognizing a deep, sweet scent, reminiscent of the temples he has visited. As his vision adjusts to the sudden darkness, the first thing he notices is the burning circle of sunlight illuminating a patch of greenery below it. The man walks towards it, drawn by its foreignness, trailing his fingers along the cool smooth concrete wall as he advances. His hand encounters a small recess in the surface. He glances to his right at the anomaly he felt and observes that the walls are lined with these shallow cavities, some dark and empty, others dimly lit by slowburning sticks of incense stemming from mounds of sand, small spirit houses, ktom neak ta, bearing offerings to the ancestors and land spirits, tended by visitors. He continues past these toward his original interest. From closer, the greenery he had noticed was in fact rice, like above, its hip-high stalks bowing with the weight of ripe straw-coloured grain. The field rises out of a hole in the concrete floor, shaped â&#x20AC;&#x201C; like the opening which lights it from above â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as a perfect circle. The man approaches the extremity of this ring and looks up toward the light and at the sky, the rain clouds closing in, framed by a halo of swaying stalks.

Directed Studio Research | Design Thesis | 2013-2014 ARCH 682 Directed Research Project 1-2 | Advisors Alberto Pérez-Gómez Ipek Türeli

Nicki Reckziegel 216 rue Prince Arthur Est H2X 1B9 CANADA nickireckziegel@gmail.com cargocollective.com/nickireckziegel/ 1(514) 967-5150