RACHEL VINCENT / PORTFOLIO OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE
Rachel Vincent 409 S. West Street Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074 918.724.7586
TABLE OF CONTENTS Woodward park library
2nd year
Family memorial 1:1 birdbath
3rd year
A biomimetic system A center for wellness Interlocking study Connect [ss] ions [i] International dance theater
4th year
Capitol hill Civic square Tower house Ponte nelle alpi bridge
5th year
Experience Sketches Gallery show
Europe study
2006
2011
WOODWARD PARK LIBRARY Public library Tulsa, Oklahoma A botanical garden and public park surrounded my mid-century residential and commercial neighborhoods
Project Site Context
A series of pavilion spaces encompassed by a canopy nestles itself into the Concept heart of Tulsa’s Woodward Park. The library is organized around a centralized area of stacks, with supporting spaces locking into the form. Reading spaces jut out from the primary circulation path and spill to the outdoors, allowing the library patrons ample opportunities to interact with the environment. A skin system of vertical wood slats envelops the design and creates an autonomous relationship with the surrounding mature woods. The skin appears to float above the forest floor, with a 2’ strip of glass that runs along the base of the structure. Interaction with the park was key to the success of the design. Moments throughout the design were developed in order to allow for one to experience the park at a worm’s eye view, eye level, through different levels of transparency, and through an interaction with the canopy above.
[ Site plan ]
[ Site model ]
[ Section model ]
[ Section model ]
Stacks
2006
2011
FAMILY MEMORIAL An open-air memorial and bridge utilized as a place of reflection and contemplation St. Louis, Missouri
Project
A private estate including a small lake and island created by the excavation of a limestone quarry
Context
Memories are embedded within us. Sights, smells, textures and sounds remind us of the precious moments experienced with our lost loved ones. As one walks through a forest of brick piers, every pier represents a moment experienced with a significant person that has impacted one’s life. At times, a pier pierces through the bridge and redirects one’s path, forcing them to reflect. At other moments, one is able to reach out and feel the brick, removing the bricks, one by one, to reveal a keeping place for a special object or memory. Upon reaching the final look-out point, after crossing the island beneath the canopy of trees, one sees a final solitary pier in the distance, reminding us of the lost loved ones that are just beyond reach.
Concept
3rd place in the Acme Brick competition
Awards
Site
Site plan
[ East elevation ]
[ Final model ]
2006
2011
1:1 BIRD BATH Design and construct a 1:1 bird bath As an introduction to basic building materials used in the construction of architecture and how such materials affect the design, the challenge was to produce a bird bath that explores a specific material and expresses the construction techniques of that particular material. In an effort to celebrate concrete as a material, a simple modular design explores the interaction of positive and negative form. Due to the materiality of the concrete, the design is broken into 4 interchangeable units separated by a 1� reveal that can be rearranged according to desire of scale. Alexander Heffesse + Bryan Wells
Project Issue
Concept
Co-persons
[ Construction process ]
[ Initial drawings ]
Top
Front
Back
Section
Birdbath display
2006
2011
A BIOMIMETIC SYSTEM Structural system The application of natural and biological structures to systems and design is known as biomimetics. In utilizing biomimetics, a design of an integrated skin and structure system is realized.
Project Issue
The nature of the butterfly wing is a complex synthesis of lightness and structure. From the macro to micro scale, elements connect and interlace to unify a strong yet delicate system and integrated fabric. The wing is manifested through a network of bends and refractions, materializing into an architecture of weightlessness.
Concept
Inspiration image
Rendering study
Process sketch
Inspiration image
Inspiration Image
Inspiration image
Study model
Rendering study
Process sketch
Inspiration image
Inspiration image
Rendering study
Top view
Rendering study
Rendering study
Elevation
Inspiration image
Rendering study
Process sketch
Rendering study
Study model
Rendering study
Exploded system
A structure of weightlessness
2006
2011
A CENTER FOR WELLNESS Wellness center Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Located immediately north of downtown OKC, midtown is comprised of a diverse number of definable subareas. The particular district of midtown in which the wellness center lies is the social center of the area. A mixture of residential, commercial, and retail intertwines throughout the neighborhood and links directly to the downtown.
Project Site Context
In order to generate an urban quality within the midtown area, proposed defined edges and interaction of spaces dominate the wellness center design. The green quality will not be lost due to the newly generated urban spark. Green gathering and wandering spaces in combination with a living wall highlight the focus of nature within the urban context. The proposal is intended to promote both wellness and pedestrian life within the fabric of the city.
Concept
Plates model
Circulation model
Massing model
Lobby
2006
2011
INTERLOCKING STUDY An exercise of 3-dimensional composition Utilized as a catalyst for a subsequent project, the interlocking study focuses on the constructive joints and interconnections of 4 volumes identified as XS, M, L, XL. The volumes had to adhere to the proportions of 1, 7, 14, 35 and exploit various means of construction.
Project Issue
In an effort to explore the constructive nature of forms, four words were chosen to develop the four schemes:
Concept
Clamp Extrude Notch Squash Gavin Knight
Co-persons
[ Clamp ] XS
[ Clamp ] M
[ Clamp ] L
[ Extrude] XS
[ Extrude ] M
[ Extrude ] L
[ Notch ] XS
[ Notch ] M
[ Notch ] L
[ Squash ] XS
[ Squash ] M
[ Squash ] L
[ Clamp ] XL
[ Clamp ] front
[ Clamp ] side
[ Extrude ] XL
[ Extrude ] front
[ Extrude ] side
[ Notch ] XL
[ Notch ] front
[ Notch ] side
[ Squash ] XL
[ Squash ] front
[ Squash ] side
[ Extra small ]
[ Medium ]
[ Large ]
[ Extra large ]
Clamp model
Clamp Extrude Notch Squash
Gallery display
2006
2011
CONNECT [SS] IONS [I] Consisting of four components - a Montessori school, a chapel, a geriatric research center, and an assisted living center - the project seeks to enhance living throughout all stages of life Bosconero, Italy
Project Site
Bosconero Canavese is small predominantly agricultural town, approximately 15 miles north of Torino. With a small population of around 3000, the town centers around Piazza Martiri della Liberta. This piazza, just a few blocks from the site, acts as the meeting place for all of the Bosconeresi and hosts weekly markets and fairs.
Context
The design is derived from the concept of interlocking. The goal was to achieve as much interconnected spaces as possible in order to promote a sense of life and purpose for the children, elderly, and researchers. The Montessori school pierces into and suspends in the lobby of the assisted living center while the geriatrics center rests on the upper level of the assisted living center and punches into the light well. As a gesture to the city, the chapel protrudes out over the street and interacts with the original cathedral of the main town piazza.
Concept
[ Planning ]
Green space
RAA low need
Administration
Light well
Geriatrica
RAF medium need
RSA high need
Capella
Site model
3rd floor terrace
Via villafranca geriatric entrance
The chapel The program element of the chapel initially takes into consideration the urban effects of the context. The mass that punctures through the defining glass street screen calls to the existing cathedral of the town. The market and plaza in which the cathedral lies is the center and heart of the town. The highlight of the street edge - via villafranca of the site is this mass, hovering above the pedestrian and partially suspending over the street. The interior of the chapel is a 3 story volume in which one enters on the second level onto a suspended plane. A pool below reflects up into the space and creates a mystical quality of the space as light floods the walls of this intimate chapel. .
Projected capella
Bosconero cathedral
2006
2011
INTERNATIONAL DANCE THEATER Completing a design for a pedestrian oriented dance theater from SD phase to CD phase Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Project
A once industrialized center of Oklahoma City, now revitalized as an entertainment district comprised predominately of urban infill projects and recycled warehouses
Context
The design of the International Dance Theater stemmed from the notion of implementing an experiential and interactive space for both the patrons and the company. A connectedness between visitor and company is expressed in both a materiality of space and translucency, as well as a volumetric quality. The interconnected aspect of the design allows for the public to interact with the production elements at various levels, ultimately creating a better understanding of the performance and potentially heightening the level of interest the theater produces.
Concept
2nd place Pella prize
Awards
Site
[ Site + SD renderings ]
[ Site plan ]
N
Theater Roof Structure Back of House HVAC Primary Roof Structure
Double Volume Lobby HVAC
3rd Level Front of House HVAC
Gallery
Street Level
Canal Level Rehearsal/ Dressing HVAC
Rehearsal Spaces
Cantilevered Bridge Structure
Bridge Trussing
[ Systems axon]
Structural + HVAC
DD plans a
b
c
d
e
f
g
[ Canal level ] Rehearsal + dressing
h
i
a
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
a
c
d
e
f
h
i
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
4
4
4
5
5
5
6
6
6
7
7
7
8
8
8
[ Street level ] Theater + lobby
[ 3rd level ] Gallery + lobby
Theater space
[ Design detail ]
marquee system + gallery shading device
2"
2"
1"
1"
2"
2" 1" 1'0"
1"
1'0"
1'0"
1'0"
Satin chrome finish concealed hinge
Satin chrome finish concealed hinge Satin chrome finish concealed hinge
1/8" clear plexiglass panel
Double Layer 3Form Chroma White Out Panel with 1/8" clear plexiglass front 8'0"
Satin chrome finish concealed hinge
2" 3Form Chroma White Out Panel
8'0"
1/8" clear plexiglass panel
Double Layer 3Form Chroma White Out Panel with 1/8" clear plexiglass front
2" 3Form Chroma White Out Panel
8'0"
8'0"
panel movement allowing for display changes panel movement allowing for display changes 4" recessed LED floor light 1/8" clear plexiglass 0-1/8" 0-1/4"
4" recessed LED floor light
1" satin chrome finish concealed hinge
2"
1/8" clear plexiglass
2" gauge 3Form Chroma White Out Panel 2" extruded aluminum rod
2"
1"
1"
2" extruded aluminum rod
2" extruded aluminum rod
2'4" 8"
1" satin chrome finish concealed hinge
2"
8"
1'0"
0-1/8" 0-1/4"
2" gauge 3Form Chroma White Out Panel 2" extruded aluminum rod
1'0"
1" ball bearing connection for pivotal rotation
4"
2'4"
1" ball bearing connection for pivotal rotation 4" recessed LED adjustable floor light
4"
2'4"
2"
1"
1"
2" extruded aluminum rod 8"
8" 1'0"
1'0"
1" ball bearing connection for pivotal rotation
4"
2'4"
East elevation
2" extruded aluminum rod
2'4"
1" ball bearing connection for pivotal rotation 4" recessed LED adjustable floor light
4"
2'4"
North elevation
Aluminum framing Tension cable cross bracing
Gallery Marquee panels
Steel truss
Entry Perforated metal railing
Double skin curtain wall Costume shop
Gallery
2006
2011
CAPITOL HILL A 4 parcel transit oriented development designed to include commercial spaces, residential, office spaces, and the arts Seattle, Washington
Project
The Capitol Hill neighborhood is known as Seattle’s center of arts and culture, boasting a strong residential population intermixed with bars , nightlife, and galleries.
Context
Developing a sense of place is more than the simple act of creating one large mass, imposing upon a neighborhood. In an effort to battle the monotony of such an overbearing development, one must create legibility, permeability, variety, and historic continuity in order to enhance and reinforce the rich urban fabric of a neighborhood. Fighting against the segregation between pedestrian and car enhances the concept of permeability and begins to redefine the streets as a public place for people rather than as a single conduit for vehicles. The mixed use development should attract different people, at different times, and for different uses. Intermingling functions reinforces the twenty-four hour eyes theory and will ultimately creates a safer community and development.
Concept
Justin Elliott + Alexander Heffesse
Site
Co-persons
[ Site + Density ] B
SW
+
C
D
A
E
-
[ Programming ]
TOTALS
INFRASTRUCTURE
URBAN SERVICES
Parking
21,032
Retail
Mech Areas
26,564
Restaurants
Water Collection
10,500
CULTURAL SPACES 18,299
Laundry
6,899
Galleries Insititution
HOUSING
COMMUNITY 6,236
8,004
987
Transition Space
5,190
[36] Affordable
Woonerf
10,500
[47]Lease
Terraces
24,177
[16] Own
SITE A
26,185
INFRASTRUCTURE
URBAN SERVICES Retail
9,685
Transition Space
2,500
Restaurants
5,115
Woonerf
10,500
Terraces
13,773
Parking
Water Collection
21,032 8,098
Retail
5,628
Grocery Store
8,348
00
1,700
[16] Affordable [32] Lease
37,590
1,872
OFFICE 9,923 21,506
Small
4,871
Medium
7,809
[8] Lease
5,501
[10] Own
32,934
12,680 Small
2,851
5,500 34,630
13,976
Mech Areas
3,500
Retail
Water Collection
2,500
Laundry
2,986
00
Gallery
6,236
987
38,435
1,872
Transition Space Terraces
1,168 9,549
[8] Affordable
3,713
[7] Lease
3,870
[6] Own 6,000 Mech Areas
7,800
31,429
25,973 Transition Space
7,809
HOUSING
9,414
14,800
7,722
Medium
108,239
PUBLIC
Water Collection
Mech Areas
C
CULTURAL SPACES
Small
37,866
39,867
Mech Areas
11,914
B
14,240
21,436 41,137
[8] Student Housing
58,096
OFFICE
5,552
3.973 Restaurant
1,784
6,236 Institution
8,004
D
1,784
8,004
4,932 12,515
10,717 Transition Space
450
[12] Affordable
Terraces
855
[10] Lease
10,260
[8] Student Housing
5,200
1305
2,851
00
7,800
23,260
00
[ Process breakdown ]
1: Basic block
2: Nagle extension
3: Permeability
6: Scale adjustment
5: Exterior activators
4: Creating nodes
7: Connecting cores
8: Community terraces
9: Environmental response
D
C
A
B
[ Study model ]
[ Site A elevation ]
[ Sustainability integration ]
As a response to the Broadway edge condition, a strong urban wall is created in order to react to the call for density within the neighborhood. Counteracting the general massiveness of such a wall, thoughtful moments of voids and permeation as well as an expression of scale through materiality are externalized. The densely packed masses respond to environmental results with solar chimneys creating natural ventilation, and heat sink reducing roof gardens.
Street edge
[ Site B elevation ]
[ Sustainability integration ]
While a light well penetrates as a core within the design, allowing for a natural flow of air across the townhouse as well as bringing a private outdoor space directly into the ground floor of the residence, an operable skylight from the second floor terrace washes the back wall with light and acts as a natural ventilation system for the kitchen.
Rowhouse interior
[ Site C elevation ]
[ Roof terraces ]
A shared courtyard between the gallery and residence building creates a space of interaction between the community and it’s artistic culture. The connection bridging the roof level of the gallery to the second floor of the residence building overlooks the courtyard. A portion of the exterior space is excavated to provide an additional outdoor sculpture garden below and presents the opportunity to naturally collect run-off water in the sub-grade cistern.
Gallery + residence courtyard
[ Site D elevation ]
[ Sustainability integration ]
Upon entering, the user experiences a vegetated screen system folding over the operable glass of the circulation spaces and atrium. The screen naturally filters the air passing through the building and communicates the importance of sustainability to the community.
Greenscreen
[ Primary exterior activator ]
[ Secondary exterior activator ]
2006
2011
CIVIC SQUARE A mixed use project with a focus on urban issues and the development of a large civic gathering space Seattle, Washington
Project
The civic district of downtown seattle adjacent to city hall, office towers, pioneer square, the international district, and the commercial core of the city
Context
With the opportunity to both challenge and apply principles of urbanism, the design of the Civic Square project in downtown Seattle allowed for one to rethink tower design within a specific environment. Programmatically, the design includes a residential component, a hotel, an office tower, and a large civic gathering space. Approached in a different manner than that of a typical urban structure, the mass of the design was purely shaped by environmental and programmatic factors that resulted in a truly site specific design. Not only was a large civic square developed at ground level, but a series of civic spaces were elevated and created throughout the design. With the elevated spaces, a focus of the design became a public ramp system that connects the ground level to the roof, gesturing to both the city and its culture to interact directly with the design.
Concept
Megan Altendorf + Justin Elliott + Alexander Heffesse + Jennifer Thomas
Site
Co-persons
Research process
GESTURE TO THE CITY AND CULTURE WITH THE CIVIC PLAZA AND THE SUSTAINABLE IMPACT
[ Site ] Area of influence
[ Study 3 ] Skin connecting structures
[ Study 6 ]
Lower cherry street edge
[ Study 1 ] Vertical planes
[ Study 4 ] Fragmented public zones
[ Study 7 ] Bioswales + ecosystem
[ Study 1 ] Vertical planes
[ Study 4 ] Fragmented public zones
[ Study 8 ] Vegetated screen
[ Study 2 ] Projected civic space
[ Study 5 ] Civic beacon
[ Study 8 ] Vegetated screen
[ Study 9 ] Enclosed urban edge
[ Study 10 ] The covered stage
[ Final model ] 1:50 scale
[ Study 9 ] Enclosed urban edge
[ Study 10 ] The covered stage
[ Final model ] 1:50 scale
[ Study 9 ] Enclosed urban edge
[ Study 11 ] “Place des seattle central highline�
[ Study 10 ] The covered stage
[ Design casualties ] Lost but not forgotten
[ Final model ] 1/16th scale
Site
[ Plaza Relationships ] optimize plaza relationship to that of City Hall
[ Urban Edge ] maintain edge for 3 sides at minimum
[ Views ] let the mayor see the Sound
[ Views ] increase views to the Puget Sound
[ Views ] maximize views to Mount Rainier for office tower and residents
[ Open Plaza ] maximize civic space flexibility with open design
[ Daylighting ] maximize daylight to the plaza
[ Daylighting ] optimize daylight distribution
[ Daylighting ] increase daylight penetration by means of narrowed floor plates
[ Green ] increase green area for water collection and management
[ Ventilation ] increase naturally filtered ventilation with green systems
[ Wind ] optimized for passive systems while protecting the plaza from the wind
Site plan + plaza design
... the ability to accommodate different scales of gatherings.
... multiple access points.
A successful civic plaza has..
... light, both during the day and at night.
... minimal obstructions that deny the natural paths of people.
... an identity that reflects the city it is in.
... a strong active edge.
Seattle wants sun
JAN
21
FEB
21
MAR 21 APR
21
MAY 21 JUN
21
JUL
21
AUG 21 SEP
21
OCT 21 NOV 21 DEC 21
175’ above plaza [equal in hieght with building to the south]
90’ above plaza [equal in hieght with building to the east]
70’ above plaza [equal in hieght with building to the east]
30’ above plaza [equal in hieght with building to the east]
plaza level [equal in level of 4th street]
avg. high avg. low
47 F 36 F
outside with coat
LEGEND indicates 1” monthly rainfall indicates > 1/3 sunlight cover in plaza
avg. high avg. low
51 F 37 F
avg. high avg. low
55 F 39 F
avg. high avg. low
outside with sweater
59 F 43 F
avg. high avg. low
65 F 48 F
avg. high avg. low
70 F 53 F
avg. high avg. low
75 F 56 F
outside without sweater or coat
avg. high avg. low
75 F 57 F
avg. high avg. low
70 F 53 F
avg. high avg. low
60 F 46 F
outside with sweater
avg. high avg. low
52 F 40 F
outside with coat
avg. high avg. low
47 F 36 F
330’
70’ 0’ 0’
18’ 18’
Maximizing daylighting to the civic spaces was of the utmost priority within the design. Naturally, people follow the sun. In understanding where light will be within the plaza throughout the day, spaces could be developed to correlate to the activities of a certain daylighting need. An intensive amount of daylighting analysis was done in order to fully maximize the amount of sun within the plaza throughout the year, while still accommodating the desired programmed spaces.
Integrated ramp + roof experience
Raised civic space
[ Stacked axon ]
[ Lecture hall ]
Open
[ Lecture hall ]
Partial
[ Lecture hall ]
Closed
The user-defined facade
Within the hotel design, we start with a 20’ unit and a free facade.
At minimum, 3 vertical operable windows per hotel unit pivot to take advantage of the south-west prevailing winds. In allowing the user to actively participate with such sustainable systems within the building, the patrons will be continually educated about the importance being environmentally conscious.
... now we apply a screen A hand crank within each unit individually controls its respective panel. The user can choose to have the panel completely closed for privacy or choose to lift the panel for maximum views and unfiltered light.
3rd street and james
2006
2011
TOWER HOUSE Design competition exploring the improvement of an existing residential tower Treviso, Italy
Project Site
A residential area approximately 0.5 miles outside the old town center
Context
The competition design proposal consists of two phases that allows for an interaction between the public and resident by creating a more urban environment while enriching the quality of the residential tower. As an effort to allow the resident to determine their own identity within the tower, the skin system is comprised of a pixilated plastic film between two layers of glass with the design derived from an algorithm that calculates the density of pixilation due to the function of the space, amount of privacy required, and solar orientation. Phase two represents an attempt to integrate the public with the private by introducing a highly expressive viewing platform perched above the existing tower giving view to the city of Treviso, Alps and Mediterranean.
Concept
Ryan Beattie + Antonio Cinotto + Karina Cisneros + Alexander Heffesse Professor Paolo Sanza + Kyle Snow
Co-persons
Parete estistente Struttura di supporto Coibentazione Vetro fotovoltaico Pannelli in vetro regolabili Ampliamento balconi Parapetto chiuso
[ Schema di facciata ]
Scrigno
Torre
Base
[ Prospetto ]
Este
[ Torre originale ]
[ Algoritmo texture ] Y = n[PA + (1-A)L] dove Y indica il numero di pixel/m2, n il numero massimo di pixel/m2 in funzione dell’orientamento della parete, P il privacy index (oscillante tra 0 ed 1; il valore 0 indica no privacy, mentre il valore 1 indica una completa privacy], A un numero binario (0 per l’assenza di finestre, 1 per la presenza di finestre], e L l’intensità di luce naturale richiesta nell’ambiente sotto evalutazione ed oscillante tra 0 ed 1 (0 per l’esclusione totale di luce naturale ed 1 per l’inclusione totale di luce naturale)
Torre
Scrigno
Copertura luminosa Ascensore e scale accesso scrigno
Base Pelle Balconi
[ Schema di intervento ]
Dossi Lucernaio
Area comunale
Area giochi Rampa di accesso
▲
▲
Zona autorimessa
Ingresso rampa Ingresso alla torre
▲
Percorsi d’acqua Area sociale
[ Schema aree terazzo ]
[ Base originale ]
Ingresso alla scrigno Zona commerciale
Base
[ Diagramma scrigno ]
Trasformazione planimetrica della torre
2 1
[ Step 1 ]
2
2
1
3
3
[ Step 2 ]
1
1
2
1 3
23 [ Step 3 ]
2
13
2
3 [ Step 4 ]
[ Diagramma scrigno ] Relazione vuoti
=
Vetro
Struttura
Pareti
Terrazzo
Primo livello
Tetto della torre
[ Diagramma scrigno ] Elementi costruttivi
Scrigno
2006
2011
EUROPE STUDY PROGRAM Summer 2008 Paris / Versailles / Normandy / Provence / London / Rome / Florence / Vienna / Prague / Zurich / Barcelona The study abroad program offered students the possibility of not only studying and analyzing architecture, but experiencing it. After exploring various cities across Europe for 10 weeks, I was able to better understand the development of architecture and the fabric within which each building lies. The analytical examination and discussion of the environments of which we experienced throughout the program ultimately led to the broadening of my knowledge and understanding of architecture within a historical context. More so than expanding my interaction with architecture, I was able to interact with other cultures and people on a deeper level. I feel understanding people and the culture from which they are from is deeply rooted in creating good architecture and is an invaluable asset to my development as a designer. Without seeing the architecture of the past and from that of other cultures, we will never know how to move forward.
When Places
Experience
Quai saint bernard du Paris
Judenplatz holocaust memorial
Mont St-Michel
l’Institut du Monde Arabe
Torre agbar
Jardin du luxemborg
Normandy american cemetary memorial
Ristorante macaroni di Roma
Piazza di santa croce
Quai saint bernard du Paris
Notre Dame de Paris
“Caravaggio” photography
The dancing house
[Ostia Antica] Italy
[Bayoux] France
[Creste] France
[Florence]
Italy
[Paris]
France
Gallery show concept
Gallery show realization