Rebecca Arthur
Portfolio
Contents Models: Cardboard Chair, Carved Journey Space, Frogs Hollow Stairs and Model Bass Studio Meeting Space Cafe Eve’s Arie CCP Dorms Solar Noon Tracker Soul Making Chamber
Cardboard Chair Design Studio 1
One of the first projects assigned to a first semester architect is the task of creating a chair made entirely out of cardboard. No glue, staples, string, pins, or other forms of joinery. To make this task even more challenging we were only allowed to use two pieces of corrugated cardboard sized 24 x 36� to create this stable chair that could hold the weight of anyone. I decided that a boxed method of support would be best as well as adding a slightly sloped back to not only provide comfort to the person seated, but to help stabilize the chair if the person wanted to lean back. Considering that lots of people are larger than I am I also decided to make the seat of the chair flare out to help provide greater comfort to the seated.
Carved Journey Space Design Studio 1
This model was created with the idea of carving a park space out of a chunk of land between a highway and beach. I decided to keep the edge of the space mostly solid with passages and stairs carved within and balconies which give a view of the ocean.You can also travel to the full height of the cliffs to walk around the central carved out garden space. I provided access to the beach via a series of curved steps leading from the park to the sand. During high tide these could be underwater sometimes which gives the park the ability to be right up to the ocean’s edge.
Frogs Hollow Models Presentation Techniques
This is another sample of my modeling skills. The first model is of the stairs that are distinctive to Frogs Hollow. I used multiple pieces of wood glued together to create the stair. I then carved and sanded these pieces to create the curve that makes these stairs so unique.
Frogs Hollow Cont. This model is of the full building of Frogs Hollow that we were also tasked with creating.
Saul Bass Studio Office Space Design Studio 2
This project was to create a rooftop studio addition to an architecturally distinctive rowhouse on Delancey Place in Center City, Philadelphia. The existing building is 24 feet wide and approximately 50 feet deep. Our addition could take up the entire roof area or allow room for outdoor space. In this project we explored the making of space, enclosure, roof form and the relationship between the building and the sky. The program required one large work area, a small library with a reading alcove, a display area, a screen for projecting images, and a galley style kitchen that could be closed away when not in use. The inspiration for my design was artist Saul Bass because I love his amazing artwork and designs for logos. Considering he is an artist, I felt that he would appreciate having lots of natural light to work by and to show his work to clients. The stairwell doubles as the display area to showcase his work. There is a small balcony to bring in fresh air. There are also 2 seating areas, one that is recessed into the floor and one that has a fireplace for intimate conversations or relaxing. Between the seating areas there is a galley kitchen for refreshments and a recessed area for a desk/workspace with a skylight directly above to give direct light during the day.
Section
Library
Fireplace Seating
Stair Gallery
Conference Area Balcony
Gathering and Video Area Galley Kitchen
Plan
Blue Light Cafe Color and Lighting
Using the provided empty space we were tasked with designing the floor plan and reflected ceiling plan of a coffee shop. The existing space is 30 feet wide and 20 feet deep. Distance from the floor to underside of structure is 15 feet. The program called for us to include a barista area, merchandise display, a condiment counter, a small seating area, a storage area, a unisex HC bathroom and a second means of egress. This project also focused heavily on color and lighting so we were also required to provide at least three different types of lighting fixtures (pendant, recessed. etc.) and a finish schedule. I chose to go with a blue complimentary scheme with an added bit of pop with purple. I wanted my cafe to have a mixture of a modern and industrial feel. Therefore I chose light fixtures that emulated both factory themes as well as rawness. To keep a clean look I chose to use slate for my floors and a cool marble for the counters. All of the materials would be reclaimed to enforce a worn air.
Lighting for Cafe
Storage Room Book Swap and Art Display
Barista Area
Seating Area
Bathroom
Condiment Area
Cafe Plan
Cafe Section
Cafe Reflected Ceiling Plan
Eve’s Aerie
Models Exploring Space and Figures
Design Studio 3
This project pertained to the design of a living space for a college student named Eve. It is to be situated on the roof of her parents’ rowhouse in Philadelphia. The maximum perimeter of the space was 10’ wide x 10’ long and 16’ high. It is reached by stairs that emerge from the front of the rowhouse, but the room is not directly connected to these stairs. The rowhouse is located at 1812 Callowhill St, on the south side of the 1800 block of Callowhill St. Specific parameters included allowing the ability to sleep, lounge with 2 guests and the ability to engage in activities a college student might be involved in. There was no need for a bathroom or a kitchen space since this is to be an addition. We were tasked to begin with several studies of restricted forms which gradually progressed to the final project you see. I elected to have the way of traveling floors to be by using a ladder situated in the middle of the building. I chose to make the exterior almost entirely of glass sliding doors in order to allow lots of light as well as a view of the city. The first floor includes a built in seat along one corner for entertaining as well as a small furnace to give some heat during the winter. The second floor is a balcony type space with a desk that extends to over the third floor and acts as a desk space. The third floor area is made to be a lounge space for Eve to lie down and nap or watch movies.
First Model and Sketches of Structure
Second Model and Sketches
Final Model and Drawings
Section
Front Elevation
First Floor
Second Floor
Third Floor
Roof Plan
CCP Dormitory Building Design Studio 3
My studio 3 final project was to design the interior of a proposed dormitory for the Community College of Philadelphia. We were required to make sure that each individual room had a window and each suit of rooms to have a full kitchen, a shared full bathroom and living area. The first floor was required to contain a vestibule that led to a common area of classrooms and teachers apartment as well as the dorm resident area. The dorm resident area was required to have elevators and stair access, a large common room for the building, a study/ computer room, a laundry room, a wheelchair accessible bathroom and an entrance to an outdoor BBQ area. My design intention was to create a building with open areas with free flow on the upper floors and a sense security on the first floor. For the upper floors I wanted there to be open areas for easy access to dorm rooms so I widened the corridor around the common rooms in order to funnel people to 1 of 3 ways: into the common room, up to the 3rd floor or continuing down the hallway. For the first floor I wanted to keep the entrance where the most traffic was in order to keep from people from walking where they shouldn’t. I also separated the classroom area from the main area for the residents at the front desk to control security better for the building due to the times and what has been going on with the security of buildings.
First Floor Plan
Second and Third Floor Plan
First Floor Plan 1/16 " = 1'
Second/Third Floor Plan
1/16 " = 1'
Section
Suite Example Plan
Furniture and Materials In the first floor common room I decided to do a color scheme based off of the colors of the school, yellow and black.The furniture I used is comfortable but I also wanted it to be somewhat modular so that when there are parties pieces can be moved to create larger seating areas. For lighting I wanted there to be recessed lighting in the ceiling and track lighting above the pool table area which could be turned into a different kind of area. In the common area in the suites I decided to use a beach inspired color scheme. I felt the colors were soothing and also neutral which would be good for alternating or combining genders in the suites.The main common area on each floor however would be like the first floor common area but with a wall couch in order to allow the space to be cleared, and yet still provide seating.
Suite Materials, Furniture and Color Scheme
First Floor Common Room
First Floor Common Room Plan and Materials