Architecture Portfolio by Rebecca Falk

Rebecca Falk Architecture + Design Portfolio

I am a graduate student at the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Design, pursuing a Master of Architecture degree. I grew up in a small town in northeast Kansas called Onaga. I have always had a passion to get into the world and make a change for the better, no matter whether on a large or small scale. I grew up in a competitive family and learned to do my best at every goal I pursued. With natural talent in math and creative arts and a hunger for critical thinking, I chose architecture as my life path. My goal is to combine all of my skills and work ethic to improve the lives of others in the most passionate way. The following are my selected academic and personal works. Thank you for your time.

REBECCA FALK EDUCATION

beccafalk4@gmail.com 785.844.0666 issuu.com/rebeccafalk

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS, MAY 2020

- 5th year M.Arch candidate

- KU Honors Program Member

- 3.66 Undergraduate GPA

GENSLER/GASTINGERWALKER& KU CO-OP

- Competitive Work/Research Program

- Collaborated with 7 other KU students across the country

- Researched the implications of the sharing economy on architecture

ONAGA HIGH SCHOOL, MAY 2014

SKILLS

- Class of 2014 Valedictorian

- University of Kansas Honor Scholar

WORK ETHIC

- Dedicated and eager to learn

- Detail oriented and organized

- Confident public speaker

SOFTWARE

EXPERIENCE

- Revit

- Photoshop

- Bluebeam Revu

- Indesign

- Sketchup

- Sketchup Layout

- Illustrator

- AutoCad

- Rhino

GASTINGERWALKER&, KANSAS CITY, MO

- Architecture Intern, June 2019 - Present

- Project types include church renovation, movie theaters,

offices, library and archives renovation, grocery store

- Project phases and experience include construction

documents, renderings, programming and design,

code studies, client meetings, site visits, OAC meetings

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

REFERENCES

HOBBIES

- Graduate Teaching Assistant, 2019 Fall semester

- Class title: Structures 1

- Weekly office hour, exam reviews, homework grading

Kevin Harden Kapila D. Silva GW&, Managing Partner Uni. of Kansas, Professor kharden@gastingerwalker.com kapilads@ku.edu 816.569.0814 785.864.1150 - Drawing/Painting

- Psychology

- Racquetball

- Cooking/Baking

- Hiking

- Sewing

- Astronomy

- Volunteering at animal shelters

Jason Hascall Black & Veatch, Engineer Uni. of Kansas, Lecturer jasonhascall@ku.edu 402.310.9941

ONTENT

RIOgaleĂŁo - Tom Jobim International Airport

Crossroads District Elementary

University of Kansas Visitor Center

Epic Arts Shop & Research

Personal Works

RIOgaleĂŁo - Tom Jobim International Airport Av. Vinte de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

RIOgaleĂŁo is an international airport looking to expand in the future in an effort to bring more international travelers to the country of Brazil. With warm beaches, mountains, lush vegetation, and iconic architecture, this city is the perfect place for an awe-inspiring airport. Keeping the

human experience in mind, this airport combats the fatigue and lack of wellness that one usually experiences while traveling. With natural materials and organic forms that mimic the restoring character of nature, the airport nearly becomes the destination itself.

Visualization by Anastasia Popova

This project was done with my partner, Anastasia Popova. We learned about how most airports lack a sense of place, so that was very important to us in the preliminary design and concept phase. We learned about the life and architecture of Brazil and emphasized a sense of nature and wellness. Visualization by Anastasia Popova

Runway

Taxilin

Setbac

nw ay

Our concept grew from the shape of the current terminals combined with precedents from Brazil that inspired us the most. The main level hosts the check in process, retail and food, and hold rooms. The second level is a mezzanine with more food, play space for children, two VIP lounges, and a few sleeping pods. This level was important to us because those who are departing can look back down at their family or friends through the glass wall, into the check in area to wave goodbye. We wanted to keep high security without losing the visibility and sense of connection. This mezzanine also looks into the hold rooms so that a person can wait on the mezzanine, but still see when their gate is beginning to board. The lower level (ground level) is where baggage claim and pick up is located. This area has a central greeting space which looks up into the other two levels. This atrium in the center creates a sense of connection among all the passengers.

This diagram illustrates the egress and amenities in the airport. We research what types of services and amenities could be offered and chose very specific ones such as a cell phone store, tourism information, a vet, and money exchanging. Restrooms and motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rooms are designated with blue. Check in, security, lounges, hold rooms, and baggage claim are designated in red. Retail and other services are designated in yellow, and circulation is designated in green.

C12 C11

C10 C8

C9 C6

C2 C4 C1 C3

The hold rooms were designed so that people could rejuvenate before getting onto a plane. The expansive space, natural materials, and views of the sky are meant to make one feel the opposite of what a plane typically does. An operable white, sound absorbent fabric can mitigate direct sunlight on hot days, while allowing diffuse light through. Acoustic sculptures and acoustic marmoleum flooring help with the sounds of the airport.

Visualizations by Anastasia Popova

Plenum

Sound Return Air

This diagram illustrates the HVAC system. Blue is supply and red is return. The arches that make the structure and ceiling have a plenum inside with acoustic foam backing. The wood slat system allows hot air to penetrate into the plenum and get pulled back to the system on the roof for cooling or expelling. This ceiling system also helps mitigate sound reflection. Below is a simple acoustic reverberation time calculation. The volume of the space is approximate due to the irregular shape and openness.

MEP room

Visualizations by Anastasia Popova

structural steel tube glass entry vestibule

ﬂashing

steel mullion IGU perimeter head channel structural steel tube steel cable clamp W&W pilkington insulated glass pilkington planar 905J ﬁtting

steel cable

1/4”-1’ FRONT ENTRANCE WALL SECTION (B)

solar panel solar panel substructure TPO weather barrier 6” rigid insulation 3/4” sheathing 3” steel decking 3/4” structure thermal break steel truss steel stud 3” insulated metal panel 9 wood T-grid tie ﬁre sprinkler T-grid structure 9 wood panelized linear system ﬂashing

IGU perimeter head channel structural steel tube steel cable clamp W&W pilkington insulated glass pilkington planar 905J ﬁtting steel cable

automatic sliding glass doors doorway threshold expansion joint 3” steel decking with 3” concrete deck ﬂashing 3/4” sheathing weather barrier 3” insulated metal panel concrete beam steel stud concrete column IGU perimeter head channel W&W pilkington insulated glass pilkington planar 905J ﬁtting steel cable clamp

ass

structural steel tube glass entry vestibule steel mullion

Crossroads District Elementary 19th & Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64108

The Crossroads District is in need of a new elementary school as the city densifies. The nearest school districts are not attainable for the lower-class residents immediately surrounding this district of KCMO. The Crossroads Elementary aims to give these children the best education in close proximity to their homes. This school is in the heart of an arts district and incorporates

many of the young professionals living and working in the area to give the kids a unique education and real world connection. Project-Based Learning will take advantage of the rich culture of this neighborhood. Doubling the school as a local community center ensures the involvement of locals and visitors in the education of these children and fights the gentrification of this historic district.

A few of my massing iterations

1 A118

1 2

3 5

9 1 A111

7 11

A117

First Floor

4. Open Library

1. Entry & Assembly

5. Kindergarten & 1st Grade

2. Staff Offices, Nurse, Front Office

6. 2nd and 3rd Grades

3. Lunch Room

7. Courtyard Playground

A115 1

1 A118

9 1 A111

A117

H 1

Level 2 1/16" = 1'-0"

Second Floor

Roof & Site

1. Staff Lounge & Lockers, Meeting Room

1. Solar Panels for Energy & Education

2. Art, Music, & Student Kitchen

2. Education Gardens & Greenhouse

3. Learning Bridge

3. Playground

4. 4th & 5th Grades

4. Public Garden & Patios

I spent some time looking for inspiration and researching current school designs to learn more about the benefits of specific elements in the education of children today. I also contacted a local architecture firm that focuses on the education sector and analyzed floor plans to help me understand what programmatic elements I should consider. This research was fun and I now have an interest in the education sector.

Metal Flashing Roof Membrane 6” Rigid Insulation Metal Deck 1’ Steel Beam 1/2” Gypsum Wall Board 6” Metal stud/Insulation 3/4” Sheathing Water Barrier/2” Rigid insulation Cor Ten Steel

Carpet Tile on Subflooring 3” Concrete Slab on Metal Deck 1’ Steel Beam Cor Ten Steel

Flashing Window Awning 1/2” Gypsum Wall Board 6” Metal stud/Insulation 3/4” Sheathing Water Barrier/2” Rigid insulation 1 1/2” Air space/Brick ties Brick Veneer

Carpet Tile on Subflooring 6” Concrete Slab 6” Rigid Insulation Gravel Infill Concrete Footing

University of Kansas Visitor Center 1266 Oread Ave. Lawrence, KS 66045

The University of Kansas is in need of an impression making Visitor Center in a central spot on the campus. Here, the KU Visitor Center is an addition and connection to the historic Alumni Center. Connecting these two bridges the alumni with prospective students and everyone in between, to create a sense of home

and a connection to the past and future. Everyone can visit any time and learn about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening at the university, learn about the history, and find something that they can personally connect with at KU. The center is an important place of traditions for any visitor, staff, alumni or student to experience.

The 9-square grid is derived from the protrusions of the Alumni Center

The center cross is extruded for atrium and circulation space

4 3 2 1

The size of the cross is reduced to the minimum necessary for ramp circulation and the floor levels are derived from the Alumni Center

4.5 3.5 2.5 1.5

4 3 2 1

To accommodate the ramp circulation, the left side of the building floors are split at each half level

Main Floor & Site Plan

1. Entry & Greeting Area 2. Formal Seating & Snack Bar 3. Restrooms, Elevator & Ramp

5. Loading Zone & Bus Parking

Oread A venue

4. Informal Meeting & Waiting Space

5 4

3 6’ - 8”

0’ - 0”

Louisiana Street

13th Street

4 20’ - 0”

1 -13’ - 4”

13’ - 4”

Louisiana Street

1 2

Basement

Second Floor

1. MEP

1. Traditions space

2. Supplies Storage

2. Auditorium 3. Staff break/mail/copy room 4. Recruitment team offices/ small meeting rooms

Interactive and Informational Journey Along the ramp paths are educational and fun interactive displays. They display information about KU, images, and videos. These include information and entertainment for any type of person visiting whether it be prospective students, current students, or alumni. The ramps also make it easy to stop and get a different view of campus and Lawrence at each level.

3 4 33’ - 4”

26’ - 8”

33’ - 4”

40’ - 0”

Third Floor

Fourth Floor

1. Directors’ offices

1. Large Event space

2. Graduate assistants, visiting team, and student ambassador offices 3. Catering kitchen 4. Small event/flex space

Engaging and Memorable Center When a visitor enters the building, they see a 4 level atrium with visibility to each floor, creating a sense of engagement, inclusion, and energy. Hanging in the center from the ceiling to the first floor is a perspective sculpture of a Jayhawk. The sculpture is made in many abstract pieces, but when a visitor stands beneath it, forms the shape of a Jayhawk.

Strawberry Hill Epic Art Shop 601 N 6th St. Kansas City, KS 66101

Strawberry Hill, Kansas City, KS is a neighborhood rich in diversity, as it has been a place of settlement for immigrants for decades. The neighborhood is reviving and becoming a place for young adults to start their lives in a small, friendly neighborhood. The residents pride themselves in supporting each other and

being welcoming to all types of people. The Epic Art Shop is a place where all can feel welcome to show off or sell the things they make whether it be clothing, ceramics, photography or more. A rentable retail space can help a business get started by getting experience in running a retail space.

The design process for the interior began with research on retail shelf types. Once a concept was chosen, we made two models at different points in progression to test the ideas. We tested routing some plywood pieces to insert between two steel rods to act as a shelf. Next we created a jig for producing multiple uniform shelf units. The next task was to create sound-proof wall panels and mounting them. Last, we installed gypsum board and mudded the joints.

Parts of the interior of the shipping container were kept visible so as to keep some of that language seen throughout the Strawberry Hill neighborhood and nod to the true character of the structure.

The shelf units can be arranged however the renter desires or removed completely. This adaptability is key to enabling renters to customize the space.

The project was not yet completed by the end of the semester due to further decisions that needed to be made by the community and further site preparations. The professor, Nils Gore, continued to complete the arts shop. Now, the project is almost ready to be opened and used by the local community.

Graduate Research As my school credit for fall 2019 I was part of a program called the Gensler/GastingerWalker& KU Co-Op. This is an 80/20 program that students interview for. In Gensler Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, and Detroit and GastingerWalker& Kansas City, 8 total students participate in internship work 4 days a week and collaborate on a research project 1 day a week. The research topic given this year was Ownership. We chose to narrow this to learn about the effects of the sharing economy on the current housing model and the possibilities for change. We concluded with conceptual ideas for future models. In December we presented the research to our firms via Go-To Meeting. You can find the presentation at https://issuu.com/rebeccafalk/docs/2019_ku_ co-op_final_presentation

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS GRADUATE RESEARCH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH 12pm Break Room

UNAFFORDABLE ANTISOCIAL UNSUSTAINABLE OUTDATED

AFFORDABLE SOCIAL SUSTAINABLE UPDATED

HOUSING NEW CRISIS? TYPOLOGY

Work Research During the summer of 2019 at my internship at GastingerWalker&, I participated in research with three other interns. Each week we spent a few hours learning about the current workplace model and how the factors of demographics, wellness, space, and technology are affecting it. We conducted interviews with several of the firm’s clients to learn how our research could be directly effective for the firm’s future work. My primary area of research was about whether demographics of employees affects the needs and desires in the typical workplace. This included demographics such as culture, age, and even gender. You can find this white paper at https://issuu. com/rebeccafalk/docs/2019.0828_gw__intern_ white_paper

The workplace culture of the United States Image courtesy of Harvard Business Review

Personal Works Micron Pen in Moleskine Acrylic on Canvas

Villa Rothmayer, Prague, Czech Republic

Havel Market, Prague, Czech Republic; Church of St. Gallen at the end of the street

Berlin Philharmonic, Germany Imaginary Mountain View

Rebecca Falk beccafalk4@gmail.com 785.844.0666