ARCHITECTURAL PORTFOLIO RACHEL KANE AUG 2021-PRESENT
CRYSTALIZED DREAMS
NARRATIVE The process of sleeping and dreaming is unique to each individual, however it can be said that certain atmospheric qualities can amount to better sleep. My design is inspired by the amethyst crystal which possesses many healing qualities that can influence our sense of anxiety, creativity, fear, comfort etc. The crystal is a deep purple color therefore, above the datum, A cluster of tinted glass prisms refracts, deflects, and transmits light into the space below. To further explore the concept of crystalline forms, the space immediately leads one down into a spiraling cavern that consists of a series of scaled and rotated hexagons, which creates an effect that leads one downwards into a nested bed space, looking up towards a kaleidoscope of dark purple patterns as the sun rises over it.
The hexagonal shape is significant to the shape of crystals and how they form in nature. Overall, the form of my design is meant to relay the idea that dreaming is powerful, magical, and intense. As a person sleeps, their dreams become a catalyst for the crystals to grow. In nature, crystals grow in areas of high pressure situations where magma melts and cools. In theory, the dissonance of an endless dream realm frees us from the boundaries of our reality which allows for our minds to become powerful. Crystal’s healing properties are often seen as spiritual, or fake, yet it is only because they are not fully understood, the same goes for our dreams and our subconscious; most often the most powerful influences cannot be understood.
SECTION MODEL 1/2”=1’
PLAN SECTION 9’ FROM NORTH - 1/2”=1’
EXTERIOR MODEL 1/2”=1’
REFLECTED CEILING PLAN
PERSONALIZED DWELLING PROJECT
FOR THE PAINTER AND THE CELLIST
This project proposed the task of building a personalized design for a dwelling containing two units to house poeple of differing professsions. I have designed my dwelling for the painter and the cellist in order to design a space that fuels the creative process. I followed a narrative that explored how architecture could be used to influence the same creative processes involved in creating both art and music. I wanted to design in a way so that all five of our senses could be manipulated architecturally to invoke a creative spark. In doing so I realized a pinwheel style plan that
radiates from a double height space that serves as the painters studio. As art and music become influencers of one another, I utilized a series of partitions that could open this space to the artists living spaces as well as the cellists practice room and study. To further this concept, the studio also acts as a light well for the space as its site limitations allow for minimal light sources. This space is designed to bring desirable light to the appropriate spaces through the well created by the studio. It was also important to include a garden or trees at the north side to reduce
urban noise and bring nature into the site. Ultimately the design promotes joint creativity while also allowing for private conditions at the resident’s desire. As an artist, I drew inspiration from my own creative processes and designed for the solitary life of the creative mind but I wanted to allow it to become interactive and social when both people collaborate in a creative way.
MULTIGENERATIONAL HOUSING IN NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATING DIVERSITY THROUGH A HISTORICAL JAZZ CULTURE
3-D PRINTED SECTIONAL MODEL: RELATION BETWEEN UNITS
The units all look different in shape and program, however are organized on top of a rhythmic circulation pattern that is a product of the site, and the placement of communal spaces on the ground floor. To mimic the improvisations and sporadic notes in jazz, the units are organized so that interaction on the top floors follows the same pattern as the circulation pattern below, interrupting the order of its program by abstracting the form of each unit on top of an orthogonal grid compliant to the site and climate conditions. The abstraction of these units was intentional and followed specific angles that could promote interesting and almost “improvised” relationships between units- ultimately celebrating the diversity of its multigenerational residents.
FRONT ELEVATION: STREET FACADE
SECTIONAL AXON
SECTION: RELATION BETWEEN UNITS
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
ABSTRACTING A CLASSICAL ORDER
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
UPPER FLOOR PLANS (2-3)
ROOF PLAN
Ultimately my design for the multiThat being said, my complex will generational housing complex seeks to integrate the building into the celebrate diversity in the same way that city, drawing people in from the jazz music has enriched the culture of street, and subtly directing public New Orleans. Jazz originated in this circulation through a dramatic city and historically celebrated racial form. Keeping the private residents diversity through a common passion for separate from the public, while music. As we build for multiple families also merging the two in routine. of various ages, race, gender etc. and Because if the climate, all resiaccommodate for those with disabil- dents units are on the second floor, ities, this project became more about which is raised 14’ above street diversity and less about music. Howev- level. in order to facilitate means er, jazz music represents the reputable of travel for the disabled, ada units charisma and personality of the city and are separate from others. I saw its residents which is what I wanted to this as an opportunity to diverge encapsulate with my design. It presents from equal design towards a more itself as fun and energized, superfluous equitable approach. In order to and extravagant. They bring nature desegregate the segregated, I used into their galleries, almost bleeding communal areas in the ground into their climate- so that walls and floor to integrate the public life space don’t exist as barriers between of the city, into the routine of the residence, but instead can bring them residents. together. Jazz encompasses the passion within the city by abstracting a classical order,