Architecture Portfolio

Sarah Kenney Master of Architecture Master of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Natural Science

I am interested in 6 month internships and entry level architecture positions. I hold both a Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Tennessee. Along with strong interdisciplinary design skills, I possess a scientific background, artistic style, and 10+ years of community engagement work.

My previous experience includes community building, sustainable design, and high-end floristry. However, my transition to architecture has broadened the scope of my aesthetic ambitions. As a student, I focused on systemic explorations, theoretical design, and ecological research. The University of Tennessee offers a young and rigorous program that not only facilitated rapid skill development but also encouraged adaptation to diverse design conditions. As a graduate student, I received several awards for my research and design, receiving recognition at both the institutional and international level.

As an architect and landscape architect, I have successfully managed various modes of practice, including residential design, radical research, provocative systems, and environmental engineering. My approach prioritizes sustainable beauty while considering broader social and economic systems. At Robinson Anderson Summers Inc., my time as an intern expanded my academic skill set. I transformed schematics into impactful 3D visualizations for client presentations, conducted site visits, and actively participated in all design phases and client meetings. These experiences honed my ability to communicate designs effectively, ensure site accuracy, and engage clients collaboratively.

My extensive background in research will set me apart from other candidates, and I believe that this critical skill is frequently overlooked in the world of design. Over the past 10 years, I have actively participated in research projects across the world, including Kenya, Iceland, France, Vietnam, Italy, Hong Kong, Costa Rica, and the United States. Apart from my individual academic projects, I have worked collaboratively on teams studying biodiversity in La Selva rainforest, conservation in the Smoky Mountains National Park, and the mechanization of the Tennessee River watershed. As a research intern under Professor Micah Rutenberg, I explored historical archives, political documents, and ecological reports to perform data analysis and mapping exercises in GIS ArcPro, Grasshopper, Microsoft Excel, Illustrator, and Photoshop. These experiences have equipped me with concrete skills in interpretive analysis, data collection, and social engagement, which I have successfully applied to design.

In an interview with Harvard’s “Talking Practice” platform, OMA principal Reinier de Graaf discussed the design for Seattle Public Library. He said, “When we were asked to do the library, we went to the bottom of what a library meant in the age of the virtual, and we did a lot of unsolicited research. Mainly to satisfy our own curiosity and to avoid giving a superficial answer to a more complex question.” This intrinsic need to understand the world drives innovation. My interdisciplinary education has instilled in me the ability to pose profound, thought-provoking questions: Can we address urban food poverty by reducing ecological fragmentation? Is there a correlation between artificial neural networks and national parks? Where do crucial connections exist between childhood health issues and the availability of green spaces? We recognize that innovation stems from understanding, and understanding emanates from intimacy.

The architecture profession is an ideal fit for someone who is as fun to be around as they are interesting to work with, and I would like an environment where I am constantly pushed to be both my best professional, and personal, self. I would be honored to bring my skills and passion to the world of action.

I hope you find the ideal candidate for your firm, and I appreciate being considered for the position.

Thank you,

Sarah Kenney

Master

of Architecture

Master of Landscape Architecture

Bachelor of Natural Science

Fulbright Scholarship, Runner-Up

Chancellor’s Fellow, 2019-2023

Aydelott Prize Fellow 2022

Graduate Student Senate (GSS), 2020-2022

GSS Executive Committee - Fundraising Chair 2021

Contents: Interdisciplinary Portfolio

Market Invisible | Los Angeles, California Genetic Modification as Architectural Spectacle

Post-Contemporary Bathhouse | Knoxville, Tennessee The Return of Public Bathing in a Water Scarce City

Timber in the City | Atlanta, Georgia Mass Timber and Adaptive Reuse in Downtown Atlanta

The Degenerate Menagerie | Udine, Italy The Death of Casa Veritti

Conflict Bloom | Naivasha, Kenya Flowers of Our Tarnished World

University Aquatic Center | Naivasha, Kenya

Parametric Shell Design Using Grasshopper

Liminal Spaces | Decatur, Alabama Analysis of Temporal Landscapes

SARAH KENNEY SELECTED WORKS

Floral Design | New York, NY Selected Works

References

Micah Rutenberg | Knoxville, Tennessee

mrutenb3@utk.edu

(734) 834-7722

Katherine J. Wheeler | Knoxville, Tennessee

kwheel24@utk.edu

(786) 942-9829

Allan Summers | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

asummers@raslainc.com

(610) 329-1513

Tricia A. Stuth | Knoxville, Tennessee

tstuth@utk.edu

(865) 274-1485

SARAH KENNEY PROFESSIONAL CV

Education

University Of Tennessee | College of Architecture + Design

Master of Architecture

Master of Landscape Architecture

University Of Pittsburgh, Honors Program | College of General Studies

Bachelor of Natural Sciences, concentrations Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Minors, History + Religious Studies

Licensure Course, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Experience

The Aydelott Foundation | Italy, Vietnam, France, Iceland, Summer 2022

Fellow, Architecture Research: Water-Based Reciprocity Between Architecture and Landscape

Robinson, Anderson, Summers Inc. | Media, Pennsylvania, Summer 2021

Intern, Landscape Architecture Designer

University of Tennessee | Knoxville, Tennessee, Summer 2020

Intern, Landscape Architecture Researcher

Digital Fabrication Labratory | Knoxville, Tennessee, Fall 2019 - Fall 2021

Fabrication Assistant, Programming for CNC Router, Laser Cutter, Water Jet Cutter, 3D Printer

University of Tennessee | Knoxville, Tennessee, 2020-2023

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Representation II, Spring 2023

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Landscape Theory, Fall 2022

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Histories and Theories II, Fall 2021

Graduate Research Assistant, The Garden in the Machine, Spring 2020

Community Action Coalition (CAC) - AmeriCorp | Knoxville, Tennessee, Summer 2018 - Summer 2019

Urban Agriculture Coordinator, Knoxville Community Action Coalition (CAC)

Sarah Kenney Floral + Landscape Design | Manhattan, New York, Spring 2016 - Summer 2018

Sole Proprietor, Weekly Clients, Landscape Designs, and Event Production

Sprout - Brooklyn | Brooklyn, New York, Winter 2018 - Summer 2018

Senior Designer, Elite Floral Design Studio Specializing in Dutch Master Style

Rosehip Social | Brooklyn, New York, Fall 2016 - Winter 2018

Senior Designer, Elite Floral Design Studio Specializing in Events

Community Health Services (CHS) Food Bank | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Fall 2014 - Spring 2016

Project Intern, Native Garden Design for Largest Food Bank in Pittsburgh

University Of Pittsburgh Library System | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Fall 2012 - Spring 2016

Library Assistant, Chemistry and Business Libraries

Leadership Executive Committee - Graduate Student Senate | Knoxville, Tennessee, 2020-2022, Fundraising Chair - MLA/MArch Representative

Founder, Free Produce for A Healthy Community | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 2014-2016

Food Justice Outreach Organization

President | 2014-2016, Plant to Plate, Student Urban Agriculture Club

Awards

Fulbright Scholarship, Study/Research Award Runner-Up | U.S. Department of State, 2023

International Academic Competition

Faculty Award of Design Excellence | Spring 2023

College of Architecture, Faculty Vote for Thesis Prize

CriticalMass National Graduate Research Symposium | Spring 2023

University Representative, Awarded to the Most Provocative Graduate Architecture Thesis

Chancellor’s Fellowship | University of Tennessee, 2019 - 2023

For Promising Incoming Graduate Student

Ewing Writing Competition | Ewing Gallery, Winter 2023 + Winter 2021

2nd Place: Irreducible Pilgrimage, Liquidity and Danger at Mont Saint Michel

Honorable Mention: Wonder, Surprise, Admiration: Analysis Using Adam Smith’s History of Astronomy

Aydelott Travel Award | The Aydelott Foundation, Summer 2022

$20,000 Architecture Research Travel Grant

Spring 2022 Special Fellowship | University of Tennessee, Spring 2022

All University, Awarded by the Vice Provost with the Dean of the Graduate School

Tau Sigma Delta National Honor Society | Fall 2020

Beta Alpha Chapter Nomination

Graduate Assistantship Award | University of Tennessee, Spring 2020, Fall 2021, Fall 2022

Three time recipient, Departmental Recognition

Don Tinsley Estate Travel Research Award | Don Tinsley Estate, Winter 2019

$3250 Landscape Research Travel Grant

Lectures + Workshops

Conflict Bloom: Flowers Under Siege in Kenya’s Lake Naivasha Region | Session Panelist, Winter 2023

International Congress on Post-Colonial Landscapes, Lisbon, Portugal

Global Regionalism: Strange Landscapes of Floriculture | Guest Lecture, Spring 2023

Graduate School of Architecture, University of Tennessee

Liquid Architecture | Public Lecture, Fall 2022

College of Architecture + Design, University of Tennessee

Introduction to ArcGIS Pro | Workshop Instructor, Fall 2021

Undergraduate School of Architecture, University of Tennessee

SoLA Bootcamp: Summer Intensive Workshop | Workshop Instructor, Summer 2020

Graduate School of Landscape Architecture, University of Tennessee

The Tennessee Valley Authority: Industrial Forestry in the Tennessee Valley | Guest Lecture, Summer 2020

Graduate School of Architecture, University of Tennessee

Plant Meadows, Not Lawns | Conference Presenter, Spring 2019

Smoky Mountains Home and Garden Conference

Flower Foraging + Wildflower Bouquet Design | Workshop Instructor, Summer 2018

Glacier National Park, Alaska, Welcome Center

Market, Invisible

Genetic Modification as Public Spectacle

Location: Silverlake District, Los Angeles

Advisor: Mark Stanley

Dynamic: Individual Project

Project Statement

Desertification is severely impacting global food production, and scientists are responding to this challenge with genetic modification (GMO). For farmers relying on rain-fed crops, a single week without rain can devastate a year’s harvest, leading to cascading effects in the food system. Scientist Jill Farrant’s groundbreaking work involves creating a drought-resistant corn using genes from resurrection plants. This innovation could potentially save millions of acres of farmland threatened by aridification. However, negative rhetoric surrounding GMOs and misconceptions hinder progress.

This project seeks to transform public perceptions of genetic modification by celebrating its positive potential. We propose a facility that performs, rather than conducts, research—a site where Jill Farrant’s drought-resistant crop is produced in a captivating display for the public. From test tube to test site, our building aims to present the magical reality of genetic modification, posing the question: “What if genetic modification was a socially acceptable spectacle?”

The building’s design incorporates a low-density textile that scatters rain, aerosolizing it to create a misty ambiance. Resurrection planters hang from the floating roof, accessing rainwater. This reframing of the local climate ensures occupants perceive weather as an integral part of the design. The upper-level platform provides a vantage point for visitors to witness the captivating weather-driven spectacle.

Resurrection plants are moved between the upper and lower laboratories for genetic manipulation. Seedlings are then planted in conveyors, where they harden off. Visitors can observe the entire process within the structure, blurring the boundaries between consumer and scientist.

Throughout the building, visitors experience a framed and expressive narrative rather than a technical explanation. Transparent walls provide panoramic views, but as visitors approach the scientific performative spaces, details become elusive. Planters and stairs obscure views of the gene editing area, and reflective surfaces fracture the observer’s perspective. This intentional design strategy keeps visitors focused on the broader narrative and the building’s overarching vision, rather than getting caught up in scientific intricacies.

The power of emotion drives people to embrace new ideas. Our building aims to forge a deep connection between visitors and the incredible technology of genetic modification by offering a magical perspective on the real. Like the constructed nature of Hollywood movies, our building creates a sense of awe and wonder. We want visitors to perceive something magical and miraculous while instilling a desire to celebrate the new hyper-real world we are collectively constructing.

This unique approach to genetic modification has the potential to revolutionize the social dynamics of the grocery industry, surpassing the impact of any individual store. By examining the food system holistically, our architecture seeks to identify opportunities where a single structure can influence an infinite institution. The title of our project pays homage to Adam Smith’s concept of the “invisible hand of the market,” recognizing that markets are shaped not only by planning and economics but also by intangible elements such as experience and emotion. Our architecture prioritizes connection and spectacle over efficiency and productivity, empowering us to reshape the conversation surrounding the future of food.

[01] Market Invisible Master Plan and Site Design

In the heart of LA’s Silverlake district, an innovative master plan has been conceived to invite people into a building that embraces the concept of public spaces. The design seamlessly divides the structure into public, private, and neutral areas, creating an inclusive environment. Accentuating the site’s natural slope, the section cut showcases a harmonious tessellation, allowing the building to blend with the existing landscape. By prioritizing community engagement and weaving the topography into the architectural fabric, this master plan establishes a dynamic and inviting space that fosters connection and interaction among its users.

KEYWORDS

MAGICAL-REALISM POROSITY TESSELATION INVISIBLE SURREAL GENETICS HYPERREAL SIMULACRA POST-MODERN ABSURD IMPACTFUL LATERAL RADICAL AMBIVALENT

Switchbacks are the main circulation and public space, where the public observes and enjoys the spectacle

Separate stairs and circulation for the public

Tesselated structures are covered with light reflective material, obscuring and distorting the close views into labs

The private rectilinear spaces house scientific labratories, private areas, and sterile environments for producion of the GMO corn crops

Private circulation available for scientists and qualified members of the staff

Plantings are a gradient between the resurrection plants (top) and GMO corn (bottom), and are spread over the whole building

Market Invisible

Aerial Exploration of Production System

The towering structure stands as a marvel of innovation, housing a unique symbiosis of nature and technology. At its zenith, rainwater is delicately transformed into a mystical mist that nourishes the resilient resurrection plants, their lush green foliage swaying gracefully in the breeze. Lower levels hum with scientific prowess, as skilled genetic engineers deftly splice and modify the corn crops. The hardened sprouts are carefully sorted and distributed on the lower floors, creating an enchanting tapestry of greenery. From strategic vantage points throughout the building, one can witness the mesmerizing dance of life as nature and science harmonize in breathtaking harmony.

Post-Contemporary Bathhouse

The Return of Public Bathing

Location: Knoxville, TN

Advisor: James Rose

Dynamic: Individual Project

Semester: Summer 2021

Project Statement

This project aims to address the pressing issues of climate change and water scarcity in predicted to effect Knoxville, Tennessee. As the region experiences a decrease in water availability, there arises a need for alternative solutions that promote water conservation while fostering social connection and community engagement. To meet this challenge, the project proposes the establishment a bath house in downtown Knoxville. By reimagining the traditional bath house concept, the project aims to create spaces that not only conserve water but also serves as a hub for social interaction and community building.

The project design comprises two residential apartment complexes, complemented by a public bath house occupying the first and second floors. This innovative design allows residents to access communal bathing facilities conveniently, encouraging them to minimize water consumption in their private units. Additionally, the project incorporates an exterior landscape that not only provides aesthetic value but also serves as a sustainable water management system. The landscape features water filtration systems that purify and recycle the water exiting the bath house, ensuring that it is utilized for the surrounding lush public park, thereby contributing to a self-sustaining ecosystem.

This project embraces anticipatory design principles, taking into account the future challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity. By promoting water conservation through communal bathing, it seeks to address the growing demands on limited water resources. Furthermore, the project incorporates sustainable water practices by employing advanced filtration systems that mitigate water wastage and promote ecological balance. Additionally, the bath house design incorporates elements of cultural curation, fostering community engagement by hosting events and activities that celebrate the region’s history, traditions, and diversity. Through these interconnected elements, the project aims to create a sustainable and inclusive environment that mitigates the impact of climate change while fostering social cohesion.

Post-Contemporary Bathhouse

Mixed-Use Building Section

Men’s Baths

Indoor, private, nude baths for men, area includes saunas and lounge space

Mixed Gender Lounge

Natural light and phreatophyte plants for maximal humidity

Residential Apartments

Apartments varying from studio to 2 bedroom size

Public Greenspace

Casual viewing meadow which meets the adjacent city street

RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT VERSION 3

1600 SQ FT, 2 BEDROOM, 1.5 BATHROOM

BALCONY LIVING AREA FOYER

LAUNDRY + STORAGE BATHROOM BEDROOM OFFICE

HALF BATH MASTER BALCONY MASTER BEDROOM KITCHEN BALCONY

[02] Post-Contemporary Bathhouse

Plan Perspective from South Aerial View

[02] Post-Contemporary Bathhouse

Embodied Perspective in the Mixed Lobby Area

Render: Rhino, Vray, Photoshop, Lightroom Embracing serenity and warmth, the main lobby space is a harmonious bridge between the residential apartment complex and the bath house. Utilizing natural and locally sourced materials, the tranquil atmosphere comes alive with pink granite walls, brushed concrete floors, and deep brown walnut accents, inviting residents and visitors into a captivating oasis.

Timber in the City

Mass Timber and Adaptive Reuse in Downtown Atlanta

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, US

Advisor: Tricia Stuth

Dynamic: Group Project, Individual Portion

Project Statement

The project aims to develop a sustainable timber housing complex that preserves the historic Marta station while addressing urban housing and environmental challenges. By prioritizing timber as a sustainable material, the project aims to create an environmentally conscious architectural solution. It goes beyond site analysis and considers cyclical architecture and preservation of existing structures. It aligns the competition’s sustainable mission with a commitment to preserving the historical fabric of the urban environment.

In addition to sustainable architecture, the project focuses on residents’ well-being by incorporating principles of biophilic design. It enhances the connection between people and their microclimates, prioritizing experiences of light, weather, and changing seasons. The building and its surroundings are sustainably productive, reducing carbon impacts and purifying water on-site.

The design process optimized residential space within the site’s constraints, with special attention to the south-facing section. Each residential unit includes a front porch-like access area, fostering community and comfort. The building promotes open-air living and offers individual HVAC units for personalized comfort. To encourage community engagement, the project includes a raised public park above the Marta station, providing gathering spaces, a pool, classrooms, and a gym.

Attention to detail and structural aesthetics expose the building’s framework, creating a didactic experience. It implements a warm roof system, noise-dampening ceiling panels, timber decking, insulation, weatherproofing barriers, and a phytoremediatory green wall. The landscape design includes remediatory gardens for water filtration and mitigation. The project aims to create a unique architectural solution challenging traditional notions of construction and environmental architecture. The design will integrate panelized facades to reduce construction time and disruption to commuters. Feedback and collaboration are essential for pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and contributing to the community’s well-being.

With a commitment to sustainability, community, and historic preservation, this project endeavors to create a landmark timber housing complex that provides comfortable and environmentally friendly living spaces, catalyzing positive change in urban architecture.

Construction Systems

Floor Assembly, 72 STC Rating

2” Concrete Topper with Kraft Paper Underlay

1.18” Subfloor

1.18” Honeycomb Acoustic Infill FERMACELL

1.18” Honeycomb Acoustic Infill FERMACELL

Kraft Paper Underlay

5 Ply CLT at 1/4 laminations

2’ x 6’ Board Joining CLT Panels with Adhesive and 3” Screws

Roof Assembly

Solar Panels

Aluminum Roof Cladding

Weather Proofing Membrane with Self Adhesive Layer

1” Timber Decking

4” Sloped Rigid Insulation

1” Timber Decking

Painted Interior of Timber Decking

Roof Joists

1/4” Flashing

4” Gutter

Foundation Assembly

6” Concrete Path

4” Tampered Gravel

Porous Gravel Backfill

6” PVC Pipe

Cantilevered Concrete Retaining Wall

Wood Main Column

2” Steel Plate Reinforcements

Vapor Barrier/Weather Proofing Membrane

6” Rigid Insulation

4” Tamped Gravel

Steel Connection, Plates and Bolts

Foundation Columns

Concrete Foundation Columns

Concrete Footing

Floor Assembly

Roof Assembly

Foundation Assembly

Ornamentation Assembly

The Degenerate Menagerie

Programmed Death of Casa Veritti

Location: Northern Italy

Advisor: Micah Rutenberg

Dynamic: Individual Project

Semester: Fall 2021

Project Statement

The architecture of Carlo Scarpa, a renowned Italian architect, is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. His designs often showcase a harmonious interplay between various materials, with wood being a prominent element. Casa Veritti, one of Scarpa’s masterpieces, exemplifies architectural stratification and captivating materiality, with a particular emphasis on meticulously crafted wood components. The project at hand seeks to honor and build upon Scarpa’s legacy by proposing a unique vision for Casa Veritti that embraces the concept of architectural decay and transformation.

In this proposed intervention, a metaphorical parasite takes center stage—a strangler fig— that engulfs and frames the existing architecture of Casa Veritti. Symbolizing the passage of time and the inherent transience of architectural creations, the parasite acts as both an agent of destruction and a catalyst for reinvention. Just as termites metabolize only dead wood, the decay and disintegration of the building are essential components of the design. The gradual breakdown of Casa Veritti reveals a profound reframing of the structure, with the remnants embodying the spectral presence of Carlo Scarpa himself. The final occupant of Casa Veritti becomes the haunting shadow of a parasite, leaving behind a mesmerizing architectural ghost.

In a poetic gesture, the tectonic circle of the project is completed as the materiality of Casa Veritti is decomposed and returned to its origin— the site—taking on a new form as a living plant. The wood that once shaped the building’s essence is now reintegrated into the natural environment, embodying the cycle of life and decay. This transformation encapsulates Scarpa’s principles and acknowledges the ephemeral nature of architectural creations. He approaches all scales

of design with similar rigor, and this extends this philosophy to the temporal realm.

While buildings often present a façade of stability, they are, in reality, in a constant state of active decay from the moment of their construction. This project delves into the philosophy of architectural inertia and asserts that when a site has reached a point of philosophical stagnation, its “death” should be regarded as an integral part of the architectural system. Instead of striving to prevent the inevitable decay, the proposed intervention aims to celebrate the life that architecture breathes into spaces. It challenges conventional preservation tactics within the architectural profession, urging a reevaluation of our understanding of the temporal nature of built environments.

To further explore the implementation of Carlo Scarpa’s design principles, a wooden model has been meticulously crafted. This model embodies the essence of Scarpa’s approach, capturing the intricate detailing, materiality, and craftsmanship characteristic of his work. Each element of the model reflects Scarpa’s signature style, showcasing the interplay of light and shadow, the careful selection of materials, and the juxtaposition of textures. By studying this wooden model, one can gain a deeper appreciation for Scarpa’s design philosophy and the intricate nuances that contributed to the success of his architectural compositions.

The strangler fig, when planted atop a house, utilizes its aerial roots to grow downwards, gradually enveloping the structure. These roots penetrate through open windows and doors, extending their grasp, as the plant establishes a firm hold within the house, slowly constricting and encompassing it.

Stage 02 | Decay of Existing Structure

Growth Decay

The architect deliberately introduces termites to the decaying wooden site, left unprotected for over a decade. The termites meticulously consume the aged wood, systematically removing it. The aftermath reveals a phantom of the former architecture, diminished by their targeted removal.

Existing Factors in Architectural Site

Site Context

This project intertwines strangler figs and termites with Scarpa’s building, blending nature and innovation. Figs adaptively transform the structure over time, while termites symbolize the delicate balance between human intervention and nature. Together, they rejuvenate Scarpa’s creation, blurring boundaries between man-made and organic, honoring his original vision.

Final Model Process

System Demonstration

The architecture demonstration model, crafted with precision using digital fabrication tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC mills, is an artistic representation of Casa Veritti. Placed within an isolation tank, termites and decomposers gradually degrade the model, transforming its beauty into a gradual state of decay.

The architecture demonstration model ignited a strong and visceral reaction from the review jury, initially filled with outrage at its deliberate act of destruction. However, beneath their initial shock, they grasped the profound intent—a sacrificial provocation. The model symbolized the real house, which would face countless individuals passionately striving to save it amidst the tumult and controversy it would generate.

THE DEGENERATE MENAGERIE

Conflict Bloom

Flowers in our Tarnished World

Location: Naivasha, Kenya

Advisor: Micah Rutenberg

Dynamic: Individual Project

Project Statement

Lake Naivasha, Kenya, is a concentrated zone of cut-flower farms exemplifying a purified form of neocolonial urbanism, providing an opportunity to analyze the spatial, political, economic, environmental, and creative characteristics of neocolonial heterotopias. Kenya is the world’s third largest producer of cut flowers, most coming from Naivasha’s enclave of 62 flower farms in which a single site can annually export over 800 million stems. Naivasha aspires to its own sovereignty and is unapologetic in that its laws, landscapes, and customs are more reflective of the interests of the flower industry than those of the nation, in effect creating a zone under “siege,” ruled by flowers and surrounded but not penetrated by Kenyan authority.

Preserved until the end of British colonialism in 1963, the landscape was then developed almost exclusively by the floriculture industry, meaning spatial analysis of this neocolonial domain is untarnished by the phantom of previous developments. This condition creates a space defined by oppositions--global and local, visible and invisible, tamed and wild--each a variation of the colonizer and the colonized. The housing, streets, markets, neighborhoods, offices, transportation, and churches are occupied by either expats or Africans, reflecting and reinforcing cultural stratification.

The company Twiga Roses financially collapsed in 2014 and attempted a forced relocation of its laborers who lived in free, on-farm housing. When workers resisted, Twiga removed on-site access to basic life services including water stations, sanitation buildings, and health care facilities, forcing them to be informally rebuilt by the workers. Heightened by economic instability, regional tensions between the global and local turned to unrest in the past decade, with the micro-heterotopia of Twiga being an example of

resistance. But protected by walls of corruption, confinement, and capital, Naivasha will face more violence if some semblance of local justice cannot be found.

Using methods from the growing field of forensic architecture, this project will analyze the way that the architecture and landscape of Twiga has become a zone of conflict. Sun Tzu’s Art of War identifies aspects of terrain, culture, tactics, action, and spies, each which can be used as a way to understand how the renegade architecture of Twiga can be used to understand the larger postcolonial patterns of Kenya, as well as a window into global problems of the industry.

In consideration of the relatively open corruption of the Kenyan government, an architectural intervention will be designed employing the Straussian method. This concept is being adopted from the essay Persecution and the Art of Writing in which he explains how to publicize dissident writing by hiding it in plain sight - a piece of writing may have hidden meanings behind a facade of conformity. Using the Straussian method, a design will be constructed in Naivasha, in which dangerous and subversive architecture hides in plain sight. The goal of this design will have two main parts, 1) to create a design with a hidden agenda, and 2) create a focal point that can destabilize Naivasha’s flower politics so that a more stable system can emerge. The floriculture industry becomes a case study in explorations of architecture within the context of corruption, beauty, war, and change.

[05] Conflict Bloom

Mapping the Cut Flower Supply Chain

Conflict Bloom

Housing Constructed with Greenhouse Componenets

The Lake Naivasha architecture project endeavors to transform an abandoned flower farm located in Kenya by repurposing its greenhouse steel parts to create innovative housing and rain catchment structures. Embracing the ethos of sustainability and affordability, the project will employ flexible construction techniques utilizing vernacular materials such as greenhouse plastic, lumber yard trimmings, and CMU blocks. These adaptable dwellings, surrounded by a cluster of residential buildings, will be constructed using diverse construction types, including lightweight steel frames, timber trusses, and masonry walls. Moreover, the project envisions rain catchments shaped like flowers, repurposing the arched structures of the greenhouses, to harvest water. This water will be channeled to a central bath house area, enabling the local community to access clean water for bathing, drinking, cooking, and washing. By harnessing available high-quality materials and integrating improved building practices, this design seeks to foster sustainable development while providing cost-effective housing solutions for Lake Naivasha.

University Aquatic Center

Parametric Shell Design Using Grasshopper

Location: Knoxville, TN

Advisor: Maged Guergis

Dynamic: Individual Project

Project Statement

The assigned task for the students is a comprehensive reimagining of the University of Tennessee Student Aquatic Center. To accomplish this, an analytical approach has been adopted, utilizing advanced parametric modeling methods within Rhino 3D, including the powerful tools of Grasshopper, Kangaroo, and Karamba. These cutting-edge computational design techniques have been employed to redesign the roof structure, resulting in a form that is not only visually captivating but also structurally unique and robust.

Taking inspiration from the renowned Sydney Opera House, the design process involved the assembly of individual shells, each functioning as an independent structural system. These shells, carefully crafted with precise geometric calculations, achieve remarkable strength and stability while allowing for harmonious integration. Embracing the principles of compositional diversity, the redesigned aquatic center comprises six distinctive exterior shells, each resembling an independent building within itself. The strategic arrangement of these shells generates intriguing coves and lobes, accentuating the dynamic interplay of light and shadow while creating an engaging visual experience for visitors.

Notably, the shells are interconnected solely through the strategic placement of ribbing designed to support the windows. This minimalistic connection approach enhances the structural integrity while contributing to the overall aesthetic coherence of the design.

In addition to the striking visual impact, the redesign also emphasizes architectural lightness through consideration of material selection and form. Each shell’s interaction with the ground is deliberately minimized, with only

four specific points of contact. This intentional design choice allows the ceiling to seemingly detach from the ground, evoking the impression of a gentle peeling motion that reveals the interior space. The combination of the lightweight roof and the seemingly weightless windows creates a harmonious composition that conveys a sense of elevation, as if the entire structure is gracefully lifted off the ground.

To achieve a stable yet remarkably thin roof structure, an innovative technique derived from the pioneering work of the Block Research Group in Zurich, Switzerland, has been employed. This method employs a cable netting system, reinforced with a steel mesh and enveloped in industrial fabric, which is then sprayed with a few inches of concrete. The resulting composite structure exhibits exceptional strength-toweight ratios, enabling the creation of an airy and visually captivating roof.

By employing these advanced parametric modeling techniques, adhering to the principles of structural integrity, and incorporating innovative construction methods, the students have successfully reimagined the University of Tennessee Student Aquatic Center into a visionary architectural design. This redesigned edifice stands as a testament to the power of computational design and the transformative potential of embracing analytical thinking in architectural innovation.

[06] University Aquatic Center

Parametric Shell Design Using Grasshopper

Liminal Spaces Analysis of Temporal Landscapes

Location: Point Mallard, Decatur, AL

Advisor: Brad Collet, Professor

Advisor: Pippa Brashear, SCAPE Studio

Dynamic: Individual

Project Statement

Located in Decatur, Alabama is a city characterized by big agriculture, growing immigration, expanding urbanism, the presence of Redstone Arsenal, and a robust industrial sector, all of which create a unique tension. Within this context stands Point Mallard, an outdated water park that serves as a local attraction. While it sees regular visits from locals and hosts occasional large gatherings like hot air balloon festivals and Fourth of July celebrations, its potential remains untapped. Although summer at Point Mallard promises fun and activities, the off-season leaves it devoid of human use.

Adjacent to Point Mallard is Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, known for its exceptional biodiversity. Like Point Mallard, Wheeler experiences high and low seasons. During the low season, the refuge remains active with sharecropping, non-migratory bird sightings, and recreation. However, it truly comes alive during migration’s captivating high season. As a destination and home to 295 bird species, Wheeler is a vibrant and ecologically significant habitat. Comparing Point Mallard and Wheeler reveals their inverse seasonal patterns, suggesting the potential for a symbiotic merging, creating a profoundly productive landscape for humans and wildlife.

Along the river edge of Point Mallard, a series of ecotones awaits the opportunity to host diverse wildlife communities. These ecotones, both intentionally designed and subtly shaped by human influence, hold immense potential. From riparian buffers and broken docks to intriguing forests, invasive wetlands, plasticstrewn beaches, open glades, forested riprap, and muddy banks, the richness of this environment demands further exploration. However, one conviction stands strong – that Point Mallard and Wheeler Refuge should not remain separate. The project envisions reimagining Point Mallard for year-round access and utilization, intertwining structured recreation with the captivating ecologies of the area. By fostering an ecological entanglement, the site’s maximum productivity would be unlocked while creating a novel framework for wildlife management as a social spectacle.

[07] Liminal Spaces

Summer vs Winter | Point Mallard Water Park + Wheeler Wildlife Refuge

Summer

Winter

[07] Liminal Spaces

Watershed and Site Hydrology