Environments in Formation by Sean Dula

ENVIRONMENTS IN FORMATION SEAN MICHAEL DULA

ENVIRONMENTS IN FORMATION

A DESIGN PORTFOLIO

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A CONTEMPLATIVE ENVIRONMENT WITHIN AN EXISTING URBAN FABRIC

A SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT FOCUSED UPON VINIFICATION

A MEDITATIVE ENVIRONMENT OFF THE GRID

A TEMPORARY THEATER TO FUNDRAISE FOR CHARITY

A SOLUTION FOR PROLIFIC DEURBANIZATION

REPRESENTING ENVIRONMENTS

RESUMÉ

Sp 13 Fl 12 Su 12 | Sp 12 | Fl 11 |

HOW TO CREATE A CONTEMPLATIVE ENVIRONMENT WITHIN AN EXISTING URBAN FABRIC?

Su 11 | Sp 11 | Fl 10

THE SITE Using the camera as an extension of the eye, photo documentation frames the site in a permanent manner. Here, I was able to capture characteristics of the site that drawings cannot. A. View of the Mississippi River looking east from the site. Notice the change in grade and the state of the surrounding built environment, especially the levee. B. Night view of the Eads Bridge, the southern boundary to the site. C. View of the site looking south toward the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and the Gateway Arch. D. Night view of the west, north, and east. B

The site is uniquely situated adjacent to the Jefferson National Expansion Museum and the famous Gateway Arch. The iconic piece of modernism is visible from the site, only separated by the Eads Bridge. The intention is to break the barrier between the park and urban environment by extending its reach.

Water Level site boundary Site Boundary

As part of our studio we did extensive site research to better understand our challenge and to act more knowledgeably. Contributers: T. Bazil, M. Savala, Z. Hang, K. Hall, A. Balogh, S. Hecker, S. Silva, J. Tadlock, J. Lenard, R. Rebish, R. Greenberg

Plan

Observed River Level 9/8/2012 1940 Lowest Recorded Level

NOAA Averaged River Level August 2011

1979 Flood Level

1993 Flood Level

Flood Level (1993) Flood Level (1979) NOAA Average Water Level Observed River Level (2012) Lowest Record Level (1940) Section

Site

Aerial Flooding Map Map Aerial Flooding East St. Louis

St. Louis

1875 View of Site

River Current

Water Volume Velocity (1,000 FT3/SEC)

155-Jan.

430-April 230-Feb. 360-March

143-Oct.

470-July 505-May

355-Aug. 545-June

141-Nov. 214-Sept.

164-Dec.

(ft) 30 20 10 Jan.

Average Monthly Water Level (2011)

Dec.

1993 Satellite Flood Map

Level Zero A. B. C. D. E. F. G.

G D A

East Entry Ramp Scandinavian Baths Women’s Washroom Men’s Washroom Sauna Outdoor Terrace Lift

A C

Level One

D E BB

F G

A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H.

Lounge Bath Cantilevered bath Women’s Washroom Men’s Washroom Operations Office Kitchen Lift

Level Two D A

A. B. C. D.

West Entry Bar Cantilevered bath Lift

East Facade

THE BATHS The primary program of the space is the Scandinavian baths that fill the main space within the structure. Immediately upon entry the experience of the occupant is carefully orchestrated. According to bath custom, the bather first undergoes warm treatments to dilate blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and increase blood flow. Following the warm showers, baths, and sauna, the bather enters the cold rinse baths. Then, they retire to the relaxation and social spaces outdoors or above in the lounge and bar. The experience of the bather is defined by interaction among others and the city. The idea of seclusion and retreat is brought to the urban environment.

THE BAR Lacledeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing, the sector surrounding the site, is an area dominated by nightlife and attractions. The bar serves a local gathering spot and allows for operation in the evening hours.

20 BB

Entry

Sectional model

MODELING As an intensive studio, our focus with this project was upon rapid and professional output, primarily with styrene conceptual and architectural models.

Sp 13 | Fl 12 | Su 12 Sp 12 Fl 11

HOW TO CREATE A SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT FOCUSED UPON VINIFICATION?

| Su 11 | Sp 11 | Fl 10

PERCEPTUAL AUGMENTATION CONTAINER This object demonstrates the tactile quality of the site-based texture: slate. The user slides the piece into the uniquely sized slot in the brightly colored object. While in the case, two distinct textural experiences are felt from either the ergonomic relief on top or the side opening. On top, the user experiences the slick, planar qualities of the slate - a characteristic that allows billiards to be possible. On the side, the user feels the coarse, rigid part of the slate.

SITE The location is on the corner of a busy corridor in St. Louisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Central West End neighborhood, directly east of Forest Park.

ASSEMBLY To visually comprehend the grade of the site, we measured and modeled the result using a texture derived from the site. Then, we made a second, biased iteration to begin programming the site.

First Level A. Entry B. Art C. Kitchen D. Lift

C B A

Lower Level A. B. C. D.

Wine Cellar Fermentation Bottle Storage Lift

Roof Level

C B

A. Ramp B. Rooftop Bar C. Organic Garden

B A

C D

Second Level A. Dining B. Wine Bar C. Wine Tasting

D. Ramp to Rooftop E. Women’s Washroom F. Men’s Washroom

Entry shown with adjacent public bus shelter

Sp 13 | Fl 12 | Su 12 | Sp 12 Fl 11

HOW TO CREATE A MEDITATIVE ENVIRONMENT OFF THE GRID?

Su 11 | Sp 11 | Fl 10

To examine the natural resources of the site, we excavated sandstone and utilized it to investigate an architectural principle. The rock was broken along an existing fracture, resulting in the three volumes seen here. The arrangement articulates the fundamental discrepancy between the natural horizontal orientation of stone and its excavation to create vertical structures by man.

REFINING ENVIRONMENT: MATERIAL RESEARCH

Natural grain of rock along fracture

Raw lumber

Debarked

Private

Work

Rest

Public

Transit

Plan view of site-installed model

Dynamic

Static

Yoga Bunks

Meditation

Entry

Bunk

Storage + Mechanical

Bunk Bunk

Meditation Loft Kitchenette Yoga Studio

Lower Level

Meditation Loft

Upper Level 50

Styrene model, day

Night

Sp 13 | Fl 12 | Su 12 Sp 12 Fl 11

HOW TO DESIGN A TEMPORARY THEATER TO FUNDRAISE FOR CHARITY?

| Su 11 | Sp 11 | Fl 10

CHARITY KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public charter schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. Our goal was to raise the highest amount for KIPP St. Louis. To do so, my partner, Kristen Nowotarski, and I designed a simple structure that used minimal material while maximizing impact. We recycled much of the wood used for the structure. Plywood was pulled from trash piles and siding removed from a barn that was being demolished. For our efforts we were able to raise nearly $10,000 in donations over a two-day period.

COL路LAB路O路RATE The design for the theater was a lesson in collaboration. My partner and I had to work with several interest groups to create a cohesive environment: playwrights for the stage design, construction managers for the modularization, the treasurer for the budget, an architect for structural approval. The outcome from this process was an award-winning design.

Sp 13

Fl 12

Su 12

Sp 12 |

Fl 11

HOW TO FIND PURPOSE IN PROLIFIC DEURBANIZATION?

Su 11

Sp 11

Fl 10

DEURBANIZATION

Currently, the city of St. Louis has over 10,000 vacant lots of land. The unprecedented deurbanization of St. Louis has presented several problems, one being: what to do with this land? One solution that has been working for residents is urban farming. For this project, I designed a structure that harnesses rainwater and provides shelter for the neighborhood garden. The site, seen here, is in an incredible state of disrepair along a once famous commerce street in St. Louis, Martin Luther King Drive.

B INVESTIGATING SCALE

A. Overall view B. Detail of wall joint C. Insulation detail D. Hand-drawn linear translation of insulation

EXAMINING VEGETATION: ZUCCHINI WIRE MODEL Here, my partners, T. Bazil and J. Yong Lee, and I constructed a wire model to examine the geometries of the Zucchini flower.

The wire model in stop-motion

INVESTIGATING ENVIRONMENTS: SPACE BRICK With this construct I examined light and space using adjustable partitions in a dove-tail spine; hand drawing illustrates the different positions

Light

In the first semester of my architecture career, the faculty stressed the importance of drawing by hand; to the left is the first drawing I did. It pictures the floor plan below a section cut, a second cut looking the opposite way to the left, and an elevation at an oblique angle. Within the section cut, you see the inside of the cistern. To the right are photos of my final model at 1/2â&#x20AC;? scale.

Sp 13 Fl 12 Su 12 | Sp 12 |

REPRESENTING ENVIRONMENTS

Fl 11 | Su 11 | Sp 11 | Fl 10

Viewfinder, constructed fall 2012

REPRESENTING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT: US BANK SKYWALK IN DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS 5” x 8.5” sketches

REPRESENTING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT: FOREST PARK, ST. LOUIS 5” x 8.5” sketches

GiggleTree Toys announces the first annual

Trick or Treat Photo Contest Snap a photo of your little one (up to age 8) dressed in their Halloween costume

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be too frightened! ...theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re only toys!

Post the photo to the GiggleTree Toys Facebook page Get your friends and family to like the photo The Ghoul with the most likes on Monday, November 5, at 12:00pm will have their choice of any one of our toys

check out our new smartphone and tablet enabled website: www.giggle-tree.com

GRAPHIC REPRESENTATIONS Examples from the LLC I co-founded Main responsibilities include public relations and media, including web presence and retail graphics

Daniel B. Grimm Principal ### Shelbyville Road Suite ### Louisville, KY 40222

ARCHITECT

ALBERTI SUMMER 2012

PROJECT 1

PROJECT 2

ALBERTI SUMMER 2012

###.###.#### danielgrimm@####.### www.grimmarch.com

PRINCIPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

NCARB ICC

WashU ID & ticket required for admission 21 & older must bring state ID to consume No outside food or beverage allowed Must arrive by 10:00pm Non-students must be registered

Benefiting the School of Architecture’s Alberti Program for inner-city students

recycled paper using soy based inks

ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESENTS This ticket is printed on

Braille designed by Louis Braille in 1825

What is KUYO? Board of Directors Youth Proﬁles How to Apply for Funding

What is kü-’yō? kü-’yō is short for the Coalition for Urban Youth Opportunity. We are a 501(c) non-proﬁt organization that promotes awareness, raises funds, and conducts opportunity for the urban youth of America.

What is “ōpportunity”? Opportunity, in our eyes, manifests itself in many ways. Here are just a few examples: -Higher Education -Organized Atheltics -Mentorship Many of these are conducted through either programs run by kü-’yō or other organizations such as: -YMCA -Big Brothers, Big Sisters -Universities

Various communication design projects

Education Washington University, BS Arch + Communication Design Minor

St. Louis, Missouri

2010-2014

Professional Experience GiggleTree Toys, LLC | Nashville, Tennessee | 2011-Present Cofounder Establish and guide Limited Liability Corporation Design and manage public relations including brand identity, advertisements, and internet presence Maintain retail product documentation Contracted Design + Build | St. Louis, Missouri | 2012 Chartered design process for residential project with budget exceeding $75,000 Produced renderings for client and construction documents for contractors Executed on-site design and construction Alberti Program: Architecture for Young People | St. Louis, Missouri | 2012 Instructor Collaborated with fellow instructors to create problem-based studio curriculum Guided students individually through the design process Designed, printed, and bound weekly textbooks pertaining to curriculum St. Louis Art Museum | 2012 Museum Intern Evaluated the community involvement and educational relevancy of the museum Researched new methods for active visitor experiences Implemented research through transformative exhibit experience entitled Gallery Diving Washington University in St. Louis Architecture School Council | 2011-2012 President Served as the primary representative for the architecture student body Restructured a university community dance into a philanthropic event to raise $4500 for a school initiative benefiting inter-city youth Managed a $29,000+ budget, prioritizing projects and allocating funds where most appropriate

ThurtenE Carnival | St. Louis, Missouri | 2011-2012 Design Chair Created structural, electrical, and aesthetic design for temporary carnival facade structure Consulted with architect to approve design & construction documents Facilitated construction of temporary carnival facade

Daniel Grimm, Architect | Louisville, Kentucky | 2011 Architectural Intern Developed computer and hand-drawn renderings for residential and commercial projects Collaborated with principal architect to create alternative designs per clients’ requests Engaged in many aspects of running a small architecture office including site visits, client and contractor meetings, and preconstruction document management

Skills Digital Modeling (Revit, Rhino, VRay, Google SketchUp, & AutoCad) Physical Output (Museum-grade plastic modelling, lasercutting, and 3D printing) Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, & InDesign) Word Processing (Microsoft Office, iLife)

Distinctions & Honors Danforth Scholar, Washington University in St. Louis Kentucky Governors School for the Arts | 2009

Leadership & Service Spring Break Service Trip to Mississippi | 2009, 2011, 2012 Group Leader, Catholic Student Center’s FreshmenFive Initiative | 2011-2012 Student Union Senate, Washington University in St. Louis | 2010-2011 Manager of Pool Operations, Kentuckiana Pool Management | 2009-2011 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership | 2008

References Gay Lorberbaum Professor of Architecture | lorberbaum@samfox.wustl.edu

Washington University in St. Louis | 314.935.9299

Daniel Grimm, NCARB, ICC Principal | Daniel Grimm Architect danielgrimm@bellsouth.net | 502.744.8716

Igor Marjanovic Director | Undergraduate Program | Washington University in St. Louis marjanovic@samfox.wustl.edu | 314.935.6262

Architecture is a process...

NOITAMROF NI STNEMNORIVNE ALUD LEAHCIM NAES

about much more than just built form; encompassing time, place, emotion, etc.