Hi, my name is Kurt. I design stuff. I build stuff. [sometimes in that order]
A PORTFOLIO OF ARCHITECTURE AND OTHER COOL STUFF
Kurt Huizenga, LEED AP 2537 Luna Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45219 T. 336-471-0109 huizenrc@mail.uc.edu huizengarichard@gmail.com
University of Cincinnati DAAP, 2016
Master of Architecture 3.6 GPA
University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2011
Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture 3.26 Major GPA
Achievements DAAP 2 year Graduate Teaching Fellowship, 2014 DAAP 1 year Graduate Assistant Award, 2013 U.S.MC. Certificate of Commendation, Iraq 2006 B.S.A. Eagle Scout Award, With Gold Palm, 2000
Proficiency / Skills Wood / Metal Fabrication MIG Welding Desktop CNC Machining 3D Printing (FFF, Plaster Powder) Revit Rhinoceros / Grasshopper Adobe Creative Suite (Ai, Ps, Id) Sketchup
Work Experience U.C. DAAP Rapid Prototyping Center - Cincinnati, OH 3D Printing Specialist May 2015 - Current
Job Responsibilities: Fabricate student submitted printing jobs, Maintain 3D printing hardware, Inventory management
Adrian Smith Gordon Gill Architects - Chicago, IL Intern, August 2014 - December 2014 Job Responsibilities: Participated in Design Development phase of Astana 2017 expo project. Developed detail drawings for building utilities integration, ASK’s, coordinated fire life safety plans.
Fee Munson Ebert Architecture + Design - San Francisco, CA Intern January 2014 - March 2014
Job Responsibilities: Construction Administration, handled RFI/ Submittal logs and forwarding to contractors and consultants. Oversaw updates to standard accessibility detail drawings per updated California Building Code. Materials sample library management.
U.C. DAAP Wood / Metal Shop - Cincinnati, OH Shop Supervisor Fall 2012 - Spring 2015 Job Responsibilities: Shop supervision, special project
fabrication for facility upgrades, opening/closing duties, weekend/after hours management, safety training instruction, assist students with project construction.
Prototyping Shop, UNC-Greensboro – Greensboro, NC Wood shop Assistant Aug 2009 - Dec 2011
Job Responsibilities: Opening/closing duties, supervise shop operation, assist students with physical project construction.
Carolina Business Interiors – Charlotte, NC Intern June 2010 - July 2010 Job Responsibilities: Assist project managers, site
measurements, materials sample library management, presentation materials preparation
US Marine Corps Reserves, Greensboro, NC Squad Leader, Tactical Network Specialist May 2004 - Apr 2010 Job Responsibilities: Build and maintain secure, and non-
secure computer networks in tactical field environments. Personally accountable for/to twelve subordinate Marines.
1.1 undergrad capstone
sculpturally driven residence hall the project:
Using two locks of parking on the UNC-Greensboro campus, design a complex of student residence halls incorporating a food district in the form of a sidewalk cafe plaza.
the approach:
Using artistic insight from earlier projects as a springboard, I began this project as an extended experiment into the connection between emotive artistic gesture, and architectural form. Using detailed study of human anatomy and expression, as well as the school’s motto “Inspire. Change,� an artistic representation was generated to embody these concepts. Three-dimensional vocabulary from this sculpture was then adapted and applied to the formal and programmatic properties of a mixed-use residence hall complex.
1.2
structural investigation
expressive investigation
expressive abstraction
Using investigation of the expressive mechanics of the human body, a series of gestural models were developed for formal exploration. A final gestural sculpture was refined and created to embody the gesture line of the original figure sketch. This posture was derived from the body position assumed while stargazing. Using this refined sculpture, the final expressive qualities of the building form were extracted.
expressive human structure as a driver for architectural form
Kurt Huizenga - Undergrad Capstone - Academic - Undergraduate - Fall 2010 - Individual
1.3
The sculpture was developed as it’s own entity separate from the design development of the site. It’s qualities were honed to embody in material and tectonic form, the qualities of the gestural sketch that was created from earlier process work. Each of the two spires was constructed from laminated Baltic birch plywood on an angle, and then sawed and ground by hand to their final shape. Black ebony stain, and paste wax finish created the final gloss finish. This is accentuated by aluminum rods which were each individually mitered for fit. The sculpture was created as a “three dimensional compass” of sorts to direct the final building project development.
Kurt Huizenga - Undergrad Capstone - Academic - Undergraduate - Fall 2010 - Individual
the sculpture was created as a “three dimensional compass� of sorts
1.4
circulation The project site previously contained a pub as well as a historic ice cream and hot dog parlor. These cultural icons of the university were at the heart of student culture and provided a great venue not only for food but for socialization and people watching along the main drag of Spring Garden Street. For this reason street level social spaces are emphasized to address the need for “see and be seen”.
street level social spaces are emphasized to address the need for “see and be seen”
Kurt Huizenga - Undergrad Capstone - Academic - Undergraduate - Fall 2010 - Individual
plaza space
vegetation
1.5
the configuration allows multiple scales of community and identity...
The program for the residence halls is configured to facilitate a staged level of interaction for the occupants. From the individual room, to the neighboring rooms, to the hall, and finally to the vertical atrium, the configuration allows multiple scales of community and identity spanning multiple floors on different sections of the complex. This is all within the microchasm of the plaza spaces below, and ultimately the university campus.
cluster
hall
vertical village Kurt Huizenga - Undergrad Capstone - Academic - Undergraduate - Fall 2010 - Individual
room
north elevation
south elevation
2.1 work bench desk
accentuation through juxtaposition the project:
Using a workbench work surface acquired from the wood prototyping shop at UNC-Greensboro, create a desk/work table that responds to and celebrates the worn and scarred characteristics of the work surface.
the approach:
The design responds solely to the building materials themselves. More so than wood or steel, the materials used were the very history of the work surface; the scars and marks bearing witness to thousands of design and art projects of hundreds of students through the years. In order to not muddle the genuine qualities of the work surface and to celebrate it’s features, sleek modern materials with high quality custom finishes were used to implement the legs, thus clearly demarcating the old and the new. This material conversation balances and accentuates both parties.
2.2
Due to the long history of wood projects that were constructed on this work bench top during it’s life in the shop, the otherwise unfinished wood surface was very well protected; glue drippings and smears cover nearly the entire piece giving it an excellent protective finish. Years of use as my personal desk has also revealed that while extremely textured, the surface supports the use of an optical computer mouse with ease. Also the dimensions and construction of the desk as a whole allow for very convenient moving up and down stairs and through st standard doorways.
Kurt Huizenga - Work Bench Desk - Personal - Undergraduate - Fall 2010 - Individual
This material conversation balances and compliments both parties.
3.1 columbus design exhibition center
design to showcase iconic heritage the project:
Due to the patronage of the Cummins Diesel Company, Columbus Indiana became known for it’s vast collection of masterful mid-century modern architecture. Many signature modernists were employed to design public buildings. Due to the large stock of drawings and memorabilia from this time, most of which remains in storage, the project is to design a visitor and exhibition center to showcase the architectural heritage of this hot spot for modern design.
the approach:
The design process held physical modeling and material studies at it’s core. These explorations ultimately led to not just one design strategy, but multiple. These included strict modernist massing, use of contemporary materials, as well as urban ideas of sidewalk space, and visibility of ground floor elements.
3.2
Due to the structural organization of the project around the elevator cores, as well as the location of the section cut, only a single vertical structural component was available within the bay model. For this reason, steel reinforced concrete modeling elements support the model as one large cantilever. 3/8� all-thread rod and reinforcement mesh were cast into solid concrete parts.
steel reinforced concrete modeling elements support the model as one large cantilever
Kurt Huizenga - Columbus Exhibition Center - Academic - Graduate - Fall 2013 - Individual
3.3
The building massing and envelope are constructed from a heavy timber structural truss that distributes gravity loads between the concrete stairpylons. Translucent channel glass with aerogel insulation encases this truss on both sides creating a double facade system. This translucent skin allows programmatic elements of the building to be visible from the outside as well as maximizing diffuse daylighting, optimal for exhibition applications. During the daytime, a floating soft translucent mass is presented; while at night the building presents itself as a “jellyfish” of sorts exhibiting it’s internal organs and activity to the street.
Kurt Huizenga - Columbus Exhibition Center - Academic - Graduate - Fall 2013 - Individual
the building presents itself as a “jellyfish” of sorts exhibiting it’s internal organs...
3.4
Fourth Level
-artist-in-residence lofts -terrace balconies
Third Level
-meeting space -exhibit archives -artist-in-residence lofts -loft outdoor spaces -resident lounge
Second Level
-exhibition space -auditorium
Street Level
-reception -loading area -sculpture garden
Lower Level
-cafe -gift shop -sculpture garden
Fourth Level
Third Level
Second Level
Street Level
Lower Level
Kurt Huizenga - Columbus Exhibition Center - Academic - Graduate - Fall 2013 - Individual
section plane
4.1 metro-lab studio design build
build first, design second. the project:
Using a design-build approach, create full scale functional mock-ups for the development and revitalization of “Five Points Alley� within the Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati, into a functional community space.
the approach:
Primary design elements of a revitalization effort were identified and divided up between smaller teams within the studio, my team being responsible for developing a performance stage, and a seating prototype. The introduction of lighting into the alley space, both for atmospheric effects and for security reasons was of primary concern. Salvaged shipping pallets and re-purposed materials were also used to enhance the richness and texture of the finished prototypes.
4.2
foster a sense of closeness and intimacy with the performers.
Kurt Huizenga - Metro-Lab Studio - Academic - Graduate - Summer 2014 - Team
4.3
Kurt Huizenga - Metro-Lab Studio - Academic - Graduate - Summer 2014 - Team
The nature of these found materials directed the construction and aesthetic strategies...
4.4
A bit of scrap angle iron and some threaded rod yields a leveling foot with two-degrees of freedom and 9� of vertical travel, allowing a leveled stage anywhere on site.
Kurt Huizenga - Metro-Lab Studio - Academic - Graduate - Summer 2014 - Team
4.5
The stage construction was directed primarily by unknown factors; We didn’t know where the bench would be situated on site and thus didn’t know the topography it would need to accommodate. We also did not fully know it’s transportation necessity in the future. For these reasons the frame was constructed in two halves that bolt together. Charred, wood panels then can be installed and removed from the frame quickly and easily. Simple, yet astoundingly effective leveling feet were also developed using metal scraps found around the shop after fabrication of the frame halves.
stage construction was directed primarily by unknown factors
Kurt Huizenga - Metro-Lab Studio - Academic - Graduate - Summer 2014 - Team
5.1 CNC T-1000
the true mark of the craftsman lies not in their work, but in their tools the project:
This machine is a personal project undertaken to further my thesis research objectives of fabrication asset integration into common studio environments. To this end a capable, yet small footprint CNC router was developed as a test bed for studio fabrication experimentation.
the approach:
The impetus for this design is performance with commonly available parts. Beginning with an open source CNC plan, the Openbuilds “OX,� components were each specifically re-designed to maximize performance and machine capabilities. Industrial grade motion control electronics were sourced from Dynomotion and provide a highly robust electronics platform that when coupled with Rhino CAM software, allows small-scale experimentation with a full range of features and capabilities normally reserved for larger machines.
5.2
Kurt Huizenga - CNC T-1000 - Personal - Graduate - 2015 - Individual
Through construction, the machine became far more capable yet complex than was anticipated
5.3
Modular bed system enabling four different material mounting modes.
Kurt Huizenga - CNC T-1000 - Personal - Graduate - 2015 - Individual
5.4
Kurt Huizenga - CNC T-1000 - Personal - Graduate - 2015 - Individual
5.5
The wiring harness and electronics package were developed to be independent and both feature quick-connect fittings for all cables. This allows the machine electronics to be highly modular and facilitates rapid disassembly for simplicity of moving and machine setup. Under this logic, the machine is composed of three independent components: The mechanical system, the electrical enclosure, and the cabling harness.
Kurt Huizenga - CNC T-1000 - Personal - Graduate - 2015 - Individual
the machine is composed of three independent components: the mechanical system, the electrical enclosure, and the cabling harness.
6.1 cincinnati industrial arts center
parametric live-make approach the project:
This competition challenged the integration of living and making spaces within an architectural design. Situated in Over The Rhine, Cincinnati, the site incorporated a historic warehouse building as well as a context featuring rich historical architectural fabric.
the approach:
Using a parametric design strategy, axes to the historic neighborhood breweries were used as drivers for formal development. The neighborhood had vast amounts of derelict structures in need of renovation. This facility was thus situated to provide advanced fabrication capabilities to the local economy in support of this rehabilitation effort. It also featured a community center aimed at engaging local at risk youth with educational programs and events.
6.2
Context of historic canals and brewery locations created the primary massing strategy of the design. A parametric model evaluated multiple configurations of these axes. The alignment of massing axes with site view corridors was a primary criteria for strategy selection and this allows the building to function as a “sign post” that frames attention to key landmarks.
this allows the building to function as a “sign post” that frames attention to key landmarks
Kurt Huizenga - Industrial Arts Center - Academic - Graduate - Fall 2012 - Individual
6.3
While the facility is tooled and setup to provide construction fabrication services for the local area in service of rehabilitating the architectural fabric, the community engagement aspect is aimed at getting young people involved. Not only is the drive to get at-risk youth involved in improving their neighborhood and community, but also the project is geared to expose young students to new and upcoming technologies to inspire their futures. For this reason an exhibition component was added to the program proposal.
Kurt Huizenga - Industrial Arts Center - Academic - Graduate - Fall 2012 - Individual
the community engagement aspect is aimed at getting young people involved
6.4
visitors can come see the facility in operation, without impeding it’s operation.
A principal dilemma for the project is how to make the facility highly functional, but also how to showcase the function to as many people as possible. Not only must it function well as an industrial facility, but it must also showcase well. For this reason, the roof of the warehouse was extended upwards to allow a system of catwalks to be implemented that are connected to the community center next door. In this way, large numbers of visitors can come see the facility in operation, without impeding it’s operation. This also solves many safety issues with tours through industrial areas that would otherwise prove problematic.
Kurt Huizenga - Industrial Arts Center - Academic - Graduate - Fall 2012 - Individual
7.1 chicago architectural foundation
promenade based urban space the project:
The project is a mixed-use tour center and new home for the Chicago Architectural foundation. This challenge in this project was presented by the location of the site: Pioneer Court in downtown Chicago. The site is at the intersection of the Miracle Mile, the Chicago Tribune tower, the river esplanade, as well as the crossing paths for the majority of boat, bus, and walking city tours.
the approach:
Utilizing the paving patterns of the existing plaza space as drivers for design massing, the project energizes urban space on the street level, and maximizes view corridors to the historic Tribune Tower. The design also engages the River Esplanade in a more direct and ceremonial manner, joining the plaza and lower level river bank into a single promenade and unifying the street and river pedestrian experiences.
7.2
River Esplanade/ Lower Level
Lower level lobby / Retail / Tour Center integrated with river.
Plaza Grid/ Level 1
Design responsive to existing paving pattern in plaza.
View Corridor/ Level 2
Massing to preserve view corridors to Tribune Tower
Upper level exhibition spaces
Restaurant Patio/ Level 4 Upper level patio visual connection to plaza
Roof/ Historic place
Jean Baptiste Point du Sable Historic Landmark
Kurt Huizenga - Chicago Architectural Foundation - Academic - Graduate - Spring 2015 - Individual
Gallery Massing/ Level 3
7.3
Lower Plaza Promenade
Integrates tour center with river esplanade and tour boat boarding
Street Level Plaza to River Promenade
Kurt Huizenga - Chicago Architectural Foundation - Academic - Graduate - Spring 2015 - Individual
Ceremonial Stair joins the river, lower tour center, and Michigan Avenue public spaces.
7.4
Rear Promenade
Traverses between the new Architectural Foundation and the existing Equitable building. Passage shaped by Trees and sculptural mechanical ventilation pylons.
Breezeway Passage Promenade
Kurt Huizenga - Chicago Architectural foundation - Academic - Graduate - Spring 2015 - Individual
Preserves plaza access to the Equitable building through the new addition and reduces the Architectural Foundation’s siting impact.