P O R T F O L I O
SOPHIE APROTOSOAIE-KARDOS UNDERGRADUATE | 2020 - 2023
CONTACT Sophie Aprotosoaie-Kardos sophie.akardos@gmail.com 602-748-5191
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SOPHIE APROTOSOAIE-KARDOS EDUCATION Arizona State University | Tempe 08.2020 - 05.2024
4th Year Undergraduate Bachelor of Science In Design Architecture Bachelor of Arts in French Minor in Sustainability
WORK EXPERIENCE 08.2021 - 12.2022 04.2021 - 12.2021
Technical Theatre Mentor| Hamilton High School | Chandler, AZ Learning Support Services French Language Tutor| School of International Letters and Cultures, Arizona State University
INVOLVEMENT 05.2023 - Present 01.2023 - Present 01.2022 - Present 11.2023 - Present 05.2022 - 05.2023 02.2023 - 05.2023 10.2022 – 03.2023 12.2022
Chapter President | AIAS at ASU Discipline Architecture Journal Editor-in-Chief | ASU French Club President | ASU E-Mentor For The National Science Foundation Project Vice President of Internal Affairs | AIAS at ASU City of Tempe/AIA/ASLA Design Competition Committee Communications Director | AIAS at ASU West Quad Conference SMOCA Teen Architecture Workshop Mentor | Tempe, AZ
AWARDS Fall 2020 – Fall 2023 Fall 2021 05.2020 05.2019
Deans List Award Recipient | ASU Design Excellence Award Winner | The Design School, ASU LEED Dream Home Competition, 2nd Place | The Cad Academy LEED Dream Home Competition, 1st Place | The Cad Academy
SKILLS Craftsmanship Software Soft Skills
Sketching/Drawing Drafting ArchiCAD Revit SketchUp AutoCad Adobe Creative Suite Google Workspace Creative Thinking Problem Solving Leadership Time Management
Model Making Rhino Lumion Microsoft Office Communication
LANGUAGES English French Hungarian Romanian German
Native Proficient Intermediate Intermediate Elementary
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TABLE OF CONTENTS LATEST WORKS | FALL 2022 - FALL 2023 00 01 02
Modulily La Fata Morgana Oasis Housing
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OTHER WORKS | FALL 2020 - SPRING 2022 03 04 05 06
Column of the Wind and Sea A Place to Explore Expanding Tiny House Physical Models
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00 MODULILY THE MODULAR ECO-FRIENDLY SHELTER COMPLEX Professor Year Completed Software Partner Location
Katherine Dudzik Smith Fall 2023 | Year 4 | Semester 1 ArchiCAD | Rhino | Adobe Suite | Lumion Kaya Razzo 312 S 15th Ave. Phoenix, Arizona, United States
The Modulily is a transformative urban haven situated in the harsh industrial landscape of downtown Phoenix. Crafted to provide solace for individuals facing homelessness and their animal companions, Modulily embodies resilience and communal strength, drawing inspiration from the enduring symbolism of lily pads. This complex reimagines the notion of temporary shelter: from purposeful sail shades and verdant green walls mirroring the serenity of lily pads to a meticulously tailored environment offering diverse amenities, including a cultural space and adaptable living quarters. Guided by trauma-informed design principles, these modular living spaces prioritize privacy and sustainability through the use of ecoconscious materials. What distinguishes Modulily is its adaptability beyond a mere shelter. Post its anticipated three-year lease, these pods fold for relocation, revitalizing the concept of transient housing. Once a former ADOT relic, Modulily stands as a testament to empathetic design, reshaping the narrative of temporary shelters with a focus on dignity and pragmatic innovation.
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LOCATION OVERVIEW - CHALLENGES & GOALS The site is situated in an area densely populated by individuals experiencing homelessness and constrained by a lease prohibiting alterations to the existing building or surroundings. This location lacked proximity to public transportation while being close to a disruptive railroad. The primary objectives revolved around introducing greenery to mitigate the harsh urban landscape, minimize noise pollution from the nearby railroad, and offer some respite from the heat. Our vision was to transform this site into an oasis of sustainability and tranquility amidst the unforgiving setting, prioritizing the comfort and well-being of those seeking shelter and support.
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The Site Memorial Plaza Library Park Human Services Campus
Bus Route Railroad Densely Populated Area of People Experiencing Homelessness
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Interior Facilities Check-In Mail Room Staff Bathrooms Staff Room Staff Offices Snack Bar Food Prep. Area Clinical Rooms Cultural Space Computer Room
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Entrance Parking Dining/Day Area Outdoor Seating Half Court Client Storage Garden Bathrooms Male Pods Female Pods
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THE UNITS These pods redefine temporary shelter living by offering residents a unique sense of control and privacy. Driven by trauma-informed principles, one of the walls of these 9-foot cubes can be lifted, enabling individuals to personalize their residence. This feature not only grants residents the dignity of creating their own space but also forms a shaded outdoor balcony for each person. Beneath the clustered pods, a small community breezeway is created, an uncommon luxury in Arizona’s climate. This shared space fosters a cooling environment and a sense of community, providing a rare and valuable amenity within the shelter setting.
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Railing slides in & is bolted Piano Hinge
Moss Mat Growing Medium Filter Fabric Water Retention Layer Drainage Layer Roof Barrier Waterproof Membrane Cork Insulation 2 X 4 16”OC Steel Joists Roof Decking LVT Finish
SECTION PERSPECTIVE
Rotating Hinge
The rotating hinge, positioned at the center of each of the corner steel tubes, operates as a standard hinge initially but rotates 180 degrees in place once opened. This action effectively fortifies the walls, preventing any potential buckling or bending, ensuring structural integrity.
CNC Cut Furniture 5 X 5 Steel Tube Framing
Interior Composite Wood Cork Insulation Vapor Barrier Plywood Sheathing Weather Resistive Barrier Exterior Composite Wood
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LVT Finished Flooring Vapor Barrier Plywood Subfloor Underlayment 4 X 4 16”OC Steel Joists Metal Base Plate
The material selection for our pods was deliberate and forward-thinking. Utilizing composite wood for both interior and exterior surfaces ensured not just durability and low maintenance but also resistance to the harsh desert sun and pests while embodying a welcoming aesthetic uncommon in traditional shelters. Cork insulation was a strategic choice, effectively reducing heat and noise transfer—a necessity given our proximity to the railroad. LVT panels, chosen for the ceiling and floor, offer resilience and ease of maintenance. Moreover, the bottom units boast green roofs while the top ones are equipped with solar panels, powering the system. Each unit’s autonomy is enhanced by its control over electricity, empowering residents to manage their lighting and AC via individual mini-splits.
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GREEN WALL Our incorporation of double-sided hydroponic green walls serves dual purposes in the shelter. Beyond dividing spaces, these walls introduce a calming environment, mitigating noise and fostering a sense of tranquility. Additionally, the verdant presence contributes to a cooling effect, tempering the surroundings, and creating an oasis amid the unforgiving and unrelenting desert.
Primary Support Structure Secondary Support Waterproof Backing Board Rear Drainage System Capillary Breaks Rail Carrier System Dripline and Cover Strips Growing Medium Desert Plants Gutter
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01 LA FATA MORGANA MICROLIBRARY OF WATER, HISTORY & A JOURNEY Professor Year Completed Software Location
Solomon Cohen Spring 2023 | Year 3 | Semester 2 Rhino | Adobe Suite | Lumion 700 W Rio Salado Pkwy. Tempe, AZ, United States
Embarking on an immersive voyage interweaving heritage and the landscape, this microlibrary embodies the fusion of history and nature, reconnecting people to their land through a journey. Traversing a tunnel, and crossing the threshold between on and underground as well as above and below water, visitors embark on a chronological passage through time. As they progress through the tunnel’s expanse, history unfolds as it is projected onto the tunnel walls, narrating the chronicles of Tempe’s rich past. Each step forward propels them through pivotal epochs, a visual odyssey bridging ancient lore to the vibrant mosaic of the present day. Once emerged from this narrative corridor, the culmination awaits—a breathtaking conch shell-inspired sanctuary for gathering. Bathed in sun rays and enveloped by cascading greenery, this open-air haven beckons with the soothing symphony of a waterfall merging seamlessly into the ambiance. Ascending via elevator shafts to a triangular platform on the water, visitors resurface on the other side of Tempe Town Lake. Finally, the platform begins to move, enveloped in the timeless allure of a historical ferry, poised to ferry travelers back to the present.
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LOCATION OVERVIEW - THE BRIEF With the site, a large plot of land nestled by the Tempe Center for the Arts and just south of Tempe Town Lake, this project aimed to reimagine the concept of a microlibrary within a restricted initial footprint of 1000 square feet. Embracing the expansive landscape, the design extends into the waters of Tempe Town Lake, maximizing the breathtaking panoramas. With a strategic northwest orientation, the end conch shell-inspired structure frames the landscape, offering captivating views of Papago Park and the majestic Camelback Mountains. This deliberate orientation adds an immersive dimension to the microlibrary, seamlessly merging the story of the land and the landscape within a compact yet visionary architectural endeavor. 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08
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Tempe Center Walkway Memorial Flag Stage Shade Cover Bike Path Water Access Entrance
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PROGRAMMING & FORM INSPIRATION Drawing from collages of my passions—ocean, travel, and history - I envisioned an immersive programming narrative for this unique microlibrary. Exploiting the extension into Tempe Town Lake, the water element became pivotal, echoing the expansive essence of the ocean. Embracing the concept of travel, the structure transformed into a narrative journey rather than a mere destination, inviting visitors to engage with the library as an experiential voyage. Along this path, the layers of Tempe’s history unfold, unveiling the sacred yet often overlooked story of the city’s past. The design aimed to immerse patrons in an enlightening passage through time and space, celebrating the interconnectedness of elements fundamental to the human experience.
For the form, the inspiration was drawn from the ocean’s symbolism—a conch shell, a testament to unity, the spiral of life, and resonance with nature. This elegant shape not only stands out but also encapsulates the essence of the microlibrary’s purpose. The name ‘La Fata Morgana’ organically emerged, symbolizing a mirage, mirroring the structure’s graceful emergence from Tempe Town Lake—an embodiment of the project’s aspiration to transcend boundaries, mirroring a vision both ethereal and rooted in the landscape.
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Entry From Land Sloped Tunnel Landings of History Glass Viewpoint Landings Entry to Shell
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Plants Open Gathering Space Waterfall Lift Ferry
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ENTRANCE
GLASS LANDING
GLASS LANDING
GLASS LANDIN
A | HUMAN FOUNDATIONS
B | INSTABILITY
C | RESOURCES
D | PRODUCT
Curiosity
FIRST SETTLEMENT 0 - 1650 Earliest traces of people and houses, canals, villages
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Wonder
EARLY CONQUESTS 1650 - 1750 Spanish missions, Fortified towns, Wheat farms, First ranches, Disease
Fascination
SPANISH ERA 1750 - 1830 Ranching, Mining, Labor
Awe
MEXICAN AMERIC 1830 - 1870 Minerals, Metals, Gila River Develo Irrigation
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, Agriculture, opment,
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ENTRANCE TO THE SHELL Peace
WATERFALL GATHERING AREA
FERRY
F | DESTRUCTION VS. RECREATION
G | LOOKING AHEAD
Release
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E | INVESTMENT
AMERICAN ERA 1870 - 1900 Discovery of Tempe, Railroad, Salt Lake Ferry
TURN OF THE CENTURY 1900 - 2000 Dam construction, Farmland disappearing, Rio Salado Project, Tempe Beach Park
MODERN DEVELOPMENT 2000 - Present Beach Park recreational projects, marina, light rail, Tempe Center for the Arts, dam reconstruction
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02 OASIS HOUSING Professor Year Completed Software Location
Thomas Hartman Fall 2022 | Year 3 | Semester 1 ArchiCAD | Rhino | Grasshoper | Adobe Suite 825 & 855 N Miller Rd. Tempe, AZ, United States
Spanning the landscape along North Miller Road in Tempe, this architectural ensemble represents more than just a construction; it embodies a fusion of innovation and environmental consciousness. Beyond its exterior, a narrative unfolds—a tale that redefines the conventional notion of dwelling spaces. It’s a testament to design ingenuity and a deep respect for the environment, where each edifice is a chapter in a story of urban living interlaced with ecological mindfulness. Nestled amidst the vivacity of Tempe Town Lake and the neighboring housing projects, this development stands as an emblem of adaptability and community coalescence. Every facet, meticulously designed, echoes a commitment to purposeful architecture, inviting residents and onlookers to immerse themselves in a lifestyle that seamlessly interweaves modern urban comforts with the serenity of nature’s embrace within the Arizona desert.
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SITE CONTEXT The Tempe site, nestled on the eastern flank of North Miller Road spanning lots 825 & 855, presents a unique topographical challenge. Serving as a natural catchment for rainwater, the site takes on a sunken or bowl-shaped form, an inherent characteristic posing distinctive design considerations. This natural feature, while integral in preventing flooding within neighboring residential areas, contributes to the site’s distinct topography. Despite this challenge, the location remains a pivotal nexus in Tempe’s landscape, intricately connected to prominent landmarks such as Tempe Town Lake and the University campus. Surrounded by analogous housing projects, its central position emphasizes its importance within the urban milieu.
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IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM NATURE Bringing nature into the site, creating a sense of community and giving back to the Earth, through the use of a patchwork garden composed by wildlife that is indigenous to the Arizona desert. FLEXIBILITY Each unit plan is designed with simplicity in mind, allowing the occupants the creativity to adjust the layout to their ever-changing needs. CONSTRUCTION WASTE AND MATERIALS Reducing pollution and the amount of construction waste that goes to the landfill, the exterior wall textures were made using found materials, they are collaged together and draped around the structure. 21
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The housing units offer four unique types, ranging from 450 to 1,250 square feet across 26 units. Each unit offers at least one bedroom, a generous living space, a functional kitchen, and a complete bathroom. Flexibility reigns supreme with adaptable folding walls, allowing residents to tailor their living arrangements. Thoughtfully positioned windows, deliberately facing away from the west side and the road, and the direct sun, frame picturesque views of the tranquil wash and Tempe Town Lake. Moreover, a carefully integrated brise soleil encases the pathway, providing shade and enhancing the ambiance while fostering an inviting environment within 22 the complex.
SOUTHWEST ELEVATION
NORTHEAST ELEVATION
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03 COLUMN OF THE WIND AND SEA ABSTRACTION OF A COLUMN INTO A SPACE Professor Year Completed Software Original Column Location
Karin Santiago, Alex Flores Spring 2022 | Year 2 | Semester 2 Rhino | Adobe Suite Le Corbusier | L’Unité D’Habitation Marseille, France to Milos, Greece
From the origin of Le Corbusier’s L’Unité D’Habitation’s ventilation shaft emerged an entirely new architectural narrative. Assigned with the challenge of reshaping its form, this sculptural marvel underwent a captivating metamorphosis while retaining its initial essence of airy functionality. Perched majestically upon a rocky bridge nestled in the solitude of Milos, Greece, the creation stands as an ode to harmonious integration with its natural surroundings. Far removed from the urban cacophony, this space was designed to transcend mere function, emerging as a landmark that celebrates and amplifies the splendor of nature. Crafted from white board-formed concrete, the creation mirrors the iridescence of crashing waves, seamlessly merging with the pristine Milos stone. A sanctuary where architecture and nature converge, inviting patrons to embrace the symphony of the wind’s force as it encircles the structure and the mesmerizing cadence of the ocean’s melody. This is a space where the boundaries between structure and environment blur, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a sensorial journey that transcends traditional architectural norms.
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THE TRANSFORMATION
EXPAND
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EXPLODED SECTION AXONOMETRIC In the exploded axonometric diagram, layers unfurl to reveal the essence of Le Corbusier’s original L’Unité D’Habitation ventilation shaft. Transformed, shedding its external shell, levels, and circulation, evolving into a harmonious, nature-integrated space.
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Traditional pathways and vertical modes of circulation disperse, revealing an organic and fluid network that integrates seamlessly with the structure, embracing the natural landscape of Milos, Greece.
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04 A PLACE TO EXPLORE A GRAFT ONTO THE DESIGN SCHOOL Professor Year Completed Software Location
Katherine Dudzik Smith, Amalia DeSardi Fall 2021 | Year 2 | Semester 1 Rhino | Grasshoper | Adobe Suite 810 S Forest Ave. Tempe, Arizona, United States
Amidst the imposing Design Buildings of the Tempe Campus, a transformative addition emerges—a fluid, rust-hued marvel seamlessly blending with the architecture that embraces it. Nestled between the imposing Design School, this graft offers more than aesthetic allure; it’s a haven of respite. Its sinuous form extends from the top of the design school’s bridge, cascading into the ground like elegant drapery. Beyond its captivating visual harmony, this structure invites exploration, climbing, and contemplation, a sanctuary for those seeking solace from life’s incessant demands. As students traverse its undulating paths, it whispers tales of escape, weaving tranquility into the vibrant tapestry of campus life.
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05 EXPANDING TINY HOUSE TINY HOUSE COMPETITION SUBMISSION Year Completed Software Partner Location
Fall 2022 Archicad | Rhino | Lumion | Adobe Suite Kaya Razzo Hawaii
This tiny home defies limitations, morphing seamlessly with its surroundings while encapsulating the essence of open living. Designed as a haven for a work-from-home couple craving both freedom and sustainability, this tiny house transcends conventional living spaces. Crafted to evolve and adapt, this tiny house boasts a groundbreaking concept—its expandable design grants it the ability to adjust, expanding to reveal a cozy bedroom, functional workspace, and inviting living area. Embracing the breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii’s Big Island, a glass wall effortlessly opens, marrying the indoors with nature, unveiling a charming patio. Engineered for mobility, this house attaches to a car, making exploration across the island a reality. Its compactness when retracted belies its generous space, catering to the diverse needs of a dynamic duo seeking a holistic lifestyle. Powered entirely by solar energy harnessed by photovoltaic panels, this eco-conscious gem also boasts walls insulated with Thermacork, leveraging nature’s materials for comfort while leaving little footprint. Reclaimed local wood weaves through its structure, harmonizing sustainability with island aesthetics. More than a dwelling; the Expanding Tiny House is a union of innovation, sustainability, and freedom, sculpted for those who cherish nature’s bounty and seek to embrace life’s adventures while treading lightly on the Earth.
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06 PHYSICAL MODELS
UNIDENTIFIED FLUORESCING OBJECT - UFO LAMP MADE FROM RECYCLED PARTS - FALL23 THE GLASS : Its vibrant colors and captivating design made it a masterpiece on its own. It deserved a central role in the creation, something that would not only showcase its beauty but also make it functional. THE METAL STAND : This object, a scrap from another purchase, was left aside without purpose. Tentatively it was to be a base, but possibilities were endless. THE CONFIGURATION : I experimented with different configurations, including placing the metal on top of the cup to create a reverse lamp, where the stand would be the light source, and the glass would block the light. I tried nearly every configuration possible for the two elements but the breakthrough came on an accidental revelation. I flipped the cup upside down and set the metal base on top, creating a UFO-like shape. When the lamp was lit, it produced an otherworldly glow that radiated through the beautiful glass, casting enchanting patterns of color and shadow. And so, the lamp found its final configuration—an unexpected union of elements that transcended their original purposes. The glass became the centerpiece and the metal base added a sleek and modern touch, while the inverted cup design turned the lamp into a UFO-inspired wonder. 35
GLOBEGLOW CRYSTAL LAMP LAMP MADE FROM RECYCLED PARTS - FALL23 THE GLOBE STAND : Set aside from the main area of the store, a wooden globe stand caught my eye. Its aged wood whispered tales of distant lands and explorations, but its original globe was in bad shape. THE WIRE BASKET : Its elegant, open design captured my eyes. How could this be incorporated into my design - perhaps it could serve as a base, upturned to cradle the light source? Or could it hang above the stand, casting playful shadows around it? THE CRYSTAL ASH TRAY : This was the final piece of the puzzle, with its clear, glistening surface and potential for light play. After much deliberation figuring out how I could attach such a piece, I picked it up and decided the piece was too perfect to leave behind. THE CONFIGURATION : Removing the globe, I attached the wire basket, inverted above the stand, allowing light to filter through the wire, casting intricate patterns on the walls and ceiling, while intriguing, this arrangement lacked a sense of balance. Next, to incorporate the crystal ashtray, the best connection made by drilling a hole through its center - the breakthrough. This crystal centerpiece could serve as a connection point between the stand and its metal frame, making the lamp more than a light source—it became a work of art. A light bulb, aimed upward from the base, illuminated the wire basket, creating captivating patterns and shadows. Fairy lights, nested in the ashtray make the stand glow. Finally, the lamp has found its perfect configuration, a blend of history and imagination, form and function.
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SPACE EXPLORATIONS - FALL20
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MODEL OF RECYCLED MATERIALS - FALL20 38
FROM THE HAT TO THE SPACE - SPRING21
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THE TOPOGRAPHY OF A LEMON, PATH OF WIND, CONCENTRATION OF SOUND, SPACE OF THE HAT ALONG THE JOURNEY - SPRING21 40
Sophie Aprotosoaie-Kardos sophie.akardos@gmail.com 602-748-5191