architecture + design
POR FO LI O
STEPHANIE BRESLIN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
PROFILE Hello! I am currently finishing up my masters degree and seeking full time employment. I am passionate about design and eager to offer and further develop my knowledge and skills in a professional setting.
CONTACT sbreslin23@gmail.com 570.614.3583 Troy, NY
EDUCATION Master of Science in Architecture_Geofutures Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY | 2016 - (exp. graduation, May 2017)
Bachelor of Architecture Marywood University Scranton, Pa | cum laude, 2011 - 2016
Study Abroad International Studies Institute Florence, Italy | spring, 2014
RECOGNITION Dean’s List Marywood University 2011-2016
EXPERIENCE Highland Associates Architectural Design Intern Clarks Summit, PA | summers of 2015 + 2016
Joseph Rominski Architecture Architectural Design Intern Scranton, PA | summer of 2014
Sacco’s Pizzeria Waitress Scranton, PA | 2012 - 2015
DESIGN SKILLS Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Adobe After Effects Autodesk AutoCad Autodesk Maya Autodesk Revit Google Sketchup Microsoft Office Rhinoceros digital fabrication graphic design model making presentation drawings sketching rendering
04 LIVE ENDS
16 INFORMATIC CULTIVATION
28 COMMUNAL GESTURE
40 ALEXANDER CALDER FOUNDATION
52 INsta(F)LATION
64 DIGITAL FABRICATION
LIVE ENDS
Live Ends
Project by Stephanie Breslin with Joseph DiLoretto, Milton Major + Birger Meekins, | Marywood University
Live Ends is a design strategy realized through research and on site exploration. A prevalent street culture, deep level of diversity and the impact of industry along with many forms of art enrich the entire Gowanus area. Live Ends invites the community to look at the Gowanus area with a new perspective instead of the oil ridden canal that occasionally floods. A former transportation hub of goods turns into a 21st century transportation hub of people. This is a proposal of elevated pathways strategically dispersed throughout the Gowanus low line area. This will serve
as a spine to create a new framework for both pedestrian traffic and publicity to currently thriving industries. This promenade will act as a map for pedestrians finding their way throughout the area and will touch down at destination points which we introduced as “knots” or architectural interventions. These areas are located along the water’s edge which were transformed from a dead end street to a now thriving live end. This allows the community to come closer to the canal and promote community involvement and awareness.
[SITE PLAN ]
Gowanus Canal | Brooklyn, NY year iv, fall
Live Ends
a. three dimensional mapping of building heights throughout the site
b. abstract mapping of nodes of interest throughout the site under varying circumstances
c. individual section of a larger sectional model that demonstrates the conceptual phase of the proposal
d. the study of connection Gowanus Canal | Brooklyn, NY year iv, fall
Live Ends
FLEXIBLE BODY
STITCH
KNOT
SEAM
Any existing condition that can be programmed with an architectural intervention.
A unifying moment that merges separate Flexible Bodies, Seams, and Knots together. A Stitch is the Promenade of Live Ends.
A Knot is an architectural intervention that utilizes particular surrounding conditions, specifically dead end streets.
An alteration of a Flexible Body that denotes human activity,while marketing the surrounding area.
Gowanus Canal | Brooklyn, NY year iv, fall
Live Ends
[LONGITUDINAL SECTION]
3 LONGITUDINAL SECTION 1/8”=1’0”
Horizontal strips of light act as a motion sensored timeline.
Gowanus Canal | Brooklyn, NY year iv, fall
Live Ends The plan of the intervention is to extend the dead end street into the canal, blurring the boundary between land and water. The corten steel pillars are constructed in the water first, establishing water lines creating a visual timeline, while the concrete pillars construct as material is available from the Gowanus area.
[SITE PLAN ]
There was no interaction between the dead end streets observed and the historical, yet polluted canal. Pillars is the “knot�, and the first intervention in the canal flow sequence that touches down from the promenade. It serves as a historical time line for the Gowanus Canal. Material that otherwise would have been dumped into the canal is used as aggregate to form the modules of the pillars. As the years go on and material is found, these modules will keep growing vertically. Materials of concrete and corten steel show age, wear, and tear so one can recognize the
new modules versus the old. A light strip separates each module which are motion sensored as people walk through the pillars. One strip in particular represents the ground line in 2014 when the project was proposed. By building this design into the canal breaks the barrier of the bulkhead and softens the edge condition that is currently forbidden to the community. Pillars allows the community to come and see the progress of the area and the pillars themselves. It acts as a landmark for the area to see how far its come while providing an intriguing public space. Gowanus Canal | Brooklyn, NY year iv, fall
INFORMATIC CULTIVATION
Informatic Cultivation
Project by Stephanie Breslin | Marywood University
The driving force behind this design was to create a library that engages 21st century technological advances. To date, libraries have been a space to house all genres of books and invite the public to interact with the surrounding knowledge. Not only do libraries accumulate books, but they also serve as a meeting and learning space for the community. This project examines a new way to look at a library programmatically. My renovation to the MLK Library involves keeping the aura of the existing library, but instead of being focused around books, I want the
community to have an area to absorb an infinite amount of knowledge from an informatics based setting. The library will host five different programmatic learning hubs: four will consist of interactive learning stations filled with vibrant information, while one will house the special archive in a vending machine-like setting dispensing the only books in the library. My renovation of the library respects the existing facade and grid structure with a reconfigured program and an interactive virtual wall on the ground level for the community to not only enjoy, but to learn from.
EX
IST
IN
GM
IES
FA CA D
E
EX
IST
IN
GM
IES
ST
RU
CT U
RE
PROPOSED RENOVATION [Informatic Learning Hubs] CHILDREN/TEEN TECHNOLOGY SPECIAL ARCHIVE VENDING MACHINE ADULT CENTER FOR ACCESSIBILITY
LE
AR
NI
NG
HU
BI
NT
EG
RA TIO
N
MLK Library Renovation | Washington, DC year iv,spring
Informatic Cultivation
a. study of integration through catalytic stimulation
b. concept developed through a light study that embodies interactive and kinetic movements
c. dual diagrammatic sectional model showing site and areas of intervention
d. massing model demonstrating how the learning hubs would fit in and re-program the existing Mies building MLK Library Renovation | Washington, DC year iv,spring
WOM’S
CLO. CLO.
MEN’S
GENERAL EVENT SPACE GENERAL EVENT SPACE
ELECT.
MISC.
CHILDREN & TEEN EVENT SPACE
TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY EVENT SPACE
SPECIAL ARCHIVE VENDING MACH.
ADULT EVENT SPACE
CENTER FOR ACCESSIBILITY EVENT SPACE
ADULT
ACCESSIBILITY
CHILDREN & TEEN
WOM’S
ADULT
CLO.
SPECIAL ARCHIVE
CLO.
TECHNOLOGY
CHILDREN/TEEN
MEN’S
CENTER FOR ACCESSIBILITY
MULTI USE AREA
[2 - 4 ]
G PLACE IN
RAMP DN
OUT
RAMP UP
WOM’S
CLO. CLO.
MEN’S
GREAT HALL
GREAT HALL 9TH STREET
ELECT.
G STREET
[1 ]
INFORMATION CENTER
ADULT
ACCESSIBILITY
CAFE
SPECIAL ARCHIVE VENDING MACH.
INFORMATION
COMPUTER LOUNGE
ADULT
TECHNOLOGY
CAFE
CHARGING LOUNGE
SPECIAL ARCHIVE
CHILDREN & TEEN
WOM’S
TECHNOLOGY
CLO.
CHARGING LOUNGE
CLO.
CHILDREN/TEEN
MEN’S
COMPUTER LOUNGE
MISC.
CENTER FOR ACCESSIBILITY
ENTRY AREA ENTRY
[LONGITUDINAL SECTION]
[CROSS SECTION]
Informatic Cultivation
[9TH STREET ELEVATION]
The interactive wall allows visitors and pedestrians on the street level to access any information they want immediately. This strategy engages the outside with the inside and promotes the technologically driven library.
[G STREET ELEVATION]
MLK Library Renovation | Washington, DC year iv,spring
Informatic Cultivation The open circulation area is filled with natural daylight coming from an above skylight. This bridge connects the main entrances of the informatic learning hubs.
The decision to re-program the existing library came about during a site visit. I noticed there was a lack of organization to the existing program, but considering it was a Mies structure, I wanted to respect what it had to offer. My concept for the renovation of the library arose because I saw a problem with how it was currently functioning. I did some research on how libraries were re-structuring themselves based on advances in the technologically driven world and how every few years ways of learning changes. I decided to go with a design strategy that could
be flexible and change based on the ways learning changes throughout the years. Much like Mies, I designed for future change. This 21st century library involves many communal meeting spaces, reliance on technology and minimal books. Each informatic learning hub would be filled with modern technology, areas for open learning, and event space that is distinct for each program. Much like the world around us, this library will be always changing but constantly have an abundant amount of information for the occupants to absorb. MLK Library Renovation | Washington, DC year iv,spring
COMMUNAL GESTURE
Communal Gesture
Project by Stephanie Breslin | Marywood University
Communal Gesture is a design strategy in mind for an abandoned site along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. The trail is used daily by the community, but lacks a rest point. The aim of the project was to situate a mixed use program collectively on a site. The program consisted of housing for eight adults with autism, a community center, and learning center. All of these distinct programs are positioned along a public realm intended to funnel people in from the trail. This realm forms a community within the site, allowing the different programs to interact with each other. At the
point of intersection of angles formed through studies of nodes of interest, a community garden evolved as a space for the community, as well as the residents on site to come and be part of something. Concrete and vegetated roofs for the buildings are viewed as ruins that once belonged to the site, so as not to interrupt the rich history. The project as a whole is an opportunity for trail users, residents on site, and the community at large to come and feel at ease in a vegetated area while also learning and becoming active in the community through on site activities and events.
NODES OF INTEREST
ACCESS POINTS
ALIGNMENTS
ENTERTAINMENT
PUBLIC VS PRIVATE
COMMUNAL GARDEN
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail | Scranton, PA year v, fall
Communal Gesture
a. abstract thinking of circulation throughout the site and the impact it makes on the buildings
b. study of placement through alignments on the site
c. a connection from the river through the site creating an entertainment area inhabiting different typologies of the design Lackawanna River Heritage Trail | Scranton, PA year v, fall
Communal Gesture A highly vegetated site was the goal for this proposal. The existing site was currently vegetated and filled with rich history. The buildings carved themselves through the site, not destroying much of the land.
IN US
HO G
CO
MM
EA
UN
ITY
R TA
CE
EN
M AIN T R
NT
ER
TE
N RE
OO
D UT
R/O
O DO
LEARNING CENTER
IN
[SITE PLAN ]
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail | Scranton, PA year v, fall
Communal Gesture
[EAST ELEVATION]
The typical heights of the buildings in conjunction with lush vegetated roofs were conducted as a subtle extrusion of the land.
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail | Scranton, PA year v, fall
Communal Gesture
26 25 24 23 21 19 17 14
22 20 18 16 15 12 11
13
10
09
08
07
06 05 04 03 02 01
[DETAIL WALL SECTION]
26
TIMBER TRELLIS
25
TIMBER SUPPORT
24
VEGETATION
23
FLASHING
22
SOIL
21
FILTER MEMBRANE
20
DRAINAGE LAYER
19
WATERPROOF MEMBRANE
18
THERMAL INSULATION
17
VAPOR CONTROL LAYER
16
RIGID FOAM INSULATION
15
STEEL JOIST
14
HVAC SYSTEM
13
PENDANT LIGHT
12
INTERIOR SHEATHING
11
RIGID FOAM INSULATION
10
METAL STUD
09
CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE WALL
08
STEEL ANGLE
07
OPERABLE GLASS WALL
06
CONCRETE FLOOR SLAB
05
STEEL REINFORCEMENT
04
DRAINAGE LATER
03
FOUNDATION WALL
02
SLOPE WITH MORTAR
01
CONCRETE FOOTER
The public realm not only acts as a connection point among the buildings but it also forms a community within the site, allowing the different programs to interact with each other. Different materials denote different pathways and angles seen throughout, and also includes a garden that grows sporadically in spots forming a specific way of travel for pedestrians. Public and private areas form throughout the realm, specifically designed for the adults with autism. This site is an opportunity for the residents to explore new boundaries while at the same time, feel safe. The
community garden situated near the learning center, which is an opportunity for the residents, as well as the community, to grow their own food and learn how to cook healthy meals. The learning center also teaches and embraces how to live and take care of themselves. The site is enriched with opportunities for these residents to thrive and allows a space for the community to come together to grow, entertain, and learn. Communal gesture is a catalyst for the area that stimulates energy and activity to generate urban renewal in the forgotten part of town. Lackawanna River Heritage Trail | Scranton, PA year v, fall
ALEXANDER CALDER FOUNDATION
Alexander Calder Foundation
Project by Stephanie Breslin | Marywood University
The Alexander Calder Foundation formed through exploring the pedestrian heavy surrounding site and research done on Alexander Calder. I wanted to create a museum that would reflect Calder’s personality and also reflect the surrounding site. The current site was a parking lot, so I wanted to keep the open air and breathing room for that area amongst the dense surrounding buildings. Architecture provides public space and in turn public space provides architecture. I analyzed this and inverted the typical building on site and designed the museum to be
underground with an open public park on the top. The plans are set up in the manner of continuous movement and balance which are words to describe Calder’s work. As one enters the museum, he or she will walk on the entrance ramp through the sculpture garden below; his famous piece, Flamingo, wraps around the ramp, close enough to touch. The museum features a radial plan with the sculpture park in the middle, atrium space offsetted in, and the exhibition space on the outskirts. It is an open plan to allow for all scales of work.
PARK AT GR O
MUSE
UM B
UND L
ENTR
ANCE
EVEL
LIGH
ELOW
GRAD
E
T WE
WALK WAY / RA
LLS
MP
ENTR
ANCE
SCUL
/ EGR
ESS
PTUR
E GAR
DEN -
60’
Philadelphia, PA year v,spring
Alexander Calder Foundation
a. incorporating the larger urban context within the individual site through a piece of architecture
Gestural study models were created to understand the site and how it would incorporate the program.
Philadelphia, PA year v, spring
Alexander Calder Foundation
MERCH
LOBBY/ RE
MP
RA
T
BI
I XH
YE
R RA
G
PERMAN ENT EXH IBITION
CE
N
RA
AN
AM
R CE
TR
P
EN
FLECTIO N AREA
ANDISIN
PO
M TE
T EN
PERMA
[0 ]
[TRANSVERSE SECTION]
[-1 ]
[-2 ]
AUDITO R
AUDITO R
IUM
CAFE
IUM
LIBRARY
EXHIBIT
ION
[-3 ]
ORKSHO P OPEN S TORAGE /W
0’ RDEN -6
PERMAN
SCULPT URE GA
PERMAN ENT EXH IBITION
T
IBI
XH
YE
AR
OR
PERMAN ENT EXH IBITION
MP
TE
ANENT
ENT EXH
IBITION
[-4 ]
This section through the building shows how heavily art focused the museum is. There is alot of room for Calder’s artwork in many different ways. Calder’s biggest piece, Flamingo, wraps around the entrance walkway so the visitors can be directly involved with the work.
Philadelphia, PA year v, spring
Alexander Calder Foundation
Philadelphia, PA year v, spring
Alexander Calder Foundation
Getting light down to the building was a key point because it is built below grade. With the program held for a museum, light is a very important part when displaying artwork. It was vital that light would play a an important role in the design. A means to do this was make the facade surrounding the sculpture garden courtyard all glass to allow for light to get into the immediate spaces. For the rest of the building, especially in the gallery spaces, light wells exerted themselves all the way down to the bottom floor which flooded those spaces with light. These light wells played an
important part in the park where they stood out up to 15 feet. They are positioned in a way to form spaces between artworks to not only define a space, but give each artwork the light attention it deserves. Choosing to build the museum underground was an urban strategy to bring more people to the already pedestrian heavy site. Occupants would experience not only a museum but a cultural atmosphere in the park. The Alexander Calder Foundation acts as a cultural hub where people can gather, rest, and relax, while being immersed in the artwork. Philadelphia, PA year v, spring
INsta(F)LATION
INsta(F)LATION
Project by Stephanie Breslin + Milton Major | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
INsta(F)LATION is an inflatable installation experimenting with silicon as a material. Very interested in inflatable architecture of the sixties, we chose to implement strategies seen their but advanced them through current technology. SIlicon, when acting pneumatically, is very resourceful in terms of inflatable architecture. In the scale of an installation, the design concept revolves around motion actuated silicon inflation that provides a thermally dynamic surface. The surface is constructed by a tensile rope and is allowed to inflate in an irregular asymmetrical movement. The experience of the installation is multi-sensory
incorporating both visual and tactile performance for the user. the air source is concentrated on top of the space frame that supports the inflatable installation; the inflation occurs when movement is sensed and follows the path of the user. Temperatures of the air flow vary based on the seasons: summer months receive cool air, winter months receive warm air, and months in between receive a mixture of warm and cool air. The site for the proposed installation is in the lobby of EMPAC (Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center) on Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s campus, which embraces experimental art and architecture.
AIR DISTRIBUTION
FRAME
LED LIGHTS
ROPE
MOTION SENSOR
THERMAL POWER
SILICON PILLOWS
Material Exploration MSArch, fall
INsta(F)LATION
Material Exploration MSArch, fall
INsta(F)LATION
[DYNAMIC ELEVATION]
This dynamic elevation sequence demonstrates motion actuation along the path of travel of a user. Because sensors track the users movement, the installation is always changing and the same experience is never achieved twice.
Material Exploration MSArch, fall
INsta(F)LATION
warm air HEATING DEGREE DAYS
cool air COOLING DEGREE DAYS
warm air cool air MEDIAN DEGREE DAYS
Material Exploration MSArch, fall
INsta(F)LATION
Done in a material exploration class, the main goal of this project was to experiment and really understand the material of silicon. Exploring with sIlicon was an interesting experience. There were times where it worked and other times it did not. Through a series of prototypes, we were able to understand how the material works in a pneumatic setting. WIth that in mid, we altered each prototype taking notes from former ones on which worked and which did not. We were confident in the “pillow” prototype so we decided to further that study. The images to the left and above
demonstrate the pneumatic “pillow” with tensile rope creating a constricting force as the silicon is blown up. The weaving done in the model was arbitrary, providing a point so the silicon was free to be blown up through any available opportunity. This concept was featured in the design proposal. At full scale, this motion actuated silicon pillow would allow for an interactive experience for the occupant. At a given point, the occupant can decide how interactive they get with the pillow ranging from a small extrusion to being completely surrounded by the pneumatic pillow. Material Exploration MArch II, fall
DIGITAL FABRICATION
Digital Fabrication These examples of digital fabrication feature studies in the programs of either Grasshopper or Maya and then experiment with different ways of fabrication and materiality.
GRASSHOPPER
3D PRINT, STRONG FLEXIBLE PLASTIC recursive attractor geometry
MAYA
3D PRINT, SANDSTONE formulating a new flower concept
GRASSHOPPER
3D PRINT, FOAM sequence of a dynamic model Software + Fabrication MArch II, fall
THANK YOU
Stephanie Breslin sbreslin23@gmail.com 1.570.614.3583