Grounded Forms
Thomas Boyd Palmer, M Arch 2019 2022
00 / Table of Contents
01 / West Bay Market
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02 / A Delicate Balance of Tensions
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03 / Students Get a Front Row Seat
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04 / Intersected Contours
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05 / Waffle Forms
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Course ARH 619 Advanced Design Studio III Instructor Eric Lum Semester Spring 2021 Site San Francisco, California
01 / West Bay Market A Community Resource
Statement An extensive Blue Green Way is under development wrapping along the entire waterfront. A park and boat yard are being re-imagined directly between the project site and the waterfront. A master planned development with housing units and broad natural areas along the waterfront is also planned to the South. The new market will create a lynch pin connecting these two other sections of continuous recreational pathways. An overall folded plate roof covers the entire site and stretches from corner to corner. The central area is a common polygon based on circulation paths merging together. Cast in place reinforced concrete shells provide thermal mass. Thick tapered walls join at pointed tops. Clerestory windows infill openings between roofs and walls. A mezzanine level is supported by hollow pylons. Space for privacy or service functions is housed within the shells. The structure creates a split level plan with street entry at ground level but due to the downward sloping site the basement is also at grade level at the bay side.
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PROJECT 01 / 05
W E S T B AY M A R K E T
Fig 01
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 02
LEGEND Fig 01 Street Entry Fig 02 Bay View Fig 03 Site Plan
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PROJECT 01 / 05
W E S T B AY M A R K E T
Fig 03
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 04
Fig 05
Fig 06
Mezzanine Deck 4208 SF
LEGEND Fig 04 Fig 05 Fig 06 Fig 07
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Basement Level Street Level Mezzanine Level Section Enclosure
PROJECT 01 / 05
W E S T B AY M A R K E T
Fig 07
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 08
Fig 09
LEGEND Fig 08 Fig 09 Fig 10
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South Elevation West Elevation Exploded Axonometric
PROJECT 01 / 05
W E S T B AY M A R K E T
Fig 10
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 11
Fig 12
Fig 13
LEGEND Fig 11 Fig 12 Fig 13 Fig 14 Fig 15
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Folded Plates Beam Assembly Roof Structure Overall Model Courtyard (pg 15)
PROJECT 01 / 05
W E S T B AY M A R K E T
Fig 14
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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G R O U N D E D FO R M S
PROJECT 01 / 05
W E S T B AY M A R K E T
Fig 15
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Course ARH 608 Advanced Design Studio II Instructor Eric Reeder Semester Spring 2020 Site Berlin, Germany
02 / A Delicate Balance of Tensions
A Modern Art Museum at a Berlin Crossroads
Statement: A new museum is located at the crossroads between the stoically classic new national gallery by Mies Van der Rohe and the exuberant philharmonic concert hall. Approximately 80,000 sq. ft. of conditioned space is arranged as wedge shaped voids that cut from the urban block. The historic massing of previous development was 2-3 story residential villas with a strong outer edge around the perimeter of the block. Garden courtyards behind each house created an inner void in that mass. This precedent is reflected in the new mass concept of a solid block with a corridor opened up down the center. This parcel has historically been a thruway to travel between the adjacent attractions. Exterior pathways extend through the site in the space between the building masses. Subtle angles are allowed in only one axis to push and pull the space to compress and relax the visitor experience. The primary building masses are oriented by the cardinal grid of the city and surrounding streets. North facing glazing elements allow indirect natural light. The delicate trellis protects from sun, wind, rain and snow but allows natural scattered light.
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PROJECT 02 / 05
A D E L I C AT E B A L A N C E O F T E N S I O N S
Fig 16
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 17
Fig 18
Fig 19
LEGEND Fig 16 Fig 17 Fig 18 Fig 19 Fig 20 Fig 21 Fig 22
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Front View (pg 17) Ground Floor Second Level Third Level Section Transverse Section Longitudinal Main Section Context
PROJECT 02 / 05
A D E L I C AT E B A L A N C E O F T E N S I O N S
Fig 20
Fig 21
Fig 22
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 23
LEGEND Fig 23 Fig 24 Fig 25 Fig 26
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Circulation Axonometric Elevation West Elevation East Elevation South
PROJECT 02 / 05
A D E L I C AT E B A L A N C E O F T E N S I O N S
Fig 24
Fig 25 Fig 26
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 27
Fig 28
Fig 29
LEGEND Fig 27 Fig 28 Fig 29 Fig 30 Fig 31 Fig 32
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Context South View West View East View South East View West Detail
PROJECT 02 / 05
A D E L I C AT E B A L A N C E O F T E N S I O N S
Fig 30
Fig 31
Fig 32
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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LEGEND Fig 33
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West View
PROJECT 02 / 05
A D E L I C AT E B A L A N C E O F T E N S I O N S
Fig 33
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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LEGEND Fig 34 Fig 35
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Courtyard View Interior Gallery (pg 29)
PROJECT 02 / 05
A D E L I C AT E B A L A N C E O F T E N S I O N S
Fig 34
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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G R O U N D E D FO R M S
PROJECT 02 / 05
A D E L I C AT E B A L A N C E O F T E N S I O N S
Fig 35
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Course ARH 609 Advanced Design Studio I Instructor Jose Mayoral Moratilla Semester Spring 2019 Site San Francisco, California
03 / Students Get a Front Row Seat
A Science, Engineering, Art and Technology School
Statement A new learning facility is located in the Dog Patch neighborhood of San Francisco. Approximately 45,000 sq. ft. of conditioned space is arranged as stacked blocks to create void spaces between the units as well as terraces from adjacent roof tops. Inspired by Peter Zumthor’s Therme Vals, the main organization is a cluster of similar but unique module elements arranged into groups. Each module is a simplified miniature of the overall whole. The voids within the masses allow light to enter through openings in the overhead enclosure. The solid enclosure allows thin slices of light to penetrate in selected locations, which enhance the circulation routes though the clustered groups. This area developed from a gritty, working class, industrial zone with a prominent shipyard. Not as affluent as Potrero Hill, it is separated from its gentrified neighbor by the divided interstate highway. The eastern exposure provides the sunniest views in the city, away from the Pacific fog.
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PROJECT 03 / 05
S T U D E N T S G E T A F R O N T R O W S E AT
Fig 36
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 37
Fig 38
Fig 39
LEGEND Fig 36 Fig 37 Fig 38 Fig 39 Fig 40 Fig 41 Fig 42
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Interior View (pg 31) Blocks Spline Merged Block A Block B Block C
PROJECT 03 / 05
S T U D E N T S G E T A F R O N T R O W S E AT
Fig 40
Fig 41
Fig 42
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 43
Fig 44
Fig 45
Fig 46
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LEGEND Fig 43 Fig 44 Fig 45 Fig 46 Fig 47 Fig 48
Ground Floor Second Level Third Level Roof Level Stacked Forms Elevated Openings
PROJECT 03 / 05
S T U D E N T S G E T A F R O N T R O W S E AT
Fig 47
Fig 48
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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LEGEND Fig 49 Fig 50
Fig 49
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Views of Park Auditorium
PROJECT 03 / 05
S T U D E N T S G E T A F R O N T R O W S E AT
Fig 50
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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LEGEND Fig 51 Fig 52
Fig 51
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Views from Park Circular Stair
PROJECT 03 / 05
S T U D E N T S G E T A F R O N T R O W S E AT
Fig 52
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 53
Fig 54
Fig 55
LEGEND Fig 53 Fig 54 Fig 55 Fig 56
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Outer Screening Primary Structure Clustered Groups Model and Context
PROJECT 03 / 05
S T U D E N T S G E T A F R O N T R O W S E AT
Fig 56
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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LEGEND Fig 57
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Stacked Blocks
PROJECT 03 / 05
S T U D E N T S G E T A F R O N T R O W S E AT
Fig 57
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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LEGEND Fig 58 Fig 59
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Scattered Light Street View (pg 47)
PROJECT 03 / 05
S T U D E N T S G E T A F R O N T R O W S E AT
Fig 58
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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G R O U N D E D FO R M S
PROJECT 03 / 05
S T U D E N T S G E T A F R O N T R O W S E AT
Fig 59
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Course ARH 659 Digital Fabrication Instructor Benjamin Rice Semester Fall 2019 Site None
04 / Intersected Contours
Digital Morphology and Fabrication
Statement: Digitally scanned objects are converted to a mesh and given interval contours using Rhinoceros software. Each contour is then given thickness to match the cut material dimensions. Two sets of contours are merged and the intersections are removed so both sets fit together in a waffle form. Multiple photographs can be used to create the initial mesh using Autodesk ReCap Pro program instead of a laser scanner. Alternately, meshes can be created by direct modelling in Rhino. Egg crate or waffle models are a further refinement of contour models or actually two contour models made from different axis merged together. The two merged forms can then structurally support each other which allows the stacking interval to be skipped to form voids between the layers. This opens up the model and creates space where the contour was mostly mass. The waffle allows space and mass to balance more fully.
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PROJECT 04 / 05
I N T E R S E C T E D C O N TO U R S
Fig 60
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 61
Fig 62
Fig 63
LEGEND Fig 60 Fig 61 Fig 62 Fig 63 Fig 64 Fig 65
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Skull Scans (pg 49) Roof Side View Roof Plane Waffle Laser Cut Waffle Model Contour Drawing Laser Cut Contour Model
PROJECT 04 / 05
I N T E R S E C T E D C O N TO U R S
Fig 64
Fig 65
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 66
Fig 67
LEGEND Fig 66 Fig 67 Fig 68
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Skull Contours Axonometric Skull Contours Top View Laser Cut Patterns
PROJECT 04 / 05
I N T E R S E C T E D C O N TO U R S
Fig 68
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 69
Fig 70
LEGEND Fig 69 Fig 70 Fig 71 Fig 72
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Waffle Rendering Front Laser Cut Model Front Waffle Rendering Bottom Laser Cut Model Bottom
PROJECT 04 / 05
I N T E R S E C T E D C O N TO U R S
Fig 71
Fig 72
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Course ARH 659 Digital Fabrication Instructor Benjamin Rice Semester Fall 2019 Site None
05 / Waffle Forms
A Bio-Morphic Exploration
Statement: Objects created by modelling in Rhinoceros software are developed to imitate nature. Key words such as stalk, stem, frond, series, and taper are designed into the objects which are then combined in various ways to bring out similarities. A base shape alluding to a four legged animal is clad in elements resembling scales. The leaf structure is rotated horizontally and the tips are trimmed flat. The stem becomes thicker and integrated with the broader curved panel. The series is repeated to create a rhythmic pattern. Nature inspires us with many examples of aggregate assemblies. The many ways separate items attach together in nature also creates a catalog of joining methods. In this study I focus on stems of leaves as a way to create a small connection point that can then expand and warp away from the place of joining, unrestricted by its anchorage. Leaves also occur in series with each unit a slightly different size and shape, but all following a basic structural pattern that flows throughout the entire assembly.
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PROJECT 05 / 05
W A F F L E FO R M S
Fig 73
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 74
Fig 75
Fig 76
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LEGEND Fig 73 Fig 74 Fig 75 Fig 76 Fig 77
Wood Waffle Model (pg 57) Line Contours Wire Mesh Laser Cut Patterns Foam Core Model
PROJECT 05 / 05
W A F F L E FO R M S
Fig 77
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 78
LEGEND Fig 78 Fig 79
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Offset Meshes Composite Assembly
PROJECT 05 / 05
W A F F L E FO R M S
Fig 79
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
G R O U N D E D FO R M S
Fig 80
LEGEND Fig 80 Fig 81
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End View Cut Away View
PROJECT 05 / 05
W A F F L E FO R M S
Fig 81
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Fig 82
Fig 83
Fig 84
Fig 85
LEGEND Fig 82 Fig 83 Fig 84 Fig 85 Fig 86 Fig 87
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Left View Top View Bottom View Rear View Exterior View Interior View (pg 67)
PROJECT 05 / 05
W A F F L E FO R M S
Fig 86
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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G R O U N D E D FO R M S
PROJECT 05 / 05
W A F F L E FO R M S
Fig 87
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
Acknowledgements
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G R O U N D E D FO R M S
To My Family
My family’s support has been invaluable to achieving this milestone. Thank you Beth, Kate and Garrett for your endless encouragement. To my sister Liz for always lending an ear when I needed to talk. Special thanks to my brother Robert who introduced me to the world of architecture as a child and taught me to dream big. Finally, to my mother Charlotte, words cannot express my gratitude for your unconditional and continued love and support throughout my life.
To My Instructors
My instructor’s excellent lessons and constructive feedback have enhanced the way I view the entire field of Architecture and have helped me become a more competent professional. I appreciate the invigorating dialogue from all of our sessions.
Mark Myers
Ana Mayoral Moratilla
Peter Strzebniok
Gloria Jew
Jose Mayoral Moratilla
Eric Lum
Peter Suen
Jesse Agosta
Carl Wilford
Jennifer Asseltine
Benjamin Rice
Mary Scott
Eric Reeder
James O’Hara
Paul Rivers
Huan Fang
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T H O M A S B OY D PA L M E R , M A R C H
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Title Grounded Forms School Academy of Art University Course M Arch Portfolio Instructor Mary Scott Publisher Blurb Paper Stock Mohawk Superfine #100 Text Uncoated Typography IBM Plex Sans
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COPYRIGHT © 2022 Thomas Boyd Palmer All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission contact author. Published by Blurb 1st Edition Cover by Author www.thomasboydpalmer.com
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