2019-2020 Portfolio

sydney grace miller Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Portfolio 2019-2020

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next hub

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camp vista

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connect

university innovation satellite campus

universally designed summer day camp

health + design research center

next hub 8 weeks | individual project 10,700 sq ft Washington DC

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1. site 2. smithsonian 3. national mall

The Next Hub is a satellite innovation campus for a university. It is an experiential learning facility that brings people of all ages together to share knowledge.

The concept for the space was inspired by the close proximity of the site to the National Mall. The Smithsonian museums along the mall provide not only a destination of learning, but also a place for cultural collisions since people from all over the world come to DC for the experience. The purpose of the Next Hub design is to create a place where people can participate in active learning and make connections in an impactful space.

The layout of the Smithsonian museums form two academic cores along an axis while the Mall serves as a connecting space between each museum.

To translate to the building, two academic cores are placed along the exterior. A linear space along the main axis in the center connects the cores, providing a strong and identifiable wayfinding element. The paths along the mall that connect either side are interpreted in the main core with a integrated lighting and change in wood grain direction on the floor.

A monumental stair is placed at the entrance of the space as a connection between floors. This stair design was inspired by the experience of someone climbing the grand staircase to enter a museum. Other design elements from museums such as an edge abstracted plinth and coffered ceiling grid were used to define the academic area.

level 10 + 11 site diagram

parti diagrams

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academic cores 4.

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UP

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central axis

TENTH FLOOR PLAN: NTS

annotations

connecting element

1. In Between Space

6. Resource Room

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Faculty Hub

2. Maker Space

7. Mother’s Room

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VR/AR Space

3. Learning Commons 8. Childcare Center

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Cafe

4. Active Classroom

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Tutoring

9. Computer Lab

5. Multipurpose Room 10. Seminar Classrooms 15.

Respite Room

concept sketches:

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central void

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DN

abstracted pediment

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ELEVENTH FLOOR PLAN: NTS

coffer pattern

well building standard Outdoor balcony with seating, vistas, and plants is a destination well: movement

Acoustically controlled enclosed room to offer place of respite well: mind

Central stair encourages people to walk between floors well: movement

Enclosed resource rooms prevent toxic printer fumes from spreading well: air

material delineation

entrance rendering

steps only

step to bench

blend

staircase (above) The grand staircase is inspired by the experience of the entrances of Smithsonian museums. The risers provide a space for people to gather and connect. The stair and learning commons provide an inviting and welcoming experience for those entering. A screen featuring live building data informs users about the space.

in between space (right) The in between spaces include soft seating along main circulation for studying. They provide proximity to and views into the classrooms as well as tools to connect.

faculty lounge material palette

faculty hub (above)

level set/ interface lvt

fsc hard maple

forest nap/kvadrat

adobe/maharam

divina/kvadrat

ACTIVE CLASSROOM ELEVATION: NTS

The faculty hub offers a balance between privacy and accessibility to students. It supports actions such as meeting and socializing. The space is adjacent to private tutoring to allow easy interaction with students who need assistance.

active classroom (right) The classroom allows for an easy transition between learning modes. The layout creates clear views to the technology and the swivel seating allows students to see instructors at any time. Lounge seating provides choice in different work postures.

small team

The flexible furniture allows for group work. The maker cart and personal whiteboards provide tools for collaborative projects.

lecture

The varying furniture height allows for visibility during the lecture. Multiple screens give students a view from anywhere.

seminar

The seminar arrangement allows for group discussion and removes the traditional front of the room type layout.

cafe + learning commons

maker space

vr/ar room

respite room

resource room

cafe area (left)

maker space (below)

This cafe provides a central point on the eleventh floor for users to come socialize. The stair and cafe connect both levels of the learning commons. Views of the outdoors and natural light unite the spaces.

Energy efficient fixtures were selected for the space.

From end to end, different postures in the maker space support conversation, research, ideation and iteration, and presentation. Digital and analog communication tools are integrated throughout. Space for individual and team work is supported by varying seating heights.

camp vista 5 weeks | individual project 3,600 sq ft Lake Wallenpaupack, PA

2 Camp Vista is a summer day camp that features universal design. The first level serves as the daily activity center while the second provides a residential area and office for the camp director.

Lake Wallenpaupack is a landmark because of its natural beauty, so it serves as a memorable site for Camp Vista. During the mid-twentieth century, the Poconos were a popular vacation spot for people from cities in the northeast US. Many postcards from this time were able to capture the lively resorts and outdoor activities. The design of the space is inspired by how postcards from the past frame views of the idyllic Pocono Mountains.

In the initial building analysis, the windows were highlighted as existing framed views. This drove the space plan because the spaces with the most frequent use were placed adjacent to windows to maximize the natural views. Intentional framing is a design element used to highlight important spaces. Moments identified in the space plan are marked by frames and used to delineate the path through the building. The contrasting finishes emphasize the dark frames from the light finish of the rest of the space.

A secondary application of concept can be seen in the ceiling design.

The converging pattern of the acoustical ceiling draws your eye to the interior frames. Alternatively, it draws your eye to the natural views if you are facing the exterior. The simple focus of the interior space encourages a connection to people and place. The way pleasant memories are captured with the timelessness of a postcard frame is reminiscent of the ephemeral summer camp experience.

outdoor view cones

parti diagrams

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FIRST FLOOR PLAN: NTS annotations 1. Cubbies 4. Activity Area 2. Nurse’s Office 5. Prop Closet 6. Make Up Counter 3. Stage

universal design 7. Changing Room 8. Furniture Storage 9. Barrier Free Restrooms

+ ada water fountains + lever sink + door handles + braille signage at doors

parti diagrams

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SECOND FLOOR PLAN: NTS universal design

annotations 1. Conference 2. Office 3. Living Room

4. Den 5. Half Bath 6. Kitchen

7. Dining 8. Master Bed 9. Master Bath

+ retractable doors under sink + zero threshold shower + height adjsutable counters

stage + activity area

concept sketches (left) Sketches in pen and marker explore how framing can be interpreted architecturally.

Each frame has a slight angled blend to subtly encourage users to move through. The darker finish on the frames differentiates them from the rest of the space.

stage area (above) The stage area frames performances with a reclaimed dark maple construction. The Camp Vista logo is used as branding on the stage backdrop. The acoustical ceiling feature draws the eye to the views of nature with its diverging pattern.

The backstage area offers an experience of preparation and anticipation for campers.

backstage

material palette

NURSE ELEVATION: NTS

deep emerald/ tilebar

1. langune/filz felt

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ADA lever sink Twin size cot

fsc dark maple

Top freezer refrigerator 6 Lineal ft counter space

fsc white oak

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oleander/sherwin williams

level set/ interface lvt

living room

kitchen + dining

master bedroom

apartment The residential space is universally designed to include height adjustable counters in the kitchen and retractable doors under all sinks. The wood slatted ceiling draws the eye outside to the natural views in a subtle way. Framed watercolors of the surrounding area painted by a local artist provide a reference to the site. Indoor plants provide an additional connection to nature.

master bath (right) The master bathroom includes a zero threshold shower and slip resistant flooring to prevent falls. The sink, toilet, and shower are low flow fixtures to conserve water.

MASTER BATH ELEVATION: NTS

COWORKING ENTRANCE

connect 7 weeks | individual project 27,000 sq ft Roanoke, VA

The Connect Health and Design Research Center is a university facility that supports interacting, learning and creating with people from diverse disciplinary backgrounds.

The surrounding site and existing building which was originally a factory, serve as a basis for the concept of the space. Since it is located in the industrial district of Roanoke, VA, raw materials and their joinery became a primary conceptual driver. During the site visit, the quality of light in the space stood out as beams of light filtered into the building in a celestial way. This moment became an inspirational language in the design.

The concept of material joinery is implemented by the activation of the joint area in the building. Connections between users are facilitated by placing important and community destinations in that particular space. The wood and glass slatted feature throughout the space showcases joinery in a literal way. This feature draws the eye up to the clerestory skylights which filter the natural light, similar to the lighting effect in the existing building. This motif highlights important places in the building such as the community space and the secondary entrance.

On the long section of the building, a wall washing skylight draws attention to the texture of the existing brick material and creates a way finding element in the hall. The maker space includes a wood shop so users can prototype models and practice the art of material joinery for themselves. The goal of the space as a whole is to foster collaboration between disciplines through research; the design focus on joinery, is meant to highlight connections between different fields.

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parti diagrams

private semi public public merging forms

connected shape

activated joint space

concept sketches (above)

architectural diagram (above)

The sketches examine the relationship between the entrances and the joint space in the building. Joinery studies also provided iteration for design language.

The detail diagram above delineates the entrances to the space as well as the skylight location and outdoor courtyard relative to the existing building shell.

annotations: 1. Conference 2. Classroom 3. Office 4. Lounge 5. Maker Space 6. Display + Training 7. Studio Space 8. Pin Up Area 9. Work Cafe 10. Team Room 11. Print + Copy 12. Respite Room 13. Mother’s Room 14. Faculty Apartment

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well building standard:

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The cafe can seat 25% of the occupant load at once. This can promote eating in community. well: nourishment

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Forty-nine sq ft. of private space for nursing mothers separated from the bathroom and including an outlet. well: community

A centrally featured, engaging stair to encourage people to walk instead of take elevators. well: movement

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Outdoor courtyard with seating, and a water feature provides a destination. Grass is used instead of hardscaping. well: movement

FLOOR PLAN: NTS

entrance

stair detail 1. glass height variable 2. 1/2” tempered glass 3. painted white handrail 4. 1/2” notch double bolted 5. 2” x 8” maple panels 6. metal angle w. concrete sinks

stair section The double height maker space and wood shop have separate ventilation and exits. The wall system maple paneling has micro perforations for acoustic control.

New and existing clerestory skylights are highlighted by the custom slat feature.

full axonometric The design highlights the joint community areas in the plan with the engaging wood slat feature, clerestory skylights, and lounge areas

touchdown space

touchdown area (above)

cafe (right)

This space could be used for a video conference or casual meeting with a screen for presentation. It is also serves as a touchdown area for brainstorming or work on a laptop. It features an existing textured brick wall washed in light and a multi-height table for varying postures.

Different seating options for those eating a meal or those who prefer working in a cafe setting are provided in the space. The wood and glass slat feature ties to the design of the stair to emphasize the joint space in the building with the attention to natural light.

classroom

studio space

maker space

Flexible furniture for different layouts.

Pin up wall for presentations

Full wood shop + 3D printers

casual meeting area

fsc maple

cafe

white painted brick

main line/ haworth

king orange/ haworth

white washed concrete

moss arts center: marker rendering

thank you sydnem1@vt.edu