"DESIGN PORTFOLIO" ARCHITECTURE + ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY BY WHIT HULL
"DESIGN PORTFOLIO" WHIT HULL
ABOUT ME
I'm Whit, a graduate architecture student with a passion for space and design. Lifeling interests in art, science, and spaceflight have led me to study architecture with the goal of redefining human life in space. Each step of my journey is a challenge not just to refine my skills but to learn and expand the horizons of what can be achieved with design. Most importantly, however, I am committed to creating spaces that promote a safe, comfortable, sustainable, and healthy way of life. Architecture, for me, is a disciplined blend of art and science. Rooted in sustainability and resilience, my designs aim to enhance and transform the human experience within the built environment, emphasizing utility without compromising aesthetics. Bringing together diverse talents and viewpoints, I strive to contribute to projects that stand at the intersection of creativity and functionality and challenge the status quo to inspire new ways of living.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Architectural Intern
GH2 Architects - Oklahoma City, OK
Summer 2024
Worked on schematic design, design developement, code analysis, and project management on a host of public and private projects.
Architectural Intern
Spur Design - Oklahoma City, OK
Summer 2022 & 2023
Worked on construction documents, code analysis, design, and design development on many federal projects ranging from healthcare to housing.
Photography / Graphic Design
Freelance - Norman, OK
2019 - Present
Years of experience in photography and graphic design, including crafting merchandise and other promotional materials.
EDUCATION
B.S. in Architectural Studies
University of Oklahoma - Norman, OK
2020-2024
Undergraduate studies include architecture, astronomy, envrionmental and climate science, and structural engineering.
M.Arch - Master of Architecture
University of Oklahoma - Norman, OK
Graduate studies include environmental psycology, construction administration, and building systems integration.
AIA Rome Program - Rome, Italy
Spring 2023
2024-Present Spring 2023
Study Abroad in Rome, Italy. Studies include Italian languange and culture, architectural history, perception, and observation.
RECOGNITIONS
Design Studio Award
Fall 2023
Scholarship awarded by studio professors. Project voted 2nd Place in studio by a panel of architecture professionals. (page 6)
Student Design Innitiative
Spring 2022
Independent design innitative recognized by Gibb's College newsletter, Oculus. (page 28)
President’s Honor Roll
4x Semesters
Achieved a 4.0 grade point average for four semesters. Recognized by the University of Oklahoma President.
SKILLS
Softwares Technical Skills
• Revit
• Enscape
• AutoCAD
• Rhinoceros 3D
• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• Indesign
• Drafting
• Rending
• Graphic Design
• Photography
• 3D Modeling
• 3D Printing
• Woodworking
Phone: (405)-620-5344
Email: barrett.w.hull-1@ou.edu
Portfolio: http://tiny.cc/76bzwz
Website: www.whithulldesigns.com
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/whit-hull
TABLE OF CONTENTS
“If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.”
- Carl Sagan, Cosmos
ECOSCAPE.
Dallas, TX, USA
Residential/Mixed Use
A multi-family affordable housing project located in the Vickery Meadow community in Dallas, TX.
GROW NORMAN.
Norman, OK, USA
Community/Education Facility
A community learning and service center located in Norman, OK to help inform and allow residents to grow food within an urban setting.
NEAT.
Norman, OK, USA
Recreational/Medical Facility
Equine Assisted Therapy Center located in Norman, OK designed to support theraputic riding for patients with various disabilities.
PERSONAL PROJECTS.
Sink Extenders
Drafting Table
PHOTOGRAPHY.
Astronomical Coming Soon
ECOSCAPE
Use: Residential/Mixed-Use
Location: Dallas, TX
Fall 2023
Ecoscape is a conceptual multi-family affordable housing project located in the Vickery Meadow community of Dallas, TX. This innovative development is designed with a focus on sustainability, community engagement, and universal accessibility. This approach fosters inclusivity, with design elements that encourage social interaction and cultural enrichment within indoor and outdoor communal spaces. The structure features a robust mass timber frame, ensuring both sustainability and structural integrity, while the exterior wall design incorporates recycled brick and galvanized corrugated steel, highlighting the project's commitment to eco-friendly materials. Ecoscape is driven to respond to the AIA Framework for Design Excellence, integrating renewable energy sources and water-efficient strategies to minimize environmental impact.
FLOOR PLAN
Typical
MASSING EXPLORATIONS
Final Iteration
Ecoscape serves as a dynamic nexus for community engagement, seamlessly extending the adjacent library’s community outreach. Grounded in the ethos of inclusivity and connectivity, the structure acts as a vibrant hub for diverse user groups. The deliberate choice of design elements, such as sloped roofs mirroring neighboring residences, creates a visual harmony with its surrounding context and seeks to evoke a subconscious sense of home and shelter.
EAST ELEVATION SOUTH ELEVATION
From Library
FULLY ACCESSIBLE APARTMENTS
The accessible apartment units in Ecoscape are designed to meet ADA and universal design standards, ensuring they are easily navigable and comfortable for all residents. Features like no-step entries, wide doorways, and adaptable living spaces make the units accessible to people with various abilities, promoting independence. All units feature a large accessible bathroom and kitchen and an intuitive and easy to navigate layout. By adhering to these standards, Ecoscape emphasizes its commitment to inclusivity and creating a welcoming environment for a diverse community.
From Park Ln
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STRATEGIES
DESIGN FOR RESOURCES
Prioritizes recycled materials and a modular construction approach, reducing waste and resource consumption.
6 1 7 2
DESIGN FOR EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES
DESIGN FOR ENERGY
Incorporates passive solar design and renewable energy sources. Aims for net-zero energy consumption.
DESIGN FOR DISCOVERY
3
DESIGN FOR WATER
Employs rainwater water fixtures, minimizing promoting conservation.
Fosters social equity by offering affordable, accessible housing, providing diverse residents with quality living spaces.
Offers educational sapces and features, encouraging residents and visitors to learn about its environmental strategies.
8
DESIGN FOR CHANGE
Designed to be adaptable accommodating future expansions to meet
harvesting and efficient minimizing water use and conservation.
CHANGE WATER
adaptable and capable of future changes in use or meet community needs.
9 4
DESIGN FOR INTEGRATION
A harmony with local context creates a seamless transition between Ecoscape and the library.
DESIGN FOR ECOSYSTEMS
Incorporates rain gardens and bioswales, enhancing biodiversity and managing stormwater.
10 5
DESIGN FOR ECONOMY
The use of recyclable, local materials ensures economic viability and long-term sustainability.
DESIGN FOR WELL-BEING
Natural light, superior air quality, and connection to outdoor spaces in Ecoscape support physical and mental well-being.
ECOSCAPE.
ROOF SYSTEM
Standing Seam Metal
5-Ply CLT
COLUMN GRID
GLulam Glulam
FLOOR SYSTEM
Concrete on CLT
SLAB
6" Concrete Slab
FOUNDATIONS
Isolated Concrete Footings
MASS TIMBER
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
The structural system for Ecpscape consists of primarily mass timber, combining both functionality and sustainability. Engineered for efficiency and aesthetic warmth, mass timber provides a structural backbone that aligns with the project's eco-conscious ethos. The exterior wall section showcases a dynamic composition, integrating glazing, galvanized corrugated steel, and mass timber. This juxtaposition not only enhances the building's aesthetic appeal but also communicates its commitment to sustainable and resilient materials. The design achieves a balance between transparency and privacy, responding to the varied needs of the user group while maintaining a visual connection with the surrounding community.
WALL SECTION
Exterior
GROW NORMAN
"NORMAN CENTER FOR URBAN FARMING"
Use: Community/Education
Location: Norman, OK
Spring 2022
Grow Norman is a visionary center for urban farming situated in Norman, OK, designed to be a cornerstone for sustainability and agricultural education within an urban setting. At its core, Grow Norman aims to educate the community on sustainable technologies and the importance of urban agriculture. Through hands-on learning spaces and demonstration gardens, the center encourages local residents to explore the possibilities of growing food in urban environments. Its design not only addresses the practical aspects of urban farming but also serves as a model for environmental stewardship, demonstrating how buildings can coexist harmoniously with nature. By integrating advanced sustainable technologies and farming practices, Grow Norman seeks to inspire a new generation of urban farmers and eco-conscious citizens.
NORMAN
1. STARTING CONDITIONS
DIVISION
SHIFTING
"NORMAN CENTER FOR URBAN FARMING"
Location:
GROW NORMAN
MULTI-FUNTIONAL BUILDING PROGRAM
Grow Norman integrates a greenhouse, café, and multifunctional spaces to foster an understanding of sustainable urban practices. Central to its design is a year-round operational greenhouse, complemented by a café serving locally sourced produce. The facility features expansive areas dedicated to educational events, art exhibitions focused on sustainability, and workshops that promote environmental awareness. Architecturally, the space is characterized by openness and accessibility, including a rooftop garden that demonstrates green infrastructure practices. This center aims to be a resource for the community, encouraging active engagement with sustainable living and urban agriculture.
MODELMAKING
The model was constructed with a deliberate choice of materials to represent different elements of the design accurately. For the surfaces intended to mimic glazing, a translucent material was used, while the roofing is depicted with a textured substance to suggest a green roof. Precision in the assembly was achieved through methods such as laser cutting for the clean lines and intricate details, ensuring a high level of accuracy and consistency throughout the model.
NEAT
"NORMAN EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY CENTER"
Use: Recreational/Medical Facility
Location: Norman, OK Fall 2021
The Norman Equine Assisted Therapy Center, or NEAT, is designed for healing between individuals with disabilities and horses, offering a seamless and accessible experience. With a thoughtful layout that includes therapy rooms, stables, and observation areas, the center fosters tranquility and connection. Natural materials like wood are featured throughout, enhancing the therapeutic environment with warmth and structural resilience. The integration of natural light and thoughtful circulation supports a calming and intuitive journey through the space, ensuring the center is attuned to the needs of both visitors and equine residents. It stands as a purposeful blend of architecture and therapy, creating a serene backdrop for recovery and wellness.
NEAT
ACCESSIBLE AND INTUITIVE CIRCULATION
NEAT incorporates a covered ramp from the parking area to the main entrance, enhancing easy access for all visitors. From the entrance, the design naturally branches out, leading to the stables, the main building, and a riding area and paddock intended for therapeutic use. Viewing areas are also integrated into the layout, providing spaces where families and therapists can observe sessions without intruding on the activities. These viewing spaces also allow patients and visitors to connect with the horse without having to get too close. The layout is driven by the practical needs of therapy sessions in mind, ensuring smooth flow and accessibility throughout the facility.
DESIGN FOR NON-HUMAN OCCUPANTS
Designing for non-human occupants, such as horses, presents unique challenges that require a deep understanding of animal behavior and needs. The primary consideration is creating spaces that are safe, comfortable, and conducive to the well-being of the animals. This involves considering factors like adequate space for movement, proper ventilation to ensure a healthy environment, and materials that are durable yet non-harmful if interacted with. Additionally, the design must account for the ease of care and maintenance, facilitating efficient daily operations for caregivers. Understanding these aspects is crucial to developing a facility that supports the therapeutic activities of equine-assisted therapy centers, where the interaction between humans and horses is central to the program's success.
ROOF SYSTEM
Standing Seam Metal
WALLS
Interior and Exterior
STRUCTURE
HSS and Timber Framing
FOUNDATIONS
7" Slab-on-grade
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
The structural design integrates exposed steel and wood, balancing structural integrity with aesthetic qualities. Steel ensures durability and provides essential support, while wood adds a natural element that softens the industrial feel of steel. This combination addresses the building's functional needs while contributing to a visually appealing environment, suited to the therapeutic context of the center.
PERSONAL PROJECTS
Architecture is a field that combines various design disciplines, from 3D modeling to woodworking. This broad skill set is not only applicable within architecture but can also be valuable when applied to other areas, offering opportunities for continuous practice and learning. By utilizing architectural skills in different contexts, one can contribute to improving the built environment across diverse scales. This approach not only broadens an architect's experience but also fosters innovation and versatility in design practices, enhancing both personal growth and the quality of projects in the architectural field and beyond.
SINK EXTENDERS
IMPROVING USABILITY WITH 3D DESIGN
DESIGN CHALLENGE
Since first arriving in Gould Hall, I and many other students have been bothered by the poorly coordinated faucets in the restrooms. The issue is that the faucets do not have enough water pressure, and don't extend far enough over the sink basin for you to wash your hands without them coming into contact with the back of the basin. An obvious yet expensive solution to this problem would be to replace the faucets, however, using design and fabrication skills learned in the very same building, I was able to come up with a solution that costs next to nothing and is very easy to implement. I 3D printedand tested nearly a dozen prototypes until reaching a form that was able to snugly fit on the existing faucets, not inhibit the sensor, and functionally extend the flow of water.
FIT TO PROFILE OF EXISTING FAUCETS
FUNCTIONALLY EXTENDS FLOW OF WATER
DAMAGE FROM HANDS COLLIDING WITH BACK OF BASIN
DRAFTING TABLE
CUSTOM DESIGNED & HANDMADE DRAFTING TABLE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Entering architecture school, I thought it would be a fun and useful exercise to design and build my own drafting table that contains all the features I could want. A web-based 3D modeling tool called TinkerCAD was used to model a buildable version based on surfaced, dimensional lumber. The table was then built out of solid red oak wood in my father’s woodshop.
ASTRO PHOTOGRAPHY
Astrophotography captures the awe-inspiring intersection of art and science, reflecting the vastness and beauty of the cosmos through the lens of human curiosity. This section showcases a series of images that not only celebrate the celestial wonders but also inspire my architectural designs, drawing parallels between the infinite possibilities of space and the potential of human creativity on Earth. Each photograph is a reminder of our place in the universe and the boundless inspiration it provides for pushing the limits of design and imagination.
"MILKY WAY"
Subject: Milky Way Core
Location: Black Mesa State Park
Summer 2020
"STAR TRAILS"
Subject: Polaris
Location: Black Mesa State Park Fall 2022
"ANDROMEDA"
Subject: Andromeda Galaxy
"CYGNUS"
Subject: Gamma Cygni
Location: Black Mesa State Park Summer 2023
COMING
"CAPSL OBSERBATORY"
Use: Astronomy/Astrophotography
Location: Jones, OK Coming 2024
The design of the "CAPSL" observatory draws inspiration from the pioneering spirit and aesthetics of early spacecraft, particularly the Mercury capsule, which marked humanity's initial forays into manned spaceflight. This influence is reflected in the observatory's compact, efficient form, echoing the capsule's iconic silhouette and functional design. By integrating elements reminiscent of these early explorations into space, "CAPSL" not only serves as a personal space for astronomical observation but also as a tribute to the ingenuity and ambition of space pioneers. The project merges historical inspiration with modern architectural techniques, creating a space that is both a functional observatory and a symbol of human curiosity and exploration.
THE LIGHT POLLUTION PROBLEM
Within the context of architecture, light pollution emerges as a critical environmental and design challenge, reflecting the unintended consequences of urban development on our natural nightscapes. Architects and urban planners increasingly recognize the need to balance artificial lighting with ecological and astronomical considerations, aiming to mitigate the adverse effects of light pollution. This involves the strategic use of lighting in buildings and public spaces to enhance safety and aesthetics while minimizing light spill and skyglow that obscure the stars. Sustainable design principles, such as shielded lighting fixtures and the adoption of lighting ordinances, play a pivotal role in addressing these concerns. By integrating these practices, architecture can contribute to reducing light pollution, preserving dark skies for future generations, and enhancing the quality of both our built and natural environments. This holistic approach underscores the responsibility of architects to not only create visually appealing and functional spaces but also to consider the broader environmental impact of their designs on the night sky and overall ecological health.
(405)-620-5344
barrett.w.hull-1@ou.edu www.whithulldesigns.com