XAVIER G. MILLS UNDERGRADUATE PORTFOLIO // 2018
SPRING STUDIO 2018: PAVILION DESIGN
This project was completed, start to finish, in an intensive two week design period. The prompt for this project was to create a historical narrative based upon the fictional discovery of an ancient roman artifact, and design a pavilion exhibition space. Artifacts: Ancient Roman fabrics consisting of a toga and leather sandal.
Design Interpretation: Insired by what we know about the artifacts, the architectural design must celebrate and honor the important fabrics that were discovered. The silk toga and leather sandal paint for us a picture of everyday life for the ancient Romans. Today’s Roman life; drinking, eating, markets, and an investment in social life, is not far removed from their ancient predecessors. A modern architectural interpretation should reflect the aforementioned characteristics of Roman lifestyle through both program and design. This facade and interior design is fresh and minimal to be inviting and bold to passersby. Furthermore, all design choices are to be fully representative of both ancient and current Roman life while remaining intentionally distinctive in order to preserve each historical period’s identity. The program will be divided into two main spaces: First, a fully immersive artifact display below grade with 3D reconstructions of typical Roman clothing. Second, an innovative clothing shop at basement level featuring unique and practical clothing. An exhibit area at ground level concludes the programmatic spaces, serving as a platform for fashion designers to display their prints to the public. Materiality will contain fluidity between contemporary and contextual, with beautiful detailing to highlight all three of the structure’s program.
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SPRING STUDIO 2018: PAVILION DESIGN
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PARTI ROOF
PAST INTO PRESENT
GROUND FLOOR CUT AND FOLD
CIRCULATION
PROCESS OF FORM
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2. BASEMENT
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SPRING STUDIO 2018: PAVILION DESIGN
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GROUND FLOOR PLAN
SPRING STUDIO 2018: PAVILION DESIGN
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BASEMENT FLOOR PLAN
The imposition of a tree sculpture into the pavillion cements the concept of celebrating three distinct time periods; past, present, and future. In this symbolism, there is birth of materials in nature, use within fabrics, and death as those fabrics return to the earth just as the artifacts did.
FALL STUDIO 2017: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
This project was to design an elementary school in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington D.C. Playing upon the juxtaposition of typical school structure and exploratory learning centered on physical creation, this design allows students to both learn and grow in their maximum capacity by creating fun and exciting “creation spaces” while meeting their classroom education needs.
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FALL STUDIO 2017: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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FALL STUDIO 2017: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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FALL STUDIO 2017: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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SPRING STUDIO 2017: COMMERCIAL
The community of Tacoma Park, Maryland is one of energy and unity. As such, this space was designed as more than just specific programatic sequences, but rather a social hub for the community in order to engage those in both the surrounding commerical and residential areas. By providing this type of space, the building seeks to further the elements of Tacoma Park that make it such a nice place.
PARTI
Working from a cluster typology, a modular system of form was produced. These modules begin to connect through a language stemming from tension formed by changing of elevations, urban context, and geometry.
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SPRING STUDIO 2017: COMMERCIAL
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SPRING STUDIO 2017: COMMERCIAL
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SPRING STUDIO 2017: COMMERCIAL
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FALL STUDIO 2016: INTRO TO DESIGN
This studio was an introductory course to architectural design. The course instructed students in site analysis and basic design standards through a series of synthesis exercises, culminating in the design of an architect’s studio on a wooded site in Maryland.
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FALL STUDIO 2016: INTRO TO DESIGN
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SUMMER 2017: DEISGN-BUILD // CONG, IRELAND
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“Spirit of Place” is an international, award-winning design-build program led by architect and author, Travis Price, FAIA. The Summer 2017 project was located in Cong, Ireland and is titled, “Fishers of Men”. The project drew inspiration from both Catholic and Pagan teachings and history in order to express and celebrate the brilliant culture of the ancient village of Cong.
FIELD SKETCHES
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McMAHON HALL, CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY, WASHINGTON D.C.
FIELD SKETCHES
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TEMPLE OF THE SCOTTISH RITE, WASHINGTON D.C.
TARTAN DIAGRAMMING STUDIES
FIELD SKETCHES
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FACADE STUDY OF SANTA MARIA NOVELLA, FLORENCE, ITALY