YAF Connection 10.04 Issue

VOLUME TEN ISSUE FOUR

ISSUE 10.04 RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE AIA NORTHWEST & PACIFIC REGION

YOUNG ARCHITECTS FORUM

CONNECTION AUGUST 2012

1991

2012

CELEBRATING

21YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editor Assistant Editor Graphic Designer Graphic Designer

Deepika Padam, AIA Josh Flowers, AIA Bonnie Sen, AIA Nathan Stolarz, AIA James Cornetet, AIA

deepika@bashless.com

Editorial Advisory Group William J. Stanley, III, FAIA Robert I Selby, FAIA Donna Kacmar, FAIA Nick Peckham, FAIA Sean Stadler, AIA Brett Taylor, AIA The YAF Connection is sponsored through the generous support of The AIA Trust, a free risk management resource for AIA members that offers valuable benefits to protect you, your firm, and your family.

Visit www.TheAIATrust.com for complete program information on all AIA Trust programs.

Map Showing Locations of Article Contributors for this Issue. US Map Source: www.cardhouse.com

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

CONTENT 04YAFNEWS News

News and resources relevant to young architects

06 EDITOR'S NOTE Residential Architecture Deepika Padam, AIA

08 FEATURE

What it Means to be Urban Adam Ferrari, AIA

12 FEATURE The Neighborhood

Architect: How Architects can be Leaders on Change

16 DESIGN

Hole One Residence Grandfather Mountain Retreat Timberlake Place Lake Superior Residence House and Laneway House The Matchbox House Designing a Contemporary Treehouse House of Three Rooms Reed Playhouse on Broadway Adams Residence Bley Sleeping House Addition

Audrey Galo, Associate AIA

16 18 20 22 26 30 32 34 38 42 44

48 BOOK REVIEW Pocket Neighborhoods by Ross Chapin Crystal Tobin Chandler, AIA

50Living ARTICLE OF INTEREST with Habitability Claims AIA Trust

52 ARTICLE OF INTEREST Navy Pier Emily Bernstein, AIA

56Taking DESIGN Flight:

The Museum of Flight Pedestrian Bridge Tim Richey, AIA

62 DESIGN

FEATURING NORTHWEST & PACIFIC REGION

60 LEADERSHIP Leadership Profile of Jeff Yrazabal, AIA Lindsey O'Brien

Housing First at the Bud Clark Commons Dave Otte, AIA

68 OPINION

66 EVENT The AIA Portland Urban Design Panel

James McGrath, AIA & Stefanie Becker, AIA

The Architect's Kitchen Emily Refi, AIA

72 DESIGN Additions to the Montana Landscape Doug Minarik, AIA

Disclaimer: This publication is created by Young Architect members of the American Institute of Architects. Views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

03

News STAY CONNECTED YAF at AIA

YAF's Home webpage. www.aia.org/yaf

2012 YAF/COD IDEAS COMPETITION

The call for submissions and details are available on Page 76 and at www.aia.org/ideascompetition

AIA Archiblog

This blog provides YAF-related news in real time. Get involved in the discussion! www.blog.aia.org/yaf

YAF KnowledgeNet

A knowledge resource for awards, announcements, podcasts, blogs, and valuable articles. The archives of YAF Connection and the Young Architect Award winners' entries... This resource has it all! www.network.aia.org/AIA/YoungArchitectsForum

Architect’s Knowledge Resource

2011 AIA YAF/COD IDEAS COMPETITION BOOK AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE

To order your copy, visit www.lulu.com and search "2011 AIA YAF/ COD Ideas Competition".

The Architect's Knowledge Resource connects AIA members and others to the most current information on architecture, including research, best practices, product reviews, ratings, image banks, trends, and more. It's your place to find solutions, share your expertise, and connnect with colleagues. www.aia.org/akr

YAF on LinkedIn

Stay connected with the YAF leadership and all the young architects you meet at the convention, and get involved in group discussions. www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=2066423

YAF on Twitter

Follow YAF on Twitter @AIAYAF

YAF on Facebook Become a Fan of AIA Young Architects Forum on Facebook.

Know Someone Who’s Not Getting The YAF Connection?

Don’t let them be out of the loop any longer. It’s easy for AIA members to sign up. Update your AIA member profile and add the Young Architects Forum under “Your Knowledge Communities.”

2012 AIA YOUNG ARCHITECTS AWARD BOOK AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE

To order your copy, visit www.lulu.com and search "AIA 2012 Young Architects Award", or go to this link: http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/aia-2012-youngarchitects-award-book/12835670

• Go to www.aia.org and sign in.

• Click on “For Members” link next to the AIA logo on top.

• Click on “Edit your personal information” on the left side under AIA members tab.

• Click “Your knowledge communities” under Your Account on the left • Add YAF.

CALL FOR ARTICLES

Would you like to submit articles for inclusion in an upcoming issue?

Contact the editor at deepika@bashless.com.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

IMPROVING HOUSING MARKET LEADING TO LARGER HOME SIZES AND INCREASED PROPERTY ENHANCEMENTS

As the struggling housing market shows signs of improvement, there has been a reversal in the 6-year trend in smaller home sizes. This is the case for custom and luxury homes, as well as for additions to existing homes. A preference for outdoor living, especially blended indoor/outdoor living, continues to increase, along with strong demand for accessible and flexible home layout. These findings are from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the first quarter of 2012 that focused specifically on overall home layout and the use of interior and exterior space.

Overall home layout and size trends Residential elements (% of respondents that reported increases)

2012 2011 Volume 20% 11% Square footage

8% 5% Lot size

5% 2% In-home accessibility Open space layout Informal space Access into / out of home Single-floor plan

64% 55% 51% 47% 45%

58% 49% 40% 48% 35%

NONRESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION SPENDING EXPECTED TO INCREASE THROUGH 2012 WITH STRONGER GROWTH PROJECTED FOR 2013

The AIA semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters, projects a 6.2% increase of spending in 2013.

Market Segment Consensus Growth Forecasts 2012 2013 Overall nonresidential 4.4% 6.2% Commercial / industrial 5.7% 10.2% Institutional 0.7% 3.0%

AIA & ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY SELECT 2012 DISASTER RESPONSE GRANT RECIPIENTS

• Architecture for Humanity D.C. Chapter Disaster Response Project • Washington State Disaster Preparedness and Response (DPR) • NYC Safety Assessments Trainings • Disaster Assistance Coordination Network in Maryland • Illinois Architects’ Emergency Management/Disaster Response Workshop

AIA SELECTS THE 2012 RECIPIENTS OF THE SMALL PROJECT AWARDS

Category 1

THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS APPLICATION PACKET FOR THE 2013 SDAT PROGRAM

WHO: The American Institute of Architects Center for Communities

by Design

SPECS Optical Façade; Minneapolis Alchemy Architects The Mobile Dwelling Cube; Oakland, CA SPACEFLAVOR Category 2

WHAT: Request for Applications seeking community participants for the 2013 Sustainable Design Assessment Team Program (SDAT).

OS House; Racine, WI Johnsen Schmaling Architects

The SDAT is an innovative program that brings together multidisciplinary teams of professionals to work with community stakeholders and decision-makers through an intensive planning process. The mission is to provide technical assistance and process expertise to help communities develop a vision and framework for a sustainable future.

St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church; Springdale, AR Marlon Blackwell Architect

For more information on the program: http://www.aia.org/about/ initiatives/AIAS075425 WHEN: The SDAT Application Review Committee will convene twice to evaluate applications. The first evaluation will take place in early October; the second review will occur in December 2012. The final deadline to submit applications for consideration in the 2013 SDAT program is Friday, November 16, 2012.

HOW: The RFP can be downloaded here. An independent panel of distinguished judges will evaluate each community proposal and apply weighted criteria to determine the awards. All applicants will be contacted when the award is made in December 2012.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

The Ghost Houses; Knoxville, TN curb Becherer House; Charlottesville, VA Robert M. Gurney, FAIA L Residence; Omaha, NE Min | Day Stacked Cabin; Muscoda, WI Johnsen Schmaling Architects Yao_Residence; Chicago Perimeter Architects Category 3 Shade Platform; Phoenix SmithGroupJJR Cape Russell Retreat; Sharps Chapel, TN Sanders Pace Architecture 05

Editor's Note RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE

By Deepika Padam, AIA Deepika Padam, AIA, LEED AP bd+c is the Communications Advisor for the National AIA Young Architects Forum. Brought up in India and a graduate of University of Michigan, she is a Project Manager with Heller Manus Architects based in San Francisco, California.

Regardless of the culture, country, vernacular, or time, a kid’s

design awards, publications, and focus groups. Makes sense,

drawing of a house speaks a universal architectural language.

because a majority of architects work in this typology. It

The results of kids playing with Legos are also astoundingly

appears that the multi-family residential projects often get

similar due to the limitations of the building blocks. Some

overlooked on the recognition platform. Possibly they are

of these kids grow up to become architects and find their

not being submitted, or lose the competition against higher

individuality. Some of them begin working on residential

budget commercial projects. The design discussion definitely

projects, whether custom homes, tract homes, or multi-

needs to extend more to these projects. An outlook towards

family residential buildings. Yet how many architects live in

neighborhoods and communities in our thought process

a house designed by them? Only a few hold on to the dream

towards future development of the profession would be far

of building their own home, and of them very few get the

more impactful than isolated cases of single family homes.

opportunity to do it. In the end the inevitable question of financing surfaces, which we so commonly lack even after lifetime of working in this profession. Unfortunately the lack of the dream is a bigger reason than the lack of finances for this sad reality.

The AIA’s Architecture Billings Index shows the multi-family residential sector has the highest billing rate. The large cities are especially witnessing an upheaval of multi-family condominium or apartment buildings. California happens to be planning an entire new town next to the Salton Sea

The mention of residential architecture typically brings

with construction slated to begin in the next three years.

to mind the image of a custom single family home. This

The developers claim that it will be one of the greenest

typology is extensively celebrated in our profession through

developments with many job creation opportunities.

Drawing by Divij T, via www.naturalchild.org

Drawing via www.montgomeryplanning.org

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

Although the reviews are many-fold as to the absurdity of

roadside stall. The need for an architect is vanishing. Is this

this project, it is neighborhood development nonetheless. A

technological advancement or ample availability of free

good or bad omen for architects? I’d let the environmental

design options for the good of our profession? What does the

groups fight over that.

future hold?

Another shameful trend is the absence of an architect in

As we look into how to adjust for the globalization, economic,

the design teams for residential projects. Due to lax laws in

technological, and legal trends questioning the role of an

some States, many non-licensed professionals get away with

architect, we also need to dig deeper into that child within

doing major residential work and go unnoticed. Where the

us that might have dreamt of designing his/her own home.

laws are lot more strictly abided, the law itself allows for small

Whether we are financially able to build our own home is a

residential work to be done by non-licensed professionals.

secondary issue. For the faintest of hearts and for all those

Some might say that this is all that is keeping some people

suffering from the blues of economic challenges, I would

afloat in the dire economic situation in which we find

suggest reading The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. An

ourselves. But this trend is obviously affecting some licensed

inspiring read about the challenges of master builders from

architects that have to compete with cheaper non-licensed

the 12th century, it is an eye-opener for anyone who would

inexperienced pseudo-architects. On top of it all, there are

think these are the tough times. Keep those childhood dreams

now a few software programs available to lay persons that

alive for we might get to live in our dream homes someday.

let them design what they want and just hire a contractor to build it. People can now purchase home designs from a

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

07

Feature

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE URBAN Writer: Adam Ferrari, AIA Ferrari is an architect living in Rochester, MN. He is a passionate advocate for quality design and promotes design as a tool to help individuals, organizations and neighborhoods develop a shared vision of a sustainable future.

Whenever I go back to my hometown in the suburbs of Chicago

where you enjoy reading a book, the quiet street lined with

and I ride the “El” I am struck by the diverse nature of the people—

boutique retail stores and places to eat, while equally provocative

different ethnicities, nationalities, religions, sexual orientations,

in description each of these pleasures relies on circumstances well

political affiliations and fashion preferences. I truly miss that element

beyond our control, and therein lays the great disappointment of

having lived in smaller MSAs (Metropolitan Statistical Areas) for

urban planners and designers.

over a decade. It is this blend of people—and the conglomeration of them participating in similar processes and daily events—that typify what urban living is all about. It is what so many all over the country strive to create in their own neighborhoods: the vitality and vibrancy of urban life.

The Emergence of the “Chia” City We are living in a fascinating time for urban design. Over the past 20 years, at various levels of acceptance, the United States has realized

Perhaps born out of this disappointment is an increasing trend to plan cities as instant built environments complete with mature trees, fully occupied housing units, and businesses thriving from their consistent local patrons. The problem with this Utopian fantasy is that cities do not appear like Brigadoon, cities evolve. That is not to imply that you cannot plan for growth or even use master planning principles to shape a city environment, but ultimately the design of a place will be a product of its evolution.

the error in its ways of the past 50-60 years. A half-century of anti-

The best that you can hope for in a master plan or design is they

dense and anti-diverse urban planning has rendered our culture

include the infrastructure necessary for growth in and around the

vulnerable to collapse. It is as though America has woken up in a

skeletal pieces. Especially with the volatility of economies and the

strange room—surrounded by people it doesn’t know, without a

rapid shift in how people “do business,” the City dynamic as we once

concept of what happened—with an instinct to extricate itself from

new it may be entering a new epoch, one without a clairvoyant

this peculiar predicament.

image of how it may look.

Curiously, the reaction to planning mistakes of the past resulted

What is required of designers is critical thought as to the patterns of

in city planners and architects creating idealized visions of vibrant

urban living that are tried and true and that provide an appropriate

cities that seemed to spring up almost overnight. Whether it

framework for increased density and diversity of uses, options,

was the generational change to instant gratification or an honest

opportunities, and amenities. With each design, proper criticism

attempt to fabricate a cure-all, these “Chia cities”—having instantly

should include: what happens if it does not all get built? What

blossomed into fully developed ecosystems—were designed to

happens if it is widely successful and outgrows its constraints? How

emulate traditional town centers found in many older cities that

will it appear differently in 50 years?

brim with excitement, arts, culture, and commerce.

I once heard a statistic that 98% of the urban built environment

Unfortunately these attempts did more harm than good. Cities were

remains the same from year to year. That means that only 2% of

never created in one stroke, and the simple pleasures of urban living

a given city is brand new. So instead of envisioning broad-brush

are easy to recognize but are often difficult to predict.

solutions that anticipate immediate rewards and instant success,

The corner coffee shop with a pleasant barista who knows your

how about designing an urban master plan to occur 2% at a time?

order by heart, the shady spot around the corner from your office

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

Chicago Master Plan – Formal in Concept, Organic in Execution

The Urban Caveat

environment that is required. And each of the communities that I

Now before the pendulum swings back in the opposite direction, one must remember that other urban byproducts accompany the positive attributes.

Increased noise, increased hardscapes,

decreased efficiency, decreased personal space are to be expected.

You must not expect to enjoy the good parts of urban life without these other realities. The fact is urban life is not for everyone.

That being said, higher percentages of people are seeking out urban living. The globalization of information, business, and economies has put intense pressure on cities to attract people to live in them.

visit and the neighborhoods that I work with has the same desires to enhance and preserve; to increase vibrancy and ensure sustainability.

If that means learning to wait an extra 10 minutes to catch a bus to work as opposed to driving door to door, then we should be patient.

If it means welcoming people of all ages and income levels into our neighborhoods, then we should introduce ourselves. If it means advocating for a mix of land uses over segregation of residential and commercial, then we can start writing letters to City Council.

Embracing Urban

Density is not a given, and lack of diversity acts as a deterrent to

So if you are trying to reinforce or perhaps create from scratch that

attracting the creative class. It is precisely because you can choose

essence of being urban, where should you begin? I believe that

to live anywhere that now cities are in fierce competition to attract

to truly begin to understand what it means to embrace urban is

the new workforce and tax base of the next generation.

to accept two rudimentary principles. The first, simply stated, is

Therefore it is not just the ability to build a custom house in a convenient subdivision near a P.F. Chang’s, but a unique sense of place along with the amenities and enrichments of the urban

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

that to achieve a rich urban fabric requires density. Now before you delete this file or tear up this paper in disgust because I keep mentioning that dastardly dirty word of urban design, stop and think for a second about how population density leads to many 09

other attributes of urban life that are desired. Furthermore, density

evokes images of slums and high-rises and understanding the word

can apply to much more than population and I would argue that

diversity without picturing scary people lurking in the shadows.

embracing the concept of density can help design the majority of component parts of the city system and produce results that far surpass expectations.

Architects and urban designers have largely embraced this shift, although they rarely use these words to define it. As Paul Nakazawa writes, “For the moment, architectural practice appears

The second principle, and sometimes one that may be more difficult

to embrace two distinct, but complementary, trajectories. The first

to explain, is diversity. A vague and catchall term, diversity ensures

aims to capture the service and delivery needs of a world that will

that everyone is represented, that one demographic is neither

be increasingly urban, and the vast utilitarian and infrastructural

isolated nor compartmentalized, and that everyone has choice.

needs of a rapidly expanding population. The second is sited in the

Diversification and integration in all forms serve to achieve the

multiple layers of issues and meanings of complex societies and

larger goals of urban vitality. What I am not intending is to simply

is directed at the development of communities and cultures.”1 Mr.

address ethnic diversity, which often is the first thing to come to

Nakazawa expertly dances around the “two distinct trajectories”

mind. While that is a part of population diversity, it is too specific.

without every saying them, density and diversity.

Ultimately, our pursuit of the great city experience that exists

As I am writing this following the 4th of July holiday, I am reflecting

in the pages of master plan documents across the country and

on how we annually celebrate the moment when America gained

the illustrations found on countless webpages and blogs on

its independence. It boldly stood out in front and led people into

urban design is not difficult to achieve. What it takes is a fierce

a new era of prosperity, freedom and independence. It wasn’t easy

determination; a vigilant battle against the outdated planning

and embracing urban is not easy either, but it is the right thing to

doctrine of the latter 20 Century and promotion of the settlement

do. What it means to be urban is to embody a democratic and free

style growth patterns that are inherent in cultures all across the

society and I can’t think of anything more American than that.

th

globe. It is about overcoming fear of the word density because it

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

Dubai Master Plan – Formal in Concept, Rigid in Execution

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

11

Feature

THE NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECT: How Architects can be Leaders of Change

Writer: Audrey Galo, Associate AIA Galo is a graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology and the California College of Arts, specializing in urban design. And is currently a Design Fellow developing the AIA / Architecture for Humanity Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Program

An average of 20 natural disasters affect communities every year

“Architects are needed most when disaster strikes,” says Kate Stohr,

in the United States alone according to the International Disaster

Co-Founder of Architecture for Humanity. “Too often disaster

Database. Natural disasters occur with no regard for political

response fails to fully address the long-term reconstruction needs

boundaries, emergency department jurisdictions or a community’s

of communities. By training architects to work with communities,

level of disaster preparedness. In recent years, natural disasters are

we can help speed the transition from emergency response to long-

occurring more frequently and more powerfully, resulting in more

term recovery.”

affected areas left with the hefty responsibility of disaster response and recovery.

The Disaster Response Plan Grant Program is a joint initiative by the AIA and Architecture for Humanity. The goal of the Grant

The AIA and Architecture for Humanity, a nonprofit design and

Program is to support the development and implementation of

construction services firm, recognize the need for architects to be

architect-driven disaster plans in cities across the United States.

integrated key players in a local disaster emergency response plan.

AIA components and Architecture for Humanity chapters across

In January 2012, the two organizations established the Disaster

the nation have collaborated on proposals for funding to engage

Resiliency and Recovery Program to coordinate advocacy, education

disaster management professionals, train architects and design

and training and help architects make effective contributions to

advocacy campaigns. To learn more about the grant, please visit

communities preparing for, responding to and rebuilding after

www.ArchitectsRebuild.org.

disaster. The Program provides resources so more architects can utilize their skills in disaster response environments and better serve as leaders in their community.

“What we’ve discovered is that architects by nature of their multidisciplinary profession are excellent connectors,” explains Steve Dombrowski, Assoc. AIA and chair of AfH-Seattle. Dombrowski looks forward to the chapter’s contribution to local disaster planning.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

Design Like You Give a Damn [2] book cover. Image by Architecture for Humanity.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

13

Mobile Produce Market, a collaboration between AfH-Chicago and local food advocacy nonprofit Fresh Moves. Image by Katherine Darnstadt, Architecture for Humanity.

“It is essential to our practices to be able to simultaneously think

volunteers, delivers localized design services to their communities.

about structures at the urban planning scale and at the detailed

The network supports over 50 chapter groups in 13 countries,

nuts and bolts level. These skills have allowed us to expand our

representing over 6,400 design professionals. Chapters are

connections to multiple organizations and maintain input and

comprised of members with diverse professional backgrounds in

consistent communication.”

order to provide the best solution for a community’s challenges;

The AfH-Seattle chapter is indeed connecting–with AIA Seattle, AIA

solutions are never limited to a piece of architecture.

Washington Council, and Architects Without Borders Seattle–to

Katherine Darnstadt and Laura Bowe, directors for the AfH-Chicago

create a comprehensive plan and core committee. Known as the

chapter say, “Architecture for Humanity and the chapters provide

Disaster Preparedness and Response committee (DPR), the effort

a platform for communities, activists and practitioners to share

establishes a central hub for a multi-organizational effort. The

innovative design strategies within their local built environments.”

plan involves additional outreach to FEMA District X, Washington Association of Building Officials, Structural Engineers Association of Washington, Washington State Emergency Management Department, King County Office of Emergency Management, and the City of Seattle Office of Emergency Management. The committee also hopes to engage the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, thereby engaging hyper-local organizations in disaster mitigation, preparedness, and response.

The Architecture for Humanity Chapter network, run entirely by

In May 2011, AfH-Chicago and local food advocacy nonprofit Fresh Moves launched the Mobile Produce Market, a mobile store built in a retrofitted city transit bus. The mobile market’s mission: to restore urban food access in Chicago’s food desert neighborhoods. The project is featured in the 2012 Venice Biennale, Design Like You Give a Dame [2] book and the First Lady Michelle Obama’s new 2012 book, American Grown. The Chapter also creates a global impact by working with Chicago-based international nonprofits to design community centers in Tanzania, Ghana, Brazil and Haiti.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

Harrisburg community members continue to deal with recovery and rebuilding. Image by Bill Gnech, Apple Group.

(top) Tornadoes in the Midwest region of the U.S. left a path of destruction in the community of Harrisburg, Illinois on February 29, 2012. Image

by Bill Gnech, Apple Group. (bottom) The AIA / AFH Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Program aims to bring hope to communities impacted by disaster. Image by Bill Gnech, Apple Group.

“The chapters have the potential to serve as a vehicle for internal professional development of the participatory design skills that are core to public interest design,” note Darnstadt and Bowe, “but also have an external role to elevate the value of design through design with, by and for social impact.”

The new Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Program and the Architecture for Humanity Chapters exemplify the importance of bringing architects to the forefront of neighborhood initiatives that create a long-term impact in the preservation of culture and place and improve the future growth of an area. Ultimately, the life cycle of our built environment depends on architects as they help to plan cities, create building codes, design structures, formulate disaster plans and guide disaster recovery.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

15

Design

HOLE ONE RESIDENCE

the risk and reward of going modern on a budget

Writer: Adam Sebastian, Associate AIA Adam is a designer at Walter Robbs Architects in Winston-Salem, N.C. He holds a masters and undergraduate degree in architecture from the College of Design at N.C. State Univ. He is a US patent recipient for a product he invented and is passionate about architecture, design and making things. He is intrigued by big wave surfing, fanatical about auto racing and addicted to snow skiing. He lives with his wife Anna and two children, Leah and Conrad in a passive solar home which he designed and built. The Hole One Residence was recently awarded the Matsumoto Prize and 1st Place in the Peoples Choice award for modern residential design in North Carolina.

My residential architecture story is somewhat complex in many regards; needless to say it was a physical and emotional rollercoaster.

As a young designer/architect, I think we all dream of designing and building our own home. In my case and in my mind it seemed to be the essential right of passage that an architect must design, build and live in his or her own creation. How any architect could settle for anything less is a mystery to me, and yet so many architects that I know have not designed or built their own homes.

At the ripe old again 28, I decided it was my time to do just that: design and build my very own home. To make all the numbers work, we had to sell our current home, a 1923 Tudor style home which I had renovated, for much more than what we had bought it for just five years earlier. We would also need to move into my in-laws' upstairs during the entire duration of the house construction. This was a lot to ask of any young couple and even more difficult when you have a 1 year old and a second baby on the way. Luckily we were able to sell our current home for what we where asking, and thus the adventure began.

We had put everything on the line, and I was banking on building Hole one residence snow day.

a passive solar, modern home for as little as $85 square foot: a feat that most people said I was crazy once they had seen the design and the level of quality it was going to have. Not only did most people think I was crazy, the banks in my Southern town, basically laughed me out of the door. So there I was with my house sold, living with my in-laws, and baby #2 on the way, and I could not get approved for a loan because of the style of the home. In a town filled with traditional residences and gabled roof after gabled roof, the banks all said they couldn’t provide any comparables to asses the potential value of a flat roof modern home. Keep in mind all of this was going on during the real-estate bust, and home loans were difficult to acquire. Finally after 7 weeks and talking to many banks, one bank finally understood what I was proposing, and saw the value and potential in my modern design and agreed to give us a loan. The unfortunate thing was this particular bank did not offer construction loans, so I would need to repeat the same process and try and convince a second lender to give me the construction loan.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

Hole one residence, good evening.

This again was very difficult and I basically had to sign my life and all

weekends were worth more than any dollar amount. We were always

of my families assets (which was not much) to get the construction

close, but that experience brought us even closer. I wish all sons and

loan.

fathers could build those kind of memories together.

So in October of 2009, we began construction on our dream. After

So after many long weekends, countless nights, lots of sweat and

a 40+ hour work week, I would go on to work most evenings on the

even some blood, some really close calls, some crazy weather, and

home. Every weekend I would devote at least 20 hours on the site.

the birth of my second child, we had done it! We had weathered

This ongoing process of working every weekend for 9 months would

some tough challenges and overcame many obstacles. None of

prove to test me both physically and mentally. It was a time in my

which could have been possible without the endless love and

life where I think I grew the most. At my side during all of those

support form my wife and family. I can never thank them enough

long weekends was my father. He would travel from an hour and a

for the sacrifices they made during that time, but I know that they

half a way just to help me both Saturday and Sunday. The time that

would agree that in the end the pleasure was worth all the pain.

we shared and spent together building that home on those 30+

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

17

Design

G R A N D FAT H E R M O U N TA I N R E T R E AT Writer: Brian Cook, AIA Cook is an architect with Glazer Architecture in Asheville, NC. He is currently the vice-chair of the Historic Resources Commissions of Asheville and Buncombe County and sits on the executive committee of AIA Asheville.

Grandfather Mountain rises just over 5,900 feet above sea level

fabricated by the contractor, are made with Tigerwood and have

at the eastern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountain range in North

powder-coated steel mesh inserts. The 1,000-sf pod contains a living

Carolina. The mountain is known for its rugged character, with its

room, master bedroom and bath, kitchenette, and powder room.

many caves and sharp cliffs. However, just a short distance down

The use of natural light was integral to the design: Windows were

the mountain, where the cliffs meet the valley is a lush forest full of

strategically placed to maximize the sunlight as is filters through the

rhododendron, Fraser firs, and birch. Here is where a couple from

trees, and the bathroom tower pops up through the roof to catch

Miami, Florida decided to build their summer retreat in 1969. The

the morning sunlight. Tall window walls bring the outdoors in and

house they built was contemporary in its time, yet it still carried

give a sense of being in the trees. A cantilevered deck floats above

a sense of the Appalachian mountain vernacular. The four-story

the sea of rhododendrons that lie fifteen feet below. To coexist with

structure sits like a fire tower in the woods and--like a fire tower--

the existing house, the pod borrowed elements from that structure

must be navigated by long runs of stairs. These stairs, both internal

– steep roof lines lined with split cedar shakes, shiplap siding,

and external, have become a challenge for the now retired owners,

and locally harvested stone. The new pod provides an accessible

and in order for them to continue enjoying their retreat, changes

treehouse-like retreat for the homeowners while maintaining

needed to be made.

connectivity with the original house.

The owners requested a new, accessible master suite addition

With the new “pod” now accessible, the owners decided to do the

that would be separate from the main house but maintain a sense

same with original house without altering its character. An external

of connection. After the site and trees were surveyed, architect

elevator tower was added, with a new foyer surrounded by large

Brian Cook carefully sited the new master suite “pod” away from

windows at each floor stop, creating a somewhat transparent

the existing house, weaving it between the trees, lifting it up from

appendage to the original structure. Each floor as the elevator rises

the ground on stilts, and connecting it to the existing house by a

provides a new perspective of the property. When the elevator

bridge, disturbing the land as little as possible. One rhododendron

reaches the top floor and the doors open, riders are treated to a view

was the only vegetation that had to be removed. The bridge and the

of yellow and black birch trees rising high above the ground, the

existing exterior stairs tie together--becoming “hallways” between

sea of rhododendron below, mountain vistas in the distance, and

the buildings--and in the middle is an outdoor parlor that welcomes

the new “pod” with its bridge connecting back to the original house,

guests. The handrails/guardrails, designed by the architect and

where it all started some forty years ago.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

Architect: Brian T.H. Cook, AIA (from Glazer Architecture) Contractor: Howell Construction Structural Engineer: Glen Walker, PE

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

19

Design

TIMBERL AKE PL ACE Writer: Charles Hendricks, AIA Hendricks is a partner at The Gaines Group, PLC in Harrisonburg, VA. Hendriks is credited with designing the first LEED certified home in Virginia, has lectured at the DOE, University of Viriginia and James Madison University.

Designing energy efficient, healthy, and durable projects has always

have to be energy efficient to avoid burdening those living on a

been my goal in the architectural profession. When I graduated from

fixed income that will come to reside in the neighborhood.

the University of Virginia in 1997 I was ready to change the world.

I began working at a small architectural firm in Charlottesville, Virginia that focused on residential, commercial, and light industrial projects. Learning from my mentor, Raymond E. Gaines, AIA, FCSI, CCS, I quickly grew to understand the importance of holistic design solutions that go far beyond aesthetics. I became a student of building science and have focused my project solutions in that direction.

Timberlake place is now under construction and the results of months of hard work are being realized on the site. The project features high efficiency windows, an efficient HVAC system, low VOC finishes, local materials, and high efficiency lighting. While the project has many ‘green’ features it also looks like a project that has always been there, breaking down the massive multi-family garden apartment prototype into a manageable cottage aesthetic more fitting of the neighborhood. Working with community representatives, city

My latest design project to break ground, Timberlake Place is a multi-

planning department officials, multiple consultants, and the non-

family, age restricted, EarthCraft project in Charlottesville Virginia.

profit client taught many lessons of patience, understanding, and

It includes the restoration of a home that is listed on the National

the need for strong communication. The results are a project that

Historic Register, taking it back from a senior center to a functioning

has traditional building forms, brick and siding on the exterior,

residence and adding 26 additional units on the adjacent properties

double hung windows, and architectural shingles. The surrounding

in three buildings.

site has been developed with native plants, walking paths, tree

Timberlake Place has many layers of design sensitivities. First, it has

preservation, and rain gardens.

to fit within the neighborhood so much care and consideration

Designing an infill project in a historic neighborhood is certainly

was given to form, scale, and proportion. Doing a survey of the

full of challenges. Timberlake Place addresses these issues as

surrounding neighborhood we found prototypes that could be

opportunities incorporating traditional forms, creating a tree

adapted to the scale of this project and still fit the contextual

conservation area, and building opportunities for neighbors to

characteristics of the community. The next layer was designing the

connect along walkways, in pocket parks, or sitting on their front

project to be used for people of all abilities. Universal design is not a

porches. This design project was about building community as much

building standard, but rather a guide to smarter design solutions that

as it was about designing wall sections. The sense of purpose we

will allow residents to age in place and to be able to function with

take in our designs shows to those living in the structures long after

as much dignity and independence as possible. The last element of

we are gone. It is our duty as architects to make a difference in our

design is focused on energy efficiency. These 100% affordable units

communities and leave them a better place for future generations.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

21

Design

LAKE SUPERIOR RESIDENCE Writer: Chris Strom, AIA Strom is a designer for TEA2 Architects in Minneapolis, MN. He is a graduate of University of California-Berkeley, and was recently awarded an AIA Minnesota/Mpls-St. Paul Magazine RAVE Award and the 2011 AIA Minnesota/ Star Tribue "Home of the Month" award for the new Lake Superior Residence.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

23

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

Cabin as Home

Sheltered Invitation vs. Embraced Drama

A family of five wanted to combine the amenities of their downtown

Lakeside dwellings present two distinct “fronts”. Both sides have to

house and the feel of their existing lake cabin retreat to create a

be equally compelling, yet serve two different purposes – an entry to

new year-round residence in the woods overlooking Lake Superior,

greet visitors, and a lakefront to maximize views. This particular plan

which is often called the “North Coast” because of its ocean-like

creates an L-shaped house. At the entry, a welcoming courtyard

expanse. The challenges with combining the feel of a retreat and

gathers and shelters arriving visitors while an inside-glass-corner

accommodating a year-round residence are keeping the larger

collects southwest light deep into the main living spaces. A covered

“house” program requirements from overwhelming the desired feel

entrance and open breezeway reduce the house bulk, opening and

of a retreat and creating a character that feels both like home and a

enlivening the courtyard with a rhythm of timber columns. The

simpler retreat.

lakeside of the “L” comprises the kitchen, dining, and living room,

Living within the Roof

all sitting 20 feet above the water on a projecting knoll. There is also a large screened porch that allows for outdoor living in the

A client’s idea of “home” often explicitly requires the use of a gable

warmer seasons. Dramatic views are seen through windows that

roof, yet this project is very contemporary in its planning to create

are expansive, yet balanced, with mult­­iple glass panes and built-in

open, interconnected living spaces conducive to modern living.

seating.

The foundation is built directly on the sub-soil bedrock, eliminating the opportunity to have rooms below grade – and increasing the

The Textures of Woods and Shore

challenge to maintain the scale of a retreat. The solution employs

Douglas Fir timbers, harvested from standing-dead trees, bring the

steeply-sloped gables and nestled dormers on the upper level to

strength and warmth of the forest to the home. The large window

conceal four bedrooms, four baths, and a large woodshop. The

groups and the screened porch are designed with the structure set

husband makes furniture and kayaks as a hobby, so the family has a

back from the corners with only thin corner mullions to hold glass

fully-developed attention to detail that plays out in his woodshop.

and screen panels. The house tectonics of timbers, brackets, rafter

I felt that the house should reflect their appreciation for the craft of

tails, mullions, divided lights, tongue and groove paneling, cedar

construction, and also embrace the dramatic views available on the

shingles and stone create depth, texture, and a relaxed rhythm that

site.

fits comfortably within the woods without becoming a “cabin” in the woods. Walls, terraces and columns are anchored solidly to the site with a locally sourced banded-taconite stone from the Minnesota Iron Range.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

25

Design

HOUSE AND L ANEWAY HOUSE: The Alder Residence

Writer: James Tuer, AIA Tuer is principal of JWT Architecture and Planning in Vancouver, BC. His practice focuses on bridging the gap between landscape and architecture.

Architect/Landscape Architect: JWT Design Ld Contractor: Visionbuilt Structural Engineer: Ennova Structural Engineers Ltd

When embarking on this project we found that the primary

In order to make the home and site as sustainable as possible,

challenge was to design two homes, a main home and a smaller

outdoor spaces were crafted to utilize the front, side and courtyard

laneway home on a 40-foot by 86-foot corner lot just off of a busy

areas for movement, socializing and utility. Plants were selected

commercial corridor. Adding to the complexity of the project is the

from two nurseries, one specializing in water smart perennials

high cost of construction in Vancouver, and the client’s desire for an

and ornamental grasses and the other in native plants. A lawn was

affordable, green and contemporary home. Our design focused on

eliminated from the site. Both building’s roofs are designed to direct

three basic principles: simplicity, integrating the home with the site

rainwater to a below grade cistern that is used for irrigation. In

and maximizing green design elements that give the most benefit

designing this catchment system we successfully lobbied the City of

for each dollar spent. The result is two simple boxes placed on the

Vancouver to rewrite a bylaw that discouraged rain water harvesting

site to create an inner courtyard, simple roof shapes to harvest rain

and that required a commercial grade back flow preventer at the

water and a focus on energy efficiency through robust and highly

property line. In doing so, this project has now paved the way for

insulated walls.

future home owners to also build for rain water harvesting, lessening

From the onset, our clients set out to build a smaller house than where they currently lived. Both work from home, and they were

the impact of roof run off on the City’s joint storm and sanitary sewer system.

downsizing from a large house from which their kids were moving

But perhaps the most intriguing thing about the pair of homes is how

out. They wanted a house that was modern and urban with room

they engage with the streetscape. Many modern homes in Vancouver

for a home office and studio space. These spaces had to have a

(and in most cities for that matter), are built like fortresses, cut off

connection and site lines between them so that our clients can work

from the outside world. As a simple gesture to the neighbourhood,

separately but still maintain contact. They wanted the main floor

we placed the home on grade, forgoing the traditional half exposed

to be open, spacious and large enough to accommodate family

basement and raised front porch typical of Vancouver. A small patio

gatherings. They wanted a food preparation area located in a way

in the front yard is accessed directly off a series of stone slabs that

that would facilitate socializing with guests. The private spaces

lead to the front door. Giving modest privacy is a gabion basket

needed be modest, with a guest room that could be repurposed

rock wall softened by a variety of ornamental grasses. A large corner

when vacant. They also requested a laneway home to maximize the

window in the living room creates a dialogue between home and

density of the site.

street allowing for a glimpse into the house. From the inside, a

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

At the east a large two story clear span window floods the interior with light and solar gain.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

27

Different countertop heights and surfaces define the task areas of the kitchen.

Birch panelling and a bay window are integral to the design of the office millwork.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

reciprocal gaze is at play. At a diagonal, the corner kitchen window

coolth back during the day. The second big feature of the house is

offers an ever-changing view of people and traffic.

a clear spanning ‘boxed’ window that daylights both the kitchen as

To create a modern language of exterior materials, the foundation comes up past grade to 5’ above the finished floor. The concrete is exposed on the exterior and a second wood frame wall is located

well as the art studio above. It also allows the radiant floors of the main level to heat the upper level through a natural convective air movement.

on the interior creating a double wall with 14” of solid open foam

For us as the architect, this was a unique commission as the owners

insulation above the 5’ mark. The walls on the second floor are built

had already gone through one set of permit drawings drawn

from 2x10 plates and staggered 2x4 studs, using the rule of thumb

by another architect before re-commissioning the project. The

that every dollar spent on insulation is worth four dollars spent on

previous architect had designed a beautiful home but it came in

active environmental control systems. The standing seam siding

over twice the budget. It was clear from the beginning that the

located above the 5’ mark, creates a crisp and durable exterior

building’s shapes would have to be very simple and the green

cladding system which is contrasted with colourful hardy panels

building strategies would have to rely on passive rather than active

that align with the vertical window patterns.

environmental control systems to create a design that met the

At the heart of the project is a stair that rises 12 feet to accommodate the extra volume to create the desired mass and urban scale of the house. It wraps around a free standing concrete fin wall which in the summer acts as natural air conditioner. Utilizing a passive cooling strategy called night ventilation of thermal mass, the concrete cools down when the windows are open in the evening and then radiates

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

owners program, budget and desire to create a modernist statement in a conservative neighbourhood. Given the home just received an Ovation award from the Greater Vancouver Builders Association, received Platinum status through the BuiltGreen building program and came in on budget at $275 per square foot we can safely say we met these objectives. Simplicity has its advantages.

29

Design

THE MATCHBOX HOUSE Architect: Naseem Alizadeh, Bureau for Architecture and Urbanism Owner: Azar and Hormoz Alizadeh Contractor: Brian Halprin, Green Building Services

Writer: Naseem Alizadeh, AIA, LEED AP Alizadeh is the founder of the Bureau for Architecture and Urbasim (www.ba-u.com) in Palo Alto, California, and is a graduate from Cornell University and Harvard University.

The idea for this project germinated in 2007, while I was still working

bottom corners, and make this little house appear as if it were an

for KPF in London. As my parents had owned this wooded site for

object dropped into the site. From that elevation understanding

years and did not know what to do with it, I thought of the site

of my concept, I then addressed it in plan, which lead to the idea

as a good “testing ground” for my convictions about architecture,

of a “matchbox”, in which interior containers are suggested to slip

especially its absence in the middle class suburban landscape, a

in opposite directions to each other through an exterior sleeve.

landscape that on the one hand, as an urban designer, I find very

Since the inner container and outer sleeve are not aligned in plan,

problematic, but on the other hand, feel that our ignoring it will also

small outdoor spaces are created which are still under the roof of

not solve its abundance, sprawl and banality.

the sleeve. The raised ground floor includes the garage, master

Since leaving KPF and then passing my licensing exams, this project became the focus of my attention and of my fledgling studio.

bedroom, and main communal spaces. The upper floor has three rooms that can be used as bedrooms along with one bathroom.

The ceilings on the upper floor express the slope of the roof: each

Because the site was a wooded corner lot in an almost rural (yet

of these rooms has a ceiling that begins at 3’-0” and ends at 16’-0”.

unfortunately increasingly suburban) setting, the idea of an

As a result, the change in form of these upper floor spaces from the

iconic shaped house (five sides, 45 degree sloped roof, chimney),

ground floor spaces is quite dynamic.

almost a “cottage” in the woods, became quite clear. From there, the development of the concept as an iconic house was further emphasized by placing it on top of a concrete plinth slightly smaller than the house’s footprint, as opposed to directly on top of the ground. This was done in order to articulate each of the

This house was also a chance to better understand LEED and how to build in a more environmentally responsible way, but in a way that did not make the design subservient to any ideas about sustainability. Instead, sustainability was used when it could be to further the design intent. We are currently aiming for LEED

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

Platinum, a rating made “easier” to achieve on this project because

respected the design intent and also felt a strong sense of ownership

the conditioned area of the house is much smaller than the current

towards the project.

norm (under 1500 SF with four bedrooms), so our threshold for achieving Platinum dropped. Aspects of the house that make it more environmentally responsible include all Energy Star appliances including light fixtures, FSC certified wood on the upper finished floor, stair, millwork, and kitchen and bathroom cabinets, salvaged wood from demolished barns for all base, door, and window trim, an ERV system for the heating and cooling of the house, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and closed cell foam for insulation to raise the R-value. There is also no yard, no basement, and only a one car garage - aspects of the house which hopefully push the idea of what a suburban house may look like in the future.

The house is currently nearing completion and should be complete by the end of the summer. The intention of the clients is to rent out the house, as it is located near the University of Michigan. It has been a great learning experience, and while I can remain critical and hopefully somewhat objective about my own design and the situation of this house, it is very exciting to see my project through from conception to an actual finished building while maintaining my ideas and design intent. While LEED is still at an early stage and therefore we encountered problems in terms of availability of materials as well as finding subcontractors and vendors who were familiar enough with it to quote accurately or build to our

As we were interested in pursuing LEED from the start, a traditional

specifications, I do intend to continue designing and building with

bidding process for construction was not appropriate. Instead,

even more stringent environmental standards.

we interviewed the few contractors in the area who were already familiar with “green building” and from there settled on one early on. This turned out to be one of the best decisions made, as the collaboration has been a positive one in which the contractor

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

31

Design

DESIGNING A CONTEMPORARY TREEHO

Writers: Michael and Enld Bryant The Bryant's founded Bryant design Studios at Rochester, NY; winners of the Imaginit Technologies "Render Us Speechless" competition in 2011.

It’s no secret to architects that ambiance and atmosphere play a role

It was our passion for architecture and nature that led us to design a

in design, but most importantly, they contribute to peace of mind in

contemporary, yet relaxing structure in which to live and enjoy the

the home, at work and on vacation. That’s why as partners running

beautiful scenery. All the while, we didn’t want to lose sight of why

our own 3-D design firm in Rochester, NY, we enjoy escaping from

we were drawn to this space to begin with. We are very fortunate

the commotion of the city to the serene Finger Lakes region in

to have such beautiful lakes and undisturbed green space in New

Western New York.

York State, so it was very important for our tree house to promote

The noise, congestion and air pollution are all reasons we hungered to escape to the fresh air and tranquility of the Finger Lakes. Getting away periodically for a day-trip or weekend get-a-way wasn’t enough. We were seduced by the refreshing solitude we felt on

sustainable design and contain our carbon footprint. We want to be able to keep the house in the family for generations – and how else to ensure this than to be responsible and conscientious with our design.

the waterfront and further captivated by the memories to be made

For our tree house to comply with LEED standards, we’ve included

overlooking one of the country’s best-kept secrets. That’s when we

design features from a high performance building envelope

started designing our dream cottage to be built on Keuka Lake. This

to geothermal heating and cooling. Other environmentally-

way, we wouldn’t ever have to leave.

responsible amenities include solar and water harvesting. Even the

Our tree house, as we like to call it, includes all of the elements we consider crucial to design yet comfortable for year-round living.

materials used in construction include reclaimed site materials and recycled metal panels.

The two-bedroom, two-bath cottage boasts an open floor plan,

Sure, it’s a modest home by traditional American size standards,

complete with an eat-in kitchen and living space with a lofty feel

but it is a special retreat with all the amenities you’d find in a

thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. When you take the stairs to

contemporary suburban home – with the added advantage of

the second floor you’ll find a master suite that rivals any 5-star spa

being tucked away among the trees on an idyllic lakefront.

and a room for overnight guests. A favorite element of the design is the180-degree views of the lake, which allow us to enjoy the water from virtually any space in the home. We imagine many mornings sipping coffee on the wrap-around deck or taking in a summer sunset with a light, refreshing Riesling from a family-owned vineyard only a mile away.

The modern feel of the home juxtaposed with the untouched beauty of the region is an architectural irony that makes us feel right at home. Even though the cottage is in its conceptual stage, we are already inspired by the design. When we discuss the project we are immediately transported to a future filled with sun-rises and star-lit skies. That’s the beauty of architecture – a simple idea can unearth emotions yet to be experienced.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

OUSE

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

33

Design

HOUSE OF THREE ROOMS

Writer: Marc McCollom, AIA McCollum is a sole proprietor, and is a graduate of the Unviersity of Texas and Rice University.

The house of three rooms was conceived as three distinct spaces.

The house is on a corner lot; its front faces north and the long side

The First Room begins in the front yard, where a dry-stack stone

faces east. The neighborhood was developed in the 1920s and

Library and wall of landscaping separate the Entry Garden from the

although several nearby houses are new, the majority date from

street. The space continues through the large window, joining with

that decade, which means they are typically much smaller than

the Dining Room and Kitchen inside. The Second Room is located in

their new brethren. To avoid a two-story-high wall right on the

the center of the house proper, where an exterior of cut limestone

front-yard setback, a one story volume is placed at the front of the

forms a large rectangle with the Kitchen and Dining Room at one

house to politely accommodate the scale of the neighborhood. That

end and the Living Room at the other. Stacked in the center are the

little box is clad in dry-stack stone outside and mahogany inside; a

Skylight, the Stairs, and the Interior Garden. The Third Room begins

materially dense structure accommodating the Library at one end

in the Living Room, whose adjacent Library takes a step toward the

and the Entry at the other. It shelters the front door from the street

street before turning around and opening onto the Water Garden.

and the indirect procession around it gives guests some time in the

There, stone terraces and a wood deck overlook the swimming pool;

Entry Garden to transition from their car to the house. The general

in the distance, a small lawn and a second landscaped wall.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

1

Entry Garden

2

Dining Room

3 Kitchen 4

Living Room

5 Library 6 Terrace 7 Pool 8 Lawn

organization of the downstairs is immediately clear almost as soon

To the left of the stairs is the Living Room, with its limestone fireplace,

as one comes inside; a large rectangular volume with open spaces

mahogany Library, and large pocket doors that extend the room

at both ends that surround a central core. Standing just inside the

to the outside. The backyard is on the east side of the site, taking

house the stairs are straight ahead, with the Interior Garden below

advantage of the open sky above the side-street and the shade from

and the skylight high above. Through the open risers one can see

the afternoon sun that the upstairs provides. Through the front door,

down the hall to the back of the house; windows line the left side

under the stair landing, and beyond the Living Room doors, there is

and to the right, doors leading to less public rooms. (A Media Room,

a clear line of sight from the Entry Garden to the Water Garden.

two Children’s Bedrooms, and the Master Suite are upstairs.)

Besides the general organization of the house and its relationships

To the right of the stairs are the Kitchen and Dining Room, which

to the gardens, there are three parts of the house that merit further

look onto the Entry Garden. Helping to balance the light is a small

explanation: the balcony, the fireplace, and the landscape design.

garden off the Kitchen and a tall window on the west wall. The small garden is anchored by a red oak that was already on the site.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

35

Instead of being supported by columns, the balcony hangs from

needing to be over 30ft tall, the proportions were all wrong. On the

the roof above. This was not a preconceived trick that I wanted to

interior, the right side of the Living Room wall needed to be empty

impress people with; it just came naturally from the design process.

for artwork and the left side needed a window to balance the light.

There needed to be a balcony off the Master Bedroom, there needed

There needed to be an east window upstairs at well, and it was

to be a second means of egress from the media room, and the roof

important that the facade not get too busy and that the elements

of the limestone-clad volume needed to be shifted to resolve the

be appropriately scaled and carefully composed. Stripping the flue

composition. Besides, the final plan of the back yard was still a

down to its purest form allows it to be combined with the windows

year away from resolution and I didn’t want columns determining

into a single element, thereby resolving both the interior and the

anything on the ground.

exterior elevations.

The fireplace flues being exposed on the interior resulted from

The House of Three Rooms is designed to be quiet, generous, clean

similar organic concerns. Although a chimney can be put in the

and clear. It is meant to be lived in, and its quiet Modernism allows

side-yard setback, zoning limits it to just 12 inches deep; and

its residents to do just that.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

37

Design

REED PL AYHOUSE ON BROADWAY

Writer: Susan Harris Welker, AIA Welker is the founder of Harris Welker Architects at Austin, TX and is a graduate of Florida International University and the University of Houston.

What makes an architect designed modern affordable home better

In the existing 1940’s East Austin, Texas neighborhood, the owner’s

for an owner?

site presented a worst case scenario for achieving an energy

A National Association of Home Builders study revealed that only 15 percent of homes are designed by an architect. Not only are an architect’s services a wise investment due to a well-conceived design that can be built more efficiently and economically; homes sell faster and have a better resale value.

efficient layout with its long exposure to the east and west. The narrow corner lot (47’ x 147’) had a street side setback of 15’ and an interior side setback of 5’, reducing the useable width of the lot to 27’. Though the neighborhood primarily consists of single family homes and an elementary School, an automotive repair garage is located across the side street and the Capital Metropolitan’s

But what else does an architect bring to assure an owner of a

Transit Authority headquarters is situated just one block north.

sensible investment?

Deliberately considering these site elements and incorporating them into the design made this project successful for the owner.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

The client’s other needs included privacy, limited view on the corner

southeastern breezes. Clerestory windows on the south façade

lot, security, low maintenance, preservation of the existing mature

and a Kalwal on the west façade provide additional daylighting

pecan trees, affordability, energy efficiency, and an open design that

with minimal heat load. This design saved the owner in both HVAC

could accommodate large parties, the design achieves even more

future energy costs, but also in the actual HVAC units required for

than if it was a spec built design.

the home.

The design minimized first the extreme Texas heat effects of the

The owner is a high tech worker by day and stage manager by

eastern and western long façade exposure by placing the minimum

night. While meeting the functional needs of the client was one

of window openings on the east and west facades and within the

variable in the equation, the final design solution that the architect

shade of the existing trees. Large overhangs on the south facades

created was highlighted in the client’s alter ego in the theater. The

shade the majority of the windows which also allow for prevailing

project, entitled Reed Playhouse on Broadway, was designed to

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

39

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

play on the elements of a theater playhouse to accommodate the

cement siding, 30 year composition roof shingles, 25 year warranty

owner’s parties hosted for well over 50 people several times a year.

tankless water heater, Energy star and High Efficiency appliances,

The design is demonstrated in the plan. The guests arrive at the entrance of the home under the marquee (the covered porch) and then enter a small vestibule to be received and dispense with their coats and other trappings (coat check area). A small niche area mimics the ticket box at the foyer. A double volume “lobby” with overlooking bridge and grand staircase greet the guests who then proceed to the seating area (living area).

engineered LVL framing, engineered bamboo flooring, ceramic and glass mosaic tiles, MDF trim, and Icyene insulation. Fiberglass windows with Pella’s low e glazing were an affordable and yet very energy efficient and low maintenance material selection. No voc latex paint, in bold colors, provided a low cost sustainable design solution. A Kalwal on the western street side exposure provides privacy and daylighting to the dining/kitchen space with an energy efficient solution. Quality cabinetry, quartz countertops, durable

Finally, the curtain opens (the exterior folding door system-Nanawall)

plumbing and fluorescent light fixtures were incorporated to meet

to the stage (the exterior courtyard) and the entertainment for the

the client’s need for an affordable sustainable home.

guests begins. All the spaces normally afforded to a home such as kitchen (think concessions) and restrooms are provided, but within the theme of the theater. On the exterior, the fiber cement siding was applied horizontally as a “marquee” band around the home. The rear balcony from the second floor spaces overlooks the stage (the courtyard) and awaits Juliet herself.

Polygal was another innovative material used on the covered walkway from the garage to the home and the exterior balcony from the master bedroom. This material provided an affordable, translucent, colorful shading option that allows daylighting into the northern exposure windows without heat gain. Finally the Nanawall opens up the entire back living space to the outdoor courtyard to

Sustainability was a primary issue in that it partnered with the

meet the client’s need for additional space during his elaborate

affordable cost of the house. The previous 1940 home on the lot

parties he holds throughout the year.

was “reclaimed” through the Habitat for Humanity Deconstruction and Reclamation program. The new home would be built within 1500 square feet for both the owner’s budget and the City of Austin’s pervious cover requirements.

The incorporation of the site constraints, the owner’s needs for a home for entertaining and maintenance free energy saving sustainability demonstrated some of the exceptional architectural services that helped make this home an affordable, modern home,

Durable materials; selected by the architect in numerous field trips

specifically design for a client’s needs. It was recently selected as

with the owner, were selected for their durability such as; fiber

one of the homes for the 2012 Austin’s Smarter Spaces Home Tour.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

41

Design

ADAMS RESIDENCE

Writer: Andrew Mikhael, AIA Mikhael is a sole practitioner in New York City. He is a graduate from University of Pennsylvania and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Ask a city dweller what they imagine as their getaway home and

hidden under a hinged bench. The scope also includes a full interior

you’re likely to hear dreams of beachfront properties and country

renovation of the 5 bed, 5 bath house and the design of a new

cabins. But what if that oasis was just a few miles from your city

backyard deck to accommodate summer parties and the client’s

apartment? That was the case with this client who owns a studio

love of gardening.

apartment in Midtown Manhattan and a weekend playground home just over the Hudson River in Englewood, New Jersey.

For visual continuity from the colorful downstairs, a red accent wall continues up the stairwell and opens the end wall of the kitchen

The house is a mid-century structure with its original wood siding

facing the stair. The end effect is a galley kitchen ‘portal’ that frames

and stone exterior. A patchwork of disparate renovations clutter

the wall of color beyond. The portal also aims to give a point of

the interior. The brief originally was to convert the basement into

connection between family members as they move about the house.

a colorful space for entertaining, cooking, and lounging. Walls were eliminated to create one large space, including a new full kitchen, tied together with a polished concrete floor. The new steel clad stair and deep red wall behind work as a visual anchor to the space. The high window sills are replaced with polygonal openings that serve to both make for easy views and to dance along the wall together with a new wall fireplace. This configuration serves the client, who prefers the space to speak for itself without art on the walls.

Keeping with the theme of suburban oasis, the gym bathroom was redesigned into a steam room with seating for six adults and a toilet

Throughout the existing interior were “barnacles” of messy ceilings and awkward conditions. A polygonal geometric language which started naturally with the basement windows worked well to smooth out such conditions and quickly became the formal language tying the project together. In the dining room, the false columns are removed and the disproportionately high ceiling is gently adjusted to shape the room to a more comfortable height. A steel polygonal fireplace similar to the basement fireplace anchors the dining room cabinetry and bench.

The master bathroom was a particularly

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

“barnacled” room with functional and structural constraints which took a lot of massaging to achieve a scheme where the space flowed and every corner felt intentional.

The client is an avid gardener who loves to entertain and wanted a new deck that would last a long time. The two-level stone deck includes a waterfall wall between levels. The edges of the deck are wrapped in sweeping layers of copper-clad planters which showcase and organize all the client's flowers. The deck is the only moment where the new design spills outdoors. Using traditional materials of stone and metal in a contemporary form bridged the gap between the traditional look of the home’s exterior without appearing as a design compromise.

This suburban getaway is expected to begin construction in late 2012.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

43

Design

BLEY SLEEPING HOUSE ADDITION Writer: Andrew Nance, AIA Nance is co-founder of A-GRUPPO Architects at San Marcos, TX and is a professor at the Texas State University at San Marcos.

Writer: Thad Reeves, AIA Reeves is co-founder of A-GRUPPO Architects and was a recipient of the McDermott Travel Fellowship.

Reeves is a professor at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Faced with a growing family, Bernhard and Celina Bley were interested in expanding their existing (2) bedroom, (2) bath home by adding a “Sleeping House Addition”. The idea was to put all of the sleeping rooms into a new addition and renovate the existing spaces into other functions.

The project brief called for an economical solution that complimented the home; relocate the bedrooms and bathrooms to

Existing Conditions The obvious location for an addition to the cruciform plan of the existing structure would be to simply extend the structural bay of the wings outward, however, mature trees, a garage and building setback negated this strategy.

Parti

the addition; convert the existing master bedroom to an office; and

The final scheme positions an interstitial public space (Library)

re-purpose the master bath to a mudroom. The existing children’s

between the existing home and the addition. This hub is a public

shared bedroom was already well suited as a guest suite.

zone and connects the new Family Office and Mudroom Entry, while simultaneously acting as mediary to the private functions of the new Master suite and stairs to the children’s rooms upstairs.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

Form and the Mass The decision to minimize the footprint was influenced in part by site constraints as well as rising concrete costs during construction; resulting in more program area relegated to the upper level. To maintain an efficient floor plan layout, the upper level was shifted to provide a landing for the stairway, situated outboard of the structure, where the form of the angled stairway becomes expressed as a volume on the East facade.

The architects collaborated with the structural engineer to develop a series of studies seeking economical means for supporting the floating volume while providing a strongly defined outdoor room at the veranda. The Pier + Column scheme was chosen for its ability to express the floating nature of the volume while simultaneously grounding it to the site.

Natural Lighting To mitigate the compact program, the spatial experience is

As the clients were interested in the idea of the addition contrasting,

enhanced by natural lighting strategies, large expanses of glass,

rather than mimicking the existing structure, a language of

translucent walls, and carefully placed windows providing visual

mass/void articulation was sought to develop a complimentary

links back to the site.

conversation between the two.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

45

The stairwell doubles as a light-well capturing morning light from

In contrast, the children’s rooms are characterized by long horizontal

the East, and diffuses afternoon light from the West

windows, recessed to avoid the high summer sun, positioned to

through

translucent-glazed walls. Supplemented by clerestory lighting in the Library, the transitional spaces of the addition disperse light throughout the addition and deep into the existing structure.

Views to the Surrounding Landscape In each room throughout the addition, the compactness of the interior spaces is counteracted with a framed view to the exterior

frame views of the tree canopies and horizon and sky beyond.

The simple massing and careful detailing reflect Bernhard’s native German ideals of clarity and craft; while the veranda, copious natural light and expressive color scheme (influenced by the native limestone of the existing structure) reflect Celina’s Mexican heritage.

Photography: Craig Kuhner Architectural Photography

beyond. A large patio slider linking the veranda to the master bedroom is paired with a fixed panel of glass. The perceived glazed corner effectively connects the owners to the oak grove just beyond the confines of their home.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

47

Book Review

POCKET NEIGHBORHOODS

by Ross Chapin Writer: Crystal Tobin Chandler, AIA

At first glance, “Pocket Neighborhoods: Creating Small Scale

Chandler is an Architect with Sean O’Kane AIA, Architect P.C., an architectural firm specializing in custom residential design, renovations, and historic restoration in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Community in a Large Scale World” appears to be a revolutionary book on an unfamiliar concept. As a result, the reader opens the glossy hardcover full of excitement, ready to absorb a fresh theory on suburban planning and hoping to learn valuable design methods. The forward by Sarah Susanka is enticing, and the author, architect Ross Chapin, proceeds by detailing the process involved in the design of contemporary communities he terms “pocket neighborhoods,” communities which act like “a pocket safely tucking away possessions from the outside world”. These densely arranged homes organized around shared outdoor spaces, some spontaneously formed and others planned communities, exist to foster a strong sense of community with long-lasting relationships between the residents. It is after the reader begins to envision living in a pocket neighborhood, that an uncertainty begins to develop if this is really an appealing option for today’s homeowners who may not all be as willing to exist as openly as in Chapin’s idealized vision.

Illustrated throughout the book are the design elements that define these communities which are nestled within larger, existing town fabrics. Many are positive objectives in all neighborhood planning, including an appropriate use of scale, controlling vehicular traffic, encouraging networks of pedestrian traffic and creating density to avoid suburban sprawl. Others, such as the necessity of a functional front porch, shared gardens and commons areas for weekly group dinners are more specific to Chapin’s pocket neighborhoods. A number of case studies are portrayed, all architecturally interesting, and six developments featured were designed by Chapin on the West coast. The projects are presented as part of an evolving design process which demonstrates how the key design elements can create communities where everyone lives and grows together in a safe, family-like environment. In these pocket neighborhoods, ideally children always have others nearby to play with, strangers feel unwelcome and gardens and yard tools are shared freely.

Still, after viewing the photos of well-designed and beautifully landscaped homes and the accompanying site plans, a lack of true exterior privacy seems to exist, which for some is a familiar necessity.

Low fences, shrubs and open porches are meant to encourage social interactions when the inhabitants venture outdoors, but not even slightly integrated into the design is the traditional, fenced backyard and the positive attributes it offers homeowners.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

Many of the pocket neighborhoods portrayed have small homes

Ross Chapin’s notion of pocket neighborhoods may in fact be

under 1000 sq ft, and because of this they may be received more

revolutionary- he is proposing a radical change in how we view the

readily. They can function as a transitional home for young suburban

neighborhood and privacy and, like many unfamiliar ideas, it may

professionals who desire home ownership but still want the social

not be openly received by all readers at first. However, it cannot

interactions found on campuses or in some apartment complexes.

be disputed that the design concepts he presents are in general

Empty nesters who want to downsize and feel they live in a close knit

positive guidelines for community, environmental and architectural

neighborhood may also find the community appealing. However,

design. Each of the projects attractively represented throughout

possibly more relatable are the projects featured later in the book

the book has merits which can be implemented to foster successful

situated in urban and older neighborhoods. These neighborhoods

communities. It is the necessity to achieve a balance between the

are formed of homeowners who know their neighbors and make

need for social interaction and the desire for personal seclusion

a choice to take down fences, create shared back yards or beautify

that becomes apparent to the reader at the conclusion of “Pocket

alleyways to create space for all to enjoy. These cases involve people

Neighborhoods” and leaves them excited for the possibilities of

in the community working together to make something better in a

future communities.

setting where exterior privacy is already not known to exist or be a possibility. Groups such as Baltimore’s “Community Green” work to make use of underused exterior spaces and, as a result, the city has implemented a procedure to “gate and green” alleyways for use by the residents so long as their majority requirements are met.

It is initiatives such as this that may bring communities closer to achieving the sense of a real neighborhood that is missing today.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

49

Article of Interest

L I V I N G W I T H H A B I TA B I L I T Y C L A I M S

by A I A Tr u s t YAF Connection is sponsored by the AIA Trust. The CNA/Schinnerer program provides Professional Liability and other Business Owners’ coverage to AIA members’ firms through their relationship with the AIA Trust. For more information, visit www.

TheAIATrust. com .

According to statistics from 2005-2011, all forms of habitational projects represented just over 16 percent of the income reported by CNA/Schinnerer policyholders. But these projects represented 42 percent of all claims.

Case Study To save money, the client limited the number of site visits the architect was allowed to conduct for a “high-end” house. The client and interior designer made modifications throughout the house,

To that end, one way to look at projects as being profitable is to look

including changes to a third floor fireplace. The fireplace was

at the percentage of claims generated by the project type compared

constructed incorrectly with brick holes venting heat into the house

to the percentage of reported billings for that project type. Profitable

instead of up the chimney as originally designed. In addition, the

projects have a ratio where the percentage of billings is greater that

client added built-in wooden bookcases adjacent to the brick and

the percentage of claims. Unprofitable projects have a ratio where

removed a concrete subfloor, substituting a marble floor over wood.

the percentage of claims exceeds the percentage of billings. For

The architect was unaware of these changes since they were not

single family housing that ratio is almost 2:1. In other words, for

obvious during his limited site visits.

every $1 in fee collected, almost $2 in losses are paid.

Five years after completion, the house was completely destroyed by

Claims involving habitability projects involve all design disciplines,

a fire that was traced to the fireplace. Damages exceeded $2 million.

including surveyors, engineers and architects. Below are some

Although all the parties agreed that the fire was directly attributable

figures and examples of the types of claims that CNA Schinnerer has

to the changes made by the client and poor construction, the

paid on behalf of their architectural policyholders.

claim against the architect was based upon negligent contract

Single-Family Residential Projects

administration services. The architect’s poor file documentation made it impossible to defend against allegations regarding the

Whether houses or townhouses, this project type is of great risk for

agreed upon level of construction services. After several mediation

smaller design firms and those just entering the field. While the

attempts, the other defendants settled for $1.2 million, leaving the

average paid claim was roughly $75,000, the top quartile of claims

architect as the only defendant in a state with joint and several

cost an average of more than $210,000. The top ten percent of

liability. If the architect were later found to have any fault, there

claims resulted in payments averaging more than $850,000. Smaller

would have been exposure for the entire amount of any award. A

design firms often think that because of their lesser fees on “smaller”

settlement was finally reached with a payment on behalf of the

scope projects, they are immune to major claims. But of the top

architect of $400,000 plus $50,000 for expenses.

20 paid claims, eight were made on behalf of firms with less than $250,000 in annual revenues. Those payments averaged almost $750,000.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

The Issue of Mold

Lessons Learned

No summary of habitability projects would be complete without

If an architect is looking to provide or focus on services in the

a discussion of claims involving mold. Mold claims against design

habitational area, here are some important points to remember in

professionals insured in the CNA/Schinnerer program have

managing the risks of habitational claims:

remained relatively flat. At present, less than two percent of their claims are pure mold claims, meaning that property damage and bodily injury due to mold exposure are the primary allegations.

Case Study

Select clients based upon their experience, ties to the community, financial strength and emphasis on quality in design and construction.

Select projects that have a realistic budget and time frame, especially

An architect was retained to provide design and construction

in relation to their degree of complexity of design and construction.

contract administration services for the renovation of an historic

Take into account the contractor selection process.

hotel.

Shortly after completion, a problem developed with

condensation within the walls. Mold and mildew were discovered

Select subconsultants who are experienced and adequately insured

in more than half the rooms. An independent expert concluded

Be wary of providing limited or no construction administration

that poor construction and the mechanical engineer’s design

services

caused the problems. The architect had vicarious liability for the mechanical subconsultant as well as independent liability for failure to detect the construction defects. The client, with $40 million in yearly revenues at stake, wanted remediation performed on a fasttrack basis before an increase in mold might force closure of the

Pay appropriate attention to the quality of the design, continuously manage the expectations of your clients through timely and consistent communication, and have a systematic, objective documentation process in place to document all relevant activity.

hotel. If the hotel closed, the $2.5 million remediation damages

Use professional services agreements that fairly allocate risks to the

could have increased to tens of millions of dollars for lost revenues

party in the best position to manage those risks.

and diminution in value due to the negative publicity. The claim closed with a payment on behalf of the architect of $950,000, plus $170,000 in expenses. The mechanical engineer and the contractor also contributed equal amounts to the settlement.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

51

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

Article of Interest

NAVY PIER Writer: Emily Bernstein, AIA Bernstein is an architectural designer at Gensler's Chicago office and is excited to combine her background in urban sociology and architecture for design interventions like that at Navy Pier.

Chicago’s Navy Pier opened to the public in its current form as a

it, conducted extensive research, and translated our findings into a

recreational destination in the mid-1990s. Many Chicagoans see

series of diagrams that explained its current state. These activities

it as a tourist attraction: it is the most popular tourist destination

helped us develop ideas and themes that could transform the Pier

in the Mid-west. Many perceive it as a festival marketplace, chain

into a more contemporary, world-class destination.

restaurants and fast food, and carnivalesque. Although there are other events and activities, this concept dominates the image of Navy Pier.

The initial research was about looking for opportunities given the context and constraints of the Pier rather than precisely understanding its current state of affairs. We developed numerous

Since it’s opening in 1916, the Pier has had many characters, from

diagrams and a way of thinking that reformulated our understanding

recreational space, commercial shipping hub, naval training center,

of the Pier from cheesy tourist destination to an urban space with

to university campus. The time has again come for the character

enormous potential. However, the majority of our time was spent

of the Pier to transform into something more contemporary and

learning more about what the rest of the world was doing. After

responsive to its urban context. The first part of this transformation

searching for design innovations across the world, developing and

includes the competition to redesign Navy Pier’s public spaces. The

giving numerous presentations, and comparing aspects of Navy Pier

team lead by James Corner Field Operations was named the winning

to other world-class attractions, we began to really understand what

entry among five amazing finalists. It has been an exciting process of

our vision ought to include. We thought about programmatic zones,

which to be a part, and it also has personally given me insight into

cadence, and the memory and narratives that would develop from a

the larger overlap between the city, a public institution like Navy

visit to the Pier. We also strove to consider the Pier within different

Pier, and the role of designers who shape it.

contextual scales: the Pier itself and within the neighborhood, its

When the project began, our team at Gensler was unaware that it would eventually include a competition. That aspect of the project did not emerge until well into the process of helping the client

role as part of Chicago’s lakefront, within the city itself, and as a major node within the Great Lakes region. We also considered the Pier as an instrumental part of Burnham’s not entirely realized vision.

figure out what they wanted the Pier to become. The bulk of our

One challenge was not to propose a new design, but to develop

role was helping Navy Pier to realize its own potential, and to

a framework in which intelligent redesign could happen. The idea

understand how it too could be transformed into an iconic, world-

of a landscape competition emerged from the discussion of what

class destination rather than simply to continue as it does today. In

it was that we were actually doing, which strangely enough, we

a sense, the project was to develop the aspirations and vision for the

never defined at the beginning of the project. Ultimately, it was

Pier, and by extension, for the citizens and the city of Chicago and

a little hard to define what exactly we did, but our product was

the Great Lakes region as a whole.

definitely a vision and a framework for the future of the Pier. The

Before we knew there would be a competition or that we would write a document like The Centennial Vision, we spent many hours trying to understand what was successful about the Pier’s current state and what needed improvement. We visited the Pier, experienced

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

deliverable became a document that was presented to the public in June 2011. It is called The Centennial Vision and is available online at

http://www.navypiervision.com/centennialvision.html.

The

Centennial Vision summarizes months of research and discussions 53

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

about Navy Pier’s past, present, and future. In addition, it also makes

which was extremely fun to research. After that, one of the most

connections to other world-class, innovative design projects across

exciting moments was to attend a meeting of the competition

the globe and sets the bar high for the future of the Pier. Unlike most

advisors to sort through, and select their recommendations to go

designer output, The Centennial Vision was mostly text, which was

to the Navy Pier board. Because of my attendance at that meeting,

an unfamiliar format for designers accustomed to communicating

I feel that a little bit of my opinion was taken in account. I also feel

with images. However, at the same time, the ideas became more

that my perspective offered a productive contrast to the other

meaningful by translating them into the language of the non-

opinions present.

design world.

That first decision, to narrow down 52 entries to 10, was probably

During the three phases of the competition, I was given the chance

the most difficult within the entire process. However, once the

to see the process and inner workings of a landscape competition.

five designs were submitted, another tough decision was at hand

From the beginning, we looked to precedents that we thought

because each had so much to offer for Navy Pier. Although, each

were relevant: similar scale competitions of recent years that

design had great moments, only one could be chosen as the winner.

we recognized as successful like the Toronto Central Waterfront

I am confident that Field Operations’ proposal will evolve into a

competition, the Brooklyn Bridge Park competition, as well as The

design that serves both the Pier and the citizens of Chicago and

City, the Arch, and the River competition in St. Louis. We used these

remedies many of the issues that we addressed in The Centennial

examples to help structure the brief, organize deliverables, and

Vision. Although we do not yet know what that will be, our research

develop a timeline. At the beginning, I had the opportunity to

at Gensler has played a significant role in shaping the future Navy

suggest innovative design firms to receive invitations to participate,

Pier, and the city in the years to come.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

55

Featuring

AIA NORTHWEST & PACIFIC REGION

Design

TA K I N G F L I G H T

The Museum of Flight Pedestrian Bridge

Writer Tim Richey, AIA, LEED AP Richey was the design architect for the Museum of Flight Pedestrian Bridge. He joined SRG in 2003 as part of the firm’s original team opening an office in Seattle. With twenty years of experience, Tim’s approach to architecture is heavily influenced by several years studying and working in Europe. His strong conceptual approach is drawn from the built and natural context of each site and carried through the development and detailed design of the project.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

Seattle’s ties to the aviation industry are well known. The city is the

The bridge interior includes exhibit panels describing aviation

birthplace of Boeing and still the center of the company’s assembly

history in the area, as well as LED lights along its path that change

operations. So it’s not surprising that Seattle’s Museum of Flight,

colors to conjure up images of run-way marker lights. A single line of

located adjacent to Boeing Field in Tukwila, Washington, is one of

fluorescent fixtures spans the full length of the bridge on one side,

the largest air and space museums in the world – attracting more

uniformly uplighting the ceiling and allowing the contrail to glow.

than 400,000 visitors each year. Besides its jumbo-sized exhibits, the

When the Museum closes at night, the fluorescent lights turn off, but

museum now boasts another eye-catching attraction: a striking 340-

the LED maker lights stay on as a reassuring land mark for Seattleites

ft steel pedestrian bridge linking the current museum to the new

traveling through this industrial corridor after dark.

Space Gallery and additional sites for future development across a busy traffic arterial.

Crystallized Vapor Trail

Not Your Ordinary Truss The unique structure of the bridge evolved from a design collaboration between SRG Partnership, Inc. (architect), Magnusson

A conventional, utilitarian public works bridge would have been

Klemencic Associates (structural engineer) and Jesse Engineering

possible, but inadequate to convey the Museum’s mission “to inspire,

(steel fabricator). Teaming early, they were able to take advantage of

excite and develop curious lifelong learning.” Instead, the design of

new technologies in computer modeling and fabrication techniques

the bridge is inspired by the phenomenon of a contrail, a stream of

to simplify a complex geometry, push beyond a conventional

crystallized vapor created in a plane’s wake. The metaphor is carried

solution and achieve something extraordinary.

out in the bridge’s unusual tube truss design, made of crossing circular steel pipe sections surrounding an inner glass enclosure.

The elliptical cross section swells slightly in the center, narrowing at its ends to heighten the sense of movement. Light-weight materials and a composition of transparent, translucent, and metallic surfaces soften reflected light, at times appearing to dissolve against the sky.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

The result is a complex yet elegant bridge made of crossing circular steel pipes, spanning 140 feet across the major roadway. The main tube-shaped truss, measuring 200 feet in length, is composed of a series of crossing 5-inch diameter pipe hoops tilted at 45 degrees.

The bend of the hoops varies from 22 feet at the center of the span

57

to 19 feet at the tapered ends. Although the curvature of the hoops

two parts, weld each in place and remove the crane within a 24-hour

is a true radius, when tipped at an angle, an elliptical interior space

window. The planning paid off, as the roadway was clear and open

is created. In total, the project uses approximately 10,000 linear feet

for traffic by 6 am the following morning.

of steel pipe weighing a total of 190 tons.

Minimal Closure

Seattle Aerospace Icons Within the truss, the semi-enclosed environment protects

One construction challenge was to navigate through a dense

pedestrians from Seattle‘s infamous gray and rainy weather.

network of below-grade infrastructure and overhead power lines

Overhead, a translucent polycarbonate roof, suspended beneath

that remain critical to Boeing’s local research and manufacturing

the overhead steel pipes, filters direct sunlight, while glass panels

facilities. The solution was to accelerate the project schedule by

on the south block the winter winds. Begun in 2008, the bridge will

compressing the on-site utilities and foundation work with the off-

soon realize its destiny by connecting the existing Museum of Flight

site truss fabrication. Although unusual, several subcontractors,

across the street to the new Space Gallery. Scheduled to open in

including electrical, lighting, and glazing, worked together at the

September 2012, the 15,000-sf Space Gallery is awaiting delivery

fabricator’s off-site shop, enabling a greater degree of prefabrication

of NASA’s Space Shuttle Orbiter training module, the Full Fuselage

and less on-site construction over the busy thoroughfare.

Trainer. The 105-foot wide and 150-foot long parallelogram-shaped

The fabricator’s location along the nearby industrial waterways allowed the two halves of the truss to be shipped by barge 40 miles north through the Puget Sound and down the Duwamish River to within a few hundred yards of the final erection point. To install the bridge, the construction team negotiated with the City of Tukwila to divert traffic for a full day, then raced against the clock to erect the

building will broadcast views of its artifact through a 40-foot tall curtain wall that leans towards the roadway. The gallery’s steel framing, directly behind the glazing, continues the language of the bridge, as it bears gravity loads, delivers lateral seismic stability and maximizes transparency. Eventually, the bridge and gallery will adjoin a future Grand Commercial Aircraft Gallery, which will complete the long term master plan for the Museum’s expansion.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

59

Leadership

Leadership profile of

JEFF YRAZABAL Interview by Lindsey O'Brien Yrazabal is a Senior Associate at SRG Partnership in Portland, Oregon, with more than twelve years of experience in higher education projects for both public and private institutions. A graduate of Washington State University, Jeff is passionate about design excellence and the team-oriented process. Jeff is AIA Portland’s President-elect and serves the Northwest & Pacific Region as the Young Architect’s Forum Director (YARD).

This article is previously published in the Daily Journal of Commerce Oregon on May 30, 2012.

Jeff Yrazabal, a senior associate at SRG Partnership in Portland,

DJC: What has our region been missing out on by not

recently took on the role as the regional director of the Young

having an active YAF?

Architects Forum for the Northwest and Pacific.

Jeff Yrazabal: The main thing our region has been missing out on

Jeff Yrazabal wants to know what “young” architects (those licensed

is the ability to influence initiatives, programs and opportunities

for 10 years or fewer) are thinking about – what inspires them,

through AIA nationally with their experiences in our region. That’s

causes them anxiety and drives them to succeed. Yrazabal, a senior

really what the purpose of my role is – to bring their issues and

associate at SRG Partnership in Portland, recently became regional

interests to the national scene so that as AIA develops and changes

director of the Young Architects Forum for the Northwest and Pacific

and continues to grow, it’s doing so with interests of young architects

region.

in mind.

The YAF was created in 1991 to help new architects network with

DJC: Are there talents specific to this area that YAF could

each other and express their goals to the American Institute of

help promote?

Architects. Yrazabal is charged with providing a voice for the region’s young architects within the national organization, although he’s still figuring out how to let people know about the program and resources available. For now, he is building up the group’s Facebook page, sending out newsletters and looking for new ways to perform outreach.

Yrazabal: The Northwest is already known for its passion for sustainability, but there’s a lot of exciting innovation and creativity within the young architectural community that needs to be out there even more. YAF also puts out a bimonthly publication called “Connections,” which could be a good way to shine a light on the expertise of the young professionals in our region.

Yrazabal is also president-elect of AIA’s Portland chapter and will be hard to miss at upcoming events. His co-workers agree that Yrazabal, 6 feet 6 inches tall, is a spitting image of Detlef Schrempf, a former NBA star who finished his career as a Portland Trail Blazer. In fact, Yrazabal ran into the retired player at a downtown Starbucks, and even Schrempf saw the resemblance.

The DJC recently talked with Yrazabal to find out more about the YAF and some of the issues facing emerging professionals.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

DJC: At the national YAF summit in March, many of the

DJC: What else stood out about the conversations at the

young architects wanted more resources about starting

YAF summit?

their own firms. Why do you think that’s on the top of recently licensed architects’ minds?

Yrazabal: A couple of other trends came up that have to do with economy. Architects are becoming more aware of the need to be

Yrazabal: The first obvious reason is the economy. There’s no

better business managers, so the business side of what we do is

question that there are people who are out of work and starting

really being talked about a lot. Young architects are asking for more

to reinvent themselves a little bit. As far as what I’m noticing and

training along those lines, in areas like management, networking,

hearing in certain conversations, though, it goes deeper than that.

marketing – all those issues you may not get exposed to early in

We all know the profession itself is changing – the way we practice (and) the types of projects and services we provide are changing at a more rapid pace than in the past. Firms are trying to adapt to figure out how they fit in with those changes, and a lot of times it’s trying

your career but are critical in having a successful business later.

These days, young architects want exposure to that earlier on, and part of that has to do with economy and realizing that it’s really a key to surviving.

to figure out how to work in ways that young architects are already

DJC: Is there something you wish you knew during your

working – the new tools, the technology they’re learning in school

first couple of years as a licensed architect?

and bringing to firms.

Yrazabal: When I think to my first year or two in the profession, I don’t

Some people are realizing that the practice is changing in a way

think I fully realized the value in connecting into the community of

where they think, “I can do this on my own’ and ‘Wow – there’s an

architectural peers and in allied fields. Not only with architects, but

opportunity there.’ ” AIA doesn’t necessarily encourage people one

interior design, graphic and industrial design, landscape, planning

way or the other, but because that’s on the mind of young architects,

– they all have such strong links to each other. When I was younger

they want to provide resources to help them make educated

I didn’t realize the value of tapping into that community and

decisions to stay in an existing firm or start their own.

understanding how we all relate.

When you’re in a work environment, there tends to be a lot of competition – this is a highly competitive field and people tend to hold on to information, but there’s value in taking off your work hat and networking. You realize there’s a lot out there to be inspired by if you mingle with all the creative fields. Most – hopefully all – architects see value in that, but it takes a while to understand how to plug into it.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

61

Design

HOUSING FIRST AT THE BUD CL ARK CO Writer Dave Otte, AIA Otte is an architect at Holst who focuses on sustainable housing and community service projects. For over 15 years he has helped shape Portland’s urban landscape with a wide variety of civic buildings and spaces. The Daily Journal of Commerce recognized Dave as one of Portland’s Newsmakers in 2012.

The Bud Clark Commons is a special place. Located at the gateway

that help people experiencing homelessness find housing,

to Downtown Portland, Oregon, this LEED Platinum building offers

employment, life skills, and ongoing support.

a full spectrum of services for people experiencing homelessness in a way that no other building has before. From basic services for anyone walking in off the street to permanent housing dedicated to Portland’s most vulnerable citizens, The Bud Clark Commons provides a continuum of programming that addresses the barriers of homelessness in a very real way.

In 2007, Holst Architecture was selected for this commission through a public RFP process by the City of Portland, Home Forward, and Transition Projects. While we had experience working in the nonprofit and housing arenas, we had never done a public project, much less one of this breadth or complexity. We used this inexperience to our advantage, diving into a robust research phase that involved touring the country for precedents, job shadowing our new clients at their previous inadequate facilities, and spending a lot of time with the social service and homeless community in Portland to understand the problems that needed to be addressed. We even initiated a volunteer Dinner with an Architect every 6 weeks for the design and construction team to cook and serve at the existing

The temporary shelter replaces a dilapidated facility and has space for 90 men, of which 45 are dedicated bunks for veterans (an existing women’s shelter exists nearby). The shelter includes case management offices, a commercial kitchen, a private courtyard, and a small gym. Men live in this clean and sober shelter for up to three months as they get the help they need to find stability in their lives.

The permanent supportive housing includes 130 studio apartments designed for single adults. Each unit is 300 square feet, and has a full kitchen and bath. A “vulnerability index” has been developed to create a priority system that provides apartments to previously homeless men and women that are in the most danger of dying on the street. Because of this unique program that is based on the Housing First model of social service delivery, barriers have been lowered to residents who would otherwise not qualify to lease an apartment elsewhere in the city. There is also ample space for case managers dedicated to the residents living in the apartments to ensure a successful transition out of homelessness.

shelter to give everyone involved a sense of the task at hand. From

These three program elements are formally stacked vertically

this process came a comprehensive program comprised of three

through 8 floors to maximize the available land and zoning height.

distinct elements: a day center, a temporary shelter, and permanent

They are also architecturally expressed through the materials of the

supportive housing.

exterior, with board-formed concrete creating the buildings base

The day center provides basic services to anyone coming in off the street. This includes a public courtyard, hygiene center, donated clothing, hair cuts, mail boxes, storage lockers, computers, library

at the shelter, an abundance of glass and transparency at the day center, and a palette of brick and colored glass panels above that define the apartment floors.

books, a community courtroom, an art studio, and even a vegetable

Inside, Holst worked to translate this complex program into a warm

garden. The day center also has counselors and education programs

and inviting environment that offers a sense of dignity and hope

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

OMMONS

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

63

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

to its occupants. An abundance of natural wood and bright colors throughout help create a healing environment that supports the mission of the building. One of the greatest compliments we’ve heard from occupants using the building is that there is a sense of calm and dignity that people have once they enter.

Sustainability goals have also been achieved. All aspects of the design that Holst used to reach LEED Platinum were evaluated on the basis of energy savings or occupant health. These measures include 100% solar hot water, a graywater system that uses the showers and washers to provide water for toilets, fully ducted heat recovery ventilation with maximized air changes, and air filtration to minimize the spread of communicable diseases, especially tuberculosis.

We are currently celebrating the first anniversary of the Bud Clark Commons’ opening, and Holst has been constantly in touch with the day-to-day operations to ensure everything is working. We have given dozens of tours and provided information to people and groups from across the country in hopes that the building will become a model for other cities to emulate. Holst has a deep connection to this place, and undoubtedly always will. We still serve a volunteer meal every 6 weeks, but now we get the honor of cooking and serving dinner to the residents in their new home we helped create.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

65

Event

THE AIA PORTL AND URBAN DESIGN PA Writer James McGrath, AIA & Stefanie Becker, AIA Becker is an Architect and Associate Partner at ZGF in Portland. She is 2012 President of AIA Portland, has been a leader in the re-creation of the chapter's Continuing Education program. Stefanie has been commended for her collaborative and organizational skills, as well as her ability to keep complex processes moving forward, even when faced with enormous challenges.

McGrath brings 10 years of diverse experience in conceptual design, public process management, engineering team coordination, technical research and integrated high-performance urban design. James has been recognized by the Portland Business Journal’s 40 under 40 awards program and the Portland Business Alliance’s Leadership Portland Program. He serves as chair of the AIA Portland Urban Design Panel.

AIA | APA | ASLA Urban Design Panel Central City 2035 Charrette

clear that its governance model should also reflect the integrated nature of the urban issues facing the City and region, in order to amplify its relevance and voice in the years to come. Therefore the

The AIA Portland Urban Design Panel has a long and distinguished

Portland and Oregon leadership of the AIA joined with their peers in

history of involvement in Portland’s urban quality. Beginning as an

ASLA and APA to form a joint-venture and shared ownership of the

architect-only review body for downtown buildings, the panel has

Urban Design Panel. The UDP will form an umbrella for multiple joint

transformed along with the city around it, over the decades. In its

initiatives ranging from the Oregon Design Excellence program, to

most recent incarnation, it was comprised of a multidisciplinary

educational outreach, the review of a new generation of Central City

team of professionals who gathered to review projects and policies

Design Guidelines and the Portland Comprehensive Plan.

related to the regional built environment. With approval of the Portland AIA Board, the panel provided relevant professional advice and testimony to project teams, local government agencies and the City of Portland Commissions for Design, Development, Planning, and Historic Preservation.

To launch this new endeavor the three local presidents of AIA, ASLA and APA established an executive committee for the Urban Design Panel with a full member representative and current board member from each participating organization. Leadership of the executive committee will rotate among the organizations on a yearly basis,

But in recent years, with changes to the land use review process

and administration will be shared by all. In turn, the executive

instituted by the Bureau of Development Services, and the

committee appointed a task force to convene as a first effort of the

increasing sophistication of both the Design Commission and urban

new panel, a charrette with the City of Portland to study the urban

architecture practitioners, the relevance and need for the Panel’s

design framework for the Central City 2035 Plan.

participation – specific to building by building review – has waned.

Simultaneously, two other areas of intense interest and action have arisen on which the Panel had focused and found voice: 1) reviewing the urban design quality and “fit” of projects BEYOND the central city – in emerging districts like Mississippi or regional centers like Gateway; and 2) reviewing the development of multiple plans and policies by connected jurisdictions (high capacity transit plan, community design guidelines, streetcar master plan, etc) where the allied urban design professions traditionally had no organized role.

As the Panel moved beyond its traditional boundaries, it become

On June 7, 2012 over 40 members of the allied professions joined to explore issues, develop concepts and test ideas for the Central City in an intensive day-long workshop. Interdisciplinary teams began working at the concept level – ratifying and amplifying ideas developed to date by the City of Portland staff. As the day progressed, groups melded and splintered to study in more depth ideas related to diversifying the public realm, reaching and activating the river’s edge, deploying new architectural typologies for active street front uses, and identifying areas of missed connection or fragmentation.

Throughout the day, and to start the evening’s reception, the City of Portland staff was present to collaborate on the design, inform

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

ANEL

teams on constraints and opportunities, make available previous frameworks, and receive the work of the charrette as they refine and complete their policy and urban design process.

The Urban Design Panel is publishing the results of the charrette, continuing to work in parallel with the City on policy and planning efforts and reaching out to positively influence the design of buildings throughout the region.

All images are from Central City 2035 Charette, June 27th 2012.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

67

Opinion

THE ARCHITECT'S KITCHEN Writer Emily Refi, AIA Réfi is an architect, educator, entrepreneur, mother, amateur musician and compulsive maker of things.

Refi House

Food, Architecture, and Love The first time I considered the correlation between food and architecture was as a grad student in Portland, Oregon. I was in a brickwalled, book-lined loft in the SE industrial district, building a model of a beach house for local architect, John Cava. John was on the phone with his client, a chef, addressing suggested design revisions. The conversation went something like this. "…I don't go into YOUR kitchen and tell you that I like raspberries, I like shrimp and I like mustard so let's just mix them all up. When I sit down at your table, I give you an idea of what I’m hungry for and trust you to put it all together."

That same year, my eyes were opened to good food and the joy in creating it. A busy graduate student in downtown Portland, many of my meals were ordered from a happy hour menu, frozen in a box or (pathetically) from the all-hours convenience store located on the same block as studio. One evening, I had dinner plans with a studio mate. Rather than going out, he suggested, why not pick up ingredients and cook at his place? I'm sure I looked at him sideways, but skeptically played along. We chopped and stirred while sipping wine with good music in the background. I had a great time, and enjoyed being a creator of food, not simply a consumer.

A few years, and countless home-cooked meals later, that studio mate became my husband. Being out of school allowed us more time to delve into cooking. As my skills sharpened, a fondness for cooking grew and went hand in hand with my tendency of being a compulsive maker. As an emerging architect, I could

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

Refi House image by John Valles

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

69

not help but ponder the food analogy further: Perhaps the

grownups alike emerged. Like a warm pop of orange against a gray

softness of natural wood contrasting with crisp metal panel

concrete wall, a mellow roasted squash highlighted with grated

works magically like the salty sweet contrast of dates with

nutmeg and peach can really sing.

bacon. Maybe the unconventional combination of strawberries, balsamic vinegar and black pepper resonate like reclaimed

The Betrayal

lumber with delicate cable rail, perhaps with a splash of leather.

If my own food revolutions were first, for pleasure; and second, for

Â

the health of my family, the third revolution was out of necessity. I

Fast forward to 2008: On the coattails of publicity surrounding my

had been suffering through symptoms of smoldering autoimmune

award-winning house, I had recently left a SRG Partnership to strike

issues, and in 2010 I realized the root cause was likely food

it out on my own. My son was born and became the center of my

sensitivities, primarily to dairy. I was later advised by my naturopath

universe. Working for myself allowed me the flexibility to spend

to steer clear of wheat and, ideally, unfermented grains altogether.

more time to snuggle my son and make his baby food from scratch.

My assumptions of what was healthy for me were literally turned

A concerned new mother, I scrutinized the labels of products I had

upside down.

once considered healthy such as organic fruit flavored yogurt and granola bars - I was appalled at how much sugar and how little nutrients they contained. No thank you, not for my baby. Baking for my family became a game, a challenge to make delicious creations with whole grains, little or no refined sugar, and laced with vegetables. Favorite combinations palatable to my son and

While food had betrayed me, my husband stood faithfully by my side enduring odd-tasting milk alternatives and complicated combinations of exoticÂ

flours. Many a morsel resembling

hockey pucks were thrown out with the compost. But there were successes, revelations and new tricks learned. For instance, like

SEEC / Birch Aquarium, Dangermond Keane Architecture

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

a high performance concrete mix, the symbiotic combination

in it's own urban fabric. Most importantly, it would be beautiful, and

of oily almond flour combined with thirsty coconut flour and

occupied by people made a little happier by spending time there.

a pinch of arrowroot would yield a balance of moisture, body

The ideal food would not be much different. It would be healthy and

and structure. Not to mention a delicious, tender crumb.

nourishing. It would be lovingly made of local, organic ingredients,

Â

and free of inflammatory substances. It would be beautiful,

The Architect's Kitchen

delicious, and enjoyed in the company of family and friends.

Fast forward to 2012: I have my fingers in many pots. Now a mother of 2, I continue to practice architecture and urbanism as a sole proprietor with a focus on sustainable infill projects. I am in a collaborative studio, RED Architecture Workshop as an outlet for tangibles, visuals and collective projects as well. Soaring exponentially in scale, I jumped on the opportunity to work on The Birch Aquarium addition in La Jolla with another local emerging firm, Dangermond Keane Architecture. I teach and lead drawing workshops. I play the guitar, poorly. As always, l think about food a lot. To me, the ideal building would be net-zero energy, crafted with local materials, and free of chemicals that compromise indoor

 This past year, I have seen one built project reach completion. In that time I have probably planned and executed nearly 1000 meals. My kitchen is littered with recipes jotted down on scraps of paper or the backs of envelopes. Alongside architectural sketches, corners of sketchbook pages are noted with recipe ideas. The time has come to share my notions with design-savvy people coping with food sensitivities, or anyone for healthy and delicious alternatives.

My blog, thearchitectskitchen.com is in the works and will be live this summer, full of musings about architecture, design and food through the eyes of a busy Portland mamapreneur.

air quality and the environment. It would be deeply rooted in place,

Moonier Boathouse. Image by Scott Gerke

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

71

Design

Writer Doug Minarik, AIA Doug Minarik lives with his wife and two dogs in Portland, Oregon. He is a Henry Adams Medal recipient and is a graduate from Montana State University. He is employed at Works Partnership Architecture.

A D D I T I O N S T O T H E M O N TA N A L A N D S C A Montana’s landscape is big. It has the nickname “big sky” for good

Today the mining economy has evaporated and small farms and

reason and if nicknames were longer, big mountains, big field, big

ranches are losing the battle to larger enterprises. What once

rivers, would all be welcome extensions. I spent 13 years in Montana,

was a carefully planned functioning landscape is ironically being

with a large portion of that time attempting to carefully place “small”

transformed as people move to Montana to take part in the

residential projects in that big landscape.

romanticism of that landscape. The resort areas of Montana are

The historical precedent of the structures that are now part of Montana’s landscape had origins based solely on function, responding to the agrarian or mining economies. Their forms were kept simple out of necessity, clad in regional materials and requiring

saturated with sprawling “mountain” homes each attempting to outdo their neighbor and the grandeur of the landscape. They are lonely fortresses defending their occupant’s privacy and purchased view of the landscape.

no more space than absolutely necessary for serving their purpose.

With the loss of a primary functional driver like mining or

A single gabled wood clad box surrounded by endless fields and the

agriculture, designing something to be part of Montana’s landscape

boarded up mining shaft entrance on the side of a hill have become

is intimidating. Simple forms that provide little competition

part of Montana’s beauty and character.

for the landscape seem to provide the most design longevity.

Livingston residence.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

APE Understanding the context of a site, forming a design response with

year, the program took a cue from agrarian planning (clustered farm

that context in mind, then editing that response to its most basic

structures) and was separated into two forms and oriented to create

execution has been my approach. A small human scaled space in a

a sheltered outdoor space and backdrop for viewing the Absaroka

big landscape can be a special thing, providing a sense of scale and

Mountain range. The neutral exterior color palette keeps the focus

heightening the experience of a vast open landscape.

on the ever- changing exterior light and weather patterns.

In a home near Ennis, Montana a geotechnical engineer helped

Ennis Photograph by Gordon Gregory

locate a 20 foot wide gap in the bedrock that had formed a hillside.

That gap dictated the location of the house and kept the form narrow

Livingston Photograph by Audrey Hall (www.audreyhall.com).

to avoid having to excavate bedrock. The result was a floor plan just wide enough to fit in the bedrock gap that grew out of the hillside in one simple gesture with one end firmly anchored and the other cantilevered over the steeply sloping hillside. For a project south of Livingston, Montana where wind is relentless through much of the Ennis residence.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

73

Future Now Summit

8/1/2012

8/1/2012

Future DATE: Now Summit September 22, 2012 @ 9:00am–9:00pm

LOCATION: Center for Architecture | 536 LaGuardia Place DATE: September 22, 2012 @ 9:00am–9:00pm LOCATION: Center for Architecture | 536 LaGuardia Place Future Now Summit Mission: The Future Now Summit seeks to empower and engage young professionals in a discussion about exploring the future of Future Now Summit Mission: the architecture profession.

Through a day long conference consisting of moderated panels and workshops, these The Futureprofessionals Now Summitwill seeks to empower and engage young professionals in a discussion about exploring theneeds. future of emerging be given the opportunity to produce possible solutions for the profession's changing the architecture Through a day long conference of moderated panels state and workshops, thesepractice This summit will profession. address these changing needs by focusing consisting on issues related to the current of the following emerging professionals will be given the opportunity produce possible solutions for the profession's changing needs. areas: architecture, design, construction, real estate,to finance, and business.

This summit will address these changing needs by focusing on issues related to the current state of the following practice areas: architecture, design, construction, real estate, finance, and business.

Summit Goal: Summit aGoal: Provide platform of dialogue, bringing relevant, interested individuals together to discuss potential future solutions in the “Architecture Industry”. We define “Architecture Industry” as a professional industry surrounding the design, coordination Provide a platform of dialogue, bringing relevant, interested individuals together to discuss potential future solutions in the and realization of Architecture from a conceptual idea to a built form. The Industry is comprised of future architects, “Architecture Industry”. define “Architecture as a industry surrounding the society design, through coordination licensed Architects, andWe allied professionals thatIndustry” contribute to professional bringing architecture to mainstream real and realization of Architecture from a conceptual idea to a built form.

The Industry is comprised of future architects, estate, finance, media, construction, graphic design, industrial design, etc. licensed Architects, and allied professionals that contribute to bringing architecture to mainstream society through real estate, media,questions: construction, graphic design, industrial design, etc.

Discussfinance, the following

 What is the future of the Architectural Profession?

Discuss the following questions: will Emerging Professionals impact the Industry?

What is the future of the Architectural Profession?  How  Will the Architect take on a new role in society?

How will Emerging Professionals impact the Industry? can we begin mapping our own path in becoming an Architect and career advancement?  How Will the Architect take on a new role in society? the Industry need a new model of practice?  Does How can we begin mapping our own path in becoming an Architect and career advancement? can Architects engage as leaders?  How Does the Industry need a new model of practice?

Architects summarizing engage as leaders?  How Publication to can be dispensed, the ideas shared, continuing the dialog within Industry.

Publication to beAudience: dispensed,Maximum summarizing ideas shared, continuing thearchitects, dialog within Industry.

Summit Target 170the emerging professionals, intern young architects (licensed 10 years or less), and emerging professionals in the fields of design and construction.

Summit Target Audience: Maximum 170 emerging professionals, intern architects, young architects (licensed 10 years or less), and emerging professionals in the fields of design and construction.

QUESTIONS: ENYA@AIANY.ORG QUESTIONS: ENYA@AIANY.ORG

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

YAF Co n n ec t i o n I SSU E

10.05|10.2012

Send your submissions by August 15.

YAF CONNECTION 10 | 04

Design courtesy of

Get in touch with the editor at deepika@bashless.com for details and to feature your travel experiences.

nathanstolarz.com

Taking a hiking trip this summer?

How about a cruise?

Going overseas?

Or did any traveling in the recent past? We’d like to hear about your adventures! Featuring sketches, photography, stories or other visual media of your travel encounters.

75

WHAT IS THE YOUNG ARCHITECTS FORUM?

2012 YAF ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Young Architects Forum is the voice of architects in the early stages of their career and the catalyst for change within the profession and our communities. Working closely with the AIA College of Fellows and the American Institute of Architects as a whole, the YAF is leading the future of the profession with a focus on architects licensed less than 10 years. The national YAF Advisory Committee is charged with encouraging the development of national and regional programs of interest to young architects and supporting the creation of YAF groups within local chapters. Approximately 23,000 AIA members are represented by the YAF. YAF programs, activities, and resources serve young architects by providing information and leadership; promoting excellence through fellowship with other professionals; and encouraging mentoring to enhance individual, community, and professional development.

2012 Chair Jennifer Workman, AIA

GOALS OF YAF: To ENCOURAGE professional growth and leadership development among recently licensed architects through interaction and collaboration within the AIA and allied groups.

To BUILD a national network and serve as a collective voice for young architects by working to ensure that issues of particular relevance to young architects are appropriately addressed by the Institute.

To MAKE AIA membership valuable to young architects and develop the future leadership of the profession.

Vice Chair Brad Benjamin, AIA, CSI, LEED AP Past Chair Adam W. Palmer, AIA, LEED AP Programs Advisor Matthew M. Dumich, AIA Communications Advisor Deepika Padam, AIA, LEED AP bd+c Young Architect Regional Directors Advisor Jason Dale Pierce, AIA, LEED AP Events Advisor Virginia Marquardt, AIA, LEED AP, CDT Public Relations Advisor Joseph R. Benesh, AIA, CDT, LEED AP College of Fellows Liaison William J. Stanley, III, FAIA, NOMA AIA Board Representative Wendy Ornelas, FAIA AIA Staff Director, Emerging Professionals Erin Murphy, AIA, LEED AP

The American Institute of Architects Young Architects Forum 1735 New York Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20006 http://www.aia.org/yaf