Director's House Documentation and Analysis
Second Semester Graduate: 2015
Collaborative Project
As part of a larger studio documentation and analysis of the Marine Hospital complex (located at the intersection of Tchoupitoulas and Henry Clay Streets) the group was tasked with studying one of the two oldest buildings on the site, known as the Director’s House. The project involved documenting the existing conditions through on site exploratory investigation, photography, sketches, and drafted drawings. These findings were combined with historical research to create a timeline of the buildings construction and supplementary alterations. Together these elements were combined as part of a simplified historical structures report to be used by the Childrens Hospital as they expand their facilities into the Marine Hospital complex.
800 Block N Broad Street
Second Semester Graduate: 2015
Collaborative Project
Working off of initiatives such as the National Trust For Historic Preservation’s Main Street Program and the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority’s Facade Renew, the studio documented separate single block areas of commercial corridors throughout the city. Initially investigations involved documentation of the existing and historical research into the development of the area. Meeting with representatives from NORA and Broad Community Connections furthur shaped the considerations taken throughout the project. The group research concerning each corridor was utilized for individual facade restorations proposals as a means to continue the commercial viability of the area, while restoring the architectural elements of the original buildings.
Block 50
Second Semester Graduate: 2015
Collaborative Project
Starting with documentation gathered as part of the Vieux Carré Diboll Survey, the studio set forth to create an updated folio of four separate square blocks within the French Quarter. Block 50, which is inclosed by Royal, Ursulines, Chartres, and Governor Nicholls Streets became the bases of the groups month long investigation and analysis. Mapping exercises, historical documents, photography, and drawings were used to understand the progression of the square overtime. Final documentation included an updated historical significance color coder for the block, as well as, statements for notable areas of concern and potential within the area.
First Semester Graduate: 2014
A large portion of the building preservation studio was dedicated to the observation and documentation of historic structures within the New Orleans area. Photography, sketching, and essays were used to analyze the buildings in order to contemplate their role within the preservation field. The collective research was synthesized at the end of the semester into an individual poster set and a collaborative studio presentation.
1132 Royal Street, New Orleans
1857
The details contained in the Gallier House showcase the intricacies popular during the turn of the 20th century. The building was designed as a personal residence, as well as architectural showcase by James Gallier Jr. Cast iron is prevalent on the front facade of the house and highlight the advances in building technology that had recently taken place. The gate at the front entrance was designed by Gallier himself. The ornate molding of the interior consists of painted plaster. The column capitals are particularly exquisite and are covered in gold leaf.
701 Chartres Street, New Orleans
1795
The facade of the Cabildo represents the mixture of Spanish and French colonial influence in the city. The building was constructed during Spanish rule at the end of the 18th century by a French architect. The mansard roof was later added to appeal to the second empire style popular during the rule of Napoleon III. The building was constructed as the seat of Spanish colonial government in the area, which were known as the Illustrious Cabildo. The symmetrical facade features nine bays with a central front door. The front pilasters follow the classical progression of elements with Doric on the ground level and Ionic above. These elements are crafted out of plaster, with underlying brick being the structural medium.
7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans
1939
The gardens of Lounge Vue House stand out from the typical landscape design of New Orleans due to their expansive nature and meticulous design. Built away from the city center, the estate embodies an air of refined French luxury. The exterior spaces allow visitors to partake in a wide range of experiences. There are areas for quite reflection, interaction within small groups, and large expanses that accommodate for all. The uniqueness of these spaces creates a calming sensation that is difficult to achieve, even in the finest architectural designs.
820 St. Louis Street, New Orleans
1831
The spatial arraignment of the Hermann-Grima House materialize the transformation from Creole to American ideals that was taking place in New Orleans at the time. The use of symmetry can be seen in the fenestration of the front facade and building plan. Unlike traditional Creole architecture a center hall is used and room’s size no longer relates to function. However, the use of a front gallery, rear loggia, and cabinets showcase how Creole typologies remained prevalent. A typical servant quarters and courtyard also exist in the rear of the house.
632 Dumaine Street, New Orleans
1788
The roof structure of Madame John’s Legacy epitomizes early Creole architecture in New Orleans. The traditional hip roof utilizes Norman trusses constructed out of heaves timber. The timbers are connected using mortise and tenon joints and do not rely of metal fasteners for their stability. Dormers are incorporated into the front and the rear of the roof to bring air and light into the space. The attic is unfurnished and is utilized mainly as storage or sleeping space. The roof is clad with slate shingles that shed rainwater into hanging gutters and down to ground level cisterns. Roofing members also extend past the front facade and a portion of the rear to create protected exterior space and provide shading for the interior.
Greenwood Cemetery
First Semester Graduate: 2014
As an introduction to building preservation techniques the studio undertook the documentation of tombs using the Historic American Buildings Survey guidelines. Site measurement, sketches, and photography were utilized to compile a set of documents that detailed individually selected tombs. The project culminated in a collaborative charette alongside faculty and local professionals.
Supportive Housing
Fifth year undergraduate: 2012-2013
The supportive housing project utilizes portions of dilapidated buildings along a major thoroughfare in Richmond, VA. The complex is separated into two structures, one for support (therapy, counseling, drug\alcohol treatment) and one for housing (studio apartments, education facilities, and admission/administration). The intention is to accommodate the transition from homelessness to low income housing by creating spaces that motivates, while protecting. Portions of existing buildings symbolically connect the inhabitants to the past, coaxing them to learn from previous mistake instead of repeating them.
Housing is placed on the second through fourth stories to both comply with zoning laws along the broad street corridor, as well as, provide a sense of protection for its inhabitance. The physical and emotional exposure sustained by the chronically homeless requires a place of solitude that is removed from the private realm of the street. A screen facade is utilized to provide shading to the rooms while also mimicking the original street presence.
The confined nature of the room creates a bases of protection and stability that allows physical, mental, and social issues to be addressed.
Fourth Year Undergraduate: Spring 2012
Collaborative Project
The Chicago studio program combines the professional and academic aspects of architecture by situating a rigorous design studio in the offices of practicing architects. The semester was split into two major components: an academic studio and architectural internship. The academic portion focuses on a collaborative project resulting in a proposal for three undeveloped sites adjacent to Wrigley Field; located in the lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. This proposition centers on the historical and typological context of the sites. These investigations resulted in a conceptual de-construction of the past in order to create a design for the future. Aspects of screening, iconography, and verticality further integrate Wrigley Field into the neighborhood. Conditioned and exterior spaces are inserted into this mechanism to activate the site year round.
Fourth Year Undergraduate: Fall 2011
Sketching and photography were used as tools to study architectural and urban design in Austria, Belgium, The Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland. These diverse settings allowed for a multitude of subject matter to be documented. The studies compiled historical and contemporary precedents in order to expand upon personal design philosophies.
Covington Farmers Market
Third Year Undergraduate: 2010-2011
Collaborative Project
The Covington Farmers market was the result of a year long design/build lab. The studio participated in all stages of the design process including research, design development, construction documentation, and construction. During the design of the roof a number of sustainable design solutions were utilized in order to maximize efficiency and reduce energy use. The reclaimed pine boards cover a convex ceiling that provides natural ventilation. The roof was also broken down into fifteen segments that could be constructed in Blacksburg and assembled in Covington.
Second Year Undergraduate: Spring 2010
The siting for the saltmaker’s house was in the Falls Ridge Nature Preserve, on the outskirts of Blacksburg, VA. The forest became the inspiration for a regenerative architecture. Precast concrete columns became the permanent interventions on the site. Notches in these columns allowed for standardized framing lumber to be inserted and create interior spaces. These spaces could utilize as little, or as much of the matrix as necessary. As time progressed new programs and structures could inhabit the matrix by transforming the interior spaces as needed. This approach allows buildings to remain useful by adapting them instead of destroying and rebuilding.
Second Year Undergraduate: Fall 2009
Layered space is a proposition for a multi-use public space. It is composed of 20 precast concrete panels that stack together and rest half in / half out of the earth. The project started as an anthropomorphic approach towards architecture. It transformed into a study of architectural awkwardness as a tool to expand self conciseness; using the ruggedness of nature as a precedent. By reducing ease of sight and movement you become more focused and aware of your surroundings.
