BIG DIGMONK’S CELLLIBRARYBEDSLEDACTIVATEICEFLOATSMOKESTACKLIGHT, INDUSTRIALTECHNICAL ANALYSISDAISY CHAINHOTEL CALIFORNIACHOPPERAIR LABCASE STUDY HOUSEPHOTOGRAPHYPERGOLAHOUSING

A

BC

D

E

F

G

H

I

As arctic ice continues to melt in coming decades, new frontiers will emerge alongside environmental disruptions. Greenland, with a mineral rich landscape previously frozen in ice, stands to witness enormous changes in its culture, environment, and economy, most notably within its mining industry.

The inevitability of ice melt and subsequent mining in Greenland requires an architectural response to the multi generational life of a mine, from resource removal to landscape renewal.

This series of laboratory buildings grows with the mine over several periods of time. The ensemble grows down the former haul road, beginning at the topsoil mound above the mine and adding new volumes in the decades following the mine’s closure.

These volumes, directed inward toward the minescape, systematically frame the colors and surfaces of bare earth as they transition to verdant hillside. This progression of frames follows the process of replanting, focusing the building on the multi-hued, changing strata of the earth.

BIG DIG

The growth of the laboratory occurs alongside the various stages of the mine, from the initial survey (a), to the topsoil removal (b), to the surveillance of the active mine (c). After the closure of the mine, the laboratory grows over several years from the topsoil mound’s greenhouse (d) to the entrance to the mine (e).

The path through the building moves from moment to moment, frame to frame. Scientists and visitors are directed and redirected via walls of native stone, encased in thin planes of wire.

This design for a study carrel is based on cells in a medieval Cistercian monastery, creating on a sense of seclusion within thick walls, and displaying the effects of light across robust surfaces.

MONK’S CELL

Silence and personal space are com-modities in the city. Libraries are publice places that provide this commodity. As patrons ascend from the noisy, open street level, they are further and further welcomed and enclosed by the growing, thickening walls that in turn become shelves, seating, and private reading spaces.

LIBRARY

Library patrons, ascending further into stacks, establish their own private rituals of escape into spaces they identify as their own. Upon reaching the top floor, the library turns completely in on itself, fully removing the visitor from the city.

After a summer working for a small fine furniture company in North Carolina, I was able to build my own piece: a lap desk designed for reading and writing in bed. The entire piece was made using only joinery, and was constructed out of soft cedar and impressionable leather to age as I use it.

BEDSLED

A dormant economy and high inactivity rate typify the small mountain town of Dilijan, Armenia. This proposal for a regional extreme sports hub aims to attract sports enthusiasts from around the world to activate this former spa town.

ACTIVATE

cover

carve

By carving into a natural indentation in the hillside above the town train station, the building becomes a new hillside. Trails from surrounding nature preserves weave through the new skin, and oculi puncture it to allow light into the atrium below.

dorm+lounge71k

gym32k

restaurant15k

conference25k

welcome46k

auditorium32k

hotel82k

spa63k

dorm

auditorium

welcome

ACTIVATE ARMENIA

With an underlying geometry creating white masses out of darkness, graphite carves away pieces of the ‘icefloat’ to reveal layer upon layer of floating solids and encroching voids. ICEFLOAT

SMOKESTACK

Often prominent features in the urban landscape, and today often lying dormant, smokestacks stand to remind us of the consequences of pollution. This one-man smokestack laboratory supports research in alleviating those consequences.

The structure clamps onto the top of the smokestack and rotates slowly in the wind, its shape and mechanics moving with the changing air.

1st Floor0' - 0"

Level 210' - 0"

2nd Floor18' - 0"

3rd Floor32' - 0"

4th Floor46' - 0"

5th Floor60' - 0"

6th Floor74' - 0"

7th Floor88' - 0"

8th Floor (roof)116' - 0"

ABCD

Foundation-5' - 0"

Cafe / Gallery / Loading

Lobby

WorkShops

WorkShops

WorkShops

Offices

Hostel Lobby

Roof Garden Exhibiton

Cafe / Gallery / Loading

Lobby

WorkShops

WorkShops

WorkShops

Offices

Hostel Lobby

Roof Garden Exhibiton

3'-4

11/

16"

1'-9

1/2

"

1"

10"

CL. OF HORIZONTAL MULLION

MULLION PLATE

PERFORATEDCORTEN

ALUMINUM MULLION

STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELXPS R-30

CORTEN

GYPSUM BOARD

FLASHING

OUTSIDE

TYVEK

DOUBLE GLAZINGARGON FILLED LOW-ER-3

ATRIUM SECOND LEVELFLOOR

WIND LOAD SUPPORT FIN

DOUBLE HEIGHTSYSTEM

SCREEN (FULL EXTENSION)

Foundation -5' -0"

2nd Floor

4th Floor46' - 0"

5th Floor

7th Floor

8th Floor (roof)

18' - 0"Level 2

74' - 0"

116' - 0"

10' - 0"

3rd Floor32' - 0"

6th Floor

0' - 0"1st Floor

88' - 0"

60' - 0"

Offices

WorkShops

Cafe / Gallery / Loading

Lobby

Hostel Lobby

WorkShops

WorkShops

Roof Garden Exhibiton

10' - 0"Level 2

0' - 0"1st Floor

3rd Floor

4th Floor

Foundation-5' -0"

2nd Floor

32' - 0"

46' - 0"

116' - 0"

5th Floor60' - 0"

6th Floor

18' - 0"

7th Floor88' - 0"

8th Floor (roof)

74' - 0"

Given the task of designing a full structural, mechanical, and facade system for an industrial tower, our group took the constraints of these physical needs and created an en-vironment suited to light indus-trial workshops. Small businesses populate the tower, and are given ample space for interaction between groups, and ample light for produc-tion.

LIGHT, INDUSTRIAL

elevator stair restroom mechanical atrium

PUBLIC FLOORSTWO LEVELS FOR THE DISPLAY AND SALE OF GOODS MADE IN-HOUSE THROUGH EXHIBITION AND MARKET SPACE.

A BUILDING-OWNED CAFE FOR BUILDING OCCUPANTS AND THE OUT-SIDE COMMUNITY.

ACCESS TO THE OUTLYING GARDENS ON THE PROPERTY VIA RAMP OR DIRECT EXIT THROUGH THE PATIO.

WORKSHOP FLOORSTHREE LEVELS OF DIVERSE WORKSHOP TYPES.

CENTRAL ATRIA FOR CASUAL AND UNEXPECTED MEETING POINTS.

HOSTEL FLOORONE LEVEL FOR BUILDING OCCUPANTS TO SPEND THE NIGHT WHILE WORKING ON A PROJECT OR FOR CREATIVE SESSIONS WITH FELLOW ARTISTS OR DESIGNERS.

GALLERY/OFFICE FLOORONE LEVEL FOR FURTHER DISPLAY OF ONSITE-PRODUCED ART AND GOODS, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND OPEN FOR SPECIAL EVENTS. ALSO HOSTS OFFICES FOR INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS DOWNSTAIRS.

MEZZANINE OFFICE FLOORONE HALF-LEVEL FOR FURTHER OFFICE SPACE IN A UNIQUE TWO-TIER OFFICE ENVIRONMENT.

2nd

Floo

r Pla

n

3rd

Floo

r Pla

n

mec

h

mec

h

mec

h

mec

h

3'-4

11/

16"

1'-9

1/2

"1/

4"

6"

1"

10"

CORTEN STEELPERFORATED SCREEN

9’4”

(TY

P.)

CL. OF HORIZONTAL MULLION

STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELXPS R-30

CORTEN STEELSOLID SCREEN

FLASHING

EXTERIOR

AWNING WINDOW

AIR BARRIER

ARGON FILLED LOW-EINSULATED GLASS

MULTIPLE SETTINGS:SEE ELEVATIONS AND SECTIONS

CL. OF HORIZONTAL MULLION

SCREEN (FULLY EXTENDED)

MULLION PLATE

ALUMINUM MULLION

STEEL FRAMING

GYPSUM BOARD

INTERIOR

PARTIAL SECTION at EXTERIOR ENVELOPEscale: 1/8” = 1’

window unit

wall unit

screen unit

1

2

3

The facade is unitized for efficient assembly, based on 5’ window and screen units, and 10’ wall units. The units hang as a continuous system down the facade, creating an unbroken thermal barrier across the building. This hanging is made possible through brackets embedded in the poured concrete floor.

A full structural and technical analysis of the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY yielded a look into strategies Smith Miller Hawkinson employed in their design. Through analysis of construction drawings and a day-long site visit, my group found a great appreciation for the sophistication of this design.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

The Daisy Chain is a facade element that aims to create a framework for water collection, shading, and green walls using a simple, flexible form based on parametric data.

While adding to the energy efficiency of the building, it also enhances community: the double-curved surface continues along a variety of facades to bring people to their window gardens and share a small bit of green space with their neighbors.

DAISY CHAIN

The module can be adjusted parametrically to adapt to sunlight, rainwater, material, and facade conditions.

By working in tandem with other parametric building ‘elements’, the Daisy Chain can be arrayed strategically across a facade.

1” VENEER PLYWOOD

4’ X 10’ CURTAIN WALL UNIT

VAPOR RETARDER

ROOFING MEMBRANE

CONCRETE COPING

RIGID INSULATION

BASE FLASHING

THROUGH-WALL FLASHING

CAP FLASHING

CANT STRIP

AGGREGATE DRAINAGE LAYER

PAVER

IGU

ALUMINUM FRAME

BATT INSULATION

1/8” NO. 8 STAINLESS STEEL PANEL (MIRROR POLISH)

LASERCUT

PRECAST CONCRETE(ALL CONCAVE SURFACES)

TRANSLUCENT CONCRETE(ALL CONVEX SURFACES)

2” RIGID INSULATION

COLUMN

FLASHING

1/2” SHEETROCK

1” PLYWOOD

2X6 WOOD STUD

HALFEN TOP OF SLAB ANCHOR WITH POCK

GROUT

EFCO SYSTEM 5600 PRESSURE GLAZING

4’ X 10’ CURTAIN WALL UNIT

9” CONCRETE SLAB

+5/8” FOR FINISHED FLOOR

1/8” = 1’

COLUMN

IGU FIXED ON INSULATED WOOD STUD BASE

CURTAIN WALL UNIT

1” VENEER PLYWOOD

4’ X 10’ CURTAIN WALL UNIT

VAPOR RETARDER

ROOFING MEMBRANE

CONCRETE COPING

RIGID INSULATION

BASE FLASHING

THROUGH-WALL FLASHING

CAP FLASHING

CANT STRIP

AGGREGATE DRAINAGE LAYER

PAVER

IGU

ALUMINUM FRAME

BATT INSULATION

1/8” NO. 8 STAINLESS STEEL PANEL (MIRROR POLISH)

LASERCUT

PRECAST CONCRETE(ALL CONCAVE SURFACES)

TRANSLUCENT CONCRETE(ALL CONVEX SURFACES)

2” RIGID INSULATION

COLUMN

FLASHING

1/2” SHEETROCK

1” PLYWOOD

2X6 WOOD STUD

HALFEN TOP OF SLAB ANCHOR WITH POCK

GROUT

EFCO SYSTEM 5600 PRESSURE GLAZING

4’ X 10’ CURTAIN WALL UNIT

9” CONCRETE SLAB

+5/8” FOR FINISHED FLOOR

1/8” = 1’

COLUMN

IGU FIXED ON INSULATED WOOD STUD BASE

CURTAIN WALL UNIT

With a site facing a large parking lot, this hotel required a means with which to bring in light and avoid an unpleasant view. By utilizing peripheral views and translucent concrete, a massive wall becomes a bold, glowing invitation.

HOTEL CALIFORNIA

A careful analysis of a small object -- a toy helicopter -- yielded views of its inner workings, its many faces, and its life in imagined space. These hand drawing exercises take hold of a small object and give it a weighty presence.

CHOPPER

In creating this animation, I imagined the balanced triangles of SMAO’s Valleaceron Chapel unfolding gracefully into moths’ wings. The glowing moths, fluttering through darkness, assemble into the form of the floating chapel.

VALLEACERON

Science is a way of approaching the world, a way of imagining its possibilities. It is a messy, experimental process, moved forward by individuals working together and separately.

This laboratory, situated at the edge of a large tourist area in New York, aims to communicate the human personality of science. The exterior is active, personal, and a bit disordered, creating a variety of spaces for interactions with fellow scientists and with the city.

THE AIR LAB

12

3

4

5

6

1welcome2data3workshop4garage5generator6entrywayg

1

2

3

4

5

7

3 3

5 6

1welcome2conference3o�ce4�ex5restroom6workshop7lab

4

7

1

An assignment to depict various “moods” within a single world resulted in a scenes of great energy, mellow tranquility, and elusive mystery. Working with a computer model of Case Study House 22 by Pierre Koenig, my partners and I created multiple stories from a single world.

CASE STUDY HOUSE #22

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHADOW

PHOTOGRAPHY: GLOW

PHOTOGRAPHY: RESIDUAL

PHOTOGRAPHY: OCCUPANCY

A sunken courtyard, bounded on all sides by ivy and concrete walls, serves as an overflow space for the Columbia University Italian Academy. Drawing inspiration from a coffered ceiling inside and the long history of coffering in Italy, this pergola is a multi-faceted surface that rises above the sunken yard and gives life to the space.

PERGOLA

Constrained on either side by tiered planters, the pergola reaches over and across to the back wall of the courtyard. Variation in openings allows for partial and full coverage from the rain and sun.

Site

Sec

tion

Enla

rged

Uni

t Dra

win

g

Leve

l Fou

r Pla

n

0’ 2

’ 6

’

1

4’

28’

-10’

DO

WN

UP

Two roles, among many, dominate an urban life: that of consumer and citizen. We live in communities of neighbors and of commerce, as so-cial life and commercial life inter-twine. This apartment building, sitting atop an existing big-box gro-cery store, incorporates commerce through focused attention to a cen-tral market, which is parasitic to the elevated grocery store entrance. But while the market commands a central role, it is wholly immersed in the life of the surrounding com-munity.

HOUSINGHOUSING

Like the two roles of the citizen/consumer, the two ends of this lin-ear apartment see a daily modula-tion. Much like inside a New York brownstone, residents move from end to end, from the natural light of the courtyard to the glow of the city street and billboard facade.

HOUSING

Residents are given the option to gain income from billboard-like screens surrounding the building. But these screens may also act as personal billboards.

As thes screens loop over the build-ing, residents are also encouraged to interact with neighbors on their ter-races, utilizing this screen as it trans-forms into a flexible framework for laundry, plants, and shade.

RCROBERTCOX