architecture portfolio by ryan nickolas

table of contentsresidence halllibrary

poolfire station

wetlands restoration - new orleansdrawingsphotographycarpentry workfreelance drafting/rainwater tank system

A residence hall which derives its subtractively eroding design from the surrounding context, which includes the neighborhood, campus, and sun orientation. The design creates active outdoor green spaces for students to interact with throughout the building. This residence hall is also attempting to engage its neighbors by subtractively breaking down the barrier between neighborhood and campus.

residence hall

function circulation public

private/dorms structural grid afternoon sun exposure western facade relates to adjacent neighborhood

counterpoint - any aesthetic quality is usually enhanced by the presence

of a counterpoint

early conceptual sketch

active outdoor greenspace

early staircase concept

A public library focused on bringing in daylight and creating active outdoor green space within a tight infill space. Simplicity, purity, and elegance are incorporated into the monolithic flowing volumetric form, which gracefully divides the interior and exterior spaces. Floor slabs are fully suspended from rods attached to large beams, which span from both party walls to help retain the purity of the library’s form.

library

conceptual development

volumetric organization

primary structure spatial organization enclosure organization served/service spaces

fire station

A fire station that responds to its natural surrounding. Located in Milwaukee’s Third Ward District, the kinked form is a direct response to the narrowness of the infill site, which allows for unique spaces to be assigned to each section. In a way, the building is tightly jammed, or even stuck, between the two existing buildings. Light wells are carved out of the poche areas throughout both floors to create illumination.

spatial diagram overlay diagram expressing continuous poche throughout for light wells

sectional modelsite model

section drawing

floor one floor two

A public swimming pool which creates a unique and fun way to experience the space. The concept is a simple cube being penetrated by a needle. The building form has kept this concept grounded by having the glass structure of the pool being penetrated by a cable suspended walkway held up by metal rings. This walkway celebrates the swimming activities by creating a special experience of the pool from above, which invites people directly into the main space of the building.

pool

conceptual development

early walkway concept

revised walkway concept

basement floor plan

wetlands restoration - new orleans

This project focuses on restoring New Orleans’ wetlands, which act as a natural barrier from storm surges, and also replenishes the ecosystem. Dredged islands are formed to encourage sedimentation. Break waters are then formed to slow down water and help prevent erosion. Eventually, land forms and cypress trees are planted on the newly formed islands. Over time, trees grow taller, more land builds up, and the wetlands are restored, serving as a natural protective barrier.

loss of wetlands results in massive flooding - the red “golden section” acts as a funnel for storm surges

wetland deterioration - wetlands act as natural protective barriers from storm surges

view looking east over deteriorated wetlandssite plan with surrounding context

restored wetlands

sedimentation builds up land over timephase one - sandbar and breakwater development - sedimentation begins

section looking west towards downtown new orleans prior to wetland restoration

gradual phases of development

40 years - trees grow to 70 feet in height - new land has formed with young trees

three years - trees grow to 16 feet in heightphase two - cypress trees are planted on newly formed land

slowing down the flow of water to allow sedimentation to occur by dredging sandbars around the perimeter of the deteriorated wetlands

view overlooking breakwaters after completion

120 years - trees grow to 120 feet in height - wetlands fully restored

drawings

photography

carpentry work

rough framed a 8,000 sq ft house in appleton, wi., with a steep 14/12 pitch copper roof

turret staircase in front of house

large bonus room on top of garage

framing interior of ranch style house

freelance drafting/rainwater tank system

existing porch on back of client’s house in bay view, wi 3-d model of new porch design for bay view client

plan drawing of new bedroom/bath/closet for existing attic of bungalow style house in bay view, wi

helped my landlord install this 275 gallon storm water runoff tank at my place of residence - used for watering plants and reducing runoff

bungalow style house in bay view, wi, in need of remodeled attic space