Architectural Portfolio

portfolio

AlecSolow’sDesigned

This portfolio marks the beginning of my journey to a successful career in thearchitectural industry, something that I havethe utmost dedication in achieving and, with no doubt in my mind, will be my life’scraft. Please enjoy and thank you for viewing.

Table of Contents

Sports and Culture Center

04Birthing Center

12

Prefabricated Housing18

Fashion Studio24

Architectural Studio threeSpring 2011

Architectural Studio twoFall 2010

Architectural Studio fourFall 2011

Architectural Studio threeSpring 2011

Hanging Fabrication30Digital Fabrciation StudioSpring 2012

Birthing Center

AlecSolow’sDesign for a

Professor : Stephen EckertCourse : Architectural Design Studio 2Date : Fall 2010Site Location : Boulder, Colorado

The development of the birthing room asa module began the center’s design. Increating the birthing room, lighting andit’s manipulation played a defining partin the design’s development. Techniques within materiality and structure, diffused and controlled direct light to give way for a warm and pleasant aura. Following the birthing room’s design, the same techniques are mirrored throughout thecenter. A creek that runs parallel to thecenter is given presence and adds to acomforting environment.

04

Birthing RoomThe design is focused around privacyand intimacy so a home-like comfortcan be enjoyed by families.*All plans were drawn with ink on mylar.

MaterialTo soften the interior and further intimacy, translucent fabric is used in the bed and birthing tub spaces.

Precedence (below): Synagogue, designed by Rena Wandel-Hoefer and Wolfgang Lorch, uses golden chain-mesh cur-tains to illuminate interior.

Floor Plan

Section A

Interior Elevation C

Interior Elevation B

BedBirthing tubRestroom

456

EntryCommon AreaBalcony

123

A

B

C

1

2

3

4

5

6

Spacial Programming

• Rectangular plan opens on one side to create a sense of privacy and security.

• Voided side bows outward to maximizeviews of creek.

• Open space connecting the bed and common area allows visitor interaction without crowding the birthing woman.

Light StudyAn ambient glow is achieved when lightdiffuses through the fabric. Birthing tub (left), bed (right).

The 4 birthing units are placed along the creek on the upper floor to allow for natural views.

BedBirthing tubRestroom

Site Image

This perspective of the main common area was hand drafted and rendered with graphite on vellum. Stretching from the 2nd story ceiling, a light column uses the same illuminatingfabric used in each birthing room.

To give the natural environment a greater presence, a water feature leads a stream from the inside, past the curtain wall, and into the creek bed.

Birthing CenterThe Birthing Center is a resource to a community formed by childbirth. *All plans were drawn with graphite on vellum

1st floor

2nd floor

circulation

Public

Gathering spaceKitchenStairs/ElevatorLibraryRestroomSemi Public

Multi-PurposeExam room

Private

Birthing roomMidwife quartersOffice

1st Floor plan

Site plan

2nd Floor plan

Spacial Programming

• Relationship to creek and circulation paths were the basis for the programmatic layout.

• Most frequently used spaces take creek-side priority (multi-purpose, exam, birthing rooms).

• Public programs are in the heart of thecenter to allow easy access to other programs.

Hand drafted view of entry. Circulation paths form transparent lanes through the building.

A downward slope in the ceiling pulls users into the center and leads to the open double-height public area.

Section

Seating around the fabric column indentifies the feature as a node of interaction and gatheringwithin the center.

Fabric light column

Sports and Community Center


The project was split into 2 exterior buildings joined below the ground levelto allow the community the ability towalk through the site. This encourages thepedestrian to acknowledge and interactwith the center without disturbing theirphysical path to another destination andacts as a marketing techinique thatkeeps the community coming back. Thelow profile and wood materiality of theproject sets itself apart from the 5-story brick and concrete surrounding buildings, whilethe orthagonal nature and continuation ofpublic circulation blends the site with it’surban environment. Consequently, thetransition into the site’s differing atmosphereis that of a smooth one.

Professor : Michael Asgaard AndersenCourse : Architectural Design Studio 3Date : Spring 2011Site Location : Frederiksberg, Denmark

12

Development process

1. The site is split along the axis to allow circulation through the site.

2. Outdoor spaces are chosen based on sunlight exposure.

3. Public programsare placed beside the outdoor spaces to draw people in.

4. Multi-use sport spaces capture the attention of the public with it’s connection to public and outdoor spaces.

5. Support programsjoin the two exterior buildings together.

6. The primarycirculation shaft is placed at the center of the site to promote movement within site.

Programmatic relationships

urban environment

outdoor space

public space

multi-use space

support space

= physical connection = visual connection

Transparency

Programmatic sequences

Primary1. Outdoor Space2. Public space3. Support space

Secondary1. Outdoor Space2. Public space3. Multi-use space4. Support space

A

B D

C

The project site is interpreted as a public courtyard enclosed by streets. This idea mirrors the urban landscape that has each block enclosing it’s own private courtyard.

A. Information and scheduling kiosk (2) Displays center infomation and event schedule.

B. Rooftop access Direct sunlight exposure throughout the year.

C. Trellis enclosure Outdoor multi-purpose space.

D. Green roofWater absorbtion and runoff reduction. Createsoasis-like aura in an urban environment.

Information KioskCafeFlexible Gallery Viewing standPrimary Multi-use Space

12345

Ground level

Lower level

7

6

10

8

8

9

9

5

4

1

1

2

3

4

Secondary Multi-use SpaceReception Desk/lobbyRestroomChanging RoomStorage

6789

10

7

4

5

Prefabricated Ribbon Home


A ribbon technique was employed as the building’s main gesture. The designstemmed from the simple notion offluidity as a strategy for structural integrity,material efficiency, and open spaceplanning. The ribbon as a design tool allowspublic and private spaces to be separatedand distinctly defined while flowing smoothly together. A lofted, techtonic section of the ribbon is designed at a tilt in order to position solar panels for highestefficiency, gather rising hot hair fromwithin the building as heat recoveryventilation, allow cross ventilation and toestablish a powerful design aesthetic byallowing building systems and techtonicsto lead the process.

Professor : Julee HerdtCourse : Architectural Design Studio 4Date : Fall 2011

18

Solar Panel analysisThe daily energy consumption (in watts) is calculated to determine the photovoltaic panel system.

building area

estimated energyconsumption rate

xdaily energy consumption

800 ft2

1.5 w/ft2

x 1200 w

16 70w PV panels at 2’x4’ fit within the building’s grid and supply nearly all necessary daily energy.

# of panels

supplied energy per panel

xtotal energy provided

16

70 w

x1120 w

The solar panels sit atop the lofted ribbon to maximize sun exposure.

Green Techniques

4. A single trellis is designed to carry the load of the lofted ribbon section

Development process

1. The design is based on a small 4’x4’ grid to allow each prefabricated piece to be transported to the site via flatbed truck.

2. Distinct separation between public and private space defines mass form.

3a. A ribbon technique holds the two spaces together and allows for open planning and structural integrity.

3b. An elevated section of the ribbon permits the use of varoius green techniques and thus, creating an aesthetically dramatic connection between two spaces.

Cross VentilationUnobstructed interior paths allow cool exterior air to move through the home and force warm air out through the lofted segment.

Private

Public

Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) The HRV system provides fresh air and improved climate control, while also saving energy by reducing heating and cooling costs. Subsequently, the system is able to take advantage of the hot air that gathers in the lofted space.

Fresh air is pulled from the exteior and supplied to the interior

Stale air is extracted from the interior and released to the exterior

b.

a.

EntryLivingDining KitchenBathroom

12345

Mechanical RoomStudyClosetBedroom

6789

Section A

Section B

Floor Plan

1

2346

5

7

5

9

10

B

A

Spatial Planning Efficient spacial planning coupled with space saving techniques allowed the 800 sqft home certain amenities such as a study, walk-in closet, and 1-1/2 bathrooms.

• The perpendicular nature of the buildingdefines one outdoor space as a private backyard and another as an entry threshhold

• A direct siteline to the exterior is seen as one enters, giving notice to the home’s expansiveness.

• The office benefits from sitting below the lofted section; a 2’-4’ higher ceiling and an array of sunlight opens the space.

c.

Interior Perspectivea. Pivot Doors (2) Blends indoor space with outdoor space. Large voids in wall generate spacious perception.

b. Radiant Floor Heating Concrete floor is an efficient heat conductor. Uses less energy than forced air system. c. Light Shelf Reflective paint coats the top of the light shelf. Protects interior from harsh summer lighting. HRV vents pass along inside of light shelf.

• The half wall between the bedroom and the walk-in closet stops 4 feet short of the ceiling to provide a more spacious feel when lying in bed.

• The public section blurs the kitchen, dining,and living room together into an open andconnected space.

Fashion Studio


In order to blend the Fashion studio infillwith it’s two traditionally danish neighboringbuildings, existing grids, materials, andprotrusions were implemented into the project’s design. Primary and secondaryprograms are defined from the exterior bymateriality and from the interior by staggard floors, giving clarity to the buildingsform and function. Covering the primaryprograms, a screen system with meshlouvers are angled in such away thatdiffuses direct light while allowingunobstructed views of the street. Ashimmering aesthetic quality is produced asa result of the screen and is appropriatefor a building that serves the fashioncommunity.

Professor : Michael Asgaard AndersenCourse : Architectural Design Studio 3Date : Spring 2011Site Location : Østerbro, Denmark

24

Development process1. A vertical grid was derived from the neighboring buildings.

2. An asmymetrical facade gives the primary programs a strong street presence and a unique aesthetic.

3. A screen system controls the light that enters through the large voids on each floor.

4. The interior mirrors the exterior. Separation of primary and secondaryprograms are distinct and consistentthroughout.

Site

Primary SecondaryCirculation

GrasshopperA separate grasshopper script was created for the screen at each level and then combined into one entity. 1 of 5 scripts (below)

Angle from facade Number of louvers Length of louvers

Each louver is designed at a specfic angle and size to keep a clear view of the street.

PrimaryExhibition spaceStore

SecondaryChanging rooms

DN

UP

UP

DN

UP

DN

DN

UP

DN

UP

Ground Level

2nd Level

4th Level

5th Level

6th Level

PrimaryFitting/Sewing workshop

SecondaryMaterial sample collectionBathroom

Primary2 Design studios

SecondaryLibraryBathroom

Primary2 Design studios

SecondaryComputers/printingBathroom

PrimaryMeeting space

SecondaryKitchen Break roomBathroom

PrimaryExhibition spaceStore

SecondaryBathroom

3rd Level

Interior Perspective view of the 4th level studio space

Hanging Fabrication


The design of this undulating drop-downceiling stems from the notions ofsimplicity and elegance. Defined by a grid,cell units were extruded downward tocreate a 3 dimensional figure out of 2 dimensional pieces. The resulted organic form is intended to capture the user’sattention in a subtle manner and, subsequently, to define a space as a placeof interest.

Professor : Marcel deLangeCourse : Digital FabrciationDate : Spring 2012Partners : Jon Farchmin, Natalie von Turkovich, Rachel Prenger

30

1. Form was developed using Rhinoceros and Grasshopper.

Development process

2. The lengths of the dowels, used to hang the tiles, were calculated in Grasshopper.

4. A CNC machine carved slits and notches into 3 masonite base boards.

3. Using a laser cutter, the dowels were cut and labeled.

5. The aluminum tiles were obtained through a collaboration with Dynamic Metal Fabrication.

3”

3”

Process pictures from top to bottom:

• Aluminum sheet before it was cut into tiles at the metal factory.

• Masonite dowels laid in order.

• 3 base boards attached to the ceiling.

• Process of attaching the hanging tiles outward from the middle.

Assembly process designed for simplicity and ease.

Slide dowel through the base board.

Pull down to secure.

Dowel > Base

Twist the dowel 90°.

Slide tile over the dowel.

Twist the tile 90°.

Tile > Dowel

Let it rest on the dowel.

Grasshopper script

Length of dowels. Labelling Line geometry of dowels

View from directly below.

Architectural Portfolio

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