Taylor Kitchens Portfolio

T A Y L O R K I T C H E N S Portfolio | selected works 2009-2012

PERCEPTUAL FLUCTUATION | An Exploration of Time Place and Material

GULCH GATEWAY | Connecting Midtown + Downtown Nashville

URBAN REVITALIZATION | Polish Museum of History

LEAP COLLABORATIVE | Office Complex

MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT | Blighted Neighborhood

PHOTOGRAPHY

DRAWINGS

S E L E C T E D W O R K SUniversity of Tennessee College of Architecture + Design2009-2012

1

11

19

27

35

43

51

P E R C E P T U A L F L U C T U A T I O NNeel’s Gap, GeorgiaInstructor: Tricia Stuth5th Year Self-Directed Thesis_Spring 2012

This project intends to explore the experiential role of light and materiality in relation to time and place; the temporal. Architecture is a field of study regarding the manner in which space is experienced. We spend most of our lives within the confines of man-made spaces; therefore, the design of these spaces and the experiences they create are significant. The architect is imbued with the power to influence and manipulate space to generate experience. For any architectural endeavor issues must be considered and addressed such as context, location, program typology and so on. Each has a say in how the experience of the space will be realized. It is the experience that defines a building and which should convey the intent of the program. These experiences are anything that in some capacity influences or informs how we perceive the physical environment. Light quality and quantity effect how we experience and interpret space. Through spatial exploration in conjunction with material studies architecture can provide space unique for a given program for a given place.

1

Semi-Finalist for Tau Sigma Delta Bronze Medal

2

1

Gooch Mountain Shelter

Elevation: 3000’Distance to next Shelter:7.7 miles

Woods Hole Shelter

Elevation:3600’Distance to next Shelter:2.3 miles

Whitley Gap Shelter


Low Gap Shelter


I-129

Neel’s Gap Level 1 plan

Hiker Cabins Observation Deck

4

1

2

35

67

8

9

3

In this project, the program is a hiking station and the place is the North Georgia Mountains. Isolated from the density and pollution of the city, it is a place of great geologic and atmospheric diversity. Intersecting the site is the Appalachian Trail. Nearby Blood Mountain is the most frequently hiked area of the AT in Georgia. The AT adds a unique aspect to the project; it creates a connection to other areas of the country. This connection bridges several cultural regions within the United States allowing people to interact and culture to spread. As such, the architecture must respond to both the cultural aspect of the region as well as the rituals that take place at a hiking station. 2Level 2 plan

Hiker CabinsAmenities: store, Ranger office, restroom facilitiesExhibition Gallery

1 Appalachian Trail2 Shadow Courtyard3 Campfire Pit4 Shower + Restroom facilities5 Hiker Cabins6 Ranger Office + Residence7 Mechanical8 Main Entry9 Hiker’s Store10 Pavilion Entrance Overlook11 Observation Deck12 Exhibition Space13 Picnic Space

10

12 1113

N

4

From Neel’s Gap hikers must enter the dense foliage of the forest and make the ascension up the AT. The canopy filters light into splotches on the ground. Soon hikers come to a gabion wall with a series of narrow passageways leading to an interior courtyard. The passages represent naturally occurring crevasses that form in cliffs. A visual connection to a campfire draws hikers into the space. The flicker of the fire welcomes and offers hikers a safety.

5

Stone excavated is used in the gabion wall construction. The courtyard acts as a mixer for visitors and hikers establishing community. The courtyard is wedge shaped displaying the hierarchy of public and private space.

6

The observation level is constructed of structural glue-lam louvers which are an abstraction of country barns of the region. Perforated copper panels are attached to the louvers. The panels were chosen since they will gradually change color over time to a rustic green through an oxidation process which relates to the natural greenery of the forest. The perforation creates a filtration effect of light in the space much like the canopy of the forest. Copper chosen for the project will be shipped from nearby Polk County, Tennessee.

7

Cabins are intended for through hikers. A ceiling window allows hikers to gaze at stars at night much like early explorers who used the stars to navigate. Hikers awaken to light penetrating through the window and gabion wall which is symbolic of light filtering through the canopy of the forest.

A grand staircase leads hikers to the observation deck and exhibition space on the upper level. The staircase circles around a great oak tree which is symbolic of ascending up from the trunks of the forest up into the canopy.

The exhibition gallery introduces visitors to the culture of the region. Translucent channel glass re-creates the atmosphere of fog settling in the forest. Tree trunks are dispersed throughout the space in an effort to blur the distinction between interior and exterior as well as promote circulation. The effect is a diffused environment appropriate for displaying art.

8

12pm10am8am

One of the most interesting qualities of light is its ever-changing nature; it is never static. Outside the exhibition hikers can circumambulate in the observation deck. The deck extends out above the tree line with framed views out to the surrounding landscape. Here hikers gain an understanding of the context and have the opportunity to sit and contemplate while enjoying the spectacular views. The glue-laminated louvers allow for a unique sense of time throughout the course of the day. Shadows created constantly shift with the movement of the sun creating light conditions that alter the experience of the space.

The west end of the observation deck leads to a picnic space where hikers are once again immersed in nature and can sit under the trees and enjoy the company of fellow hikers.

9

4pm2pm 6pm 10

This project began with an analysis of the downtown Nashville area, particularly the Gulch situated between the downtown and midtown districts. This analysis in-cluded the history and potential future of the area. Various aspects of the downtown landscape such as adjacent buildings, neighborhoods, programmatic usage, and potential growth patterns were researched to help aid with the design solution. For this project I decided to collaborate with a fellow architecture classmate to gain a feel for an actual office situation.

This specific project was intended to in-vestigate the potential of the Demonbreun Street Corridor of Nashville along with the proposed Light Rail Line. The project site is located on both sides of Demon-breun Street just west of Downtown in the Gulch district. I-40 is directly adjacent to the site. Demonbreun Street crosses over the interstate creating a passage between downtown and midtown.

G U L C H G A T E W A YNashville, TennesseeInstructor: T. K. Davis5th Year Design Studio_Fall 2011

11

LM Harbor Gateway

Steven HollCopenhagen, Denmark

St. Louis Gateway Arch

Eero SaarinenSt. Louis, Missouri

CCTV Headquarters

OMABeijing, China

Hudson Railyard Towers

Diller Scifidio + RenfroNew York City

Planned Gulch LEED Neighborhood Gulch Site Plan

Greenway Connection Downtown Gateways

N

13

e -

R

e

13

o

w

Union Station Demonbreun Corridor

The Gulch neighborhood is quickly becoming a highly developed mixed-use area with residential units, commercial tenant space, and speculative office space. This makes the Gulch a place where work, play, and living are all integrated into one urban community.

The proposed Street Car Line bisects the two blocks creating a highly used transportation artery for people entering and leaving downtown Nashville. The city of Nashville is also proposing to expand it’s current Greenway from the Cumberland River throughout the remainder of the city in a continuous loop. This expansion would cross adjacent to the site providing yet another means of circulation to the area while generating a pleasant green space for recreation and enjoyment. By creating a plaza accessible from both De-monbreun and the proposed Greenway a point of interest is created within the city for residents and workers of the Gulch neighborhood and greater Nashville area. Here, all means of movement would come together bringing people to and from the area. As you approach the site from the west, the towers provide a visual gateway from a distance, while a literal gateway is formed by the bridging plinth over Demonbreun Street.

14

P 3S1 2

BOOKSTORE

BAR

FITNESS

GALLERY

Sub Level 1 Plan Plaza Level Plan 2nd Level Plan Fitness Level Plan

Plaza + Greenway Point of Intersection Special Program Street Activation

N

1

5

4

3

6

7

8

11

8

1

2 2

2

3

8

9

9

3

6

10

10

10

10

7

12

13

13

14

15

The program includes 250 resi-dential units that vary in size and price, suitable for a wide range of incomes. These units are lo-cated within the two towers on the lot south of Demonbreun Street. The tower on the north lot would provide approximately 600,000 square feet of spec office space. Commercial program would be allocated to the street in order to activate the streets with the intent of luring numerous businesses to the area. Several prominent pro-grams such as a bookstore, fitness center, restaurant and bar, and an arts gallery were selected for the side bordering the Greenway to provide maximum exposure to pe-destrians. The fitness center would be open to the public and to the residents of the tower, encourag-ing a healthier lifestyle. Smaller undefined tenant space is provided throughout the rest of the ground level suitable for a range of smaller businesses.

The final program element incorpo-rated into the project is an acces-sible green roof. This roof would be open to the general public dur-ing the day and would become a

T Tower Level Plan

private roof for the residents dur-ing the night. This creates a retreat from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of the city street. This green space would provide opportunities for workers and residents to enjoy their lunch, users of the bookstore and arts gallery to spill out for receptions, book signings, outdoor recreation, and other activities.

Tower Penthouse Level Plan

Tower Luxury Level Plan

Tower Typical Level Plan

Tower Typical Level

Tower Luxury Level

Tower Penthouse Level

Tower Fitness Level

Tower Commercial Level

1 Plaza2 Tenant Space3 Book Store4 Bar5 Fitness Center6 Art Gallery7 Transit Stop8 Parking9 Spec Office10 Green Roof11 Locker Rooms12 1/10 Mile Track13 Sport Court14 Cardio Rooms15 Work Stations16 Private Office17 Conference18 Break Room19 Bedroom

10

10

1516 17

18

1919

16

The University of Tennessee College of Architecture + Design offers students the opportunity to study abroad in Poland dur-ing the spring semester of their 4th year. The program has a direct exchange with the Polytechnika Krakowska. In Spring of 2011 I was there for 4 months taking ar-chitectural classes and traveling around Europe soaking up the different culture and architecture. Studying abroad in Kra-kow introduced me to a completely new method of design and way of thinking. The studio portion of my classes focused on ur-ban planning + design which is something many architecture programs in the states don’t really get into. Students were asked to research the urban aspect of Krakow and the historical change over time. The objective was to create an urban plan for the blighted district of Debniki just on the other side of the Wisla River from Wawel Castle. Here the historic architecture of the past clashed with socialist influenced residential neighborhoods. The effects of communist rule could still be felt and seen.

U R B A N R E V I T A L I Z A T I O NKrakow, PolandInstructor: Krzysztof Bojanowski4th Year Study Abroad Studio_Spring 2011

19

My goal was to revitalize the area and bring a new sense of urban context that would create harmony between the past and the present. For the project I wanted to create a new destination for the city of Krakow. There was no place of interest on this side of the river and thus little reason for tourists and visitors to venture there. Having been influenced by the Market Square I decided that a plaza would be best suited for the basis of the urban plan and would sustain activ-ity for the area.

N 1 Conference Center2 Hotel

3 Socialist Housing4 Upper Plaza

5 Ramp6 Lower Plaza

7 Polish History Museum8 Wisla Riverfront Park

9 Transit Stop10 Wawel Castle

1

5

3

2

4

6

78

9

10

USSR Iron Curtain

Krakow: Debniki

21

Connections through Site Regulating Lines Plaza Generation

22

Once the urban plan was con-ceived we were then asked to focus on the most important program. My program that I chose to go into further detail on was a museum. I decided that it would become a Polish History Museum. The museum would provide a connection to the past in a figurative sense as well as literally through a visual connection with Wawel Castle. The museum would be clad in iron panels which are symbolic of the ‘Iron Curtain’ of Soviet rule of the country following WWII.

23

I wanted to establish a connection be-tween the newly proposed Conference Center and an existing hotel. It was cru-cial to establish a connection between the two; thus, I decided to create a di-rect walkway lined with trees making a visual connection across the plaza. Now people entering from the transit stop would have a clearly defined walkway to the hotel through the plaza. In the same instance I wanted to form a connection to the riverfront park along the Wisla River. The solution was to create a pas-sage under the highway giving the resi-dential neighborhood access to the river through the square. This would bring people to the plaza forming an expan-sion of the urban fabric across the river.

24

The plaza is divided into three sections: the upper section which is the most public and closest to the Conference Center. The middle section is the ramp that descends underneath the highway forming a connection to the riverfront park. The plaza opens visually to the other side of the river for views influencing people towards the river. The lower section is more private and is intended for smaller busi-nesses, stores, restaurants, and residential programs.

26

The goal of this class was to integrate building systems with the design aspect of architecture. Students were asked to create a design that would achieve LEED Gold Certification. Research and analysis was done regarding the requirements to attain various levels of LEED Certification and with all building codes and regulations such as egress and HVAC. The program of the building is an office that incorporates all aspects of the practice design unclud-ing landscaping, architecture, engineer-ing, and planning which together form the LEAP Collaborative. The environment cre-ated needed to be inclusive and designed in a way that promoted togetherness and interaction amongst all members.

L E A P C O L L A B O R A T I V EKnoxville, TennesseeInstructor: William Martella4th Year Design Studio_Fall 2010

27

Selected toAIA Middle Tennessee Design Competition

28

I decided to divide program into open program which included work-ing space for employees with views to the exterior of the building with little to no partitions, and the closed program clad in concrete which in-cludes more private program and service program. I set each of these program types perpendicu-lar to each other in a cross shape. The intersection space became an atrium which would unify the pro-gram as well as provide vertical circulation between all levels of the building. Parking was required for the design which I placed behind the service program to remove ve-hicles from view. I wanted to hold the street edge but also create an interior public courtyard for employ-ees to use for lunch breaks. To do this I raised the office program 15 feet off the street level providing an entry breezeway into the courtyard complete with cafe and exterior seating for the public.

G Ground Level Plan

N

2 Admin Level Plan

N

1 Shower2 Elevator3 Lobby4 Fan room5 Restrooms6 Cafe7 Courtyard8 Equipment Drop9 Kitchen10 Parking

1

3

5

7

2

4

6

8

1 3

5

7

24

6

8

10

9

11

9

10

1 Storage2 Elevator

3 Workstation4 Small Conference5 Large Conference

6 Fan Room7 Restrooms

8 Admin Library9 Break Room10 Copy Room

11 Mail Room12 Executive Office

1

12

29

3 Design Level Plan 4 Design Level Plan

1

3

5

7

24

6

8

10

9

1 Storage2 Elevator3 Workstation4 Private Office5 Fan Room6 Restrooms7 Copy Room8 Conference9 Computer Room10 Print Center

1

1 Storage2 Elevator

3 Workstation4 Private Office

5 Fan Room6 Restrooms

7 Copy Room8 Lab

9 Computer Room10 Print Center

1

3

5

7

24

6

8

10

9

1

30

The building incorporates several sustainable ideas. The northwest facade is covered with vertical lou-vers to screen the interior from the setting sun during the evening and winter months. The southeast fa-cade has horizontal louvers which screen from the harsh southern sun during the summer months of the South. The roof is white to re-duce heat absorption. To further decrease direct sun a roof trellis blocks much of the sunlight from hitting the roof keeping the build-ing cooler and reducing electric utilities costs. The roof also func-tions to retain and re-use rain water for restroom facilities. Geothermal heat pumps in the courtyard utilize the earth’s consistent temperature for heating and cooling purposes regarding HVAC.

BUTT GLAZING

ROOF TRELLIS AND PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS

HORIZONTAL LOUVERS

VERTICAL LOUVERS

PRECAST CONCRETE SPANDRELS

METAL STUD WALL WITH INSULATION AND METAL PANEL CLADDING

PRECAST CONCRETE PANELS

CONCRETE COLUMNS

PRECAST CONCRETE LOAD BEARING WALLS

2 WAY POSTTENSIONED FLAT PLATE

SERVICE + MECH

ADDITIONAL WORK AMENITIES

OFFICE WORK SPACE

31

This semester was an introduction into mixed-use program and dealing with a multitude of issues involving multiple cli-ents. The site is located in an abandoned area of Knoxville. The area was devas-tated by fire in the late 1800’s. Businesses left to set up elsewhere and the area fell into neglect. Recently developers and ar-chitects have begun to revitalize the area of Jackson avenue and bring it back to prominence. A connection must be made back to the city. This can be done in sev-eral ways. One way to bring businesses back is by developing Jackson itself. The street is isolated from the rest of the city by means of a steep hill; however, care-fully designed buildings can unite down-town and Jackson Avenue.

M I X E D - U S E D E V E L O P M E N TKnoxville, TennesseeInstructor: John Sanders AIA3rd Year Design Studio_Fall 2009

35

The project involves a main resident who desires a tenant space to help pay for the costs of construction. The lower level is desired to be commercial to help activate Jackson Avenue. Rather than com-bine all the program into one I decided to keep them separate and distinct. This would show the hierarchy of the program as well as create aesthetic interest. The site is located in the warehouse district so I felt it would be appropriate to keep with the industrial aesthetic but at the same time combine it with row house design.

Site Plan Jackson Avenue

N

37

The Design of the building was inspired by the row houses and buildings that once inhabited Jackson Avenue. The blocks of program will slide neatly into the side of the hill.

Commercial Tenant Main Residence

38

Warehouse Grid Boulevard

It was important to establish a connection back to the Art’s District of Knoxville. Gay Street is the main artery of Knoxville and provides access to the Market Square.

The top diagram shows the potential for de-velopment along Jackson Avenue towards the 100 block of Gay Street. The lower shows a potential connection to Lincoln Me-morial University and downtown.

This diagrams shows the dis-tricts of Knoxville. The site is located in the warehouse dis-trict which inspired the row house design.39

The Million Dollar Fire of 1887 devastated the city, and destroyed a once thriving area of trade and com-merce. Since many efforts have been made to revital-ize the impacted sites.

The Old City of Knoxville is one of the cultural centers of the city located on Jackson Av-enue.

The Newly renovated 100 Block of Gay Street is home to the Art’s District of Knoxville. Here at the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Gay Street the old combines with the new. 40

I wanted to allow as much light into the space as possible and created open-ings on opposite sides of the residen-tial units. Privacy was also taken into consideration and operable louvers were added to the windows to allow residents to adjust levels of privacy. Residents would enter through the nar-row walkway between the units but on different levels to show hierarchy of space.

1 Commercial Space2 Commercial restrooms3 Resident Garage4 Storage Space5 Entry Level6 Kitchen7 Living Room8 Laundry Room9 Bathroom10 Terrace11 Bedroom12 Master Bedroom

2

3

4

1N

CCommercial Level Plan41

129

10 7

6

5

11

85

7

6

89

11 11

12

9

9

22nd Level

33rd Level 42

The following photographs were taken throughout my studies abroad in Europe. Each was taken with my digital Canon SLR. Most of my time was spent in Poland. I went on tours of Poland, Italy, England, Austria, Ukraine, and Greece. However, the following photographs come from Poland and Italy. Being able to travel and see the culture and history of such places was an invaluable experience and I sought to document as much as I could. I am an avid photographer and spend much of my free time traveling and taking photographs of the things that interest me.

P H O T O G R A P H Y

43

Florianska Street in Krakow looking at St. Mary’s Cathedral Colonnade at the Sukiennice at Market Square in Krakow

45

Royal Road to Wawel Castle in Krakow Stairway to Wawel Castle in Krakow Market Square with Sukiennice in Krakow

46

St.Cathorine Church in Gdansk Motlawa River with the medieval crane Zuraw in Gdansk Eastern Orthodox Church in Poland

47

Kórnik Castle near Poznan Auschwitz Concentration CampWarsaw Mermaid in Old Town Market

Place in Warsaw

48

St Peter’s Square at the Vatican Rome City Hall at Palazzo Senatorio in

Rome

Colonnade at the Vatican

49

View to Duomo in Florence Church of San Giorgio Maggiore from Piazza San MarcoView into Piazza del Campo and the

Torre del Mangia in Siena

50

The following drawings projects from architecture drawing classes taken both at the University of Tennessee and Polytechnika Krakowska. I never took any formal drawing classes or lessons growing up outside of high school courses. For any designer the relationship with his hands are key. This relationship has always been one of my greatest gifts. To be able to carefully draw what the eye sees is not something that is common or easy to accomplish. The goal of any drawing is to capture the very essence of what constitutes the object(s) being represented. The blank sheet of paper seems daunting at first but quickly the forms take shape and shading gives detail and depth.

51

D R A W I N G S

52

South College Portico, University of TennesseeWinner of Arch 121 drawing competition for Chancellor’s Christmas card Fall 2007

18”x18”graphite on watercolor

53

Found Object 0118”x18”graphite on watercolor

54

Found Object 02 Detail18”x18”graphite on watercolor

55

Shoe, Egg, Paper18”x18”graphite on watercolor

56

Shoe Transformation18”x18”graphite on watercolor

57

Pyramid, Cylinder, Cube19.5”x27.5”graphite on watercolor

Pyramid, Cylinder, Cube Transformation19.5”x27.5”graphite on watercolor

58

Cubes19.5”x27.5”graphite on watercolor

Framed Cubes19.5”x27.5”graphite on watercolor

59

ZaumThis drawing illustrates the poem ‘Victory Over the Sun’ by Aleksei Kruchenykh19.5”x22.5”graphite on watercolor

60

Florianska Street, Krakow19.5”x27.5”graphite on watercolor

61

Hanselmann House15”x23”ink on mylar with colored pencil

62

Porsche15”x23”graphite on watercolor

T A Y L O R K I T C H E N S1221 Bentley Park LaneKnoxville, TN 37922

(865)[email protected]

T H A N K Y O U

Taylor Kitchens Portfolio

Documents

Transcript of Taylor Kitchens Portfolio