Tyler Johnson | Graduate School Application

Tyler Johnson | Selected Studies

Tyler Johnson | Selected Studies

Tyler Johnson

Admiss ion to [ inser t school]

Auburn Univers i t yUndergraduate Por t fol io

Shadowland Pr ivate L ibrar y 02The Cultural Furnace 16

Vi l la M irabel la 28Nor th End Facets 38

M ater ia l Fabr icat ion 48

2

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to y

Sob

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Subt

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Precedents

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Shadowlands Private LibraryProfessors: Marlon Blackwell & Sherri Schumacher

Given Site: Marfa, Texas

Studio: Vertical Thesis Studio

Project Duration: 16 weeks

Project Description:

Marfa, TX is home to minimalist Donald Judd, an acclaimed artist whose collection of

built work focuses on the spatial and material nature of art. Judd’s work with repeti-

tion and self-similarity (100 milled-aluminum boxes) became a catalyst of investigation

for a private library in downtown Marfa with 100 private reading spaces. The studio

explored the biophillia of a cactus as way to understand its form with relation to its

behavior. This study was further persued with respect to space making and systemic

replication. The roof of the library was concieved as an adaptable system that collects

sunlight and redistributes it as necessary for reading. The quality of natural, zenithal

light is delicate, and the passages of the library encourage exploration through reading

and the discovery of space.

The selected site for the library is along Main Street, across from the Judd Foundation

and adjacent to a rail line and an open market. The program for the 30,000 sf structure

called for a public plaza, a public reading room, a room for luminated manuscripts, 100

self-similar private reading spaces, and an adjacent residence. The challenge of the

program was to organize the public and private spaces under a roof capable of (1) en-

gaging in systemic growth, (2) forming anomalies to react to unforseen conditions, and

(3) having the utmost concern for the quality of light. A metal material study helped to

inform how the structure would weather in the desert, and how detailed connections

should be made.

3

Analytical Cactus DrawingTransmimetic Cactus Drawing

4

Tonal Cactus Drawing Cactus Studies

5

Hand Oils

Salt Water

Acetone

Muriatic Acid

Ammonia

Torc

h

Dril

l Bit

Ham

mer

Wire

Bru

sh

Sand

Pap

er

P h y s i c a l D e f o r m a t i o n s

Ch

em

ica

l D

efo

rma

tio

ns

Material Transformation

6

The first phase of the design process in-

volved transforming early studies of cactus form

into a unit panel. Each panel must be able to join

with adjacent panels in both the X and Y direc-

tion. The joining of every panel poses a unique

opportunity to allow light to filter through the

field in a delicate manner. The study of cactus

“Parodia Warasii” led to the development of a unit

with ridges and vallies. This unique form allows

the field to vacillate along the Z-axis, while at the

same time being self supportive as a wall surface

and roof surface. The folding of this simple sur-

face creates infinite degrees of variability with

each angle, allowing the surface to adapt while

remaining an integral part of the field. The field

was further developed by scaling the units in

order to study their spacial properties. Tonal vi-

gnette drawings were used to explore the spaces

within the field. A series of 9 drawings inform an

experimental timeline which simulates the spaces

at the human scale.

Early Unit Iterations Final Unit IterationsUnit Field Development

7

Field Development Lighting Studies

8

Tonal Vignette Series

9

Skin collects sunlight

Chlrophyll delivers sunlight

Spikes protect cactus from prey

Transparent glazing collects light

Translucent glazing distributes light

Angular walls difuses light

Copper protects from harsh sun

Cactus

Library

10

site strategy / diagram

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Translucent Glazing Channels

Copper Exterior Panels

Board-Formed Concrete Walls

12

Public Plaza

Service

Gallery Space

Public Reading

IlluminatedManuscripts

Exterior Reading

Public Private

Building PlanLo

ngitu

dina

l Site

Sec

tion

13

Public Plaza

Service

Gallery Space

Public Reading

IlluminatedManuscripts

Exterior Reading

Public Private

14

Building Section

Building Section

Expe

rient

ial P

ersp

ectiv

es

16

The Cultural Furnace

Gug

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, New

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YM

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PrecedentsProfessor: Chris Giattina

Given Site: Birmingham, Alabama

Studio: Urban Studio Thesis



The program for the Birmingham Cultural Furnace consists of a Contemporary Art An-

nex, the relocation of Auburn’s Urban Studio program, student & faculty housing, and

retail spaces. The site included an existing steam plant and an existing parking lot that

combine to fill an entire city block. This unique site is adjacent to the Birmingham Rail

Road Park; a new park filling four city blocks in the heart of Birmingham. The site was

envisioned as an East-West connector between the park and the city. The conceptual

approach was to create a place with an intensity of experience sufficient to transform

the city of Birmingham. This approach concentrated on engaging the pedestrian and

leading them through an experiential journey across the site and through the muse-

um. The focus on engagement was extended from the pedestrian relationship to the

programmatic functions of the building, allowing spaces to overlap and functional as-

pects to be utilized in different ways. The new addition contrasts the old steam plant

building, but the use of perferated metal panels relates back to the brick facade. The

museum movement starts in the old building where light enters from above and the

visitor is free to move about the art. At the halfway point the art pauses and the visitor

is reconnected to the city through expansive views to the East and West. The experi-

ence then becomes a controlled movement down a ramp where the visitor experiences

art up-close as light filters through the skin of the building. At the bottom of the ramp

there is a release into an large open gallery that was not visible during the descent.

From the large gallery the experience moves out through the sculpture garden and the

visitor is reconnected to the park and the city. The spatial movement and the tactility of

the skin work together to encourage pedestrian interaction.

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Site Analysis

Need Final Sca

n...

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1ST AVENUE SOUTH

14TH

STR

EET

18TH

STR

EET

19TH

STR

EET

20TH

STR

EET

Site Plan

MEETING

ADMIN

STUDENT COURTYARD

GALLERY

2N

D F

LOO

R

1”

= 6

0’ SCULPTURE GARDEN

DINING

1

1 2

2

A

B

A

B

GR

OU

ND

FLO

OR

1

” =

60

’

URBAN STUDIOS LOBBY

CLASS ROOM

CRIT SPACE

GALLERY

GALLERY

GIFT SHOP

GALLERY

STORAGE COURTYARD

RECEPTION

LIBRARY

RETAIL

RETAIL

CAFERESTAURANT

MUSEUM STAFF

1

1 2

2

A

B

A

B

3R

D F

LOO

R

1”

= 6

0’

GALLERY

BRIDGE

ROOF TERRACE

STUDENT HOUSING

FACULTY HOUSING

1

1 2

2

A

B

A

B

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1st Avenue Elevation

Section A-A

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Section 1-1

Section 2-2

PARKING

19th Street Elevation

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Section B-B

Building Skin Assembly

26

The facade of the new building is derived from photographs of the steam-plant’s brickwork. These photographs undergo a transformative process that involves pixelating a desaturated verson of the photograph. The color balance of the original photograph determines the pixel sizes and loca-tions for each panel. Ev-ery panel is unique to its photograph, and the panels can be arranged to control the varience in openess. The panels act as a rain-screen for the museum, which is sealed by a glass curtain wall sys-tem. The structural com-ponents of the system are sandwiched between the interior and exterior skin.

27

Wall Section3/8” = 1’-0”

Elevation3/8” = 1’-0”

Plan3/8” = 1’-0”

Villa Mirabella: Gallery & ResidenceProfessors: Christian Dagg & Justin Miller

Given Site: Villa Mirabella in Gabbro, Italy

Studio: Interior Architecture Thesis Studio



The adaptation of Villa Mirabella is a study of modern renovation and reappropriation of

spaces within the context of a historical villa. The chosen program includes renovating

the existing villa into a main floor art gallery with workshops and an artist’s residence

below. The back courtyard is transformed into an interactive sculpture garden that con-

nects the villa to a new 6000 square meter residence housing 20 guests. The primary

task of this design is to address how to make contemporary renovations and additions

to an existing 16th Century villa. The concept is to allow the existing condition of the

villa to continue to speak of the era from which it was built while allowing the additions

and renovations to speak of the modern era. Renovations and additions are easily dis-

tinguished through their use of lightweight modern materials and minimal detailing,

and the repetition of these elements brings the visitor from the main entrance through

the villa and to the residence. The conceptual approach puts focus on where the exist-

ing meets the new. The detailing of these intersections allows an element of one era

to slide through or past an element of another era. The new materials were chosen for

their translucent and diaphanous qualities, which contrast the heavy stone masonry of

the existing villa. The new materials allow natural daylight to enter into the cavity of the

villa and illuminate the gallery.

Caix

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Precedents

Kolu

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Mus

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Parts S - Structure F - Floor W - Wall R - Roof S-01 12”x12” Heavy Timber Frame F-01 Reclaimed Finish Flooring F-02 3/4” Plywood Subflooring F-03 Joist Hanger F-04 2 x 8 Floor Joist F-05 Heavy Timber Base Framing F-06 Concrete Foundation Pad F-07 Bermuda Grass F-08 Fertilized Loam Soil F-09 Crushed Gravel and Sand

W-01 GKD Metal Fabric - Kiwi W-02 Metal Frame with Cross Ties W-03 GKD Metal Fabric - Luna W-04 12” Joist Hanger W-05 Vertical 2 x12 Joist W-06 12” Joist Hanger W-07 Horizontal 2 x 12 Joist W-08 2 x 10 Wood Framing W-09 2 x 10 Horizontal Wood Slats W-10 Metal Window Frame (Interior) W-11 1” Thick Fritted Glass (70%) W-12 Metal Window Frame (Exterior) R-01 Heavy Timber Top Frame R-02 Hollow Metal Frame R-03 5”x5” PV Panels in Glass R-04 Heavy Timber with Keyed Joist Slots R-05 2 x 12 Ceiling Joists

Pergola Assembly Axonometric

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STAIR GALLERY COURTYARD RESIDENCE

Building Section

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STAIR GALLERY COURTYARD RESIDENCE

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Interior Perspective32

Bird’s Eye Perspective33

Axonometric Drawing of Entry34

Axonometric Drawing of Residence35

New

Mat

eria

l Pal

lete

Hou

sing

Ele

vatio

n | D

ay

36

Hou

sing

Ele

vatio

n | E

veni

ngM

ater

ial C

onne

ctio

n D

etai

ls

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The North End FacetsProfessor: Christian Dagg

Given Site: Big Dig in Boston, Massachusetts

Studio: Interior Architecture Housing Studio



The North End Facets were conceived as a new mixed-use development along the re-

cently completed Big Dig site in Boston. This area is considered the entry to the North

End neighborhood. It is within walking distance from the Boston City Hall and many

financial institutions, making it an ideal location for young professionals. The program

called for ground floor retail, restaurants, and offices, with six 1 bedroom units, six 2

bedroom units, and six studio units above. The structure is comprised of a 5 bay con-

crete truss system that runs floor to ceiling. The physical structure also doubles as a

spatial ordering device, separating vertical circulation, lateral circulation, living space,

and outdoor space. The conceptual approach was to hide the studio units beneath the

faceted roof (used to deflect the winter winds and conceal the apartment entry) in a

setback space that would typically be used for mechanical purposes. The small studio

space receive the facets of the roof above, and the aluminum ceiling reflect the space

and direct views across the Big Dig towards downtown Boston. The 2 bedroom units

consist of a main floor and a loft above with a private a terrace. These penthouse type

units gain full access to sun and views over the Big Dig park. By shifting the terrace to

the loft floor, the 1 bedroom units receive light deeper into the interior space. There

is flexibility among the interior of the units, with all plumbing and electricity running

through the structure. The idea that only interior (non-shared) walls could be painted

promotes a heightened sense of individuality among the tenants. The wide corridors,

open atrium, and large roof terrace provide a common place for community gatherings

to encourage the neighborhood feel that is intrinsic of the North End community. Pu

gh +

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Precedents

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38

scan concept sketchs here...

Site Location

39

Cross Street Elevation

Building Section40

Hanover Street Elevation

Building Section Wall Section41

Ground Floor Plan42

Third Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan43

Studio Floor Plan

Fourth Floor Plan44

1 Bedroom Unit 2 Bedroom Unit (lower) 2 Bedroom Unit (upper) Studio Unit

2 Bedroom Unit Perspective Studio Unit Perspective45

Section Perspective46

Exterior Perspective47

Material Fabrication: Polymer ResinProfessor: Sherri Schumacher

Chosen Site: Jule Collins Smith Museum pond, Auburn

Studio: Elements of Interior Architecture

Project Team: Tyler Johnson, Drew Coshode, Laura Anderson



The following material study was part of a larger study for an Interior Architecture semi-

nar class. The purpose was to investigate an existing material type to discover its prop-

erties and typical uses. The material was to then be translated in a new form as a tem-

porary art exhibit for the landscape of the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. The

exhibit must be transportable and buildable by students on a limited budget. Polymer

Resin is a liquid substance that hardens when mixed together. The resulting material

can be moulded into any shape, has a self-supportive structure, can be transparent, and

can posess self-healing properties. For the exhibit our team chose to turn the museum

pond into a large scale Galilean Thermometer. Polymer Resin spheres containing hy-

drocarbon and covered in a PVC film would be tethered to the pond floor. The calibra-

tion of the hydrocarbon (which changes density greatly with temperature) would cause

different spheres to rise and fall with a change in temperature. The color and number

of spheres would be a visual indication of the temperature. The location of the pond

would make this exhibit useful for students who are travelling down College St. on their

way to class. At night the spheres would reflect light and the installation would be an

ever evolving performance piece. Certain spheres would only rise on the coldest day of

the year, but with its emergence comes a need for celebration, making the spectators

more in tune with nature and weather patterns. The material would be made more tac-

tile by creating polymer resin viewing planes, which would resemble a picnic blanket in

form and allow a resting place free from grass stains.

Concept

48

Sect

ions

at v

aryi

ng te

mpe

ratu

res

Polymer Resin “Blanket”

Section through Polymer Sphere

Revise D

rawings

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Win

ter

Sum

mer

50

Win

ter

Sum

mer

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Construction Sketches

The following drawings were exhibited in the Auburn Circle, a student-published magazine that displays the best student work in art, literature, and photography.

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Measured Perspective53

Tyler Johnson | Graduate School Application

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