The inception of this project was rooted in a thorough examination and deconstruction of the renowned Phillips Exeter Academy Library by Louis Kahn. Drawing inspiration from its symmetrical layout and hierarchical spatial organization, characterized by a central atrium and layered zones, served as a compelling starting point for my design exploration. Embracing the challenge of reimagining a parking lot within Boston's historic Chinatown, my conceptualization process was deeply informed by an in-depth investigation into the neighborhood's cultural heritage, notably its historical significance as a sanctuary for marginalized immigrant communities. In response to the urban context and spatial constraints of the site, my design vision positioned the library as a fortress-like structure, featuring towering entrances and a windowless façade. Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a spacious courtyard, designed to foster community engagement and scholarly activities. Departing from conventional fenestration approaches, my design prioritized internal spatial configurations to optimize natural light penetration, with bookcases strategically placed along the perimeter walls. A central glass courtyard emerged as the focal point, facilitating daylight penetration and establishing a connection with the urban surroundings. Programmatic elements were carefully distributed within the interior, with collaborative work areas occupying peripheral zones and secluded reading nooks nestled in the core. Inspired by the ethos of the Exeter Library, my design aimed to create a serene refuge amidst the urban hustle, achieved through thoughtful massing strategies to maximize solar exposure and enhance spatial quality.
Our studio assignment presented a compelling challenge: to reimagine a faculty parking lot adjacent to our urban campus in Boston, a nexus of architectural innovation. Tasked with envisioning graduate student housing interwoven with public functions, I found inspiration in seminal works such as Safdie’s Habitat 67 and Hertzberger’s Diagoon Dwellings. These iconic precedents underscored the complexity of housing systems, propelling me to transcend conventional paradigms epitomized by projects like London's Golden Lane. Rather than mere stacked apartments, my design ethos prioritized the creation of diverse zones integrating public and private functions, akin to a vibrant urban fabric.
Central to my concept was the creation of modular units, each accommodating two students and featuring semi-private entrances and outdoor balconies. By strategically shifting these modules, I ensured a dynamic spatial configuration that preserved residents' privacy, a departure from conventional layouts. The central spaces between units were envisaged as communal hubs, fostering social interaction and serving as platforms for local vendors to promote community engagement and support local businesses. In addition to essential amenities such as gyms, study rooms, pet washing stations, and mailrooms, my design sought to cultivate a holistic living experience for graduate students, addressing their unique needs in a campus predominantly inhabited by undergraduates.
The architectural articulation extended to the third floor, where duplex units were introduced to accommodate spatial constraints imposed by regulatory guidelines. Overhangs on both sides of the structure not only shielded residents from the southern exposure but also facilitated optimal daylighting, enhancing the study environment within the dormitories. This synthesis of spatial innovation and contextual sensitivity embodies my aspiration to contribute meaningfully to the built environment, creating a dynamic microcosm that fosters community, innovation, and well-being for its inhabitants.
In conceptualizing my design approach for our final assignment in first-year studio, I embarked upon a creative exploration of a double-house typology situated within a topographically dynamic site. My initial vision was to integrate both dwellings seamlessly into the terrain, leading me to devise a stratified arrangement that not only responded to the site's elevation changes but also optimized spatial efficiency. Inspired by the principles of the free plan, I sought to imbue the design with a contemporary sensibility, employing extensive glazing for the outer walls while ensuring the privacy and security of the interior spaces through strategic placement and articulation of partitions. The deliberate staggered configuration of the roofs serves as a visual metaphor for the site's undulating topography, creating a dynamic stacking effect that harmonizes with the natural surroundings. Detailed sectional drawings elucidate the structural composition of the units and articulate their functional utilization, offering a comprehensive insight into the design rationale. Notably, the inclusion of a central courtyard emerges as a focal point, fostering a sense of communal engagement and providing a shared amenity space for both households. Reflecting on the model-making process, I found immense satisfaction in navigating the intricacies of the topographic site, which not only enriched the design exploration but also underscored the inherent synergy between architecture and landscape.
For my inaugural project at Northeastern University, we were assigned the task of realizing a free plan house within specified parameters. The residence, spanning just under 2000 square feet, was to be imbued with spatial cores to delineate distinct pockets within its structure. Conceptualizing my approach around the themes of alignment and contemporary design, I sought to marry notions of privacy with an ethos of openness. Orienting towards the waterfront, the design foregrounded key communal spaces such as the kitchen, dining area, and master bedroom, strategically situated to capitalize on views and natural light. In contrast, the house's cores housed essential utilities including bathrooms, storage provisions, and a guest bedroom, ensuring a pragmatic spatial organization. Progressing from initial sketches to a comprehensive 3D model, I subsequently utilized industry-standard software such as Revit for refinement and Lumion for rendering, encapsulating the evolution of my design process within a digital realm.
