w. rand morris | selected works

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FR AGMENTED MEMORY

COLL ABOR ATIVE DIALOGUE

TENSILE BUOYANCY

ENVIRONMENTAL RE STOR ATION

PL ANAR METRICS

PROFE SSIONAL & GROUP WORK

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FRAGMENTEDMEMORY

P R O V I D E N C E , R I Cultural

Hospitality

Industrial01FRAGMENTED

MEMORY

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FRAGMENTED

PROVIDENCE, RICultural

Hospitality 01FRAGMENTED

MEMORY

01The utilization of gestalt recognition to galvanize architecture as a mnemonic device; reuse of the NELCo building in PROVIDENCE, RI.

The monolithic skeleton of the Narragansett Electric Lighting Company stands today as a decaying tribute cathedral to Providence, RIs industrial heritage.

Recently, failed architectural interventions have le this brick and iron edi ce exposed to internal weathering. The conversion of this skeleton and shell into a PUBLIC BREWERY, BOUTIQUE HOTEL, AND REPOSITORY GALLERY FOR LOCALLY SALVAGED ARCHITECTUR AL FABRIC serves to recall Providences industrial heritage while activating a new public arena at the precipice of urban development in the heart of the citys historic Jewelry District.

This thesis examines the inherent DIALOGUE BET WEEN MEMORY and the built environment while promoting the reciprocity of past and present. Programmatic layering as well as the exploitation of speci c dichotomies supports this dialogue while encouraging intensi ed levels of spatial and self-awareness.

Memory has a profound impact on how we navigate our surroundings, despite its pension for alteration and decay. MEMORY IS GREATLY FORTIFIED WHEN FR AMED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT. As Rodney Douglas Parker states, memory [borrows] the structure of its meaning-contexts from architectural and environmental works. Thus, ARCHITECTURE CAN BE UNDERSTOOD AS A MNEMONIC DEVICE.

In order to induce spatial recall, strict attention must be paid to all of the senses. Light, shadow, texture, echo, aroma, taste, re ection, and movement are all paramount to this process of recollection. By drawing on these various fragments, enhanced processes of perception can take place and perhaps a greater number of memories (though not necessarily accurate) can be retrieved and composed.

T H E S I S

P R O P O S A LA B S T R A C T

Industrial 01 B O T T O M Pre-design collage of interior space + charcoal sketch

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Founded in 1636, Providence readily established itself as a trade port due to its protected harbor and surrounding countryside. Though the citys early economy was rooted in the shipping trade, it quickly found economic success during the industrial revolution as a national center for the production of base metals, jewelry, and other goods.

The most concentrated area of industrial expan-sion within city limits became known as the Jewelry District, which encompasses this thesis project site along the west side of the Providence River, just south of downtown. The recent demolition of Interstate 195 just north of the project site has opened a unique opportunity for redevelopment and the reintegration of the Jewelry District with both the downtown and the waterfront.

T H E S I T E

L E F T Site map (Providence, RI)

T O P Charcoal sketch light study

M I D D L E Widmer Brothers Brewery Expansion Mark Garvey Architects (Portland, OR)

B O T T O M Nazi Documentation CenterGunther Domenig Architects (Nuremburg, Germany)

B O T T O M R I G H T Narragansett Electric Company building under construction, circa 1919

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MEMORY ATTEMPTS TO IMMORTALIZE THE EPHEMER AL. Many see adaptive reuse as a means of achieving this end through the reclamation of place and the reconstitution of the dialogue between man and man-made. This dialogue can only be achieved once it is understood that buildings and cities, similar to peoples and cultures, share an indigenous language. Fluency in that language derives from the negotiated transference between self and space.

It is this notion of transference that more accurately characterizes all means of adaptive reuse as acts of vivisection.

T O P Study model exploring the spatial implications of fragmentation

M I D D L E Study model exploring vertical fragmentation

B O T T O M Pre-design collage of interior space + charcoal sketch

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MEMORY [BORROWS] THE STRUCTURE OF ITS ME ANING -CONTE X TS FROM ARCHITECTUR AL AND EN V IRONMENTA L WORK S . Ro d n e y Do u gl a s P a r ke r

R I G H T Wall fragmentation diagram

B O T T O M East elevation / waterfront

ARCHITECTUR AL AND EN V IRONMENTA L WORK S . Ro d n e y Do u gl a s P a r ke r

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S P R E A D Open-air entry ruin/courtyard

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R I G H T Brewing sequence and fermentation process diagram

M I D D L E Brewing assembly line diagram for beer production

B O T T O M Section through brewery, gallery, and hotel

F A R L E F T Exploded Axonometric of existing and proposed structure

F A R R I G H T Circulation Axonometric

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H O T E L B L U E

G A L L E R Y R E D

B R E W E R Y Y E L L O W15

T O P Second floor planbrewery & gallery space

B O T T O M North elevation

T O P Second floor planbrewery & gallery space

B O T T O M North elevation

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1 CAFE

2 BREWERY

3 GALLERY

4 GALLERY MEZZANINE

5 RE STAURANT MEZZANINE

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P R O J E C T

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02 B O S T O N, M A CivicCultural COLLABORATIVE

DIALOGUE

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02COLLABORATIVE COLLABORATIVE

DIALOGUE

02 02A B S T R A C T

02 02 BOSTON, MA Civic Cultural 02 02 02 B O T T O M Site movement sketch

A boat hall was chosen as the main programmatic element in response to Broad Canal as well as an existing public dock for the storage and launch of kayaks along the Charles River. In addition to these elements, a public boardwalk was recently erected, encouraging the incorporation of new programming that EMBR ACES R ATHER THAN REJECTS THE CANAL, while providing an uninterrupted uidity of circulation around it.

Interior programmatic spaces that PROMOTE CONVERSATION AND SOCIAL INTER ACTION contrast against spaces that encourage SELF-REFLECTION, CONTEMPL ATION, AND MEDITATION. Large, open double height spaces are juxtaposed against smaller, intimate moments. Modern steel and glass contrast against concrete and LOCALLY RECL AIMED WOOD SALVAGED FROM DAMAGED PIERS. Corten steel is strategically set against board-formed concrete in order to adopt a patina via staining over time. The steel structural ligree compliments massive concrete bearing walls, establishing a decisive STRUCTUR AL HIER ARCHY; relating back to the initial studies into mass vs. void.

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T O P Facade analysis

B O T T O M Early design sketch

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T O P Conceptual detail sketch

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S P R E A D Early conceptual collage

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THE BOATHOUSE IS PUSHED UNDER-GROUND, OFFERING DIRECT FLOAT-IN HARBOR ACCE SS AT WATER LE VEL .

S P R E A D Perspective from waters edge

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1 BREEZEWAY

2 MEE TING ROOM

3 COMMUNIT Y ROOM

4 YOGA STUDIO

5 CLASSROOM

T O P Second floor plan

B O T T O M Boathall section

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S P R E A D Sectional perspective through boathall S P R E A D Sectional perspective through boathall

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TENSILEBUOYANCY

03 P R O V I D E N C E , R I Hospitality

TENSILEBUOYANCY

03 03 PROVIDENCE, RI PROVIDENCE, RI Hospitality HospitalitySituated along the Providence River just south of downtown in Rhode Islands capital city, this cafe embraces the riverfront, framing views of the citys historic Jewelry District while SOFTENING THE DIVISION BET WEEN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR by way of three large sliding glass garage doors.

A steel frame suspended by tension cables encapsulates the main cafe space, oating above a board-formed concrete wall, dividing public and private spaces while anchoring the space and extending into the south-facing courtyard. The raw materials and nishes re ect the industrial character and heritage of the city.

A B S T R A C T

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P A G E Site plan

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Concrete structural deckDrainage layer

Protection courseThermal insulation

Aeration layerMoisture retention layer

Corrugated metal deckingFilter fabric

Engineered soil

Fastener clip

Loose-laid retention tee

2x4 inset wood blocking

Clerestory window per manufacturer

Cable tie-down

Bolted steel plate

Bolted steel l-channel

Thermal insulation

I-beam bolter to welded steel plateSteel support tee bolted to steel plate

Wood slat ceilingCorrugated metal decking

Poured concrete Flashing

Structural i-beamCable stay and steel plate

Sheet metal protection

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L E F T P A G E Roof section detail

R I G H T P A G E Plan

B O T T O M Waterfront section

1 ENTRY

2 BAR

3 KITCHEN

4 CAFE

5 COURT YARD

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T O P East elevation

B O T T O M South elevation

S P R E A D Approach from river

B O T T O M Interior - Lounge

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S P R E A D Interior - Cafe

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S P R E A D Courtyard perspective

P R O J E C T

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S E AT T L E , WA

Civic

Educational

Cultural

ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION

S E AT T L E , WA

Civic

ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATIONRESTORATION

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Civic

Educational

Cultural

ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL

SEATTLE, WA

Civic

ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION RESTORATION

04 04 04 04The Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition (DRCC), based in Seattle, WA, is a grass roots community organization dedicated to the restoration of the Duwamish River for the health, safety, and betterment of wildlife and the community at large. The river, dredged and ravaged by industrialization in the early 1900s, ONLY RETAINS FIVE PERCENT OF ITS NATIVE PL ANT SPECIES. Due to severe contamination, much of the wildlife in and surrounding the river have dwindled in number.

The design works at two scales. First, at the architectural scale, the DRCC headquarters o ers L ABOR ATORY SPACE, COMMUNIT Y MEETING ROOMS, LECTURE HALLS, AND DORMITORIES for both community members and students alike. The main building is situated at the northwestern corner of the site, turning its back on Seattles skyline, instead FOCUSING ON THE RI V ER . A material pallet of mainly steel and glass SPEAKS TO THE CIT YS M A NUFAC T URING HERITAGE while allowing the interior spaces to be lled with light. Second, at the urban scale, this design seeks to RESTORE THE SURROUNDING WETL ANDS while creating a series of pathways that bridge the east and west banks of the river, bringing community members together while establishing a safer, more pedestrian friendly environment.

A B S T R A C T

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P A G E Urban relationships sketch

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S P R E A D Urban design progression sketches

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B O T T O M Community hall section / Laboratory section

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S P R E A D Western approach

S P R E A D Waterfront perspective

01 LOCATION 02 FIGURE GROUND 03 GREEN SPACE 04 RADIAL DISTANCE

05 RAILWAY SYSTEM 06 ZONING 07 CRANES 08 SHIPPING CONTAINERS

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B O T T O M Urban mapping studies

09 TOPOGRAPHY 10 HIGHWAYS + ROADS 11 HISTORIC RIVER 12 BRIDGES +TUNNELS

13 MEDIUM-RISK PCB 14 HIGH-RISK PCB 15 HISTORIC GROWTH 16 PAVED SPACE51

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P R O V I D E N C E , R I

Civic

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P R O V I D E N C E , R I

Civic

PLANARMETRICS

05 P R O V I D E N C E , R IMETRICS

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PLANARMETRICS

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05Located in Providences Wayland Square District, the design UNFOLDS L AYER BY L AYER, referencing the layers of protective gear worn by re ghters in the line of duty. This coupled with the red steel ribbing o ers a VISUAL L ANGUAGE OF PROTECTION AND SECURIT Y.

Very few divisive architectural elements are used to encourage a more open ground oor plan, opening itself up to community events and the public at large. A series of courtyards and outdoors rooms a id in an e ort to BLUR INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR, allowing the main hall to spill into the outdoor public courtyard at the areas main intersection.

A B S T R A C T

PROVIDENCE, RI

Civic 05 PROVIDENCE, RI 05 B O T T O M Early conceptual sketch of firehouse B E L O W Layered enclosure diagram

PLANARMETRICS METRICS

Located in Providences Wayland Square District, the , referencing the layers

of protective gear worn by re ghters in the line of duty. This coupled with the red steel ribbing o ers a VISUAL L ANGUAGE OF PROTECTION AND SECURIT Y.

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P A G E Site plan

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S P R E A D Entry at intersection

T O P First floor plan

B O T T O M South elevation

1 ENTRY

2 GATHERING HALL

3 COMMUNIT Y ROOM

4 LOUNGE

5 BREAK ROOM

6 SLEEPING QUARTERS

7 GARAGE

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B E L O W Public courtyard and entry

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T O P Perspective

B O T T O M West elevation

SPACIAL L AYERING IS PUNCTURED BY A LINE AR COMMUNAL SPACE BOOKENDED BY PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COMPONENTS ENCOUR AGING GRE ATER CIVIC DIALOGUE AND TR ANSPARENCY.

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T O P Skylight section detail

B O T T O M Section through main hall

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rtical reinforcement

Mortar joint

Mortar joint

Steel c-chanel

Embedded steel plate

I-beam bolted to welded steel plate

2x4 wood blockingFlashing

Insulation

kylight by manufacturer

Steel brace beam beyond secured to

conrete wall

Concrete wall beyond

Concrete bearing wall

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S P R E A D Entry perspective

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PROFESSIONAL & GROUP WORK

S K B A R C H I T E C T S

Documentation

Construction documents

Renderings

S K B A R C H I T E C T S

Models

Conceptual analysis

C O N T E M P L AT I O N I N S TA L L AT I O N

Sculptural

This independent research and design project was born out of a desire to investigate the con uence and dialogue of three autonomous architectural thesis proposals:

The manipulation and reconsideration of the threshold as a spatial condition.

Architectures propensity for hiding and revealing. The symbiotic relationship between the fragmen-

tation of space and the fragmentation of memory.

The goal of the nal installation will be to transport the occupant from a world of chaos to a moment of solitude and reflection. The question of how one prepares for solitude will be addressed by the threshold. The notion of hiding and revealing is experienced as the occupant moves adjacent to and eventually through the space, taking pause to gaze up at the framed sky that is revealed from within.

The space will be constructed via a series of planes, fragmenting the views of the surrounding environment as well as the sculpture itself.

A B S T R A C T

B O T T O M Conceptual sketches

CONTEMPLATIONINSTALLATION

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B A C K G R O U N D Conceptual collage

B O T T O M Conceptual study model

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Olson Kundig Architects | S E AT T L E , W A Contributed Sketch-Up, CAD, and Revit drawings/models for design document sets.Constructed physical models for client meetings and presentations.

OLSONKUNDIG

P A G E Massing study for educational project

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P A G E Hollywood Hills Private Residence P A G E Hollywood Hills Private Residence

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L E F T Plan diagram for Seattle mid-rise

R I G H T Retail storefront section, construction documents

SKB Architects | S E AT T L E , W A Contributed Sketch-Up, CAD, and Revit drawings/models for construction document sets.Prepared renderings for client presentations.Worked directly with clients to ensure timely project delivery.

SKBARCHITECTS

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T O P Retail RCP, construction documents

B O T T O M Entry rendering, competition project

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w. rand morris | selected works

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