a portfolio

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agricultural center..........4shade structured..........10dream hostel................14refurbished object........18recycled object.............19the restaurant..............20light exercise................24sketchbook..................26glass blowing...............28

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Urban Agricultural Learning Center

Studio 4 Instructors: Rick Sommerfeld

Rob PyattGroup Project

Our Mission: Create a community center capable of meeting the needs of users, allowing them to grow, while simultaneously supporting, compli-menting, and connecting to the surrounding land-scape.

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Cultiva Garden

Community Garden Plots

Children’s Garden

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Our clients urgently required offices, classrooms, rest rooms, processing shed/storage, kitchen and lobby space. We developed a conceptual campus plan encompassing the existing greenhouses. The circulation is redirected outdoors on porches there-by reducing conditioned interior space by 35% while integrating views of the surrounding land-scape and thus providing connections to nature.

This plan exploits the prevailing northwest winds to pas-sively cool the complex by replacing the stagnant warm space with cool air. We slanted the roofs in different direc-tions to maximize the light in each direction according to program. The classrooms are designed with an eastern sun exposure which creates a stimulating environment for the children in the morning while the dining area and kitchen en-joy the southern sun which bathes the space in light all day.

The offices and conference area are placed with eastern light to create a calming environment. To address the 200 year flood plain, we raised the elevation two feet with a gradual slope to existing grade.

This page: Site model pictureAdjacent Page: Site plan

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We designed our complex to be built in three phases based on the needs of the clients. Phase one consists of the offices, lobby, rest rooms and first classroom. Phase two would add a second classroom and storage shed to help house tools, tractors and nutrients. Phase three brings a dining and kitchen area with enough cold and dry storage to prepare meals everyday.

Far left: Campus planAdjacent: Grade change for flood plainBelow: Section through the class-rooms, dining area, rest rooms and pergolas; facing westTop left: Main corridor to front lobbyTop middle: Front lobby/entrance, rest rooms and first class roomFar right (Top): Classroom and outdoor dining/learning space Far right (Bottom): Horticulture therapy community beds facing complex

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After showing our agricultural center to Growing Gardens, they changed their minds on what they wanted. They believed that a campus plan would be too intrusive and bring too much change to the family owned farm. Also, amidst the co-workers, there was a lot of debate on priorities. The one thing on which everyone agreed was a simpler, less invasive plan to the site as well as a less no-ticeable parking lot. In attempting to please as many people as possible, I designed an outdoor shade structure that included bathrooms, a class-room and processing area that can also be used for demonstrations and teachings. Then, I reori-ented and pulled back the parking lot into the or-chard so that the surrounding trees would act as a natural screening for the parked cars.

Facing page: Outdoor classroom from NW.(Below): Section through classroom, bathroom, processing area and exterior circulation.

Children’s Garden

Horticulture

Shade StructureStudio 4 Instructors:

Rick Sommerfeld Rob Pyatt

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Classroom

Restrooms

Processing Area

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This page: An exploded diagram of the pieces that comprise the structure. I decided to use a steel Butler system with hollow components so that I could span greater distances with little support obstructing the usable space. On top are steel purlins that help support and hold on the roof. Below the structural skin are four types of spaces; a classroom, bathroom, processing area, and exterior circulation. Lastly, I designed garage doors to operate as thermostats making it easy to control the inside temperature.

Facing page: My structural grid is based on A=12’. In using this to organize my structure, there is a nice relationship between the proportions of the spaces. Opposite is my floor plan with ADA ramps and bathrooms.

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HostelStudio 3 Instructor :

Ping Xu

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I derived my concepts for the hostel from five keywords; experience, exposure, exploration, en-vironment, interaction.

Its organic form invites travelers to enjoy a space that blends with the natural environment and nurtures the human being. The architectural ele-ments excite visitors by exposing different spac-es through the profuse use of glass, open and flowing spaces.

This Page: Site map and sectionAdjacent Page: Floor plans

Following Page (Top): Interior perspective from the entrance of the hostel. (Below): South elevation.Across: Model picture from the east where the mountainside meets the amphitheater.

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I designed my atrium to attract the visitor by its inviting and compelling shape; a space that gets grander as you enter and proceed to walk through it. As you approach the building, you can appreci-ate that the structure is set into the natural land-scape and evolves naturally from it while creating an interaction between the two.

The recessed, posterior amphitheater is a perfect space to hold events and cultural activities that will bring people together in a safe yet thrilling en-vironment. It is also intended for both public and private users to casually interact. The overflowing pool and bar which creates an inviting space in front for snacks and drinks with new and old friends, once again soaking in the glorious views and capi-talizing on the place itself which is being visited.

The first level is a semi private space with a kitchen, laun-dry room, medical center, lounge and offices. The kitchen is self-serving and gives the users a space to try cooking native dishes as well as preparing big home style meals that bring everyone together. The community is com-posed of large coffee tables surrounded by comfortable couches where lodgers and travelers can come together to converse and relax.

The second level is completely private and houses the dormitories and main bathroom facilities. The bathrooms contain multiple toilets, showers and sinks. The private deck supports the main them of the architecture: interaction and an integral con-nection with the landscape and its beauty.

I have also designed a public roof garden where everyone can socialize while enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains. Each space in the hostel aspires to create social relationships and a seamless blending and transparency of one space to the next as well as the exterior landscape with the interior shelter. These aspects, together with the overall flowing design, are effective in push-ing through my overall theme of interaction.

I created two types of spaces: public and private. The pri-vate areas are for the people who paid for the facilities and lodging whereas public areas are intended for the people who came to visit and perhaps explore the architecture and the beautiful views it provides from its different el-evations. These spaces will focus on those travelers who want to socialize with the native people, learn more about different cultures, and engender friendships that help peo-ple grow and expand.

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A Pocketed Wood TableGreen Tech Instructor:

Julee Herdt

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The Pieced LampGreen Tech Instructor: Julee Herdt

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This Page: I began by going to the Salvation Army to find unique scraps that would create the form of the lamp. Here, I acquired the base and square candle holder. Once I created the overall lamp, I focused on its simpler inner features that define its true look. I installed a frosted circular covering over the light which gives the lamp a shape within a shape.

Adjacent Page: My idea was to take an old beat down coffee table and rejuvenate it. First, I sand-ed off the top layer to its original wood finish. Second, I laid out a tile formation guided by the natural wood grain. Then, I “pocketed” the table so that the tiles could sit within the wood. Lastly, I grouted the tiles into place while oiling, waxing, and buffing the surfaces.

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Design Thesis: In this project our two main focus-es were the slow food movement and working with an existing historical building. This included designing a dining and kitchen space for up to sixty people. First, I outlined the building with the natural slope of the site so that it appeared as though it was native to the area. With this in mind, I designed my addition so that it would blend in, not only with the neighboring establishments, but most importantly, to the building on which it is to be adjoined. Also, while designing my building, I maintained the existing horizontal and rectangular vocabulary of the surrounding buildings on Pearl Street. An enclosed front patio overlooks a veg-etable garden, with paths reminiscent of knot gar-dens. Lastly, the focus of my building: kitchen ex-posure. I gave most of the restaurant a constant line of sight to the kitchen so that diners could al-ways see what was being prepared and its source of sustainable, organic produce.

Facing Page: Neighborhood site. (Below): Sec-tional perspective through the kitchen and dining area

RestaurantStudio 2 Instructor:

Rori Knudtson

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Geometry

Kitchen Exposure

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This Page: Diagrams showing the three main components that comprise my restaurant. First, the geometry of my paths through the front gar-den is designed to be functional (connecting spac-es) and decorative (reminiscent of parterres). Sec-ond, I have outlined the different levels of kitchenexposure. Lastly, I show my intended circulation plan which orchestrates the movement through the restaurant. (Below): Section B facing west.

Facing Page: Floor plans of the roof, first level, and basement(Below): Section A facing east

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Roof Plan

First Floor

Basement

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Light Study

Studio 2 Instructor: Rori Knudtson

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This exercise was designed to help us understand how light is diffused and projected in a space. I designed my light box with trapezoidal pyramids that allows certain light in at different levels.

Facing Page: Interior photo from within light box.This Page (Left): Roof plan.(Below): Section D facing north and exterior pho-to of light box.

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One of the main reasons I went abroad was to prac-tice and further my free hand sketching skills. I was fortunate enough to be instructed by professor Alec McLean while he took us seven students throughout Italy and Sicily sketching famous European monuments.

StudyAbroad

Drawing Instructor: Alec Mclean

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GlassBlowing

Instructor:David Camner

Glassblowing captivated me from my very fist exposure. It connects me to my creativity and excites a passion I did not know existed. This is one of the things that intrigues me about art; it connects us to our feelings. I feel privileged to partake in a craft most people can only wonder about. Perfecting a craft is a present to yourself. Pictured here are an array of pieces I created over two years.

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2514 Ramona Street • Palo Alto, CA 94301650.269.0530 • [email protected]

CULLEN HOLLYN TAUB

SKILLS • Revit 2010, Sketchup• Adobe Suite -- Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign • Microsoft Suite-- Word, Excel, Power Point • Familiarity with AutoCAD 2010, Rhino, Flash• Architectural model-making; vintage furniture rehabilitation using green techniques• Tools used in construction and wood working; CNC machines and lasers

09/06-05/10 EDUCATION University of Colorado Denver, College of Architecture and Planning• Bachelor of Environmental Design, B.ENVD; Architecture track• Dean’s List two semesters• European Study Abroad Program through Syracuse University

06/10 - 12/10PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

BioSIP Research Structure, a CU research & environmental project Boulder, CO ARCHITECTURE INTERN for CU-based environmental material and first-ever architecturally patented technology. Under direction of Professor and Architect Julee Herdt; responsibilities including:• Design development drawings• BioSIP wall, roof, and floor panel installation • Modular building component assembly fabrication and preparation, off site and on• Exterior and interior design and construction

Glass Blowing and Design Palo Alto, CA INDEPENDENT DESIGNER, ASSISTANT, PRODUCTION LINE WORKER

• 5+ years of glass blowing• Cultivated a business arrangement with a local glass artisan, increasing sales and revenues • Managed relationships with freelance tradesman, commissioned salesman and manufacturers of custom pieces

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant Boulder, COHOST; BUS; EXPEDITER (SERVER ASSISTANT); KITCHEN

• Second highest grossing restaurant in Boulder.

06/04 - Present

08/10 - 12/10

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HOBBIES/INTERESTS

• Tennis, skiing, rock climbing, soccer, travel, scuba diving, golfing and reading• Traveled extensively in many countries: Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Sicily, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, England, Switzerland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Greece and the isles, Israel, Thai- land, Maldives, Fijian islands, Mexico, Costa Rica, Caribbean

ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS

Architecture Studio 4, “Growing Gardens” project Boulder, CO• Team Leader for architectural design currently under consideration by City of Boulder for potential development. Led four-person student design group for this community center proposal with strong integration to historic landscape

Study Abroad Florence, Italy• Honed hand sketching skills and became fluent in Italian• Resided with Florentine family while traveling throughout Italy, allowing me to gain insight into Italian traditions and culture

PHILANTHROPIC ACTIVITIES

01/10 - 04/10

05/09 - 06/09

08/09 - 12/09

International Volunteer with “Cross Cultural Solutions” Trang, Thailand• Educational development assistant for elementary-aged students in orientation to English language, speech and writing• Involvement in Thai cultural activities including Muay Thai kick boxing; silk weaving; plant- ing endangered mangrove trees; visiting sacred temples; and meeting and speaking with Buddhist monks

Food for the Homeless Program, Mafia Camps Corleone, Sicily• Field worker for food harvesting in re-acquired “Mafia Camp” agricultural land.

WORK EXHIBITED AND PUBLISHED

• Glass blowing work featured in leading California publication: Gentry Magazine • Architectural plans and model of “Growing Gardens” proposal selected for exhibition at the Dairy Center for the Arts, Boulder

04/10 - 05/10

10/08 - 10/08

a portfolio

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