lauren bochenko

The site is a garden learning center meant to bring the

community together and show the process of natural growth.

This site reunites people with the earth as they experience and

learn about gardening while reconnecting with the history of the

area. The materials and experience of the site are designed to

encourage sustainable building and living. The learning center’s

rammed earth walls unify the structure with the ground.

The Valley Memorial Park connects a historical Phoenix

cemetery with the natural landscapes. This park is a

portion of a larger inactive cemetery that memorializes the

Phoenix founders and soldiers of wars of the nineteenth

century. Shapes and forms of the park mimic those seen

by the early pioneers and what we experience today. The

unifying concept of this project is harmony and balanced

movement expressed through the geometry of natural

elements such as the Fibonacci sequence. The spiraling

shell shape of the refl ection space connects to the curved

walkway and spiraling fountain at the entrance to the

historical center. Repetition of these patterns mimics the

spontaneous fl ow of natural elements.

A two story modular home consists of four modules and a fl at pack

connecting section that forms a carport with a second level balcony space.

These versatile building units are designed for effi cient, affordable public

housing. They can be prefabricated, delivered, and then positioned to

form the living spaces. The mix-and-match modules allow for variation in

interior building programs serving a diversity of needs. An effi cient fl oor

plan design allows for yard space on all sides. Large window openings

with pivoting trex panels open the facade to create active air fl ow and

cross circulation (blue arrows). These large windows open to porch spaces

creating opportunities for the residents to engage with the local community

and the neighboring park space. Trex, a form of recycled plastic lumber, is a

sustainable alternative for the exterior siding creating a well-defi ned facade.

The standard medium of a cube provides the foundation for

conceptual development. First, a cube is expressed as a series of lines

with 2x4s modifi ed only by length. Second, the cube is expressed

as void forms by cutting plywood and as mass forms in concrete fi ll

when the material is slightly modifi ed in incremental steps.

The Contemporary Art Center embraces the urban fabric of Phoenix, creating an outlet

for artistic youth. Inspired by the neighboring coffee shop and market, this arts center

forms an eclectic environment for artistic expression. The ribbed structure creates

movement through three masses connecting public and private spaces. The ribs reach

out from a regulated building mass into a disorganized landscape symbolic of the

unruliness of art and the unity of artists.

The movement of the regulated transitional geometry of the cube study inspires a

rather complex geometry to the arts center in section. The small transitions over a

span defi ne interest on the exterior and an interactive explorative space on the interior.

Sectional transitional geometry offers the opportunity for manipulation of light and

shadows to help defi ne public and private spaces. The repetition of the structure would

draw people in from the street and encourage movement through space.

A fl exible urban park and library is inspired by the neighboring context of the

Sunnyslope community. An L-shaped fl oor plan opens view ports to the community

and forms circulation corridors through the building. Interactive sloped roof

planes create an accessible elevated park forming niches for gathering. An informal

environment of public space is created in the library and outside on the elevated park

through the creation of multi-purpose spaces. The sloped planes allow the user to

inhabit the space in a variety of ways, tossing a frisbee or reclining while reading. The

Sunny Slopes connects the canal, bike path, high school and residents to a unifying

community space. The initial building form was prompted by the canal. The prismatic

qualities of light in water produce polygonal planes that developed into the roof

planes. This bending geometry composed of fl at planes intersecting at different angles

was inspired by architect Daniel Libeskind’s work.

In Latin, Camera Obscura means “darkened room.” It is an optical device used to project an

image of its surroundings onto a surface inside a dark room. Originally used in drawing, the

Camera Obscura contributed to the invention of the camera and development of photography.

Today they are featured as full size exhibits built for public use and entertainment. Two

structures were built to be visually reminiscent of small village dwellings. The different sizes

offer two distinct experiences — a large structure for adults and a small one for children.

The two Camera Obscuras were displayed at the Scottsdale Arts Festival (March 11-13, 2011).

Our studio worked with Scottsdale Public Art to create an interactive experience. It was

ironic that guests concealed inside the structures observed the busy outside activity and the

people passing by were unaware of being watched. The Camera Obscuras provided a life size

experience to understand how a camera functions. The exhibit was popular with all ages;

there was continuous participation throughout the weekend.

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Point B Design focuses on furniture and architecture for commercial and

residential clients. Tables, doors, stools, stairs, among others pieces are

produced using advancing digital technologies in parametric design and

digital fabrication.

Conceptual design, analysis, and production work for residential and

commercial projects are part of daily activities. Wind analysis and solar

studies were produced during the conceptual development and form fi nding

phases for a proposed residence in New Mexico. The home is intended

to connect with nature sitting at a high point looking over a valley and to

accent surrounding views. Facade renovation for a Dermatology offi ce is

intended to make two structures cohesive, market the brand, and provide a

modern update to fi t the growth, direction, and clientele of their company.

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