Sophie Marina Donta

PROJECTS1. ATMOSPHERIC OBSERVATORY, Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, Saint Louis, MO 2. PUBLIC SPACE: LIGHT AND SHADOW, DeMun Park, Saint Louis, MO3. DESKTOP ECOSYSTEM / URBAN GREENHOUSE, Soulard, Saint Louis, MO4. PLAN FOR SAINT LOUIS / PRAIRIE URBANISM, Central West End, Saint Louis, MO5. SELECTED WORKS: DRAWING

SOPHIE MARINA DONTAWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN SAINT LOUIS

B.S in ARCHITECTURE, minor in URBAN DESIGN915 Meadowlark Drive Iowa City IA 52246

(319) 621-1768 smdonta@wustl.edu

PROJECTS1. ATMOSPHERIC OBSERVATORY, Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, Saint Louis, MO 2. PUBLIC SPACE: LIGHT AND SHADOW, DeMun Park, Saint Louis, MO3. DESKTOP ECOSYSTEM / URBAN GREENHOUSE, Soulard, Saint Louis, MO4. PLAN FOR SAINT LOUIS / PRAIRIE URBANISM, Central West End, Saint Louis, MO5. SELECTED WORKS: DRAWING

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SUSPENDED OBSERVATORYThis project includes a scientific laboratory and living space situated on top of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge north of Saint Louis to observe atmospheric conditions over the Mississippi river. My proposal includes additional public observation space to connect the project to the existing bridge’s current function as a public bike trail. The reflective, curvilinear structure is based on the bending of light that occurs at the horizon; many levels of linear outdoor walkways are included to encourage public interaction.

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PUBLIC SPACE: LIGHT AND SHADOWThis project includes a circulation plan, varying levels of enclosure, restrooms and a park office proposal for DeMun park in Saint Louis. The concept is based on responding to changing levels of daylight. Movable louvers in the structure create a pattern of shadows on the ground as the sun moves across the sky, and can be opened and closed so that the individual buildings respond to fast-changing weather conditions.

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DESKTOP ECOSYSTEMThis preliminary study project to the urban greenhouse involved choosing a plant (in this case the kalanchoe luciae succulant) and designing a self-contained desktop-sized environment based on its water, air, light, and temperature requirements. My environment is designed to maximize the light reaching this desert plant; semi-mirrored panels direct and reflect light inwards while letting light through when sunny, and a built-in fan keeps the environment dry.

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URBAN GREENHOUSEThe modular structure grows out of its site on a steep hill, reaching upwards towards the morning sun. It is sited adjacent to the interstate, and serves as a landmark for the destination area of Soulard, Saint Louis. Four stories of smaller pods are structured around a central circulation atrium; from within, visitors feel as if floating out over the interstate below. The plants within the greenhouse mimic the layers of a rainforest, with denser, greener plangings on the bottom floors, and sparser, more colorful air plants and bromeliads at the top.

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2nd floor

3rd floor

4th floor

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15existing topography

existing + past industrial zones

existing commerical + historical zones

PRAIRIE URBANISM: PLAN FOR SAINT LOUISThis first step involved mapping a proposal for the whole city. My plan encorporates several key strategies, including carbon forests, soil remediation, reintegration of natural midwestern landscapes such as prairie and wetland, productive strategies such as orchards and community gardens, and infill development.

proposed figure / ground

existing vacancy

proposed prairie / infill

16proposed wetlands

proposed remediation zones + carbon forests

proposed productive landscapes

PRAIRIE URBANISMThis project is centered around the intersection of vacancy with storm water management in the city of Saint Louis. I propose bridging the high-vacancy gaps between current commercial and cultural destinations by reintroducing native landscapes. These serve to mediate runoff while adding value through placemaking and recreation opportunities. The project operates at several scales--the city, the neighborhood, and the block--while considering details such as how the prairie interacts with bordering lots.

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APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB.

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Lewis Place

Vandeventer

Central West End

Grand Center

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section AA

section BB

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B B

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SELECTED WORKS: DRAWINGClockwise from top left:1. drafting detail, pencil on bristol 18x24in2. shadow study for DeMun Park (pg. 5-8) pencil on bristol 12x36in3. mapping material topography (rusted metal), pencil on mylar 24x36in4. jellyfish, watercolor 12x18in5. copy of a renaissance portrait, conte crayon 24x36in6. still life, conte crayon and charcoal 24x36in

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