NICHOLas PURCELLUNDERGRADUATEPORTFOLIO

Auburn University

BachelorofArchitectureBachelorofInteriorArchitecture

2008-Present

UNDERGRADUATEPORTFOLIO

NICHOLas PURCELL

The following is a collection of works representing my architectural endeavors and experiences while studying at Auburn University.

CONTENTS

South Loop Children’s Hospitalfall 2011 - spring 2012

Southside Sustainable Centerfall 2010

Ludotecaspring 2011

CONTENTS

Davis Arboretum Centerspring 2010

Lakehousefall 2009

Otherssketches, drawings, photography, résumé

Drawing inspiration from the rich, urban context of the Printer’s Row district in Chicago, The South Loop Children’s Hospital is designed as a facility to meet the needs of modern medical practices while accommodating the patients, hospital staff, and public visitors in a meaningful way. Both the vernacular and environmental qualities of the city’s existing buildings are manifested in the design of the structure. The form responds to the various districts and zones throughout the city and becomes extensions of these urban conditions. In keeping with this strategy, the patient fl oors are elevated above the street and surrounding buildings.

The patient, once admitted, is instantly engaged with the program. Spacious family rooms, outdoor dining terraces, and an auditorium are some of the amenities offered at the center. Views are continued throughout the building and focus on urban conditions surrounding the Loop and Printer’s Row districts. The canted formation of the bay windows creates specifi c zones for each patient and visitor. A sense of ownership is established for the room’s inhabitants. This principle, which is seen throughout the facility, is crucial for the encouragement of a patient’s comfort, happiness and health.

South Loop Children’s HospitalPRINTER’SROW,CHICAGO,ILLINOIS

fall 2011 - spring 2012professor: Kevin Moore

07

Inspired by the historic Chicago bay windows, the design focuses on engaging each patient with his/her view of the Printer’s Row neighborhood. Vistas are framed towards specifi c views down the street rather than across the block. The open views allow for ample observation of the surrounding urban atmosphere along this vibrant and historic corridor.

08

Top: The hosptial in relation to the exisiting fi gure ground of Chicago. Photographs show the existing corner condition of the site.

Left: Bay windows are prevelant in the traditional skyscraper. They offer more light and ventilation. This mthod is implemented in the SLCH (Right) Right) Rightpatient rooms.

SOUTHLOOPCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL 09

11

10 - 6

5

4

3

2

1

B

Level 3: Interventional/Diagnostic Cardiology, Central Sterile

Level 2: Prep/Hold/Recover, Radiology, Intensive Care

Level 1: Patient/Visitor Entrance, Emergency Room

Level B: General Storage, Mechanical

Level 11: Doctor’s Offi ces, Administration

Levels 10 - 6: Nursing Units

Level 5: Dietary Services, Community Outreach

Level 4: Pharmacy, Medical Records, Laboratory, Cardiovascular Surgery

Top: The canted patient windows would allow for ample views across the city and increase the presence of natural light in each room.

10

Top Left: Entrance and connection from the S. Clark St. to the lobby.

Center Left: The lobby would act as a welcoming environment for patients and visitors.

Top Left: The patient rooms offer seating and accommodations to enhance the visitors experience with each patient.

Right: Section of the patient rooms and bay windows.

SOUTHLOOPCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL 11

12

Left: The ground fl oor plan of the hospital (Level 1) accommodates visitor, patient, and emergency room traffi c. The lobby is situated on the Clark and Harrison Street intersection in order to obtain a presence on the corner. Two vertical egress arteries enable privacy for patients and medical staff while promoting effi ciency in public circulation.

Right: The arrangement of patient rooms and windows are refl ections of the views towards the outside city. Each zone focuses on a different urban situation, whether it is a park or the undulating volumes of the Printer’s Row District. A family room is in the center of the plan and creates a node of peace and play for visiting guests.

Overleaf: longitudinal section facing eastward. Public space fl ows from the lobby on Level 1 to the auditorium, cafeteria, and community centers on Level 5. This scheme enables the surgical and patient levels to be divided programmatically by active, public space. Patient rooms look down upon these various spaces to view people lounging, dining, or socializing.

13

14

SOUTHLOOPCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL 15

16

SOUTHLOOPCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL17

Left: transverse section facing southward. The lobby-atrium gradually moves upward to Level 5 and creates a clear connection with the public space of the street to the elevated terrace and cafeteria. Patient room windows are canted at different angles to create special and unique views for each guest.

Right: Diagrams showing various systems in the building.

Structure

HVACHVAC

Vertical CirculationVertical Circulation

18

The hospital reacts to the existing spatial conditions and urban context of the city. The lower band relates to the street, while the upper bands (patient levels) setback, open up, and allows for sunlight and the vistas of the cityscape to interact with each guest’s experience during his/her stay.

SOUTHLOOPCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL19

The Southside Sustainability Center is a commercial, residential, and hands-on educational building in the industrial/arts district of east Birmingham, Alabama. The center engages the community and acts as a resource of urban renewal with ecologically-geared initiatives. It houses two of the state’s largest environmentally-conscious organizations, along with a restaurant, organic grocery, bike share program, and a community kitchen. Inspired by the industrial nature of Birmingham and the nearby Sloss Furnace, the SSC echoes the characteristics of the existing urban fabric and embraces the past legacy of the city while showcasing the clean-industrial way of the future.

The center links the surrounding neighborhood together and acts as a social forum for discussion, commerce, and living. A recycling center will reuse the food waste and packaging materials from the café, grocery, and kitchen into a compostable soil for an urban farm. The center would act as an example of sustainable methods for design, health, transportation, and everyday living. Architecturally, the structure engages the landscape around it. Acting upon the urban language of the industrial zone, the center emphasizes the importance of the land and integrates systems that harvest and reuse energy, water, ventilation, and food from its natural surroundings.

Southside Sustainable CenterBIRMINGHAM,ALABAMA

fall 2010professor: Sheri Schumacker

21

Left: Birmingham lies in the north-central region of Alabama and the site is located southeast of the downtown district.

Below: Many of the adjacent buildings are warehouse or storage facilities. The district is heightening in popularity and quickly becoming an area for both the visual and culinary arts.

Overleaf: transverse section looking northward. The SSC houses an interactive retaining pond that is used to water the urban farm and sustain the center’s plumbing needs. A screen shields the building from the elements while allowing for an operable exterior that passively cools the building.

22

3

4

2

1

5

6

7

8

1: Bike Share Program

2: Lobby/Vertical Circulation

3: Offi ces

4: Double-Height Corridor

5: Community Kitchen/Cafe

6: Green Grocery

7: Greenhouses

8: Residences

Below: The SSC was a retrofi t of an existing school in the district. Many of the materials were salvaged and used for infi ll/landscaping.

SOUTHSIDESUSTAINABLECENTERSOUTHSIDESUSTAINABLECENTER 2323

24

SOUTHSIDESUSTAINABLECENTER 25

26

Left: The ground fl oor of the SSC houses several programmatic elements that have a connection with the exterior. The land and structure have a symbiotic relationship. Crops are planted, grown, cultivated, and later sold on property.

Above: Residences and additional offi ce/meeting space compose the upper level of the SCC. Exterior windows offer cross-ventilation and increase the presence of sunlight in the interior.

Below: longitudinal section looking westward. The canted rooftop is lined with solar pv arrays and the thermal chimney act as ventilators for the interior structure.

SOUTHSIDESUSTAINABLECENTER 27

A Ludoteca is a children’s toy library and play-place. It is often used by European families who are eager to please their children through the act of play, but would rather do so as a collective. The sundry of toys are stored and shared, much like a modern library, and distributed throughout the center. This project focuses on integrating the action of ‘play’ while structuring the program to respond to the existing urban fabric. Trastevere, a district of Rome, is rich with baroque and medieval architecture. The Ludoteca is located adjacent to the historic cloister of Santa Cecilia.

Respectively, the program separates itself from the convent and focuses its attention towards an outward interaction with the streetscape. Operable windows cantilever into the medieval passageway and offer views towards the piazza, while interior playgrounds and a rooftop garden create interactive havens for visiting children. The center reacts to the surrounding architecture of Rome and adapts to meet the needs of its occupants while responding to the traditional program of the area.

ludotecaTRASTEVERE,ROME,ITALY

spring 2011professor: Scott Finn

29

Left: The Ludoteca is located north of the Tiber River and is adjacent to the convent wall of Santa Cecilia. The River, piazza, and other various sites are viewable from the building.

Above: The varying roof heights and terraces of Trastevere infl uenced the form of the Ludoteca.

Opposite Top: An operable screen and thermal chimney allow the building to breathe and cool itself in a passive manner.

Oppostie Bottom: Santa Cecilia has a strong presence in the district and holds its position on the piazza. The cloister wall can be seen in the sketch to the right.

LUDOTECA 31

Below: Scaffolding and windows shutters are a common site in the district of Trastevere. The operable screen of the Ludoteca is designed to mimic the look and use of such a system. Initial sketches of both the interior and exterior of the center were infl uenced by this idea.

Opposite Center: The second fl oor is home to the toy library, classroom, and gymnasium. A circular staircase ushers guests upward into the three levels, while a children’s slide acts as a gateway from the third fl oor playroom to the gymnasium.

Opposite Bottom:The ground fl oor of the Ludoteca is comprised of the lobby, nursery, and administrative offi ces. The entrance is tucked into the corner of the facade in order to create a sense of entry.

Opposite Top: Level three of the Ludoteca is topped by an interactive roof garden and playscape. A dining hall allows for the space to be useful for special events and daily nutritional needs.

32

Level 3

Level 2

Level 1

Center: Shutters and screens are a vernacular architectural characteristic of the region. The Ludoteca has a similar system that was infl uenced by the thermal and sound qualities of such systems.

Below: northward-facing elevation. The Ludoteca has a series of volumes that interact with the street and relate specifi c views down the meandering roads. Covering for shade and a screen increase the adaptability of the building.

Opposite: Guests entering the facility are welcomed in the lobby and begin their journey into the Ludoteca via a circular stair. Inset track lighting and built-in furniture increase the public’s interaction with the building.

34

LUDOTECA 35

North-facing Longitudinal Section:Action, movement, and play are important factors in the design of the Ludoteca. Rooms are designed to connect with each other and act as a processional and programmatic organizational tool. The opened roof garden houses a nature center and garden for educational purposes.

East-facing Transverse Sections

36

LUDOTECA 37

Opposite: The undulating bay windows and screen act as shading devices for pedestrians and create a contrasting pattern between light and dark. The Ludoteca opens up to the street, but conceals itself on the upper levels in order to respect the formal character of the piazza.

Top: A circular staircase ties the building’s various functions together and creates a unifi ed space in the interior.

LUDOTECA 39

The nature center is designed to promote more interaction within the Davis Arboretum in the fi elds of inter-collegiate lectures, educational laboratories, fl exible offi ce space, and exhibitions. Conceptually, the design for the structure is focused on the importance of connecting people and the facility with the environment. This is accomplished by the engagement of the ground plane with the lower level and the incorporation of a green roof. The double-skin umbrella roof is located on the eastern side of the center and is used for thermal conditioning. Its cradling form engulfs the main building to mimic the canopy effect of fl ora and decrease thermal heat gain.

Davis Arboretum CenterAUBURNUNIVERSITY,ALABAMA

spring 2010professor: Justin Miller

41

42

Opposite: The center is located at the entrance of the Davis Arboretum, directly across from the Auburn University Presendent’s Home. Its prime location offers the assurance for heavy foottraffi c and street interaction.

Below: east-facing elevation. An undjulating umbrella roof and deep awning decreases the amount of heat gained by the building. The two-tiered landscape connects the lower level of the center with the upper lobby and educational rooms.

Right: The building is divided into three componets: the inner core, educational wing and auditorium theatre.

43

Left: Guests enter at Level 2 and are greeted with a welcoming lobby and visitor’s center. The auditorium spans outward into the arboretum to focus views on the surrounding landscape. Offi ces are housed on the upper level and the ground level is used for educational workshops and nature maintenance facilities.

Opposite: The center interacts with the landscapes and creates forms that encourage social events and ceremonies that are often held at the property.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

44

DAVISARBORETUMCENTER 45

DAVISARBORETUMCENTER 46

Opposite: A butterfl y-style roof collects rainwater and stores the excess in underground cisterns that reuse the water for plumbing needs. Skylights and other features bring sunlight into the interior of the building.

Below: southward-facing longitudinal section. The angular structure of the roof increases the amount of direct sunlight into the building’s educational rooms and auditorium.

DAVISARBORETUMCENTER 47

48

Left: An earlier model shows the structural framework that would support the umbrella roof.

Below: east-ward facing transverse section. An expansive natural landscape acts as background to the interior of the auditorium and educational facilities.

DAVISARBORETUMCENTER 49

Inspired by the masts and sails of ships, the lake house adapts to the landscape and appears to cast off towards the lake vistas below. The interior of the home is based on a sequencing of spaces. One enters the house, and slowly progresses from the ground level to the public spaces on the lower tier of the building. Nestled courtyards, overhanging decks, and dynamic volumes create interactive forms within the building. The home shelters its inhabitants while engaging the surrounding hillside and lakefront in order to create a close connection with the house and nature.

LakehouseLAKEMARTIN,ALABAMA

fall 2009professor: Robert Faust

51

52

Left: eastward-facing elevation. The home cradles the interior courtyard and creates a myriad of intriguing windows on the western facade. Fins act as shading devices on the interior and cast a continual play of contrasting light and shadow.

Below: The home is designed with the most intimate and private of spaces on the top level, and subsequently, the public and entertaining spaces are on the lower level.

Right: The lake house is situated on a wooden lot between two previously built homes. The courtyard is on the eastern-front of the home and repeats the existing pattern of public space seen by the neighboring houses.

LAKEHOUSELAKEHOUSELAKEHOUSE 535353

Left:Left: south-facing transverse section. A craft and section. A craft and entertainment room are present entertainment room are present on the lower level, while the main on the lower level, while the main resident chambers and a guest resident chambers and a guest room interact with the courtyard room interact with the courtyard and lake below. and lake below.

Below:Below: The house has a dynamic form and engaging presence on form and engaging presence on the landscape. the landscape.

Opposite:Opposite: north-facing elevation. The view from the lake towards The view from the lake towards the house is one that mirrors the the house is one that mirrors the bow of a ship. bow of a ship.

54

55

OTHERSSKETCHES,DRAWINGS,&PHOTOGRAPHY

57

Opelika Bookstore Facadefall 2009

This project was focused on creating a playful elevation that would interact with patrons of a local bookstore. Openings and enclosures cascade down the facade to meet the ground and create a portico effect.

58

OTHERS 59

Tridente, Piazza del Popolo, Romespring 2011

Campidoglio, Rome

60

Villa Giulia, Rome

OTHERS 61

Cupboard Child2008charcoal and ebony

Legislative Assembly, Chandigarh2009graphite

62

OTHERS 63

64

EMPAC, Troy2009graphite

St. Peter’s, Rome2011

Santa Maria in Montesanto, Rome2011

OTHERS 65

Amsterdam Paris Lucca

Above: A collection of photographs that capture the spirit of each locale.

Opposite: Logos and other graphic design pieces.

66

Venice Chicago

OTHERS 67

E D U C A T I O N

Auburn University — Auburn, AL 2008 - PresentSchool of Architecture

Bachelor of Architecture/Interior Architecture, expected 2013 GPA: 3.61

Auburn University CADC SCA Vice President. 2012 Student Intern in 2:52 program & Greeting Captain at Church of the Highlands, Auburn. 2011 - Present Rome, Italy design study abroad program. 2011 College of Architecture, Design & Construction Student Ambassador. 2010 - 2011 Chairman for Auburn AIAS-sponsored events. 2009 - Present

Alabama Architectural Foundation Scholarship. 2011 CADC Dean’s List 2010, 2011 Frank J. Sindelar Endowed Scholarship. 2010 William T. Warren & William T. Warren, Jr. Endowed Scholarship. 2009 Auburn University Leadership and Achievement Scholarship 2008 - Present

Hazel Green High School — Hazel Green, AL 2004 - 2008Advanced Diploma with Honors, May 2008

GPA: 3.98

E X P E R I E N C E

City of Huntsville Department of Planning GIS — Huntsville, AL 05.2010 - 08.2010Offi ce & Field Intern

Performed clerical tasks throughout the offi ce during regular days. Shadowed lead administrators through planning and governmental tasks. Visited fi eld sites and conducted survey and analysis of city property. Recorded data through ArcGIS and various mapping programs.

Matheny Goldmon Architects, LLC — Huntsville, AL 06.2008 & 12.2008Offi ce Intern

Performed clerical tasks for offi ce administration. Shadowed lead principles through the design process. Visited construction sites and reviewed plans and documents. Completed minor tasks in AutoCAD and Adobe Illustrator.

Von Braun Center — Huntsville, AL 01.2006 - 08.2009Concessions EmployeeConcessions Employee

Interacted with customers in order to fulfi ll food orders. Involved in the stocking, cleaning, cooking, and order placement process of the department. Worked as a team with other colleagues to achieve a well-maintained concessions stand for various events with a diverse fi eld of customers. Designed and produced graphic art instillations for events.

S K I L L S

Computer General

Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Offi ce Suite, Design, Teaming, Research, Planning, Sketching & AutoCAD, (working knowledge in Revit, Ecotect) Drawing, Model Making, Administrating

R E F E R E N C E S

Justin Miller, 428 Dudley Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849, Justin.Miller@auburn.edu, 334.844.5171

Karla Hickman, 323 Airport Rd., Auburn, AL 36830, karla@churchofthehighlands.com, 205.980.5577

Timothy Barnes, 308 Fountain Circle Annex Building, Huntsville, AL 35801, Tim.Barnes@huntsvilleal.gov, 256.427.5100

Nicholas purcell

114 Coyote Creek Rd.Meridianville, AL

256.651.2363nkp0001@auburn.edu