graduate admissions portfolio

Allison Burrell

Table of Contents

Urban Context

[micro] Libraries - Detroit, MI

Axial Estrangement - Detroit, MIMedia Lab - Ypsilanti, MI

Live/Work Barn - Ann Arbor, MIExploited Detroit

Indefinite VoidSuspension

ExactitudeAlphabet in Shadows

Squat Hotel - Rotterdam, NL

Altered Landscape

Abstract Representation

Analysis

Spatial Studies

Installation

Allison BurrellM Arch Applicant3649 Wards PointOrchard Lake, MI 48324

Urban ContextAxial Estrangement - Detroit, MIMedia Lab - Ypsilanti, MI

Axial EstrangementArch 432_Design Studio 3Keith Mitnick - Fall 2011

Set adjacent to the abandoned Michigan Central Station, this project responds to the train station’s axis, while creating a new one. The building is set on it’s own axis to counteract the inherent axis from the train station. The train stations axis is brought to the interior through a view cut through the building. The interior axis is extended to the train station through a red projected cut on the landscape and the built structure.

Detroit, Michigan

Photo-construct illustrating estrangement Interior estrangement conceptual model

North - South Section

Model illustrating estranged axis projection

Diagram of estranged axis versus building circulation

Estranged axis interior view Circulation confusion

Axis within the interior office space

First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

This Media Lab for the research and creation of new forms of media interaction achieves more public engagement with the research. The organization of the design is centered around a public circulation that allows Ypsilanti residents to experience old innovations in a new way through advances in technology. The circulation has immersive environments that allow for more normative human interactions with the technology.

Media LabArch 312_Design Studio 1Joshua Bard - Fall 2010

Ypsilanti, Michigan

Circulation diagram of interactive environments

First Floor Plan Second Floor Plan

Third Floor Plan Fourth Floor Plan

Section model studying the continuous circulation

Section illustrating immersive environments

ExactitudeAlphabet in Shadows

Abstract Representation

ExactitudeArch 218_Visual StudiesDawn Gilpin - Fall 2009

Based on the memo “Exactitude” from The Six Memos for the Next Millennium by Italo Calvino, the Fibonacci sequence is used to create an architectural space. The surrounding ground is a burrowed space which is carried into the structure, forcing the inhabitant to crawl through it.

Alphabet in ShadowsArch 212_Understanding ArchitectureMelissa Harris - Winter 2009

This project focuses on the use of shadows to create letters in the alphabet. Photos are taken around the University of Michigan Central Campus. The project forces the observer to include shadow in their read of the image.

Live/Work Barn - Ann Arbor, MIExploited Detroit

Analysis

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Live/Work BarnArch 317_ConstructionEllen Donnelly - Fall 2010

This Live/Work barn is sited in Ann Arbor and serves as a case study of construction methods. Through the use of a cut away model, construction techniques are explored while staying true to the nature of the barn. Work on this model was done in conjunction with two other students, Owen Maher and Arthur Ferris. Drawings shown are examples of drawings which I red-lined as project manager. The drawings were completed by Owen Maher and Alexis Galinis.

Concrete block foundation

Unfinished attic

Cutaway wall detail

Exposed structural roof rafter

Finished living space

North Elevation

South Elevation

Exploited DetroitFall 2011

Images of destruction in Detroit are exploited through photographic manipulation. Either through surface manipulation or construction in 3-D space, the inherent properties of the photographs are exaggerated.

Detroit, Michigan

Indefinite VoidSuspension

Spatial Studies

Indefinite VoidArch 312_Design Studio 1Joshua Bard - Fall 2010

A spatial binary is explored through video, modeling and drawing. Solid and void space is relative to the frame of reference. Only with a clear reference frame can the void be definite, otherwise the perceived void space is ambiguous. Through the model definite frames on the exterior lead to unknown interior voids.

Model illustrating the definite exterior and indefinite interior

Conceptual drawing of reference frame in relation to perceived void space

Indefinite void axon

Indefinite void sections

SuspensionArch 322_Design Studio 2David Moon - Winter 2011

Different scales of photography are exploited to create a photo from which to build an abstract structure. The photos taken focus on the idea of structural suspension, which is carried through in the model. The basswood structure is built to appear random, but is composed of a structure of differing size rectangular frames. The whole structure is suspended from two points at the top of the construct.

Suspension Model

[micro] Libraries - Detroit, MI

Altered Landscape

[micro] LibrariesArch 322_Design Studio 2David Moon - Winter 2011

The neighborhood of Brush Park provides a context of flat open land in an urban setting. The library is fragmented with green-space dividing it into three micro libraries, while still keeping the appearance of one large monumental library. Apertures are focused on capturing views of the surrounding green-space, anticipating the positive re-growth to happen in that space. The landscape is carved to promote interaction between the occupants of the different libraries.

Detroit, Michigan

North - South event space section

Site analysis of vacant land

Vacant land

Developed land

Library model illustrating micro libraries

Family Library Youth Library Event Space

East - West Section

Library model entrance photos

First Floor Plan

Construction methods sectionInitial folding study model

Squat Hotel - Rotterdam, NL

Installation

Squat HotelArch 409_Post Squat: NLDavid Moon - Spring 2011

This proposal has been chosen to be continued into an installation at the 2012 International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam. In this summer independent research course, modular systems are used in empty office space to create a hotel run by squatters. The integration of squat and hotel space provides a way to fund the squatters lifestyle and change the public image of squatters over time

Rotterdam, Holland

Initial module schematic diagrams

Second iteration of hotel modules

Interior section perspectives of hotel rooms

Interior perspective of the squat hotel

Hotel section illustrating the gradient of squat space to hotel space

Allison BurrellM Arch Applicant3649 Wards PointOrchard Lake, MI 48324