professional portfolio - richard william off
DESCRIPTION
Architecture - Professional Portfolio - MS.AUD - Columbia University (GSAPP) B.ARCH - Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteTRANSCRIPT
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
RICHARD WILLIAM OFF MS.AUD (COLUMBIA) & B.ARCH (RENSSELAER)
TECTONIC LANGUAGE & THE PHENOMENOLOGY OF LIGHT & MATERIAL
Masters - Architecture & Urban Design (MS.AUD 2012)Columbia University (GSAPP) - Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation
Concentrations - Ecological Urbanism, City Housing Fabrics & Typologies, Urban History/Theory
Bachelors - Architecture (B.ARCH 2010)Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) - School of Architecture & School of Engineering
Concentrations - Design of Long Span & High Rise Structures, History/Theory of Modernism
Education
ProfessionalExperience
AcademicExperience
Project Manager (August 2013 - Present)Architensions - Brooklyn, New York
Architectural Designer (March 2013 - Present)Architensions - Brooklyn, New York Responsibilities - Completed research, drawings & renderings for multiple projects & publications.
Urban Designer & Planner (August - December 2010)Architecture For Humanity - Brooklyn, New York
Responsibilities - Completed research & proposals, particpiated in community board meetings.
Responsibilities - Led design & execution, including concept, permit �ling & construction documents.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Architecture Research Fellow (May 2010 - February 2013)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) - Brown Fellowship Recipient Responsibilities - Traveled throughout East Asia to research hyper-dense cities & high-rise urbanism.
- Presnted analysis & photography in lecture & exhibition at Rensselaer.
Urban Researcher / Designer (January - May 2012)
Columbia University (GSAPP) & Sao Paulo Housing Authority - Kinne Grant Recipient Responsibilities - Traveled to Brazil to research relationship between favelas & urban watershed.
Architecture Teaching Assistant (December 2007 - January 2010)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) - School of Architecture
Invited Guest Critic - Architectural Design Studio
(Fall 2014)
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) - School of Architecture & Design
Invited Juror / Award Committee - Brown Fellowship Competition
(Fall 2012)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) - School of Architecture
Responsibilities - Led Seminars, graded papers & �nal exams, evaluated presentations.
Fluid Cube HouseLuxury Modern Dwelling For An Art Collector
Blurring BoxesLandmark Townhouse Addition & Renovation
Writing Retreat Lush Garden Escape For Creative Expression
Whirlwind WallRecycled Material Systemitized Into Space
In�nity ScapeAbandoned Factory Given New Urban Life
Centers Of GravityHungarian Architecture & Photo Museums
Bamiyan Valley Visitors Centre For UNESCO Heritage Site
Aesop WTCCosmetics Store In Port Authority Transit Hub
BOFFO Pop-Up Fashion Week Pavillion For Michael Bastian
PORTFOLIO CONTENT
ResidentialProjects
CommercialProjects
CulturalProjects
Malaga, Andalusia, Spain - Single Family Residence
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY - Multi Family Residence
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY - Private Garden Pavillion
World Trade Center, Manhattan, NY - Retail Storefront
Super Pier 57, Manhattan, NY - Temporary Retail Space
Quarto Inferiore, Bologna, Italy - Mixed-Use Arcade, Hotel
Varosliget Park, Budapest, Hungary - Gallery Complex
Bamiyan, Hazarijat, Afghanistan - Gallery, Research Facility
Governors Island, New York, NY - Temporary Event Space
FLUID CUBE HOUSE
Location: Girona, Catalonia, Spain
Program: Single Family / Residential
Size: 400 SqM / 2 Stories + Basement
Construction: Concrete, Glass, Cor-ten Steel
Client: Neil Radnall / Imaestri (Developer)
Consultants: Ramboll UK (Eng.)
Status: Design Development
Luxury Modern Dwelling For An Art Collector
Inspired by the cultural and artistic heritage of the Catalonia region, the design is a synthesis between the rhythm of the cubist period of Picasso and the more �uid shapes found in the works of Dali and Gaudi. In classical form, the highly sculpted mass is placed on a rectangular concrete plinth, containing a �nished basement. The ground �oor is dominated by carved curvilinear spaces, structurally supporting a cantilevered �rst �oor contained in a more rigid volume. This level is clad with expanded Cor-ten steel which serves as a sun �lter and protects the more private functions of the house. The screen is composed by a series of modular operable panels that can fold and slide, playfully concealing and revealing the outdoor landscape. Behind the mesh, �oor to ceiling sliding glass doors allow the house to use passive cooling and cross ventilation.
The site cast reinforced concrete shapes derive from the rugged topography of the Mediterranean coast, and also refer to the structural geometry of catenary arches. Contrasting as well as complementing this grey �uidity is the angular form of the exterior cor-ten staircase, which links the ground directly to the private master-suite and roof garden terrace.
First Floor Plan - Master Suite, Bedrooms & Gallery
Ground Floor Plan - Foyer, Living, Kitchen & Dining Areas
East-West Longitudinal Section
North Elevation / Facade
South Elevation / Facade
North-South Cross Section
West Elevation / Facade
East Elevation / Facade
Proportioned Solid Mass
Catenary Curve Subtraction
Resulting Sculpted Volume
Porous Fluid Cube
BLURRING BOXES
Location: Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY
Program: Multi Family / Residential
Size: 1700 SqF / Basement & 1st Floor/Extension
Construction: Brick Masonry, Concrete, Wood Clad
Client: Townhouse Owners / Residents
Consultants: ADG (Eng.), Alex Garcia (Contr.)
Status: Construction Administration
Landmark Townhouse Addition & Renovation
Built in 1870, this landmarked townhouse is of wood frame and masonry construction in the the Italianate Style. To respect the vernacular, and adapt to the unique requirements of landmark wood buildings in New York, a combination of brick walls and light wood cladding was used to construct two new additions on the rear yard facade, interpreted in a contemporary fashion. Conceived as more of an extension of space, rather than a tacking on of extra rooms, two cubic and proportional volumes push outward and upward from the basement level into the rear yard, blurring the interior with garden.
To contrast the existing lighter colored masonry and wood siding, a blackened and burnt looking set of textures was chosen, so the additions might be the signature spatial composition of the new rear facade. Mangenese ironspot brick is clad in a series of vertical slats, forming a porous screen which partially overlaps large operable windows, and extends upward to form the guard rail of a new terrace off the �rst �oor master suite. The wood is literally burnt, utilizing the Japenese shou sugi ban technique of charring wood to protect it from the elements, and accentuating its natural texture.
BLURRING BOXES
Basement Plan - Living Room & Kitchen Additions
Longitudinal Section - Living Room & Kitchen Additions
WRITING RETREAT
Location: Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY
Program: Private Garden Pavillion / Residential
Size: 80 SqF / 1 Story
Construction: Wood, Brick, Concrete
Client: Townhouse Owners / Residents
Consultants: Alex Garcia (Fabr. / Contr.)
Status: Design Devlopment
Lush Garden Escape For Creative Expression
Writing involves the creation of parallel imaginative worlds, and to produce those in�nite options which exist outside our everday realities, a condition of isolation and sometimes solitude within nature is required. This small hut is located in the lush and protected garden of a couple which dedicates their free time to producing original novels. The sectional shape is a device to bring natural light inside while viewing the landscape as if through the apertures of a camera. The room is furnished with a chair, writing table, and a sofa with storage. The roof is designed as a large sloped lightwell which is open towards the trees and the sky, while the south facade is consumed by an opening overlooking the garden.
The structure is elevated on a concrete cantilivered plinth to generate a more expansive view of the garden and to create an area for garden equipment storage underneath. The hut itself is a traditional wood frame construction, conceived of as a more seamless and contemporary interpretation of the country barn typology. The exterior is clad in dark wood vertical siding which is continous with a new wooden garden fence also composed of vertical slats which act as a semi-porous screen or �lter.
Ground Floor Plan
Cross Section - Facing West
North Elevation / Facade
Roof Plan
Cross Section - Facing East
South Elevation / Facade
AESOP WTC
Location: World Trade Center, Manhattan, NY
Program: Retail Storefront / Commercial
Size: 300 SqF / 1 Story Storefront
Construction: Birchwood, Cor-ten Steel, Leather
Client: Aesop USA (Tenant) / West�eld (Landlord)
Consultants: ET (Eng.), DigiFab (Fabri.)
Status: Construction Administration
Cosmetics Store In Port Authority Transit Hub
Inspired by its Manhattan location, the design of Aesop WTC embraces a contemporary interpretation of the modern Art Deco style. A series of streamlined horizontal curving bands wrap around a small linear space, contouring the walls and ceiling to mitigate the irregularities of an awkwardly shaped existing plan. Sinuous contours dive in and out of the walls to create varied size niches for storage and display of bottles and boxes. A more substanbtial bump out is created where the store is widest to create a natural point of sale, and a semi-private area for the cashier, and for employees to place and retrieve items from a back of house closet, hidden by a pocket door.
The topography of grey birch continue upwards, and also moves inward to make a tall ceiling more intimate, and to conceal mechanical ducts. This stepping generates a pattern of recessed coves which illuminate the overall space, and supplement shelf lighting which more directly showcases the products. As a brand which emphasizes natural material, a combination of warm tactile surfaces has been selected, including leather tile �oors, cor-ten shelves and burlap display backing, all to feature and frame the signature amber glass bottles.
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Floor Plan & Store Layout
Re�ected Ceiling Plan & Lighting
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Cross Section A-A’ Cross Section B-B’
Longitudinal Section E-E’
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Re�ected Ceiling Plan & Lighting
Cross Section B-B’ Cross Section C-C’
Cross Section D-D’
BOFFO POP-UP
Location: Super Pier 57, Manhattan, NY
Program: Temporary Retail Space / Commercial
Size: 160 SqF / 8’x20’ Std. Shipping Container
Construction: Homasote Boards, Acrylic Rods
Client: Boffo (Sponsor), M.Bastian (Designer)
Consultants: SFDS (Fabr.), L’Observatoire (Light.)
Status: Design Devlopment
Fashion Week Pavillion For Michael Bastian
The space generating mechanism of this store is a prefabricated modular system of panels, where differentiation is created through varied dimensions and directionality. The modules aggregate to de�ne two different conditions which alternate in plan and section. The Show module occurs when the boards are parallel to the perimeter walls and will be used to feature a complete look-book out�t from the collection. The Hide module occurs when the boards are perpendicular to the perimeter walls and will be used for storing and hanging the clothing without compromising its visibility.
The design utilizes Homasote boards as the main construction material, which acts as a canvas to feature the collection and will provide a contrast of textures. Homasote is composed of 98% recycled material, helping to reduce solid waste in land�lls and conserving natural resources. The homasote boards would use digital CNC technology to create the sections that will de�ne the space, and held in place through a series of clear acrylic rods, locked into position with a substructure of wooden cleats. The rods also serve as the means of diffusing linear arti�cal light between the boards.
Fashion Week Pavillion For Michael Bastian
STRUCTURAL ROD
STRUCTURAL ROD
HANGING ROD
COMPACTED CNC HOMASOTE BASE
CNC HOMASOTE BOARDS
FLUORESCENT FIXTURE FLUORESCENT FIXTURE
HANGING ROD
STRUCTURAL ROD
STRUCTURAL ROD
COMPACTED CNC HOMASOTE BASE
CNC HOMASOTE BOARDS
Axon Diagram - Store/Hide & Lookbook/Show Modules
Axon Diagram - Container Layout(Homasote Board Aggregation & Direction)
Longitudinal Section / Interior Elevation
WHIRLWIND WALL
Location: Governors Island, New York, NY
Program: Temporary Event Space / Cultural
Size: 800 SqF / 1 Story
Construction: Wood Pallets, Tyvec Wrap
Client: Figment NY (Sponsor / Judge)
Consultants: SFDS Brooklyn (Fabr.)
Status: Design Development
Recycled Material Systemitized Into Space
The Figment NY City of Dreams pavilion takes inspiration from combining natural materials with simple assembly and transportation. Wood pallets, a �at transport structure that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted, can be recycled back into the transportation industry after the pavilion will be dismantled. The enclosure has a rectangular plan that de�nes a porous boundary between the performance/exhibition areas and the �elds of grass, with the entrances pivoting around two existing trees. The pallets are stacked, revolving around central points, generating dynamic spirals or whirls which aggregate into walls.
The Whirlwind Wall does not divide, but helps to connect and frame the different events at �gment. Unconventional stacking allows for an emerging, transparent wall allowing wind, sound, and light to penetrate the pavilion, creating unique visual and spatial possibilities. The wall allows for the growth of vegetation both on top and through the wall, for further landscape integration. The same pallets made to import and export material goods, have become the building blocks to import and export ideas, creativity and experiences.
WHIRLWIND WALL
Roof / Ground Plan
West Elevation / Facade East Elevation / Facade
North Elevation / Facade
INFINITY SCAPE
Location: Quarto Inferiore, Bologna, Italy
Program: Mix-Use Arcade, Hotel / Cultural
Size: 11180 SqM / 7 Stories
Construction: Concrete, Glass Curtain Wall
Client: Nute Partecipazioni (Sponsor / Judge)
Consultants: Giorgia Girardi (Italian Reg. Arch.)
Status: Schematic Design
Abandoned Factory Given New Urban Life
The adaptation of an existing industrial factory into an international cultural centre is achieved through the implementation of a modular grid that evolves over time and space, expanding and contracting the usable area, and consequently enriching the range of spatial possibilities within the complex. It is a structural framework that acts as a canopy which drapes over the existing building, creating a grand covered urban arcade between existing volumes, transforming a once dead area into a lively public space that act as a social condenser for all the functions hosted by the cultural center. The modular grid is a parametric distribution of a topography that wraps and dictates all programs.
Most of the existing building structure is preserved, demolishing only the envelope and interior walls, leaving a maison domino typology with concrete �oor slabs and columns. To provide space for a hotel, a three story volume is added on the north east corner of the roof, recuperating the space lost from partial demolition. The structure of the grid is composed of steel elements from the ground to the roof, transitioning into a delicate wooden framework that forms the canopy over the arcade.
First Floor Plan - Ampitheatre, Studios, Library, Day Care
Ground Floor Plan - Arcade, Auditorium, Of�ces, Restaurants
Ground Floor Plan - Arcade, Auditorium, Of�ces, Restaurants
Maison Domino - Existing Concrete Structure & Removed Cladding
Added Volumes - Hotel, Arcade & Roof Gardens
Generative Parametric Topography
Modular Framework / 3D Grid
Topography + Framework
Resulting Structural Landscape
CENTERS OF GRAVITY
Location: Varosliget Park, Budapest, Hungary
Program: Gallery Complex / Cultural
Size: 72000 SqM / 5 Stories / 2 buildings
Construction: Concrete, Glass Curtain Wall
Client: Liget Budapest (Sponsor / Judge)
Consultants: Ramboll UK (Eng.), Transolar (Envir.)
Status: Schematic Design
Hungarian Architecture & Photo Museums
The urban strategy for the museum complex is a continuous but porous boundary that rede�nes the site with a prominent gateway to one of the city’s greatest green spaces, which activates the context, both day and night, as these crystaline prisms act as park lanterns. Each museum is inscribed in a pure rectangular geometry suspended over the ground �oor by a �uid concrete structure. At park level the museum lobbies face one other and open to the monument plaza, providing an inviting transparency that draws visitors to events and activities.
The façades are composed of modular cast glass panels with a saw tooth section, which respond to different sun angles, diffusing natural light into the public areas of the museums, but not interfering with the galleries which have controlled arti�cial lighting. The architectural narrative addresses the speci�city of each collection. The experience of the photo museum is cinematic, composed by framed perspectives, much like the medium of photography, while the experience of the architecture museum is de�ned as a series of volumes where time and space collapse, compressing vast areas and eras of architectural knowledge into articulated boxes.
Ground Floor Plan - Architecture Museum
Typical Upper Level Floor Plan - Architecture Museum
Ground Floor Plan - Photography Museum
Typical Upper Level Floor Plan - Photography Museum
Longitudinal Section - Architecture Museum
Longitudinal Section - Photography Museum
Cross Section - Architecture Museum
Cross Section - Photography Museum
Street Elevation - Photography Museum, Plaza & Architecture Museum
Park Elevation - Architecture Museum, Plaza & Photography Museum
West Elevation - Photography Museum Plaza Elevation - Photography Museum Plaza Elevation - Architecture Museum East Elevation - Architecture Museum
BAMIYAN VALLEY
Location: Bamiyan, Hazarijat, Afghanistan
Program: Gallery, Research Facility / Cultural
Size: 4200 SqM / 3 Stories, Split Level - Terrace
Construction: Masonry, Stone Concrete, Terrazzo
Client: UNESCO, Ministry of Information (Judges)
Consultants: Ramboll UK (Eng.), Transolar (Envri.)
Status: Schematic Design
Visitors Centre For UNESCO Heritage Site
Inspired by the tectonic language of the vernacular architecture of the region, this project views the building site as a place of extraordinary history and culture, as it was a signi�cant center of artistic and religious development from the 1st to the 13th century. Strategically nested on the slope of the site’s cliff, there are three terraced levels, each one with open views towards the Buddha cliff. The building is composed of a series of semi-arches, separated from each other by operable clerestory windows that create an indirect diffusion of natural light. This tectonic element has been repeated and rotated along a cartesian grid, allowing �exibility for future additions. The arch module changes in height to correspond to different functions: private, public, and circulation, and topographic variation.
Architecturally expressed as a carved space, it is a hybrid of reinforced concrete, with structural bricks facing the interior, and locally quarried sandstone cladding the exterior. This construction strategy takes advantage of local materials and techniques to embrace a more economical and sustainable approach, which is furthered through the use of thermal mass and passive heating and cooling.
North Elevation / Facade - Entrance Plaza
West Elevation / Facade - Exterior Staircase
North-South Longitudinal Section
East-West Cross Section
Typical Upper Level Floor Plan
Main Entrance Level Floor Plan
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIORICHARD WILLIAM OFF
(MS.AUD) MASTERS - ARCHITECTURE & URBAN DESIGN (COLUMBIA)
(B.ARCH) BACHELORS - ARCHITECTURE (RENSSELAER POLYTECHIC)