Anna Gribanova

Virginia Tech

Anna Gribanova

Virginia Tech

Russian Embassy

Architectural Installation

Hydrogen Filling Station

How to MEND Terminal A

House for a Philosopher

Undergraduate Thesis: work in progress

Russian Embassy

Architectural Installation

Hydrogen Filling Station

How to MEND Terminal A

House for a Philosopher

Undergraduate Thesis: work in progress

5’ 10’

Light studies / plaster model Light study plan

5’ 10’

Light studies / plaster model Light study plan

Sectional model Sectional model

Sectional model Sectional model

Hand-drawn rendering

Hand-drawn rendering

Architectural Installation Fort Monroe, Virginia The visitor arrives on foot. He walks along a narrow bridge down to the water. His visit starts here. The boat shakes a little before the calmness of the water overpowers it. Surrounded by rough grey stonewalls he notices a vibrant orange structure. The boat turns the corner and orange hides within grey. The boat ride takes him around the fort’s perimeter. With every corner the visitor suspects to see that playful orange. He is fooled by fort’s irregu-lar plan. Turning the sharpest corner of the fort, the visitor is finally content.

The whole structure is coated with cedar shingles. He steps onto the wooden platform. Shingles become his guide, pointing towards the entrance. His path is not long, but when he turns the corner the view suddenly changes. The perspective is more intense. The darkness surrounds the visitor. He enters one of the casemates of the fort. Suddenly the shingles turn the angle into a wall. They disappear and he is left in a stone room. The only items that remained in the room are wooden chairs randomly placed. Nothing distracts him. He is left alone.

At the end of each visit the viewer is asked to take a shingle with them. With every visit installation changes. The structure and the path are remained. Time passes and the once-enclosed tunnel opens up, as to signify the nature’s force.

spring 2008 / VSAIA competition

photograph / St. Benedict Chapel, Switzerland

Architectural Installation Fort Monroe, Virginia The visitor arrives on foot. He walks along a narrow bridge down to the water. His visit starts here. The boat shakes a little before the calmness of the water overpowers it. Surrounded by rough grey stonewalls he notices a vibrant orange structure. The boat turns the corner and orange hides within grey. The boat ride takes him around the fort’s perimeter. With every corner the visitor suspects to see that playful orange. He is fooled by fort’s irregu-lar plan. Turning the sharpest corner of the fort, the visitor is finally content.

The whole structure is coated with cedar shingles. He steps onto the wooden platform. Shingles become his guide, pointing towards the entrance. His path is not long, but when he turns the corner the view suddenly changes. The perspective is more intense. The darkness surrounds the visitor. He enters one of the casemates of the fort. Suddenly the shingles turn the angle into a wall. They disappear and he is left in a stone room. The only items that remained in the room are wooden chairs randomly placed. Nothing distracts him. He is left alone.

At the end of each visit the viewer is asked to take a shingle with them. With every visit installation changes. The structure and the path are remained. Time passes and the once-enclosed tunnel opens up, as to signify the nature’s force.

spring 2008 / VSAIA competition

photograph / St. Benedict Chapel, Switzerland

Plan

Site Plan of Fort Monroe

5’ 10’ 15’

Axonometric construction assembly

100’ 200’ 300’

Plan

Site Plan of Fort Monroe

5’ 10’ 15’

Axonometric construction assembly

100’ 200’ 300’

Computer rendering

Computer rendering

Hydrogen filling station

spring 2007 / competition / second place winner

A careful examination of folding planes and creating paths was the focus of this ten-day compe-tition. Two separate paths lead to the hydrogen station. One follows the curve and stops under the canopy. The other walks up to the structure, turns the corner and hides within the wall. The wall is arranged of two outer skins and an inner core of an insulating material to form a monolithic unit.

photograph / Willimann-Lotscher House, Switzerland

Hydrogen filling station

spring 2007 / competition / second place winner

A careful examination of folding planes and creating paths was the focus of this ten-day compe-tition. Two separate paths lead to the hydrogen station. One follows the curve and stops under the canopy. The other walks up to the structure, turns the corner and hides within the wall. The wall is arranged of two outer skins and an inner core of an insulating material to form a monolithic unit.

photograph / Willimann-Lotscher House, Switzerland

Folding plane study models Folding plane study models

Folding plane study models Folding plane study models

Computer rendering

Computer rendering

Site plan Exploded axonometric of construction assembly

5’ 10’ 15’

Site plan Exploded axonometric of construction assembly

5’ 10’ 15’

How to MEND Terminal A

spring 2008 / collaborative competition

A collaborative competition examined to bring spaces of intimacy to a such immense place as Dallas - Fort Worth International Airport. An extensive research of circulation and handling of an airport concluded into an efficient system through the airport. Introduction of a new roof system that would light up the structure, creates a character for the transitory building. The new green gardens not only create fresh air within the building, but are pleasant to the passanger’s eyes. Overall the new circulation, green gardens and roof structure produce a sense of security for the travelers.

Google Earth image of DFW airport, Texas

How to MEND Terminal A

spring 2008 / collaborative competition

A collaborative competition examined to bring spaces of intimacy to a such immense place as Dallas - Fort Worth International Airport. An extensive research of circulation and handling of an airport concluded into an efficient system through the airport. Introduction of a new roof system that would light up the structure, creates a character for the transitory building. The new green gardens not only create fresh air within the building, but are pleasant to the passanger’s eyes. Overall the new circulation, green gardens and roof structure produce a sense of security for the travelers.

Google Earth image of DFW airport, Texas

Boards compiled with another student

Boards compiled with another student

To start the process of mending, always follow design advice thoroughly before you demolish anything. For instance, it has been recommended that Terminal A itself become a place plentiful of natural light and fresh air, where water and energy conservation abounds and a generous public meeting space can be found.

1

UNUSED SPACE.Determine the location of the old train right-of-away, take the scissors and cut it out. This deserted train right away will be used as the main garden hall in order to clean the indoor air and provide spaces of comfort, security and intimacy for American Airlines workers and passengers.

2

MISUSED SPACE. Take the scissors and cut out the surface parking; a rain garden that filters pollutants carried by urban storm water will take its place. Parking covers 70% of the surface area within the site of Terminal A. This intensifies runoff, creates a heat island effect, and is the least enhancing solution to a complex parking problem. Additional parking will be added above existing structures.

3

UNDERUSED SPACE.Additionally, the top half of the central parking structure will be removed and utilized as the main check-in plaza. Take the scissors and cut out the central parking structure. A generous public plaza is critical not only for the clarity of circulation and check-in, but it also fulfills the need for an uplifting space that serves as a third place where people may lesiure.

4

Good work! Now that you have cleaned the wounds of Terminal A, you can begin to mend the gaps.

5

Gently place on top the healing roof that will protect this precious new place and serve as the breathing skin for Terminal A.

6

to mend (v.) to free from faults or defects;to improve in manners or morals;reform; to put into good shape orworking order again; patch up; to improve in health; heal tools needed

scissorssite plan of Terminal Agreen markeryellow markerblue marker

Diagrams / Board 1

To start the process of mending, always follow design advice thoroughly before you demolish anything. For instance, it has been recommended that Terminal A itself become a place plentiful of natural light and fresh air, where water and energy conservation abounds and a generous public meeting space can be found.

1

UNUSED SPACE.Determine the location of the old train right-of-away, take the scissors and cut it out. This deserted train right away will be used as the main garden hall in order to clean the indoor air and provide spaces of comfort, security and intimacy for American Airlines workers and passengers.

2

MISUSED SPACE. Take the scissors and cut out the surface parking; a rain garden that filters pollutants carried by urban storm water will take its place. Parking covers 70% of the surface area within the site of Terminal A. This intensifies runoff, creates a heat island effect, and is the least enhancing solution to a complex parking problem. Additional parking will be added above existing structures.

3

UNDERUSED SPACE.Additionally, the top half of the central parking structure will be removed and utilized as the main check-in plaza. Take the scissors and cut out the central parking structure. A generous public plaza is critical not only for the clarity of circulation and check-in, but it also fulfills the need for an uplifting space that serves as a third place where people may lesiure.

4

Good work! Now that you have cleaned the wounds of Terminal A, you can begin to mend the gaps.

5

Gently place on top the healing roof that will protect this precious new place and serve as the breathing skin for Terminal A.

6

to mend (v.) to free from faults or defects;to improve in manners or morals;reform; to put into good shape orworking order again; patch up; to improve in health; heal tools needed

scissorssite plan of Terminal Agreen markeryellow markerblue marker

Diagrams / Board 1

Offices now receive abundant daylight creating an open space with access to the garden. A lunch on the patio is always a pleasure to the employees who now have a place to leisure.

Lounges provide the view and the fresh air from the gardens below. Travelers are able to enjoy the feeling of being outdoors while shopping.

Security has been drastically changed from a narrowness of a funnel to the porosity of a sponge. While in line, travelers can see the floors below in anticipation of exploring the space.

tree column

Rendering of interior gardens / Board 3 / hand-drawn perspective done by another studentrendered by Anna Gribanova

diagram of a tree column

Offices now receive abundant daylight creating an open space with access to the garden. A lunch on the patio is always a pleasure to the employees who now have a place to leisure.

Lounges provide the view and the fresh air from the gardens below. Travelers are able to enjoy the feeling of being outdoors while shopping.

Security has been drastically changed from a narrowness of a funnel to the porosity of a sponge. While in line, travelers can see the floors below in anticipation of exploring the space.

tree column

Rendering of interior gardens / Board 3 / hand-drawn perspective done by another studentrendered by Anna Gribanova

diagram of a tree column

House for a Philosopher

fall 2007 / study-abroad

Between bright-blue sky and grey rocky earth, the burnt red-orange wall is seen from afar. It is set away from the noise of the town, reminding the visitor to listen to the melody of the wind playing among the leaves on the ground. From afar, the wall serves as a guide for the eyes, but when approached, the hand unconsciously reaches for the wall to feel the velvety surface and coldness of steel. The wall leads the visitor to concrete stairs. As the visitor begins to descend, another wall begins to rise enclosing him. The staircase slows the visitor with its irregularity. He looks up and sees a slit of blue sky. At the bottom, the stairs become very narrow. A small gap of green grass is seen between the steel walls, though it is impossible to reach the garden. The visitor turns left and enters the Philosopher’s House. Inside, the concrete walls make a sharp contrast against the steel, surround-ing the garden. In the room for contemplation, time is recorded within the aging steel, the color of the grass and the movement of the clouds.

photograph / K+N House, Wollerau-Zürich Switzerland

House for a Philosopher

fall 2007 / study-abroad

Between bright-blue sky and grey rocky earth, the burnt red-orange wall is seen from afar. It is set away from the noise of the town, reminding the visitor to listen to the melody of the wind playing among the leaves on the ground. From afar, the wall serves as a guide for the eyes, but when approached, the hand unconsciously reaches for the wall to feel the velvety surface and coldness of steel. The wall leads the visitor to concrete stairs. As the visitor begins to descend, another wall begins to rise enclosing him. The staircase slows the visitor with its irregularity. He looks up and sees a slit of blue sky. At the bottom, the stairs become very narrow. A small gap of green grass is seen between the steel walls, though it is impossible to reach the garden. The visitor turns left and enters the Philosopher’s House. Inside, the concrete walls make a sharp contrast against the steel, surround-ing the garden. In the room for contemplation, time is recorded within the aging steel, the color of the grass and the movement of the clouds.

photograph / K+N House, Wollerau-Zürich Switzerland

Detail renderings

Weathering of steel Gap between stair and wall Slit of blue sky and green grass Texture of grass against smoothness of steel

Detail renderings

Weathering of steel Gap between stair and wall Slit of blue sky and green grass Texture of grass against smoothness of steel

PlansSite plan

5’ 10’ 15’

PlansSite plan

5’ 10’ 15’

Cross sections Longitudinal sections

5’ 10’ 15’

Cross sections Longitudinal sections

5’ 10’ 15’

Interior rendering

Interior rendering

School for the Blind and Visually ImpairedRichmond, VA

fall 2008 / thesis: work in progress

Architecture is perceived in its entirety by means of human senses. The geometry of a room is under-stood through materiality, verticality, horizontality, as well as acoustics, smells and touch. This study focuses on creating a space that speaks to these senses. A comprehensible system is introduced to guide the visitor through, constructing a mental map of senses and memories of the building. The system strongly focuses on the floor surface since it is the first plane a visitor touches. With changing topography and materiality of the floor surface the visitor understands the barriers and remembers the thresholds. A single continuous element that begins on the exterior of the building guides the visitor not only by tactile understanding of it, but also an auditory perception of the element. Within the building direct light is used for directionality; it becomes an identifiable object. Diffused light is only used to bring in the light wherever needed. Stairs are highlighted with a subtle first step and the contrast of the material. The comprehensible system is set up in such a manner as to hear the space before seeing it, to understand the space before confronting it, and to feel the space before touching it.

photograph / sound sculpturealuminum, brass, copper, threaded steel rods, oak

School for the Blind and Visually ImpairedRichmond, VA

fall 2008 / thesis: work in progress

Architecture is perceived in its entirety by means of human senses. The geometry of a room is under-stood through materiality, verticality, horizontality, as well as acoustics, smells and touch. This study focuses on creating a space that speaks to these senses. A comprehensible system is introduced to guide the visitor through, constructing a mental map of senses and memories of the building. The system strongly focuses on the floor surface since it is the first plane a visitor touches. With changing topography and materiality of the floor surface the visitor understands the barriers and remembers the thresholds. A single continuous element that begins on the exterior of the building guides the visitor not only by tactile understanding of it, but also an auditory perception of the element. Within the building direct light is used for directionality; it becomes an identifiable object. Diffused light is only used to bring in the light wherever needed. Stairs are highlighted with a subtle first step and the contrast of the material. The comprehensible system is set up in such a manner as to hear the space before seeing it, to understand the space before confronting it, and to feel the space before touching it.

photograph / sound sculpturealuminum, brass, copper, threaded steel rods, oak

COMPREHENSIBLE SYSTEM:

Elements:

single continuous element leading the visitor through auditory perception of the element tactile understanding of the element

topographical floor surface decline to a threshold incline to a barrier exaggerated corner slant to a side

materiality of the floor changes based on the location //specify

topographical ceiling lower ceiling: space for concentration: quiet taller ceiling: loud space: transitional materiality //specify

direct light used for directionality: becomes an identifiable objectdiffused light is used for lighting up the spacedirect light is used to highlight the entrance:threshold //transition becomes memorable

transitional space: intensified direction stairs are highlighted with a subtle first step contrast in material

understanding the outside environment where applicapable pull in the soundscape block off when needed //view of landscape = view of soundscape framing of the sound making the sound visible

outside space for interaction: courtyard //follows the same system

walls slant for quiet area enclosing the visitorwalls open up towards the top for loud public areas

sense of smell serves as a guide to cafeteria

COMPREHENSIBLE SYSTEM:

Elements:

single continuous element leading the visitor through auditory perception of the element tactile understanding of the element

topographical floor surface decline to a threshold incline to a barrier exaggerated corner slant to a side

materiality of the floor changes based on the location //specify

topographical ceiling lower ceiling: space for concentration: quiet taller ceiling: loud space: transitional materiality //specify

direct light used for directionality: becomes an identifiable objectdiffused light is used for lighting up the spacedirect light is used to highlight the entrance:threshold //transition becomes memorable

transitional space: intensified direction stairs are highlighted with a subtle first step contrast in material

understanding the outside environment where applicapable pull in the soundscape block off when needed //view of landscape = view of soundscape framing of the sound making the sound visible

outside space for interaction: courtyard //follows the same system

walls slant for quiet area enclosing the visitorwalls open up towards the top for loud public areas

sense of smell serves as a guide to cafeteria

Publications

15 Student ProjectsEd: Markus Breitschmid ISBN: 978-0-9795-4727-0Copyright © 2008 Corporis

Pages: 64 - 69

Hedy Nerito - FotomodellaEd: Markus Breitschmid ISBN: 978-0-9802-2740-6Copyright © 2008 Corporis

Pages: 14, 17, 20 / 21, 22 / 23, 24 / 25, 90, 94 / 95

Publications

15 Student ProjectsEd: Markus Breitschmid ISBN: 978-0-9795-4727-0Copyright © 2008 Corporis

Pages: 64 - 69

Hedy Nerito - FotomodellaEd: Markus Breitschmid ISBN: 978-0-9802-2740-6Copyright © 2008 Corporis

Pages: 14, 17, 20 / 21, 22 / 23, 24 / 25, 90, 94 / 95

Thank you.