AMBER SWANSONDESIGN PORTFOLIO

GOOD DESIGN IS LIKE A GOOD STORY. It is concise and well crafted, clear and evocative. And like any good story, the way in which it is told is just as important as the events which it contains. Architects and designers strive to understand and address design challenges as thoroughly as possible. But this process would be in vain without careful consideration of how their work is understood by others. Architecture can be a powerful story, but only if it can be clearly heard.

This is the story of my undergraduate work at the University of Oregon. Projects are ordered backwards chronologically.

A VISITORS CENTER AND RIVER ACCESS POINT, LOS ANGELES, CA

THE LOS ANGELES RIVER REGENERATIVE DESIGN FOR01

My proposal for this thesis studio focuses on a section of the Los Angeles River in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Here I am proposing an urban river interpretive center, an interactive space with the focus of river habitat and flood education, and an urban playscape for the city. Its location, near several cultural neighborhoods allows it to access the diverse history and culture of the area. This proposal also takes into account the larger urban context and could potentially become a key link in a network of parks and green-space and an important demonstration site for sustainable water management and multipurpose flood mitigation.

P L.A. YAn Urban Playscape for Los Angeles

VIEW NORTHWATERSHED

[Re]thinkFLOOD CONTROL

[Re]storeNATURAL SYSTEMS

[Re]claimPUBLIC SPACE

[Re]imagineAN URBAN RIVERSCAPE

RAILROAD BRIDgE wITh OPENINgS

FOR DAYLIghTTEMPORARY

INFLATABLE DAMS

BIkE AND PEDESTRIAN

BRIDgE

RIVER PROMENADE

wATER TREATMENT

TERRACES

gREEN ROOF

LOS ANgELES RIVER VISITORS AND

INTERPRETIVE CENTER

101 FREEwAY BRIDgE

SITE SECTION

PROJECT GOALS

URBAN BEACh ACCESS PATh

EXHIBIT LOOKING WEST CAFE LOOKING EAST

TRANSVERSE SECTION

EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC

A MULTIMEDIA LIBRARY AND LEARNING COMMONS, MULTNOMAH VILLAGE, OR

MEDIASPACEMULTNOMAH02

“What is a Library without books?” This question was the basis for this design project, thinking towards the future of libraries, where hard copies of books may no longer be relevant. But rather than design a bookless library, I began the design process with a different question, “what is a library regardless of books?” In other words, what are the essential activities that a library facilitates, and what other spaces facilitate these same activities? By answering these questions, I sought to design a space where people could learn, play, work, and discover the way they might in a cafe, an apple store, or a museum.

Multnomah Mediaspace is located on a challenging, yet dynamic site on a prominent corner in Multnomah Village, just south of Portland, Oregon. As one approaches the Library they are drawn to the beacon-like corner atrium. Upon entry they can view the whole range of library activities, from the learning cafe on street level, to the living room main floor.

SOUTH ELEVATION

CROSS SECTION

TRANSVERSE SECTION

INSULATED ROOF SYSTEMwITh MOISTURE BARRIER

SUPPORT FOR LOUVERED ShADINg SYSTEM

LOUVERED ShADINg SYSTEM

CURTAIN wALL SYSTEM

CONCRETE FLOOR wITh METAL DECkINg

STEEL BEAM AND gIRDER SYSTEM

STEEL COLUMN

INSULATED wALL SYSTEM

INSULATED FOUNDATION

WALL SECTION

A STUDENT DESIGN BUILD PROJECT,EUGENE, OR

OUTDOOR REMODELS.A.S.S03

DesignBridge is a multi-disciplinary student organization linking the University of Oregon with the surrounding community by offering design services to local organizations that don’t have resources to acquire professional services. S.A.S.S. (Sexual Assault Support Services), a nonprofit organization which provides community education,outreach, advocacy and support to survivors of sexual violence, were our client for this build project. They requested that we replace their deteriorating deck. It was our goal to address their concerns of maintenance, safety, and accessibility, as well as to provide them with a beautiful outdoor space.

PRODUCED  BY  AN  AUTODESK  EDUCATIONAL  PRODUCT

PRODUCED  BY  AN  AUTODESK  EDUCATIONAL  PRODUCT

PRODUCED  BY  A

N  AUTODESK

 EDUCATIO

NAL  PR

ODUCT

PRODUCED  BY  AN  AUTODESK  EDUCATIONAL  PRODUCT

LEDGER DETAIL

As we began the design process we realized that our project was not simply to replace a deck, but rather to provide our clients with a space that better met their needs. The result was a design for a deck and patio space that were completely accessible and virtually maintenance free. We carefully specified materials to fit these requirements and comply with our clients budget. At the end of this process we submitted a complete permit set for our project to the city for approval.

DECK SPACE is inaccessible and unsafe.

PLANTS are invasive and difficult to maintain.

LAWN AREA is disconnected from rest of site; it also poses maintenance concerns.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

COMPLETED PROJECT

A REST STOP FOR TOURING CYCLISTS,LONG PEAK, OR

REST STOPRITTER BUTTE04

This rest stop is located 9 miles north of the city of long creek, at the saddle between two of the highest buttes in the region. This natural pause in the landscape provides expansive views, allowing cyclists and visitors a chance to reflect on their journey past and the road ahead. The permanent, folding wall form weaves through layers of topography, providing unique opportunities for prospect and refuge.

PROgRAM

SPLIT

DEFINE

OPEN

BEND

SMOOTh

FORM EVOLUTION

This rest stop provides two distinct experiences. From one approach (looking out above the structure) the visitor is placed in the humbling scale of the immense landscape. From the other approach, one is provided a welcoming structure, scaled to human proportions with textures and forms that respond the mechanical rhythm of a bicycle.

FLOOR PLAN

INTERIOR

A COMMUNITY BOATHOUSELOWELL, OR

BOATHOUSEDEXTER LAKE05

Located on Dexter Lake, this boathouse is a gathering place for the community and the University of Oregon Crew team. A hillside site on the lake shore provided a linear program with views out towards the lake. A simple organization of spaces was shifted and fractured to frame views and create visual interest.

UP

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

PUBLIC/PRIVATE

SPACES SERVED

FRACTURE

INBETwEEN

FLOOR PLAN

BOAT GARAGE PLAN BUILDING DIAGRAMS

SECTIONS

EXTERIOR VIEW

THANK YOU!