Architecture Portfolio of Sondra M. Ruffner

The ArchiTecTure PorTfolio of

Sondra M. Ruffner, M. Arch

Contact MeP.O. Box 3559 • Peoria, IL 61612 • Home: 309.713.6137 • Cell: 707.972.5123 • [email protected]

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baCkground buildingsNiles, Michigan

Background Buildings are the basic composition of all urban spaces. The site of study was a block in downtown Niles, Michigan. Over the semester we were to design three different building types: corner flex, live/work, and apartment/retail. These buildings were required to be designed as traditional masonry structures in keeping with the context and overall style of the historic main street of Niles.

The Corner Flex building program required masonry and wood construction, ease of accessibility, and a versatile layout to accommodate up to four businesses per floor. I designed a rhythmic facade composed of a wall of windows providing display space and natural light. The floor plan was a challenge with such a narrow lot size.

The Live/Work building program required masonry and concrete construction, ground level retail space, and a single family home above the retail space with access from street level. This building was intended to be replicated three times on the block. The transition from store to residence and the entrances from public to private needed to be obvious and visually translate to the pedestrian as such.

The Apartment/Retail building program required masonry and steel construction, ground level retail space, and twelve apartment units with on-site parking. The retail space needed to be flexible and the entrance to the apartments needed to be easily available and welcoming.

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Corner flex

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live/Work

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aparTmenT/reTail

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HeriTage Hill Carriage House & residenCe

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Architecture as Craft studio was our first experience in design and construction types. The Heritage Hill Carriage House and Residence is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We collaborated with the Historical Society to better understand the history and special characteristics of Heritage Hill.

The program for the Carriage House required a traditional form with timber frame construction, a two car garage, a work bench, storage, and living space above. I chose a simple form to understand more clearly the construction of timber framing.

The program fro the Heritage Hill Residence required masonry construction, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, living, dining, and kitchen. I chose to use a center-hall plan in keeping with the historic neighborhood typology.

THe residenCe

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THe Carriage House

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mariemonT HallMariemont, Ohio

The Village of Mariemont is one of the first planned communities in the United States and is located a few miles east of Cincinnati, OH. This centrally located site is currently occupied by businesses and homes in the heart of Mariemont. The program required a library, open market, and community center for meetings, banquets, and small theatre productions. The project was to include retail and office space and residential units. Our goal was to give the community a place that was connected to its surroundings and would enable its residents to grow together.

Mariemont is known for its charming historic architecture styles such as the Half Timber/Tudor, Georgian, and Colonial. I was greatly influenced and inspired by the Half Timber/Tudor style and desired to mimic that style in the creation of a solid structure that was full of character and warmth.

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Stage

Stage Shop

Delivery

RehearsalSpace

Men'sDressing

Room

Women Men

CL

Women'sDressing

Room

Storage

Auditorium

Lobby

Lobby Overflow

TicketBooth

Men

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Janitor'sCloset

Coat CheckRoom

Storage

Kitchen

SnackBar

Manager'sOffice

Reception'sOffice

MeetingRoom

Kitchenette

Women

WorkRoom

Vestibule

Women

Men

Lobby

WT

Janitor'sCloset

CoatRoom

CopyRoom

ComputerRoom

CirculationDesk

ReadingRoom

Children'sStacks

Children'sReading

Room

Children'sStorage

Library

Market

AuditoriumFirst Floor

LibraryFirst Floor

Office/RetailSpace

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East Library ElevationNorth Library Elevation

South Library Elevation

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East Library ElevationNorth Library Elevation

South Library Elevation

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West Auditorium ElevationNorth Auditorium Elevation

South Auditorium Elevation East Auditorium Elelvation

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West Auditorium ElevationNorth Auditorium Elevation

South Auditorium Elevation East Auditorium Elelvation

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11

planning abaCoGreat Abaco Island, The Bahamas

Planning Abaco was given the honorable CNU Charter Award 2009 for Academia. The project was located in the Abacos which are an island range northeast of Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas. The Andrews University Urban Design Studio was hired to provide a detailed master plan for the islands future growth and wildlife preservation, namely the endangered Abaconian parrot. The concern was that without proper plans in place, developers would eventually destroy the forests and their native wildlife habitat. The project would include the established settlement of Marsh Harbour and the southern portion of Great Abaco Island. This project grew to encompass over 7 major development planning aspects.

1: We developed a regional plan and stipulated what should be protected, what could be developed, and the growth options land owners would have to develop their land without destroying wildlife habitats.

2: These parcels of land became known as Eco Settlements and were a way to draw tourists to the asset of the island, its natural interests and resources.

3: We developed detailed growth options for Marsh harbour.

4: We provided growth and incorporation concepts for The Mud and The Peas, two shanty towns located within Marsh Harbour.

5. We developed density diagrams for the growing of Sandy Point.

6: We reinvisioned Sands Cove and provided a harbour and closer school options for Sandy Point.

7: We proposed a new settlement to be located at a prime juncture on the main highway.

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The Abaco project was one of the most extensive Urban Design Studio projects undertaken. We had opportunities to work with leading professionals in our field such as Steve Mouzon, Jaime Correa, Sandy Sorlien, and Kenneth Garcia. Our professors enjoyed pushing us to produce the best possible quality of designs. The finished product exceeded all expectations academically and professionally. I am proud to have been a part of such an amazing experience and hope to one day have the chance to work on more projects like this one.

Planning abacoa ProPosal to restore a sustainable settlement tradition on

great abaco island, the bahamas

by

the 2008 urban design studio

the school of architecture

andrews university

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before & afTer

1. Infil l can physically shape spaces by using existing characteristics to determine appropriate development patterns.

2. The proposed infil l plan seeks to formalize the area around an existing beloved and daily-used area into a public square that features a shelter from natural elements.

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THe urban CHurCHBenton Harbor, Michigan

The Urban Church became an opportunity to interpret the importance and significance of religious structures and how the traditions and elements of worship could be shown in the design of a worship facility. This was a chance for us to explore significant worship elements that might pertain to the structure and to examine how we worship in our varied individual faiths.

We designed within an urban context and analyzed how our designs could be foreground structures, responding to the street and urban fabric of the city, while also enhancing the surroundings. I centered my design around a courtyard, which symbolizes peace and tranquility - a refuge. The courtyard is a transitional zone where gatherings and reflections can take place. The main functions of the church surround and branch off of this courtyard. I placed the main sanctuary between the alley and the street where light could shine through.

Throughout the design process we were encouraged to also study the inclusion of patrons with disabilities in the manifestation of ease of access throughout the structure. With this in mind I remained conscience of ADA accessibility and designed all of the main entrances so everyone could experience the building in a similar fashion. For this reason I sloped the sanctuary floor downwards, to be able to have a podium/platform on the same level as the ground entrance for accessibility, yet also maintain the traditional raised podium/platform for events and visual connection with the audience. I really enjoyed working through the floorplan and feel it could represent a working church.

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publiC TransporTaTion faCiliTy

Dyer, Indiana

The program for the Public Transportation Facility was primarily taken from an actual competition in concrete. The professors made many additions over the course of the semester as well. The project focused on studying the medium of concrete as a viable ecological option. We were to explore the material and its choices of modular units that could be easily manufactured or created on site. The program required two platforms, service areas for train and bus transportation, and supporting spaces for each including a workout gym, a car garage, and a cafe.

I approached the project with the desire to create the smallest footprint possible to save cost, time, and be more efficient. The main material choice was concrete, glass, and steel. The covered platforms are the main focal points of my design.

The entrance to the building is located on ground level with a vertical foyer containing glass stairs and elevator that transport individuals to the second or main floor. The main level is nestled conveniently next to the platform and provides ticketing and waiting services in association with restrooms, snack machines, and a cafe with indoor/outdoor eating options. The third level provides space for a workout gym and passenger/pedestrian access via sky bridge to the second platform and other side of the tracks. The drop off zone at the entrance of the site also houses the bus parking and waiting areas while including temporary pick-up & drop-off parking.

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skeTCHes in siTúEurope Tour, Summer 2007

The curriculum at Andrews University School of Architecture requires a semester of study abroad. The Europe Tour is typically required after third year studio. Students prepare for the trip with history, theory, urban design classes, and field trips requiring vigorous physical activity in preparation for the long tiring days that we would spend on our feet. Sometimes these excursions would embarrassingly include us carrying a simulated or actual version of the luggage we planned on taking with us!

The Tour varies slightly in curriculum from year to year. This particular Tour year we had the opportunities to visit and study in Pienza, Rome, Paris, Brugge, and Stockholm. We took day trips to many other locales such as Vatican City, Italy; Vaux Le Vicomte, France; Damme, Belgium; Sundborn, Sweden. The tour was an amazing adventure and for many of us was our first trip experiencing Europe. These are some sample sketches from many of the locations we visited and studied.

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addiTional CreaTive Work

Year 2005 - 2011

Summer 2011 I reinvisioned and constructed the Ruffner home entry. The desire was to provide a pleasing entrance that pulls one to the front effortlessly. Landscaping is still in the implementation stage.

Fall 2010 I took Ceramics at Illinois Central College. I learned about clay and glazes as well as technique in hand building progressing to the wheel.

Other creative work samples include: Sunbeam Birdhouse designed for auction in support of orphanage, and a side table I designed and built from Cherry wood.

Existing Plan

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Bed #1

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Entry

Bath

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Kitchen

Dining

MasterBed #3

Bath

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The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen.

Frank Lloyd Wright

Architecture Portfolio of Sondra M. Ruffner

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