christopher e smith architecture portfolio

rowe sanctuary

modules on manse

columns canopy

harvest hotel

sculpture

graphic + photo

freedom by design

a sampling

the future

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On a quiet site along the Platte River, I was asked to design a small structure to act as a sandhill crane viewing platform and learning center. Every March for six weeks, millions of sandhill cranes stop at this spot on the river to rest on their long journey from warm tropical waters to spend the summer in Alaska and Canada. While the National Audubon Society currently maintains a building there, our project was to imagine a new structure on the riverside site. To complicate the project, the building must hold hundreds of visitors during migration, yet sit nearly empty the rest of the year. I chose to constructmy building out of rammed earth, and with this I created a long swooping shape, allowing for views up and down the river. Situated behind the viewing space were a classroom, offices, and restrooms which all would be insulated from the cold with a berm constructed over them. Finally, light tubes directed the low angle of the winter sun into the buried rooms, allowing for solar heat gain.

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On a site deemed by the city of Lincoln as “unbuildable”, I was asked to design a smallhouse for my professor to retire in. The designprocess would result in my first encounter withprefabrication (something which would show upagain in my work.) I decided to construct the housefrom four modules, all able to be trucked to thesite on flatbed trailers. The modules were arranged to allow solar gain in the winter months,and 3 fins were attached to shade the south side during summer months. Also, the main living quarters were raised up to the second level to take advantage of views which presentedthemselves to the site. A small central courtyardwas created by the arrangement of the units,with a small pond as the focal point.

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pyOn the northern end of campus at UNL sit 24 columns. They have sat there fornearly 100 years, and exist as little more than an artifact of the past. This project called for the use of the columns as the basis for a canopy structure. The columns could not be cut or damaged, and the only final deliverable allowed was a 3/8”=1’ model.

My solution called for a honeycomb metal structure to be erected over the columns.Placed in the hexagon spaces were panels of canvas, expanded metal, photovoltaic panels, or glass. The panels were specifically placed to offer maximum benefit- photovoltaic panels were placed where they would operate most efficiently. Glass panels were placed in clusters to allow refuge from rain or wind. Canvas shades seating for the nearby stadium. The graceful arching shape of the frame maximizes placement of infill panels, while creating an iconic piece of architecture

and revitalizing an otherwise neglected part of campus.

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lThe most intensive project I would take on while in college would evolve from a design canvas, to a physicaldesign probe, to a series of proposals which would finally result in design for a hotel placed near campus. On my initial canvas I placed images of an electrical socket, in addition to the Nakagin Capsule Tower designed by Kisho Kurokawa. These ideas, in addition to the phrase “plug in”, would be seen in the next step of the project; a design probe. At the time I was imagining a structure whichcould be modified with the use of a plug of some kind, and the probe would take that idea further. Below the design probe is pictured, and the idea of the artifact is the manipulation of a space to suit the current needs of the user. This was achieved through a series of parabolic reflectors, created from plastics, metals, cork, and wood. The user could direct the light for a needed task, and achieve a desired focus or distortion of the light. The ideas of adaptability, customization, and transformation through the use of a standardized infrastructure would drive the design of the hotel.

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above left: innitial study modelabove right: second study model showing floor platesright: structure model showing systems

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After weeks of canvases, design probes, and study models, I finally arrived at a design which employeda standardized infrastructure, and could be easilymodified to suit different uses. My design for the hotel featured a framework of steel, with egress and utility shafts of cast-in-place concrete. Situatedatop the hotel is a gantry crane which allows the placement of room modules into the framework. Four different modules fit in the framework. The hotel guest can choose from an extended staydouble-wide unit, a loft room for larger groups,or a simple economy room. Also interspersed in the hotel are terrace modules, which can be used by any guest for football tailgating, parties, or any other use.

The main advantage of the framework-module system is the ease of remodel. After the hotel hasbeen in use for twenty years, a remodel can be achieved by simply swapping out the modules. Also, through the use of off-site prefabrication, modules can be constructed to a higher level ofprecision, with less waste. The modules are twelvefeet wide, and therefore can be carried on a highway on a flatbed trailer.

Furthermore, with the use of the module system, the program of the building can easily shift from one use to another. The building could transform tofaculty offices, research labs, or any other use if necessary.

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far left: sectionleft: 3/8”=1’ section modelabove: exterior render

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eArchitecture is my major and passion, but is hardly my only interest. When I leave the University of Nebraska, I will hold with my architecture degree a minor in studio art.

Below are two plaster figures. To the right is a large lamp created from reclaimed lumber.

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In addition to sculpture, I consider myself a decent graphic designer and photographer.To the far left is a banner I created for the Nebraska Flatwater chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. Immidiate left is a t shirtdesign. Below are a selection of photographs

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As the captain of UNL’s Freedom by Design programfor the past 1 1/2 years, I have had the opportunity to improve the lives of others in many ways. In the spring of 2009, I coordinated the construction of a wheelchair ramp on the patio of a house for the develpmentally and physically disabled in Lincoln. I led the project by finding a client, leading design charettes, drawing plans, fundraising, setting up build dates, contacting volunteers, and finally leading the construction itself. One of the current residents, Jill, was able to exit the house with a ramp in the garage, but by placing a ramp in the rear of the house, she had the freedom to enjoy a large backyard, and her safety was alsoimproved by offering a second option for escape in the case of fire.

I believe it is important to improve the lives of others, and as anarchitect, I will continue to use my knowledge and skills to improve the lives of the less fortunate.

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Thank you very much for your consideration. But this is not the end. I am just getting started. My head is full of ideas, and the question is, where will I be to use those ideas in the future

christopher smithuniversity of nebraska 201017233 woolworth aveomaha NE 68130(402) 214-5694