PORTFOLIOELIZABETH POULSEN

5234 south clover meadow dr. murray, utah 84123

(801) 350 - 1177

CONTENTS

01

05

09

13

writer’s community

midway study

vocational school

solar study

SOLAR STUDY Spring 2014

group project

*picked for accreditation

01 ELIZABETH POULSEN

project description:The assignment was to create a parametric sunscreen for a local coffee shop. The position of the site made the courtyard area of the shop excruciatingly hot in the summer and freezing in the winter. Our screen had to act as shade in the summer and protection in the winter. As a group our goal was to have the screen create a glow that would allow for the optimum amount of sun to penetrate the courtyard. We started with a simple, flat square and transformed it into a dynamic form. We were able to achieve this glow effect by using a slightly reflective material and creating a curve to the material that would reflect the light into the space. This glow would allow the space to become more inviting and intriguing, along with it being inhabitable all year round.

03 ELIZABETH POULSEN solar study

We built the skeletal structure of the screen so that it would not only be sturdy, but also light weight and easily assembled. The structure is made of interlocking joints that make assembly quick and easy. The joints also allow for the screen to be easily transported and allow for the individual pieces to be swapped out if damaged.

WRITER’S COMMUNITY fall 2014

* picked for accreditation

05 ELIZABETH POULSEN

project description:I was tasked with designing a community center for Lakeview, Montana. The goal was to create a building that balanced heavy and light, private and public. The building allows for the public spaces to be open and inviting, creating a connection to the existing buildings. The private spaces provide a more personal and internal environment. The materials that compose the build enhance the relationship between heavy and light. The glass is used to allow a connection to exist between individuals and buildings, while the concrete allows for more personal spaces to exist. The center is divided into three different programs; live, learn, and eat. All three programs are connected by a thick concrete wall that hides circulation and utilities. By using heavy and light materials the building can less of an impact on the site.

07 ELIZABETH POULSEN writer’s community

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I started with a u-shaped circulation pattern that was later dissected into individual pieces. This dissection created a hierarchy among the buildings along with directionality. The thick wall, created by the dissecting, allows the user to dramatically experience the difference between materials and spaces. It creates a transitional piece throughout the site and interacts with the proposed and existing buildings.

MIDWAY STUDY

project description:The ChicagoLab was a design studio that was embedded within an international design firm in downtown Chicago. The program was created to encourage a connection across disciplines and experience a professional atmosphere. We were located in CannonDesign’s Chicago office and throughout the process, worked with lead designers and government officials. The basis of our study was to understand the existing conditions at the Midway Airport and how we could transform the area into a more vital environment. In order to change the site for the better, we had to understand the social, economic, and environmental conditions. This was achieved through documentation, multiple site visits, and extensive research.

Summer 2014

group project

* book published (http://issuu.com/elizabethpoulsen/docs/mdw_study)

09 ELIZABETH POULSEN

After researching the conditions of the Midway Airport, we focused on how we could enhance its surrounding environment. We arrived at the idea of a 2050 design approach. We explored what the effects would be if we implemented a Maglev train line that connects downtown Chicago, Midway Airport, and O’Hare Airport. We explored the impact it would have on all locations, but focused mainly on the Midway area. We discovered that due to the introduction of faster transportation, the area would become a place where people not only wanted to live, but also work and play.

1 1 ELIZABETH POULSEN midway study

VOCATIONAL SCHOOL

project description:The project was to create a vocational school in a vacant lot between two elevated train tracks in Chicago’s Chinatown. One of the main problems on the site is that it is in a poor condition due to the lack of pedestrian traffic and community ownership.. I created an organic shape that interacts with both the street and the trains while encouraging foot traffic along the site. Within the site, there are pubic spaces that act as ground circulation around the more private areas. The private spaces are made of semitransparent material. This allows for a connection to exist between the interior and exterior spaces.,

Spring 2014

1 3 ELIZABETH POULSEN

CermakClark

Archer

ChinatownLibrary

Wen

tworth

CTAAccess

redlinerailway

metrarailway

CTAaccess

1 5 ELIZABETH POULSEN vocational school

My goal was to interact the building with the existing conditions of the site. One of the main obstacles with the site was that the two train tracks acted as barriers along the Cermak Corridor. I wanted to enhance this main road by changing the conditions of the tracks. To allow the path to continue i wanted the building to break, fill, and bridge the barriers. By having the school go under the tracks and up in between them, the potential for the site is greatly enhanced. Since most of the foot traffic comes from the train station, I wanted the riders to be able to experience the building, even before they get off the train.

A

FABRICATION SHOP OPEN TO BELOW

GALLERY

COMP

FLEX

LOUNGE

OFF

CLASS

The second floor walk way connects all of the private spaces and creates a cohesive unit. It creates an interaction between spaces that helps distinguish public and private spaces.