Architecture by Synthesis
From 2013-2016, I did some rendering work for Architecture by Synthesis in Ames, IA. Much of the work is showcased on the firm’s website, and many of his house plans can be found on Dream Green Homes, with the likes of the Earthships and Earth Bag Buildings. The designs are economical, energy-efficient solutions, often times incorporating grain bins, which are readily accessible in rural areas throughout the country.
I started using SketchUp + Podium, but since falling in love with parametric / algorithmic modeling, I have begun modeling and rendering with Rhino + Grasshopper + Flamingo-nXt.
Many of these images were developed after an exploration of many different forms and assemblies. Below are some snapshots of explorations from different projects:
Below are a collection of finished photos of some of these realized projects (All credit to Architecture by Synthesis):
Market One
Modus Engineering was considering moving to a new location from Ingersoll in Des Moines to the Market District across the river. Using the City’s redevelopment renderings, and working with Modus’ senior staff, I produced plans, elevations, and renderings. I also generated some initial designs for solar parking canopies for the adjacent lot. Modus went with Neumann Monson as the architect, with the final renovation showcased on the Market One website.
Solar Canopy Update
Here is a link to the final designed installation:
At this point, I am more advanced in modeling. The original concept was done in SketchUp, where curves can be a bit trickier. In Rhino + Grasshopper, however, developing a more striking variety is far simpler. Here are some of my updated concepts for a solar canopy:
4Zero4 Development
The South Gilbert district in Iowa City is an important piece to the city’s master plan, and the actions of developers are key to its broad implementation. Taking HDR’s planning strategy, and the vision of 4Zero4, I designed a preliminary plan that integrates the city’s desired mid-density housing, main street alley, and pedestrian trails with a redesign of local staple Pleasant Valley Floral to gather support from all parties involved. Although consulted by 4Zero4, this process required a good understanding of all interests so that investment is desirable within the overarching goals of Iowa City’s master plan.
FileSafe
The Freund Law firm had an empty cove used for overflow storage. With expanded clientele they needed to have a more robust filing system, so the cove was chosen but needed a simple, functional, and compact design. Given the cove’s constrained dimensions, the system needed to use as much of the volume as possible for storage, therefore the means of access was designed to be twofold with the files separated behind a two-doored system on casters, and then separated onto roll-out shelves. This allowed for the most storage and flexible access.
Lake-side Cabin Schematics
I was approached to develop some plans for a lake-side cabin a few years ago. The project did not materialize, but here are a few rough schematics that I was exploring. The first is a very simple design. The second was a larger open floor plan, inspired somewhat by the Bridge in Star Trek, and some designs from Star Wars. The plans are incomplete, but I had some fun developing them so I thought I would share.
