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LEXI SMITH

PORTFOLIO | NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY


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PORTFOLIO DIRECTORY
FILTERED MAT
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER & SCHOOL
THE IRON
RECREATION CENTER
OPEN CORE
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCH
SPLIT & CARVE
OPERATIVE DESIGN HOUSE
WATCHTOWER
LIGHT WOOD FRAME CONSTRUCTION
GREEN BUILDING
CAVITY WALL SECTION
UNDULATING WALL
BRICK & GLASS EXPERIMENTATION
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comm. service
comm.
comm.
res.
auditorium
school
Secondary roads
Dominant roads
T-stop: silver line
Bus stop
Access to site
Outdoor site
Parking
Residential access
Public access
Access into site
FILTERED MAT: PERFORMING
ARTS CENTER & SCHOOL
SOUTH END, BOSTON, MA | JANUARY - APRIL 2014
URBAN INSTITUTIONS | PROFESSOR PANZANO
Located across from Peters Park and along Washington Street and Harrison Avenue in Bostons
South End, this site holds a complex which combines residential, commercial, and academic
centers. The urban complex, specifically the Performing Arts Center and School, incorporates
massing ideas which relate to the surrounding site context. This project focuses mainly on
analysis of the areas outdoor conditions to make decisions about massing and elements of the
master plan design.
VEHICULAR & PEDESTRIAN ACCESS DIAGRAM
PUBLIC OUTDOOR SPACE DIAGRAM
LEXI SMITH
ARCH 2140
MEGAN PANZANO
SPRING 2014
Courtyards / public gathering
Green Space
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MASSING: STEPPING HEIGHTS AS RELATION TO GREEN SPACE
The massing of the complex is inspired by Peters Park across Washington Street. The park acts
as a relief from the many brick buildings, and is a crucial outdoor gathering space in the
neighborhood. The complexs massing has stepping heights which get lower closer to the park,
so that all levels of the massing are visible from the park and so that the height does not appear
overwhelming from the park. These stepping heights not only signal to the relief of the park, but
also create prevent the courtyards on the site from feeling too closed off. The highest step is
residential and commercial, the next step is mostly service space, and the lowest step is the
Performing Arts Center and School: the main focus of the project.
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STEPPING MASSING PERSPECTIVE
The project deals mainly with the details of the Performing Arts Center and School. Programati-
cally, the program relies on a service T, which acts as a filter between different types of
program within the school. On the first level, the service T acts as a filter between public use
programs and student use programs. On the second level, the T filters between student
academic spaces and views into the courtyard outside. Finally, the third floor service allows
filtration between different performing arts programs. The service programs also help to separate
the auditorium from the rest of the programs, allowing for a central outdoor courtyard and perfor-
mance space for the students and visitors. Overall, the T separates programs which might to
be more internalized, requiring quiet or focus on academia, from programs which are more
public. In the larger massing scheme, the service at the back of the school, or the top of the T,
helps to separate the school from the residential, commercial, and office spaces, while allowing
views into both courtyards on the site.
THIRD FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR
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Open circulation
PROGRAM: SERVICE AS FILTER
Large group
Common/gathering
Small group
Medium group
Service
1. Auditorium
2. School drop off
3. Computer lab
4. Recording studio
5. Library
6. Common space
7. Kitchen
8. Bathroom
9. Outdoor space
10. Entrance / lobby
11. Office
12. Staff room
13. Administration
14. Performance space
15. School entry
16. Classroom
17. Service entry
18. Storage
19. Mechanical room
20. Custodial room
21. Changing room
22. Back of house
1. Auditorium
8. Bathroom
20. Mechanical room
21. Custodial room
23. Dance studio
24. Outdoor flex space
25. Small group studio
26. Group studio
27. Instrument storage
28. Indoor flex space
29. Theater studio
30. Music studio
1. Auditorium
3. Computer Lab
4. Recording Studio
5. Library
6. Common Space
8. Bathroom
17. Classroom
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VIEWS: SELECTIVE INTERIOR / EXTERIOR SCENES
Another consideration in designing the Performing Arts Center and School is the views
created within, from, and into the buildings. Forming juxtapositions of solid programs
and fenestrated areas allows for views into interior courtyards, exterior courtyards, and
of Boston. From the outside, the solid areas hint to program beyond, while the slits of
fenestration display these programs and provide interesting previews to the activity
within the center and school, and vice versa to the city beyond the site.
SERVICE T PERSPECTIVE
COURTYARD PERSPECTIVE
From site
Within site
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Fenestration also depends on lighting conditions. By analyzing how lighting might enter the
building, different sizes and types of glass openings exist on the buildings exterior. For
example, the slit windows allow for controlled lighting into rooms. Skylights help to lighten
interior spaces on the upper level. The clear glass courtyards within the school allow in plenty
of lighting, creating an enjoyable outdoor experience surrounded by interior spaces. Stepping
sections of the building also allow lighting to reach the outdoor courtyards in the massing.
LIGHT & FENESTRATION: FILTRATION AT DIFFERENT LEVELS
INTERIOR COURTYARD PERSPECTIVE
SECTION ACROSS SITE
SECTION THROUGH SITE
Least light
Most light
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THE IRON: RECREATION
CENTER
BOYLSTON STREET, BOSTON, MA | OCT - DEC 2013
SITE, SPACE, & PROGRAM | PROFESSOR WHIDDEN
Situated in central Boston, The Iron rests on a site bordered by three major streets in the city:
Boylston Street, Massachusetts Avenue, and the Massachusetts Turnpike. The recreational
center, featuring a caf, multipurpose room, and membership-only fitness areas for college-
attending locals, is designed based on various elements surrounding the site. The building
takes into consideration sound, views, and architectural styles from the area to create spaces
which can be experienced at different urban scales: from street level to larger-scale Boston.
BOYLSTON STREET
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BUILDING ALIGNMENT / SURROUNDING CIRCUMSTANCE DIAGRAM
Noise created from
Massachusetts Turnpike
Views created by
Prudential Center /
central Boston buildings
Alternating heights
created by commercial
buildings
Courtyards / public gathering
Green Space
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Programatically, the massing separates service program from programs which may be
better experienced along Boylston Street. The service program is aligned with the edge
of the site, parallel to the Massachusetts Turnpike. This would be the noisiest and most
traffic-heavy street, which would be least pleasing to visitors. The service and main
programs are separated by an internal circulation street. Pockets in the service bar
allow for people to sit, rest, and enjoy views of the main programs from across the
internal street. The main programs, which would be most actively used by the public,
align Boylston Street and are much more open for experience with and from the street.
Internal street / connector
PROGRAM: EXHIBITED FACADE, UNIFORM BACK, CONNECTING STREET
Secondary program
Primary program

INTERNAL STREET PERSPECTIVE
CIRCULATION: INTERNAL CONNECTING STREET
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The internal street not only separates the two different types of program, but allows
visitors to travel the span of the building and gym users to travel to upper levels. The
main programs on the first floor consist of rooms which may be open to the general
public, such as a caf and multipurpose room. The second and third floors hold most
of the fitness center program, such as machines, yoga and training rooms, and the two
main pools in the rec center. The top floor also contains roof patios, allowing views to
the Prudential Center and other important Boston buildings. The service bar is carried
through all three levels. By placing patios within this service space bar, visitors may
still catch glimpses of the Mass Turnpike without the noise being too burdensome.
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THIRD FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR
1. Teaching pool
2. Locker rooms
3. Storage
4. Lobby
5. Patio
6. Bathroom
7. Multipurpose
8. Caf
9. Kitchen
5. Patio
6. Bathroom
10. Fitness
11. Office
12. Yoga
13. Training
5. Patio
6. Bathroom
11. Office
14. Main pool
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Service programs
PROGRAM: PROGRAMS SEPARATED BY INTERNAL STREET
Public programs
Circulation / internal street
Fitness
Pools
Patios
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BOYLSTON STREET
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The main programs in the recreational center are designed to relate to Boylston Street and the notable
city area beyond. These programs, which would be the most populated in the building, each have a
way of being exhibited so that passersby may be interested in observing and entering the building. The
programs on the first floor are especially transparent, encased mostly in glass so they may be seen
from the restaurants and commercial areas across the street. Outdoor programs on the first floor also
welcome people to visit the site, sit and eat food from the caf, or watch the high divers in the outdoor
pool during the summer. Alternating heights on the second and third floors are also a reflection of the
alternating heights of buildings in the area, and gives hints of the centers roof patios, a vegetated relief
from the urban footprint.
EXHIBITED PROGRAMS PERSPECTIVE
PROGRAM: RELATION TO OUTDOOR / SURROUNDING AREA
Public outdoor programs
Access to outdoor programs
Private outdoor program
Public exhibited program
Private exhibited program
Service areas
By including many glass openings on the first floor, the internal and external areas
relate not only to the rest of the city, but to each other. Within the site, outdoor and
indoor fitness users can feel interconnected. Public space users may get a feel of
the fitness areas, while gym users may be inspired to visit the more public caf or
have sports meetings in the multipurpose room. With such open spaces, people
may feel invited to flow between the differents types of programs.
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The division of the outdoor programs may be understood by observers. As in
plan, the building is sectionally divided into different types of program. To the left
are the buildings pools. The central hosts the entrance and main fitness areas,
and the right side of the building is public-use rooms and smaller use fitness on
the upper levels. These areas are flanged by outdoor spaces of various uses.
PROGRAM: OUTDOOR SPACE DIVISION
BOYLSTON STREET ELEVATION
One of the most interesting features of the recreation center is that the exterior
highlights the different elements of the building. From the short section, one may
see the difference between the main exhibited programs, the internal street,
and the service bar. From the long section, one may see the different levels of
public space and fitness areas.
LATITUDINAL SECTION
LONGITUDINAL SECTION
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OPEN CORE: BOSTON PUBLIC
LIBRARY BRANCH
CHINATOWN, BOSTON, MA | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2013
SITE, SPACE, & PROGRAM | PROFESSOR WHIDDEN
This building is a Chinatown-based extension of the Boston Public Library. Adjacent to a park and minor
commercial buildings, the library is meant to serve a community of people of all ages, with various collec-
tions in both English and Mandarin. The goal of this building is to provide visitors with experiences catered
to their specific needs, with individual rooms for children, silent reading, and computer workstations.
Because of the narrow footprint, the building also explores opportunities to create open spaces and utilize
windows which make the library seem less congested and more welcoming.
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UP
UP
HUDSON STREET
SURFACE ROAD
PROCESS MASSING: VOID VS. SOLID
PROCESS MODELS
One major idea behind the massing, which carried through many iterations of the design, is to
have an experience of solid vs void spaces. This is created by a series of platforms where solid
voids step into open spaces, and vice versa. Several options for circulation around these
spaces were explored. Some considered circulation which weaved around the entire building,
while some focused on a central circulation core, allowing for more free-flowing movement
throughout programs.
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The final massing of the library has an open central core edged by solid volumes. The open central
core contains all upward circulation, while the solid volumes hold all book stacks. The central circula-
tion allows peoples vision to circle around the building, constantly alternating from short views of the
core to long views of the reading rooms and beyond. By juxtaposing open spaces with more solid
spaces, visitors can experience the entire building while ascending and descending, but have more
private reading experiences once in the solid spaces.
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SECOND FLOOR
CIRCULATION: OPEN CENTRAL MOVEMENT
Void central space
MASSING: VOID VS SOLID SPACE
Solid space
1. Entry
2. Multipurpose
3. Bathroom
4. Storage
5. Staff room
6. Office
7. Childrens reading
8 Secondary reading
9. Periodicals
10. Online catalogue
11. Primary reading
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VIEWS: SELECTIVE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR SCENES
In addition to elongating views, fenestration also allows light into spaces, creating relief within the spaces.
Windows located above book stacks allow light to shine on shelves for people searching for good reads.
Skylights over the computer area create a more open and relaxing environment for those hard at work. The
skylights over the stairs also help to further open the central circulation core and direct people upwards.
Because the library must be so narrow, it is important to allow views
throughout, so the spaces do not feel so congested. The rooms through-
out have a raum plan sensibility. Stepping levels allow not only for
different height experiences, but also for views to and from rooms.
Placing railings in many rooms rather than walls helps to expand views
between spaces rather than hinder them. All of these views allow for
vision out of the librarys windows and, at certain points, skylights.
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LATERAL SECTION
SURFACE ROAD ELEVATION
From the outside, the building hints at what program exists behind. The outside is
solid where bookshelves and computer desks are aligned with the walls. Howev-
er, the rest of exterior is glazing which allows people to see parts of the interior of
the building, including the open central core and its stairs. Just as is possible
within the building, it is possible to see elongated views from one side of the
building out to the other side.
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TOPOGRAPHY VIEW ACCESS
PARALLEL TO STREET
PERPENDICULAR TO STREET
PARALLEL TO STREET
PERPENDICULAR TO STREET
Neighbor
Road
Ridge/peak
Neighbor
Road
Ridge / peak
Mid area /
ridge
Neighbor
Mid area / ridge
Long views
Short views
Parcel
Road
Road
Parcel
Access
Eye level
Waist level
Knee level
Ridge
Parcel
Pool
Valley
Views
Mid area
Parcel
Peak
Parcel
Pool
Access
Road
This project is a house design set in a hypothetical New England neighborhood. Having chosen
a propoerty lot with many topography changes, this design employs a necessary assessesment
of environmental conditions which may affect the house. The operative design methods of
splitting and carving different elements of the house and landscape help to form joint living
spaces which respond to surrounding conditions for two different clients.
SPLIT & CARVE: OPERATIVE
DESIGN HOUSE
IMAGINED AREA, NEW ENGLAND | MAY - JUNE 2013
FUNDAMENTAL DESIGN | PROFESSOR DI MARI
ENVIRONMENT
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Summer sun
Parcel
Winter sun
Ridge
Site topography changes
Pool
Valley
Views
Mid area
Peak
NEIGHBOR SETBACK DIAGRAM 1 NEIGHBOR SETBACK DIAGRAM 2
Setback Setback
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This project explored many different options of splitting and carving to create
the houses massing. From landscape to fenestration decisions, methods of
operation were designed at different degrees scales, and ultimately the
preferred methods were chosen. Throughout the process, some adjustments
had to be made which better suited the overall cohesion of the buildings
design. The massing of the building focuses mainly on splits, while carving is
applied more to the landscape around the house to create outdoor paths and
spaces.
MASSING: OPERATIVE DESIGN STRATEGIES
SPLIT
CARVE
Massing
Landscape
Flex Space
Fenestration
Horizontal Ranges
Landscape
Vertical Ranges
Circulation
Main Levels
Raum Plan
Interior
Exterior
Thick vs. Thin Facade
Patios
REFLECT
JOIN
Massing
Thick
Thin
Circulation
Reflected
Original
Massing Joined
Original
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THICK THIN PRECEDENT: POLI HOUSE
RAUM PLAN PRECEDENT: TZARA HOUSE
THICK THIN DIAGRAM
RAUM PLAN DIAGRAM
The Split & Carve also places a lot of emphasis on house design principles which
have been explored in some well-known houses. Particular interest lies in thick thin
and raum plan principles. In this projects design, thick thin is achieved through
service programs, carved-out windows, cabinetry, and circulation which aligns the
edges of the joined houses. Raum plan implementation helps to not only give each
floor dynamic movement, but also to highlight the importance of some spaces over
others. More important programs, such as master bedrooms and dining rooms,
have more steps to reach them, separating them from the rest of the programs and
giving them appeal. Fewer steps may be used to transition between rooms which
may want to be more connected, such as the entrances and living rooms.
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SECOND FLOOR
UP
DN
FIRST FLOOR THICK THIN / SPLIT EXTERIOR PERSPECTIVE
THICK THIN INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE
Each program has its own way of highlighting the splitting, carving, and thick thin and raum
plan principles. Similar programs are located near each other. For example, on the first floors
of each clients house, the kitchen, dining room, and living rooms are all located near each
other to allow food, relaxation, and conversation to coexist. On these floors, smaller rooms
such as bathrooms are pushed towards the edges to allow privacy and to emphasize the thick
parts of the joined houses perimeters. There are two spaces which are unique from the rest.
A music room on the first floor, meant for public access, contains large, indented windows
which allow immense lighting for lessons and recitals. The childrens play room serves as a
connection between the two houses, as well as a transition from the front of the house to the
backyard patio. The upper floors are more private spaces which follow the same design rules,
but include carves into the massing, creating balconies for upper floor dwellers to experience
the outside property.
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1. Garage
2. Guest bedroom
3. Bathroom
4. Living room
5. Music room
6. Kitchen
7. Entry
8. Dining room
9. Childrens play room
10. Outdoor space
2. Guest bedroom
3. Bathroom
11. Balcony
12. Flex space
13. Master bedroom
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SECTIONAL AXON
The splitting of the massing re-orients residents as they move throughout their houses, allowing different
views from different areas of the spaces. This splitting of the massing from its central spine, along with
the carving, also allows for outdoor spaces. For example, the spaces in the back house create a level
of privacy in the backyard patio and direct views towards the forest scenery above. The program
mimics this operative design in section as well. Not only does raum plan allow split levels on each floor,
but the program for each clients house also diverges from the central, shared childrens playroom.
LONGITUDINAL SPINE SECTION
up
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Shared space
PROGRAM: SHARED SPACE WITHIN SPLIT SPINE
Client 2
Client 1
SHARED OUTDOOR SPACE / SPINE PERSPECTIVE
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SECTION FRONT ELEVATION BACK ELEVATION
WATCHTOWER: LIGHT WOOD
FRAME CONSTRUCTION
HYPOTHETICAL AREA | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2014
TECTONICS | PROFESSOR FORREN
This watchtower employs light wood frame construction. The design features a 4-foot founda-
tion and two above-ground levels, the first serving as entrance and ascension to the second
observing floor. Large, slanted windows on all sides of the second floor allow for generous and
asymetrical views, depending on the point of stance. The tower has a folded roof to allow proper
drainage and for the collection of rain water.
FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR ROOF PLAN
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ABOVE WINDOW STEEL
LINTEL
WINDOW FLASHING
CONCRETE ROOF CAP
ROOF FLASHING
2 MINIMUM
METAL DOWEL
ROOF FLASHING
ROOF MEMBRANE
SEPUM GREEN
ROOF DRAIN
DRAIN PIPE
2X10 ROOF RAFTER
4 RIGID INSULATION
VAPOR RETARDER
3/4 SHEATHING
5/8 GYPSUM CEILING
5/8 GYPSUM STRAPPING
5/8 GYPSUM FURRING
5/8 GYPSUM WALL BOARD
TRIM BOARD
3 SOLID WOOD DECKING
14 DEEP HEAVY TIMBER
BOND BEAM
ABOVE WINDOW STEEL
WOOD CASING
SHIM
WOOD STOOL AND APRON
2 RIGID INSULATION
CMU WATERPROOFING
VERTICAL REINFORCING BARS
CMU BACK-UP WALL
RUBBER FLASHING
ANCHOR BOLT
3/4 FINISHED FLOOR
3/4 SUBFLOOR
2X10 FLOOR JOIST WITH
FIRECUT END
1-1/4 X 3/16 TWISTED STEEL
1X2 CONCRETE
FOOTING
4 DIAMETER FOOTING
DRAIN
CONCRETE
FOUNDATION WALL
WATERPROOFING
DRAINAGE MAT
FILTER FABRIC
INSULATION
MODULAR BRICK
VENEER
WINDOW FLASHING
ROWLOCK BRICK
WINDOW
FLASHING
STEEL LINTEL
PREMOLDED FILLER AND
SEAL JOINT
6 CONCRETE SLAB WITH WIRE
PROTECTION BOARD
REQUISITE VAPOR BARRIER
4 COMPACTED GRAVEL
1 CAVITY
METAL TIE
GREEN BUILDING: CAVITY WALL
SECTION
HYPOTHETICAL AREA | FEBRUARY- MARCH 2014
TECTONICS | PROFESSOR FORREN
This project shows a standard cavity wall section. The wall has an outer brick layer, and an inner
reinforced CMU layer, with insulation and flashing at necessary points. The joists attached are
heavy timber, to explore the connection of different building materials. Some floors, ceilings, and
walls are clad with wooden decking. The roof is a green system, requiring many layers to maintain
the vegetation, with a roof drain for excess water. The drain follows the standards of an actual roof
drain. By following actual guidelines, the cavity wall exhibits all of the detailing required to create a
very common type of wall construction.
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UNDULATING WALL: BRICK &
GLASS EXPERIMENTATION
HYPOTHETICAL AREA | MARCH - APRIL 2014
TECTONICS | PROFESSOR FORREN
This project is a 4-foot deep wall design. The wall uses bricks and glass as building
materials, and studies the effects created by forming two wythes of bricks into a curved
pattern with altering spaced and aligned bricks. The goal in doing this is to study how a
rectangular volume can be manipulated to create more organic forms, and how glass can
act as a relief within the curves of the wall. What is attactrive about brick is the fact that it
is a small unit compared to most other building materials (e.g. timber and concrete), but it
can be used to create structures equally if not more beautiful. In this design, viewers can
understand the bricks as a smaller part to a greater whole, and the glass as a compliment
to the bricks design. The spacing of the bricks allows for changing views through the wall
as one walks along it. The rustic color is also striking, and makes for an interesting contrast
with the bright light that could penetrate the open spaces of the wall.
PLAN
ELEVATION
SECTION
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Glass is added as fenestration to create even more openness within the wall. This effect is
achieved through two modules - one with two areas of glass cladding, the other with three
areas - and alternating them to create different visual experiences on the facade. The glass
is positioned diagonally from the front wythe to the back wythe. The use of linear glass
puncturing through various points in the wall reflects the flat planes of the brick and offers
more permeability and lightness in the fairly weighty appearance of bricks. Windows are
kept in place with thin metal mullions and lintels. What adds to the character of the wall is
that the brick is only openly spaced in areas where the windows exist. Some brick is left
behind the glass for an added aethetic appeal. Structurally, areas of solid brick support the
open areas of the wall. Every four courses of bricks is a series of connected rowlocks which
support the king bricks above. The aligned courses of bricks on either side of the windows
also add structural integrity to the wall and create an effect of solid vs void.
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