m a t t h e w j.

a d l e r
PORTFOLIO OF WORK
School of Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University • First Year: 2009-2010
 m a t t h e w j. a d l e r PORTFOLIO OF WORK
CONTENTS
School of Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University • First Year: 2009-2010

4-9 Free Hand Drawings

10-14 Digital Compositions

15-19 Studio Work

m a t t h e w j. a d l e r PORTFOLIO OF WORK
FREE HAND DRAWINGS
48 130: Architectural Drawing I - A Tactile Foundation

“Oblique View of a Tool” • Ebony Pencil on Bond •19”x24”

“Oblique and One Point Perspective - Tools” • Ebony Pencil on Bond •19”x24”
 m a t t h e w j. a d l e r PORTFOLIO OF WORK

“Negative Space” • Prismacolor on

Construction Paper •18”x24”
“Building Mass” • Charcoal on Newsprint •18”x24”
m a t t h e w j. a d l e r PORTFOLIO OF WORK

“One Point Perspective of a Stair” • Ebony Pencil on Bond •19”x24”

“Two Point Perspective of a Stair” • Ebony Pencil on Bond •19”x24”
“Contour Drawing of a Building”
• Conte on Newsprint •19”x24”
m a t t h e w j. a d l e r PORTFOLIO OF WORK
DIGITAL COMPOSITIONS
48 120: Introduction to Digital Media I

This course combines both the lab and lecture setting, exploring the relationships between digital and analog
technologies, using design, photography and digital assembly through graphics software as springboards for this
exploration.

In the lab setting, the Adobe Creative Suite is utilized as a tool in pursuing the development of digital
representation of architectural form. Students receive an array of assignments that challenge both their
graphic eye as well as technological skill, as learned throughout the semester.

In lecture hall, modern digital marvels are viewed and discussed -- recent innovations in the digital world such
as the development of YouTube, Apple, and others are evaluated as comparisons to media in an analog setting.
m a t t h e w j. a d l e r PORTFOLIO OF WORK
m a t t h e w j. a d l e r PORTFOLIO OF WORK
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STUDIO WORK
48 100: Design Studio - Form

SKETCHBOOK ASSIGNMENT: “40 THUMBNAILS”

PROJECT 1

Objective: The role of drawing can contribute to the recording of architectural observa-
tions and discoveries. How one draws and conveys these observations is both a passion
for discovery as well as an editing process for clarity and intent.

Process: Using eight pages of the sketchbook, create a simple grid of six 2” by 2” squares
on each page. Make one drawing of an architectural photograph within each square.

Medium: Wood pencils (first four pages); black ballpoint pen (last 4 pages)
m a t t h e w j. a d l e r PROJECT 2
“UNDERSTANDING NOLLI”
Objective: Architectural space and spatial condition is a complex
area of study and understanding. Referring to the attached plan
of the Carnegie Mellon Campus, use the assigned quadrant in
coordination with other classmate’s quadrants to create an entire
campus plan with a unified legend that might be compared to
the early map of Rome by Giacomo Battista Nolli. By walking,
physically pacing, and observing through drawing, document the
exterior and interior campus realm.

Process: On a sheet of Strathmore 500 Series Bristol Board

trimmed to 23” by 29”, construct the assigned portion of the
campus.

Medium: Wood pencils

m a t t h e w j. a d l e r PROJECT 3
“CORBUSIER: PALAIS DU GOUVERNEUR”
Objective: Exploring one of the projects of the architect Le Corbusier, students will learn the fundamentals of
research, the conventions of graphic communication and spatial model making, composing these elements into
a final exposition of the building.

Process: Working in the assigned group of students, collaborate in every step of the assignment given from
week to week, concluding with a final set of reproduced drafts (sections, plans, elevations, one paraline) and a
museum-quality model of the building:

Medium: Vellum (drafts), 1/8”,1/16”, 1/32” bass wood (model)

 m a t t h e w j. a d l e r PROJECT 4
“CONTEXT AND SPATIAL DEFINITION”
Objective: Design first a composition of three non-parallel
planes with some evident composition or hierarchy, then
insert them into a 5”x5” cube, creating a secondary compo-
sition of defined spaces evident within the cube upon viewing
the exterior.

Process: Compose a series of openings on the surface of the

cube or utilize slits (1/16” wide) the further define interior
spaces.

Medium: 4-ply Strathmore 500 Series Bristol board (planes

and Cube), tacky glue; pencils, trace, chipboard (process)
m a t t h e w j. a d l e r PROJECT 5
“WEEKEND RETREAT FOR A COLLEGE PRESIDENT”

Objective: The thesis of the final project of the first semester investigates the American tradition of the
freestanding country house situated in the open landscape. Applying spatial lessons of the prior exercises,
design a landscape in similar architectonic terms as a devise for developing and extending reciprocal spa-
tial relationships with those of the house. Following closely the given client narrative, adapt the (to scale)
20’x20’ dwelling to a site of 8’ hedges and spatial patches of gravel, grass, and water.

Process: Two study models as well as sketchbook drawings are required; the final presentation is a
1/4”-scale model with completed drawings (plans, section, elevation, and one sectional axonometric). These
will be submitted in preparation for the semester final review.

Medium: Drafts on Strathmore 500-series Bristol board (2-ply), model may be wood based with foam
core/Strathmore used for the dwelling, sandpaper for gravel areas