james bergstrom design portfolio

JAMES WOODROW BERGSTROM

DESIGN PORTFOLIOUniversity of Southern [email protected]

Don’t tell Stuart I forgot thebrownies, he’ll be pissed!

ENVELOPE: DRESSING THE SKELETONCompleting the Shelter

CHOLLA GRAVES 014

Date:September 21, 2015

Before the ‘RG’ Educational Research Camp creates its own envelope for its opening in 2 weeks, some of the park’s frequent climbers are exploring the skeleton for themselves on their annual September Equinox gathering.

Given that Rattlesnake Graves is a ‘bare-bones’ structure, it is up to its inhabitants to create an envelope. Fabrics, cables, tents, and pull-out attachable shelters are all elements that can be utilized.

1401: The Essential Rattlesnake Graves Kit For Survival

Rope/String/Cable Tarp

Tent/Fabric

Book for the soulSleeping Bag

Carabiners

A01

A02

A05

D03

D01

D02

A03

A04

D04

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5

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New Museum, SF - Fall 2015

Joshua Tree Research Center - Spring 2015

CALA, Los Angeles - Spring 2014

Koreatown Housing Project, Los Angeles - Fall 201312

The Humanitarian Exhibit - Spring 2016

NEW MUSEUM - SOMA, SAN FRANCISCO

• MULTIFUNCTIONAL FACADE

• FIBER REINFORCED PLASTIC PANELS

• RAINWATER + GREY WATER FILTRATION

• THERMAL + WATER STORAGE

• SOUND ABSORBTION

• LIGHT + SPACE MAKING STRATEGY

02 01 NEW MUSEUM - SOMA, SAN FRANCISCO

• MULTIFUNCTIONAL FACADE

• FIBER REINFORCED PLASTIC PANELS

• RAINWATER + GREY WATER FILTRATION

• THERMAL + WATER STORAGE

• SOUND ABSORBTION

• LIGHT + SPACE MAKING STRATEGY

Section B Scale: 1/2”= 1’-0”

0403

The Humanitarian Exhibit is a densely

packed cube of individual compartments,

each with its own set of viewing windows.

Each compartment, embodying an aspect of

the domestic lifestyle, is fatally linked to the

ones surrounding it. Every action has a reac-

tion, whether unbeknown to its perpetrator or

not. Latters and narrow crawl spaces fill

the voids between each compartment, allow-

ing viewers to crawl, climb, and peek into

scenarios that may not offer the most charm-

ing sequence of events, but perhaps a

cruel insight into humankind’s partly subcon-

scious hedonistic attitudes towards

violence: a caged sadism promoting human

welfare.

06 05

Date:October 26, 2405

Jim and Jan, two volunteers working for the North American Resettlement Group, explore Rattlesnake Graves fifty years after it had been abandoned by a large colony of mountain lions. They will report back their findings to the Main Ship at sunrise... if they can get along.

They find a few clues that this was once an educational research camp.

Looks like Jim and Jan found the old thing. Let’s hope those kids didnt leave anything toxic behind!

Summer Solstice12:00:00elevation: 79.01azimuth: 196.46

Equinox12:00:00elevation: 55.78azimuth: 190.08

Winter Solstice12:00:00elevation: 32.39azimuth: 184.68

There’s a water tankdown here, Jim!

We made it! Andit’s still standing!

Of course it’s stillhere, idiot. Does hethink aliens came andtook it!? Oh, Jim.

...I saw the watertank 5 minutes ago...

earth tubes feed thermal energy from groundwater supply

SECTION OVER TIMEThe 2405 discovery of Rattlesnake Graves

RATTLESNAKE GRAVES 010

Denise, we can’t do this here.What if the guys see!? They willobviously tell my wife!

PRECAST THINKING & PRODUCTIONSpecifications & Fabrication


Table Surface

Structural Wall Element

Climbable wall, frame for movable elements

Structural Wall Element

Roof, Usable second level

Climbable wall,Anchor for attachments

Climbable wall,Anchor for attachments

Structural Post

Rotating ‘Bunks’

2'0"

2'0"

5'2"

22'7

"

16'6"

9'0"

6'3"

11'8

"

1201 1202 1203

Date:June 10, 2015

Pre-cast workers are sweating profusely at work pouring the casts for the three main armature pieces that define Rattlesnake Graves.

The three units are designed with basic shelter elements in mind: structural walls, a roof, climable surfaces, usable walkable surfaces, and elements with the possibility for add-ons. Openings are allowed for storage and wind flow. Each piece is replicated over a hundred times.

In addition to the three main pieces, hollow-core slabs at varying lengths are a main component that rest on top of these armature pieces, completing the roof and table elements.

JOSHUA TREEJOSHUA TREEJOSHUA TREE

What kind of sculpture garden are these humans making, Albert?

Only 25 more trips today...why did I choose this job?

As Plato once said: ‘Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration’...or maybe that wasn’t Plato.

ORGANIZATION & ASSEMBLYOn-site placement


Date:August 5, 2015

Rattlesnake Graves is taking form. Assembly of the armature pieces is going smoothly, with several trucks carrying in new pieces every few hours. After the main three pieces are fastened to the foundation piles, hollow-core slabs are then placed. The skeleton is coming together.

Joshua Tree wildlife are profoundly confused.

If I knew he was going to make us walk a billion miles, I would’ve stayed home!

We made it guys! Cholla Graves!The hike wasn’t that bad, right?

RATTLESNAKE GRAVES 2015Hike to ‘RG’ Educational Research Facility


Date: October 17, 2015

Soon after construction, Rattlesnake Graves began to serve as host to the ‘RG’ Educational Research Camp. As a field of sleek precast armature peices, Rattlesnake Graves embeds itself in Joshua Tree as a literal skeleton. Middle and High School campers attending the camp’s 3 day educational excursions are dropped off 2 miles from the site. Experiencing the ‘discovery’ of this archeological site as you hike a distance to find it is an essential element to Rattlesnake Graves.

As you walk through the skeleton of precast armatures, one will come across subtle cues to functions. A simple grill may appear on one’s left. An opening leading to a roof perfect for stargazing a few paces more. Movable wall panels and a series of shade-making pullout features implemented for the research camp blanket the armature. Through a series of simple moves, Rattlesnake Graves invites its users to fully utilize its bones however necessary to survive.

Inhabitants are invited to add on whatever they deem necessary to survive and create a suitable shelter to these bare bones. Rattlesnake Graves will remain a fully functioning nomadic destination for many years to come. In the centuries ahead it will house backpackers, nomads, scientists, refugee camps, music festivals, and anyone with an adventurist appetite.

Come on kids! Approximately 2.3 miles until we hit the boneyard!

Eternal Fossil:

Rattlesnake Graves will act as an anchor in the landscape at Joshua Tree. A skeleton that provides shade for the animals, humans, and other inhabitants that may discover it.

Processional Discovery:

Utilities of ‘necessity’ will be placed along the ‘bones’ at Rattlesnake Graves. A stove, a water tank, and a toilet may be a few of these elements. Inhabitants will favor certain areas depending on the utilityclosest to them.

Limitless Accessibility:

Every surface of this skeleton will be usable and accessible to its inhabitants. Wall and roof elements will always serve a second function.

Ultimate Practicality:

Like a swiss army knife, these armatures will facilitate elements that can move, be rotated, used differently depending on the inhabitant’s needs.

Universal Functionality:

Rattlesnake Graves will be hosting inhabitants for thousands of years. Theelements provided allow for basic survival as well as a framework for abundant creation and imagination.

Does he have to talk through every damn movie!?Wait, so she why did

she drop the necklace into the ocean!?

Does he realize thesewill all die out here...It’s the desert!

Perfect spot forall my green babies!

Yes! Hamburgers tonight, baby!

I guess privacyis out of the question...

Can snakes evenget this big!?

... so what happenedto gravity?

201: Eternal Fossil

202: Processional Discovery

203: Limitless Accessibility

205: Universal Functionality

THE FIVE PRINCIPLESDriving Design Elements

CHOLLA GRAVES 002

0807 EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH FACILITY - JOSHUA TREE, CA

Don’t tell Stuart I forgot thebrownies, he’ll be pissed!

ENVELOPE: DRESSING THE SKELETONCompleting the Shelter

CHOLLA GRAVES 014

Date:September 21, 2015

Before the ‘RG’ Educational Research Camp creates its own envelope for its opening in 2 weeks, some of the park’s frequent climbers are exploring the skeleton for themselves on their annual September Equinox gathering.

Given that Rattlesnake Graves is a ‘bare-bones’ structure, it is up to its inhabitants to create an envelope. Fabrics, cables, tents, and pull-out attachable shelters are all elements that can be utilized.

1401: The Essential Rattlesnake Graves Kit For Survival

Rope/String/Cable Tarp

Tent/Fabric

Book for the soulSleeping Bag

Carabiners

We will sneak in at sundown. They’redumb if they think they can hidethe ruby at a refugee camp like this.

SPYING FROM A DISTANCEThe Boneyard on the Horizon

CHOLLA GRAVES 008

Date:July 21, 2213

A pro-Russian Refugee Camp has settled in Rattlesnake Graves. They are harboring the sacred Ruby that has been causing global chaos since World WarV erupted over 30 years ago.

Captain Crunch and Lieutenant Payne have been staked out on the outskirts of the camp. Their mission: to capture the Ruby.

Only animals in here, Marvin!But it looks like we can probablyrest up here before we go find ussome human fossils!

UTILITY TIME SEQUENCE 03A Look at Rattlesnake Graves Over Time


Date:January 5, 3705

Humans have long left the earth when the inhabitants of Planet XY55Z discover earth. They left their endangered planet in search of a new home. Rattlesnake Graves is among the first human ruins they find. The set up camp here for a few weeks before continuing their search. Earth offered them no resources humans had not already depleted.

Joshua Tree wildlife has now re-taken the skeleton.

Now, can any of you guys tell me the difference between a Chollacactus and a Prickly Pear cactus?

Before enlightenment, I chopped wood and carried water. After enlightenment, I chopped wood and carried water.



Date:March 22, 2018

For a third year in a row, the ‘RG’ Educational Research Camp has successfully offered middle and high school children an enlightening experience in Johusa Tree National Park. Nature walks, medication, plant identification practice, and first aid preperation are all included in the 3-day itinerary.

I can’t believe she came out here with Brad. Is she just tryingto make me jealous!?

Don’t let anyone see you take these. I could get in somuch trouble if I’m caught!



Date:October 26, 2165

Ten years after the Republic of Nomadia staked its claim on Southern California,the first annual Bonechella Festival overtakes Rattlesnake Graves. Crowds fill the skeleton at night while the hippest bands around play their non-conformist tunes. Old materials once attached to the skeleton are now being used as firewood to warm the crowd.

Little do they know that this sector of the skeleton will be blown away during World War V, just 15 years later.

10 09 EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH FACILITY - JOSHUA TREE, CA

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Ground Level Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6

Level 5Level 4

A A

BB

A A

BB

KOREATOWN HOUSING, LOS ANGELES

• MID-RISE 54 UNIT HOUSING PROJECT

• SOLAR ENERGY HARVESTING FACADE

• ADJUSTABLE SHADING PANELS

• DRIVE-UP HOUSING UNITS

• FULLY ACCOMMODATING UNITS W/ FRONT + BACK

YARD

CENTER FOR ARCHITECTURE, LOS ANGELES

• NEW PROPOSAL FOR CALA IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

INCLUDING NEW A+D MUSEUM

• PUBLIC DATUM (SIDEWALK) LIFTED FROM STREETSCAPE

• URBAN PARK + OUTDOOR GALLERY SPACE INTRODUCED

• EXTENSION OF SIDEWALK MEDIATES BETWEEN PUBLIC +

PRIVATE PROGRAM WITHIN SITE

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james bergstrom design portfolio

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