reuben alt, portfolio

609.462.8882 [email protected] 325 E 8th. St. Apt 306 Cincinnati, OH 45202

REUBEN ALT ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER

Master of Architecture, April 2013University of Cincinnati, College of Design, Architecture, Art, and PlanningCincinnati, OH

Thesis Research | Wild Urban Woodlands: Addressing the Emergent Typology of Post-Industrial Forest SuccessionThesis Design | Hillside Ascent: An Urban Forestry Education Center for Cincinnati ParksDesign Interests and Expertise | urban ecology, sustainability, horticultural design, wilderness architecture, design for extreme environ-ments, site sensitive environmental design, rapidly deployable shelters, energy efficiency, material tactility, tectonic expression, community influenced design

Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies, Minor in Art History, May 2009 Hobart CollegeGeneva, NY

EDUCATION

EXPERIENCE

SKILLS

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson San Francisco, CAIntern, September 2011 - March 2012

Worked on the schematic design and construction documentation of multiple new construction and adaptive reuse retail projects. Worked extensively on a 21,500 sq. ft. corporate interior project, producing technical drawings throughout the schematic design and construction documentation phases. Was a member of the competition team designing a zero-net energy, Living Building Challenge compliant home for the Aleutian Islands of Alaska.

Mark English Architects San Francisco, CAIntern, September 2010 - December 2010Provided schematic design, design development, and construction documentation for multiple new residences and large scale renovations around the San Francisco Bay Area. Provided conceptual sketches, renderings, and models for clients. Accompanied Mark English and other architects to on-site meetings with clients.

In. Site: ArchitecturePerry, NYIntern, March 2010 - June 2010

Worked on a large variety of projects, including marketing efforts, new construction, and historic preservation. Helped produce con-struction documentation, and energy modeling for a new residence utilizing renewable energy sources and pursuing a LEED for homes certification. Responsible for the design and printing of two display boards for the AIA Rochester Design Awards. Provided design work and presentation material for a 24,000 sq. ft. boating museum competition. Provided site and building documentation resulting in AutoCAD drawings of a residential and a mixed use facility. Became familiar with the HPCA tax incentive program and application process for historic building, as well as the process of designating a historic district through the National Register of Historic Places.

Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Office of Communications Geneva, NYStudent Photographer, February 2009 – May 2009

Worked beside the college’s professional photographer editing and archiving images for use in publications produced by the communica-tions office for use on the college’s website and other printed productions.

Computer Applications: Adobe PhotoshopAdobe IllustratorAdobe In DesignAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk 3DS MaxAutodesk Revit

Rhinoceros 3DGrasshopperSketchUpArcGISREM Home Energy AnalysisExperience with CNC milling and laser fabrication

Manual: DraftingStipplingWatercolorWood WorkingModel Building (variety of mediums)TIG Welding

609.462.8882 [email protected] 325 E 8th. St. Apt 306 Cincinnati, OH 45202


RECOGNITION Director’s Choice Award for M.Arch Thesis, 2013 DAAPWorks.Award for Distinguished Design (Building) The Graduate Faculty of the School of Architecture and Interior Design, 2013International Contemporary Furniture Fair, May 2013 New York, NY. Relief Shelter featured.

DESIGN EXPLORATIONS

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PORTFOLIO / REUBEN ALTPAGE / ii

ACADEMIC

OUT OF FAILURE: DEPLOYABLE SHELTERURBAN FORESTRY EDUCATION CENTERSPA AND WELLNESS CENTERFUTURE LIVING: RETHINK HOTELS COMPETITIONDISTRIBUTION HUBDESIGN FOR EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS

PROFESSIONAL

LANTERN HOUSERETAIL AND CORPORATE DESIGN: BOHLIN CYWINSKI JACKSONRESIDENTIAL DESIGN: MARK ENGLISH ARCHITECTS

ADDITIONAL WORKS

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CONTENTS PAGE / i

DEPLOYABLE SHELTEROUT OF FAILURE

This project investigates the use of flat stock material, such as plywood, and the use of CNC milling technology to create com-pact, easily distributed temporary shelters. Our project empha-sizes easy construction, using notching as a method of joinery. Affordability is also important to the design and is manifested in the material choices and the low cost of fabrication. Designed to fit in a parking space, our project is intended to utilize existing infrastructure for electricity and water based utilities. Beginning with spatial studies based on existing small spaces, scale models were produced representing our design. Full scale prototypes were then used to explore the fabrication method. A full scale prototype of the project is being featured in the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (May 2013) and in Interior Design Magazine.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PORTFOLIO / REUBEN ALTPAGE / 1

TYPE // GRADUATE SEMINARTIME // FALL 2012PROGRAM // TEMPORARY RELIEF SHELTERTEAM // REUBEN ALT, AUGUST MILLEREXHIBITION // INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE FAIR

ABOVE // perspective in urban context

PROJECT / RELIEF SHELTER PAGE / 2

ABOVE // 1:8 scale model

ABOVE // 1:8 scale model assembly process


ABOVE // first full scale prototype

ABOVE // second modified full scale prototype



LEFT // construction details

LEFT // fabric enclosure trial

LEFT // exterior/primary rib system


ABOVE // second modified full scale prototype


ABOVE // assembly sequence at ICFF


ABOVE // ICFF Exhibit


HILLSIDE ASCENTURBAN FORESTRY EDUCATION CENTER

The decline of the Industrial City resulted in the emer-gence of spontaneous nature on sites where frequent use can no longer be maintained. The emergent typology, the Wild Urban Woodland, infiltrates the fractured peripheries of once dense cities. The process, known as natural, ecological, or forest succession, emerges as a product of regional cultural and environmental spec-ificities. The vegetation associated with the process is a clear in-dicator and constant reminder of the social, economic and cultural transformations that resulted in its occurrence. The Wild Urban Woodland is an embodiment of the place-based characteristics in which it emerges, thus in this new wilderness is the potential to create a culturally significant and self-reflective landscape while embracing the biological and educational benefits of its urban proximity. This thesis investigates the emergence of Wild Urban Woodlands on the once actively occupied, ascended, and descend-ed Cincinnati Hillsides, where a once culturally significant land-scape has been detrimentally altered by the transformations in the urban structure. Yet, in this emergent typology is the potential for education, recreation, and the development of an environmental ethic necessary for the growth of future biophilic cities. This thesis proposes a type of urban architecture integrated with the succes-sional landscape; light rather than heavy, permeable to vegetation and nature, and responsive to the environmental specificities of the site, as much as to the adjacent urban and cultural context.

TYPE // THESISTIME // SPRING 2013LOCATION // CINCINNATI, OHPROGRAM // URBAN FORESTRY INTERPRETIVE CENTER

PROJECT / URBAN FORESTRY EDUCATION CENTER PAGE / 12


HILLSIDE ASCENT“PATENTLY UNLOVED YET NATURALISTIC, THIS HOLEY PLACE SEEMS MORE A WILDERNESS THAN THE DATUM OF A MAN-MADE CITY. DOTTED BY TREES AND CRISS-CROSSED BY WO-MEN/VEHI-CLES/ROADS, IT IS A SURFACE DOMINATED BY A PECULIAR SENSE OF ONGOING STRUGGLE.”

-LARS LERUP

ABOVE // Cincinnati, Topographically defined


HILLSIDE ASCENT“FOREST EDGES AND WALLS OF TREES FORM THE NEW EDGES OF SPACES WHEN BUILDINGS ARE BROKEN APART”

-JORG DETTMAR

Cincinnati, Active to Passive hillside urbanism

ABOVE // phases of urban forest succession


ABOVE // Interpretive Center, Entrance


The design intervention, an Urban Forestry Education Center addresses the “wild urban woodland” as both an urban and a wil-derness condition. The building references the historical functions of the site while integrating itself into existing urban planning efforts. The building typology reinterprets strategies used in nature interpretive center and applies them to an urban condition. The site intervention address the ecological needs of the site and addresses the influx of invasive species in order to create a natural bioproductive landscape.

ABOVE // Program concept collage

ABOVE // Layers of Intervention


0’ 32’ 64’ 128’

PIONEER BED (FROZEN)PERENNIAL BED (FROZEN)SHRUB BED (FROZEN)NATIVE PRAIRIEMANAGED WOODLANDWILD WOODLANDINTERPRETIVE CENTERGARAGE/SHOPFOREST CLASSROOMS

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RIGHT // Site Plan


ABOVE // Site development through modeling


ABOVE // Building development through modeling


TOP // City view from forest classroomsABOVE // Urban Timber Program educational shop


HILLSIDE ASCENT“FORESTS RETURN TO LAND WHERE THE PREVIOUS INTENSITY OF LAND USE CAN NO LONGER BE MAINTAINED”

-INGO KOWARIK

ABOVE // Site section/species composition

ABOVE // Interior, main interpretive space


ABOVE // Perspective showing relationship between interpretive space and the adjacent urban context


SPA AND WELLNESS CENTERCRANBROOK ACADEMY OF ART

This project was designed during the University of Cincinnati’s SEC Studio. This comprehensive studio investigates the integra-tion of structural systems, passive and mechanical environmental systems, and construction technologies. The building is a well-ness center, containing massage rooms, a yoga studio, sauna rooms, and a bathing space. A “hospitality” zone exists, and in my scheme, sits detached from the main “wellness” structure. A centrally located thick wall becomes a strategy for organizing space, but also functions as a container for mechanical systems, and as a structural core. Modeling studies determined structural and tectonic relationships that were reflected in the final design of the Wellness Center.

TYPE // STUDIO, STRUCTURES ENVIRONMENT CONSTRUCTIONTIME // SPRING 2011PROGRAM // SPA AND WELLNESS CENTER

ABOVE // section perspective

PROJECT / SPA AND WELLNESS CENTER PAGE / 26


Pool RoomLobby/ReceptionLocker RoomMassage RoomSaunaGuest RoomLibraryOutdoor Yoga Space

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ABOVE // tectonic relationship model

ABOVE // model detailsABOVE // wall detail


ABOVE // pool room rendering


ABOVE // spatial collage

winter condition

summer condition

mechanical spaces

above tectonic relationship model


ABOVE // section perspective


PIER 54 RESORTJOVOTO RETHINK HOTELS

Designed for the Jovoto Rethink Hotels Competition, my resort, located on Pier 54 in New York City (city specific to competition) proposes expanding the urban environment over the nearby Hud-son River. The resort combines a mix of public and cultural facili-ties with the private rooms of hotel. The building has a waterfront aesthetic while functioning in relation to the nearby Meatpack-ing District. The competition entry required multiple renderings that displayed the essence of the project. Also proposed was a renewable energy concept attaching wave energy buoys to the structural piles of the pier in order to harness the energy of the undulating river.

TYPE // COMPETITIONTIME // SPRING 2011PROGRAM // HOSPITALITY/RETAIL

PROJECT / RETHINK HOTELS PAGE / 34

ABOVE // perspective in urban context


ABOVE // wave energy conceptTOP LEFT // public retail spaceTOP RIGHT // hotel room interiorRIGHT // urban context Meat Packing District, New York, NY

PEDESTRIAN LEVEL

PIER STRUCTURE

WAVE ENERGY BUOY

PROJECT / RETHING HOTELS PAGE / 36

Designed for a future scenario in which the government fully regulates the distribution of goods and services, the Distribution Hub provides a location for all forms of distri-bution. A network of hubs would exist around the country, connected by a high speed rail system separate from the normal transportation flow. The distribution system would cut through existing neighborhoods. The hub could be-come a catalyst for future development as it becomes a necessary destination for sustenance.

TYPE // CHARETTETIME // SPRING 2012PROGRAM // GOODS DISTRIBUTION CONCEPT

DISTRIBUTION HUBFUTURE LIVING


PROJECT / DISTRIBUTION HUB PAGE / 38

ABOVE // corridor conceptABOVE // conceptual rendering

BACKCOUNTRY OUTPOSTDESIGN FOR EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS

While in bounds territory at ski resorts is often well patrolled, out-of-bounds, or backcountry terrain, is left unmonitored. It is in this challenging terrain that most ski related deaths occur. The Ski Patrol Outpost is a design allowing easy transport and construction in the unpredictable backcountry environment. It’s utilization of solar energy, segmented design, and adaptable foundation allow the building to be situated in a variety of backcountry contexts. The facility will be strategically placed based on avalanche danger and will function both as a backcountry patrol station, but also a training facility for patrollers and future patrollers. With it’s ability to sleep 6, and it’s responsive thermal properties, the building becomes a perfect overnight facility.

TYPE // GRADUATE SEMINARTIME // SPRING 2011PROGRAM // SKI PATROL OUTPOST


PROJECT / BACKCOUNTRY OUTPOST PAGE / 40

ABOVE // project rendering


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1 Entrance Vestibule2 Meeting/training/patrol space3 Bunk room4 Sun room, solar heat catchment5 Storage6 Bathroom

1 Entrance Vestibule2 Meeting/training/patrol space3 Bunk room4 Sun room, solar heat catchment5 Storage6 Access hatch7 Bathroom8 Systems/solar energy converter9 PV Panels

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1. TRANSPORT 2. ASSEMBLE FRAME 3. PLACE SEGMENTS 4. LOCK CLAMPS


TOP // interior renderABOVE // deployment render


ABOVE // D.E.E.P Freeze book

Compiled and edited the work of the seminar into a book summarizing the course objective, design scenarios and solutions.


LANTERN HOUSELIVING ALEUTIAN HOME DESIGN COMPETITION

The Lantern House is a zero-net energy Living Building Challenge compliant single family residence located in Atka, Alaska and de-signed for the Living Aleutian Home Design Competition. I was a member of the project team, led by Senior Associate Denis Scho-field of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. The project was designed in collaboration with an energy consultant and contractor in order to provide accurate cost estimates, energy modeling, and construc-tion time lines. The project made the short list of 6 entries from a pool of over 100.

My role on the project consisted of building the 3d model of the residence, producing technical plans, sections and elevations, and the production the 3d renderings pictured in this portfolio.

TEAM // WITH BOHLIN CYWINSKI JACKSONTYPE // COMPETITION, PROFESSIONALTIME // WINTER 2012PROGRAM // RESIDENTIALROLE // TECHNICAL DRAWING, 3D MODELING, RENDERING

PROJECT / LANTERN HOUSE PAGE / 46

ABOVE // Lantern House at dusk


ABOVE // interior living space

ABOVE // building systems diagrams


ABOVE // rendering showing North facing moss wall


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEBOHLIN CYWINSKI JACKSON

At Bohlin Cywinski Jackson I worked on a variety of new construc-tion projects. While working on these retail and corporate projects I produced schematic design presentation drawings as well as sche-matic and construction document sets under the supervision of the project manager and project architect. The following drawing are excerpts from the various project I worked on.

TEAM // BOHLIN CYWINSKI JACKSONTYPE // INTERNSHIPTIME // WINTER 2012ROLE // TECHNICAL DRAWING, SCHEMATIC DESIGN

ABOVE // plaza plan

ABOVE // schematic plaza details

BELOW // plaza renderings (by others)

PROJECT / PROFESSIONAL DRAWING PAGE / 52

ABOVE // CD Sample

ABOVE // Casework drawings


ABOVE // schematic detail studies

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEBOHLIN CYWINSKI JACKSON

TEAM // BOHLIN CYWINSKI JACKSONTYPE // INTERNSHIPTIME // WINTER 2012ROLE // TECHNICAL DRAWING, SCHEMATIC DESIGN

ABOVE // barhroom aheet from 100% CD set

PROJECT / PROFESSIONAL DRAWING PAGE / 54

ABOVE // sample drawing from 90% design development set


RESIDENTIAL DESIGNMARK ENGLISH ARCHITECTS

TEAM // MARK ENGLISH ARCHITECTSTYPE // INTERNSHIPTIME // 2010ROLE // SCHEMATIC DESIGN, PRESENTATION DRAWING AND MODELS

At Mark English Architects I produced schematic design drawings, collages, and sketches for use in client meetings and document sets. Was responsible for the design and detailing of custom deck railings and interior casework for walk in closets. Also, I produced presentation drawings and representational models for use in pub-lications.

ABOVE // Fontana Residence presentation drawings and model

BELOW // Monte Sereno Residence presnetation model

PROJECT / RESIDENTIAL DESIGN PAGE / 56

ABOVE // deck rail detailABOVE // details drawn for “detail library”

ABOVE // construction photo from site visit

ADDITIONAL WORKS

PROJECT / ADDITIONAL WORK PAGE / 60

ABOVE // design concept collage, spring 2012


housing studio

SITE AND DESIGN MODELSCINCINNATI HOUSING STUDIO

TEAM // REUBEN ALT, ANTHONY MANGIONETIME // 2010ROLE // MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL

The following models represented the design of a mixed use res-idential tower for Cincinnati’s central business district. The urban scale model of downtown Cincinnati used digital fabrication tech-niques to add precision to the cutting of flat materials.

ABOVE // Cincinnati residential tower model

PROJECT / ADDITIONAL WORK PAGE / 62

ABOVE // Cincinnati site model

ABOVE // Cincinnati site model process


CONCEPTUAL MODEL STUDIESANALYSIS MODELINGTYPE // STUDIO EXPLORATIONSTIME // 2009

The following models were produced during my introductory year to the M.Arch 1 program. The model on this page analyzed the site forces of a Shaker farm site and was a group project with fellow students. The model pictured on the opposite page emerged from an abstraction of a specific human motion.

ABOVE // group site force model

ABOVE AND LEFT // model details

PROJECT / MODELING STUDIES PAGE / 64

ABOVE // motion abstraction model

ABOVE // motion abstraction drawing

609.462.8882 [email protected]

325 E 8th. St. Apt 306 Cincinnati, OH 45202


reuben alt, portfolio

Documents

schematic design

horticultural design

design development

college of design

design work

aia rochester design

historic building

energy efficiency