richard nichols: architecture & urban design
DESCRIPTION
Online version of the Portfolio of Architectural and Urban Design Work of Richard NicholsTRANSCRIPT
Richard NicholsArchitecture and Urban DesignPortfolio
Masters of Architecture with a Concentration in Traditional Architecture and UrbanismJudson University2013
Bachelors of Arts in Architecture with a Concentration in Traditional Architecture and UrbanismJudson University2011
Richard Nichols
296 Bulkley DriveFairfield, CT 06825
(203) 556-6797
www.richard-nichols.com
Professional Work
Graduate Work
Undergraduate Work
Drawings and Paintings
1
5
13
25
House on Long Island Sound
1
Professional WorkSummer 2011 - Summer 2012
2
House in Darien, CT
3
House in Fairfield, CT
4
0’ 100’ 500’ 1000’ NSite Plan
0’ 100’ 500’ 1000’
Washington, D.C. SW Quadrant
Southwest Quadrant Morphology - 2012SOUTHWEST QUADRANT MORPHOLOGY - 2012
0’ 100’ 500’ 1000’ NSite PlanSouthwest Quadrant Morphology - 1857
0 ft. 1000 ft.500 ft.100 ft.
In the mid 20th century, the Quadrant was designated a slum and obsolete, and razed for planned renewal. The new buildings, built in the 1960’s, have problems with deep floor plates and a scale with no human reference. These buildings are largely single-use office buildings, which are only active during office hours. The Quadrant continues to be divided by the rail line, with the added barrier of I-395.
In the mid 20th century, the Quadrant was designated a slum and obselete, and razed for planned renewal. The new buildings, built in the 1960’s, have problems with deep floor plates and a scale with no human reference. These buildings are largely single-use office buildings, which are only active during office hours. The Quadrant continues to be divided by the rail line, with the added barrier of I-395.
Southwest Quadrant: 2012
5
Over the fall of 2012, I worked with six of my classmates to create a new plan for the Southwest neighborhood of Washington, DC. The area currently consists primarily of large office buildings, interstate highway I-395, and isolated pockets of housing, and is located between the south edge of the National Mall and the Potomac River. Our desire was to create a plan that is more walkable, more sustainable, and can sustain a 24 hour life rather than only between 9 am and 5 pm. The seven of us are now individually designing different civic buildings within the site; I am designing a Community Arts Center.
Our goal was to create a new design that:
-Emphasizes unique and desirable aspects of the area such as the waterfront-Introduces the necessary missing qualities of the area-Reimagines the Southwest Quadrant as an independently functioning district of neighborhoods-Responds to and mends the relationship of the area to its context-Reconstitutes the street grid over I-395 in a hybrid system that allows for through traffic-Introduces fine grain urban fabric that would improve the environment and create healthier city life
Potomac Riverfront DistrictUrban Design
Fall 2012
Proposed Masterplan
Existing Buildings
Proposed Buildings
6
Neighborhoods Located within Washington, D.C.
Block Morphology
NDupont Circle Neighborhood 0’ 500’ 1000’250’
1872 PLAT 2012
9,966
9,966
9966
Block Morphology
NSouthWest Neighborhood 0’ 500’ 1000’250’
1872 PLAT 2012
In our proposal we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of SouthWest, as it is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were: Block Size Block Orientation Interior Block Layout Street Hierarchy Street Width Sidewalk Width Parking Style Building Type
0’ 100’ 500’ 1000’
Washington, D.C. SW Quadrant 2012
- 2012
Block Morphology
NSouthWest Neighborhood 0’ 500’ 1000’250’
1872 PLAT 2012
In our proposal we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of SouthWest, as it is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were: Block Size Block Orientation Interior Block Layout Street Hierarchy Street Width Sidewalk Width Parking Style Building Type
0 ft. 1000 ft.500 ft.100 ft.
- 1917
1917 LOTS
Block Morphology
NSouthWest Neighborhood 0’ 500’ 1000’250’
1872 PLAT 2012
In our proposal we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of SouthWest, as it is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were: Block Size Block Orientation Interior Block Layout Street Hierarchy Street Width Sidewalk Width Parking Style Building Type
- Proposed
Block Morphology
NSouthWest Neighborhood 0’ 500’ 1000’250’
1872 PLAT 2012
In our proposal we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of SouthWest, as it is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were: Block Size Block Orientation Interior Block Layout Street Hierarchy Street Width Sidewalk Width Parking Style Building Type
DUPONT CIRCLE NEIGHBORHOOD SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD - 2012
SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD - 1917 SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD - PROPOSED
We looked at several variables in considering proposed infill: existing buildings and infrastructure to remain, historical urban patterns to reconstitute, and successful current areas in D.C.
In particular we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of the Southwest Quadrant. It is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were: Block Size Block Orientation Interior Block Layout Street Hierarchy Street Width Sidewalk Width Parking Style Building Type
Dupont Circle Neighborhood: 2012 Southwest Neighborhood: 2012Neighborhoods Located within Washington, D.C.
Block Morphology
NDupont Circle Neighborhood 0’ 500’ 1000’250’
1872 PLAT 2012
9,966
9,966
9966
Block Morphology
NSouthWest Neighborhood 0’ 500’ 1000’250’
1872 PLAT 2012
In our proposal we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of SouthWest, as it is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were: Block Size Block Orientation Interior Block Layout Street Hierarchy Street Width Sidewalk Width Parking Style Building Type
0’ 100’ 500’ 1000’
Washington, D.C. SW Quadrant 2012
- 2012
Block Morphology
NSouthWest Neighborhood 0’ 500’ 1000’250’
1872 PLAT 2012
In our proposal we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of SouthWest, as it is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were: Block Size Block Orientation Interior Block Layout Street Hierarchy Street Width Sidewalk Width Parking Style Building Type
0 ft. 1000 ft.500 ft.100 ft.
- 1917
1917 LOTS
Block Morphology
NSouthWest Neighborhood 0’ 500’ 1000’250’
1872 PLAT 2012
In our proposal we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of SouthWest, as it is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were: Block Size Block Orientation Interior Block Layout Street Hierarchy Street Width Sidewalk Width Parking Style Building Type
- Proposed
Block Morphology
NSouthWest Neighborhood 0’ 500’ 1000’250’
1872 PLAT 2012
In our proposal we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of SouthWest, as it is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were: Block Size Block Orientation Interior Block Layout Street Hierarchy Street Width Sidewalk Width Parking Style Building Type
DUPONT CIRCLE NEIGHBORHOOD SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD - 2012
SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD - 1917 SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD - PROPOSED
We looked at several variables in considering proposed infill: existing buildings and infrastructure to remain, historical urban patterns to reconstitute, and successful current areas in D.C.
In particular we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of the Southwest Quadrant. It is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were: Block Size Block Orientation Interior Block Layout Street Hierarchy Street Width Sidewalk Width Parking Style Building Type
Potomac Riverfront Neighborhood: 2012Southwest Neighborhood: 1917
1917 Plat 2012 Plat
Block Morphology
1872 Plat 2012 Plat
Block Morphology
1872 Plat 1917 Plat
Block Morphology
Neighborhood Locations within Washington, D.C.
Dupont Circle was originally platted with a regular pattern of small blocks subdivided into regularly sized lots. Over time as the area changed, lots grew to accomodate larger buildings. Although some lots changed, the block pattern remained intact.
The Southwest Quadrant began with a similar history and block pattern as the rest of the city. Like Dupont Circle, it had a regular pattern of small blocks subdivided into regularly sized lots. During mid-20th century urban renewal, the area was destroyed and rebuilt using contemporary urban planning techniques. This left the area with large blocks and large irregular lot dimensions. These lots contain oversized object buildings.
In conformity with a form-based-code, the proposed plan returns to a smaller-scaled, more regular urban fabric.
7
Neighborhoods Located within Washington, D.C.
Block Morphology
NDupont Circle Neighborhood 0’ 500’ 1000’250’
1872 PLAT 2012
9,966
9,966
9966
Block Morphology
NSouthWest Neighborhood 0’ 500’ 1000’250’
1872 PLAT 2012
In our proposal we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of SouthWest, as it is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were: Block Size Block Orientation Interior Block Layout Street Hierarchy Street Width Sidewalk Width Parking Style Building Type
0’ 100’ 500’ 1000’
Washington, D.C. SW Quadrant 2012
- 2012
Block Morphology
NSouthWest Neighborhood 0’ 500’ 1000’250’
1872 PLAT 2012
In our proposal we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of SouthWest, as it is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were: Block Size Block Orientation Interior Block Layout Street Hierarchy Street Width Sidewalk Width Parking Style Building Type
0 ft. 1000 ft.500 ft.100 ft.
- 1917
1917 LOTS
Block Morphology
NSouthWest Neighborhood 0’ 500’ 1000’250’
1872 PLAT 2012
In our proposal we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of SouthWest, as it is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were: Block Size Block Orientation Interior Block Layout Street Hierarchy Street Width Sidewalk Width Parking Style Building Type
- Proposed
Block Morphology
NSouthWest Neighborhood 0’ 500’ 1000’250’
1872 PLAT 2012
In our proposal we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of SouthWest, as it is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were: Block Size Block Orientation Interior Block Layout Street Hierarchy Street Width Sidewalk Width Parking Style Building Type
DUPONT CIRCLE NEIGHBORHOOD SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD - 2012
SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD - 1917 SOUTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD - PROPOSED
We looked at several variables in considering proposed infill: existing buildings and infrastructure to remain, historical urban patterns to reconstitute, and successful current areas in D.C.
In particular we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of the Southwest Quadrant. It is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were: Block Size Block Orientation Interior Block Layout Street Hierarchy Street Width Sidewalk Width Parking Style Building Type
Southwest Neighborhood: 2012
We looked at several variables in considering proposed infill: existing buildings and infrastructure to remain, historical urban patterns to reconstitute, and successful current areas in D.C.
In particular we looked to the Dupont Circle Neighborhood for examples to draw from in the redesign of the Southwest Quadrant. It is a neighborhood that has retained much of the original fabric, and continued to grow successfully in the patterns laid out and envisioned in the first plats of Washington.
Some of the areas in which we looked to Dupont Circle for precedent and inspiration were:
Block SizeBlock OrientationInterior Block LayoutStreet Hierarchy
Street WidthSidewalk WidthParking StyleBuilding Type
Exte
nded
Con
nect
ion
Den
sity
In a quarter-mile grid, total same-grade intersections were summed. Darker values represent more intersections and more connectivity.
Neighborhoods with a greater density tended to also have greater prosperity and a stronger identity.
The most successful neighborhoods were found to have a high Connection Density and also be surrounded by neighborhoods that had similar Connection Densities rather than suddenly dropping sharply contrasting Connection Densities.
These findings affirmed our work and gave us insight into potential future expansion
8
Prop
osed
Con
nect
ion
Den
sity
Exist
ing
Con
nect
ion
Den
sity
Plan Oblique, from SW
9
Since the tail-end of the Fall 2012 Semester, I have been designing a Community Theatre and Arts Center. It is located in the middle of the redesigned Potomac River District created out of what is currently the South West neighborhood. I will be continuing the project through the upcoming spring semester ending in May, when I will graduate with a Masters in Architecture. The Community Theatre and Arts Center is comprised of a 450 seat theatre, a black box theatre, rehearsal spaces, artist studios, offices, classrooms, and other spaces available for use by members of the local community.
The theatre is located at the southern end of the 10th Street Boulevard. The park along the center of the boulevard continues past the Community Theatre, while dropping a 36’ change in grade, and opens into a piazza facing the Potomac River.
The entry sequence begins at the southwest corner of the building from the piazza, and continues up the stairs into the Reception Hall. From here the main level of the theatre can be reached as well as the balcony level. It is also connected to a courtyard for display of artwork created by local artists.
Potomac Riverfront Arts CenterArchitecture & Urban Design
Fall 2012
2nd Floor Plan
10
South Elevation
West Elevation
11
Perspective from Riverfront Plaza
Section through Courtyard
12
Ground Floor Plan
13
This project was my first attempt at traditional architecture. The Dundee Public Library is a combination of a Public Library and a Research Institute, with spaces for use by the community and art galleries.The design took inspiration from the work of Shinkel, and the yellow brick is made in a kiln located only a few minutes walk away. The library is entered from the east. From the two-story central space containing the checkout desk, one accesses the main stacks to the south, the children’s library on the first floor to the west, offices and the research institue on the second level to the north and west, and community spaces to be rented out to members of the local community to the north and east.
This project also involved my first foray into urban design. The library faces a town park, traditional to many towns, with many different building uses and types on the streets around the park and library.
Dundee Library and Research InstituteArchitecture & Urban Design
Spring 2009
Site Plan
14
Section through Atrium
East Elevation
15
South Elevation
North Elevation
16
Corner Detail
17
Pallazo della RotundaArchitecture & Urban Design
Fall 2006
After visiting Rome and spending time studying the Eternal City’s vast collection of ancient buildings and spaces, I spent the first month of my senior year studio course designing a palazzo facing the Pantheon on the Piazza della Rotunda. The palazzo is centered around a central courtyard. It has a restaurant on the first floor, and an academy for visiting students on the upper floors. The academy has a dining hall and oratory on the second floor, or piano nobile, a library and lecture rooms on the third and fourth, and dormitories on the fifth and sixth. The design found its precedent in the fabric buildings of Rome, and is meant to be constructed of load-bearing masonry.
18
In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the program, the palazzo occupies an important location on the Piazza della Rotunda. With the exception of the Pantheon, the buildings fronting the Piazza are quite poor, and somewhat dilapidated, and the Piazza itself has received little organization other than the introduction of the obilisk. The buildings currently occupying the site of the palazzo sharply cut the piazza into two pieces. The plan and facade of the palazzo attempt to address this. The connection between the two parts of the Piazza is emphasized by chamfering the corner and the use of elements such as fountains, figural sculpture, and greater ornamentation. The building itself is chamfered, as can be seen in the plan. The current buildings continue the line of the streetfront of the neighboring building, jutting into the space. The new plan pulls back, gently bending towards the smaller part of the Piazza. The open arcade of the building also invites greater connections between the two parts of the Piazza della Rotunda.
Perspective from Piazza della Rotunda
19
Bird’s-Eye Perspective
20
Ground Floor Plan
21
The path towards a sustainable country lies in a new focus on urban centers rather than continued suburban sprawl. This is sustainabliity not only for the environment and lowering our negative impact on the earth, but also for sustaining a healthy culture in our towns and cities, where people can live with dignity. This Transit Oriented Development is designed with this thinking. It is located around the California stop on the Blue Line of the El in Chicago in the Logan Square neighborhood, and contains residential, office, and retail space spread out over 160,000 sq feet. The project also involved the design of HVAC, lighting, fire safety systems, and above ground parking.
The site is located at the southeastern corner of the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and California Avenue. Ground floor retail lines the two streets. The main building to the north is designed around a central atrium, and the building to the south lines California Avenue with parking behind, and is built over the parking garage with residential units above, in order to reduce the negative impact of the parking garage on the street life around the site. A 14 story tower faces the small square at the main intersection, marking the importance of the intersection and making it visible from throughout the city.
Transit Oriented Development in Chicago’s Logan SquareArchitecture & Urban Design
Spring 2006
Perspective from the intersection of Milwaukee and California
22
Milwaukee Avenue Elevation
23
California Avenue Elevation
24
Ionic Column Studies
25
Ted Kautzky Study Arthur Guptill Study
Watercolor, Graphite, and Ink StudiesArchitecture & ArtSpring 2007 - Present
26
Defensive TowerPompeii, Italy
ColumnSt. Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, England
27
Field StudiesArchitecture & Art
Summer 2006 - Present
The ForumPompeii, Italy
Clifton Suspension BridgeBristol, England
Parque GuellBarcelona, Spain
28