work

v i n c e n t v u m b a c o

Born in 1985, Vincent Vumbaco attended Clemson University, where he earned a Bachelor of

Architecture in 2008. During the spring semester of his senior year he began work for Douglas

Hecker and Martha Skinner of Field-Office. At Field-Office he conducted research concerning

mass-customizable, affordable housing for post-Katrina New Orleans. As a result of this work, his

approach to architecture is sensible, often letting function and material influence design. Later,

under Doug Hecker he worked on the design and production of the Dry-In House, a concept of

affordable emergency housing for Hurricane Katrina victims. The Dry-In House is meant to get the

owner back to their home site quickly while providing the infrastructure an occupant needs

(shelter, water, electricity). The owner is supplied with an inhabitable shell that is customizable

prior to its fabrication. The key concept of the Dry-In House is to allow families to participate in

the design of their homes. This gives the families some sense of authority and control in a chaotic

environment such as post-Katrina New Orleans. Due to pre-fabrication and selection of materials

and appliances, the Dry-In concept is not only affordable, but environmentally conscious as well.

After the design was finished, Vincent worked for Field-Office to help develop a unique construction

process (using pre-fabricated truss components), helped raised $22,000 in donations, worked with

manufacturers to order and fabricate components of the house, built a full-scale mockup of a

section of the house, and is currently co-leading a team of volunteers and students in the erection

of the house in New Orleans.

About ::

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Position 1 Position 2

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The diminishing effects of terrestrial impacts over distance

The fireball is below the horizon. There is no direct thermal radiation.

projectile diameter 2300m

projectile density 2700kg/m^3

impact velocity 20 km/s

impact angle 45 deg

target density 2500 km/s

target type sedimentary rock

distance from impact (km) thermal exposure (Joules/m2) wind velocity (m/s)

0 n/a n/a

100 5.76 x 107 303

200 1.04 x 107 105

300 1.94 x 106 54.3

400 no direct thermal radiation 34.5

500 no direct thermal radiation 24.6

600 no direct thermal radiation 18.9

700 no direct thermal radiation 15.2

800 no direct thermal radiation 12.7

900 no direct thermal radiation 10.9

1000 no direct thermal radiation 9.48

1100 no direct thermal radiation 8.41

1200 no direct thermal radiation 7.55

1300 no direct thermal radiation 6.84

1400 no direct thermal radiation 6.26

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Calm State

The Cluster

Tsunami State

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Calm State

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Tsunami State

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The Node Node Field

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Original Isamu Noguchi sculpture. Digital interpretation

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2

3 17

1

2

3

Laser cut study model with 3D printed curtain wall

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3

3D model placed in cityscape.

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Entrance to bathroom Utility closet and kitchen

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Section view of bathroom Finishes are completely customizable

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Core bathroom elevation Core short section

Core locationCore plan

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Architecture is defined by place and concept. Architecture is about life occupying its spaces. With-

out these elements, the potential of architecture to influence and inspire yields to the forces of

sufficiency. Place is more than mere geographic location; it determines interaction or separation of

individuals and in turn shapes architecture. When architecture fails to respond to its place, it loses

identity and lacks concept.

As with other disciplines, architecture is evolving. However, as compared to the automotive,

aircraft, and shipbuilding industries the building industry is evolving very slowly. This is due to a

strong fragmentation between the design and building processes. Traditionally, architecture is the

product of a union between architect and engineer, each having a firm grasp of their craft. There

was a short gap between design and fabrication, which was evident in the final product. With the

introduction of digital technologies this gap has grown significantly and the understanding of craft

has been lost. CAD/CAM technologies have become commonplace and as a result has given archi-

tects and engineers a false sense of participation in the design process without the understanding

of technique. Reproduction has replaced contextualization as architecture has become mainstream.

Engineering firms, retail giants, and franchise operations are fazing the architect out of the design

process. Architects need to regain their role and realize the technical and poetic properties inher-

ent in the design process used in these emerging technologies. By doing so, their view of craft will

be redirected to a perception of craft as a process based on precision and increased control.

Context :: Concept :: Prefabrication :: Digital Fabrication :: Evolution

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References

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Rev. Earl Williams,CFO Trinity Christian Community,3908 Joliet St, New Orleans LA 70118504.388.4169earlfwilliams@cox.net

Douglas Hecker,Associate Professor of Architecture,119 Lee Hall, Clemson University864.653.5025dhecker@clemson.edu

Criss Mills,Associate Professor of Architecture,141 Lee Hall, Clemson University864.656.3902cmills@clemson.edu

Robert Hogan,Associate Chair of Architecture,Box 340503 Lee Hall, Clemson University864.656.3914hrobert@clemson.edu