2014 PortfolioSara Bonett

ContentsMSc Urban Studies, 2013-2014University College London Development Proposal_Newham, London, 2014................................. p 6

Bachelor of Architecture, 2008-2013Philadelphia University eNtokozweni_Alexandra, South Africa, 2013........................................ p 14

CABE_Philadelphia, 2012..................................................................... p 22

Study Abroad_Rome, 2012................................................................... p 34

Minor in Photography, 2009-2013Philadelphia University 35mm Digital, 2013............................................................................... p 40

View Camera, 2011............................................................................... p 42

35mm Film, 2010.................................................................................. p 44

Contact Information............................................................................................ p 46

I gained knowledge in the field of urban architecture through my coursework in both Urban Studies and Architecture, earning degrees in both. I used my experience in both fields to complete my dissertation, when I spent four weeks in a developing township in South Africa studying community participation in architectural development. My own professional expe-rience includes four summer internships at architecture firms where I learned the importance of designing as a team and displaying initiative. Through my past experiences, I’ve gained an increased interest in professional solutions to the challenges of urban architecture.

This portfolio is a representation of the work I completed during my undergraduate and graduate degrees. One planning project is included from my MSc in Urban Studies, completed at University College London and four undergraduate architecture projects are included from my Bachelor of Architecture, completed at Philadelphia University.

My own design technique and belief is to work closely with other fields of design to collaborate ideas for projects. I believe that a building has the potential to impact a com-munity at a level beyond the site the building is situated on, however to do so it must work with other projects throughout the area as reference and inspiration to grow cohesively.

In addition to my portfolio I also have a completed dissertation that researches the role of community participation in architetural development in alexandra Township South Africa

Introduction

Development ProposalBorough of Newham, London UK

During a four-week intensive period stu-dents were put together in groups to pre-pare a report including an analysis of the Newham area and proposals for in-terventions to intiate redevelopment.

Newham is a mixed-typology borough un-dergoing a series of development projects dubbed as London’s next area for potential redevelopment. This report consists of four main areas of analysis: North Woolwich - resi-dential, Albert Island - industrial, Beckton - Uni-versity of East London and the River Thames.

Context

Methodology & Analysis

Synthesized Analysis

Vision

Interventions

Principles Guidelines

Breaking Barriers Reactivate Public Space

Compilation of SWOT

Weaknesses and Strengths

Strengths Address Weaknesses

Three Main Weaknesses

Top-Down Planning

Social Frang-mentation

Physical Frag-mentaton

This report is composed of an analysis based on six lenses that was combined into a list of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This SWOT was then re analyzed and filtered into two sections; common weak-nesses and potentials. From this condensed analysis the vision started to develop and four principles were identified. These four princi-ples were then further developed into a set of guidelines covering a vast number of ideas to achieve on site. Once the vision had focus the guidelines were reduced and interventions were developed, keeping the principles in mind.

Beckton

Albert Island

North Woolwich

Business Port

Newham Bldg UEL CampusExcel

ResidentialDevelopment

Existing Conditions Current Regeneration Proposed Regeneration Council Building

Strengths & OpportunitiesPhysical Fragmentation

Existing physical barriers and controlled spacesLack of connection between the three areas

Underused and abandoned public spacesDifficult pedestrian and public experience

Lack of public spaces and activities for different age groupsLack of connecion with the docks and riverfront

Social FragmentationArea becoming a social stigma

Lack/unseen community organizationIncome and education disparities

Public spaces exclude minority groups

Top Down Master PlanningPrivatization and large scale developments

Threat of gentrificationTop-down development plans/excluding the locals

Considerable amount of designed public spaces

Area is well served in terms of transport infrastructure

The availability of the river as a big public space

Relatively young population

Histroical value: Docks

UEL as a strong asset

Site included in the London walk: Pathways in Albert Island

Regional transport system: airport

Good quality existing houses

Presence of heritage sites and conservation areas

GLA green enterprise zone

Developing links with UEL

People’s panel: initiative by Newham council

Principles & Guidelines

EnablementProviding the locals with tools to support them in creating their own initiatives, listening to their voices and building on smal scale bottom up initiatives.

ConnectivityBreaking physical and social barriers be-tween and within the areas to enhance the existing networks and involving various stakeholders.

ExchangeTriggering linkes between key actors who have an active presence in the area to generate catalytic partnerships based on pre-existing assets.

InclusionPositioning the locals at the center of the development process and regeneration of the site to foster a sense of belonging.

Supportive and triggering small scale, bottom-up development initiatives that involve locals

Creating transitional spaces that connect the three areas

Reactivating neglected public spaces and promoting activities that accommodate for existing cultural diversity

Transforming the area into pedestrian and cycle friendly spaces

Developing links between local stakeholders to create social and physical networks

Reusing existing abandoned buildings as potential sites for com-munity activites

Reviatalizing the connection with the riverfront and the docks as the element that physically connects three sites

G1

G2

G3

G4

G5

G6

G7

Cycle Paths UEL/Docks Riverfront/Cinema Public Spaces

Interventions

Public Square

eNtokozweni Community CenterAlexandra Township, Johannesburg, South Africa

eNtokozweni is an existing community cen-ter in Alexandra Township close to central Johannesburg, South Africa. This project was an introduction in design in development in communities with over population and minimal funds. Most of the design process took place in Philadelphia, PA, however interaction between the client and the architect was conducted weekly.

The main intent of the project was to design a self sustaining building in terms of energy and financial stability. Students had to keep in mind that the site is a national heritage site and therefore had many building restrictions.

Projects were presented to representatives in the communities and construction delivera-bles were provided for the community centre to move forward with the deisgn and con-struction of an upgraded sustainable center.

Context

Site & Program Analysis

Metrobus 40

Metrobus 85

Metrobus 30

Met

robu

s 11

Public Transit

Metrobus 60

N1 Western Bypass

To Downtown Johannesburg

To Airport

To Sandton

Main Roads

De V

illers

Graa

f Moto

rway

River

Site Location

eNtokozweni Community Centre

N

S

W E

Warm WindCold WindShared Direction

SWITCH-DATES(APR 15 + SEP 15) ALLOW DIRECT LIGHT PENETRATION BETWEEN

40 - 56

IDEAL LOUVER RATIO

SUMMERSOLSTICE

88

WINTERSOLSTICE

41

Garden Unoccupied Daycare Site KeeperGymKitchen

Climate Context Culture

12

3 4 6

10

9712 11

8

1. Daycare2. Classroom

3. Library4. Dining

5. Multi-Purpose 6. Office Block7. Tech Center

8. Entrance9. Auditorium

10. Gymnasium11. Public Meeting

12. Twala Memorial13. Retail

14. Security15. Bathroom

16. Kitchen17. Storage

5

17 16 1315 14

Private Use in Building

High Security

Public Use in Building

Public Use General

To contextually ground my project I fo-cused on using building materials that were most practical for Alexandra Town-ship. Program development was another main focus of my project as the centre had to accomodate all ages in the township.

Projects were presented to representatives in the communities and construction delivera-bles were provided for the community centre to move forward with the deisgn and con-struction of an upgraded sustainable center.

Design Proposal

Long Section

Revenue

Security

Youth ProgramsInitial Ground Floor

Initial Second Floor

Ground Floor

Cross Section

Final Design ProposalThe design proposal for the eNtokozweni com-munity center was prepared in collaboration with local resident’s to gain an understanding of the appropriate programmatic elements to inclued in the design. The proposal included three main focuses - youth development, reve-nue generating, and high security. The existing daycare is also a part of the new proposal in order to save funds after resident’s expressed the success of the program and the want for funds to be invested in other areas. Sustain-able features include efficient lighting, roof gar-dens, water collection, and good ventilation.

Interior

Final Renderings

Convertable SpaceMain Entrance

Exterior

CABE_Philadelphia UniversityPhiladelphia, PA, USA

After the accredidation year at Philadelphia University the College of Architecture and the Built Environment received feedback that all programs must be in a single build-ing when the time for the next accredidation process occurs. The university took this op-portunity to open the design up to fifth year students. CABE would have to meet all zon-ing requirements and fit in with the campus dynamic while becoming an architectural icon.

Students were required to provide construction documents and structural information on all as-pects of the building as if it were ready to be sent to the contractors for building. Revit and Auto-Cad were both used to complete the drawings. Various model studies and final models were built do depict the project three-dimensionally.

Context

CLASS TIMES MEAL TIMES

PATHS/HENRY AVE

STUDENT CENTER

ACADEMIC BUILDINGS

ARCHITECTURE BUILDING

RESIDENCE HALLS

WEEKENDS

SUMMER

HOLIDAYS

FREE

PER

IOD

RAIN

Y

SUNNY

Paths/Henry AvenueStudent CenterAcademic BuildingsArchitecture BuildingResidence Halls

Architecture

Interior Design

Landscape Architecture Architectural Studies Construction Management

Pedestrian Population Demographics

Analysis & Initial Models

Ground Floor

Basement Second Floor

The final design of CABE intednded on act-ing as a location on campus where collab-oration could occur. The interior includes a large atrium that can act as public space or can be divided to use for smaller activ-ities such as crits. The intent of the building is to engage all of Philadelphia University in the Architecctural Showcases at CABE.

Final Drawings

Section

Details

Final Drawings & Models

Studio Shading Study_Open

Studio Shading Study_Closed

Main EntranceFinal Renderings

Main Entrance Atrium Space

Study Abroad RomeRome, Italy

Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world. During a four month study abroad term stu-dents were introduced to many of the most influential sites for architecture. As a final project for the semester students studied the Via Papalis and designed an interven-tion that would be historically senstive while addressing the needs of the modern world. Program choice was up to students, how-ever specific site location was assigned.

The road leading Castel St. Angelo to St. Pe-ter’s Church is the very beginning of the Via Papalis. Initially this road was filled with var-ious buildings. During the second world war the buildings were demolished and even-tually vehicular traffic was introduced. This circumstance brings a lot of unwanted noise to the area. Additonally, the area is one of the highest visited by tourists therefore it is important to acknowledge their existence.

Context

Site & Floor PlansThis visitor center was designed to bring back the feel to the Via Papalis that St Peter’s was hidden from the River and Castel St. Angelo. The three story center acted to create a pe-destrian friendly street beyond the building for visitors to enjoy St. Peter’s Church away from the typical crowds that gather.The entire first floor works mainly as a corridor for visitors and the upper floors offer additional programs.

Ground Floor

Second Floor

Third Floor

Site Map

Sections & Diagrams

Longitudinal Section

Diagrams

Cross Section

Nolli Map

35mm DigitalView Camera35mm Film

Photography

35mm Digital

35mm Digital

Contact Information

Sara Bonett1211 N. LasalleChicago, IL 60610

sbbonett@gmail.com+1 631 834 1092 (US)

MSc Urban Studies University College London Expected Graduation: November, 2014

Bachelor of ArchitectureMinor: PhotographyPhiladelphia UnivesityGraduated: May, 2013