p o r t f o l i o a collection of designs by Sarah A’Hearn

SOLON 2012 Environmental Learning Center

BOSTON 2011 Jazz Performance Center

NEW YORK 2010 Awareness

NEW YORK 2010

During this studio, we did a series of exercises that studied how the manipulation of space can create moments that enhance the human experience in the built environment. By simply becoming aware of materiality and form, we become aware of how architecture profoundly effects our everyday lives.

The image to the left and above is a design for “a place you would enjoy a glass of wine.” The assignment asked for a building component that visually captured the essence of wine. We were encouraged to use up to three materials. The final product was a ten foot long light wall consisting of bent acrylic, recycled wine bottles and lighting fixtures that hit the glass just right to create a color palette as diverse and beautiful as a glass of wine.

Before visiting New York we were asked to create a site map that captured the vibe of the city using only string, nails, wood and a grid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DQ1N74ZN30&feature=plcp

A three day warm-up project before visiting Boston: take a piece of architecture, an aspect of Boston and a musical score and create one object that encompasses the spirit of all three.

The piece of architecture: Frank Gehry’s Disney Concert Hall. The aspect of Boston: the Charles River. The score: Einstein at the Beach by Philip Glass.

BOSTON 2011 Jazz Performance CenterLocated on the Fort Point Channel in Boston, this concert venue is designed around a clear and concise circulation system and an efficiently organized program that brings an honesty to its form. The building becomes a beacon on the channel and enhances the connection of the pedestrian boardwalk to its surroundings.

This project exemplifies my ability to communicate and conceptualize through the use of physical models. The image to the left is a 1/4th” = 1’ section model showing the concert hall as well as the main lobby space.

1/32” = 1’ Conceptual Models

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The program required office/leased space in addition to the accommodation of two theaters: a large acoustically tuned space, and a smaller experimental theater. By connecting all aspects of the program with a visible circulation system, we are creating a stage not only for the performers but for the viewers as well.

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1/4” = 1’ section model

Rendering looking east. Programs used: Revit, Sketchup, Kerkythea, Photoshop

SOLON 2012 Environmental Learning CenterIn this studio we worked in teams of four, three architects and one mechanical engineer, on an Environmental Learning Center for the University of Iowa. Located within the Macbride Nature Reserve, the program required office space, five convertible classrooms, an event space that could accommodate 300 guests and a storm shelter.

The clients main concern for the project was that the building would become a “hub” that kept everyone inside rather than out in nature. In order to avoid this, our team deemed it necessary to disperse the program throughout the 480 acres in the effort to engage visitors with the natural environment while encouraging exploration of the wildlife. These designed moments include one main building at 13,000sf, two convertible pavilions, an observatory and two art installations.

By studying the topography of the land and the natural flow of the site, we begin to understand the innate dichotomy between nature and the built environment. Our goal was to emphasize this dichotomy in the effort to promote an awareness and a sense of discovery as you experience the entire site as a whole.

Each moment we designated along this natural path becomes a provocative place of inspiration and growth. The facility itself simply acts as another moment for contemplation and education to take place.

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The planar gestures that are seen throughout the design were inspired by the natural movement of the landscape. Once again using the dichotomy of nature versus the built environment to our advantage, we emphasize the importance of awareness in every environment that we immerse ourselves in, whether indoors or out.

Rendering looking south.

1 Event Space/Classrooms2 Lobby Space3 Office Space4 Meeting Room/Classroom5 Wastewater Treatment6 Storm Shelter/Circulation7 Restrooms8 Recycling Room9 Kitchenette10 Storage

Rendering looking west.

This studio stressed the importance of always keeping in mind the environmental effects of our building throughout the entire design process: it should never be an afterthought. We were able to experiment with how wastewater treatment could seamlessly be incorporated into our design and simultaneously become a teaching tool for those visiting the environmental learning center.

By collaborating with the mechanical engineering student, we were able to create the most efficient building proposal for the University of Iowa. An energy model was produced that analyzed three building envelopes as well as three different mechanical systems. We learned that the system selection contributes the largest to energy use reduction. The envelope helps but is of less significance. The final design improved energy usage by 59% from code minimum and was guaranteed LEED Gold status with a possible Platinum rating after construction.

1/8” = 1’ Model

EDUCATION Iowa State University Bachelor of Architecture Graduated Spring 2012

Jeffrey Piling Architectural Scholarship

Appointed Studio Leader Fall 2007

Appointed Studio Treasurer by peers Fall 2011

Chosen as Student Representative for Peter Bohlin’s visit to ISU

ACTIVITIESRevival Magazine Design Staff

Rome Exhibition Staff 2011

The Architecture of Sound International Workshop

Rome Study Abroad Program 2011

Film Producing: Rome Orientation Video, Garbatella, MASHUP

ISU Running Club

WORK EXPERIENCEStomping Grounds Waitress Summer 2008 - present

Developing lasting relationships with frequent customers and coworkers by ensuring a

great dining experience with polite and attentive service.

Cibo Fusion Waitress Summer 2011

Interacting with customers to ensure a great experience.

A’Hearn Plumbing & Heating Inc. Office Assistant Summer 2004 - 2007

Responsibilities included the assembly and organization of job files and manuals, the

development of spreadsheets for office use and the delivery of drawings to clients.

RESUME

SKILLSTechnical:

Revit, Sketchup, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, 3DS Max, Cinema 4D,

Dreamweaver, Microsoft Office

Creative:

Conceptual design development, ability to communicate through sketching and

dialogue, model design and construction

Personal:

Determined, personable, patient, open-minded, aware, works well in teams, listens

and comprehends information well

References available upon request

Boston Project: Sarah A’Hearn, Dan Steiner, Ohsung Kwon

Solon Project: Sarah A’Hearn, Jason Kruse, Peter McDermott, Matthew Roth

CREDITS