undergraduate portfolio
DESCRIPTION
through this together to apply for upper level. still a work in progress.TRANSCRIPT
architecture | design | art
alyssa gainer | undergraduate portfolio | fall 2012 - spring 2013
“Those who look for the laws of Nature as a support for their new works collaborate with the creator.”
-antonio gaudi
My strongest passion is first for Christ. Only from a divine Creator am I able to create. Architecture is the ultimate
reflection of this ancient glory and provision to mankind. I am most
moved by how architecture, unlike any other form of expression, has the vast capacity to shelter, inspire, and heal. I have aspirations to pursue a Master’s
degree in Architecture and employ my trade around the world for both vocation and mission opportunities.
My heart for people of all nations and desire to innovatively serve them
perpetuates my vision.
education
extracurricular
skills
travels
other
Ross S. Sterling High School | Texas A&M University | Bachelor of Environmental Design | Minor in New Media Art | Minor in Mandarin Chinese
Christian Architecture Leaders Missions Exec | Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) Student Leader | GraceKids Church Volunteer
IT | AutoCad | Sketchup | Revit | Adobe Illustrator, Indesign, Photoshop | Some experience in Maya and Rhino | Hand drafting and modeling
Canada | Japan | England | Spain | Portugal | Honduras | Haiti
Painting | Sketching | Percussion | Running | Snowboarding | Horseback riding | Amateur Photography | Graphic Design
ENDS 105
ENDS 106
ARCH 206
ARCH 207
ENDS 115-116
personal
contents
Logo Design | Behavioral Setting | Industrial Design
Black and White Composition | the Cube | Gray scale Adaptation | Ardent House
Millican Reserve Equestrian Center
Renewal, Colorado Vacation Home
Research Park Tea House | Various Media Art
Photography | Composite Painting
logo design
With professional and personal meaning, this logo has a deeper significance than meets the eye. Using elements that allude to fire, water,
and nature, this logo is an elegant and intricate representation of purity, stability, and imagination.
It inspires the image of a tree thriving by streams of water with continuous fruitfulness and prosperity. The roots, which are the tree’s buried
source of life, symbolize original dreams, the hidden fountain of all innovation. However, dreams
often lack clarity and must be refined. The water encircling the tree represents the purification of
ideas on their way to fruition. As a dream becomes reality, it bursts through the surface of the water,
escalating into the sky. Every dream is valuable and with the right enterprise you can see your
dreams…designed.
“your dreams... Designed.”
behavioral setting
This home was designed for a Chinese couple, both architects. Here function is not only
an attribute, but an element of design. The structure is ADA acceptable. Feng Shui was
considered as a cultural aspect, as well as the desire to incorporate light and environment
into the living space. The vaulted ceiling, solar tubes, and glass walls allow abundant light
into the core of the home, without exorbitant energy costs. The plan focuses on a central
core of the high traffic areas of the kitchen and living room, which open up to the 2nd story,
retaining a sense of community throughout the varied space. A private sphere is strategically
maintained within the plan. Accentuated by contrasting and complementing shapes, the
structure defines itself without overpowering the site or lake side view.
Residence on Carter LakeBryan, Texas
industrial design
The idea for this design developed from the need for both a seating area and tabletop capability in a compact
space. But this project springs beyond the rigid requirements of
functionality, material conservation, and natural connection, and stretches
to a new level of imagination and wonder. It embraces structural
limitations as elements of design to foster a fluid and organic motion.
Comfortable, versatile, and beautiful, the piece is more than furniture; it
is art that heightens the senses to a
transforming furniture piece
black and white composition
Comprised of a specific grid system that is made up of diamonds and circles in a
square, the movement of the black and white composition
is released from the inside out by the extruding lines on the
edge of the composition. This motion is inspired by the idea
of an engulfing flame, and being overtaken by passion and
fervor. This is the first project encompassing my semester’s
word, “ardent”.Third Prelim
First Prelim Second Prelim Final Detail
the cube
Ardent desire begins within the soul. The cube represents this inner spirit, each structure evoking the image of fervent desire. The irregular design
of the individual pieces suggests the idea of fire and reflects how my
passionate and unrelenting desire to push the limits originates deep within
myself.
gray scale cube adaptation
Throughout the Bible, the glory of the Lord is a physical manifestation of His burning love for His children and all-consuming desire for their
wellbeing. The Almighty is also described as the triumphant Lion of the tribe of Judah. In this sense, the Lion is the embodiment of majesty
and unrelenting perseverance. In this sketch, the images of fire and the lion are used to exemplify the zealous and
fervid character of the Lord, who is the light and fire of my soul and who animates my life and desires with His passion. This rendering manifested
itself out of my black and white composition and cube to more fully
embrace my word ardent.
Second PrelimFirst Prelim
ardent house
Built for a single woman in the heart of hill country, this modest yet dynamic abode
draws inspiration from flames and nature. Revolving around a
central hearth, it epitomizes both the elements of unpredictability and monumentality manifest in
fire. The organic and curved elements of design are juxtaposed
by the staunchly vertical and linear elements. Numerous
windows allow for ample natural light to fill the space and to
facilitate communion between the indoor and outdoor space. The
simplicity of material allows for the design itself to communicate an
ardent atmosphere, accentuated and framed by a variety of colorful
vegetation.
First Floor Plan
Section AA
Second Floor Plan
Section BB
Millican Reserve Equestrian Center
Master Plan
ARENA
SECTION DD
STABLES
SECTION EE
E
E
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
BARNA
A
B B
SECTION AA SECTION BB
NORTH
0' 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30'0’ 5’ 10’ 15’ 20’ 25’ 30’ NORTH
0' 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30'
EDUCATION
C C
NORTH
0' 5' 10' 15' 20' 25' 30'0’ 5’ 10’ 15’ 20’ 25’ 30’ NO
RTH
0'5'
10'
15'
20'
25'
30'
SECTION CC
EQUINE SANCUTARY
This Equestrian Center presents a space that embodies a sacred atmosphere and is intended for use beyond a simple riding facility. The passion and majesty of horses themselves speaks into the design. The majestic façade of the sanctuary which rises high over the entrance reflects mimics the constellation of the
mythological flying horse Pegasus. This symbol is associated with supernatural energy and is an allegory of the soul’s immortality. It is rumored to raise the spirits and wellbeing of those who enter. The barn and stables
break perceived stigmas and become places of reverence for the contact between horses and humans. This emotional interaction between equine and human is captured in physical form through the monumental
height of the entrance, the majestic atypical form of the roofs, and openings which filter light into the space. In order to continue the bridal path, the education center and lounge are intentionally separated to naturally
enclose the central green area. Southern Yellow Pine Wood, steel, and galvanized tin constitute the majority of the structures. The wood and metal blend with the environment and are a twist on Texas modern vernacular. A sustainable environment is easily achievable in an equine facility. The stables’ natural light and ventilation
offset electricity costs. Translucent in quality, the fabric covering of the arena both reflects back and filters natural light through into the arena effectively reducing the need for artificial lighting. The fabric helps control
the temperature in the arena, which lowers energy consumption. The sight also produces energy through the use of Photo Voltaic cells placed on the ample flat portions of barn, stable, and education/lounge roofs.
Additionally, vertical axis wind turbines offset the center’s energy consumption.
Renewal
Nestled 8060 feet high in the Rocky Mountains this abode accommodates a
mission documentary filmmaker and his wife. Renewal exemplifies a dual meaning: One is the desire to create a space that rejuvenates
and inspires its guests and the second, a facility that physically restores itself. Inspired
from the nature’s perfect ratio and the surrounding landscape, the unorthodox form and exaggerated ceiling height contribute to providing the sacred atmosphere. The simple
and sufficient accommodations coupled with the limited need for a heating and
cooling system make the home suitable to loan to guests with little concern for energy consumption or upkeep. Sustainability and
materiality are essential to the home’s structure and function, not just added benefits.
At a humble 1100 square feet, this home proves that you do not have to waste earth’s
resources to obtain luxurious living.
Colorado Vacation HomeEstes park,Colorado
5’ 10’ 15’ 20’ 25’
A
A
Study/StudioBedroom
GarageKitchen
Bathroom
LivingGreenhouse
Scale
5’ 10’ 15’ 20’ 25’
Scale
Research Park Tea House
Drawing inspiration from a vacation home in Brazil, the design was
adapted to function as a lake side teahouse. The trapezoidal plan and
north facing deck maximize the view of the lake and the amount of light entering the structure. From both
the porch and patio, guests can appreciate the sunrise or sunset and
ponder the mystifying view of the sculpture on the lake. Guests are
invited to recline on the deck while enjoying their tea beverage of choice,
Section BBSection AA
Second Floor Plan
West ElevationSouth Elevation
First Floor Plan
A
BB
A
various media
The following samples of sketch and pastel work were completed in ENDS 115-116, Design Comm. Foundation.
They show the influence that color, shadow, and detail have on design.
ENDS 115-116
personal
acrylic on canvas