Current portfolio

1. Ellyn Barkley
Undergraduate Architecture Portfolio

2. spatial study 4-7
materiality 8-11
biomimicry 12-17
habitat 18-27
woven facade 28-43
2 table of contents table of contents 3

3. spatial study
perceiving and depicting surroundings
A setting of a unique and intricate fine arts library allowed
for a closer look and awareness of surroundings. The
first step in this mission was a critical examination of the
space through a photographic lense, resulting in a a set of
corresponding photographs that approach the same subject
from different angles: moving through the space and then
looking up at each space.
After discovering the space, drawings helped to reach
a higher level of understanding. The technical study
examines the support systems and structures, while the
figural examination studies the decorative objects. These
result in a study of the exisiting elements of the library.
The analyzation of an experienced space progresses to a
space created using manipulation of photographs, resulting
in a composite photograph, and a new space to analyze.
The final set of drawings represent an unfolding of this new
perceived space, as if it one is walking through it. This series
reflects the same technique as the previous drawings, using
the constant pattern of the fence to determine layers.
laser-cut representation
4 spatial study spatial study 5

4. composite photograph technical drawing figural drawing
up 1 up 2 up 3
unfolding 1 unfolding 2 unfolding 3
through 1 through 2 through 3
6 spatial study spatial study 7

5. materiality
discovering material potential
final model final model, detail
Focusing on exploring and learning fabrication In a clear progression from the “re-cut” project, the
techniques, and creating drawings that accurately “panel” project continues the focus on fabrication
represent the fabrication process, the project began techniques and their drawings. Starting with only two
simply with one, solid, uniform piece of wood. requirements - the ability to separate two people and
The drawings focus on the actual process of the the ability to condense into one-third of it’s original
fabrication, beginning with a diagram of the wood size - the result was a panel that constantly engages
cuts necessary to create the final product. It shows visual and physical barriers.
how the design strives to maximize the available wood By limiting the control to one person, there is always
and also maintain a subtle continuous curve by cutting some element of separation. If the controller opens
from the same lines. up the panel, visual access is allowed, but there is a
The next set of drawings progress to the final product, physical barrier. Conversely, a closed panel allows
after fabrication. The elevation view shows the curves close physical proximity, but no visual access. The
that define the overall program, while the plan view different lengths, orientations, materials, and other
exhibits the hidden thinness. The final perspective aspects were tested out through multiple models.
view, along with the models, finally demonastrate how The resulting drawings include orthographic views
the product is viewed after fabrication. that show the rotaional aspects of the panel and a
kinetic series that illustrates the relationship between
the owner and the panel.
quarter-scale model, detail full-scale model, detail quarter-scale model
8 materiality materiality 9

6. re-cut wood cut lines panel orthographics
re-cut elevation view re-cut plan view re-cut perspective panel variations
10 materiality materiality 11

7. biomimicry
utilizing a mechanism found in nature
final model, shade detail final model, locking mechanism detial
When given the assignment of looking to nature for shown in a kinetic series of different orthographic
inspiration for a mechanism, the unique abilities of the views and overlaping perspective views to show the
hummingbird immediately came to mind. Research range of motion.
explained that the hummingbird’s ability to hover When the project moved from a prototype to creating
and fly in any direction is due to its ball-and-socket a product to enhance a site, the prototype lent itself
shoulder joint, which allows for full one hundred and to creating a modular seating area with an adjustable
eight degree rotation. shading device. The detailed drawings and models of
Hand sketches of the wing motions and bone the locking mechanism show the kinetic series of how
structure revealed the efficiency of the movements, unlimited motion becomes efficient, mirroring the
how the hummingbird has the ability of full rotation hummingbird.
but only moves for what is necessary. This discovery The drawings of the orthographic drawings show
led to a hand drawing of the kinetic sequence of the how the modular seating can be arranged and how
bones during flight. much, or how little space, is taken up depending on
These discoveries led to the core ideas of the the shade’s orientation. The rendering and final
prototype, which uses a similar ball-and-socket for models further explain the orientation of the product
the base, but then uses a gear mechanism to allow in the site and the user interaction.
for limited motion and efficiency. Using laser-cut
museum board, the prototype model was able to
have small and intricate pieces. The ideas are further
final model, locking mechanism final model
12 biomimicry biomimicry 13

8. prototype models kinetic series
bone structure
wing movements kinetic sequence perspective views
14 biomimicry biomimicry 15

9. final model, locking mechanism locking mechanism
rendering side elevation showing plan view and front elevation view
rotational shade variations
16 biomimicry biomimicry 17

10. abstract model habitat models
habitat
transforming a habit into a three-dimensional space
My routine of coffee preparation has become a interactions in space. The spaces are experienced
subconscious process that elevates a simple cup of through a visual and physical walk through and
coffee from an inanimate object to something that corresponding photographs of the model.
provides a much larger purpose. The transformation to a public space is formed by
closed model open and closed cut-outs A movement analysis studies whcih parts of my body moments of visual access in site formed by walking on
are actually performing each individual step and the bridge above and the running path. These areas
how these steps relate to each other. A spatial study, became physical qualities which reshape the landscape
focuses on the amount of space necessary for these through main axes for the space and its movement.
movements to occur, examining where the spaces The tracks allow the individual spaces to move into
overlap the most or deviate for certain steps. two configurations. In the summer formation the
Progressing from a theoretical two-dimensional study individual spaces are extended and form small,
to a physically-inhabitable three-dimensional space, individual pavilions. In the winter condition the
results first in new programatic rules and then a spaces are condensed and provide shelter. As seen in
programtic diagram. As with the preparation, this the exploded axonometric and sections, the main
new program also became divided into four distinct excavation and tracks remain a constant visual queue.
spheres: coffee, study, relax, sleep. By combining the specificity of the individual spaces
These rules define a three-dimensional space where and the site, the addition of this space is benefiical to
physical and visual access allow and prohibit these the river bank.
open model closed model
18 habitat habitat 19

11. entrance
coffee
sleep
sleep
study relax
coffee relax
su1 su2 su3 su4 su5 su6 cr1 cr2 cr3 cr4 cr5 sp1 sp2 sp3 sp4 mu1 mu2 mu3 mu4 study
kinetic mapping, movement and spatial
programatic rules
entrance
mu3
cr3
su4
cr2
su4 cr4
mu2
mu1 mu2 sp2 sp1
mu4mu3
su1
sp3
cr2 cr4
sp2
mu1
sp3
mu4
su1
sp4 su cr5
su5 su3 su6 1
2
cr sleep
su5
sp1
su6
su3
cr3
sp4 su2
cr5
cr1
coffee
relax
mu3
study
su3 cr2 cr4
programatic diagram
mu2
su4
cr2 cr
4 su4
sp2
su5
cr3 sp
3
mu1
legend
mu1 mu sp1
cr5 mu3mu4 2 sp1 mu4 cr5
cr1
su = adding sugar
su1 sp3 sp sp
4 2
cr cr3
su6 1
cr = adding cream
su1
sp4 su3su2
su2 su5
su6
sp = stirring with spoon
mu = drinking from mug
movement mapping, cumulative spatial mapping, cumulative
mu3
su4
mu2
cr4
sp3
su1 cr2 mu4
sp2 mu1
su5 sp1
su3 su6
cr3
su2 sp4
cr5
cr1
mu3
su3
su4 mu2
cr4
cr2
sp2
su5
cr3 sp3
mu1
su1 cr5
sp1 mu4
cr1
su2 sp4
su6
movement mapping by step exploded axonometric and renderings
20 habitat habitat 21

12. 5
1
6
15 13
2 N 7
14
1612
8 17
16
3
11 20
4 15 13
4
6 18 3
5 12
17 7 19 1
1 10 2
14
5
9
11 1 8
6 18
2 N
3
10 19
4 6 20
2 9
7 7
8
5 1
8
3
5
4
5
1
visual and physical walk through of habitat
6
2
7
6
2
3
4
8
5
1
6
2
7
7
3 model, stepping down from sleep modle, looking down in sleep model, top view of study and relax
8
3
4
1 5
6
2 7
4
8
8
4
3
section views model, top view of coffee model, looking out from relax model, looking at coffee from study
22 habitat habitat 23

13. SUMMER
ST
BRIDGE, EA
CHESTNUT
, WEST
T BRIDGE
CHESTNU
TH, NORTH
RUNNING PA
WINTER
SUMMER
, SOUTH
RUNNING PATH
, NORTH WINTER
RUNNING PATH
CHESTNUT BRIDGE, EAST
CHESTNUT BRIDGE, WEST
SUMMER
WINTER
SUMMER
N WINTER
N
RUNNING PATH, SOUTH
in-site plan views exploded axonometric open and closed rendered views
24 habitat habitat 25

14. 1
2
3
SUMMER
4
5
6
4
WINTER
7
SUMMER
1
5
WINTER
SUMMER
6
2
WINTER
SUMMER
7 N
3 N WINTER
plan and section views open and closed section views
26 habitat habitat 27

15. woven facade
transforming a weave to an urban facade
The most striking feature of my chosen weave was direct sunlight year round without eliminating all
revealied in the weave notation, which demonstrated light, while the interior layers control vision without
how the volumes and relationships between vertical blocking extraneous light. The interior layers allow for
and horizontal elements transformed a technically variations depending on personal preference.
basic weave into a three-dimensional object. It was After confirming the functionality of the facade,
these elements that were abstracted and amplified in the rest of the design was formed by its civic and
the creation of the sunscreen. aesthetic intentions. The physical civic intervention is
The transformation from sunscreen to facade was accomplished directly through function as an awning.
developed involving three factors: aesthetic qualities, a Indirectly, the civic intervention is seen best through
civic relationship, and effectiveness. its aesthetic contribution. The facade is designed
The process began with a comfort diagram that to simultaneously connect with the surrounding
explores and defines which qualities the facade will architecture and interior spaces through the exterior
mediate. The results were to block direct sunlight and interior horizontal bands. The variable modules
while allowing for maximal control of vision as the are defined by their verticals, and provide a constant
primary functions of the facade. Once the optimal variation to the overall facade.
conditions were defined, testing using Ecotect was
utilized to gurantee that the results would perform
in site. The results led to funtions being separated
by layer, with the exterior layer designed to block
28 woven facade woven facade 29

16. original weave; weave notation perspective weave notation
30 woven facade woven facade 31

17. sunscreen orthographics sunscreen perspective; sunscreen renderings
32 woven facade woven facade 33

18. Direct Sunlight
72˙
December 25: 9am, Noon, 4 pm
March 25: 9am, Noon, 4pm 26.7˙
June 25: 9am, Noon, 4 pm
September 25: 9am, Noon, 4pm
Vision
June 21 - Sunny; June 21 - Overcast
Dec 21 - Sunny; Dec 21 - Overcast
Direct Direct
Sunlight Sunlight
Maximum Vision Fully Blocked Vision
Under Screen: Close, Middle, Far
Bottom Edge: Close, Middle, Far
Middle Height: Close, Middle Far
June 21 - Sunny; Dec 21 - Overcast June 21 - Sunny; Dec 21 - Overcast
72˙
Direct Direct
Sunlight Sunlight
Narrow Vision Filtered Vision
26.7˙
June 21 - Sunny; Dec 21 - Overcast June 21 - Sunny; Dec 21 - Overcast
ecotect analysis and process
34 woven facade woven facade 35

19. light temperature vision
no glare consistent inspiring
movement
not distracting
indirect light sufficient light maximum defined
67” temperature
scenic manageable
64” 72˙
61”
gradual change
readily available
48”
44” 26.7˙
consistent temperature
outside inside
minimum defined
temperature
comfort diagram facade in site
36 woven facade woven facade 37

20. facade elevation facade module variations
38 woven facade woven facade 39

21. in-site perspective view
facade exterior elevation, section, interior elevation
interior view birds’ eye view
40 woven facade woven facade 41