Architecture at UoN

While studying abroad at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia, I had the opportunity to take an architecture class entitled Visual Communication in the Built Environment (ARBE1201). Although the course did not specifically count towards my degree, I was excited to learn about the more artistic side of design and architecture, a perspective often glossed over in traditional engineering disciplines. In class, we learned about figures and forms in the abstract sense, and outside we worked to incorporate emotional elements in our design of inanimate structures. I also gained substantial experience in technical drafting, creating physical models by hand, and compiling work into attractive presentations. For our final submission in the course, we were tasked with developing a three-drawing portfolio that called upon all of our learned skills and emulated the work of an architectural guide - in my case, Peter Eisenman.

I elected not to design a house or common space as Eisenman did, rather I instead focused on various complex geometric elements and feelings of isolation in my design. In this way, I emulated the style of Eisenman's work, but incorporated my own feelings into the model, focusing on an attitude of shelter and protection. This project came immediately following the cancellation of my study abroad program due to the COVID-19 pandemic and my forced return to the United States from Australia.

I decided to place my structure at the peak of Sky Express at Heavenly Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe, California. The shelter reminds me of a lookout point, appropriate for appreciation of the natural landscape and a moment of rest before the descent. I also have very fond memories of Lake Tahoe, as my family often goes skiing and snowboarding there together.