c a s s o n d r a J . st e v e n s wo r k s a m p l e

contents

battery crosby peace center

thesis: modaura: Fashioned atmosphere

professional internships

jewelry design

rooted chair

studio + garage

Boulder Youth HOstel

cloud

skin

m o d A U R A : F a s h io n e d At m o s p h e r eCassondra J . Stevens | Thesis 20 1 3-20 1 4 | Cal i fornia College of the Arts

In Union Square, San Francisco, modAURA manipulates affect through materiality, spatial sequencing and a branded experience, blurring the lines between consumerism and civic landscapes. By altering the branded image from high resolution clarity to a low resolution blur, this experience becomes less about the advertisement and more about the atmosphere. Exploring ways of merging the consumerist experience with the public landscape, this thesis develops a cloud canopy and skin system equipped with sensors that respond to user interactions.Through these architectures, the users experience of Union Square, an ambience fashioned through tone, reflection, blur, and resolution, becomes the new branded “image.”

The CloudImmers ive Sk in

Blur

resolution

reflectiv ity

tone

Section through Union Square

layers are muted and allow for the interior light to glow

diffuse lights glow from behind the person

led panel w a s h e s the current layer into view

the boundaries of the square are blurred through mate-rial reflections in the panel

back paneltransparent panel which holds con-necting elements blur panel

illuminated with leds

flex-panelthin panel of semi-reflective glass

flex-jointcustom-joint to allow angledmovement of panels

Hydrolicexpansionjointextends the angleof panel

cloud panelholds LEDs andtranlucent glass

cable motormoves along cable tomove panels closer orfarther apart

cable retractorallows for cloud cable to raise and lower

cable motormoves along track attached tobuilding to move panels closer orfarther apart

scenario plan bscenario plan a

cloud

skin

m o d A U R A : F a s h io n e d At m o s p h e r eCassondra J . Stevens | Thesis 20 1 3-20 1 4 | Cal i fornia College of the Arts

In Union Square, San Francisco, modAURA manipulates affect through materiality, spatial sequencing and a branded experience, blurring the lines between consumerism and civic landscapes. By altering the branded image from high resolution clarity to a low resolution blur, this experience becomes less about the advertisement and more about the atmosphere. Exploring ways of merging the consumerist experience with the public landscape, this thesis develops a cloud canopy and skin system equipped with sensors that respond to user interactions.Through these architectures, the users experience of Union Square, an ambience fashioned through tone, reflection, blur, and resolution, becomes the new branded “image.”

The CloudImmers ive Sk in

Blur

resolution

reflectiv ity

tone

Section through Union Square

layers are muted and allow for the interior light to glow

diffuse lights glow from behind the person

led panel w a s h e s the current layer into view

the boundaries of the square are blurred through mate-rial reflections in the panel

back paneltransparent panel which holds con-necting elements blur panel

illuminated with leds

flex-panelthin panel of semi-reflective glass

flex-jointcustom-joint to allow angledmovement of panels

Hydrolicexpansionjointextends the angleof panel

cloud panelholds LEDs andtranlucent glass

cable motormoves along cable tomove panels closer orfarther apart

cable retractorallows for cloud cable to raise and lower

cable motormoves along track attached tobuilding to move panels closer orfarther apart

scenario plan bscenario plan a

4

tone blur design responsereflectivity resolution

Contrasted ResolutionSoft tones apply a quiet but sophisticated ambiance to the traditional display window. The two windows contrast in resolution from the soft low resolution glow to the high resolution mannequins.

Similar tones contrast within the skin as the illuminated panel highlights the user as the content of the resolution to the soft

tones of the other panels

Material Tone and ReflectivityThe reflective material of the facade creates an iconic image for the brand. Tone and high resolution of the display window contrast with the low resolution facade.

By repeating a pattern of tonal and reflective quality the skin can emit a larger scale ambiance while still controlling each panel’s tone individually.

Subtle Material QualitiesTonal and reflective qualities of the metal facade allow the transparent part of the building to become the high resolution image and the icon of the brand to stand out.

The image of the brand becomes the people themselves as they are projected in the skin and the interaction within the

public realm.

High Resolution MaskThis large scale high resolution image on facade of building adds to the visual noise of billboards and advertisements.

The Skin blurs the brand into a low resolution image that is not about the content of signage or text but rather about

the user and the experience.

Static ImageStatic advertisement on facade and only visible from afar. Can change with different events but not easily or quickly.

The new skin creates the brand through the content of the people and the ambiance of the experience. The people are immersed in a new brand of

atmosphere.

Blank WindowsDisplay window and angle of view non-engaging from the street. The street level view is blocked by the floorplate and the material reflections don’t allow proper visual into the building.

The street now engages the user through sensor activated window displays that also relates to other walkable skin

panels above.

Flat ProjectionsThese projections engage the user visually and create unique tonal qualities but are flat against the facade and non-immersive.

Qualities like the projections can be applied in a way that immerses the user in a altered tone and frame. The content is not about the two-dimensional projection but rather the user within the panel and the frame of the city.

Immersive ToneThe canopy of lights begin to immerse the user in a new experience by creating a new frame or boundary. The lights here are fixed and a single tone.

The qualities of the lights are transferred into a more interactive experience for the public as it engages users through sensors

and natural conditions.

Tonal BlendThe facade starts to blend the traditional high resolution advertisement with the more subtle material qualities but still remains a two-dimensional facade and is non-immersive.

The qualities that blur the high resolution are reflected in the skin and the content of the image becomes the people

themselves.

Faded ContentA facade that incorporates different levels of resolution and signage that change with events. The content of the brand becomes a more personal experience as names and events are displayed and people connect to the brand through text.

The Skin and the Cloud connect the user to the brand through experience and atmosphere not through the use of text or image. The resolution of the brand becomes blurred through the experience.

macy’s union square, san francisco

cr

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immersive cloud in rain immersive cloud in sunshine inhabitable skin cell

street level interaction

street level facade

Large -Scale Mockup of Immersive SkinModel is built with a series of transparent and translucent acrylic layers and programmed with LED strands. As a person moves closer to the skin it glows deeper and activates with color. The model developed into a fritted glass texture in the center panel for varying blur effects of the subject. The model is programmed with Arduino and distance sensors.

tone blur design responsereflectivity resolution

Contrasted ResolutionSoft tones apply a quiet but sophisticated ambiance to the traditional display window. The two windows contrast in resolution from the soft low resolution glow to the high resolution mannequins.

Similar tones contrast within the skin as the illuminated panel highlights the user as the content of the resolution to the soft

tones of the other panels

Material Tone and ReflectivityThe reflective material of the facade creates an iconic image for the brand. Tone and high resolution of the display window contrast with the low resolution facade.

By repeating a pattern of tonal and reflective quality the skin can emit a larger scale ambiance while still controlling each panel’s tone individually.

Subtle Material QualitiesTonal and reflective qualities of the metal facade allow the transparent part of the building to become the high resolution image and the icon of the brand to stand out.

The image of the brand becomes the people themselves as they are projected in the skin and the interaction within the

public realm.

High Resolution MaskThis large scale high resolution image on facade of building adds to the visual noise of billboards and advertisements.

The Skin blurs the brand into a low resolution image that is not about the content of signage or text but rather about

the user and the experience.

Static ImageStatic advertisement on facade and only visible from afar. Can change with different events but not easily or quickly.

The new skin creates the brand through the content of the people and the ambiance of the experience. The people are immersed in a new brand of

atmosphere.

Blank WindowsDisplay window and angle of view non-engaging from the street. The street level view is blocked by the floorplate and the material reflections don’t allow proper visual into the building.

The street now engages the user through sensor activated window displays that also relates to other walkable skin

panels above.

Flat ProjectionsThese projections engage the user visually and create unique tonal qualities but are flat against the facade and non-immersive.

Qualities like the projections can be applied in a way that immerses the user in a altered tone and frame. The content is not about the two-dimensional projection but rather the user within the panel and the frame of the city.

Immersive ToneThe canopy of lights begin to immerse the user in a new experience by creating a new frame or boundary. The lights here are fixed and a single tone.

The qualities of the lights are transferred into a more interactive experience for the public as it engages users through sensors

and natural conditions.

Tonal BlendThe facade starts to blend the traditional high resolution advertisement with the more subtle material qualities but still remains a two-dimensional facade and is non-immersive.

The qualities that blur the high resolution are reflected in the skin and the content of the image becomes the people

themselves.

Faded ContentA facade that incorporates different levels of resolution and signage that change with events. The content of the brand becomes a more personal experience as names and events are displayed and people connect to the brand through text.

The Skin and the Cloud connect the user to the brand through experience and atmosphere not through the use of text or image. The resolution of the brand becomes blurred through the experience.

macy’s union square, san francisco

cr

it

iqu

es

p

rec

ed

en

ts

immersive cloud in rain immersive cloud in sunshine inhabitable skin cell

street level interaction

street level facade

Large -Scale Mockup of Immersive SkinModel is built with a series of transparent and translucent acrylic layers and programmed with LED strands. As a person moves closer to the skin it glows deeper and activates with color. The model developed into a fritted glass texture in the center panel for varying blur effects of the subject. The model is programmed with Arduino and distance sensors.

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BATTERY CROSBY PEACE CENTERA MEMORIAL AND RESEARCH CENTER FOR PEACE in SAN FRANCISCOCASSONDRA STEVENS AND COLETTE RIXEY

The design for Battery Crosby Peace Memorial is centered on the notion of contrast. Throughout history the batteries of San Francisco’s Presidio have changed hands and purpose. They currently serve as landmarks spread across trails and waterfronts within a National Park. The purpose of The Peace Center is to provide a place where international visitors can come and stay to research and share peaceful topics. The location of the center couldn’t be more serene and peaceful as it is located on the serpentine cliffs of San Francisco’s west coast right next to the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. The Peace Center is not only a place of research, it is also a place open to the public to enjoy as a memorial. The notion of contrast comes into play with the form of the building. A central axis extends perpendicular from the battery from the ocean up into the hillside while a very curvilinear form interrups this orthagonal form. The curves of the building are meant to mimic the processional history of the site interrupting the straight military axis of the battery. There are specific moments within the axis where the user experiences tense, tight spaces and then is released into open plaza spaces. FInally at the end of the axis the visitor is released to the ocean view and onto the Battery Pavillion where the final reflecting pool sparkles with the rays of the sun. .Materiality also emphasizes the contrast of the site with heavy rammed earth construction which is rooted in the ground and light glass construction which is elevated from the earth where views and light are prevalent.

COCA S T U D I O

BATTERY CROSBY PEACE CENTERA MEMORIAL AND RESEARCH CENTER FOR PEACE in SAN FRANCISCOCASSONDRA STEVENS AND COLETTE RIXEY

The design for Battery Crosby Peace Memorial is centered on the notion of contrast. Throughout history the batteries of San Francisco’s Presidio have changed hands and purpose. They currently serve as landmarks spread across trails and waterfronts within a National Park. The purpose of The Peace Center is to provide a place where international visitors can come and stay to research and share peaceful topics. The location of the center couldn’t be more serene and peaceful as it is located on the serpentine cliffs of San Francisco’s west coast right next to the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. The Peace Center is not only a place of research, it is also a place open to the public to enjoy as a memorial. The notion of contrast comes into play with the form of the building. A central axis extends perpendicular from the battery from the ocean up into the hillside while a very curvilinear form interrups this orthagonal form. The curves of the building are meant to mimic the processional history of the site interrupting the straight military axis of the battery. There are specific moments within the axis where the user experiences tense, tight spaces and then is released into open plaza spaces. FInally at the end of the axis the visitor is released to the ocean view and onto the Battery Pavillion where the final reflecting pool sparkles with the rays of the sun. .Materiality also emphasizes the contrast of the site with heavy rammed earth construction which is rooted in the ground and light glass construction which is elevated from the earth where views and light are prevalent.

COCA S T U D I O

148

NORTH

The Ohlone tribe and the crossing over water into land

Movement towards peace and healing

Descent into war

A period of waiting

Battery Establishment within Earth

Third Floor PlanSecond Floor Plan

experiential vignettesResearch Wall Section

Housing Wall Section

1” WOOD JOIST FINISHED FLOOR

3/4” PLYWOOD

AIRFLOOR

SHEET METAL

XPS INSULATION

REBAR

CONC SLAB MAT FOUNDATION

PRESSURE TREATED LEDGER

PRESSURE TREATED WOOD JOISTS

CORROSION-RESISTANT JOIST HANGER

WOOD DECKING

1/2” DRAINAGE SPACE

DOUBLE SLIDING GLASS DOOR

Initial Filter

Grey Water Storage Tank

Water Pump and Pressure Tank

Grey Water Source

Excess Water Storage Pond

Restaurant Floor Detail

Grey Water Re-use Diagram

NORTH

The Ohlone tribe and the crossing over water into land

Movement towards peace and healing

Descent into war

A period of waiting

Battery Establishment within Earth

Third Floor PlanSecond Floor Plan

experiential vignettesResearch Wall Section

Housing Wall Section

1” WOOD JOIST FINISHED FLOOR

3/4” PLYWOOD

AIRFLOOR

SHEET METAL

XPS INSULATION

REBAR

CONC SLAB MAT FOUNDATION

PRESSURE TREATED LEDGER

PRESSURE TREATED WOOD JOISTS

CORROSION-RESISTANT JOIST HANGER

WOOD DECKING

1/2” DRAINAGE SPACE

DOUBLE SLIDING GLASS DOOR

Initial Filter

Grey Water Storage Tank

Water Pump and Pressure Tank

Grey Water Source

Excess Water Storage Pond

Restaurant Floor Detail

Grey Water Re-use Diagram

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Section Perspective through Library and Conference Hall

Star Gazing

Restaurant and CafeLibrary and Research Center

Section Perspective through Housing and Restaurant

Section Perspective through Library and Conference Hall

Star Gazing

Restaurant and CafeLibrary and Research Center

Section Perspective through Housing and Restaurant

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NORTH FACING SLOPE

WETLAND AREA

DENSE FOREST AREA

CONSTRAINTS

PEAK AREAS

SLOPE >30O

SOUTHERN FACING SLOPE

VIEWS (FLATIRONS/CITY)

SLOPE < 20O

SUNRISE VIEWS

HIKING TRAILS

3

4

2

SUITABILITY ANALYSIS

WELL-SUITED

MESA TRAIL, BOULDER, COLORADO

B o u l d e r Yo ut h H o st e l

This project was conducted during my Undergraduate work at the University of Colorado, Boulder. This particular project was based on a series of par-ti models. The inspiration came from the Flatiron Mountains that protrude dramatically from the west border of the city of Boulder, Colorado. The project site is located just below the base of the mountains overlooking the city. The par-ti consists of 4 angled curves that join at certain points creating a triangular interior space. Over this structure, a protruding roof piece was extruded from the form as an open glass and metal roof structure. This roof allows for a connection to the open air, natural ventilation, and natural lighting. Other program includes: a pool, rock climbing wall, cafe, computer center, and sleeping quarters.

Flatiron Mountains, Boulder ColoradoUndergraduate Program at the University of Colorado Boulder

Par-ti Models

Final Basswood Model

NORTH FACING SLOPE

WETLAND AREA

DENSE FOREST AREA

CONSTRAINTS

PEAK AREAS

SLOPE >30O

SOUTHERN FACING SLOPE

VIEWS (FLATIRONS/CITY)

SLOPE < 20O

SUNRISE VIEWS

HIKING TRAILS

3

4

2

SUITABILITY ANALYSIS

WELL-SUITED

MESA TRAIL, BOULDER, COLORADO

B o u l d e r Yo ut h H o st e l

This project was conducted during my Undergraduate work at the University of Colorado, Boulder. This particular project was based on a series of par-ti models. The inspiration came from the Flatiron Mountains that protrude dramatically from the west border of the city of Boulder, Colorado. The project site is located just below the base of the mountains overlooking the city. The par-ti consists of 4 angled curves that join at certain points creating a triangular interior space. Over this structure, a protruding roof piece was extruded from the form as an open glass and metal roof structure. This roof allows for a connection to the open air, natural ventilation, and natural lighting. Other program includes: a pool, rock climbing wall, cafe, computer center, and sleeping quarters.

Flatiron Mountains, Boulder ColoradoUndergraduate Program at the University of Colorado Boulder

Par-ti Models

Final Basswood Model

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artist studio + garagean independent project located in fresno, california

The concept for the artist studio and garage was based on a connection to the existing house which is situated along the San Joaquin River Bluff. Geometries of the house were taken into consideration when designing the roof of the studio while maintaining an open and light atmosphere for art production and garden views.

exist ing house

garden

d r i v e w a y access

studio +

garage

exist ing house

garden

d r i v e w a y access

studio +

garage

artist studio + garagean independent project located in fresno, california

The concept for the artist studio and garage was based on a connection to the existing house which is situated along the San Joaquin River Bluff. Geometries of the house were taken into consideration when designing the roof of the studio while maintaining an open and light atmosphere for art production and garden views.

exist ing house

garden

d r i v e w a y access

studio +

garage

exist ing house

garden

d r i v e w a y access

studio +

garage

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Fresno multi-Family housing project

Fresno state proposed faculty office building site plan

Fresno multi-Family housing project college community church clovis, California

21

Track 3 Decor-Bedroom City Park Options

Artwork 32”

Gap 2”

Frame 1”

Frame 1”

Headboard 32”

Frame 1” Artwork 58” Frame 1”

Third and WallLiz Jardine-Sun Shower

PJAR-191

Option 1 Option 2

Artwork 32”

Gap 2”

Frame 1”

Frame 1”

Headboard 32”

Frame 1” Artwork 58” Frame 1”

Poems Art Inc.-Steven LarsonGenerate-SL103Z

My work at Gensler included Photoshop illustrations and selecting artwork for a nation-wide hotel company. Our team of 4 worked with a specific palette which reflected bright colors and natural scenes.

genslersan francisco, californiainternship summer 2010

Chosen Floor Plan Layout

Bedroom Elevation with Artwork Office and Living Room Elevation with Artwork Kitchen Elevation with Artwork

The firm of Paul Halajian Architects was just becoming established in 2012 when I started working there. During my work as an intern, I conducted a wide range of tasks which included: building Revit models, producing renderings and graphic layouts, putting together presentations, website design, formating project proposals, photographing finished projects, and attending regular client meetings and site visits. I also helped format the PHA website with the help of Brian Gallo. I also photographed finished projects, one of which was featured in the October Edition of the Concrete Masonry Association of California and Nevada’s publication: Profiles in Architecture. This experience has allowed me to explore more than I could ever imagined during my academic years. I learned a wide range of skills and was exposed to real life situations and management.

paul halajian architectsfresno , california | Internship april -august20 12

Fresno multi-Family housing project

Fresno state proposed faculty office building site plan

Fresno multi-Family housing project college community church clovis, California

21

Track 3 Decor-Bedroom City Park Options

Artwork 32”

Gap 2”

Frame 1”

Frame 1”

Headboard 32”

Frame 1” Artwork 58” Frame 1”

Third and WallLiz Jardine-Sun Shower

PJAR-191

Option 1 Option 2

Artwork 32”

Gap 2”

Frame 1”

Frame 1”

Headboard 32”

Frame 1” Artwork 58” Frame 1”

Poems Art Inc.-Steven LarsonGenerate-SL103Z

My work at Gensler included Photoshop illustrations and selecting artwork for a nation-wide hotel company. Our team of 4 worked with a specific palette which reflected bright colors and natural scenes.

genslersan francisco, californiainternship summer 2010

Chosen Floor Plan Layout

Bedroom Elevation with Artwork Office and Living Room Elevation with Artwork Kitchen Elevation with Artwork

The firm of Paul Halajian Architects was just becoming established in 2012 when I started working there. During my work as an intern, I conducted a wide range of tasks which included: building Revit models, producing renderings and graphic layouts, putting together presentations, website design, formating project proposals, photographing finished projects, and attending regular client meetings and site visits. I also helped format the PHA website with the help of Brian Gallo. I also photographed finished projects, one of which was featured in the October Edition of the Concrete Masonry Association of California and Nevada’s publication: Profiles in Architecture. This experience has allowed me to explore more than I could ever imagined during my academic years. I learned a wide range of skills and was exposed to real life situations and management.

paul halajian architectsfresno , california | Internship april -august20 12

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T h e p r o c e s s :The first step began by notching out an 11”x11” square from the ash wood stump and chiseling out the pieces. This was followed by grinding the surface of a 1.5”x11” piece of aluminum and bending it to form to the wood stump. The wood stump was finished by sawing off a rough 90 degree angle from the corner of the stump to create one side angular and one side natural. The wood was then finished with a natural oil finish applied in two coats. The aluminum piece is secured to the wood with 5” orange powder coated lag bolts.

a lum inum + wood

r o o t e d c h a i ra chair created from recycled materials

key to your h e a rt jewelry design: antique charms and precious gems

I have always had a love for jewelry design. Since an early age, I have been creating unique jewelry pieces. This specific line of jewelry is based on antique charms, keys, and precious gems. I present and sell my work on Etsy.com as well as through individual purchase.

T h e p r o c e s s :The first step began by notching out an 11”x11” square from the ash wood stump and chiseling out the pieces. This was followed by grinding the surface of a 1.5”x11” piece of aluminum and bending it to form to the wood stump. The wood stump was finished by sawing off a rough 90 degree angle from the corner of the stump to create one side angular and one side natural. The wood was then finished with a natural oil finish applied in two coats. The aluminum piece is secured to the wood with 5” orange powder coated lag bolts.

a lum inum + wood

r o o t e d c h a i ra chair created from recycled materials

key to your h e a rt jewelry design: antique charms and precious gems

I have always had a love for jewelry design. Since an early age, I have been creating unique jewelry pieces. This specific line of jewelry is based on antique charms, keys, and precious gems. I present and sell my work on Etsy.com as well as through individual purchase.

38