a r c h i t e c t u r e P O R T F O L I O

Let us l e a r n from the

j o u r n e ynot just the

d e s t i n a t i o n

DOBROTHbs architecture

mdobroth@vandals.uidaho.edu

m.arch candidateuniversity of idaho

1216 n elkriver wayeagle, id 83616

interior design minor

m e g a n

which creates an environment

architecture is acontinuing dialogue between generations

a c r o s s t i m e . Vincent Scully

DOBROTHm

eg

an

bs architecture university of idaho

interior design minor

m. arch candidatemdobroth@vandals.uidaho.edu

1216 n elkriver wayeagle, id 83616

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7

11

15

above image+cover image taken at:Castello di Rivoli Museum of Contemporary Art; Rivoli, Italy

c o n t e n t stable of

to architectural practices, and my experiences abroad in Italy, I have discovered the complex workings of community life in the presence of successful urban spaces. My new understanding of thoughtful urban development combined with my traditional human focus have created a strong optimism in urban fabrics and alternatives to subdivision living. Current suburbs not only create dwelling groups void of community, but also hindering our economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This is the challenge for designers of my generation, and one that I feel compelled to address.

bio:As a product of the suburbs, I have grown up detesting the lack of human focus that lifeless curving subdivisions provided. Through studies in urban theory, exposure

FabLab+2030 challenge

p a v i l i o n

courtyard housing

the natural setting encouraged an open shell that plays with light, views, and activity, while the struc-ture remains anchored by an oversized hearth.

an application of passive design strategies with envi-ronmental systems, the industrial program required intense research and close collaboration with group members and the local client.

the development fostered a unique community setting in a region dominated by single family units with particular attention paid to natural light and layering of spaces.

italian urban cornerthe urban fabric of torino brought about a new mixed use setting, prompting creative design solutions for the combination of public and private spaces.

4th year of study

1

atrium 1st level

bike

troni

cs +

FabL

ab4th year of study

FabLab+2030

Working with 2 other students, we designed an industrial structure for a local client to house a new business: Biketron-ics and a membership Fabrication Laboratory. To this unique program, we applied the goals of the 2030 Challenge to achieve carbon neu-trality. The form of the building was dictated by sun movement, distant views, wind direction, and passive design strategies. Located in north Idaho with cold, snowy winters and summer tempera-tures reaching into the 90’s, both heating and cooling were addressed. Design considerations were group decisions while graphic responsibil-ities were distributed. My individual roles focused on systems research/design and group man-agement.

fabrication laboratory

atrium 2nd

level

3

2030 c h a l l e n g e :

constructed wetland

bioswale permeable paving

c a r b o n n e u t r a l i t y

water collection

Cistern(20’x12’x10’) 18000 gal

hybrid pv panels

earth tubes

straw bale + rammed earth

FabLab+2030

Passive design strategies for the fabrication labratory include the use of heat stack affect, earth tubes to temper outside air, natural daylight-ing with proper shading, direct solar gain, thermal mass in the form of concrete floors and rammed earth, super insulation with straw bales, clerestory windows, and night insulating curtains. Electricity is supplied by hybrid PV panels, which also utilizes fluid to harvest the ’waste’ thermal energy. The thermal energy is used in radiant floor heating and hot water supplies. Rainwater is collected before being filtered and stored in an underground cistern. Gray water is cleaned in a constructed wetland system before reabsorbing into the soil. Composting toilets are used to address black water and storm drainage is directed to bioswales on the low end of the site. Permeable paving and grass pavers are used in the parking lot to handle run off. Xeriscaping with local plants limits the irrigation needed on site.

4th year of study

radiant floor heating

hybrid pv panels

5

life is rich, always changinge, always challenging,and we architects have the task of transmitting into

wood, concrete, glass and steel,

of transforming h u m a n a s p i r a t i o n s into habitable and meaningful space.

arthur erickson

and we architects have the task of transmitting into

b a r o q u e b e n c h

2008

pavi

lion

7

p a v i l i o n3rd year of study

In the U of I arboretum, an open pavilion was needed to accommodate casual lectures and gatherings. The inspira-tion came from the trees of the arboretum which offer protection and enclosure without isolat-ing or entrapping. The pavilion design emulates this by creating a sense of stability and welcome. Daylight animates the space while the structure is layered to filter views but still maintain a sense of connection with its sur-rounding. The oversized stones of the fireplace anchor the pavilion and allow extended seasonal use. Tucked into the stonework, the restrooms help ground the main structure, allowing the exterior elements to be lighter.

9

i t a l i a n p h o t o g r a p h y

all of us are watchers--of television, of time clocks, of traffic on the freeway

everyone is looking, not many are seeing.

--but few are o b s e r v e r s .

Peter M. Leschak

i t a l i a n mixed use urban corner

11

3rd year of study

park+

unde

rgrou

nd ra

il

(unde

r con

struc

tion)

site

N

under-ground parking ramp

apt 1

apt 2

offices

corso bolzano

corso giacomo matteotti

i ta l ian urban corner

The corner site is located in a newly developing area of Torino. Across the street to the Northwest, a park is planned to cleverly hide the under-ground, high-speed railroad tracks. The building’s courtyard transitions the corner lot between the public park and the private residences, a colli-sion of uses that structures the whole design. Varying from the Italian tradi-tion, the commercial space is placed in a thin glass extension in order to maintain openness in the courtyard, to expose the activity of the structure, and to offer customers a unique experience. In the same manner, the stairs and elevators are also exposed to enliven the space. Opening the thick residential structure up to the interior courtyard and the southern sun, the apartment street facade is more closed off from the bustling traffic. A frosted geometric glass screening system allows filtered light, ventilation, and selective views before dissolving away to expose the com-mercial stack.

corso giacomo matteotti

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I retreat to nature to hear my thoughts;When the world clamors and life’s obligations howl,

The farm is what I need. I describe it as silence, but it’s just a d i f f e ren t k ind o f no i se ;

The sound of the wind as it teases the wheat And dances with the leaves.

The creak of the old windmill as its blades turn with aged effort,The gravel that crunches under step.

It’s not the screeching of breaks, The pounding of music,

The bickering of girls, Or the engine growl.

It’s the sound of history --Of a w a y o f l i f e that has continued since the land was settled.

The consistency of the cycle reassures me.If I fail, the wheat will grow.

If I f i gh t , If I make the wrong choice,

Or if I struggle, T h e w h e a t w i l l g r o w .

It will sprout soft and tender in the field,Thrive with the rain,

Bask in the sun, And carpet the world in every imaginable shade of green.

The enormity of the field that surrounds me makes me feel small And my problems, my struggles: i n s i g n i f i c a n t .

Nature is bigger than whatever I am fretting over. My problem seems to be all consuming,

But the continuity of the Palouse reminds me of my insignificance. It is in communion with the hills that I l e t i t g o ,

This struggle, grudge, stress, or anxiety.The wind pulls it away --

R o l l i n g it out with the hills to the edge of the horizon. The sun on my face, the breeze through my hair

And the soft whisper of the wheat remind me I ’ m a l i v e .

Some days will be a struggle, some nights a tearful battle,But each one gives way to a laugh, a hope, or a dream.

I f e e l t h e d a y , search out the quiet moments, And listen for the tender thoughts.

Just as the elements strengthen the wheat around me,I too gain strength.

With each day, we g r o w.

listening to the silence (2009)c r e a t i v e w r i t i n g :

window of reality, colored pencil, 2006

d e s i g n as self expression

15

3rd year of study

a s b u r y s t r e e t

a l l e y

cour

tyar

dh

ou

sin

g

street elevation

Bump-out spaces provide extra exposure to sunlight. Nano-walls are utilized in the sunroom to allow fresh air during warm days. The ceiling above the workout space has been pushed back to allow sunlight to enter on the North side of the building.

BUMP-OUTS

c o u r t y a r d h o u s i n g

3rd year of study

Courtyard housing in north-ern Idaho presents a unique opportunity for density but also requires extensive exterior space planning to accommodate cold winters and hot summers. Layering the outdoor space allows people to maintain their comfort zone but still be a part of the action. Also, as the courtyard spaces collide so do the activities and lives of the residents. In the winter, southern and western sun exposure captures daylight, which draws people outside and inspires activity. Seasonal vegetation helps filter the intense sun in summer. Daylight is brought into each unit through strategic roof height variations, which also adds to the texture and interest of the facades. The 2-level housing plans allow for vaulted ceilings, 2nd floor balconies, and a con-tinuation of layered space as seen in the courtyard. Walkways are broken up by planters and the street edge is softened through the use of public space, patios, and landscaping, keeping park-ing to the alley.

COURTYARD COMPONENT

The entrance serves as a physical boundary between the street and the courtyard. However, it frames the view to

the water feature and the central court, compelling people to venture deeper into the site. It also serves as a

lingering point, with the bench and mailboxes to encourage interaction. The design embodies the

concept: layered space, interlocked components, and the importance of light (through the play of shadows

throughout the day).

COURTYARD COMPONENT

The entrance serves as a physical boundary between the street and the courtyard. However, it frames the view to

the water feature and the central court, compelling people to venture deeper into the site. It also serves as a

lingering point, with the bench and mailboxes to encourage interaction. The design embodies the

concept: layered space, interlocked components, and the importance of light (through the play of shadows

throughout the day).

entry component

street facade

daylit spaces

unit courtyard facades

DOBROTHm e g a n

bs architecture university of idahointerior design minor

m. arch candidatemdobroth@

vandals.uidaho.edu1216 n elkriver wayeagle, id 83616