Undergraduate Portfolio

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.

ENDS 105

ENDS 106

ARCH 206

ARCH 207

ENDS 115-116

personal

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

Undergraduate Portfolio

Documents

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