Brian Ray Barber | Architecture Portfolio 2015 5

Experimental Martian Settlement: using Hollywood as a place to practice the real thing.

Delirious Detroit: reimaging the history of the motor city.

Micro Housing Detroit: re-populating a sparsely developed neighborhood.

Experimental Martian Settlement: using Hollywood as a place to practice the real thing.

Delirious Detroit: reimaging the history of the motor city.

Micro Housing Detroit: re-populating a sparsely developed neighborhood.

Global Water Crisis: Sri Lanka: addressing challenges faced by rice

farmers in the mountains of Sri Lanka.

Summers at MPdL Studio Ann Arbor: this is how I spent my last two summers.

Artwork: a look at how I got started.

Brian Barber1261 Bending Rd.Ann Arbor, MI 48103barberb@umich.edu

Noun Things:thesis project.

Delirious Detroit Arch 552 Studio|Fall 2013

photo: nytimes

semester-long project. We were given the opportunity to research a given part of the city and then choose a specific site within that area. I chose the former site of the Michigan State Fair along Eight Mile Road as the setting to design a social condenser. We were also given a text as a point of departure, mine being Rem Koolhaas’ “Delirious New York”. This example led me to a project that is a reimagination of the history of Detroit. Taking into account political, economic, and social factors around the turn of the Twentieth century, my project examines a critical point in the history of the city where the future could have turned out differently.

In the fall of 2013 our studio focused on Detroit as the subject of a

Delirious Detroit

Delirious DetroitIn 1904 Detroit was a bustling city with the hopes and promises of a new century. Technology was making life easier. In four years time, henry ford would make the newly invented automobile affordable for almost anyone. Detroit was set to become the economic center of the United States.Emma Whitney was a young woman that dreamt of becoming an architect. Her father had moved them to Detroit from Western New York after the death of her mother. While emma’s father, David, Had dreams of turning the city into the next New York, emma had dreams of turning it into the next Paris..........

The woodward plan had so obviously been modeled after the parks of europe, like the gardens of versailles. Her Grandmother had left emma a plot of land that her father wanted to sell so the state could use it for the fairgrounds. Emma had plans to turn it into an urban garden, full of flowers and vegetables for the people who lived in the city. Her plan was perfect.. She had drawn it out, how could her father argue?

Sell it!!!!! I’ll build anotherskyscraper!!!!!!

the Whitney building (Dad’s “Home”) the whitney house (Emma’s Hideout)

detroit 1904the woodward plan

1200’

section

axon

4.62 misite saltmine

Garden plots

amphitheatre

Area of Surface Program: 135 Acres

Area of Underground Program: > 1500 acres

monument

1200’

elevator

amphitheatre/elevator

saltmine

4.62 mi

the site of the gardens sits on top of vast salt mines.......the perfect place for her secret society. emma dreamt of building glass skyscrapers underground, a concept her father could never understand.

emma’s plan included an underground tower made entirely of glass. she had seen images of one in a newspaper during one of her many visits to berlin. if she mounted lights on the mine walls she could control the intensity and duration of the light. for emma, daylight was too harsh and night time was too dark. she could finally find a happy medium and effect the mood with colored glass on the facade of the building.......it would be brilliant.

garden plan

glass: meant to control the visual atmosphere of each floor of the underground tower.

lights: powerful new lighting used in baseball parks for night games.

steel frame: the frame is also new technology. used in the mine to protect against any mine collapse.

the vast salt mines could also be used for other activities, like golf, tennis, and swimming in the underground lakes.

above ground the gardens could serve the community. she could raise flowers and vegetables. Perhaps she could even rent out plots to folks who need a garden. The amphitheatre could hold concerts and other community events. maybe she would even open up the underground club to the public. afterall, one of the things that bothered her about her father was his eliteism.

monument to modernism

detroit was such a beautiful city, with a promising future.......

emma dreamt of planning out the rest of the city. She thought that one day detroit really could be another Paris....of the midwest! perhaps........

place de la concorde

Brian Barber

Delirious DetroitIn 1904 Detroit was a bustling city with the hopes and promises of a new century. Technology was making life easier. In four years time, henry ford would make the newly invented automobile affordable for almost anyone. Detroit was set to become the economic center of the United States.Emma Whitney was a young woman that dreamt of becoming an architect. Her father had moved them to Detroit from Western New York after the death of her mother. While emma’s father, David, Had dreams of turning the city into the next New York, emma had dreams of turning it into the next Paris..........

The woodward plan had so obviously been modeled after the parks of europe, like the gardens of versailles. Her Grandmother had left emma a plot of land that her father wanted to sell so the state could use it for the fairgrounds. Emma had plans to turn it into an urban garden, full of flowers and vegetables for the people who lived in the city. Her plan was perfect.. She had drawn it out, how could her father argue?

Sell it!!!!! I’ll build anotherskyscraper!!!!!!

the Whitney building (Dad’s “Home”) the whitney house (Emma’s Hideout)

detroit 1904the woodward plan

1200’

section

axon

4.62 misite saltmine

Garden plots

amphitheatre

Area of Surface Program: 135 Acres

Area of Underground Program: > 1500 acres

monument

1200’

elevator

amphitheatre/elevator

saltmine

4.62 mi

the site of the gardens sits on top of vast salt mines.......the perfect place for her secret society. emma dreamt of building glass skyscrapers underground, a concept her father could never understand.

emma’s plan included an underground tower made entirely of glass. she had seen images of one in a newspaper during one of her many visits to berlin. if she mounted lights on the mine walls she could control the intensity and duration of the light. for emma, daylight was too harsh and night time was too dark. she could finally find a happy medium and effect the mood with colored glass on the facade of the building.......it would be brilliant.

garden plan

glass: meant to control the visual atmosphere of each floor of the underground tower.

lights: powerful new lighting used in baseball parks for night games.

steel frame: the frame is also new technology. used in the mine to protect against any mine collapse.

the vast salt mines could also be used for other activities, like golf, tennis, and swimming in the underground lakes.

above ground the gardens could serve the community. she could raise flowers and vegetables. Perhaps she could even rent out plots to folks who need a garden. The amphitheatre could hold concerts and other community events. maybe she would even open up the underground club to the public. afterall, one of the things that bothered her about her father was his eliteism.

monument to modernism

detroit was such a beautiful city, with a promising future.......

emma dreamt of planning out the rest of the city. She thought that one day detroit really could be another Paris....of the midwest! perhaps........

place de la concorde

Brian Barber

Experimental Martian SettlementHollywood, CA

Building Enclosure Systems|Winter 2014

photo:NASA

Building Enclosure Systems|Winter 2014

wind turbineBiomass-producing glazing

solar panels Food growth/experiment/research

Inhabitant residence

Wind Turbine

Biomass production

Solar PowerCahuenga Peak

Winds from the ocean

Experimental Martian Settlement, Hollywood, CAThe proposed facility in the Hollywood Hills above Los Angeles is meant to closely mimick the first structure to be built by humans on the surface of Mars. Its purpose would be to extract water from the surface soil which is then used to grow food and plants for the inhabitants of the outpost. Utilizing the high winds often found on Mars, the facility’s initial power source is a large wind turbine on the top floor. Because of the nature of the project, it must be completely self-sustaining, employing additional methods of generating power once the system is up and running such as solar power, and biomass production.The structure is built into a mountainside in an effort to mediate the harsh temperature differences found during a typical Martian day. The facade also faces south in an effort to optimize and control the amount of direct sunlight in an effort to mimick the amount of sunlight found on the surface of the red planet.

January April July October

Daylight Study

January

JulyOctoberApril/

Cahuenga Peak, Hollywood, CA34.1370° N, 118.3258° W

wind patterns

The project is strategicallyplaced to take full advantageof sun and wind exposure.

Energy-producing solar panel glass

Biomass panels

wind turbines

wind turbine

Food growth/experiment/research

Inhabitant residence158

mete

rs

Micro Housing:

Arch 562 Studio|Winter 2014

Brush Park, Detroit

photo:NYTIMES

Micro Unit HousingBrush Park, DetroitBrush Park is a neighborhood in Detroit that is situated between a highway corridor and a developing area of Midtown. After years of urban decay, Brush Park is set to make a comeback with plans to build a new hockey stadium just outside the neighborhood boundaries. Detroit being a city with a large land area and limited resources, urban density is an issue to be addressed.

Single Unit

Double Unit

frame floor plates

circulation structure

study models

north west view

south west view

plan view

Arch 672 studio: Wicked Problem | Fall 2014

AVERAGE RAINFALL PER YEAR: 190 - 120 cmPROBLEM: MOST OF THE RAIN IN THE DRYZONE FALLS DURING THE MAHA MONSOON SEASON FROM OCTOBER TO JANUARY. THE GOVERNMENT PIPES IN WATER DURING THE DRY MONTHS, BUT MANY COMPLAIN THAT IT IS NOT ENOUGH.

AVERAGE RAINFALL PER YEAR: 250 cmPROBLEM: A UNIQUE CLIMATE THATPROVIDES TWO MONSOON SEASONS A YEAR MAKES FLOODING A PROMINENTPROBLEM.

GLOBAL WATER CRISIS|SRI LANKAAddressing a wicked problem was the premise of the studio in the fall of 2014. We were tasked with finding a problem that effects a large population and propose a solution to an element of the prob-lem. I chose to address the water shortage problems in the mountainous regions of eastern Sri Lanka. Despite being effected by a monsoon season three months out of the year, the other nine months are effectively spent in a drought. The water supplies dry up after a few months and water then has to be piped in from the wet zone. This creates a list of problems that are compounded by the fact that the lines drawn during the recent civil war almost exactly follow the boundaries of the two zones. Given that 98% of the rice grown in Sri Lanka is consumed domestically, the rice farmers in the dry zone are the group affected most immediately.In my research I looked at water catchment systems as well as irrigation solutions.In addition, we had to propose a nonprofit organi-zation that could address the problem and design a marketing campaign.

Water Catchment Tower

form:the doubled over

surface area of the catchment tower

increases the nightly collection potential.

nylon netting:loose weave to collect water and allow it to run down into a basin without being absorbed

by the material.

structure:formed by ribs similar to

tent poles, easily assembledbut lightweight and strong.

rammed earth or brick:with a focus on local materials

the surrounding area can provide what is needed to build the huts that house the water basinsand act as

a base the catchment towers.10’

16’

14.5’

This water catchment system is designed to help alleviate water shortage issues for rice farmers in the northern mountains of Sri Lanka. The nylon netting has the potential to capture up to twenty five gallons of water a night, given the right conditions. Working in congruence with a system of cisterns using the Alternate Wetting and Drying Method, this system could reduce the farmer’s reliance on government supplied water from the south.

rammed earth process

Shelter Design catchment assembly

bamboo is plentiful in Sri Lanka,in fact it’s a growing industry.it works well for drainage systems that use natural materials, and can be grown to lengths of more than 12’ with a consistent diameter.

Irrigation Systembamboo pipes

locations of the water catchment towers

Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD)

16”

field water tube: allows the farmers to measure the water level in the field. Once the water level drops to 8 in. below the surface, the field is flooded to 2 in.above the surface.

drainage trench:moves collected water from rice

fields into the irrigation system.

continuous flooding

alternate wetting and drying

2”

2”

8”

Drainage system allows for the field to flood. The water then is drained into a catch basin, andpumped back onto the crop whenit is needed.

Drip system of irrigation keeps the soil damp without overwatering.

MPdL Studio|Summers 2013-14

MPdL Studio

During the past two summers I have worked at MPdL Studio in Ann arbor. The first year I worked on a project for an exhibition at the Cranbrook Museum of Art titled Michigan Modern.For that project we built a Rhino model of St. Francis de Sales in Muskegon. The digital model was then used to 3d print a large scale physical model of the church for the exhibition.Over the second summer, I worked as a research assistant at the firm helping the principal design an educational greenhouse for a local school.

ABS 3d prints

880

890

880

NN

NN

10

8

6

12pm

10

8

6

12pm

10

8

6

12pm

10

8

6

12pm

winter spring

summer fall

Gable

wind

solar path

-The traditional form of a greenhouse. Ventilation is a challenge in the gable. Usually exhaust fans and ventilation windows are used. Photosynthetically Active Radiation is optimized with the 6/12 roof pitch.

Site

Greenhouse

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

massing model iterationsMassing model iterations

Spacial analysis

14’

20’

size of room: 280 ft^2

space taken by tables: 50 ft^2 (estimated)

net floor area: 230 ft^2

occupant load: 12 people

average class size: 1:10 ratio; preschool, 1:12 ratio kindergarden - 6th grade

How it works: ventilation

Exhaust fansAir vents

Plan

Elevation

zcorp 3d prints

Thesis Project: Noun Things

Noun Things establishes a new notion of the interior through deviations

and distortions of typical architectural elements. The project mobilizes a

set of nouns commonly used to describe interiors, such as “oor,” “wall,”

and “cushion,” by transforming them into verb actions which disrupt the

standard conguration and spatial capacities of familiar objects. Columns

are oored, tables are walled, oors are cushioned and so forth—producing

new forms of inhabitation and spatial character.

Forty-five degree parallel projection is used both as a space-making and

representational strategy. For example, tilted columns destabilize the

typical orientation of a space along x-y-z axes and column bases shaped

by the projection of a circle produce elongated ovals perfect for sitting and

lounging. This use of multiple projection angles allows new elements to

take on various proles within themselves and new orientations in space.

The use of forty-ve degree isometric drawings further emphasizes the

strange nature of this new interior while maintaining the measured control

of standard architectural drawings.

study models

Floor

To DoodleTo CushionTo Red

Cushion

To FloorTo TableTo Doodle

Cushion Seat

To FloorTo Doodle

Book Case

To FloorTo Nook

To DoodleTo Scoop

Column

To FloorTo Tread

To Floor | Ceiling To Shelf

bed interior axon

16'3"

6’8"

13'1

"

6'8"

1’8"

1'8"

6’5"

6'4"

7'10

"

1'4"

To Peg

the legs are pegged, lifting and supporting the bed

To Peg

the bed wall is pegged similar tothe leg

To Shelf

the bed wall is shelfedcreating �oors of space

and rooms, together these shelves act as steps

To Wall

the bed frame is walledenclosing the lower bed as a room and making a

room above

To Floor

the head board is�oored, embedding

itself into the �oor

bookcase interior axon

11'4"

11'3"

5'10"

1'2"

11'1"

7'5"

1'10"

1'10"

1'10"

1'10"

1'10"

1'11"

10"

1'2"

1'2"

1'2"

1'2"

1'2"

1'2"

11"

11"11"

11"11"

11"11"

120o

To Floor

the bookcase is slid down into the �oor,

creating a storage space for the books

to walk on

To Doodle

the cushion is doodled here in a curvilinear manner, creating a loose identity of the cushion

To Circle

the frame of the case iscircled, estranging theform of what expected as a bookcase

To Cushion

the base of the columnsare cushioned, creating a ledge for sittinglaying, reading etc.

To Red

color is projected de�ning space as a projected

“to circle” shape

Artwork

Helen conte crayon on paper, 2007

Congo Boyconte crayon on paper, 2008

When Stars Came to Earth blown glass, 2010

A Story of Faith: Loupe Riversandcast glass, 2010

Goblets blown glass, 2010 - present

Pollenblown glass, 2010

Brian BarberT:206.372.6658E: barberb@umich.edu

ExperienceTaubman College FabLab

Ann Arbor, MIAugust 2012 - Present

3D Print Lab CoordinatorResponsible for processing 3d modeling files, maintaining printing

machines, running prints on Zcorp and ABS machines.

MPdL StudioAnn Arbor, MI

June 2013 - August 2014Research Assistant

Developed schematic designs of educational greenhouse for local school.

Prepared 3d prints for an exhibition at Cranbrook Academy and other firm projects. Prepared Rhino files for print from massing

models to meshes.

Glassybaby, LLC, Seattle, WA

July 2009 - August 2010Gaffer/ Glassblower

Led glassblowing team, coordinated production tasks, and ensured quality control.

Manifesto Corporation/Resolute Lighting Seattle, WA

September 2001 - July 2009Glass Studio Manager

Supervised and led hotshop team, organized work and production schedule, responsible for quality control, and

consulted with designers on new products.

1261 Bending Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103

EducationM.Arch June 2012 - May 2015 Taubman College of Architecture, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan2015 Thesis Honors Award

MFA / GlassSeptember 2010 - June 2012 The Ohio State University, Columbus, OhioPresident, Glass ClubTreasurer, Graduate Student Art ClubMember Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Core Student ProgramFebruary 2000 - January 2001 Penland School of Crafts, Penland, North Carolina

BFA / GlassDecember 1999The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

Skills basic intermediate advanced

Photoshop ///////////////Illustrator ////////////////InDesign /////////////Rhino //////////////Revit ///////////Autocad ////3d printing //////////////////