Elizabeth J. YoungPortfolio

Contact

Elizabeth J. Young

young.elizabeth.j@gmail.com

863.944.7314

University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2012

Contents

Reading Viaduct (Re)design

Polyvalent Facade

Inhabiting the Habit

Foundations

THe

Opened in 1893 as an elevated train track serving several industries, the Reading Viaduct has been unused since 1984. Now, it serves as the site for a proposed green burial park and commercial urban nursery. The Reading Viaduct stands poised to not only help preserve the unique history and character of the Callow-hill neighborhood, but also to aid in its rejuvenation.

In view of these factors, the design proposal seeks to celebrate the past and the existing, while also looking forward to a richly imagined future by establishing flexible frameworks where native, natural phenomena and human behavior can mutually influence each other to produce a new identity.

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READING VIADUCT(RE)DESIGN

Arch 402 | Spring 2012 | Julie Beckman

In collaboration with Laura Dean

Flowering Trees

Shady/DryMarch - MayAttracts Birds

Colorful Fall Leaves

Wind Tunnel

Wind Shield

Legend

Sunny/MoistJuly - Sept

Attracts Birds, ButterfliesGround Cover

Vines and Shrubs

Grasses and Flowers

Shady/MoistMarch - June

Attracts Birds, ButterfliesGround Cover

Ferns and Flowers

Sunny/DryMay - June

Attracts WildlifeColorful Fall Leaves

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Reading ViaductTrends in Plan and Section

Vegetation Density

Water Inlets

A. Distribution

B

C

A

1893 1962 2010

1893

1962

2010

1893

1962

2010

1893

1962

2010

B. Connectivity

Land Use

Trend Studies

1893 1962 2010

Water Inlets

A. Distribution

B. Connectivity

Vegetation Density

Land Use

Water, vegetation, and shifts in land use form the basis of initial site studies. Narrowing the field of research to the area between Vine Street and Spring Garden, and 9th Street and Broad, neighborhood-specific trends begin to emerge. Water supports plant life, which in turn correlates with neighborhood vibrancy.

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Data

Industrial

Comm

ercial

Resid

ential

Civic/Ins

titution

al

Cultural/Recrea

tional

Industrial

Comm

ercial

Resid

ential

Civic/Ins

titution

al

Vacant

Industrial

Comm

ercial

Resid

ential

Civic/Ins

titution

al

Vacant

Cultural/Recrea

tional

Sectional Concept Model

Vegetation Density | Ground Porosity Precipitation

Ground Potential Productivity Manmade Water Networks

This model seeks to illustrate the impact of manmade surfacing practices on latent ground productivity. The interaction between variations in ground porosity and manmade water networks creates areas with varying receptivity to precipitation, which is the key to ground potential.

Reading ViaductTrends in Plan and Section

Vegetation Density

Water Inlets

A. Distribution

B

C

A

1893 1962 2010

1893

1962

2010

1893

1962

2010

1893

1962

2010

B. Connectivity

Land Use

Reading ViaductTrends in Plan and Section

Vegetation Density

Water Inlets

A. Distribution

B

C

A

1893 1962 2010

1893

1962

2010

1893

1962

2010

1893

1962

2010

B. Connectivity

Land Use

2010

1893

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Responding to the water inlet and plant germination analyses, the barcode gradient mapping creates a system of enclosure distribution over the entire Viaduct. To address both natural and social agendas, we designed an S-curve module that creates varying degrees of separation between mourners and recreational users. Higher degrees of enclosure are associated with programmatic separation, highly cultivated plant life, and greater formality. This system provides the fine degree of control necessary to accomodate the wide range of beliefs and personal needs that accompany remembrance.

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Distribution

Masterplan

Water Inlets

Flora

Enclosure Distribution

GerminationPotential

AccessPoint

SITE

Time Lapse

curve catalog

topography

vertical fence

vertical boundary

enclosure 1st degree

enclosure 2nd degree

enclosure 3rd degree

curve catalog

topography

vertical fence

vertical boundary

enclosure 1st degree

enclosure 2nd degree

enclosure 3rd degree

curve catalog

topography

vertical fence

vertical boundary

enclosure 1st degree

enclosure 2nd degree

enclosure 3rd degree

curve catalog

topography

vertical fence

vertical boundary

enclosure 1st degree

enclosure 2nd degree

enclosure 3rd degree

curve catalog

topography

vertical fence

vertical boundary

enclosure 1st degree

enclosure 2nd degree

enclosure 3rd degree

curve catalog

topography

vertical fence

vertical boundary

enclosure 1st degree

enclosure 2nd degree

enclosure 3rd degree

Curve Catalogue: Degrees of Separation

Open Park+Minimal grave indication +Wild, hardy growth

Vertical Fence+Moderately formal grave indication +Combination growth

Artificial Topography+Two recreational path types +Ground cover growth

Canopy Enclosure+Formal grave indication +Highly manicured plantings

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From the ground level, the site intervention features dedicated nursery, dedicated memorial, and intermingled program entry points. A boardwalk-ramp serves as the intermediary between memorial and nursery spaces, providing not only circulation but also a venue for recreational use. Sequencing of intermediate spaces creates gentle transitions in between programs, which gives users time to ease into the appropriate emotional state.

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Site Intervention

Ground Floor 1st Floor

Viaduct Level Aerial View

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The southern terminus meets the ground abruptly, preserving the Viaducts history of being severed along Vine Street. For materials, stone and mortar, metal and glass harken back to the neighborhoods industrial roots, while wood and greenery speak to the growth and revitalization coming in the future.

Along the Viaduct, the memorial and nursery programs are often braided in plan, yet separate in section. This theme is intensified at the micro scale, where mournersand nursery shoppers might be spatially close, but experientially distant.

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Micro Scale

I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I

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In biology, polyvalence describes the ability of antibodies to respond to multiple toxins, microorganisms, or antigens. This sensitivity to a constellation of stimuli makes them effective counteragents, promoting healthier living for the organism.

The goal of the polyvalent facade is to acknowledge and negotiate the complex relationships inherent in environmental, social, and cultural interactions. With its interventions,the proposed polyvalent facade seeks to promote the health and wellness of the urban fabric in which it operates.

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Shadow Study

9AM 12PM 3PM 9AM 12PMSpring Summer

POLYVALENT FACADE

Arch 401 | Fall 2011 | Richard Wesley + Yun Yi

Day

5

6

7

8

9

1011 12PM

2

3

4

5

6

7

3PM 9AM 12PM 3PM 9AM 12PM 3PMFall Winter

12

Night

5

6

7

8

9

1011 12PM

2

3

4

5

6

7

Site

Adjacent to the High Line Park in New York City, the project siteconsists of 16 x 72 x 93 ft3 claimed for commercial and residential programs. As an elevated linear pathway, the High Line would gain from adding gathering spaces off the main walkway as well as vertical circulation corridors.

To this end, the program proposal features a ground story bookstore with an upper story cafe that opens onto a patio on the High Line level. Adding intermediate, commercially appealing zones seeks to connect the High Line with the existing art galleries on 20th Street, promoting increased interaction.

20th Street

10th

Ave

nue

N

20th Street and 10th Avenue

+ Gathering spaces + Vertical Circulation Main Walkway

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Arab World InstituteMotorized brise soleil that

regulate light entry based on feedback from photodetectors

Kiefer Technic ShowroomDynamic facade that creates

variable surfaces through folding panels

Residential

Cafe

Bookstore

Public

National Museum of American Jewish History

Undulating light sculpture matrix visible from street level

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi HotelTessellated skin with translucent, sun-shading modules offset from

main frame structure

Program and Circulation

Residential

PublicCafe

Bookstore

Function: Environment Regulator Function: Cultural Object

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To address the extremes in light fluctuation that eastern facades typically experience, the design proposal features an arrayment of kinetic shading modules, which allows for finer control over internal lighting conditions. Illuminance studies suggest that summer will be the most crucial time for the modules deployment. During the day, a majority of the modules would be closed, with some half-open or fully open in order to let in sufficient natural light. This serves the dual purpose of regulating light and preserving occupants privacy.

Module Deployment

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SUMMER South Open South Half South Closed

North Open 3160.4 2485.28 2204.34

North Half 2987.89 2424.89 2113.83

North Closed 2938.11 2271.54 2125.32

SUMMER South Open South Half South Closed

North Open 2686.29 1785.25 1522.46

North Half 2157.57 1709.78 1400.63

North Closed 2332.31 1657.26 1489.73

SUMMER South Open South Half South Closed

North Open 1619.67 1038.85 703.2

North Half 2723.66 1814.35 1285.14

North Closed 1209.45 841.02 322.27

WINTER South Open South Half South Closed

North Open 1017.93 946.31 871.09

North Half 944.88 862.81 832.18

North Closed 900.39 804.25 809.62

North Closed 900.39 804.25 809.62

WINTER South Open South Half South Closed

North Open 775.93 607.5 582.15

North Half 710.08 586.64 514.3

North Closed 590.43 517.78 557.39

WINTER South Open South Half South Closed

North Open 408.44 292.4 255.09

North Half 601.22 456.31 374.34

North Closed 255.6 175.53 81.28

Average IlluminanceMaterial Testing

Summer WinterOpaque

Translucent

Open

Half

Closed

Open

Half

Closed

Summer Winter

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1ft

10ft

20ft

Facade

In addition to regulating internal lighting conditions, the proposal seeks to articulate and unite the continuum of pubic and private space by scaling and grouping the kinetic module. Modular increase in size and simultaneous decrease in kinetic activity corresponds with the progression from private, to semi-public, to public. In addition, the action of the module creates a topography that constantly adapts to changes in environmental light conditions as well as changes in the building occupants individual preferences and usage patterns.

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1ft

10ft

20ft

Private Public

Module Scaling and Grouping

Exploded Layers

Semi-Public

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In addition to serving the functions of light regulation and protecting occupants privacy, the polyvalent facade also enriches the cultural appeal of the High Line. Interactive and visually distinctive, the facade invites people to enjoy the sight of something out of the ordinary as they circulate around the area.

Softly opening and closing, the modules appear almost as if they are a breathing skin, mesmerizing to watch. The facade can also be programmed to produce patterns across its surface, creating a playful light show for urban denizens. Such qualities are exceptionally potent at night, when the internal light transforms the building into a glowing prism.

Character

Day

19

Night

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INHABITING THE HABIT

Habit

Light Usage

Light Quality

Overlaying

Line Graphs

Translation

Tesselated Skin

Folding Surface

Complex Cubes

Inhabit

Performance House

Sections

Plans

+

Mechatronics

Drawing Machine

2D 3D Spirograph

Time-Square

Daylight Gradient

Plan Studies

Design as Research

Spider Lamp200W

Overhead Light50W

Christmas Lights20W

Arch 302 | Spring 2011 | Simon Kim

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Experimental and exploratory in nature, Inhabiting the Habit frames design as an investigative research venture. The approach used in this particular project first establishes a broad base of exploration, before then selecting a concept to pursue in greater detail.

My habit involves light regulation. In the mornings, I quickly turn on each of my three light sources in order from brightest to least bright. At night, I turn off the lights in the same order, but allow my eyes and alertness more time to adjust.

Graphing

12AM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12PM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12AM

12AM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12PM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12AM

12AM 6AM 12PM 6AM 12AM 12AM 6AM 12PM 6AM 12AM 12AM 6AM 12PM 6AM 12AM

12AM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12PM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12AM

Conceptualizing light as a combination of AM-quality and PM-quality, this graph yields angles that can be used to create light-responsive pleated surfaces.

Daylight is represented as an array of black hexagons, with red hexagons forming a portion of habit data. The habit hexagons can be stretched, implying flexibility.

As an exercise in generating potential form using literal data translation techniques, line graphs are folded at 12AM, 6AM, 12PM, and 6PM marks, then closed with complex planes.

Preliminary Exploration

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The theme that ultimately charged the project was of flexible habit data operating within a rigid,independent framework. As shown in the Daylight and Habit diagrams, gradients represent the inexorable cycle of light and darkness, with personal data graphed according to typical usage patterns.

Within the Time-Square concept, a square represents one day, with hours delineated on the perimeter. Inflexible variables such as class schedule and brightest hours of the day are graphed as lines, whileflexible variables such as light use are represented as curves loosely defined by habit data-generated regulating lines.

All Lights400

300

200

100

7AM

5PM

7AM

5PM

100

200

300

100100

200

300

100

200

300

0

0

0

Daylight and Habit

Time-Square Concept

All DayM/W/FT/R

All Lights Spider Lamp

Overhead Light

Christmas Lights

Development

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12AM 6AM

6PM 12PM

12AM 6AM

6PM 12PM

12AM 6AM

6PM 12PM

Fixed NodeMovable Node

Plan Studies

The Time Square concept forms the basis for developing plan studies. Each floor corresponds to a light, with wall mass profiles reflecting dominant sensations ranging from linear clarity to curvilinear disorientation. Rotating and arraying a plan and adding nodes that direct the motion of wall masses represents time as a communal, ever-shifting experience.

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Fixed NodeMovable Node

Fixed NodeMovable Node

The Time-Square concept, which abstracts daily habit into a graphic illustration, combined with the idea of individual action influencing the behavior of a network, lead to the creation of this light-responsive drawing machine. Each component not only physically/mechanically influences the others, but also has imbedded information that relates it to the others within the habit framework.

InterludeMechatronic Drawing Machine

6am

6pm

12am 12pm

Fixed nodes in night half, Moving nodes in day half.

Gear distribution expresses which light sources are in use from 12:00PM to 12:00AM.

In collaboration with Noor Al-Awadhi

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small medium large diameter 1 2 3

# of teeth 12 24 36

gearslinkage systems

work w

ork wo

rk wor

k work work work work work w

ork wo

rk wor

k work work work work work w

ork wo

rk wor

k

sleep sleep slee

p sleep sleep sl

eep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sl

eep sleep sleep

sleep sleep slee

p sleep

play play

play play

play play play play play play play play play

play play

play play

play play play play play play play

work work work work

sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep

play play play play play play

4

5

10

Small Medium Large

Diameter

# of Teeth

1 2 3

12 24 36

Gears Linkage Systems

Christmas Lights

Overhead Light

Spider Lamp

Shorter lengths produce phrenetic scribbles, whereas longer lengths produce sweeping, leisurely strokes

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Generation

In this study, the rotation of fixed and moving nodes around the 24-hour Time-Square produces paths that can either serve as axes of manipulation for elements within the square or can become masses when volumetrically framed.

Proto-section generation takes the fourth spirograph study into three dimensions, with lines becoming planes that slice through a time cube. From there, hours relevant to the habit are isolated and closed with planes to form masses within the cube. Finally, section cuts are taken through the cube, resulting in proto-sections A and B.

12AM

6PM 12PM

6AM

12AM

6PM 12PM

6AM

12AM

6PM 12PM

6AM

12AM

6PM 12PM

6AM

12AM

6PM 12PM

6AM

12AM

6PM 12PM

6AM

Spirograph Studies

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Proto-Section Study 2

Proto-Section Study 1

12am

6pm

Section A:9am to 9pm

Section B:2am to 4pm

A

B

Proto-Section Process

12am

12pm6pm

6am 12am

12pm6pm

6am 12am

12pm6pm

6am

12am 6am 12am

6pm

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Inhabit

In keeping with the spirit of design as research, the resulting plans and sections represent a sampling of possibilities rather than proposed solutions to a project brief. Both iterations are organized according to the Time-Square concept, and derive their geometries from proto plans and sections. Programming eachiteration as a performance space parallels the performative aspect of our day-to-day lives, from individualprivate preparation to ensemble public works.

lounge

rehearsal space pit

auditorium/stage

lobby

green room

practice rooms

6am 12am

6pm12pm

lobby

6pm 12pm

6am12am

Performance House Plan Study 1

lounge

stag

e

projectionbooth

practice rooms

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pit

practice roomsdance studio

green room

lobby

rehearsal space

loungelounge

dance studio

auditorium/stage

6am 12am

12pm 6pm

12pm

6am12am

Performance House Plan Study 2

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This space divider for two creates space using diaphonous materials and psychological tension. Literal tension in the tautness of the linen thread holds the frames together, enabling the divider to stand, while subjective tension is created by rendering the individual niches visually permeable. Affixing more frames allows the space divider to accomodate multiple users.

In collaboration with Noor Al-Awadhi, Garvin Hunt, and Susan Kolber.Photo Credits: Susan Kolber

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FOUNDATIONS:FABRICATION

Arch 202 | Spring 2010 | Lauren Carelli + Richard Wesley

Space Divider

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membrane socket pore shingle

1 2 3

1

2

3

Butterfly wings are covered in millions of tiny shingle-like scales. This model hypothesizes that a combination of material stickiness and precise geometry act within a socket and membrane structure to secure the shingle up to a certain stress threshold. Given enough pull outwards or sway sideways, the shingle disengages, leaving the socket in the membrane.

Biological MimicryArch 301 | Fall 2010 | Alexandra Schmidt-Ullrich

This drawing superimposes hand profiles and shadow contours to imply motion and to suggest that tension increases as a result of this motion.

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FOUNDATIONS:DRAFTING

Shade in Motion

Arch 201 | Fall 2009 | Suzanne Brandt

Section StudyIn this drafting exercise, material details within the Anne & Jerome Fisher Fine Arts Library were selected and analyzed for threshold conditions. In this series, floor plates and staircases articulate shifts in framing around the leaded glass window.

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Elizabeth J. Young

young.elizabeth.j@gmail.com

863.944.7314

University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2012

Elizabeth J. Young | young.elizabeth.j@gmail.com | 863.944.7314