Grace Alice Dixon

Candidate for Master of ArchitectureThe University of Texas at Austin

Grace Alice Dixon

architecture

product design

photography

digital.fabricbreaking boundaries uncorked

reclaiming community

architectural inspiration

the kitchen café

solid +/- void

Exterior Section Perspective

Fall 2012 | An economically + socially sustainable small-business incubator promoting community involvement and shared brainstorming through open, adaptable work space.

LIVE+WORK+GROW

FLEXIBILITY + COLLABORATION

RETREAT + REVITALIZE

columns inform organization and adaptable division of work space based on varying needs

enclosed spaces fulfill the need for both intimate gatherings or larger conference meetings

first floor contains [8] one bedroom units {ADA accessible} + the entrances to [4] two bedroom units + [4] three bedroom units

elevated and seperate living spaces encourage residents to interact with their neighbors and positively influence fellow small-business owners

second level of residential contains [8] studio apartments + the second floors of [4] two bedroom units + [4] three bedroom units

semi-private patios supply more intimate spaces contrary to the office spaces. facing the main walkways they still advocate community interaction

a variety of unit types support different family sizes allowing for a mixed-income community

small, continual, modular design allows for a mixture of on- and off-site fabrication

Interior Perspective | 2 Bedroom

Fall 2008 |The Kitchen Café, located in downtown Boulder, Colorado, is a successful local restaurant in need of expansion. This project explores relocation to an existing historic building near its current site. My proposal retains similar program in a larger space while preserving the brick structure already located on the site. While trying to balance modern aesthetics with the beautifully historic, I created an inviting atmosphere to carry on The Kitchen’s prominent reputation.

The Kitchen

[THE KITCHEN CAFÉ] EXPANSION PROPOSAL

B

A

FLOOR PLANUtilizing the existing structure on the site, I created two different atmospheres separated by a glass ceilinged corridor . The historic brick building encompasses a more casual, relaxed lounge while the new construction is a more formal dining experience. There is a total seating capacity of 118 [40 outside, 66 inside, 12 lounge + bar seating]. The overall development plan also includes two bathrooms, full kitchen, and an employee break area.

SOLID

/VOI

D

COM

PRES

SION/

RELE

ASE

MAT

ERIA

LITY

CIRC

ULAT

ION

PRIVA

TE/P

UBLIC

PROG

RAM

GA

SKET

W.C

.ST

ORA

GE

STAFF

OUTDOOR DINING

KITCHEN

HOST

BAR/

LOU

NG

E

OUTDOOR DINING

ENTR

Y

SOLA

R

SECTION A

SECTION B

HANDCRAFTED MODEL | CHERRY + BASSWOOD

SOLID +/- VOID

FRAME REGIONGRID

Spring 2013 | Beginning with Cooper Union as precedent, this project first explored how Morphosis utilized a Boolean strategy to generate form and engage in site and context. Focusing on irregular cuts, projected forms, and folding of exterior structure, I created an explorative rule system diagram which provided a method for generating new organizational patters, with extreme potential for adaptive space making. The next step was to build a physical model based on our most successful iteration. I explored the folding technique with only one solid, finding it lost its original appeal after too many applications. As a solution, I took one angular solid, divided and merged the results, and then folded its edges within itself. This created an outer shell, which provoked the user to search within the object. The final step of this process was to morph this abstract shape into a habitable pavilion. I created a pedestrian walkway that encouraged both movement and interaction throughout the space, with an upper pavilion for moments of reflection and relaxation.

BOOLEAN/FOLD TRANSFORM MERGE

West Elevation of Final Pavilion

BREAKING BOUNDARIESSpring 2011| Contemporary bowl design exploring vertical vs. horizontal construction methods.

Digital Rendering of Initial Design

This design was explored and developed using rhinoceros 4.0. An algorithm created with the plug-in grasshopper split the surface into profiles with uniform connections throughout each piece. Individual profiles were laser-cut out of acrylic and connected with wooden dowels.

With the same design, I extruded the surface, added excess tabs and created a negative to support the bowl during the CNC process. Select types of hardwood were laminated together and the first side of the design was cut using the CNC machine. That form was turned over and drilled into the negative. The final side of the bowl was then cut and the excess tabs were removed. Sanding and staining were then applied for a smoother, uniform product.

VERTICALFABRICATION

By first exploring the acrylic construction, I was able to physically see the design’s strengths and weaknesses. The main discovery was the instability of the base of the bowl. This issue was corrected by flattening the two points tangent with the bottom plane in the digital rhino file. When I plugged this file into the CNC machine, it left a flat edge that increased the stability of the overall product.

HORIZONTALFABRICATION

Fall 2012 | Utilizing items that are thrown away daily, my partner and I created an innovative wall system that provides soundproofing, fire resistance, and weatherproofing. Cotton t-shirts and plastic bags, both commonly found items that are constantly thrown away, offer insulation and protection from outdoor conditions. Smooth aluminum flashing on the exterior contradicts and distinguishes itself from the recycled wine corks on the interior surface. The texture, color, and height variation from the corks provide a unique surface that encourages user interaction.

[un]CORKED

+ +

Digital Rendering of Interior Application

DIGITAL. FABRICSpring 2011 | An investigation of generative digital fabrication through graphical algorithm.

Detail View of Physical Installation

A physical model constructed of thirty painted INSULFOAM profiles and polyvinyl chloride pipes. Ten different shades of paint initiate movement through the space. Metal wire is used to suspend the installation from the ceiling. The recycled, lightweight materials create a sculpture that is easy to install and proposes zero physical harm to anyone below. The final result is a visually stimulating installation that does not affect the structural stability of the ceiling.

Spring 2011 | FP4 black and white film printed on multigrade IV RC deluxe paper, glossy surface

ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

TAXI 2 BUILDINGzeppelin developmentdenver, colorado

SUGAR CUBEkpmb architects

denver, colorado

Here’s a little more about myself...EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN | COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING AUGUST 2012-PRESENTCandidate for Master of Architecture, First-ProfessionalCandidate for Master of Science of Historic PreservationCurrent GPA: 3.75 UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER | COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING AUGUST 2007-MAY 2011Bachelor of Environmental Design in ArchitectureGraduated with Honors May 2011Cumulative GPA: 3.74

CIEE | STUDY ABROAD SUMMER 2010Three weeks studying the language, art, and architectural history of Prague, Czech Republic [4 credits]Cumulative GPA: 3.93

ACADEMIC HONORSChancellor’s Achievement Scholarship [2007-2011]College of Architecture + Planning Dean’s List [7 semesters]Graduation Gala: Digital fabrication + independent study projects exhibited [2011]

EXPERIENCE

SKILLSAdobe Indesign, Illustrator, + PhotoshopAutodesk Revit ArchitectureAutoCAD 2013Rhinoceros 4.0Autodesk 3dsMaxFilm photography + printing

ORGANIZATIONSNational Society of Collegiate ScholarsGolden Key International Honour SocietyAmerican Institute of Architectural StudentsHabitat for HumanityGreenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

I was able to expand my creative capabilites with graphic design and publication work. I also assisted with conceptual and development reviews, landmark designation research and applications, and basic office tasks and organization.

As a photography assistant, I helped with equipment setup and tear down, order placement, and assisted customers through the selection and purchasing process. After six years with the company, I have an immense appreciation for successful, passionate small-businesses and the field of photography.

I was entrusted with many responsibilities as a server and bartender for this locally owned business. This included opening and closing the restaurant by myself, stocking, organizing, and cleaning the front of house, and being proficient and effective during solo shifts.

During my years here, I served for banquets, the grill room, dining room, pool, and bar cart. This allowed me to create relationships with members, hone my networking skills, and adapt to many unique situations.

CITY OF FORT COLLINS | HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND CURRENT PLANNING INTERN AUGUST 2011-JANUARY 2012

VINCENT HEAVENLY PIES AND PASTA| SERVER AUGUST 2011-AUGUST 2012

ACTIONPIC9 + SHERRI BARBER PHOTOGRAPHY | PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT JANUARY 2004-JANUARY 2012

FORT COLLINS COUNTRY CLUB | SERVER MAY 2008-AUGUST 2010

please feel free to call me...970.420.9618

or e-mail [email protected]

After completing nearly five years of architectural education, I feel I am well prepared for an opportunity to gain professional experience. I am a focused, responsible, and passionate person who loves to create anything as long as the final product serves its user well. I am extremely interested in architecture and historic preservation, as well as graphic, interior, and product design. I believe in total design, and think as architects we should be capable of producing useful, stunning solutions for any design problem we encounter. I care deeply about any task I am given in both educational and professional situations. My strong work ethic and desire to be an important asset to my employer is evident in the responsibilities I have held in my past jobs. With six years of experience in related fields to architecture and the restaurant industry, I feel confident when tackling new challenges. I hope you can give me the opportunity to be a beneficial addition to your firm.

Grace Alice Dixon606.B Franklin Blvd. Austin, TX 78751