Portfolio

DESIGN PORTFOLIOSelected Work

by

Brian J . R i tz inger

E duc at io n

Bachelor of Science in ArchitectureUniver s i ty of Minnesota

Class of 2009

Master of Architecture Por t land State Univer s i ty

Class of 2011

St ud y Abr o ad

Design/Bu i ldLadakh, India

Des ign Stud ioOaxaca, Mexico

Ar t His tor yFlorence, Italy

Druk White Lotus SchoolLadakh, India

Xochimilco Community CenterOaxaca, Mexico

Projects

Thesis: Healthy Living CenterPortland, OR

Electric Vehicle Design CenterPortland, OR

Haiti Ideas CompetitionPort Au Prince, Haiti

Earth Awards Peace Pavil ion Ladakh, India

Summer Term 2010

The Peace Pavilion is the brainchild of the students and faculty of the BaSIC Initiative’s Ladakh program and was designed and built in collaboration with Sarah Bonnemaison and Christine Macy of Filum Ltd, renowned for its fabric structures and constructed from disused military parachutes.

BaSIC Initiative worked with local pupils and buddhist nuns to re-imagine and re-stitch together parachutes from this region of conflict into a parabolic hyperboloid tensile structure which resolves structural and design issues in a structure that symbolises peace and unity that this school and children hope for amidst the chaos of war and conflict in this region.

1 of 10 design/build team members.

In Ladakh, the Commonwealth Pavilion is a place for children and adults to meet, to share music, drama and ideas. At a practical level, it is a sanctuary against the intense sun hitting a country founded at an elevation of 13,000 feet. During September 2010 the Pavilion will be showcased at HRH. The Prince of Wales’ Garden Party to Make a Difference, as a prime example of innovative architecture improving the lives of others. It will then return to Ladakh to assume its place at the center of this academic community.

Summer Term 2010S u s t a i n a b i l i t y t h r o u g h R e c l a i m i n g D i s u s e d M i l i t a r y P a r a c h u t e s .

Plan and Elevation Plan

Process Model

Dying Pendentives Sewing Tensile Reinforcement

F i n a l D i s p l a y , 2 0 1 0 E a r t h A w a r d sP e a c e P a v i l i o nC o m m o n w e a l t h H o u s eL o n d o n , E n g l a n dL o n d o n , E n g l a n d

Sign Across from Dye Shop in Ladakh., India

Tie-Down Diagram Tensile Structure Plan

Conceived as a model for sustainable development in the Ladakh region, The Druk White Lotus School caters for 750 pupils from nursery age to 18 years old. The school attracts hundreds of curious visitors each year and a visitor center was requested by the administration to display:

- Student Work

- Sustainable Design Aspects

- Planned Expansions

V I S I TO R C E N T E R

Druk White Lotus SchoolLeh, India

1 of 45 design/build team members.

Electric Vehicle Design CenterPortland, OR

Spring Term 2010 O v e r v i e w :

With Portland, OR attracting three electric vehicle design firms, an Electric Vehicle Design Center--EVDC is designed to house approximately 40 designers and technicians with a ground floor vehicle showroom.

Located :

701 E. Burnside St.Portland, ORPortland, OR

Spring Term 2010

Section Looking East

The ground f loor inc ludes space for an indoor and outdoor showroom.

The second f loor prov ides space for employee conferences and break area . The ent i re f loor i s ava i lable for spec ia l events .

Ind iv idua l des ign teams occupy ident ica l s tud io spaces on f loor s 3-5 .

Level 3-5 Floor Plan

Level 2 Floor Plan

Site + Ground Floor Plan

Hydronic Slabs add or remove heat as needed. Hydronic Slabs add or remove heat as needed.

L o a d R e d u c t i o n a n d P a s s i v e S y s t e m s

- Redirected Daylight (Light Shelves and North Wall)- Passive Ventilation (Heat Stack with Operable Vents)- Passive Cooling (Vegetation Transpiration)

Competition BoardsAIA PortlandJune 7, 2011

C o m p e t i t i o n O v e r v i e w :as stated by the officiating entity:The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture

“ The Haiti Idea Challenge is not about the immediate design solutions to pressing and mounting housing problems of Haiti, but the long-term design of sustainable, culturally appropriate prospective redevelopment of Haiti. While there is an immediate need for shelter, transitional housing and other social and infrastructural services, the Haiti Ideas Challenge is about designing for the future Haitian communities

HAI TI I DE AS COMPETITIONPortland, OR

Spring Term 2011

as permanent, holistic environments that speaks to the aspirations and advancement of Haiti not just the survival of Haiti.

Identified exemplars will be distributed for review and comment by a jury of Haitian government officials, members of the United States State Department and other key groups involved in Haiti’s rebuilding efforts.

Winners announced August 2011.

Board 3 of 4Board 2 of 4

Ending Government Corruption

by

Promoting Public Radio

using

Found Objects to Transmit and Receive.

Board 1 of 4

The team’s approach to this competition involves addressing the profound government corruption that plagues Haiti. With millions of dollars in donations disappearing, establishing a means for common citizens to communicate is necessary. A non-governmental radio station will also be heard by Haitians displaced by the January 12, 2010 earthquake. January 12, 2010 earthquake.

Board 4 of 4

A d m i n i s t r a t i v e B u i l d i n g - Parish Administration- Community Clinic- Large Meeting Space

Ve r n a c u l a r S u s t a i n a b i l i t y

- Adobe Walls Provide Desired Thermal Lag

- Window Placement Provides Daylight without Glare

Sections Looking East

Model

Second Level

First Level

The first level of the administrative building includes four offices, each with access to an outdoor courtyard. The Priest’s office includes a private outdoor patio adjacent to a small library. Flexible space exists for both the weekend medical clinic and small group meeting space.

The second floor holds a large community gathering space, accommodating up to 50 people. The north wall is recessed transparent glass, effectively daylighting the entire space.

Xochi mi lco Community CenterOaxaca, Mexico

Spring Semester 2008

The catholic parish of Xochimilco lies at the heart of this cultural neighborhood. The chapel and adjacent cemetery are deeply important to area residents. The parish asked each member of our undergraduate studio to design a scheme for a new on site:

- Parish Administration Center- Community Clinic- Large Meeting Space- Priest’s Residence- Private Guest Rooms (3)

Site Model

Cemetery Church Plaza

Site Plan

Site Model

N

U n d e r g r a d u a t e Wo r k

P r i e s t ’ s R e s i d e n c e + G u e s t R o o m s

Exploded AxonGuest Rooms + Private Patios

Priest’s Residence, Guest Rooms, Private Patios

The first level of the residential building includes three private entry guest rooms. Each guest room sits adjacent to an equally sized outdoor patio. Each Bathroom is located between the indoor and outdoor space, with views of the sky from showers.

Second Level

Priest’s Residence

First Level

Guest Rooms

Section Looking West

The Priest’s residence sits atop the three guest rooms with views focused on the church. A limited view of the cemetery exists in the priest’s library. Indoor space sits adjacent to area dedicated to outdoor conversation and contemplation.

Priest’s Residence

Thesi s : The Ki ng NeighborhoodHealthy Living Center

Portland, OR

Academic Year 2010 - 11Academic Year 2010 - 11

Located :

5001 NE MLK Blvd.5001 NE MLK Blvd.Portland, OR

The degree to which hypertension is preventable, especially in populations under 60 years old, is extremely encouraging. The Healthy Living Center addresses the three prevention methods common to hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease. These three methods are the center’s principle goals:

1) Diet Improvement

2) Stress Reduction

3) Exercise Promotion

A b s t r a c t

This investigation identified key factors that con-tribute to lowered life expectancy and quality of living in impoverished urban neighborhoods. These factors include the lack of access to primary and preventive health care as well as a self-perpetuating cycle referred to in this investigation as the “Cam-den Principle.” A strategy for selecting an appro-priate site is based on the area’s walkability, transit access, the local availability of fresh foods, poverty rates and site visibility. The center serves the neigh-borhood scale. The building’s program is informed by a statistical analysis of common diseases and their methods of prevention. In an effort to complement the goal of illness prevention, design responses are informed by investigations of human stress recov-ery as well as studies measuring physical responses to natural elements. The architecture will actively contribute to the goal of illness prevention along-side the programs it contains. The King Neighbor-side the programs it contains. The King Neighbor-side the programs it contains. The King Neighborhood Healthy Living Center will demonstrate this new typology’s potential for prevention in place of medical treatment.

S i t e S e l e c t i o n

A 2009 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that “Those who were financially disadvantaged as children and adults were 82% more likely to develop heart disease than those who were comparatively well off in childhood and adulthood.” High poverty rates emerged as the primary site selection criteria.

Cost in Terms of Lives and Money / YearCommonly Preventable Illnesses

S p a t i a l R e q u i r e m e n t s

Indoor programs of the Healthy Living Center are grouped into two main categories, White Space and Green Space.

White Space

Vitals Clinic - 2,500 sfResource Library - 6,000 sfLobby/Information - 1,000 sf

Produce Market - 2,100 sfCooking Classes - 750 sfOregon Trail Café - 1,250 sfRestrooms - 600 sf

Natatorium - 7,000 sfYoga/Meditation Studio - 1,200 sfFlexible Training Space - 1,200 sfLocker Rooms - 1,250 sfRestrooms - 400 sfUtility Spaces - 600 sf

Green Spaces

Classroom Gardens - 5,250 sfIndoor Plots - 10,000 sf

The 1.7 acre (95,000 sq ft) site affords generous room for an outdoor community garden. This outdoor garden will occupy remaining area on the site and be the 36th community garden operated by Portland Parks and Recreation.

PROCESS SECTION STUDY - URBAN EDGE CONDITION

N

Alberta St.

MLK Blvd.

Percent L iv ing in Pover ty (2009)8.9

13.4

11.6

37.9

35.0

Portland Average: 16%

Food Deserts

A food desert is any area in the industrialized world where healthy, affordable food is difficult to obtain. It is most prevalent in low-socioeconomic minority communities, and is associated with a variety of diet-related health problems. Many people living in these areas are left choosing between processed food for sale at small corner stores and inexpensive fast food options.

The King Neighborhood

The highest poverty rates in Portland are at the heart of the northeast King Neighborhood. Approximately 36% of households within the two-tract area fall below the national poverty threshold. Higher incidences of preventable diseases among this income group is contributed to by problems in the immediate environment.

P a r t o f t h e P r o b l e m

N

Alberta St.

MLK Blvd.

Percent L iv ing in Pover ty (2009)8.9

13.4

11.6

37.9

35.0

Portland Average: 16%

SummerSolstice

WinterSolstice

P a r t o f t h e S o l u t i o n

D a y l i g h t i n g D e t e r m i n i n g M a s s i n g

Ground Level and Urban Context Second Level

Passive Ventilation

Considerations _ Prevailing Seasonal Winds _ Roof Pitch and Angle

Winds generally come from the north and northwest during the warm sum-mer months.

The pitched roofs of the greenhouses accelerate wind speed.

An area of negative pressure is created to the south of each roof pitch.

Operable vents open to draw warm air from the buildings interior spaces.

Overhead doors in the greenhouses and awning windows throughout the center provide fresh air intake.

I n n o v a t i v e E n e r g y R e d u c t i o n S t r a t e g i e s

C o n c l u s i o n

This investigation identified key factors that contribute to lowered life expectancy and quality of life in impoverished urban neighborhoods. Preventable illnesses that affect the circulatory system exist at an alarming scale in our society and disproportionately affect lower-income populations. Environmental factors magnify this problem for many people living in areas with limited access to fresh foods. Providing residents nutritional food options that are otherwise unavailable is a central concern when addressing this public health problem.

The center’s built environment contributes to health promotion by blurring its distinction from the natural environment. The documented benefits of exposure to nature offer a wealth of inspiration to the architects and planners of our modern urban spaces. The measurable effects of natural environments on stress recovery and overall well-being informed many decisions in the design process. The urban areas that stand to benefit from a Healthy Living Center are some of the most removed from the natural environment. Addressing these areas has a great potential for positive impact.

The King Neighborhood Healthy Living Center demonstrates the potential to learn from public health typologies of the past and adapt them to address modern health concerns. Measurable improvements in public health can be made by targeting specific urban areas and providing healthy environments to house prevention programs. The King Neighborhood Healthy Living Center illustrates this new typology’s potential for illness prevention in place of medical treatment.