STUDIO IV

Studio IV continues the development and use of generative design concepts that began in Architecture Studio III, with projects of increased size and scope. Building programming and basic building codes are introduced, with an emphasis on the introductory design of materials and material systems. Additionally, the studio focuses on the organization and integration of functional composition, material exploration, structural expression, climatic considerations, and site context. The learning objective of this studio is to achieve basic comprehensiveness, ranging from analysis and concept generation to an understanding of the assembly of architectural spaces.

In Studio IV, White delved into material exploration through a patterned design. He explored the resin process as a method to create molds for producing a series of modules that can be applied to designs across various scales. For White’s final project in Studio IV, he designed a Restaurant and Art Gallery, going through a process of model making to arrive at his final design.

Spring 2021

Pattern Design

This pattern design was created through a series of steps exploring the architectural significance and possibilities afforded by various patterns, shapes, and modules. Subsequently, a physical prototype was created using mold-making processes and component casting. During the pattern analysis stage, the original pattern, inspired by a bathroom tile, featured rectangles arranged at angles, each overlapping the other. This was followed by the shape analysis stage, where the task was to transform the original pattern into some kind of iteration. After creating a 2D iteration, a three-dimensional shape was developed in the module stage, which was then duplicated to create a final 3D piece. Finally, a negative mold of this shape was produced, into which liquid resin was poured to cast components for the final physical model.

Original Pattern Design

Shape Applied: Rectangle

Center Line Path

Vertical Alignment

Horizontal Alignment

Shape Analysis

Module Shape

Module Shape Extruded

Extruded Angles Added

Final Module Shape

Module Combination 1

Module Combination 2

Module Combination 3

Model Images

In Studio IV, students were required to design a restaurant and art gallery. During the initial design stages, a site model was produced through a collaborative effort, which helped to envision potential developments for the site. Following this, process massing models were generated at various scales to finalize the massing model for the design. After the creation of these process models, analysis models were developed. These included a programmatic model, a circulation model, a structural model, and an articulation model, all of which were used to inform the analysis before beginning the official design phase.

Process Models

Site Model

First Iteration Models at 1/32" Scale

Second Iteration Models at 1/16" Scale

Third Iteration Model at 1/16" Scale

Final Iteration Model at 1/16" Scale

Massing & Program

Program Adjacency Model

Structural Model

Circulation Model

Alteration Model

Laffranchi Restaurant & Art Gallery

Located at 1125 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, Georgia, is the Laffranchi Restaurant and Art Gallery. This establishment is a four-story Italian-themed restaurant. It features a large indoor and outdoor dining area with a bar on the first floor, along with a mini bar on the terrace. The gallery spaces, situated on the second and third floors, showcase a diverse array of interesting art by local artists.