POR TFOLIOMarsha-Gaye Wright

Table Of Contents

4th Year Projects

Waterfront Project

3rd Year Projects

Barbados Naval Museum

Shelter Structure

Th e Building Evolution -Research & Analysis

Sustainable HousingUtech Centre of the Performing ArtsNational Library of Basterre

Art and PhotographySelected Works

Marsha -Gaye WrightBachelor of Arts in Architecture StudiesContact # 876- 410-8568Email :wright_marker@yahoo.com

Linked In : jm.linkedin.com/in/ashram1

Th ese projects are a compilation of selected works done at the fourth year (fi nal) level during my tenure at the Carib-bean School of Architecture

4th Year Projects

Th e traditional palette of materials to design, has over a time expanded from the fi rst smart “intelligent “ material and has grown and developed new technologies .Th ere is a blurring of what is defi ned within this palette, as new concepts are born each day. One must defi ne what makes a material smart;• Immediacy – they respond in real-time• Transiency – they respond to more than one

environmental state.• Self-actuation – intelligence is internal to rather than external to the ‘material’, • Selectivity – their response is discrete and predict able,• Directness – the response is local to the ‘activating’ event

The Building Evolution

With this integration in smart materials, new technology and intelligent environments, it brings out new terms to include fabric architecture and cybertecture to name a few. Th e rapid change in environmental stability is a mandate for an equally rapid change in how architects and the building industry develop and employ materials.Th e introduction of smart materials to better interact and respond and to provide advanced solutions for problems like the control of solar radiation, energy delivery, and control of structural systems has made possible solutions for these and other problems better approached, it gives a ideas to new architectural practices.

Smart materials will revolutionize architecture within years, and with a journey that has already begun, the Caribbean with such a rapid change in environmental stability thus has a mandate for an equally rapid change in how architects and the building industry develop and employ materials. Smart materials in Caribbean architecture, would still address the issues of ” tropicality”-which are air and ventilation, temperature and space, sun and shade and rain and roof while fulfi lling the initial ideas of Shelter and provid-ing a cohesive social, economic, environmental and ecological context.One can then see a more healthy environmental future inextricably linked to developments in material science and material technology. “Massive changes are occurring environmentally. Our materials need to address that. Changes in materials can transform society, how we live, and what our environmental impact.“We need to demand more of our materials. Th ey need to do more than just one thing.”

Th e Caribbean is currently at a turn in terms of construction, with this change in building, smart materials could be an integral part in this change. One might consider smart materials and say, they don’t see that happening in this region but let’s be reasonable, the point of smart materials is to reduce dam-age to the environment, even restore it, to step lightly on the earth even as we urbanize.

Smart materials could be looked at diff erent perspectives :• Innovation- We have to take informed risks with each generation

having a duty to advance knowledge• Sustainability- What’s its value and durability for a hundred year

building?• Futures- What will be the adoption rate of smart materials? Will

they be regional, big city, west or east exclusively?• Design: It’s not only environmental and technological advances;

it’s also about expression and identity of the community.

“No one single answer will cure our planetary ills or create great places. Ma-terials will have sensors and change according to use and do many amazing things that are worth the time to design in the fi rst place”.

RESEARCH

AN

D A

NA

LYSIS : SMA

RT MATERIA

LSNational Centre for the Perfoming Arts -Trinidad

Half-Way Tree Transportation Centre -Jamaica

Barbados Naval Museum

Map of Barbados Location plan

With no current museums in Barbados showcasing naval and military interests of the island, the project aimed to pro-vide such a building and thus given the task to designed a national public space solely in showcasing and educating us-ers of the Naval and Maritime history of Barbados. Th e development should feature public areas to include vehicular drop-off , formal lobby and reception, Naval/Maritime Museum to display both travelling and permanent exhibits, private administrative area, support and external areas to include landscaping and possible public gathering spaces. One was expected to exhibit a ¼ scale replica of the El Nina ship as apart of solution garnered.

Site Surroundings

Th e site is bounded by constitution road to the north, nursery drive to the east and the constitution river to the south.Pedestrians fi lter from an easterly direction,the bus terminus, and nursery drive brings them into the cathedral plaza and into the city.Heavy vehicular traffi c is experienced on constitution road unto st.Micheal’s row as it brings most traffi c into the town from the east.It also sits in the historical surrounding of land marks to include st.Micheal’s cathedral,queens park, Stratton house and Harrison college. Th e residential area (church village) on the neighboring side of the road is now abandoned and serves as parking for the central bank.

Th e intent of the Barbados naval museum is intertwined around a design concept highly infl uenced by its location and the building’s position on the streets and the relation-ship of pedestrian movement within the area and the rela-tionship of the building on the site to the road near by,thus the concept of “the street”it relates to the direct movement of people as the site naturally lends itself to inviting people into the area.Th e concept of diff erent experiences along a street is mostly highlighted and gives dominance to the form created. Th e entry way provides an inviting oasis within a dense quarter of the city and caters to the casual passerby. It also intends to allow the users to connect visu-ally with the constitution river and Stratton house as impor-tant focal points within the city. It makes a constant visual connection between the people on the outside and nursery drive with the intention of the individuals inside more de-fi ned and dominant and aims to utilize natural light

Barbados, located in the Eastern Caribbean amongst the islands of st.Vincent, Martinique and st. Lucia.Th is island of 166 square miles and the only Caribbean island with the Atlantic ocean to the north and the Caribbean sea to the south.As typical of Caribbean islands,Barbados has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 25-30 de-grees in regular conditions,however in summer months ,temperature range from an average of 32 degree cel-cius.Th e site is located in the central business district and historical area of Bridgetown, the capital city of Barba-dos and is within close proximity to the central bank and two major pedestrian and vehicular thoroughfares that of constitution road and river road. Th e site currently is abandoned and houses small shops in temporary struc-tures

Climate ForcesMemoryEdges

4- Shading devices used on south side to reduce solar radiation

3- Hot air allowed to rise and escape through openings in skylight

2- Vegetation used for cooling on the north and also used as a sound buff er on from the nearby vehicular traffi c

1- North light used as a feature of spaces, to include, the permanent gallery,temporary gallery and cafe

4- Views in and out of structure,making a link between inside and out

3- Opening allow for wind/cooling to occur in structure

2- No direct solar radiation into building between 21st April and Oct 21st.

1- Vegetation on east facade,provides shading and additional ventilation for building

Th e site has views to the north and south and to the proposed treatment and product on the site,however the west site boundary is a hard edge of an adjacent building.

Th e initial idea of the permanganate gallerywas to introduce natural light into a double heighted space and also introduced a viewing area on the fi rst fl oor to evoke a diff erence experience than from that of viewing on the ground fl oor

SITE PLAN GROUND SITE PLAN

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5

6

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8

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4

10 10

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1. Cafe and Bookstore2. Janitoral Area3. Restrooms4. Permanent Gallery5. Storage and Curators offi ce6. Lobby

7. Temporary Gallery8. Bathrooms9.Managers Offi ce and Reception10.Conference Room11.Emergency Exits

GROUND FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SECTION A-A

SECTION B-B

EAST ELEVATION

NORTH ELEVATION

SOUTH ELEVATION

6” BL.OCK WALL WITH 3/8” BARS @ 16”C/C VERTICAL REINF. AND CORES FILLED WITH CONCRETE

1” X 12” METAL STRAP

HEA 340

WIRE MESH

1/2” PLASTERING

Wall Section And Details

Ideas Competition : Kingston WaterfrontTHE URBAN ROOM

Th e city of Kingston &St. Andrew and its municipality has embarked on an ambitious programme to trans-form its image and actively address the urban decay visible throughout its environs. ContextTh e 10m to 25m wide waterfront area that borders downtown Kingston from the harbour has been iden-tifi ed. Th e site is made up of a number of land parcels from Ocean Blvd. to Port Royal Street that together they form a 1km strip of land.Th e present state of the site off ers little or no public space or amenities as well as sparse landscaping. Th e problems that arise from here are non-attractiveness of the space, vagrancy, decreased feeling of safety, and environmental problems such as littering.

Th e city of Kingston &St. Andrew and its municipality has embarked on an ambitious programme to transform its im-age and actively address the urban decay visible throughout its environs. ContextTh e 10m to 25m wide waterfront area that borders downtown Kingston from the harbour has been identifi ed. Th e site is made up of a number of land parcels from Ocean Blvd. to Port Royal Street that together they form a 1km strip of land.Th e present state of the site off ers little or no public space or amenities as well as sparse landscaping. Th e problems that arise from here are non-attractiveness of the space, vagrancy, de-creased feeling of safety, and environmental problems .

Off er suggestions on the design of the waterfront prom-enade and look at the uses of the spaces adjacent, include possible structures and activity generating usesDemonstrate how the design adds spatial quality and public’s enjoyment of the waterfront, taking into con-sideration existing and proposed landscaping as well as Jamaica’s tropical climateSuggest how the adjacent dual carriage way along the Ocean Blvd. Could be re-designed and detailed to allow it to better integrate the waterfront allowing pedestrians easy access on a regular basis as well for special events when required.Recognize and address both the existing site levels including the existing seawall and the high water level within the Kingston Harbour.

Th e concept of my intervention for ocean blvd and the water front is that of an “urban room”. Th e notion of the urban room refers to areas that are garnered towards gathering (nodes) along the waterfront. Th e intervention aims to create waterfront paths and associated spaces which links areas of public realm of a distinct character integrating a change in material.Th e promenade will act as a development respecting the historic landscape and incorporating the new and existing structures. With this in mind the inclusion of features or/ and artworks will be incorporated in this realm keeping and creating views and vistas.Th e idea of walking on the promenade is intended to provide a sense of freedom and also making it a place of interest celebrat-ing walking and also celebrating a sense of community.

Th e area currently serves a central business district , housing mostly goverment offi ces with and an inclusion of formal and informal retail.Th e waterfront mainly serves as parking facilities for the offi ces surrounding the area.Th e area currently becomes vacant ,lacking activity aft er the offi ces are closed and that population has dispersed into other areas.

With a visual and physical linkage fromking ,duke, orange and princess street to the waterfront,they culminate at diff erent points on the water-front and these points then become celebratory points and are treated as such.Th e proposal then limits vechular traffi c to one side of the existing road,giving the rest to be a more “walkable ”city giving domimance to pedestrian movement.Small and lighjt retail are facilitied in the proposal as a means of encouragingindividuals to use the area.

Th e circulation pattern into this area is mostly takn from the central hub of parade where people then fi lter downusing ,kings streetchurch, duke ,orange and princess as the most commonly used linked streets to access the waterfront.

In achieving this intervention, trees on the pedestrian half of the promenade will not only serve as shading but also extends to place to experience with rings around the trees, marking them as a special place celebrating diff erence and becoming a seating place bringing into play interaction and use of the promenade. Th e stretch also has a series of shops/kiosk that stretches along waterfront, the placement aims to provide an area for craft , restaurants etc. thus extending and keeping activi-ties in this area. Site B is designed with a open fl at area, A monument dedicated to the fi re of 1907 that destroyed a re-gion of downtown, a museum in accordance to the monument and other historical features of downtown and the surrounding areas. I t also has a series of restaurants and shops with public amenities and a deck that is garnered to fi shing an also observa-tion of the water front of from the site.

At the end of each street a response is made. Th e integration of observa-tion board decks cantilevered at the end of the harbor is integrated at church and Princess Street respectively. Th e response on Orange Street seeks to act as an art feature and a performance space, it links the existing park and also the national gallery as it aims to draw individuals who visits and uses these spaces to the waterfront, the feature is highlighted with a change in surface and also a change in color.

Th e negro aroused statue is kept in its current position on King Street by my intervention explored changes the scale of the existing statue in aim to celebrate the street and the area and the make a visual axis and linkage from the top of King Street and the judicial square.Th e tree on the promenade is intended to facilitate shading and also acts a s a community to make individuals interact with each other. Th e site and the promenade is linked by the waterfront pedestrian walk-way with at several points have covered spaces intended to be spaces of shade and relaxation.

Cross section of Promenade showing the treatment of vechicular vs pedestran

Observation decks located at the end of Princess and duke street

Modifi ed Negro Aroused at the end of Kings Street

Th e treatment of trees along the promenade

Section showing performing space at the end of Orange Street

Section showing shops on stretch and also the use of the these as a space to site and experience,“the urban room”

Pedestrian walkway which links the site to the promenade

Due to the historic identity of the downtown area, my intervention was a life-size monument to the 1907 fi re. Th e earthquake destroyed most of the area along the waterfront which was then rebuilt in 1913 in the current gridded layout.800 persons were killed and all major infrastructure damage. Th e design seeks to represent all aspects of the fi re.It then incorporates four walls representing the lenght of days the fi re occured.Each wall also represents the people,the society,the government and allianceswith other countries.Th e walls are all joined by a crater which represents the earthquake and is black to represent theash from the fi re.Th e monument facilitates information of thetradegy as well as the names of the indivduals on the walls.Th e walls are made of diff erent materials representingthe change.Th e monument also has a point of rest to facilate an experi-ence within thespace.Th e monument is supported by a museum housing artefacts and information about the fi re and downtown before the fi re. I t has a group of restaurants and public facilities as well a green open space to encourage childplay .Th e site also incorporates a relaxation deck that takes you close to the harbour.

1907 FIRESite Intervention

Model of Monument

SHELTER STRUCTURE

ORIENTED STRAND BOARD ALLUMINUM 4”

HOLLOW SECTIONNUTS AND BOLTS

MATERIAL USED ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Gathered in a sustainable manner thus easily obtained and replaceable

HAND TOOLS USED SPEEDY ASSEMBLAGE

Assembly requires no specifi ed/skilled worker or electrical equipment as all the connections are pre-fabricated.

CULTURALLY APPROPIATE

Th e prototype seeks to be culturally fi tting to the country in an attempt to minimize the current situation faced of temporary displace-ment.

Th e prototype was built with consideration to effi cient use of the sun for daylighting and also taking advantage of cross ventilation within the unit. Th e prototype also incorporates an interior space which further opens up unto a porch, focusing on the notion of bringing outside in.Th e prototype is broken into kit of parts for easy assemblage and transportation with oriented strand board made from recycled wood used as the main material.Th e prototypes were designed with the intention to be modular with consideration to minimzing cost, easy transportation and ease for mass production

ZINC

Th e shelter structure project aimed in providing relief shelture in the event of an natural disaster in which homes are destroyed.Th e pro-type should be easily and quickly constructed and deconstructed and easily travel in containers..It is aimed to be culturally appropriate.I t is aimed in housing a family with the maximum of six(6) memembers.It should also take into consideration diff erent soil types and also have water storage facilities for each unit.

MATERIALS USED

A A

B

B

1 2 3 4 5

6

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Section B-B

Front Elevation

Rear Elevation

Section A-A

ROOF ASSEMBLY COMPONENTSZINC SHEETINGWATER PROOF TREATED CEILING BOARDALUMINUM HOLLLOW SECTION FRAMINGALUMINUM BELT BEAM

WALL ASSEMBLY COMPONENTSALUMINUM HOLLOW SECTIONSALUMINUM ANGLESOSB WALL PANELSLOUVERED WINDOW COMPONENTS

CONNECTON OF WALL PANELS

Wall to wall connection

OSB (oriented strand board)Aluminum angleNut and bolt

Standard wall connection1” Orient strand board(OSB) covered with a water-resistant membrane (polyuretahne) preventing water damage2 “ spray foam insulation2 x2 Timber stud

Wall panel (OSB) bolted to aluminum angle

Aluminum angle welded to hollow sectionAluminum 4” Hollow square section

Part II- SITE PLANNINGPart two of the project consentrated on site planning as it relates to relief sites.Th e prototypes were to be used to develope a confi guration suitable for a se-lected site.Th e site choosen was phase four of the Longsville park developement in Clarendon,Th e area is currently being developed by the National Housing Trust in providing housing solutions for residents.Site four is currenlty being undertaken as a possible location for a national hurrican relief site.Th e direct location was decided one by a teams and the confi guration and placement of the units done individually.

Th e confi guration of my prototype was developed with the factors of security and accessibilty.Th e twenty (20) units were arranged ina grid format grouping them in sets of two’s dividing each with a green area providing shade and wind for the residents.Th e portable container showers were places to the back and the the side respectively and also ensuring green area for play and as drying areas.

Th e site was developed with the consideration to views ,a clear view down the main walkway facilates the occupants being able to see who enters and leaves the area thus providing a sense of secuirty.Th e units are so placed so that they experience a green space by a visual connection and also physical interaction.Units placed so one unit looks unto another to provide a sense of community and means for interaction and also security for each unit.

Th e circulation on the site is designed in a linear manner with a with a main central pathway and the units located to each side.Th e intention of the layout is for the walkways to not only be used as a means of getting to one’s unit, but also that the walkwaysbecome a community, where people will stop and interact

Section A

Site Section A-A

Site Section B-B

Section B

3rd Year Projects

Th ese projects are a compilation of selected work done at the third year level during my tenure at the Caribbean School of Architecture

Sustainable Housing

Site C is located on Ruthven Rd on the outskirts of New Kingston, Jamaica. Th e site required a 10m setback on the western and eastern sides as it is wrapped by a major road way. Th is provided an adequate space for parking within these setbacks, and also acts as a buff er from the noise of the vehicu-lar traffi c from the road into the site. Th e parking is placed at a fairly close proximity to units to the front thus allowing an easy access and also facilitates parking for the commercial users.Th e site is so treated that the commercial units are placed to the front of the site and opens out to allow views allowing for pedestrians and passersby to have a visual connection with this area with the intention of inviting them into the commercial area.Th e design is intended is to be both functional and sustainable and to en-courage interaction within the spaces with a sense of community and also to provide a sense of individuality within the structures. Sustainability is also aimed to be achieved through both the people and the environment within the site. Th e ability to keep the urban edge is a basic way of keeping the concept together. Th e units are kept as private as possible grouping units with similar-ity together. Green spaces will be evident as it used to separate the units and bring forth a communal space for them.

LOCATION PLANSite Pictures

Sustainability of the site is gained through the preservation of the land and maintaining it.Th e ground cover of the site is mostly grass with pavers for walkways. Within the residental area thus allowing rain water to drain freely and and at a rapid rate. Th e buildings are oriented with spacing between them to allow the free passage of wind and adequate sunlight through the buildings and site. Trees are added to the site to minimize noise throughout the site and provide vegetation and shade. As well as to add an asethic ele-ment through out the scheme.

A A

B

B

1. Commercial2. Property Mangement3. Garbage Disposal4. Transient Units5. Expanding Units6. Mature Units

Groud Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

Site Section A-A

Site Section B-B

Courtyard

Transient unitsTh ese units are garnered towards residents that are young professionals just leaving university who are very physically active and have a active nightlife.

A A

Floor Plans

Roof Plans

Section A-A

Elevation

Expanding UnitsTh ese are recently married couples who have purphased thier fi rst home with the hope of starting a family. Th ey intend to have two chilldren and hopefully and hopefully one day a new home or expand thier existing home/

A A

Floor Plans

Roof Plans

Section A-A

Elevation

Mature UnitsTh is unit is garnered towards older couples with two teenagers with a boy and a girl aged 8 and 15 respectively

A A

Floor Plans

Roof Plans

Section A-A

Elevation

Property Management/CommercialProperty Management consist of communial laundry area,property offi ce maintanance and mechanical energy room while the commerdial consist of two light retail shops and 2 professional offi ces(doctors)

Floor Plans

Th e concept of sustainabilty is achieved bothpassively and actively. Passive design solutions are achieved through the orientation of the buildings,having large glass openings and the channeling of natural breeze.Th e buildings takes advantage of natural energy .Characteristics in ma-terials and air created by exposure to the sun and wind, thus requiring minimal maintainance and no mechanical systems.And also incorporating large enough overhangs to prevent to much sunlight into units. Verandahs ae used to serve as shaded entriesand buff ers between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Photovoltaic cells are used on all residential units to provide them with analternative or minimize the use of electricity provided by the state, the are placed on the south face of the units to maximize on the neat provid-ed.It thus decreases the cost of electricity.

Acourtyard is incorporated into the scheme and managed by alteration of the microclimate with shade, evaporative cooling and airlfow. And also helps in to reduce heat relfection and glare on site and into the units.

Grey water collection is done through water catchment system attached to the all residential unts and channeled to grey waters storage under-ground.Th e grey water collected is used to water plants on site

Recycle bins are placed at front of the site to faciltate the the disposal of garbage by the public and residents.It also placed at the front of the site for easy access to garbage collection services

Sustainable Features

Wall Section

Th e performing arts centre will serve a diverse assortment of functions focusing on dance, drama and music performances. Th e concept of the centre is intertwined around the relationship of the performer versus the performer. Th e concept of kinetic energy which relates to the direct movement of people as the site naturally lends itself to inviting people into the area.Th e concept of compression is mostly highlighted and gives dominance to the form created. Th e long – narrowed pathway acts as a formal gesture of providing an entry space and also providing a relationship between the site and the tying the form to the silos and ring road. Th e design also provides a space that acts as a space of anticipation of the persons who enter the form, and from the transition of entry is sucked into the spaces that explodes into the formal performance spaces and into the courtyard. Th e courtyard acts as a space that provides a communal space for the administrative and private room area. I t also ties the form to the end of eastern side of the site and the mountains also provides a relationship to site and maximizes on views.

Centre for the Performing Arts

Site PlanLocation Plan

Site Section A-A

Site Section B-B

1.External Performing Space2.Main Performance Area3.Private Room4.Bathroom5.Administrative Area6. Storage and Janitor

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A

B

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CONCEPTUAL DRAWINGS

COMPRESSIONKINETIC

Section A

Section B

North Elevation

East Elevation

PARTISUN AND WIND VIEWS CIRCULATION

An artistic representation of the entry showing the view as one approaches the building with the mountains to the north.It also gives a representation of how the walls channels one to the mian entry.

Th e ampitheathre is located to the South,and sits within the ground and is aimed to attract people with its close position to the road and the also gives the oppurtunity for a wider audience.

Th e main stage is located to the north with makes oppurtunity of natural light and the mountains an greenery as a backdrop for the performances.

Th e private rehersal space opens up to the courtyard and also maximises on the location with the program to provided privacy and openness.

National Library of Basterre

Th e National Library of Basseterre is located in the heart of Independence square, it is bounded by West Square Street, Rosemary lane and Central Ave. West Square Street acts a major road that harnesses the tourist that visits the area travelling north from Port Zante, located on the countries coast. Rose-mary lane is mainly used by the natives a means of getting onto other street ways. Central Avenue also serves as a connecting street used by both visitors and locals alike.Th e intent of my Library is intertwined around a design concept highly infl uenced by its location and building’s position on both streets. Th e Library will thus serve a diverse assortment of functions and thus wishes to provide a space for all audiences Th e library is therefore intended to act as an urban stage, a forum for those that encounter it, thus intended to be every open and makes uses of small gathering spots on each fl oor that allow the users to interact as a function besides reading and researching. Th ese spaces are created to act along with the collection a s a repository of knowledge, as with the interac-tion of the diverse persons information can be obtained. Th e generous entry way provides an inviting oasis within a dense quarter of the city and caters to the casual passerby. It also intends to allow the users to connect visually with independence square as a important focal point within the city. It makes a constant visual connection between the people on the outside and to independence square with the intention of the individuals inside more defi ned and dominant.History as an idea describes the experience gained within the reading room. It aims to capture the journey through the countries colonization by defi ning circulation within the room and thus imitates the basic pattern of street design by the colonizers.

Location plan

Site Plan

1.Cafe,Bookshop2.Reception3.Security and storage4.Bathroom5.Chldren’s Education6.Mangement(H.L.)7.Administrative Offi ce8.Mechanical Room9.Cleaning 10. Network Manager11.Workshop12.Deliver area13.Parking

A

A c

c

B B1

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45

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12

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14.Bathrooms15.Display area16.Main Library (collection etc)17.Reading Room18.Adult Research

c

c

B B

A

A

1415

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19.Bathrooms20 Processing21.Cataloguing22& 23 Conference Rooms24.Lecture Room

c

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BB

A

A

1920

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North Elevation

Section C-C

South Elevation

Section A-A

Section B-B

Wall Section and Details

Art and Photography