RETHINKING RYDER COMPETITION WINNER
This project was a collaborative competition entry for a new canopy on Northeastern University’s Campus. Our design came in first place.
In early September 2016, two of my classmates (Moshe Porter and Ray Lau) and I participated in and won the first annual Northeastern University School of Architecture Student Design Competition called “No Impediments”. The prompt called for the design of a new entry canopy for the College of Arts, Media, and Design building that would “provide a bit of respite before entering the building, and give the entry to Ryder Hall a great presence on campus.” We were given one weekend to complete and submit our proposal.
Existing Canopy Photos
The canopy as it currently stands is in fairly bad shape. The quad on which it lies is a major circulation point on Northeastern’s campus consisting of a large planted oval surrounded by an asphalt path and peripheral grass patches.
Although it functions well as a circulation element, the commons lacks a dynamic and exciting space to draw students in. The large oval serves as a space for students to relax and socialize when the weather permits it, and yet the entrances into the buildings are very bland. With this in mind, my partners and I sought to design an entrance that could draw the attention of passers-by while also providing the Northeastern community with a well designed gathering space.
Final Submission Board
Axonometric Diagram showing how the canopy sits on the site
Plan showing the relationship of the amphitheater to the canopy
Section Series showing the range of activities offered by the canopy
Rendering (Produced by Ray Lau) showing the potential of the canopy’s amphitheater for dynamic interaction and space activation