KALEB HODGE

Hello, I’m Kaleb Hodge, an architecture master’s student at ENSAS, École National Supérieure d’Architecture de Strasbourg.

• CV

MASTER I - SEMESTER I

Project type : academic - individualSoftware used : Rhinoceros 3d, Procreate, Affinity (Publisher, Photo, Designer)

The goal of this project was to design a new tower in a futuristic vision of the Strasbourg Rhine neighborhood situated on the French-German border. The plot itself is situated along the Rhine River at the end of a large park.My main goal for the building was to create a fluid connection between the existing structures and the tower. Additionally, I wanted to create an extension of the public space through a succession of gardens climbing the building. The terraces are various sizes; therefore, creating different atmospheres. Smaller spaces are quieter and secluded, whereas big terraces allow for larger-scale events such as music festivals or the Oktoberfest.The building is designed to accommodate seven different architectural programs, with the principal one being two performance halls. This program is composed of one classical Italian room for highly sound focused performances such as music, choir or operas. The second room is an experimental hall for performances such as dance and theater. This experimental hall has a grid of mobile platforms on the floor that create a completely modular space. Additionally, these two performance halls can be merged thus allowing for a second audience to view the stage from another angle.The other programs are a market, restaurant, café, sports gym, rock-climbing gym, exhibition hall, offices and housing. All of these programs combined within the complex structure creates a variety of activities allowing different types of people with different interests to come together.

BACHELORS III - SEMESTER II

Project type : academic - individualSoftware used : Rhinoceros 3d, Photoshop, Indesign

This project started off with an unknown location, which meant we were given a completely blank slate besides the general area and program requirements. This project
was therefore divided into two Parts:
- part one : the conceptual phase
- part two : adapting the concept to the surprise location

PART ONE - CONCEPT PHASE
I took inspiration from the Antelope Canyon in Arizona, USA to use its unique qualities for my learning center. I was particularly interested in its luminous qualities, which provide a unique atmosphere from a single source of light that becomes its focal point.
The project’s concept is based on openings that allow natural light to illuminate the various spaces, while creating visual links between people in different spaces who can see each other through the crevices.
The various spaces are structured around these openings and its single source of light which allowed me to organize the spaces based on which ones need more or less light. For example, study and reading areas are in the brightest areas, with walking spaces located in intermediate light, and in the darkest areas, books, which are best preserved away from light.

PART TWO - ADAPT
The second half of the project was adapting the concept project to the location, an old stone quarry in Rio de Janeiro. I chose to position the learning center on the side of the cliff, thus creating a path from the city on the bottom to the favelas on top.
By doing so I aimed to fill the social gap with a cultural link.
Furthermore, the initial concept of having light come only from the inside of the space through a crevice creates a shaded and cool environment which is further amplified through the use of hanging plants on the edge of each floor. Further developing the idea of a canyon, the ground floor is carved out creating a public square protected from the heat, which creates a public area for social
gatherings and festivities. Finally, the natural cliff created by the old stone quarry is also a perfect opportunity to create an exterior rock climbing gym, creating a healthy balance between culture, knowledge, and health. In doing so, the learning center becomes a truly
multidisciplinary space for all.