KALEB HODGE

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

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MASTER I - SEMESTER II

Project type : academic - groupSoftware used : Hand drawn (Photoshop, Indesign for light editing)

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.

BACHELORS II - SEMESTER II

Project type : academic - individualSoftware used : Autocad, Sketchup, Photoshop, Indesign

The site of this project is between a gymnasium (two storeys high) and a building (11 storeys high). My project contains 30 housing units in a variety of apartment layouts and sizes.
The site’s proximity to a green corridor is a valuable asset, therefore, I wished to bring the greenery into the project through the transparency created by the openings.

The building’s stair shape creates a smooth transition between the low gymnasium (on the left) and the tall building (on the right), while also offering several outdoor spaces for residents. As exposure to the outdoors is essential for comfortable living, each unit has its own private balcony, in addition to an access to bigger, shared terraces. Each of these terraces offers a different atmosphere and view.

The balconies are supported by a framework of wooden posts that create a rhythm on the facade of the building while making the structure appear lighter and more breathable.
Finally, most of the apartments are walk-through, with south-facing living spaces to make the most of the sun’s trajectory.

BACHELORS II - SEMESTER II

Project type : academic - group and individualSoftware used : Autocad, Sketchup, Photoshop, Indesign

This project was done in a group of three. We shared one piece of land where we each designed our own individual buildings; therefore, the organization of the plot was done in groups, whereas the individual houses were individual projects.

Two of the three homes are for families with young children. The third is for an elderly couple.We decided to use the slanted edge of the plot to create a calm space for the seniors, protecting them from the dynamic lifestyle of the other two families. By separating the seniors, they can enjoy a quiet, private garden terrace, while living in the same area as the other two families, who benefit from the large communal garden where children can play together.

Finally, by separating the seniors’ apartment, a transversal opening is created in the center of the building. This new axis creates a very fluid distribution within the plot, allowing each family to have access to the shared spaces while at the same time having private access to their own individual dwellings.

BACHELORS II - SEMESTER II

Project type : academic -individualSoftware used : Autocad, Sketchup, Photoshop, Indesign

For this project we had an empty plot in a city center. The goal was to create a multipurpose space that could host markets, social gatherings, concerts ... all while taking into concideration the existing environment.I began this project by analyzing how people would move around inside the space if it were empty. Thus, I decided to open up the 4 corners of the structure to create axes of movement.

For the rest of the space, I drew inspiration from the structure of Studio Lada’s multi-purpose hall, which uses triangulated wooden beams to create a long span. I adapted this structure to open up the corners and maintain a central void. This structure is covered with wooden slats to control the flow of light, which is initially shaded and becomes less and less obstructed in the center, reminiscent of tree shadows.

To protect against rain, I covered the wooden slats with waterproof polycarbonate sheets, in order to avoid interfering with the light entering through the slits.
All facades are open, allowing users to admire both the lake and the arcades thanks to a transversal view.

BACHELORS II - SEMESTER I

Project type : academic -individualSoftware used : Sketchup

For the conception of this lakeside home for a family of four,
I reused the concepts of the central service core found in Lacaton Vassal’s first house. The kitchen, bathroom, and toilet are centralized in its core to have all the pipes in one location. This allows the first floor to be transversal, creating an open plan.

The living space and library are the key elements of this project due to the expanding effect they have towards the view on the lake. The library is in a denser, quieter space, while the living room feels expansive thanks to the curved ceiling.

On the second floor there are all the private spaces such as the bathrooms and the three bedrooms, each offering a framed view of either the mountain or the lake.