Benjamin Cohen_CV_Portfolio_lowres

BENJAMIN COHENArchitectural Graduate & Junior Urban Designer

Background

I began working at Studio GL in 2014 and my role has involved developing graphic information for a range of projects relating to master planning, architecture and urban design. My graphic skills are strongest in the digital realm, combining 3D software with Adobe Creative Suite to produce graphic information that concisely explains key principles of design in a manner that is aesthetically appealing and relevant.

Key Projects• Upper Hunter Town Centre Masterplans,

(Studio GL) 2015 - 2016

• Nowra Town Centre Development Controls, (Studio GL) 2015

• Canada Bay Town Centre Development Controls, (Studio GL) 2015

• The Rocks Outdoor Seating Pricing Strategy (SHFA), (Studio GL) 2015

• Urban In ll Concept Feasibility Analysis, (Studio GL/Hill PDA) 2015

• Australian Technology Park - City of Sydney, (Studio GL) 2015

• Garvin Institute ‘Facade Design’ (CC:THERE), 2012

• Garvin Institute ‘Conceptual Seating’ (CC:THERE), 2012

• Raf es City Shopping Centre, Chengdu (The Buchan Group), 2010

Statement of Intent

Over the past few years I have developed a broad understanding of architecture urban design, continually striving to expand my knowledge of the industry. In this time, I have been involved in architectural design, research development for masterplanning, community consultation, graphics for development control plans and I have assisted in the creation of council workshops (Bankstown Council) aimed at aiding councils in their quest for a better understanding of urban design, architecture and key state legislation (SEPP 65 ADG).

This broad insight into the industry has allowed me to develop a unique appreciation for urban design, planning

architecture that is focused on creating better design and better cities. To achieve my aspirations, of a better world, it is vital that I choose my future employment carefully, for my education doesn’t end with a degree, it is merely expanded with help by those who surround me.

I believe my experience and skills, as illustrated in this portfolio, make me a very viable candidate for this position and I look forward to convincing you of my passion and experience in the near future.

Benjamin CohenArchitectural Graduate & DesignerBArch MArch

CURRICULUM VITAE

Studio GLArchitectural Graduate & Junior Urban Designer

2014 - present

Event Correspondent for AIAAustralian Window Systems

2015

Cohen CreativeGraphic Designer & 3D Specialist

2012-2014

The Buchan Group Architectural Student

2010 - 2012

EXPERIENCE

Master of ArchitectureUniversity of Sydney, Sydney.

2012 - 2014

Bachelor of Architecture University of Technology, Sydney.

2007 - 2009

High School Certificate St Ignatius College, Sydney.

2000 - 2006

EDUCATION

3D TechnologiesRhinoceros (+Grasshopper), Google Sketchup, Autocad,

Rendering Software (Vray, 3d Max Renderer, Maxwell)

Graphic DesignAdobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign)

Office AdministrationMicrosoft Office (Word, Excel - incl macro spreadsheets, Outlook)

SKILLS

0410 339 [email protected] Trade Street Newtown NSW 2042

CONTACT

Diana [email protected] 070 823

Felicity [email protected] 770 950

REFERENCES

Shortlisted for Dulux Colour Study Tour 2016

Chosen forEvent Correspondent for AWS 2015

Shortlisted for Art Express 2006

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Studio GL have been commissioned by the Upper Hunter Shire Council to prepare Town Centre Revitalisation plans for the town centres of Scone, Aberdeen, Merriwa and Murrurundi. The Masterplans will provide a framework that encourages investment and supports the revitalisation of the town centres.

During this project I set up background & masterplan reports for all four towns, generated base analysis & masterplan maps, I assisted in the site analysis of all four towns, photographed

facilitate community consultation in Scone, Merriwa & Murrurundi.

Studio GL are currently developing the draft Masterplans and it is expected that they will go out for public exhibition in March 2016.

Post OfficePost Office

Mur

ulla

St

Mur

ulla

St

Mou

nt S

t

Adel

aide

St

Liverpool St

Mayne St

Vict

oria

St

Broo

k St

Haydon St

Page

s St

Little St

Littl

e St

Mayne St

Library

Museum

Church

Church

Public School

CourtHouse

BowlingGreen

Wilson Memorial

Park

Play ground

OvalWilson

Memorial Park

Play ground

Tennis

EquestrianCentre

Pool

PAGES RIVER

Upper Hunter Town Centre MasterplansClient: Upper Hunter Shire Council (2015-16)Role: Graphics, site analysis, presentation preparation & facilitation of community consultation.

BODY OF WORK: PRACTICE

Studio GL was engaged by Bankstown City Council to prepare a collection of artist visualisations that explored the future development opportunities of the Panania Town Centre, with a speci c focus on building heights.

These images showed mixed-use buildings ranging from 6 storeys to 12 storeys, examining different design options to ensure an accurate realisation of potential future development. A range of visualisations were generated, illustrating building options as the town centre was incrementally developed and as the nal streetscape appeared at the end of this development process.

My role in this project was to create the initial panoramic of the streetscape, model each option

80% completion, before one of our more senior

Panania Town Centre - Artist ImpressionsClient: Bankstown Council (2015) Role: Assist with visualisations, 3D modeling, site analysis and report preparation.

Studio GL were commissioned, on behalf of the residents of 32-34 Bonner Avenue and 140-142 North Steyne, to review the development application for the proposed site located at 138-13 North Steyne & 30 Bonner Avenue, Manly.

Analysis was undertaken to assess whether the proposed development was compliant with the standards set by SEPP 65 and the Residential Flat Design Code. Key factors found to be inadequately addressed in the proposed design included building heights, separation, oor to oor heights, FSR, views and deep soil zones.

My role during this project was to generate the graphic content and compile a concise document

non-compliance. The document was supplied to the residents & council, then presented at the Manly Council Independent Assessment Panel.

The panel found the development to be of excessive height, with poor contextual regard to neighbours and non compliant setbacks, affecting the amenity & privacy of neighbours. It was stated that the proposed development would set a poor precedent for future development in the area and the panel unanimously refused approval.

Building setback

Balcony setback

Rear & side setback

Key areas of concern

Non-compliance with a setback that is required for streetscape amenity

NO

RTH

STEYNE

NO

RTH

STEYNE

BONNER AVENUE

ONNER AVENU

BBB

Non-compliance with a setback that is required for neighbouring privacy and amenity

Non-compliance with setback that is required for streetscape amenity

KEY

First Storey

Second Storey

Third Storey

Fourth Storey

Fifth Storey

Sixth Storey

First Storey

Second Storey

Third Storey

Fourth Storey

RL 6.75RL 6.45

BO

UN

DA

RY

BO

UN

DA

RY B

A

6 metres

NER A V E N U E

6 STOREY

1 STOREY

4 STOREY

E

1 TO 8 1 TO 4

RAMP

A V E N U E

6 STOREY

1 STOREY

4 STOREY

E

Urban Design Commentary on DAClient: Residents of Bonner Avenue & North Steyne, Manly (2015)Role: Graphics, 3D modeling, site analysis and report preparation.


Studio GL were commissioned to provide advice on the redevelopment options for a Council depot site in Sydney. As part of my position, I assisted with the preparation of a series of concept

the physical and planning context, including ways

The concept designs were resolved in detail for Hill PDA to prepare a nancial feasibility analysis. 3D modeling of each concept facilitated easy comparison between the options and enabled Council and key stakeholders to understand and assess the likely impact of each option on the surrounding area.

The preferred design scheme offers a high disposal value to Council while also achieving greater housing diversity, an ef cient road access network and bene ts to the wider area including increased pedestrian connectivity and improved surveillance levels. In July this year, we presented the ndings, developed options and preferred solution to Councillors and Council staff.

Rothwell

Park

Jesse

Steward

Reserve

Wallace Street

Rho

nda

Pl

Bro

ught

on S

treet

ston

eStre

et

Little

Corm

iston

Ave

Burw

ood

Roa

d

Cormiston Ave

Jellic

oe Stre

et

Gallipo

li Stre

et

Jone

s Stre

et

Majors Bay Road

ve

Majors Bay

Shops

Concept 1 - Min lot sizes 450m²

Concept 2 - Min lot sizes 200m²

Concept 3 - Seniors Living

Concept 4 - Affordable Housing

Concept 5 - Mixed Lot Sizes

Disposal Land Value - $5,814,000





*Site details, council information and land values have been withheld.

*

*

*

*

*

Urban Infill Concept & Feasibility AnalysisClient: ‘A Sydney’ Council (2014-2015)Role: Project management, graphics, site analysis, report and presentation preparation & client relations.

Studio GL was engaged by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) to help prepare a revised outdoor seating policy and pricing structure to encourage increased levels of street activity in The Rocks and Circular Quay. The aim of this policy is to use outdoor seating to activate and, where needed, reinvigorate The Rocks at street level and create an environment that encourages people to linger.

We recommended a range of pricing zones that took into consideration, the heritage and history of the area, the adjoining land use, topography, pedestrian movement, ‘remarkable’ quality locations and access network of the area.

My role during this project was to compile a

leasing map), researching pricing strategies of other local councils and site analysis of the local context. Subsequently, I compiled this information

structure.

Draft OUTDOOR SEATING policy

LEASING PRICE STRUCTURE

June 2015

The Rocks Outdoor Seating PolicyClient: Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (2015)Role: Graphics, client relations and report preparation.

G E O R G E S T R E E T

H A R R I N G TO N S T R E E T

H A R R I N G TO N S T R E E T

P L AY FA I R S T R E E TRT RTT RT RTT R E E TR E E TT R S TTSS T

C I R C U L A R Q U AY W

C U M B E R L A N D S T R E E T

SYDNEY HARBOUR BR IDGE

CA

HIL

L EX

PR

ES

SW

AY

PH

ILL

EX

PH

ILAA

XP

EP

SW

SW

EES

SW

AYY

ES

SW

AY

EYYYY

AYYYYYYYY

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AR

GY

LE

ST

RE

ET

GEORGE STREET

HICKSON ROAD

HI HICK CKKSOKSOON ONNN

RRROAROAADAD

HH

HICKSON ROAD

CCKSKSON ONN RN RROA

ROAADAD

HHICIC

G L O U C E S T E R S T REET

GLOUCESTER STREET

HARR INGTON STREET

GR

OS

VE

NO

RS

G E O R G E S T R E ET

CUMBERLAND STREET

BEERLLAANDALED

BBERLAND

CUMBER

RE

ET

E S

S E

X S

TR

E

E S

S E

X S

TR

E

CAMBRIDGE CAMBRIDGE STREET STREET


Studio GL were appointed by Shoalhaven City Council to create development controls for the Nowra CBD that identi ed how the recently adopted maximum height and oor space ratios (FSR) for the centre could be delivered in a built form that ts within the planning context and re ect the desired future character of the CBD.

My role in this project was to generate graphic information to support our research and help explain, to council and the community, the DCP produced by Studio GL.

The DCP will help facilitate the aims and vision of the master plan. The document outlines CBD wide controls and de nes eight character areas with more detailed and area speci c controls. The draft DCP was exhibited in late 2015 and is expected to be adopted in 2016.

Nowra CBD Development ControlsClient: Shoalhaven City Council (2014-2015)Role: Graphics & assisted with 3D modeling of Nowra Town Centre.

4m

4m

4m4m

4m

4m

4m4m

4m

4m4m

4m

6m

6m

6m

4m

4m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

4m

4m4m

4m 4m

6m

4m

4m

4m

4m

4m 4m

4m

4m

4m

4m

4m

4m

4m

4m

4m4m

4m

4m

4m

4m

6m

6m

6m

4m2m

4m

4m

4m

4m

4m

4m

4m

4m

4m

4m

4m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

4m

2m

4m

4m

8.5

8.58.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

12

12

12

12

12

12

8.5

8.5

12

12

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.58.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

1

12

12

12 12

12

12

1212

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.5

12

07

08

09

04

05

01

03

02

18

17

16

14

13

North St

Highway

Worrigee St

King

horn

e St

O’K

eefe

Ave

Stew

art P

l

Egans Ln

Berry

St

Col

lins

Way

Osb

ourn

e St

Junction St

North St

Moss St

McGrath St

Schofield Ln

Junction St

Brid

ge R

d

Keft

Ave

Gra

ham

St

O

Now

ra L

n

Jane St

C2C1

North St

King

horn

e St

O’K

eefe

Ave

Egans Ln

Berry

St

Osb

ourn

e St

Junction St

North St

Moss St

Mc

Schofield Ln

Junction St

Gra

ham

St

North St

King

horn

e St

O’K

eefe

Ave

Egans Ln

Berry

St

Osb

ourn

e St

Junction St

Junction StJunction St

North St

Moss St

M

Schofield Ln

Junction St

Gra

ham

St

Studio GL were been commissioned by the Cutherbertson-Massola family to prepare concept drawings for this small residential project located in Scotts Head, NSW.

brief through a series of short meetings with

the needs of this growing family. I was also responsible for ensuring the design aligned with the requirement of a complying

the amount of time it would take to get the

Working closely with the client, and guided by Felicity Lewis (Architect), we arrived at a design that responded strongly to the clients needs while attaining a pleasing aesthetic.

The project has yet to be built, as the client is still in the process of acquiring the land, but it is intended that construction will begin at the end of 2016.

South Elevation3

Eastern Elevation4 Western Elevation5

MCLEOD DRIVE

GA

NN

ET D

RIV

E

Proposed Garage

(5000 x 3000)

Proposed Of ce

(6060 x 2440)

Site Plan1

Cuthbertson-Massola ResidenceClient: Stuart Cuthbertson & Cate Massola (2015)Role: Project management, client relations, CDC analysis, site analysis & full drafting & documentation.

North Elevation2

Event Correspondent for AWSRole: Appointed blogger for AWS attending AIA awards & Tuesdays @ Tusculum lectures.

Chosen after an extensive submission process, I represented Architectural Window Systems in 2015 at all AIA events. Advocating change, criticising ideas and reporting important news and events concerning architecture and design in Australia. (See full articles via links provided)

Collaborative Property Development

As architects attempt to absorb the role of the ‘developer’, empowerment for both the architect and the consumer begins to appear on the horizon. By clarifying the channels by which projects are funded and redirecting the objectives of developments from profitability to affordability, we as architects have the potential to reinvent the course of the property market for the greater good of the public.

“It’s not a commodity, it’s housing…” – Jeremy McLeod.

NSW Architecture Awards 10x10 – Residential Round Up

“Can we build something that can contribute to its environment?” When it comes to residential architecture, as architects, it is important to consider how built form effects and reacts within its environment. This weeks panellists reminded us of that, illustrating that the key to successful residential design lies in the careful consideration of how to ap-propriately and innovatively analyse the brief, context and then clients needs, in a manner that is creative yet considerate upon it’s conversion from concept to built form.

http://www.awsaustralia.com.au/nsw-awards-10x10---residential-round-up

http://www.awsaustralia.com.au/tuesdays-tusculum---collaborative-property-de

What defines a successful project, practice & career?

Ultimately, the most valuable thing to be taken from the talk was that success is subjective. Defining success in ones future career depends on array of different factors that rely on personal experience, engagement and hard work. True success lies in ones desire to be better, to contribute selflessly and to aim to present the best possible version of yourself to the world. Whether that is via architecture, your firm or inevitably, the history of your career, success is defined not by the desire for acclaim but rather the desire to create an answer to a question that is a succinct, intelligent and as well executed as you can possibly achieve. Sure, you can do all of this and not attain the kind of success our panel has achieved, and is on the path to achieving in the future, but that shouldn’t be the driver for what young architects should aspire to. Accolades wear off, but good architecture lasts.

http://www.awsaustralia.com.au/what-defines-a-successful-project-practice-ca

NSW Architecture Awards

As the night progressed, a foray of talented architect’s humbly shared the stage upon accepting their awards, reiterating that this profession is made of up teams that work tirelessly to achieve truly inspiring architecture. With JPW, fjmt, BVN, Cox Richardson and the NSW Government Architect’s Office sharing much of the spotlight of the night, it was nice to see many boutique firms receiving similar accolades. Some of the most positive crown recognition was displayed when great architectural feats were recognised by the less gargantuan firms, most notably, an audible murmur of admiration filled the grand Centennial Hall as Clinton Murray + Polly Harbison’s ‘Balmoral House’ adorned the screen. The night truly shone a light on the best of NSW architecture regardless of the size and reputation of each firm, the scale of the architecture or, as was highlighted, gender.

http://www.awsaustralia.com.au/nsw-architecture-awards


i s l a n d R E P U R P O S I N Ga r c h i t e c t u r a l i n s t a l l a t i o n

A S Y L U M s e e k e rI N C R E A S E a w a r e n e s sS E N S O R Y d e p r i v a t i o n

E M P A T H Yp e r s o n a l E X P E R I E N C E

PerceptionUrban Islands: Cockatoo Island design intensive (2014)Mark: High Distinction

To change ones perception is to change the world. As part of a design intensive, this architectural installation was a response to the current refugee crisis. The installation aspired to instill a sense of empathy in it’s users through human experience, using sensory deprivation & stimulation, restricted movement and taunting users with a view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as means of generating discussion and thought on an issue often lost on the public.

Los Angeles Centre for JusticeXenophilia: Graduation studioMark: Distinction

Xenophilic design supports the public and draws them together as a singular entity. Inter-connected surfaces encourage human interaction while providing shelter, car-parking absolves the city of it’s congestion while funding the community centre which educates and supports the public.

Demographic Studies Master planning

AXES OF FOCUS: Secondary FLEXIBLE GATHERING SPACES: 300 people (medium)

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

3

3

3

3

3

3

4

4

2

2

2

7

7

7

7

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

5

5

1

2

2

2

2

2

2

3

4

6

6

3

4

5

5

1

2

2

2

2

2

2

7a7b

7c

7d

7d

7d

Basement 1,2 & 3 Level 3Level 1 & 2Ground Roof Plan

AXES OF FOCUS: Primary FLEXIBLE GATHERING SPACES: 2000 people (large)Design Principles

AXES OF FOCUS: Tertiary FLEXIBLE GATHERING SPACES: 50 people (small)

Section A

Concept Modeling

*Full design book to be supplied on demand

BODY OF WORK: STUDY

Documents

Benjamin Cohen_CV_Portfolio_lowres