j a m e s r e n n y c a l e c a

conceptual work 1993 to 2009

perspective/color studies

• Site: N/A

• Project Definition: perspective color studies

• Project year: 2005

• Project Description: Building on the concepts of “Joseph Albers”; these perspective/color studies

were painted to create a visually dynamic display of complementary colors and the

uncomfortable vibrations that they produce when they are placed next to each other.

The eye has trouble settling with the constant play of space and color.

first floor plan second floor planfront elevation

typical section

blue-orange study

red-green studyyellow-violet studyblue-orange/red-green study

temple of my religion

• Site: N/A

• Project Definition: graduate work

• Project year: 1998

• Project Description: Answering questions about ones own mortality is always difficult, each person

interprets their religion of choice their own way. Each version is a religion unto itself. Temple is

my version given a concrete form.

chair closed / opentemple altar closed / opened

installation at exit show

process dining

• Site: N/A

• Project Definition: furniture – table

• Project year: 2001

• Project Description: an exploration of using a table that seats 8 to create storage for service for 8

the process

physical model computer model

armor

• Site: N/A

• Project Definition: graduate work

• Project year: 1997

• Project Description: sculptural forms derived from a story about the

disadvantages of being too tough

floor armor installation at exit show

wall armor

steel armor

soft armor

• Site: Soho, Canal & Green Street, Manhattan, NYC

• Project Definition: School of Dance

• Project year: 1993

• Project Description: Using the already existing envelope of brick buildings I created a naturally

occurring dance of public and private spaces that would accommodate practice and

performance areas. These spaces would clearly articulate themselves on the building façade

and hint at the tremendous amount of work that goes on “behind” a performance.

vertical dance project

site

first level plan third level plan site section

site plan unfolded

perspective sketch

dysfunctional housing

• Site: Brooklyn Heights, NY

• Project Definition: multi-family housing

• Project year: 1993

• Project Description: Using the exiting pattern of townhouses; I created a grid that confines the

dynamic family units behind them. This use of materials marries the street aesthetic with the

unpredictable nature of family life. The housing constantly punches thru the façade that gets

thinner as it rises from the street loosing its value as a privacy screen.

first floor plan second floor plan

front elevation typical section

mass housing

• Site: Harlem, NY

• Project Definition: multi-family housing

• Project year: 1994

• Project Description: Program a 300+ unit building that takes up half a city block with integrated

park space and retail. The form is inspired by “Byker Wall” in Germany and integrates a walk

up tower that gives the residence a view of midtown.

Byker Wall

16 keats court

• Site: Bethpage, NY

• Project Definition: Single Family Residence

• Project year: 2000

• Project Description: I am not my neighbor

– A suburban renovation to make a typical developer house into an individual house using the same typical

materials in non typical ways.

seliger residence

• Site: Santa Cruse, CA

• Project Definition: single family residence

• Project year: 2002

• Project Description: Perched at the top of an apple orchard, the client was looking for a 1500 sf

jewel where she could retire and enjoy an invigorating designed building. The use of the

exterior columns was inspired by the means of propping up the apple tree branches at

harvest time with wooden poles.

426 sherman canal

• Site: Venice, CA

• Project Definition: Single Family Residence

• Project year: 2003

• Project Description: A spec. house for a developer with a plot of land on the Venice Canals that

wanted to maximize the outdoor area. This project was a proposal for future development

projects in the area.

arnall residence

• Site: Venice, CA

• Project Definition: Single Family Residence

• Project year: 2005

• Project Description: The object was to maximize the garden area and create living spaces on the

floors above. The ground floor would be outdoor kitchen and garage space with the living

spaces hovering above the garden.

hickey residence

• Site: Cheviot Hills, CA

• Project Definition: Single Family Residence

• Project year: 2005

• Project Description: A 5,000 sf new construction building for a family that overlooks a golf course.

They wanted to maximize the yard and outdoor space while maintaining scenic views of the

golf course.

pacific canal condos

• Site: Venice, CA

• Project Definition: multi-family housing

• Project year: 2007

• Project Description: A proposal for a small lot subdivision in Venice, CA; the units included 4 three

story townhouses at +3,000 sf of which two faced Pacific Avenue and two faced Strongs

Drive.

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