NEIL CHRISTIANSONA R C H I T E C T U R E P O R T F O L I O

A N E W A X I SARCHITECTURE STUDIO I I I \ \ ST PAUL, MNARCHITECTUURE STUDIO I

C A P I T O L B U I L D I N G

S I T E

Working with the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhoodcouncil, we were tasked with designing a multi-purpose development on a large, vacant half-block site. Our development preserves a line of sighttoward the state capitol with a park corridor drawnfrom the site’s highest point. The other buildings inthe development are informed by this new axis, andare designed to be welcoming and inviting to thecommunity and provide them with amenities currentlylacking in the area.

S ITE EVOLUTION

SITE DESIGNED WITH:SITE DESIGNED WITH:PETER ATKINSPETER ATKINSDOUG HARSEVOORTDOUG HARSEVOORTBRIANNA BRUENINGBRIANNA BRUENING

L Y H O U S I N GO F A M I

O A S S I S T E D L I V I N G

O P A R KO P A R K

A N Q U E T / E V E N TO B AS P A C E

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C O M M U N I T Y C E N T E R O

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The goal for the development’s family housing is to provide the families on the bottom two floors with the privacy they require, while keeping the units easily accessible and connected to the public areas. Above the family units are studio apartments and multi-story lofts to attract a variety of tenants to the site.

The community center serves as a hub of civic and recreational activity for the site and as a beacon welcoming visitors to the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood. With program such as classrooms, conference rooms, and a banquet hall, among others, the building provides a connection between the site’s residents and the local community.

HOUSING

COMMUNITY CENTER

FA S H I O N D E S I G N E R C O L L E C T I V EDIS ARCHITECTURE STUDIO \ \ COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

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This fashion designer collective is located at the end of a chain of man-made lakes along the edge of old town Copenhagen. To attract attention among the neighboring historical architecture without imposing a new style, the void between the buildings is preserved, and a curtain wall used as a facade. The upper floors tilt outward to catch the eye as one approaches. The shape and transparent facade allow views into an out of the building, and enables the designers to display their work at all times.

F I LL ING IN / STANDING OUT

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The middle three levels are the private space used for the design and production of work. A large spiral stair links only these floors. The ground level and the top level and roof are public and semi-public space, used for public gatherings and meeting with clients, and are connected with an additional stairway to the retail gallery space on the ground floor. The open floor plan allows the public to view the design process as they ascend the public stair.

4 M E E T I N G / L O U N G E3 S T U D I O S2 W O R K S PA C E1 S T O R A G EG R E TA I L / E V E N T

G R E AT B AY R E S I D E N C EMATERIALS AND METHODS \ \ NEWMARKET, NH

Residence project was a case study of theThe Great Bay methods that go into the construction of amaterials and mwere acquired from the architect and analyzedbuilding. Plans wral and material techniques. The residence isfor their structuconcrete foundation, light-framed walls, andcomposed of a

on large glulam beams. These are supporteda roof resting oexterior metal columns with the other endon one end by the wall. A 1/2”=1’ scale model was built toembedded into

er of construction from foundation and formdetail each layeand cladding.work to glazing

cut and crafted by hand, with the exceptionThis model wasched hardwood flooring, using pine, MDF,of the laser-etcaper, museum board, acrylic, wood stain, andplywood, sandp

other materials.

CASE S TUDY

L I V E / W O R K I N L O W E R T O WARCHITECTURE STUDIO IV \ \ SAINT PAUL, MN

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Spatial complexity drives the design of this live/work development on every scale. In the unit, spaces are defined by a layering of structural elements. These culminate in a dynamic and open living area with a lofted creative space. These uniquely shaped units alternate direction and stack to form building towers.

UNIT S CA LE

S ITE / C ONTEXT

At the urban scale, the development remains sensitive of forces present in the neighborhood while maximizing commercial and gallery space. Residences with ground floor commercial units flank a public square. The square is anchored by a performance and exhibit building at one end and a sculptural restaurant and cafe at the other. These buildings in turn are connected with a gallery space that proceeds underneath the adjacent train deck with an entrance on the lawn.

R E S I D E N C E S / OC O M M E R C I A L

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R E S T A U R A N T / OC A F E

G A L L E R Y OE N T R A N C E

P E R F O R M A N C E / OE X H I B I T

L A W N OL A W N O

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L A N D S C A P E T E C H N I Q U ECREATING LANDSCAPE SPACE \ \ MINNEAPOLIS , MN

These exercises explored landform, vegetation, and structure as techniques to define spaces in landscape design. The models were each designed in sketches, drafted in AutoCAD, laser-cut and glued together. Materials such as chipboard, cardboard, basswood, tracing paper, natural vegetation, spices, and acrylic were used to emphasize the technique being utilized in each model.

SPAT IAL STRAT EGIES

O R ML A N D F O R VV E G E T A T I O N

S T R U C T U R E

This imaginary site exists between a school and a library along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A park was designed to connect the two institutions, with additional program applied throughout. The design modifies landform, vegetation, and structure and uses radial geometry to create a walk that connects the library and school directly. The park also includes a secluded classroom, a sheltered reading area, and an amphitheater on the river for lectures, shows, and presentations. Also included are less-defined features such as lawns, hills and rambles.

SCHOLA R’S PA RKM I N N E A P O L I S , M N

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NEIL CCHRIH STIANSONNEIL CCHRIH STIANSONBENE JAMMINI WALDOBENE JAMMINI WALDO

on was to repurpose a 75 The goal of this competitioriverfront in Nashville, acre industrial site on the

e river from downtown TN. The site is across theof LP Field. The goals and adjacent to the siteomote physical activity of the design were to proide flood mitigation to and wellness and to provilies in the floodplain. the part of the site that

orts fields, a parking Our design includes spoopment lining I-24, a garage, a housing develte park, with additional band shell, plaza, and skat

ont.program along the riverfro

ING ACT IONDESIGN

1 Bike Shop + Cafe2 Amphitheater Lawn3 Constructed Wetlands4 Barge Watercraft Storage + Gardens5 Yoga Center + Watercraft Rental6 Forested Habitat + Meditation Garden

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The riverfront design provides flood mitigation and many different program areas, each of which is accessible and functional during high water. The west side is built up to create an amphitheater lawn next to a bicycle shop and cafe in a repurposed building. Wetlands are constructed to both collect floodwater and filter runoff from the rest of the site. A yoga center with indoor classrooms and an outdoor terrace provides a peaceful and secluded area for classes. This center is connected to a meditation garden that wanders through restored avian habitat. At the waterfront, repurposed barges act as gardens and storage and launch points for rentable watercraft.

THE R IVERF RONT

FEYERE IS EN STUDIOSV I K I N G S T A D I U M C O N T E X T M O D E L

At Feyereisen Studios, I was a member of a team tasked with creating the contextual model for HGA Architects and Engineers’ entry for the new Vikings stadium. The 3D printed stadium model was ultimately placed into the context model. The model was created through a process of on-site observation and satellite image analysis, drafting, woodworking, laser cutting, and lighting integration.

P R O F E S S I O N A L W O R KMINNEAPOLIS , MN \ \ LA CROSSE, WI

UNIVERS ITY OF M INNESOTA PRESSA R C H I T E C T U R A L I L L U S T R A T I O N S

Contracting with the University of Minnesota Press, I createdover forty architectural illustrations for Architecture Since 1400,an architecture history book published in January 2014. Eachillustration required preliminary research, designing, drafting inAutoCAD, and stylizing in Adobe Illustrator.

3D MODEL ING +MARKET ING IMAGES

My duties at Charlie and Co. Design are based largely on my personal skill set. One of the results of this has been bringing all of our 3D modeling in-house and using the models to produce stylized visualizations. These visualizations are used for better communication with clients, previews for real-estate listings, and for our own marketing purposes.

CHAR L IE & CO. DES IGNM I N N E A P O L I S , M N

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT + EVOLV ING WORKFLOW

I am also involved in all phases of design development and schematic design from concept and programming to construction documents and communication. Using CAD, 3D diagrammatic modeling, and other techniques, the workflow is flexible and tailored to create the most effective design process for each project.

R IVER A RC HITECTSL A C R O S S E , W I

As an intern with River Architects, I was immersed in project phases from research and site visits to design development and document submittal. I worked closely with project teams and took on unique design tasks on an individual level.

ARCHITECTURA LPHOTOGRAPHY