Design Portfolio [2013-2015]

MATT HAGEN PORTFOLIO

ifProjects.ca WINTER 2015

Undergraduate Environmental Design & competition work University of Manitoba, 2013-2015

iFprojects.ca

PROJECT INDEX *Each project occupies one panel (unless noted) and utilizes the back of the following panel.

UM_2012

APPARATUS

MAPPING

UM_2012

P.1

UM_2013

P.3

DRIPRACK

SHELTER

UM_2013

P.5

UM_2014

P.7

HEIGHTENING HILL

LOR

CO_2014

P.9

CO_2014

HEARTH

P.11

TRIPTYCHON

UM_2014

P.13

CO_2013

2 panels

SHADE

UM/CO_2013/14

P.19

SKYBOX 2 panels

U. of Manitoba/Competition

project title

P.21

LEGEND

year

UM/CO_2013/14

P.15

SKYBOX P.21 page number

Further explorations into finger correspondance based on speed and strength. Apparatus in-use. Middle finger and pinky are used to activate the apparatus’ thumb and forefinger.

strong, quick weak, quick

weak, dependent

strong, independent slow

Test probe: Tubing, springs, and fishing wire.

APPARATUS BODY/LATENCY 2ND YEAR STUDIO

DESCRIPTION FALL 2012 duration: 2 Weeks

MATT HAGEN w/ Larissa Blumenschein, Caleb McGinn, Kalika Hoogstraten role: Design development, apparatus construction, photography

PROJECT BRIEF: Observe, document, and discuss the body-space relation-

ship. The physical and/or perceptual presences or absences of the body in space were the focus. An investigation revealing latent dimensions/dynamics was conducted. Groups were expected to construct a body-apparatus with a simple but strategic assembly using conventional construction methods. The apparatus must reveal characteristics of the latent body-space relationship. 1 | M.HAGEN

The project began with a focus directed at the small movements in our hands and arms that go unnoticed in everyday life. An arm-mounted camera was used to record, document, and reveal these movements.

of the apparatus began. Research determined the speed and strength of each digit on the human hand. The apparatus was then coordinated to make interaction as unnatural as possible for the wearer.

The idea of having to re-learn how to operate your hand was proposed. To represent this process, a technique was chosen that involved connecting each finger on the wearer’s hand to a completely different digit on the apparatus.

The mounting plate was designed out of acrylic with a void in the centre for the wearer’s hand to rest in. Acrylic’s lightweight and transparent qualities made the apparatus less obtrusive and portable.

A single-finger test probe was constructed using two wooden blocks, a small hinge, and plastic tubing running along the underside. Fishing line was used as a string to pull the digit, and putty was used to give the fingertip texture. After experimentation to determine the most effective construction methods, refinement

Using the apparatus to pick up and use every day items made the user re-train their mind. The use of different digits corresponding to different fingers on the device made seemingly easy tasks become extremely difficult. The simplicity of picking up a coffee became a tedious process.

Connecting the wood pieces together are 1/4” bolts and lock nuts. Metal wire is woven in and out of the wood to create a track for the fishing wire to run through. A small hole was drilled vertically through each fingertip to accomodate an elastic string that provides tension in the upper third.

APPARATUS | 2

Luminosity: 18 lux Temp: 19 degrees

Luminosity: 20 lux Temp: 15 degrees

Luminosity: 9 lux Temp: 20 degrees

Camera placed on-site, and photo taken from cinder block pinhole camera.

Camera construction process. On-site cinder block cleaned, interior painted black, shutter created and heat-sealed to face. The exploration of bubbling acrylic to various heights to represent the heat of each location was performed. A high powered heat-gun was used to heat the acrylic, which was then bubbled by pushing a metal rod against it.

MAPPING/PINHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY WARMTH

2ND YEAR STUDIO

DESCRIPTION FALL 2012

duration: 12 Days

MATT HAGEN w/ Evan Taylor, Carson Wiebe, Caila Sveinson

role: Site research and info. collection, design devolopment, model construction PROJECT BRIEF: Groups are to locate a site along the Assiniboine River bank and document it through various means. The documentation of the phenomenology of the site along with the mapping of a seemingly immeasurable aspect were to be explored. Through the use of an object found on-site, a pinhole camera was to be made and used to document the loci of the space.

3 | M.HAGEN

A site along the Assiniboine River, just below the bridge was selected due to its light qualities and abundance of graffiti. The group was instructed to explore the site through the means of found-object pinhole photography.

It was found that the more personal, intimate graffiti tags were located in areas that received less light and were warmer. Basic tags such as “READ” (top left) were found in well lit areas in which passers-by would be able to see the tag.

A cinder block was found along the river bed, which provided stability for a camera which needed to be still during exposures. The recurring site visits required to take the one-shot pinhole photographs lead to an interest in the temporal graffiti below the bridge, further explored in the next part of the project.

The final model was created out of a single hand-bent piece of acrylic. The varying heights on the base correspond to a Fahrenheit scale (red) on the back panel. The yellow strings represent the day-time luminosity of each graffiti tag. Black strings represent the night-time luminosity. The clear lines show which tag corresponds to which location. The graffiti tags along the back panel were arranged in a pattern that translates to the order they are found in when walking along the river bed.

The idea of mapping the desirability of certain locations of graffiti based on the amount of light and heat they received was proposed. A heat-gun and luminosity meter were used to record the statistics.

Heat detector and luminosity meter used at locations of graffiti tags.

Model construction process, left to right: Heat gun, needle through acrylic, acrylic extrusion.

MAPPING/PINHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY | 4

2”

13”

2”

13”

15.9”

Construction drawings used to communicate folds, welds, and cuts with fabricator.

4”

45o

4”

4”

4”

Series of sketch studies and 1:1 modelling exercises exploring function and feasibility for the planter and shoe plane.

Initial time-lapse photographic study analyzing potential significance of water released from footwear worn during the snowy winter season.

DRIPRACK CONTAINER

2ND YEAR STUDIO

DESCRIPTION WINTER 2012 duration: 4 Weeks

MATT HAGEN (individual)

role: Design development, model construction, construction drawings. PROJECT BRIEF: Students will be required to produce a hybrid “container” which serves multiple functions. The container must begin as a 1.5m x 1.5m wood, metal, or plastic sheet. Through the communication of technical drawings, the project is to be produced by an assigned fabricator and easily communicable. The project is to be displayed at an exhibition event following the construction phase.

5 | M.HAGEN

DripRack began with the concept of eliminating puddles typically found at doorways due to the snow and water collected by shoes. Time-lapse photography was used to determine the amount of excess water produced by a pair of shoes on an average winter day, and was found to be significant. To utilize this water in a useful way, a shoe rack which channels excess water into a planter was developed. Salt-tolerance and livability in low-light/low-water conditions were important factors in the selection of DripRack’s vegetation. Wheatgrass was chosen for its quick growth and possession of the above qualities.

Through a series of 1:1 models, a form which uses an angular plane to drain water was produced. DripRack keeps shoes raised above the planter by using a steel strip elevated slightly above the plane - allowing water to run underneath. Flaps on each side of the angular plane keep the shoes within the surface and provide attachment surfaces for the steel strip.

Below, left-to-right: DripRack featured at a local Winnipeg shop (MAKE Coffee + Stuff), and DripRack on display at the University of Manitoba’s “Container Exhibition”, with promotional poster, booklet, and potential packaging.

DripRack was manufactured through a series of digital drawings and communication with a fabricator. Constructed from 16-gauge stainless steel to resist corrosion, DripRack is the smart solution for puddles at your doorway.

DRIPRACK | 6

1:200

South elevation

Section elevation

Interior floorplan

Perspective looking south from the interior of the Pointlands.

N

Abandoned bee apiary, chicken-wire mesh, and steel poles found on--site.

University of Manitoba Pointlands. Model constructed at 1:50 scale.

RIVER BANK GALLERY

DESCRIPTION WINTER 2012

MATT HAGEN (individual)

The River Bank Gallery is a space which bridges the gap both literally and figuratively between humans and nature. The gallery is located on a flood-susceptible site which is also home to varioius wildlife. A temporary art gallery is proposed due to the temporal nature of the site, and is constructed from materials found on-site.

PROJECT BRIEF: Students are to design a shelter for a specific context, which has parameters chosen by the studio instructor. Through the use of research and process models, the challenges of the context will be explored. The developed shelter will be minimal, and feasible. The University of Manitoba Pointlands (agricultural fields) were selected as the location for the Shelter project. The site is surrounded by the Red River and is subject to seasonal flooding.

The structure’s positioning and shape pays respect to existing trees and topopgraphy, while it’s elevated form responds to seasonal flooding. This opportunity for a raised structure provided an opportunity to engage the diverse wildlive by creating a passageway beneath the gallery. Through the use of linear glass floor panels, views to passing wildlife are created. By combining vegetation with materials recovered from an abandoned bee apiary (wire and steel poles), thin, vine-clad corridors are formed below the space.

SHELTER

2ND YEAR STUDIO

duration: 4 Weeks

role: Design development, model construction, digital representation.

7 | M.HAGEN

The form of the structure also provides a metaphoric nod to the art easel, in the tripod-like shape of its supports. The long members are trees recovered from the site and not only provide structural support as anchors, but as an access point with an in-set ladder.

Left to right: Perch atop structure; transparent floor panels; deer-run.

The roof of the structure is pitched and angled to correspond to the path of the sun and direct natural light towards the rear walls (acting as spotlights) for potential art displays. A lookout space is created at the tip of structure, providing a private perch for observation of the serene landscape and river which runs in an oxbow around the site.

1. Edges of the roof are pulled upward to allow sunlight to wash across the four solid walls that are used for displaying work. 2. A wood floor with glass openings above the deer run creates a view to the wildlife below. 1.

2.

3.

3. Native vine plants from the Pointlands are woven into the chicken wire mesh to create a deer-run. SHELTER | 8

ABOVE: Site plan, displaying radial layers of planting.

SITE PLANNING 3RD YEAR COURSE

WINTER 2014 duration: 3 weeks

MATT HAGEN w/Ian Cheung

role: Design development, graphic representation.

PROJECT BRIEF: The aim of the site planning project is to develop design plans for a small plot of land, for a garden space that could become private caste grounds, a flowery meadow, a fruit grove, a wood, or even a forest clearning. Each concept is illustrated in the form of drawings and words.

9 | M.HAGEN

Section-perspective of Heightening Hill, displaying progression up the hill.

DESCRIPTION

HEIGHTENING HILL

Situated in Morvan, a small town in France, the design is a contextual garden for both the visually impaired owner, Jacqueline, as well as the townspeople to explore the environment through the sense =: small, sound, touch, and taste. Born without vision, Jackqueline’s other senses are heightened. Scented flowers and foods are more fragrant, food more delicious, and texture more detailed. It is her wish to engage with the community through planting and interaction within the garden, so that her perception of the world may be shared with others. In creating a similar sensory experience that Jacqueline is familiar with, the row of vegetation closest to the village is composed of extremely frgrant plants - lavender and fragrant abelia. The next layer of the garden is experienced through sound. This arc

is composed of broom shrub and love-in-a-mist, two plants that procure sound when touch or blown in the wind. As the inhabitant gets closer to Jacqueline, they become more apparent through sound - aerting her of an opportunity to interact with her comunity. The ground layer is composed of a gravel overlay, emitting noise to notify Jacqueline of visitors. The final layer of Jacqueline’s Heightening Hill garden is the most engaging - taste and touch. The community is welcomed by Jacqueline after catching her attention passing through the sound layer and trekking across the gravel-clad ground. The visior is then encouraged to pick and taste the berries found in the strawberry and blueberry bushes.

HEIGHTENING HILL | 10

Perspective rendering of upper room looking towards ocean.

PLAN DRAWINGS pivoting structure

AXONOMETRIC DRAWING layers and function

OPEN PLAN Perspective rendering looking into the pivoted open-configuration marketplace.

PROGRAM DIAGRAMS pivoting informs inhabitation

PIVOTING FINS

Fins spread out over plaza, stairs spread out deterring movement to top level.

Act as a “program” signal to the city (open/closed). Fins provide shelter to upper room space.

N

FLOOR PLATES Angled for views towards the River and church. Varied heights allow for flush closed configuration.

PIVOTING PLAN Fins start to overlap, North wing of structure pivots clockwise towards heritage building.

PIVOTING STAIRS Only become accessible in closed-plan. Rotate apart when open, limiting access.

N

RECEPTIONS

OPEN PLAZA

Private upper room with fin cover. Lower space remains open for pemeability.

Fins delineate open plaza space. Floor plates offer shade cover below.

MARKETPLACE Market stall space between structural posts. Circulation flows through open plaza.

STRUCTURE Lightweight posts to allow swivelling structure. Permeable for site circulation and access. Wheels for ease of pivoting

CLOSED PLAN

LISBON OPEN ROOM ARCHMEDIUM

STUDENT COMPETITION

SUMMER 2014 duration: 3 Weeks

MATT HAGEN w/ Evan Taylor.

role: Design development, programmatic drawings, graphical representation. PROJECT BRIEF: The competition programme is a polyvalent pavilion which allows multiple uses. The submission must be a structure capable of hosting diverse activities, which will be the engine that activates the surrounding public space and the people. In order to carry out this function we suggest a unique, flexible space of approximately 600m2. Progammes include visitor’s reception to one-time events such as receptions, exhibitions and presentations. 11 | M.HAGEN

Fins create a sheltered space for upper room, stairs pivot closer together for access to upper room.

DESCRIPTION How can a structure be versatile both in function and form, while responding to the spatial requirements of the inhabitants? Through the development of a minimal structure which can be pivoted on a singular vertical axis, Lisbon’s open space is engaged but not intruded upon. Occupying a mere 230m2 footprint, the structure acts as a spatial tool when pivoted open - engaging 590m2 of opportunity for the community.

sheltered canopy formed by the overhead fins which mimic the pivoting staircase.

N

Angular tips allow for the structure’s radius to gently fit within the existing space between heritage buildings, and provide an ocean-oriented viewing terrace with panoramic views to the Lisbon cityscape. Section from LIsbon Open Room site, down to ocean.

The structure allows for a variety of local community events and defines a public plaza with its beacon-like canopy. When the structure is closed, a helix staircase in the axis becomes usable as the stairs pivot with the structure. The ephemeral staircase reveals a more private second floor for events, covered by a LOR | 12

Perspective looking down from overhead, through fogged transparent roof panel. Plan

West elevation

E/W Section

South elevation

North elevation

N/S Section

Section-perspective revealing materials, inhabitation, and concepts.

Perspective facing south over the University of Albera Quad.

IDEATION DIAGRAMS passive heating and concept

HEARTH SDA “RECLAIM WINTER”

PASSIVE WARMING HUTS COMPETITION

DESCRIPTION FALL 2014 duration: 2 Weeks

MATT HAGEN w/ Ryan Lewis & Evan Taylor

role: Design development, digital representation, rendering. PROJECT BRIEF: The University of Alberta is hosting a call for temporary structures that act as warming stations, gathering places, and inspiration for perspectives on living in our winter climate. These “huts” are enclosed spaces that use passive solar energy to heat a thermal mass inside, warming the space. Considerations include practicality, aesthetics, modularity, and a specific visual language to communicate physical warmth and draw people in.

13 | M.HAGEN

Braving the winter weather is a Canadian tradition. Unfortunately, when temperatures plunge, circulating the campus grounds becomes a challenge. Despite our tolerance for the cold temperatures, students who venture out into the cold sometimes need a break. Hearth is a beacon for those seeking shelter within the campus grounds. Hearth acts as a multifunctional structure, serving both functional and educational purposes through material application and experimentation. Hearth harnesses the surrounding environment and creates a truly warm space through passive solar gain strategies. As the physical hearth gathers heat and displays a fogged interior, individuals wandering through the Univeristy of Alberta campus grounds will have no trouble finding a comfortable space to warm up.

Strategically orientated transparent, heat-retaining and insulating materials combined with circulation through a small, elevated space are the components that make Hearth’s performance of warmth possible. Through the ability to interchange materials within the thermal mass space below the raised floor, a learning opportunity and experimentation process is formed. Also, by raising the structure on a steel frame, air can flow beneath and minimize thermal briding between the floor and ground.

INSULATED HEARTH CORE GAINS & STORES HEAT

CIRCULATION TO ELEVATED SPACE W/RISING WARM AIR

HEARTH PROVIDES HEAT - FOG CREATES BEACON

HEARTH | 14

Left: Research analysis map of river dynamics in the province of Manitoba (ranging from Winnipeg at top, to Otterburne site at bottom), creating a working knowledge for the intervention.

Cattail field

Existing ditches (pink) around Providence College (black) currently supplying cattail biomass.

Plan drawing of campus with Rat River (pink) and interventions in place. Aerial perspective rendering of proposed cattail field.

RAT RIVER

UNUSED SPACE

BIOMASS

Triptychon Plaza

CATTAIL FIELD

Potential 26 Hectares 5m 5m

HABITAT

RUNOFFS

CROP ROWS

OPPORTUNITIES

New microclimates

Ditches & raised paths

2m path & 5m row

Hide & seek/first kiss

INTERVENTION

STUDENT RESIDENCES

DISCONNECTED DRAINAGE DITCHES

STUDENT LIFE CENTRE

Section-perspective showing relationship between Biomass Barn & Rat River adjacent to campus.

5m 5m

The proposal is a case study for towns and small agricultural developments in the southern parts of Manitoba, highlighting the importance of combining thoughtful drainage and planning with a sustainable source of energy. The current state of Providence College has precipitation runoff flowing directly into the Rat River; every spring the lack of site water retention swells the tributary systems resulting in mass flooding in urban centres such as Winnipeg. Examining the amount of cattails required to sustain Providence College for a one-year growing cycle lead to the implementation of on-campus cattail harvesting. Through the process of sealing the existing gravel circulation paths and culverts, increased amounts of on-site water are retained - fueling the cattail growth. A cattail field is proposed for the vacant field located Northeast of campus, with an opportunity to expand to more fields North of the access road. These potential fields, along with cattails in on-campus ditches provide Providence Seminary College with enough biomass fuel for one year of energy.

SOFTSCAPES

DRAINAGE DITCHES

BUILDINGS

HARDSCAPES

SITE Above: Axonometric drawing with varying site surfaces.

DESCRIPTION

TRIPTYCHON

MATT HAGEN w/Ian Cheung, Dale Wiebe, Wei Zou

Located in southeast Manitoba, approximately 40km from Winnipeg lies the small town of Otterburne: home to Providence Theological College and situated alongside the Rat River (upstream of the Red River). The goal of this project is to connect the Otterburne region to the river and engage the community with a clear and respectful design intervention.

Providence Seminary College [as of 2014] is currently the only educational institute in Western Canada which uses biomass as its main source of energy. Annually, 200-300 tonnes of cattails are used to fuel their annual energy requirements. The majority of these cattails are found in ditches along roadways surrounding the Otterburne region.

PROJECT BRIEF: The challenge is to design an integrative concept for the ecological, cultural and structural development of the Rat River adjacent to Providence College. Well defined functional and spatial land uses and the integration of existing environmental qualities should create a vision which becomes an exemplary showcase for rural campuses and prairie rivers.

Through site investigation, issues regarding existing drainage became apparent, as ditches adjacent to pathways lacked circulation. Another aspect of Providence was revealed within a barn which sits alongside the river and near the Student Residences. Inside this barn lies a burner which uses biomass energy to fuel the campus. This biomass energy is Typha latifolia, also known as cattails. Upon interviewing several students, it was realized that students are typically unaware of the unique source of energy on campus.

By integrating this unique biomass source with current drainage issues on campus, an opportunity to raise awareness and reveal a typically unrealized energy resource is created.

DAMM(N)ED UP WATER 4TH YEAR STUDIO

FALL 2014 duration: 12 weeks

role: Site research, design development, graphic representation, model construction

15 | M.HAGEN

This project aims to connect the Otterburne region to the river and engage the community with a clear and respectful design intervention.

TRIPTYCHON | 16

Shallow bank habitat

Gaps provide passages

Fluctuating River guages

Cattail habitat

Fish from upstream

HABITAT

Seasonal flood enters ditches

FLOODING

Riparian forest invades plaza

Potential tree growth

New bank microclimates

RIPARIAN

YEAR ONE

YEARS 2-5

YEARS 5-15

As years pass, debris and sediment build up, and cattail infestation occurs. The future of the Triptychon cannot be predicted. However, the Triptychon aims to create a framework for a fusion of riparian forest, cattails, and students - while providing economic and institutional growth, fueling an expanding Providence College.

BIOMASS BARN TRIPTYCHON PLAZA

Continuing with the concept of water manipulation and a heightened awareness of Providence’s biomass fuel source - a connection between the Rat River, Providence College, and the Cattail Field was required. A modest intervention is proposed which encourages interaction at the river’s edge and engages campus through the use of cattail ditches. Three linear impressions in the landscape, saturated with Thyphus latifolia provoke movement between campus and the Rat River. This simple gesture leads curious visitors through cattail hallways, from campus to the calm riverbank where they are greeted with an intermingling cattail-riparian water plaza (dubbed the Triptychon for its spiritual and metaphoric nod to three images… found in the form of the River, the Campus, and the Cattails). 17 | M.HAGEN

FOREST

The Triptychon’s orientation is directed towards the Student Life Centre and Cattail Field, creating a visually bold and clear presence on campus. Also, by orienting the Triptychon towards the Cattail Field, awareness is raised of the source of the campus’ energy. The concrete forms are spread in a way promoting movement of people on top while allowing animal movement through the porous layout of the forms. Within the Triptychon, three lines of concrete stepping-stones frame a unique view of the Rat River. These cast-concrete pillars also influence the river level and flow rate, leading to a change in river dynamics and sediment deposition. The upstream face of the pillars may begin to catch sediment and river debris, potentially leading to a creation of three linear sediment banks within the plaza. These banks provide a place for extended growth of the cattail ditches and new microclimates for the riparian forest and river ecology.

Perspective rendering looking Southwest over Triptychon plaza, with cattail infestation.

Stop-motion video stills, displaying Rat River sediment & debris build-up over time. TRIPTYCHON | 18

Off

Rings spread Banded light

Rings at bottom Upwards light

Top left: Mounting ring (sits atop bulb) Top right: Body ring Bottom: Cap ring (above mounting ring, holds rods in place)

Standard filament bulbs emit considerable amounts of heat, which lead to the exploration of the relationship between illumination and warmth.

SHADE MAKE COFFEE + STUFF LIGHTING COMPETITION

DESCRIPTION SUMMER 2013 duration: 2 Weeks

MATT HAGEN w/ Evan Taylor

role: Design development, construction, photography. PROJECT BRIEF: A light shade which articulates space and is constructed using simple methods is the outcome of the SHADE competition. The shade will be judged on its functionality, illumination, innovation, and economy of material. The design also must fit on a standard pendant bulb, and weight no more than 1.5kg. The fixture must perform as a catalyst for re-imagining the potentials for the space.

19 | M.HAGEN

Our shade was designed as a catalyst for the inhabitation of spaces. Shades using standard hookups are typically used solely as light filters and are restricted to either “On” or “Off”. Our shade was designed to provide various illumination articulations through interactive form.

Relocating a large portion of the rings to the top of the shade will leave the bulb’s tip exposed - increasing the strength of the lighting below and drawing inhabitants’ attention towards the space below the shade. The opposite will occur by descending the rings to the lower portion and articulating light upwards.

The shade possesses multiple wooden rings (constructed from 1/8” laser cut plywood) which are mounted on two copper rods alongside the bulb. The rings can ascend and descend the copper rods - creating multiple different forms.

To draw focus to a specific space, the shade’s rings can be repositoned to block out light. To animate a strip of space along a wall, the rings can be relocated to the top and bottom of the shade.

The form of the shade dictates the articulation of its illumination and the way in which it animates space. An evenly spread collection of rings produces strongly distributed light, procuring a well-lit space and leaving inhabitation unaffected.

A shade that sits in close proximity to a heated bulb provided us with an opportunity to showcase illumination’s latent heat through visual cues. The shade was torched during the making process, resulting in an unpredictable charred form, exemplifying the affects of light.

Left: Shade producing downward task-lighting. Right: Banding light pattern to showcase wall artwork. SHADE | 20

B1

B2 1

46

1

B3 1

46

1

1

A1 1

46

1

A2 1

46

A3 1

46

1

1

46

1

77,41

135°

96

135°

96

1

50

77,41

,9

,9

50

1

47,83

47,83

9,59

2,41

2,41

42

,2

135°

18,41

8

18,41

48

48

48

• All panels based off of 4’ wide sheets. • All units in inches. • Dashed lines indicate bends.

Mirrors - Sheet Plans (unfolded) - 1

46

1

111

1

Fabrication drawings of folds & cuts for polished aluminum panels.

96

135 deg bend

1

90 deg bend

20

20

90 deg bend

C1

C2

D1

D2

Mirrors - Sheet Plans (unfolded) - 2

Top: Interior perspective rendering for competition. Bottom: Exterior perspective rendering for competition.

14’

8’

A

B

PLAN

8’

Initial competition drawings, and conceptual diagram showing sky-reflection process. SECTION A

SECTION B

SKYBOX WARMING HUTS V.2014

THE FORKS SKATING TRAIL COMPETITION

DESCRIPTION FALL 2013 duration: 3 months

MATT HAGEN w/ Ryan Lewis & Evan Taylor

role: Design development, concept drawings, construction, media & press. PROJECT BRIEF: The Forks Market in Winnipeg hosts an annual international architecture competition for the design & construction of shelters along its “World’s longest skating trail”. Along with international submissions, a University of Manitoba competition is held, providing students an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in construction drawings, fabrication, and media/ press. The competition calls for 8’x14’ “Warming Huts” that provide a space of rest for skaters along the trail. 21 | M.HAGEN

Winnipeg’s winter river trail is experienced by over 300,000 visitors annually. With an immense amount of tourists and visitors eager to strap on their skates, the opportunity arose to engage and connect the character of the skating trail to the visitors. Harnessing Winnipeg’s trademark weather through the unique visual qualities and richness of the prairie skies most apparent in the winter months, SKYBOX creates a visually immersive experience set against an ephemeral backdrop of the sky. Reflective planes of highly polished aluminum are installed along the interior of the structure, drawing the sky into the space. A large angular plane transitions into a sitting platform that runs the full width of the structure. Positioned directly opposite are two vertical mirrors. Visitors become visually immersed in a structure that challenges

spatial delineations by hosting views of the changing skies and the surrounding environment within the entirety of the interior. The mirror-like surfaces produce a unique photo opportunity for the skaters on the ice trail to pause and capture the elusive temporal phenomena with a “selfie”. Embracing this generation’s fascination with social media, the interior of the Warming Hut actively facilitates photographic opportunities; motivating visitors to immerse themselves in the experience of being completely surrounded by ever-changing backdrops. Users are encouraged to upload their images with the hashtag #SKYBOXWPG, allowing anyone in the world access to the extraordinary richness of Winnipeg’s sense of community. Visitors’ experiences will live on through a collected online mosaic of unique pictures.

CONSTRUCTION

Left to right: Framing 45 degree wall; polished aluminum bench clad with protective wrap; charring exterior cedar.

SKYBOX was constructed in a series of 4’x8’ modules with dimensional lumber and sheathing panels allowing for reduced amounts of wasted materials. Internally, the walls are clad with both 1/8” unpolished and polished custom aluminum panels, for a durable yet reflective surface to withstand the notoriously cold winter climate.

The exterior is treated with 8’ interlocking cedar boards, which were charred to create a visual juxtaposition between the exterior and the light-filled interior space. The dimensions of the project were limited by the pre-determined 8’x14’ steel skid which glides upon the snow and ice. SKYBOX | 22

Exterior photograph of SKYBOX stationed outside the WAG on Memorial Blvd.

#SKYBOXWPG Over 200 photos collected throughout the winter season on the Red River Trail.

PRESS SKYBOX provided a unique opportunity for students at an early stage of their design education - to engage and manage the media and press. The project was well-received and lead to interviews with CBC, CTV, and multiple radio stations. SKYBOX also received multiple publications in the Winnipeg Free Press, along with the Winnipeg Metro, MyWAG magazine, iLikeArchitecture.net Blog, and a mention in the New York Times. As of 2015, SKYBOX will be re-joining the Forks Skating Trail and on display for skaters to enjoy.

23 | M.HAGEN

PUBLICATIONS/LECTURES 10x20x20 Presentation @ Winnipeg Art Gallery - January 2014 Winnipeg Free Press - January 2014 Winnipeg Free Press - front cover image Winnipeg Metro - front cover image MYWAG quarterly newsletter - Fall 2014 Food For Thought @ University of Manitoba [LECTURE] Intro to Environmental Design @ University of Manitoba [LECTURE] Published in Warehouse Journal Vol.23 Published on iLikeArchitecture.net [Blog] Mentioned in New York Times - December 2014 Published in University of Manitoba annual NETWORK Journal

WINNIPEG ART GALLERY In summer 2014, SKYBOX was received as a temporary outdoor installation at the Winnipeg Art Gallery for four months. The installation saw a new arena for capturing the overhead sky conditions within the heart of downtown Winnipeg. The continuity of the project’s presence was further expanded through it’s presence in social media and the events at the art gallery. Interior panoramic photograph from inside SKYBOX at the WAG.

SKYBOX | 24

MATT HAGEN | PORTFOLIO | 2015