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I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in architecture; I am currently a first-year undergraduate
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Armen Erdoglyan
Inspired by Frank Gehry, Louis Kahn, and Renzo Piano, I believe great design emerges from the balance of creativity, technical knowledge, and continuous learning. Beyond my education at Woodbury University, I explore construction methods, engineering principles, and the art that shapes architecture. Understanding buildings in their entirety is the key to mastering design.
Woodbury University
Expected May 2029
Bachelor of Architecture – In Progress
I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in architecture; I am currently a first-year undergraduate
Levon’s Construction
Jun 2020 - Sep 2024
Project Manager
My four years as a project manager allowed me to learn how to read blueprints. I can accurately read site plans, elevations, floor plans, sections, details, schedules, surveys, grading plans, and structural plans.
As a project manager I responded to RFIs from project partners. I also managed all city inspections for projects, insuring projects passed inspection and were up to building code standards.
President, Habitat for Humanity (Woodbury)
Volunteer work consists of onsite visits to help with project coordination and construction management
I am a licensed general B and A contractor. My four years of experience as a project manager allowed me to take the exams and pass on my first try.
Fluent in English, Armenian; Conversational Proficiency in Spanish
OSHA 30
For our first exercise of the semester, we were tasked with selecting a campus location to draft section, plan, and detail drawings. I chose a steel canopy with an ADA ramp, drawn to its intricate structural elements and the opportunity for thoughtful representation. The exposed steel framework and seamless ramp integration provided a compelling study in both function and form.
Through these drawings, I explored the interplay of structure, materiality, and accessibility, reflecting my interest in how design and construction shape purposeful, elegant spaces.
Floor Plan Steel Canopy / ADA RAMP
Long Section Steel Canopy / ADA RAMP
Short Section Steel Canopy / ADA RAMP
Detail: Beam + Column connection
Inspired by the diverse creative disciplines at Woodbury University, I designed the Taking Flight Pavilion to foster accessibility, collaboration, and innovation. Created for the quad area, it addresses the limitations of JSI critique spaces by providing an open, flexible environment for presentations, reviews, and discussions. An ADA-compliant bathroom ensures inclusivity, making the space accessible to all.
Symbolizing the idea of “taking flight,” this pavilion serves as a focal point where students can showcase work, exchange ideas, and engage in critiques.
Rooted in movement and transformation, the design emerged from animated GIFs exploring the verbs “to stretch” and “to spill”. I translated these motions into diagrams mapping lines, midpoints, endpoints, and tangents, forming a fluid, adaptable layout. The “stretching” motion directly shaped the distinctive floor plan, creating a space that balances concept and function.
VERB: To Spill: Figure
The Taking Flight Pavilion emerged from a conceptual exploration of movement and form. Our process began by creating animated GIFs to express the dynamics of specific verbs. I focused on the verbs "to stretch" and "to spill", both of which symbolize motion and transformation.
After developing these GIFs, I translated the movements into diagrams by mapping key elements such as lines, midpoints, endpoints, and tangents. These diagrams generated unique geometries that served as the foundation for the pavilion design.
The Taking Flight Pavilion emerged from a conceptual exploration of movement and form.
Our process began by creating animated GIFs to express the dynamics of specific verbs. I focused on the verbs "to stretch" and "to spill", both of which symbolize motion and transformation.
After developing these GIFs, I translated the movements into diagrams by mapping key elements such as lines, midpoints, endpoints, and tangents. These diagrams generated unique geometries that served as the foundation for the pavilion design.
VERB: To Stretch: Figure
The verb "to stretch" played a pivotal role in shaping my pavilion's floor plan. A distinctive shape highlighted in red from the stretching movement was adopted directly into the layout.
The verb “to stretch” played a pivotal role in shaping my pavilion’s floor plan. A distinctive shape highlighted in red from the stretching movement was adopted directly into the layout.
Floor Plan
This decision became crucial, influencing:
1. Floor Plan Layout – The stretched geometry determined the overall spatial arrangement.
2. Pinup Walls – Strategically placed to create optimal spaces for presentations and critiques.
3. Circulation – The stretched form allowed for improved flow and movement, addressing the compression issues in the JSI building critique area.
Site Plan
Site Integration and Orientation Strategy
For the Taking Flight Pavilion, careful consideration was given to its placement and orientation within the site. The decision to position the pavilion diagonally across the lower quad was intentional and strategic, optimizing both functionality and user experience.
This diagonal orientation allows the pavilion to seamlessly integrate with existing circulation paths. By aligning with the natural flow of movement across the quad, the pavilion effectively draws users toward its entrance. As individuals travel from Point A to Point B, they are invited to engage with the pavilion, encouraging interaction with student work displayed along the pinup walls - even when formal critiques are not taking place. This design choice transforms the pavilion into a dynamic, ever-relevant space that promotes creativity and visibility for student projects.
For the Taking Flight Pavilion, careful consideration was given to its placement and orientation within the site. The decision to position the pavilion diagonally across the lower quad was intentional and strategic, optimizing both functionality and user experience.
This diagonal orientation allows the pavilion to seamlessly integrate with existing circulation paths. By aligning with the natural flow of movement across the quad, the pavilion effectively draws users toward its entrance. As individuals travel from Point A to Point B, they are invited to engage with the pavilion, encouraging interaction with student work displayed along the pinup walls - even when formal critiques are not taking place. This design choice transforms the pavilion into a dynamic, ever-relevant space that promotes creativity and visibility for student projects.
Program and Functional Layout
The Taking Flight Pavilion is designed with flexibility and inclusivity in mind, accommodating multiple programs to support diverse creative activities. As shown in the program diagram, key functional spaces are thoughtfully positioned to maximize usability and circulation.
Key Program Elements:
1. ADA Bathroom and Storage
The ADA-compliant bathroom and a storage area for chairs and tables are discreetly placed in the far corners of the pavilion, hidden beneath the "wings" of the structure. This ensures that essential facilities are provided without compromising the open and adaptable nature of the space.
2. Flexible Open Space
By omitting permanent seating, the pavilion remains adaptable for a range of uses beyond critiques, such as social events, exhibitions, and workshops. This flexibility supports the dynamic needs of the creative community at Woodbury University.
3. Continuous Usage
The pavilion is designed for 24/7 use. When formal critiques are not in session, students from various creative disciplines - not just architecture - can display their work on the pinup walls. This transforms the pavilion into an ever-evolving exhibition space, enriching the campus environment.
4. Reflection Pond and Public Seating
Public seating benches around the reflection pond encourage visitors to pause, reflect, and linger. This creates an inviting atmosphere that naturally leads users toward the pavilion and the displayed student work. By integrating essential facilities, flexible space, and thoughtful seating arrangements, the Taking Flight Pavilion serves as a dynamic hub for creativity, collaboration, and continuous engagement.
The Taking Flight Pavilion is designed with flexibility and inclusivity in mind, accommodating multiple programs to support diverse creative activities. As shown in the program diagram, key functional spaces are thoughtfully positioned to maximize usability and circulation.
Key Program Elements:
1. ADA Bathroom and Storage
The ADA-compliant bathroom and a storage area for chairs and tables are discreetly placed in the far corners of the pavilion, hidden beneath the “wings” of the structure. This ensures that essential facilities are provided without compromising the open and adaptable nature of the space.
2. Flexible Open Space
By omitting permanent seating, the pavilion remains adaptable for a range of uses beyond critiques, such as social events, exhibitions, and workshops. This flexibility supports the dynamic needs of the creative community at Woodbury University.
3. Continuous Usage
The pavilion is designed for 24/7 use. When formal critiques are not in session, students from various creative disciplines - not just architecture - can display their work on the pinup walls. This transforms the pavilion into an ever-evolving exhibition space, enriching the campus environment.
4. Reflection Pond and Public Seating
Public seating benches around the reflection pond encourage visitors to pause, reflect, and linger. This creates an inviting atmosphere that naturally leads users toward the pavilion and the displayed student work. By integrating essential facilities, flexible space, and thoughtful seating arrangements, the Taking Flight Pavilion serves as a dynamic hub for creativity, collaboration, and continuous engagement.
Short and Long Sections
Interior Geometry and Pavilion Accessibility
The Taking Flight Pavilion prioritizes both universal accessibility and a seamless interior experience through careful design of ramps and spatial geometry.
Accessibility Features
Interior Geometry and Structural Integration
This design approach ensures that the pavilion not only meets accessibility requirements but also delivers a cohesive and inspiring environment where form, function, and inclusivity converge.
The Taking Flight Pavilion prioritizes both universal accessibility and a seamless interior experience through careful design of ramps and spatial geometry.
Accessibility Features
• The pavilion is fully ADA-compliant, ensuring inclusivity for all users.
• Multiple ramps provide smooth access throughout the pavilion, each designed with a slope no greater than 8.3% to meet ADA standards. These ramps facilitate ease of movement for individuals with mobility challenges and contribute to the overall flow and circulation of the space.
Interior Geometry and Structural Integration
• The interior geometry features strategically designed facets that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes.
• These facets effectively conceal structural elements such as columns and beams, maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance.
• By integrating structural components within the geometry, the pavilion achieves an elegant and seamless interior, enhancing the sense of openness and continuity.
This design approach ensures that the pavilion not only meets accessibility requirements but also delivers a cohesive and inspiring environment where form, function, and inclusivity converge.
Name: Armen Erdoglyan
Title: Architecture Student
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Phone: 818-599-5529
Email: [email protected]
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