Alexis Rae Maher

 
A Place in the Trees for Homeless Youth - Ground Floor
A Place in the Trees for Homeless Youth- Laundry
A Place in the Trees for Homeless Youth - Elevated Sleeping Bunk
Unanimity - Family Living Space
Unanimity
The Commons
The Commons - View of Classroom area with shared multipurpose spaces
Slide 1 of 7

When first entering Otis College my intention was to major in Communication Arts, but after exploring the Architecture/Landscape/Interiors Department in Foundation Year I was mesmerized!

I was fascinated by the notion that architecture could be so much more than just a building, but holds the power to influence and impact communities and lives for the better. This inspiration became apparent within my designs and solidified when my first major project during sophomore year was selected to receive an award for Excellence in Design. I always strive to hold a high standard to create a project with depth and meaning, retrofitting programming that communities desperately need in order to grow and benefit as a collective. I believe that architecture has the power to change the world through infrastructure and sustainability, creating a better living environment for all.

A Place in the Trees for Homeless Youth

A prefabricated Quonset hut was  re-purposed and reconfigured for temporary shelter of homeless youth that are  using the Biophilia hypothesis. Indoor and outdoor spaces are connected allowing natural light and ventilation to flow freely throughout the structure. New beams and columns inserted into the Quonset hut allow a partially open roof with ventilated skylights to immerse residents in a floating, tree house-like atmosphere. A spiral staircase wrapping around an elevator takes residents from the ground-level multipurpose space to a second level with elevated sleeping bunks, washroom and laundry area.

A Place in the Trees for Homeless Youth

Second-level laundry room

A Place in the Trees for Homeless Youth

Elevated sleeping bunk

Unanimity

Within an adaptive re-use mode, a foster care system was implemented within an existing commercial building in Downtown Los Angeles. This apartment complex would be owned by National Foster Care and Adoption, providing children a safe, comfortable space while giving foster parents an affordable housing option. Staff located in 1st-level offices provide counseling and therapy  within the complex, while stationed staff provide security for the children. 

Unanimity

The Commons

Through the notion of moving the historical district of Downtown Los Angeles into the future, this elementary school proposes to keep up with the thousands of residential units being developed in the area. While recent studies show that most households in DTLA are young professionals with no children, the makeup of these neighborhoods will change over time and the quality of services available will have an impact on these transformations. The intent is that “The Commons” elementary school can contribute to changing the demographics into a more diverse, more complex, inclusive and multi generational community

The Commons

Classroom area with shared multipurpose spaces