Samantha Ashkani sva5br@virginia.edu | 804.516.9715 EDUCATION

University of Virginia, UVA School of Architecture, Charlottesville, VA B.A. Expected May 2022

Design-related coursework: Foundation Studio I, Foundation Studio II, CAAD Geometric Modeling & Visualization

Dean’s List

Current GPA: 3.97

Douglas Southall Freeman H.S., Richmond, VA Advanced Diploma 2018

Honor Roll years 9-12

Monroe Scholars Book Award Recipient

GPA: 3.96

LEADERSHIP & SERVICE

Member, Arts Mentor, Madison House Volunteer Organization, UVA September 2018-June 2019

• Volunteers with local elementary school children • Teaches them art skills through fun interactive activities

Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient 2018

• Designed, created, and installed colorful art-history posters in the hallway of a Title I elementary school to spark the students’ interest in the arts

Co-President, National Art Honors Society, Freeman H.S. September 2017-June 2018

• Lead weekly meetings • Planned a project to construct a hallway art display case • Organized volunteer opportunities for members

WORK EXPERIENCE

Paid Internship at Washington and Lee Campus Facilities, Truman Payne, Lexington, VA May 15-June28 2019

• Researched the data for W&L’s utilities/sewer systems to record onto the multiple campus AutoCAD maps, and then compiled all of the separate data into a newly developed ArcGIS map

• Corrected floorplans on AutoCAD after field measuring

Fine Arts Library Desk Assistant, UVA, April Baker, Charlottesville, VA August 2019-Present

• Assist visitors with finding / retrieving books, research, checking in and out, and using equipment • Comprehend the overall library system

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud, Rhino, AutoCAD, ArcGIS, Excel, Grasshopper, Social Media & Networking sites, PC and Mac Environments, Physical Model Making

FOUNDATION STUDIO II | RESPONSIVE SPACE - RURAL ADDITION, PROJECT I

When designing a pavilion in a natural environment, my driving concept was to create a structure made from fairly small modules, as there are no plain, massive structures found in the natural environment. Then, the material quality of this site - specifically the red clay found by the river banks, when turned into the bricks which are the structure, allow the pavilion to contain an even deeper connection to the land. In terms of geometry, this building is organized organically. there is no rhythm to the vary-ing arch layout, just as there is no rhythm to the tree’s layout in the forest. Thus, the arches mirror the trees in that they grow upward from the ground in an organic and untouched way. This was another driving concept - the idea of leaving nature untouched. The arches touch the ground minamally, and come from the ground. So, unlike a boxy structure, they are unimposing. In addition to this, the pavilion as a whole maintains a whole maintains a high level of transparency. the spaces underneath the rising arches are either left open (allowing freedom of movement), or they are closed off only with glass. Lastly, theres a matter of function. this pavilion serves to highlight one’s natural experi-ence and heighten their appreciation of the natural world, as well as evoke a sense of awe. Just as the groin vaults in a cathedral evoke awe in their patrons, so too do these stretching natural vaults. They showcase the beauty and power of the natural world, and provide a “sacred” space for those who either wish to remember nature’s beauty, or those who simply seek peace.

PLAN

SECTION

SECTION

AXON

PLAN - PHOTO

COLLAGE COLLAGE

FOUNDATION STUDIO II | CONNECTIVE ASSEMBLIES, PROJECT II

COLLAGE

PLAN

PLAN

SYSTEM - GRID

SECTION

SECTION

AXON

FRONT ELEVATION

I designed the connective assemblies, or stairway, as a continuation of Project I (Rural Additions). It is a further exploration of the concept of an organic structure that grew upwards naturally. Through a repeated tapered geometry, I aimed created a staircase within an already narrow space that narrowed like a tree branch. This tapering also allowed for the inclusion of gathering spaces on the lowest platform, as well as private spaces as one walks up. Finally, I constructed a grid using the parts of the stair as a whole to take the design further, and create various nooks and gathering spaces on the ground level. Again, the material is brick. It serves as an extension of the brick walkway in the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville.

FOUNDATION STUDIO I | DEFINING SPACE

AXON

AXON

PLANSECTION

MODEL PHOTO MODEL PHOTO MODEL PHOTO

MODEL 2 COLLAGES AND ITERATION DIAGRAMS:

MODEL 1 & 2 MODEL PHOTOS:

This page shows a culmination of my projects created in Foundation Studio I, where I explored the ideas of con-nections. First I explored them within each individual model, and then finally between the two models to makeup the final project. The final model focuses on the dynamic relationship between site and model, between busy and empty space, and how both site and model are reacting to a moving force.