“[Art] is the highest task and the proper metaphysical activity of this life.”

-Friedrich Nietzsche

Dear Reader,

I’m usually not a fan of opening with a quote but Nietzsche was on my mind and it seems pertinent to this letter prefacing my portfolio. I feel as though Philosophy is full of statements you didn’t know existed, yet instantly recognize when you read closely. This one, from The Birth of Tragedy, blew me away as a student at NYU. Why would Nietzsche take art more seriously than all other human endeavors? Did Art solve his tricky problem of “killing God,” wherein the artist assumes the role of creator? What was the core mechanic behind creativity? For years, I have debated with some of my more credentialed peers over this topic and still no closer to understanding why we are driven to make certain aesthetic decisions.

Science and math, particularly geometry, were my highest marked classes as a kid. I �ddled with legos BLAH BLAH BLAH…I wanted to be an architect. NYU’s acquisition of Brooklyn’s Polytechnic Institute created an alluring hybrid program focusing on sustainability, infrastructure, and urban design. While earning my Bachelors of Science, I became increasingly more fascinated by the world-class buildings, galleries, and museums around New York City. Not the typical touristy stu� of midtown but more the radical element burgeoning in Brooklyn. With some friends in 2010, I rented a raw warehouse space in pre-gentri�ed Bushwick and proceeded to build out an illegal loft. The twenty-foot windows and catwalks connecting the rooms truly felt like living in a bohemian Never NeverLand. We used the excessive space as a mad lab for all sorts of activities. From brewing several types of delicious beer, to screen printing concert posters. From building furniture you could skateboard on, to hosting conceptual dining experiences. My bands Dead Sexy Sheila and Retail used the space for recording albums, photo studio work, and music video collaborations with local artists. Many of the personal projects in the following pages took place in that notorious loft space.

When I was still at NYU-Poly, I became increasingly pro�cient in software like SketchUp, AutoCAD, and Illustrator, for all sorts of academic projects. I became particularly masterful with a mapping software suite called Arc-GIS used primarily to visualize geographical data with extremely large sets of accurate data. My expertise landed me a part-time position with NYC Department of City Planning’s Technical Review Division during an unprecedented workload. My team developed several maps used by city planners for presentation purposes. Depending on the nature of the project, we would alter symbology and design informative yet easy-to-read maps at a quick pace. Some of those maps are still in use on NYCDCP’s website.

As graduation crept closer, I was convinced I wanted to further my education and obtain a professional degree in architecture. In my last two semesters, I enrolled in courses requiring SketchUp with active architects as professors. Lastly, I wrote my thesis on problems with the LEED V.3 Green Building System and o�ered solutions, which eventually appeared in V.4.

Although the bulk of my experience has been purely academic, I hope my portfolio portrays an enthusiasm to master the creative toolbox of Architecture. The selected work is meant to showcase a cross-section of my skill set and interests. Thank you for taking the time to look. Cheers!

-Troy Odell

Cadman Plaza Redux 2011 (Academic)Colored pencil and vellumThis project aimed for revitalizing a section of Brooklyn Heights aesthetically ravaged by Urban Renewal plans. Each block was redrawn to incorporate current use and density, while encouraging foot traffic. The project culminated with a redesign of Cadman Plaza Park.

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Key To Land Use Category01, 02, 03 - Residential Buildings

04 - Mixed Commercial/Residential Buildings

05, 06 - Commercial/Office Buildings, Industrial/Manufacturing

07 - Transportation/Utility

08 - Public Facilities & Institutions

09 - Open Space

10 - Parking Facilities

11 - Vacant Land

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Sample Area Map: Zoning and Land Use

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Zoning Map Symbology Study 2011 (O�ce)NYCDCP ArcGIS MapHIred initially as an intern at NYC’s Department of City Planning. Transferred to Technical Review Division as a Geograpic Information System (GIS) technician. Produced symbology templates for City Planners and created rezoning maps used in o�cial hearings.

130 Bleecker Street Pre-Fab Template2011 (Academic)3D SketchUp ModelThis project was meant to explore pre-fabricated modular construction techniques in the vibrant neighborhood of Greenwich Village. The result of this design entailed using recycled plastics for both interior and exterior walls, a perforated metal screen with climbing ivy, and photovoltaics.

Treehouse Sketches 2011 (Personal) 8.5” x 11” Pencil and Marker on Vellum

The George Bugliarello Environmental Education Center 2011 (Academic)3D SketchUp Model

The Polytechnic Institute of NYU (NYU-Poly) sits in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn in an area called Metrotech. The surrounding buildings are headquarters to many of the city’s agencies. George Bugliarello created this third Central Business District (CBD) while serving as President of Poly. This design was intended to replace The Commons and named in Dr. Bugliarello’s honor.

Green Roof Plan Perspective South

Perspective North East Perspective North West

Elevation West Elevation East

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Egg and Dart Club Roof Garden 2012 (Academic)3D SketchUp modelHired by Egg and Dart Club in Brooklyn, NY to design a roof garden in order to supply their bar with fresh herbs and �owers. The project utilized found objects around the Brooklyn Navy Yard and a budget of $2000.

Arrangement Spike #42 2013 (Personal)Cardboard, construction paper, oil pastel and mixed mediaSeries of sculptures and props arranged on a table top and photographed from above. Photograph above is 8.5” x 11.”

REC LOT Series 2011 (Personal) 8.5” x 11” Oil Pastel and Ink on 60 pt. Card Stock

Death Bat Flies Again by Dead Sexy Sheila 2011(Personal) Cassette Tape with Insert and Download Code

As bass player and singer of the surf-punk band Dead Sexy Sheila, I wrote and co-wrote all of the songs on the Death Bat Flies Again EP. In addition, I recorded, edited, and designed all the artwork for release and publication as a cassette tape. The album was self-released and can be found on our website: https://deadsexysheila.bandcamp.com

Cover image

Inside image

Insert imageswith download code and handwritten serial numbers

In Memoriam by Cave Days 2014 (Personal) 10” Vinyl EP Graphics and Packaging by Troy Odell

“Mister Storyteller” by Dead Sexy Sheila 2015 (Personal) Music VideoAs bass player of the surf-punk band Dead Sexy Sheila, I wrote the song “Mister Storyteller” and recorded it on cassette tape in the Eldert Lofts with guitar player Scott Lechner. I conceptualized and produced the music video in the basement of the infamous Hot 97 loft. Luis Alarcon was director and operated the camera with the assistance of Mike Etlinger. The o�cial edit can be found on Vimeo and YouTube. The link is: https://vimeo.com/128283358

Platonic Viruses Series continued

Homunculus 2014 (Personal)24” x 36”Ink on paper, cyrovials, wood, acyrlic paint, gold & silver wiring, blood

The Homunculus is an attempt at engineering a “little man” using an alchemical recipe by Paracelsus in 1537 and modern technical language. The “plans” depict four anatomical systems according to medical knowledge of Vesalius in the 1500’s. Using electrical diagraming, ip mapping, and systems engineering language to complete the recipe. Cryovials �lled with blood and sealed with metal solder are the actual attempts at creating a homunculus.

Pl. 1 (Fabrica)

Pl. 2 (Trapezius)

Pl. 3 (Magna)

Pl. 4 (Dorsal)