WPA | WPA - Work Program Architects

Model Exploration

Written by WPA on November 6, 2012. Posted in Model, Uncategorized.

Our part time intern, Olivia, currently studying at The University of Virginia, recently did an intense two week model exploration in studio. Her Professor, Matthew Jull of OMA, created his studio entitled “The End of the World as We Know it”, focusing on creating buildings for uncertainty or more precisely the up coming Apocalypse on December 21st. Their first project was to pick 5 words that embodied uncertainty like hoarding, defence, or protection. For each word the students had to create 3 models describing each word.

WPA Office Renovation

Written by WPA on November 6, 2012. Posted in Downtown Norfolk, Renovation, Uncategorized, WPA Studio.

NSU // Brown Hall

Written by WPA on September 27, 2012. Posted in Educational, New Construction, Rendering, Uncategorized.

WPA and Dills Architects teamed up to pursue the new Brown Hall Math and Mass Communications Building at Norfolk State University and we found out yesterday that we were selected to do the job! We are honored to be awarded this important project and can’t wait to get to work with Dills and our other amazing consultants: Speight, Marshall & Francis, P.C.; Pace Collaborative; Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB); the Sextant Group, Inc.; G E T Solutions, Inc.; Sustainable Design Consulting, LLC; Forella Group, LLC; and Setty & Associates, Ltd. Go team!

Duplex on Chick’s Beach // Progress Renderings

Written by WPA on September 20, 2012. Posted in New Construction, Rendering, Residential.

Schematic design is coming to a close, and there are a couple elements worth noting: sun shading/privacy slats on all faces, a revised roof strategy for roof deck access, and internal stairs for both units from the south and east garages.

NSU // Transfer-Mation Center

Written by WPA on September 19, 2012. Posted in Educational.

The Transfer-Mation Center is an office space for student advisers on Norfolk State’s campus, located in the Student Center. It is designed specifically for adult and post-military learners, as well as students from the local community college. Its open plan and quiet study spaces will allow for a comfortable transition for those not currently accustomed to campus life.

NSU // Wayfinding

Written by WPA on September 19, 2012. Posted in Educational, Signage, Uncategorized, WPA Studio.

In coordination with the Norfolk State University Master Plan of 2010, the Wayfinding Program is underway to create a welcoming, accessible and navigable campus. WPA is partnering with SWAY Creative Labs to design the new signage for the campus, which will not only serve off campus traffic, but create recognizable gateways for the first time visitor, allow easy vehicular navigation around the campus perimeter and focus on pedestrian access in the core. This is an exciting opportunity to unify the graphic representation of NSU and create clear, concise signage for all, students and visitors alike.

Below are some recent images of existing campus signage.

NSU // Greenhouse

Written by WPA on September 19, 2012. Posted in Educational, Greenhouse, New Construction, Uncategorized.

The College of Science, Engineering and Technology at Norfolk State University will be building a 1500 square foot greenhouse on campus. WPA is teaming up with Rough Brothers to design and build this sustainable structure. The greenhouse will be in a courtyard with directed paths for students to engage and explore the local plant life. We’ve found some great precedent images and are really excited to work alongside of Rough Bros!

Duplex on Chick’s Beach

Written by WPA on August 14, 2012. Posted in New Construction, Rendering, Residential.

Fun Windows for Renovation

Written by WPA on August 14, 2012. Posted in Uncategorized.

Chesapeake Residence – Under Construction

Written by WPA on July 27, 2012. Posted in Renovation, Residential.

Very recently, a couple had a custom home built for their family on a beautiful site with water views in Chesapeake. However, the finished interior space lacked cohesiveness; more than that, in their words, it lacked a soul. WPA was brought in and tasked with harmonizing the residence, pulling its spaces and materials together, and infusing it with some much needed Zen. To do this, WPA went to as potent a source as possible locally: the Boat House concert venue in Norfolk, which was being torn down after sitting in a decayed state after being badly damaged by Hurricane Isabel. Eight of its timber columns were salvaged and set aside to be installed in the residence, replacing haphazardly-placed drywall-clad wood studs throughout the living space. Steel details were designed to tie the timbers gracefully to the house and to each other. An up-lit, Venetian-plastered barrel vault was designed to float above the music room. A once arbitrary soffit above the main path of circulation was stitched from the timber columns to the adjacent open kitchen by steel “light troughs.”

Author: WPA