This document summarizes Benjamin McGhee's 2016 design portfolio, including both educational and professional projects from recent years. It describes several of McGhee's most notable works, including a master's thesis project proposing a network of platform towers to create new public spaces across Bogota, Colombia; a self-sustaining structure designed to withstand conditions on Mount Everest; and professional works like an apartment building in Indianapolis and renovations to a historic home at DePauw University. The portfolio demonstrates McGhee's range of experience across scales and project types over the past several years.

1. Benjamin J McGhee
2016 Design Portfolio

2. A selection of professional, educational, and recreational projects from the past
several years, presented in chronological order. More images (in full color) of all
projects may be found on my website, freakitecture.com.

3. Platform Tower:
A polycentric and connected Bogota
Educational - Masters Thesis - Methods and Analysis - 2016
Task: Merge analysis and design as a tool for facing the difficult social, political,
and spatial questions that dominate non-Western cities.
Role: Individual project following initial collaborative research
Supervisors: Tom Avermaete, Klaske Havik, Jorge Mejia Hernandez
The platform tower building, a tool for creating new centralities and public space
across the sprawling city of Bogota, with an emphasis on the plinth as a point of
convergence for the urban multitude. Oh, and it’s a metro station too.
Bogota has reached its natural boundaries, densification of existing territory is
needed for further growth. Different people, from different classes, experience a
vastly different city. There was public space, but was there commons? Commons, as
defined by Hannah Arendt, “everything that appears in public can be seen and heard
by everybody and has the widest possible publicity... A multitude of spectators [is
required].”
The design solution began at the urban scale, acknowledging that the only way
to improve the condition of the commons in this large city is through a network
of interventions. Three site were chosen across the city that represented the vast
variety of urban conditions. The interventions should reduce the perceived size of the
city by creating welcoming points of convergence as part of a poly-centric network.
The architectural focus was an elaboration of the plinth as the primary area for the
creation for commons, creating a mixing ground for people from across the city.
Could this network of buildings serve as the gateway for people as they arrived to an
area, perhaps for the first time. The elevated platform tower typology was selected
as the most accommodating architectural form.
Lastly, an emphasis on simple , or “super-normal” architecture was used throughout
the project. By keeping the architecture as refined as possible the building becomes
iconic through its rigorous normalcy.

7. Studio Extreme: Everest Camp 3
Educational - Building Technology EXTREME Studio - 2015
Task: Design and fully detail a self sustaining structure to be carried and erected
on Mount Everest
Role: Individual Project
The emphasis of this studio was the development of original concepts and details
that could withstand extreme conditions. The solution was required to be modular,
self sustaining, and demountable, designed to aid in the disposal of waste from
Mount Everest.
My design solution relied on a completely novel system of carbon fiber sandwich
panels held together by post-tensioned straps. This exceedingly lightweight and
tension based structure, combined with the dynamic foundation, allowed the building
to function as a rigid and singular piece, making it theoretically avalanche proof. Each
piece was small enough to be delivered to the height of camp three on the back of
a crew member. The architectural design and interior configuration was completely
inspired by the regional structures of the Sherpa people.
Additional documentation, including 1:5 details and multi-media proving the structural
concept’s rigidity is available online.
50 DWELLING - LONGITUDINAL SECTION 1:50
06
50 DWELLING - NORTHEAST ELEVATION 1:50
07
50 DWELLING - SOUTHWEST ELEVATION 1:50
08
3.55VARIES
2.00 4.00
6.28
3.004.00 2.002.001.00
13.82
3.55
ADJUSTABLE
FOUNDATION ANCHOR
POST TENSIONED
STRAPS
ENTRY VESTIBULE
ADJUSTABLE
ENTRY STAIR
PHOTOVOLTAICS
@ 12 DEG.
SOLAR THERMAL
COLLECTORS @ 12 DEG.
MELT WATER
COLLECTION GUTTER
PHOTOVOLTAICS
@ 90 DEG.
SOLAR THERMAL
COLLECTORS @ 90 DEG.
CS
PHOTOVOLTAICS
@ 90 DEG.
[10]

9. Bridging the rottemeren
Educational - Infrastructural Artifacts - 2015
Task: Design a bridge that accommodates both land and water traffic.
Role: Individual project
Supervisors: Joris Smits, Daniel Jauslin, Rob Nijsse
This selective masterclass was taught by Joris Smits, a leading bridge architect in
the Netherlands. Over the course of the class we were tasked with designing a bridge
across the Rotte River, Rotterdam’s namesake river. My bridge was located in the
heart of the river’s recreational area, the Rottemeren.
The defining nature of this bridge is its seamless integration with the existing context.
The low lying horizontality is met with an equally horizontal structure. Additionally,
the bridge acquires its aesthetics from the existing context: piers, reeds, and sliding
bridges. The design of the bridge seeks to meet the needs of both pedestrian and
watercraft circulation while emphasizing its own experiential qualities.
The central portion of the bridge moves to allow watercraft to pass. This moving
portion can also been seen as both a refuge and a ride for pedestrian users. If the
bridge is open as the pedestrian approaches, they are given the opportunity to ride
the bridge across the gap. During off hours and outside the sailing season the bridge
would remain in it’s closed position, during peak sailing days it would rest in the
default position of ‘open’.
The central portion of the bridge is articulated as a island bridging the Rottemeren.
This feature helps to blend in the moving piece of the bridge while creating a natural
refuge for interacting with wildlife while crossing the bridge. The moving box could be
seen as a sort of watching box, a destination for children to run to, so they can look
out towards pass boats or water birds.
The structure is weathered steel with a wooden deck. The moving portion is a re-
purposed shipping container cantilevered on a rolling steel shape. The movement is
driven by easily accessible gears located beneath the deck.

11. Panoramsterdam
Educational - Complex Projects Studio Amsterdam - 2014
Task: Throughly investigate a given context, develop a program, design.
Role: Individual design and collaborative research
Supervisors: Kees Kaan, Aldo Trim, Antonio Ortiz
This studio was part of the Complex Projects Studio, the studio’s primary goal is to
approach the complex nature of real world conditions with the boundless creativity
affordedbytheacademicenvironment.Thisstudioinparticularaskedustoinvestigate
Amsterdam as a research team, particular areas of focus included transportation,
economy, politics and environment. This research lead us to individually develop
programs and designs for a specific site.
My project used the former site of Amsterdam’s Panorama Building, a 19th century
“virtual” experience device, comprised of a huge painting surrounding a central
viewing platform. I combined this historical typology with modern day technologies
to create a completely novel space. See project excerpts below.
The Plantage is, and has been, a great neighborhood of Amsterdam for many years.
As it confronts the future, several items need addressing: neighborhood identity,
commercial opportunities, and visitor attractions.
The Plantsoen site is kept as a ‘park.’ This greenspace contributes to the
neighborhood’s identity as ‘green’ and is a community amenity. Keeping the park
intact lead to development of built program underground. Above ground program
focuses on an appealing park for locals (students, elderly, families).
The building itself is conceived as a tower without the tower. The viewing platform of
the tower is placed below ground while still offering expansive views of Amsterdam,
via modern day camera and display technologies. The clearing above along with the
serpentine gallery below all work towards creating the illusion that the visitor has
indeed left the at-grade level of Amsterdam and is now ascending into the sky. This
multi-functional space pays homage to the historic panorama building while offering
residents and tourists a completely unique experience.
The space is marked by its central tower, the tower joins a network of follies (bridges,
gateways, etc) across the plantage, bringing a sense of place.

13. Pulliam Square
Professional - Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf - 2014
Task: Design a 5 over 1 apartment building in downtown Indianapolis. Comprehen-
sive programming and concept development of larger second phase.
Role: Lead designer, from concept through CD completion
Supervisors: Greg Jacoby, Jonathan Hess, Mike Walker
Status: Completed
This project is defined by the intervention of a slot into the typically closed off
perimeter block housing type. The slot was oriented to allow the maximum amount
of sky exposure into the courtyard. The materiality was driven by the local use of
board and batten style window bays. I drew a parallel between these bays and the
courtyard as both have a primary purpose of allowing light and views.
I pushed the client to pursue good design. After a year of weekly design meetings
with the client, this project taught me an immense amount about how things are built
in the politically and financially driven world of developers. From initial schematics
to final detailing, my position as the lead designer gave me the opportunity to
continually urge the client and the design in the right direction. While many things
were sacrificed or changed along the way, I remain mostly satisfied with what we
were able to achieve in the end.
This project’s design has been appreciated for pushing the envelope here in
conservative Indianapolis. I also lead concept development for phase two of this
project, 350 additional units. Unfortunately this design was drastically down-
scaled after I left the office. A cooling in the housing market brought the height and
materiality down to a more proforma friendly level.

17. Broad Ripple Offices
Professional - Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf - 2014
Task: Schematic design and marketing for a speculative office building.
Role: Lead designer
Supervisors: Greg Jacoby, Tim Ritchotte
Status: Speculative
The last project I worked while at BDMD, this project was defined by its response to
four overlapping land-use plans. Creating a design that best accommodated these
conflicting requirements proved difficult but formative.
I lead the project’s design, gladly working with the client’s desire for “contemporary
European.” The building incorporated three floors of offices, a large parking garage
and several ground floor commercial spaces.
Working with the community in this area has lead to the demise of several projects, I
reveled in the opportunity to present the project’s design to the outspoken crowd. In
the end, we were only able to get approval after removing approximately eight feet of
height from the building, slightly stunting its appearance.
Bizarrely, this became the second project in my working history to be ultimately stalled
by the presence of a cellphone tower on site. In both instances the cellular company
refused to work with the land owner to accommodate the new development.
RAIN GARDEN OFF OF WESTFIELD
SUN SHADE EXTERIOR SCREEN SYSTEM
GREEN ROOF
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
BUILDING RUN-OFF UTILIZED BY
TRAILSIDE VEGETATION
HIGH PERFORMANCE GLAZING
BIKE PARKING
DIRECT ACCESS TO PEDESTERIAN
CORRIDOR (THE MONON) BROAD RIPPLE LEGION SITE
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FEATURES
JUNE 19, 2014

18. 65th Streetscape

19. Depauw University event and Guest HOuse
Professional - Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf - 2014
Task: Renovate and convert this exquisite historic home into an accessible event
space with a catering kitchen and upstairs guest quarters.
Role: Project Manager and Designer
Supervisors: Jonathan Hess
Status: Completed
I was the designer and project manager for the historic restoration/renovation of
The Ireland House, on the campus of DePauw University. Through extensive research
and on-site investigations, I guided the exterior back to it’s original form. The interior
scope restored historical items, while also converting the structure into an accessible
guest house for hosting visiting dignitaries.

21. REF.
WH
DW
DW
1
2
4 55
3
BED 3
116
BED 2
114
ENTRY
100
LIVING
101
KITCHEN
102
DINING
103
BATH 1
108
WC
110
BED 1
107
8'-0"2'-6"
8'-0"2'-6"
3'-0"
10' - 10"
5' - 3"
4'-0"
117
115
114116
112
113
100
105
103A103B
6
10
8
7
0' - 5"
0' - 8"
2' - 7" 8' - 0"
0' - 0"1' - 3" 2' - 8" 1' - 5" 2' - 8"
EQ EQ
5'-0"
MECH
106
BATH 2
113
CLST
112
HALL
111
CLST
115
CLST
117
0'-5"
2' - 6 1/2"
108
106
2'-6"
104
ALIGN
0'-4"
7'-61/2"
3'-4"
2'-91/2"
2'-91/2"
107
HALL
104
MUD
105
APPROX. REMAINDER
~ 4' - 8 1/4"
3' - 0" 6' - 3"
2'-10"
ALIGN
14' - 9"
3' - 8 1/2" 7' - 5" 3' - 7 1/2"
6'-0"0'-6"6'-0"
4'-2"
2' - 8 3/4"2' - 5 3/4"2' - 2 1/2"
EQEQ
1' - 6"
3' - 8"
EQ EQ
EQEQ
CRAWL ACCESS
A102
1
A203
1
A204
1
ATTIC ACCESS
22 1/2" x 54"
9
3
A202
FULLHT
2'-6"
FULL HT
2' - 5"
Scale
Date
Drawn by
Checked by
Ben McGhee + Lauren Schmidt
317.459.7512 mcghee101@gmail.com LKS
BJM
08.14.2013
1/4" = 1'-0"
A101
FIRST FLOOR PLAN1515 Residence
1513 S New Jersey St
Indianapolis, IN 46225
GENERAL NOTES
1. PLANS ARE DIMENSIONED TO FACE OF
STUD, BLOCK OR EXISTING
CONSTRUCTION UNLESS NOTED
OTHERWISE. NOTE THAT EXISTING
CONSTRUCTION IS ROUGH CUT 2X4.
2. CONTRACTOR TO FIELD VERIFY ALL
MEASUREMENTS PRIOR TO BEGINNING
WORK. NOTIFY OWNER IMMEDIATELY OF
ANY DISCREPANCIES.
3. LOCATE DOOR OPENINGS ON CENTER OF
HALL OR ROOM WIDTH UNLESS
DIMENSIONED OTHERWISE.
4. ALL EXISTING CONDITIONS, ELEVATIONS,
AND DIMENSIONS ARE TO BE VERIFIED IN
THE FIELD BY THE CONTRACTOR OR
SUBCONTRACTOR PRIOR TO
CONSTRUCTION OR FABRICATION.
CONTRACTOR SHALL DIMENSION AND
LAYOUT All FRAMING PRIOR TO ANY
CONSTIRUCTION AND MUST NOTIFY
OWNER OF ANY DISCREPANCIES.
5. THE CONTRACTOR IS TO REVIEW THE
DOCUMENTS AND FAMILIARIZE HIMSELF
WITH THE EXISTING BUILDING, ITS
SYSTEMS AND ITS STRUCTURAL DESIGN
AND CONDITION BEFORE PROCEEDING
WITH WORK
1513 GUT REHAB
Recreational - Personal Project - 2014
Task: Convert a dilapidated duplex into a contemporary single family home
Role: Owner, Designer, Contractor
Status: Completed
Living in Indianapolis I quickly developed an interest in the problem of abandoned
housing. After many months of snooping through abandoned properties, many slated
for demolition, my wife and I finally found one worth fixing up. A boarded up duplex,
located along one of the great esplanades of Indianapolis.
We originally planned on removing the dilapidated rear, and adding space in the attic,
but the structural requirements proved financially infeasible, so we re-built the rear
with a contemporary flair. The design keeps the shotgun double layout, but with the
space divided into public and private halves. Another key decision was to remove
both front doors and add a side door instead. This finally allowed the living spaces to
open up to their full widths and for a designated entry hall.
The project took an immense amount of free-time, money, and effort, but the
experience was invaluable. My wife and I completed a large majority of the work
ourselves, including many months worth of demolition. Filling the role of contractor,
designer, client, and owner on one project was extremely educational. Having little
to no building experience before this project, I now have a much better grasp of the
nuances of design and construction.
After living in the house for less than a year, we sold it before moving to the
Netherlands. At its sale, the house was the highest priced sale the neighborhood had
had in over 20 years. The project proved to be a vanguard, by giving the neighborhood
a high-end “comp” homes are now selling for double what we sold ours for.

25. Pennsy pocket Park
Recreational - Volunteer - 2013
Task: Design a pocket park located along a derelict stretch of urban trail.
Role: Design, documentation, construction; shared responsibility with a mulit-
disciplinary design team. Lead volunteers in construction.
Status: Completed
A local community group (Keep Indianapolis Beautiful) was seeking a use for this
neglected stretch of urban trail. Working with some friends (under the banner of
the “Design Authority”), we led a design-build effort to create a pocket park in this
struggling neighborhood. We completed all of the design work pro bono, and helped
construct a majority of the park. The design draws trail users into the space, a space
defined by its use of reclaimed limestone curbs. The limestone was oriented to allow
for multiple uses, including sitting, gathering and play.

27. Benjamin J McGhee
2016 Design Portfolio