Danielle Rothman is a third year architecture student at the University of Pennsylvania. Her portfolio includes works exploring drawing techniques, fabrication, biomimicry, and urban interventions. She also analyzes sun simulation software to design a facade system that provides comfortable daylighting based on the sun's position and intensity throughout the day.

1. Danielle Rothman
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University of Pennsylvania ‘13
Third Year Architecture
Selected Works
Drothman@sas.upenn.edu

2. Helix
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1 [EXPLORATION]
Utilizing various drawing media
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a. Scripting
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c. Illustrator Composite - Discovering how to
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through space.
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''Helix
Dim xPt, yPt, zPt
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Dim numPoints: numPoints = 30
ReDim points(numPoints)
Dim rads
Dim radius

3. 2 [FABRICATION]
Moving from 2-D to 3-D
a. SketchUp - A moveable panel between
two loungers to provide variable levels
of privacy.
b. Poplar Recut - A test of the strength of
a material.

4. 3 [BIOMIMICRY]
Taking inspiration from nature
a. Venus flytrap - This plant resides in dim-lit
environments and relies on flies to get
nutrients. It is triggered by the weight of
the fly and snaps shut to secure the fly.
b. Analog - A hand drawing of my
interpretation of the flytrap’s snap. While
open, the leaves are in an open convex
position. It quickly flips to the concave
position to capture the fly in.
c. Paper Prototype - Two mylar tension strings
are weaved through the inner and outer
edges. Pulling the inner string causes the
prototype to close. Pulling the outer string
causes the prototype to open.
d. Rhino Model

5. 4 [URBAN INTERVENTION]
From nature to in situ structure
a. Water Weight - Like the Venus flytrap is
triggered by the weight of the fly, this
rainshade is triggered by the weight of
water. As the well fills with rainwater,
the shade bends down over the alley,
protecting the pedestrians from the rain.
b. Photomontage - The shade in its down or
protective position, covering the alley so
pedestrians passing by stay dry.
c. Diagram of Venus flytrap

6. Sunny Summer 9am Cloudy Summer 9am
5 [SUN SIMULATION]
Sunny Winter 9am Cloudy Winter 9am W E Analysis for a comfortable sun system
NO SUN
NO SUN a. Comfort Diagram -The program for the facade
LOW
NIGHT
SLEEP
S
is based off my comfort and activity levels.
ACTIVITY
b. Ecotect - (Top 4) Morning light can come
directly into the space because of its low
AFTERNOON
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MORNING
UV index. It also wakes me up and gets me
LOW DIRECT
SUNLIGHT moving in the morning.
(Bottom 4) Afternoon light is diffused by
ACTIVE
MOD- Sunny Summer 5pm Cloudy Summer 5pm
ERATE
LOW
design because it is harmful to the skin.
VERY
HIGH
MIDDAY
c. Ecotect-influenced Diagrams - (Top) Morning
DIFFUSED
SUNLIGHT
MODERATE
MODERATELY
ACTIVE
EXTREME
VERY HIGH
light shines directly into the room.
Sunny Winter 5pm Cloudy Winter 5pm
W E (Bottom) Afternoon light is diffused when it
hits the screened facade.
S

7. 6 [SOUTHERN EXPOSURE]
Facade with integrated sun system
a. Westward-facing Shade -The afternoon’s
western light is harmful to the skin. To
protect against this light, cylindrical glass
rods are placed diagonally along the facade
to diffuse the light.
b. Eastward-facing Balcony - The morning light
from the east wakes me up. It does little
harm to the skin. Therefore, the light shines
directly through the balcony and glass wall.
c. Apartment Sections