ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

EVI CAPETANAKIS · VIRGINIA TECH 2027

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 PARASITIC SHELTER · OCTOBER 2023

02 COWGILL PLAZA INTERVENTION · JANUARY 2024

03 ABLUTION PAVILION · NOVEMBER 2023

04 PERSONAL STUDIES · 2022-2024

05 FIRST YEAR WORK · 2022-2023

01 PARASITIC SHELTER
An existing perch structure is
located in Allisonia, Virginia along
the New River Trail. Commissioned
to craft a shelter for two unrelated
individuals and incorporate a
practical bike storage space, the
challenge was to seamlessly attach
my creation without grounding it.
Limited to the materials used in the
original perch—concrete, wood,
and steel—I conceived a design
featuring two striking cantilevered
concrete boxes. Embracing open
corners, these elements invite
natural light and ventilation,
creating an airy and welcoming
environment. The wooden stairs,
extending gracefully from the
structure’s apex and anchored
into the side, not only provide
access to the second story but also
contribute to the overall structural
integrity. Completing the ensemble,
a discreet bike rack positioned at
the shelter’s rear not only secures
bicycles but acts as an additional
source of support to the ascending
stairs. This project harmoniously
blends functionality and aesthetics,
transforming the riverside perch
into a dynamic and purposeful
space along the New River Trail.
02 COWGILL PLAZA INTERVENTION

In front of the Virginia Tech School

of Architecture, lies the Cowgill
Plaza—an inviting hub for student
engagement and study. Within
this space, I envisioned a circular
building, strategically disrupting
the square pattern of the plaza
to provide students with a unique
and intimate environment for
diverse activities. This building
caters specifically to the needs of
architecture students, featuring
designated areas for focused
studying, intricate model
making, and casual lounging.
The building’s innovative design
incorporates two ramps located
between the exterior and interior
skin, spiraling upward to a
rooftop garden, encouraging
students to seamlessly transition
between indoor and outdoor
learning environments,
fostering a harmonious blend
of academics and nature. The
Cowgill Plaza, enhanced by
this circular structure, stands not
only as a functional space but
as a testament to the synergy
between thoughtful design
and the vibrant academic
community at Virginia Tech.
03 ABLUTION PAVILION

Nestled on a sloped site in Allisonia,

Virginia, along the New River Trail,
a bathhouse emerges as a haven
for hikers, offering a place to bathe
amidst nature. The architectural
design is stereotomic and heavy;
however, it artfully balances
solidity with weightlessness by
including a cantilevered patio
area, as well as a cantilevered
roof that gracefully hovers over the
1000 square foot bathing pool. The
facility encompasses two shower/
changing areas, three toilet rooms,
and three publicly accessible sinks.
Upon entry, sinks invite visitors
with a panoramic view of the river
from the cantilevered patio. To the
left, one will find the toilet rooms,
while showers and a convenient
cubby space is located to the right.
The pool, tucked in the pavilion’s
back corner, enjoys privacy with a
strategically placed wall blocking
views from the east. Another wall
on the west side ensures patio
seclusion without compromising
the embrace of ample sunlight.
This bathhouse not only caters to
trail explorers’ practical needs but
also offers a tranquil retreat in the
midst of Virginia’s natural beauty.
04 PERSONAL STUDIES

Since starting at Virginia Tech,

drawing and sketching has
become my cherished hobby,
as it allows me to explore my
artistic inclinations. My passion
primarily lies in capturing the
timeless beauty of architecture,
with a particular fascination
for classical Greek columns
and arches. Beyond the
realm of architecture, I also
find joy in bringing diverse
landscapes to life on paper.
Through drawing, I not only
cultivate my artistic skills but
also immerse myself in the
exploration of architecture and
nature, creating a harmonious
synergy between my passion
and the world that inspires me.
05 FIRST YEAR WORK

My first year at Virginia Tech

revolved around the processes
of design, experimentation,
and the cultivation of creativity.
This pursuit materialized in
tangible forms through the
creation of several projects.
Positioned at the top left is
a self-constructed lamp, a
testament to my exploration
of functional design, aesthetic
principles, and woodworking
methods. It features a mosaic
from a broken childhood mug
and recycled materials. The
bottom of the left page shows
my pinhole camera images,
a project that taught me how
to work with and understand
light and movement. The
right page shows a foam
board crafted cube with
varying volumes throughout,
showcasing my evolving
spatial understanding. Beyond
enhancing my creativity,
these projects advanced
my construction skills,
specifically woodworking
and architectural model-
making materials and tools.