ESTEBAN CASTRO CHACON
P O R T F O L I O
1 9 9 9 . 2 0 1 2 M A R C H G R A D U A T E A R C H I T E C T U R A L D E S I G N C A N D I D A T E 2 0 1 3 / 1 4 s t u d e n t n u m b e r : 1 3 0 7 2 1 7 9
NAME DEGREE
E S T E B A N C A S T R O “LICENCIATURA” IN A R C H I T E C T U R E
C O U N T R Y COSTA RICA c a s t r o @ a a r c a n o . c o m
ISSUES > A WORK IN PROGRESS • • • • •
Understanding of design as a process Rational explorations (which is the logic?) The pursuit of an Idea – Architecture is about ideas Creativity as experimentation Multidisciplinary vision
MATRIX OF [SELECTED] WORK SINCE 1999
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URBAN KNITTED AW
99
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AW ACADEMIC WORK COURSE: DESIGN WORKSHOP X YEAR: 1999 PROJECT: REHABILITATION OF A MARGINAL AREA LOCATION: PITAYA, SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA TUTORS: • MAX BERMUDEZ / ARCHITECT. • FEDERICO FERNANDEZ / ARCHITECT.
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2nd Place at the fifth National Biennale Student Category
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MEDIATHEQUE FOR THE CITY AW
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COURSE: DESIGN WORKSHOP IX & GRADUATION PROJECT YEAR: 2001 PROJECT: MEDIATHEQUE FOR THE CITY LOCATION: SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA TUTORS: • •
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FRANZ BEER/ ARCHITECT. LUIGI LENTINI/ ARCHITECT.
[graduation project]
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HIGH TECH DESIGN – LOW TECH CONSTRUCTION AW
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This cluster focused on a process that combines the design of parametric models with rapid, manual construcAon techniques. This set was
coupled with digital seDng out strategies and results in a 1:1 prototype. The task was to devise a method of translaAng complex digital projects into real scale models, using logical geometric thinking, invenAve producAon planning and self organizaAon principles. The goal was to design and build a real scale, funcAonal habitat. This structure will be of fast deployment defined by simple components and their precisely arAculated relaAons. Components would be fabricated of standardized material. The design intelligence would go into the development of innovaAve connecAon types and assembly strategies. To achieve this, we devised a translator craM using easily available technology, such as a convenAonal desktop printer, projectors and laser beams to arAculate, scale and set the design in space. Costa Rican Rural situa@on – a par@cular case Most of our country is Rural. The dwelling in these areas is preying on nature, without any concern of actual problems and without taking advantage of contemporary knowledge and experience. We even have forgoQen our roots and built tradiAons.
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Modeling process, using Rhino and Grasshopper. The idea was to detail a corner of the design using a serial of simple plans joined together with plastic ties.
COURSE: SMART GEOMETRY WORKSHOP YEAR: 2009 PROJECT: HIGH TECH DESIGN - LOW TECH CONSTRUCTION: MODULE FOR A SMALL HOUSE LOCATION: IaaC, BARCELONA, SPAIN TUTORS: • DAVID KOSDRUY/ DESIGNER. • JUAN E SUBERCASEAUX/ INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER.
Objec@ves
Give a contemporary living space soluAon to these parAcular areas. Economic construcAon, prefab thinking. Ecological and self-‐sufficient: creaAve soluAons with Low-‐Tech construcAon (use of minimum resources)
Inspira@on
Our principal historic seQlement: Guayabo, an unique way of relaAng to nature, an unique spiritual concepAon. OrganizaAon based in the use of water. Water is the main energeAc resource of our country. Water as life and spaAal generaAon.
FINAL PROJECT HIGH TECH DESIGN – LOW TECH CONSTRUCTION CLUSTER
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HOUSE & OFFICE EVENT PW
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National Architectural Magazines
PW PROFESSIONAL WORK •
COLLABORATIVE WORK It’s the work I have made in collaboraAon with other offices or professionals
TECHNICAL DATA LOCATION: SAN JOSE – COSTA RICA PROJECT TYPE: INSTALATION / INTERNAL DESIGN OWNER: HOUSE & OFFICE EVENT CONSULTING TEAM: ARCHITECTURE / JAVIER SALINAS ARQUITECTOS / ESTEBAN CASTRO DESIGN TEAM / JAVIER SALINAS ESTEBAN CASTRO DANIEL HIDALGO CARLA CARRANZA JORGE CAMACHO STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: ROY ACUÑA MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: CLAUDIO SOTO CONSTRUCTION: JAVIER SALINAS ARQUITECTOS PROJECT DESCRIPTION HEIGHT: 1 FLOOR INTERVENTION AREA: 4 SPACES CONSTRUCTION AREA: 315 sqm
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STATUS: BUILT and DEMOLISHED
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CORPORATE COMMUNICATION BUILDING PW
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1ST Place VERITAS Biennale 2003 National Magazines
TECHNICAL DATA LOCATION: LA URUCA, SAN JOSE – COSTA RICA PROJECT TYPE: OFFICE BUILGING OWNER: COMUNICACION CORPORATIVA S.A. CONSULTING TEAM: ARCHITECTURE / JAVIER SALINAS ARQUITECTOS DESIGN TEAM / JAVIER SALINAS ESTEBAN CASTRO FABIAN MORA LOU VANSKY HERNAN MORA STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: ROY ACUÑA ELECTRICAL MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: CLAUDIO SOTO CONSTRUCTION: PROINSA PROJECT DESCRIPTION HEIGHT: 4 FLOORS LAND AREA: AVERIGUAR 510 sqm CONSTRUCTION AREA: 1.250 sqm 12 STATUS: BUILT
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TIKAL 2011 PW
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A Honorable Mention
TECHNICAL DATA LOCATION: PETEN – GUATEMALA PROJECT TYPE: ECOLOGICAL HOSTEL CONTEST OWNER: ARCHITECTUM / LANDSCAPE COMPETITION CONSULTING TEAM: TUTOR / ESTEBAN CASTRO DESIGN TEAM / JORGE GONZALEZ CESAR PORRAS CYNTHIA ROMERO REBECA ZUÑIGA STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: GERARDO RAMIREZ 14
STATUS: UNBUILT
This privileged locaAon is chosen due to a complex bonded by very important buildings, with the Temple I to the east, Temple II to the west, North Acropolis to the north, and the Central Acropolis to the south. In this locaAon our project interacts directly with the archaeological monuments in a respec_ul way. Configured by the infrastructure previously menAoned, the plaza is the heart and center of Tikal city. RecreaAonal and ritual acAviAes took place here, such as the “Ball Game”. Although the project intervenes the Great Plaza of Tikal, this place do not loses its importance. Our project gives an addiAonal value by “translaAng” it using modern materials. Maya’s believes consist of a complex convicAon of life in which the Underworld is an important place where people’s soul dwell aMer death. According to their religion, individuals reborn in a new human being, and this revival includes a new vision of life. The project is locate underground making an allusion of the Maya’s Underworld. This is possible due to the climaAc condiAoning of every space, and this posiAon offers a totally different view of the two magnificent temples. The project has several strategies of climaAc condiAoning and self sufficiency. The users comfort and the obligaAon of architecture to reduce its impact in the environment lead this design. The use of ducts that allows wind and natural light to come into the project are important along with water pipes and a farmyard that are intended to provide water and healthy food to the users.
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ARTii SHOW ROOM PW
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TECHNICAL DATA LOCATION: SAN JOSE – COSTA RICA PROJECT TYPE: COMMERCIAL SHOW ROOM OWNER: ARTII S.A. CONSULTING TEAM: ARCHITECTURE / OTTO CASTRO/ ESTEBAN CASTRO STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: OTTO CASTRO MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: ROY JIMENEZ CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTORA MARVIN S.A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION HEIGHT: 1 FLOOR LAND AREA: 800 sqm CONSTRUCTION AREA: 95 sqm STATUS: IN CONSTRUCTION
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HOSSLI JEWELERS PW
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National Magazine
TECHNICAL DATA LOCATION: MULTIPLAZA, ESCAZU – COSTA RICA PROJECT TYPE: COMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN OWNER: HOSSLI JEWELERS CONSULTING TEAM: ARCHITECTURE / AARCANO ARQUITECTURA DESIGN TEAM / CARLA CARRANZA ESTEBAN CASTRO STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: ROY ACUÑA ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: CLAUDIO SOTO CONSTRUCTION: CARLOS HERNANDEZ
PW PROFESSIONAL WORK • AARCANO WORK
It’s the work I have made under my own architectural firm: aarcano arquitectura. All projects have been created in associaAon with architect Carla Carranza. More informaAon at: www.aarcano.com
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION HEIGHT: 1 FLOOR LAND AREA: AVERIGUAR CONSTRUCTION AREA: 33sqm STATUS: BUILT
The same way in which a precious stone is distinguished inside a mine, the jewels must stand up and contrast with the architectural design that covers them. The proposed jeweler shop idea was based as a reason of showing its treasures like if it were inside the stone itself. The shine of every jewel stands out over the block surfaces material, in which its curved shape contrasts with the cubes that formed the business premises.
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D3 HOUSES PW
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TECHNICAL DATA LOCATION: SAN JOSE – COSTA RICA PROJECT TYPE: RESIDENTIAL OWNER: FAMILIA CARRANZA TORRE.
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Revista Su Casa # 35, 38 & 50. Costa Rica Revista Habitar 50. Costa Rica
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Honorable MenAon at 3rd VERITAS Biennale. 2003
CONSULTING TEAM: ARCHITECTURE / ESTEBAN CASTRO / CARLA CARRANZA STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: ENRRIQUE MORENO MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: CIRCUITO S.A. CONSTRUCTION: AIE CONSTRUCTORA. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2 FAMILY HOUSES HEIGHT: 3 FLOORS LAND AREA: 2.500 sqm CONSTRUCTION AREA: 420 sqm STATUS: BUILT
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The 3-‐D houses form a set of three houses located in the Eco-‐residenAal Villa Real, on the west of San José city. This program consists of one main house of 400 sq meters and two houses independently designed to be in future a single housing of 80 sqm. The gardens and the vehicular access is shared by the three houses. The area composed of rough topography, offers wide visual views towards the Northwest and also toward the privileged vegetaAon that is kept inside the residenAal represented by three enormous Guanacaste trees that give to the space a sensaAon of comfort, something ephemeral for a long period of Ame but simultaneously gives a sense of fragility perpetrated for a short Ame.
“The role of nature can be seen as a possible model of architecture, this an anAque and constant issue in the history of architecture”. Our interest in the planning of our projects seek a new formulaAon without creaAng an empAness or an imitaAon of natural forms, is trying to establish its hidden geometry penetraAng the spirit that it is inside of it.
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CONTAINER OFFICES [aarcano] PW
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Cuaderno de Arquitectura LaAnoamerica 360. “Límites” ArgenAna
TECHNICAL DATA LOCATION: SAN JOSE – COSTA RICA PROJECT TYPE: OFFICE FACILITY OWNER: AARCANO. CONSULTING TEAM: ARCHITECTURE / ESTEBAN CASTRO / CARLA CARRANZA MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: CIRCUITO S.A. CONSTRUCTION: AARCANO. PROJECT DESCRIPTION TEMPORARY OFFICE HEIGHT: 1 FLOOR LAND AREA: 1200 sqm CONSTRUCTION AREA: 60 sqm STATUS: BUILT 22
Our inAmate space of work. ReuAlizaAon and fiDng out of two small containers form a space where the creaAvity and the work is sAmulated. Between both containers exists an exterior area, a foyer that simultaneously integrates the landscape that surrounds it. The WC was built in a separated module in exposed concrete blocks.
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BETWEEN TEAKS HOUSE PW
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Cuaderno de Arquitectura LaAnoamerica 360. “Límites” ArgenAna Revista Su Casa #66. Costa Rica
TECHNICAL DATA LOCATION: GUANACASTE – COSTA RICA PROJECT TYPE: RESIDENTIAL OWNER: MARIA LUISA CONSULTING TEAM: ARCHITECTURE / ESTEBAN CASTRO / CARLA CARRANZA STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: ENRRIQUE MORENO MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: CIRCUITO S.A. CONSTRUCTION: CARLOS HRDZ. PROJECT DESCRIPTION HOUSE AND BETHROOMS FOR RENT HEIGHT: 2 FLOORS LAND AREA: 1.300 sqm CONSTRUCTION AREA: 80 sqm STATUS: BUILT
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Inside a young plantaAon of teak trees, we locate a small beach house with a specific program according to the area. Small spaces that are opened to the outside and external communicaAons allowing the enviroment to become protagonist of the space. The bedrooms are separated to be rent whenever the client requires it.The wood was obtained from the local area and the use of materials is cheap and of low impact.
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5 CONDO BLOCKS PW
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TECHNICAL DATA LOCATION: PUNTARENAS – COSTA RICA PROJECT TYPE: HOUSING OWNER: GRUPO CARRANZA CONSULTING TEAM: ARCHITECTURE / ESTEBAN CASTRO / CARLA CARRANZA STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: ENRRIQUE MORENO MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: CIRCUITO S.A. CONSTRUCTION: CARLOS HRDZ. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 13 CONDOS IN 5 BLOCKS HEIGHT: 4 FLOORS LAND AREA: 3.280 sqm CONSTRUCTION AREA: 2.340 sqm STATUS: BUILT
In a hillside opposite to the sea there had to be organized 13 units of condominiums that had all areas and similar condiAons. It is conceptualized following a negaAve paQern toward the rocks of the zone, which have a fragmented configuraAon with defined axis that generate major perforaAons where it is easier that there proliferate the housings of different types of organisms. This way the condominiums are defined by big regular volumes that are seen cut by freer elements that generate spaces of scaQering. The modules have been separated between each other to improve the venAlaAon and simultaneously to allow the visual access toward the sea. These separaAons generate that the semi private movements access to each unit or to enter to the social zones. 26
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ANAPANASATI HOUSE PW
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L4. House Design. South Korea Revista Enlace. México
TECHNICAL DATA LOCATION: GUANACASTE – COSTA RICA PROJECT TYPE: HOUSING OWNER: GRUPO CARRANZA CONSULTING TEAM: ARCHITECTURE / ESTEBAN CASTRO / CARLA CARRANZA STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: ENRRIQUE MORENO / LUIS FERNANDO QUIROS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: JAVIER SEGURA ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: JAVIER SEGURA CONSTRUCTION: CONYCON S.A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION FAMILY HOUSE HEIGHT: 2 FLOORS LAND AREA: 312.710 sqm CONSTRUCTION AREA: 450 sqm 28
STATUS: 350 sqm BUILT
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AnapanasaA House Folding surfaces This is a house located in the middle of the dry forest of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, a place that used to be a caQle ranch. The work began with the reforestaAon of the property and selecAng the right locaAon of the house: The topography, wind, views and orientaAon were considered very carefully in that maQer. Due to the absence of natural shadow and the lengthy dry season, we conceptualized the space as a folding surface that is separated from the ground, creaAng a more confortable living space under its protecAon. The house consists in a core of double height that contains the central living area. From here, it’s possible to have views to the surroundings 360°, and also this space connects the rest of the program: three bedrooms, a entertainment room, dinning and kitchen, and two terraces. We have design a tropical space in its essence: necessity of shadow, natural venAlaAon, low-‐tech construcAon, integraAon with the natural context, open and outdoor spaces... just to menAon some strategies. What differences this house is the spaAal configuraAon: how to be local but not convenAonal! The space flows through every part of the house, adding parAcular complexiAes in each room, and creaAng the sense of place. Photographs: Andrés García Lachner
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JADE MUSEUM PW
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TECHNICAL DATA LOCATION: SAN JOSE – COSTA RICA PROJECT TYPE: CULTURAL OWNER: INS CONSULTING TEAM: ARCHITECTURE / ESTEBAN CASTRO / CARLA CARRANZA
ARIANNA SALAZAR / JOSE PABLO CORDERO / AMANDA RODRIGUEZ
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: LUIS FERNANDO QUIROS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: EM INGENIEROS ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: EM INGENIEROS PROJECT DESCRIPTION MUSEUM HEIGHT: 5 FLOORS LAND AREA: 2.225 sqm CONSTRUCTION AREA: 6.460 sqm STATUS: UNBUILT
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FOLDING CORNERS FC
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TECHNICAL DATA LOCATION: PUNTARENAS – COSTA RICA PROJECT TYPE: MIXED USE OWNER: EL BAMBU CONSULTING TEAM: ARCHITECTURE / ESTEBAN CASTRO / CARLA CARRANZA STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: LUIS FERNANDO QUIROS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: EM INGENIEROS ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: EM INGENIEROS CONSTRUCTION: HYM CONSTRUCTORA PROJECT DESCRIPTION SOCIAL CLUB HEIGHT: 1 FLOOR LAND AREA: 2.250 sqm CONSTRUCTION AREA: 420 sqm STATUS: IN CONSTRUCTION
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TECHNICAL DATA LOCATION: SAN JOSE – COSTA RICA PROJECT TYPE: OFFICE BUILDING OWNER: COLEGIO DE GEOLOGOS DE COSTA RICA CONSULTING TEAM: ARCHITECTURE / ESTEBAN CASTRO / CARLA CARRANZA STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: FRANCISCO JIMENEZ BLANCO MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: CELMAN BARRENECHEA CONSTRUCTION: CONYCON S.A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION SOCIAL CLUB HEIGHT: 1 FLOOR LAND AREA: 450 sqm CONSTRUCTION AREA: 520 sqm STATUS: IN CONSTRUCTION
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ASSOCIATION OF GEOLOGISTS PW
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Photography of the construction process
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HYPERSYSTEMS TW
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TECHNICAL DATA UNIVERSITY: VERITAS 2ND YEAR COURSE UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM COURSE DEVELOPED WITH CARLOS UMAÑA
TW TEACHING WORK
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This is a workshop based on the theory of systems as a tool for territorial phenomenon reading. The main purpose is to develop the capacity of read and extract informaAon from site for later to decode, to syntheAze and to process that informaAon and turn it into tridimensional representaAons models. We based our study on the systemaAcal approach of nature to respond to different environments. That allows the student to think of parameters and variables that are involved in the design process, and be aware of the complexity of relaAonships that architecture problems demands
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LAB 3&4 TW
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TECHNICAL DATA UNIVERSITY: INSTITUTO TECNOLOGICO DE COSTA RICA 2ND YEAR COURSE UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM WORKSHOP OF ”THE IDEA” COURSE DEVELOPED WITH MINOR BLANCO
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STUDENT PROJECTS IMAGES
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ARTIFICIAL SELECTION
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TECHNICAL DATA UNIVERSITY: INSTITUTO TECNOLOGICO DE COSTA RICA RESEARCH IN ARCHITECTURAL COMPOSITION WITH FIRST YEAR STUDENTS
RW RESEARCH WORK
Ar9ficial Selec9on
This is a personal approach to the process of design from the relevant part of taking decisions. Using the course named Architectural Composi9on, students learn the importance of having a clear purpose for the objects they design. During three different years, we have searching for the soluAon of a kineAc object based on three different aspects: rotaAon, wind and gravity. Each Ame, the type of responses vary according the characterisAc of the physical phenomenon. Mostly all decisions of design are focus in solving the necessiAes rather than looking for an aestheAcs of the model. The relaAonships between parts depend on the benefit of the system, as well as the selecAon of materials, where each decision is taken based on opportunity and funcAonality. 42
WIND POWERED PROTOTYPES
GRAVITY POWERED PROTOTYPES
ROTATIONAL HAND ACTION PROTOTYPES
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Esteban Castro Chacón Architect.
San José, Costa Rica Mobile: (506) 8330 4747 Mail: castro@aarcano.com Web: aarcano.com March, 2013