adriancruz teachingportfolio
accidental sea
University at Buffalo Fall 2022 Design Studio
Instructor: Nick Bruscia
Site: Salton Sea, CA (Remote)
This project takes place within the Salton Sea – California’s largest lake. The sea sits in between the agricultural fields of the Coachella and Imperial Valleys. It was created through an engineering disaster at the turn of the last century. It took two years to stem the tide and ultimately left the desert with this vast expanse of water, which caught the attention of real estate developers. They developed schools, neighborhoods, and hotels that brought people in droves. High salinity levels and scorching temperatures during the summer months brought massive fish die-offs and sea level fluctuations. I was interested in exploring the next chapter of the Salton Sea, which brought me to my overall concept: conveying two realities, both present and future realities using collaged drawings and occluded “found” objects. The occluded objects act as portals that distort the drawings.
After, present
Before, 1950s postcard
Salton Sea wildlife disappears, Desert Sun
- forerunner of the modern camera
- initially designed for a different field
- a pioneer of Southern California’s Light and Space Movement
- Irwin exposes what already exists and the phenomena of space
Camera Obscura
Robert Irwin
combining all of the inspiration
weavie thatchie
University at Buffalo Spring 2022 Design Studio
Instructor: Nick Bruscia
Site: Hida, Japan (Remote)
Group Work
Collaborators: Lovepreet Kaur Phuong Vu
This research studio focused on the relationship between culture and technology. We collaborated with Hidakuma/FabCafe Hida while building an understanding of Japan’s history, culture and traditional building craft. The course was situated around the use of augmented reality; the goal was to expand the role of digital design techniques within architectural education.
My group was focused on the layering of traditional weaving and thatching; both have been around for thousands of years. Weaving is typically used at smaller scales for basketry, while thatching is used as a roofing material. We utilized augmented reality as a guide for users to create a “weaved basket”. And, because our studio was situated remotely while collaborating with FabCafe Hida, we imagined that our final iteration would exist within the FabCafe interior courtyard.
Dune House Archispektras (ArchDaily)
start with ‘x’ and add two strips at top + bottom start with ‘x’ and add two strips at top + bottom
thatching process
reed screen over framework thatching is angled and tightened scaffolding is applied while working up thatching is cleaned up held together using sewing rope working from top to bottom thatching is cut and compacted completion
climbing and observing
assemblage
University at Buffalo Spring 2021 Design Studio
Instructor: Annette Lecuyer
Abigail Peters
Site: Allentown, Buffalo, NY
This project is inspired by the artwork, Suprematist Composition by Kazimir Malevich. His approach to layering and fragmentation is intriguing and ideal for a civic building with such stature.
It is also interesting how the scale of his pieces are ambiguousthey can be seen at a massive urban scale or small scale. This is both an art gallery and beacon along a main corridor, Delaware Ave. Wrapped in a copper skin which will evolve along with the building. Floating bars of light distinguish the stacked galleries and public spaces. The building engages directly with the site through its overall scale, the entrance along Delaware Ave, and various views throughout gallery and event spaces. Its copper skin pays tribute to other buildings along Delaware Ave with copper finishes; it also expresses its yearn to change alongside the community through its oxidation.
Suprematist Composition
Kazimir Malevich
existing site
The existing site is placed on the corner of Allen St + Delaware Ave. Delaware Ave is a major corridor, connecting downtown Buffalo to the north.
overhang forecourt entrance along delaware ave views + terrace for events 1 1 4 2 2 5 4 5 3 3 6 6 site engagement
engaging existing site
The site stands alone from any adjacent sites - this makes its presence very bold.
The entrance is a gradual transition from street to building through a fragmented landscape.
The cafe [2nd floor] cantilevers above the forecourt providing shading and enhances its legibility as an entrance.
alternating views per gallery
The alternating galleries allow for users to experience various views of the buildings context. It also expresses the buildings structural system.
After traversing throughout the museum users are rewarded with an event space, that has views looking back at the city.
park pavilion
Fall 2024 Visual Presentation, SDSU Site: Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
Students were tasked with designing a community pavilion to replace the World Design Capital Pavilion currently on the site.
We used the Farnsworth House, by Mies van der Rohe as a base model for the project. The task was to manipulate the base and transform into the pavilion. The students also used the adjectives used to describe your compositions from Project 2. These adjectives were used as jumping off points in their designs. The AI images generated were also used as points of inspiration. Both decisions informed the final design of the building and spaces.
The Ripple Pavilion is a thoughtfully designed open-space pavilion aimed at fostering community engagement and connection. While predominantly an open area for versatile community use, it also features three essential enclosed structures: a storage room, a restroom, and a larger multi-purpose space. This larger structure is ideal for hosting events, gatherings, and activities, and is available for rental to accommodate various community needs. Designed with simplicity and functionality in mind,The Ripple Pavilion serves as a practical and welcoming space for all, balancing minimalism with utility to enhance the communal experience.
Ripple Pavilion
Yasmin Parsa
circulation diagram
programmatic diagram
GATHERING SPACE
PERFORMANCE AREA
The Infinite Archway Pavilion features open arches forming a circle, inviting visitors from all directions. The design creates infinite pathways converging at a central space, perfect for gatherings and performances.
Infinite Archway Alina Skrocki
programmatic diagram
The sunset pavilion is an open air pavilion inspired by the serene setting of sunset cliffs. It includes a gallery space, nature aspect and an interactive structure. It’s simplicity allows attention to be given to the art and the surroundings.
Sunset Pavilion
Megan Reynolds
circulation diagram
community awareness
Fall 2024 Visual Presentation, SDSU
What is the purpose of drawing, and why do we still do it? How can charcoal on paper express emotions, ideas, or desires?
Composing juxtaposed items/ images/ideas is what the students were after.
Mia Avila
Amelie Kost
ai narrative and images
2023-2024 Visual Presentation, SDSU
For this project, students were tasked to generate a narrative and ai-generated images that related to their final design project. The narrative generated influenced the ai-generated images which were meant to be incorporated into the final design. These were generated using the programs ChatGPT and Midjourney.
Prompt: Create a narrative for me about designing an art studio for a client that resides by the Salton Sea. Talk about the type of client they are, the necessities for an art studio, materials to use for the studio that would work best for the environment, and other important things for this narrative.
Title: “Reflections by the Salton Sea: A Tale of Creativity and Harmony”
Nestled amidst the captivating beauty of the Salton Sea, there lived a remarkable artist named Elena. Her spirit danced with the vibrant hues of the sea at sunset, and her artwork was a mirror of the ever-changing landscape that surrounded her. For years, Elena had dreamt of a space that not only housed her creativity but also served as a tranquil retreat where inspiration flowed as freely as the sea breeze.
Elena was more than an artist; she was a lover of nature. Her deep connection to the delicate ecosystem of the Salton Sea was reflected not just in her art but in her entire way of life. When it came time to bring her dream art studio to life, Elena knew it had to be more than just a building; it had to be a sanctuary that blended seamlessly with the environment she cherished. With Elena’s unique blend of artistry and environmental consciousness in mind, we set out to design a studio that would be both functional and sustainable, reflecting the beauty of the Salton Sea’s surroundings.
Our first consideration was the structure of the studio. To blend harmoniously with the desert landscape, we chose to use locally sourced natural materials. Adobe bricks, known for their excellent insulation and sustainability, would form the walls, creating a cozy space that stayed cool in the desert heat and warm in the winter chill.
We strategically placed large windows to capture the breathtaking views of the Salton Sea, allowing natural light to flood the studio and reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Solar panels discreetly installed on the roof would provide clean, renewable energy to power Elena’s tools and lights, keeping her carbon footprint light.
Inside the studio, every detail was thoughtfully considered. The floors, made from reclaimed wood from old barns in the area, added a touch of history and character to the space. A high ceiling with exposed wooden beams created an open and airy atmosphere, perfect for nurturing creativity.
Elena’s workstations were designed to be versatile, with plenty of storage for her canvases, brushes, and paints. We created a cozy nook by the window, her contemplative corner, where she could sketch her ideas while gazing out at the sea’s ever-changing colors.
But it wasn’t just about the physical space; it was also about the feeling. We added a small meditation garden just outside the studio, filled with native desert plants and a soothing fountain. This would be Elena’s place of reflection, a serene oasis where she could find inspiration before diving into her next masterpiece.
As the studio took shape, Elena visited the site, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy. It was clear that “Reflections by the Salton Sea” was more than just a structure; it was a tribute to her love for the environment and her passion for art.
On the day of the studio’s unveiling, friends and fellow artists gathered by the Salton Sea, their laughter mingling with the gentle lapping of the water against the shore. Elena stepped into her new sanctuary, a sense of peace washing over her. Here, by the Salton Sea, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the fruits of her creativity, she knew she had found her true home. And so, “Reflections by the Salton Sea” came to life, not just as an art studio, but as a testament to the harmonious relationship between art and nature, creativity and sustainability. In this space, Elena’s artistry would continue to flourish, inspired by the ever-changing canvas of the Salton Sea.
Tartiel Alani
Prompt: Create an art studio exterior beside the salton sea inspired by Zaha Hadid’s architecture.
Prompt: Create a narrative of 5 friends and an orange cat that enjoy a visit to a cabin in Iceland for a weekend
Once upon a chilly November, five close friends, Emily, Jake, Sarah, Liam, and Mia, decided to embark on an adventurous weekend getaway to a cozy cabin in the heart of Iceland. They were excited to escape their busy lives and immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of Iceland’s natural landscapes. The journey began on a Friday afternoon when they all met at the Reykjavik airport, each of them carrying a backpack filled with warm clothes and hiking gear. They were welcomed by the crisp Icelandair and a stunning view of snow-capped mountains in the distance. The friends couldn’t wait to get to their cabin and start exploring the wonders of this enchanting country. Their chosen cabin was nestled amidst a pristine forest, surrounded by a blanket of snow. It was a rustic, yet charming abode with a massive fireplace, wooden interiors, and large, panoramic windows that offered uninterrupted views of the frozen wilderness. As they entered, they were greeted by the cabin’s friendly owner, Einar, who had prepared a steaming pot of traditional Icelandic lamb stew and a freshly baked batch of rye bread. The aroma filled the cabin, making their stomachs growl in anticipation. After indulging in a hearty meal, the friends decided to explore the area. They bundled up in warm layers, donning their winter gear, and stepped out into the frozen wonderland. As they ventured deeper into the forest, they discovered a picturesque frozen lake and decided to try their luck at ice skating. They laughed and fell on the ice, creating precious memories that would last a lifetime. On their way back to the cabin, a fluffy orange cat, which they later named Marmalade, appeared out of nowhere and began following them. Marmalade had a friendly and inquisitive demeanor, and the friends couldn’t resist adopting their new feline companion. Marmalade quickly became a part of their group, adding a unique element of charm to their weekend adventure.
Evenings in the cabin were spent playing board games by the roaring fireplace, sharing stories of their lives, and enjoying hot chocolate with marshmallows. The friends also took advantage of the clear nights to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, a sight that left them in awe of the natural beauty of Iceland. During the daytime, they ventured out to explore more of the Icelandic wilderness, taking hikes to nearby waterfalls, visiting geothermal hot springs, and immersing themselves in the serene and untouched landscape. Their days were filled with laughter and shared adventures, making their bond even stronger. As the weekend came to a close, the friends felt a deep sense of gratitude for their time in Iceland. They had shared unforgettable experiences, grown closer as friends, and discovered a special connection to the land and nature.
They bid farewell to the cabin, Marmalade, and the Icelandic wilderness, promising to return someday for another magical adventure in this breathtaking country. And so, with hearts full of warmth and memories to treasure, they left the cabin behind, taking with them the spirit of Iceland and the enduring friendship they had formed during their unforgettable weekend in the land of fire and ice.
Prompt: A Japanese traditional based trekking cabin. Cabin made to support a group of 8. Place into a nature scene in iceland. –c 50 –ar 9:16
Prompt: Imagine a pavilion inspired by the Edith Farnsworth house inspired by turbulent and eerie emotions
Deep within a misty forest, a decaying pavilion stood as an eerie remnant of its former self, inspired by the Edith Farnsworth House. Once, its sleek glass walls framed serene views of nature. Now, shattered glass lay scattered across the ground, while jagged shards clung stubbornly to rusted frames. The roof cracked under the weight of creeping moss, and seams ripped the concrete foundation. Nature had reclaimed the space, blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Twisting vines spiraled up the pavilion’s skeletal columns, with tendrils wrapping around the decaying walls as if pulling the structure deeper into the forest’s grasp. In its ruin, the pavilion was both beautiful and haunting, a silent testament to the relentless passage of time.
Chloe Morales
Prompt: Imagine a pavilion inspired by the Edith Farnsworth house inspired by turbulent and eerie emotions
NON ARCHITECTURE RE-DRAW COMPETITION - finalist
Collaborators: Charlie Ngov
The collage is a symbolic story of the Nakagin Capsules’ life, specifically capturing the aftermath of its lifespan. 1970s’ birth of the Nakagin Capsules’ revolves around the philosophy of Metabolism, an architectural movement which takes inspiration from a cellular system, functional operation to allow removable pods like cells to reconstruct and reorganize. From its end, the cellular pod was unable to fulfill its functional purpose to leave its host, and began to compose the opposite, decomposition. Years go along until it is disassembled, failed functionally into its cellular programming; the cells are planned to distribute different parts from all over the world to various locations. The life of the Nakagin Capsules’ is expressed as a transition from a mixed-use building on earth to a space port, where capsules act as landers. Outer space represents the new beginnings the capsules will be spread out to become. A fulfilled purpose from a different perspective; space the final frontier.
Amass aims to create a powerful and reflective monument at the historic Trinity Site, commemorating the last atomic bomb while honoring the lives affected by nuclear warfare. The design focuses on the symbolic representation of strength, endurance, and contemplation. The robust concrete columns, meticulously arranged, stand as a testament to resilience amidst tragedy. They embody permanence and solidity, showcasing the lasting impact of historical events. Placed at the site of the inaugural nuclear explosion, the memorial creates a profound juxtaposition, inviting visitors to reflect on the consequences of such immense power. The design evokes a sense of remembrance, emphasizing the human cost and the need for a peaceful future.
malevich’s pompidou, 2022
NON ARCHITECTURE RE-DRAW COMPETITION - finalist
The Pompidou Centre serves as a backdrop in this image. The focus was on the supply ducts that litter the facade, which transform the building into a work of art. The idea was to create an image of the Pompidou Centre during the same time that Russian avant-garde artists, like Kazimir Malevich, were challenging the notion of art; what is art and what is painting? Malevich often painted scenes of farmers and workers, which sparked the idea that these farmers could be harvesting the supply ducts. This fell in line with the fact that mechanical services have a short life, which meant they would need to changed and serviced.
