building dignity | selected works
ALBERT YBANEZ
BUILDING DIGNITY
Building Dignity delves into the profound concept of dignity as a fundamental right, distinct from the culturally contingent nature of respect. Dignity posits that every individual possesses inherent rights, grounded in the recognition of their complexity, diverse perspectives, and innate value. Unlike respect, which can be influenced by cultural biases and prejudices, dignity remains a consistent principle that withstands the scrutiny of societal lenses. This enduring quality of dignity becomes the voice and strength of people, enabling them to navigate challenges with optimism and understanding.
Building Dignity combines these rights with architectural design. The portfolio reveals conceptual thinking grounded in a deep understanding of users of space, guiding a meticulous exploration of details. The result is architecture that not only functions practically but also resonates with a profound sense of place.
The narrative highlights architecture’s transformative potential, emphasizing its role in overcoming challenges by creating spaces that amplify individuals’ voices and strengths. Architecture is seen as an agent of positive change, instilling a sense of ownership and belonging among users. Creating dignified spaces is not just about architecture but a societal imperative aligned with the belief in the universal right to rights.
CONTENT a museum to facilitate conversations a farmers market to explore dignity SAMONA 04 16 a co-housing to mend trauma 24 CONVALESCE an academic internship 48 OLSON KUNDIG FIGURE - CONFIGURATION a school to empower the marginalized 32 VOICES OF NEED
“Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.”
ROLLO MAY
SAMONA
a museum to facilitate conversations
A significant portion of United States history is predicated on the amalgamation of diverse populations from around the globe. Nevertheless, the convergence of distinct individuals, cultures, and heritages may give rise to disputes, hostility, or even malice. The proposed establishment of the San Antonio Museum of New Americans aims to serve as a conduit for commemorating America’s historical narrative, while concurrently inspiring and educating a future characterized by hope and promise. The mission of the Museum of New Americans is envisioned to counteract intolerance and racism through educational initiatives that celebrate and honor the diversity of America, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of immigrants.
PROJECT NOTES
typology course project length date location
museum arch. design studio 4 9 weeks 2021 san antonio, tx
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UNDERSTANDING
STAGES OF UNDERSTANDING
Understanding unfolds in three stages: first observing from a distance, then providing an opportunity for interaction with those different from oneself, leading to a profound understanding through meaningful conversations that cultivate respect for diverse cultures.
WITNESS
WITNESS
OPPORTUNITY
WITNESS
OPPORTUNITY
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BLOCKS OF DIVERSITY
Each block symbolizes a distinct program that operates autonomously, imparting a sense of individuality and uniqueness, akin to the distinctiveness observed in various cultures.
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UP DN UP DN 11 10 13 12 DN DN 8 9 7 UP UP 5 4 1 6 2 3 PUBLIC 1 Lobby 2 Cafe 3 Visitor 4 Outdoor 5 Community 6 Kitchen 7 Library PRIVATE 8 Lecture 9 Admin EXHIBITS 10 Asian-American 11 African-American 12 Latin-American 13 Conversation 11
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SECTION
In this section, individual blocks are discernible. The spatial boundaries have become permeable, fostering a sense of mutual respect and understanding among them.
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HOPE & OPPORTUNITY
As we near our goal, glimpses of potential life scenarios emerge, revealing that those currently succeeding are not fundamentally different from us, and we also have the capacity to achieve similar success.
WITNESSING MEMORIES
Understanding someone means acknowledging their emotions, and reflecting on my move from the Philippines to America, I experienced a mix of excitement, nervousness, fear, and happiness, leaving behind both joyful and sad memories in the pursuit of a better life and a hopeful future.
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CELEBRATION OF IMMIGRANT CONTRIBUTION
Upon reaching the goal, we gain insight into the rationale behind fervent endeavors. The acknowledgment of one’s dedication and industrious efforts begins to garner appreciation from the community, thereby contributing to the overall enrichment of the environment.
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“We had to assert our dignity in small ways. Little details that tell the world we are not invisible.”
ABUELITA CLAUDIA
FIGURE - CONFIGURATION
a farmers market to explore dignity
Across the annals of trade, markets, and bazaars, textiles have played a pivotal role in contributing to their success. Embedded within these fabrics are subtle manifestations of culture, personalities, and life, discernible through the intricacies of their craftsmanship. The artistry and techniques employed in textile production serve as a silent narrative, encapsulating the essence of the communities and individuals involved. These intricate details within the textiles not only signify the mastery of craftsmanship but also serve as tangible expressions of the broader socio-cultural context in which they originate. Thus, textiles emerge as more than utilitarian items, embodying a rich tapestry of history, tradition, and the unique identities of the creators.
typology course project length date location
farmer’s market arch. design studio 3 5 weeks 2020 manhattan, ks
PROJECT NOTES
FIGURE PAIRING 20
THROWING CONFIGURATION 21
STALL
Those who frequent the farmers market will discern the identity of vendors through distinctive architectural protrusions on the roof, designed to facilitate natural light ingress.
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MARKET
Within this market setting, a capacious assembly can be accommodated within the double-height space engendered by the architectural design of the roof.
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“WE ARE NOT INVISIBLE”
The architectural details are intended to symbolize the nuanced intricacies found in textiles. Within these structures, particular emphasis is placed on the celebration of the meticulous junctions between beams and columns.
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“I lived in a violent marriage for years. I was very naive at first and really didn’t know people like him existed. He would kick me, slap me, push me, trip me over, throw things at me, stand on my feet, yell abuse, call me names like ‘social cripple’, the list goes on and on, but he never punched me.”
SURVIVOR
CONVALESCE
a co-housing to mend trauma
Survivors of domestic violence often endure profound physical and emotional traumas, making the reclamation of their dignity a crucial aspect of their healing journey. Statistics reveal a disconcerting prevalence, with approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experiencing some form of intimate partner violence during their lifetime, underscoring the pervasive nature of this issue. Building dignity for survivors involves providing not only physical shelters but also comprehensive support systems that address their emotional, psychological, and societal needs, fostering an environment where their voices are heard, and their agency is restored. Recognizing the profound impact of domestic violence on survivors’ self-worth, efforts to build dignity must prioritize empowerment, resilience, and the restoration of autonomy, enabling survivors to rebuild their lives with a sense of agency and self-respect.
PROJECT NOTES
typology course project length date location
co-housing arch. design studio 5 15 weeks 2021 topeka, ks
28 SHELTER COHOUSING HOUSING
AMOS GOLDREICH + JACOBS YANIV
BITONI ARCHITECTS
SITE
TOPEKA, KANSAS
MOSHE SAFDIE
MASS DESIGN GROUP
OLAF GIPSER ARCHITECTS
ALEJANDRO ARAVENA
DIANA KELLOGG ARCHITECTS
BETA
KLAB ARCHITECTURE
YWCA
FAIRLAWN FLATS
HEALING TRAUMA
Just as co-housing finds a balance between independence and communal support, designing healing strategies for domestic violence survivors requires a varied approach tailored to their diverse needs, fostering empowerment and autonomy within a supportive environment.
EXTROVERSION INTROVERSION AMBIVERSION
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ROOF (TOP TO BOTTOM)
STANDING SEAM ALUMINUM ROOF
4X8 3/4” OSB
8” RIGID INSULATION
4X8 3/4” OSB
6X12 DOUGLAS FIR LUMBER
SUSPENSION ROD
3/4” COUNTER BATTEN
3/4” BATTEN
3/4” ASH WOOD STRIPS
SKYLIGHT
GLAZING IN ALUMINUM FRAME: 1/4” TOUGHENED GLASS
3/4” CAVITY
1/4” TOUGHENED GLASS
ROOF
GRAVEL FULLY ADHERED ROOF MEMBRANE
4X8 3/4” OSB
8” RIGID INSULATION
4X8 3/4” OSB
6X12 DOUGLAS FIR LUMBER
SUSPENSION ROD
3/4” COUNTER BATTEN
3/4” BATTEN
3/4” ASH WOOD STRIPS
CARVED
The aim of these spaces is to create an environment that feels intricately designed for the inhabitants, departing from a generic sense of place and fostering a unique and personalized atmosphere.
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“The world is full of undiscovered genius, but without support, it may as well not exist.”
ANGELA DUCKWORTH
a school to empower the marginalized VOICES OF NEED
A typical day consists of waking up at 4:00 am to work at a grocery store and going home at 6:00 am to catch the school bus. While at school, they end up sleeping during class because they aren’t getting enough sleep. They then return home to prepare for their night shift at a fast food restaurant to earn more money for their family. Afterward, they spend about three hours on homework because they slept in class and forgot all the material taught. Because of this strenuous schedule, the gap between the haves and have-nots becomes wider. So the first significant question came about: why can’t learning in school and working be the same so that underprivileged students gain money and skills while learning from their mentors in the field?
PROJECT NOTES
typology course
project length date location
high school arch. design studio 7 15 weeks 2024 santa fe, nm
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HOW CAN WE SHAPE ARCHITECTURE SO THAT THE MIND AND BODY MOVE?
TRADITIONAL
VISUAL LEARNING
AUDITORY LEARNING
BEHAVIOR
INSPIRE
READING/WRITING LEARNING
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
KINESTHETIC LEARNING
INVESTIGATE
EXPERIENCE
APPLY
SPACE
CLASSROOM
WORK AREA
MECHANIC FABRICATION
ROBOTICS
TRAINING
MECHANIC FABRICATION
ROBOTICS SERVICE
ACT OF LEARNING
Traditional learning involves six main methods—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, reading/writing, collaborative, and experiential— each associated with specific behaviors. Learning is a flexible, non-linear process where individuals switch between these modes, influencing the design of spaces to accommodate diverse learning approaches.
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SECURITY ADMIN
FABRICATION SHOP
internship with mentors in the fabrication field to use their craftsmanship skills to make money
teachers can work with students to introduce them early to what they will be working on
learn from the past that teaches about cars and their industry
CLASSROOM MECHANICS TRAINING
ROBOTICS LAB
internship with mentors in the robotics field to use their innovative and creative skills to make money
learn for the future which teaches innovation
ROBOTICS TRAINING
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LIBRARY
KIVA
the external connectivity for all buildings
learn from the present which teaches current construction and craftsmanship methods
FABRICATION TRAINING
WAIT SERVICE OFFICE SERVICE CORE
MECHANICS SHOP
internship with mentors in the mechanics field to use their pragmatic and hard skills to make money
provides public trans- portation to the larger scale of the city through buses
TRANSPORTATION
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CLASSROOM
INVESTIGATE
INSPIRE
INVESTIGATE
INVESTIGATE
EXPERIENCE ROOF EXPERIENCE CEILING EXPERIENCE FLOOR EXPERIENCE 14’-0” 9’-0” -14’-0”
5’-0” 23’-0”
ROBOTICS LAB
FABRICATION SHOP FABRICATION SHOP
ROBOTICS LAB
INSPIRE ROOF INSPIRE CEILING
CEILING
KIVA
ROOF INSPIRE FLOOR INVESTIGATE
7’-0” 5’-0” 15’-0” 2’-0”
-2’-0”
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2’-0” -13’-0”
BODY SCHEMA
This exploration delves into the intricate connection between learning and its embodiment in the body schema, aiming to clarify how cognitive processes are expressed and experienced through the physical framework.
APPLY FLOOR NORTH ENTRY LEVEL APPLY CEILING APPLY ROOF -14’-0” 0’-0” 11’-0” 16’-0” APPLY 5’-0” 11’-0” 14’-0”
CLASSROOM
ROBOTICS LAB
ENTRY LEVEL 0’-0”
LIBRARY SOUTH
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2X 1/5” LAM. SAFETY GLASS
(WHITE FUSIBLE OIL)
3/4” CAVITY
1/2” FLOAT GLASS
ROOF CONSTRUCTION:
PLASTIC SEALING LAYER
MIN. 4” POLYISOCYANURATE
THERMAL INSULATION
VAPOR-RETARDING LAYER
15” REINFORCED CONCRETE ROOF
MAINTENANCE WALKWAY
ROOF LIGHTING
2X 1/2” LAM. SAFETY GLASS
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INTENSIVE
APPROX.
DRAINAGE
SHEETING WITH
2X 1/2” LAM. SAFETY GLASS
CURTAIN WALL:
2X 1/2” LAM. SAFETY GLASS
3/4” CAVITY
2X 1/2” LAM. SAFETY GLASS
1/2” EPOXY-RESIN TERRAZO
3.5” HEATING SCREED
1” THERMAL INSULATION
12”
REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOOR
GRAVEL GROUND
STONE PAVING 20” CAVITY; SEALING LAYER
STEEL EDGE COVERING
STAINLESS
PLANTING
BALUSTRADE WITH POWDERCOATED ALUM. CAPPING 30” SUBSTRATE LAYER
ELEMENT MIN. 4” XPS THERMAL INSULATION
2”
POLYMER-BITUMEN WATERPROOF
INTEGRAL
7”
2-LAYER
ROOT PROTECTION MAX.
LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE TO FALLS
16” REINFORCED CONCRETE
4”
LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE TO FALLS
2”
CONCRETE ELEMENT 43
8” PREC.
TRAINING HALL
The training facility serves as a collaborative environment where students engage in structured sessions with their mentors to acquire essential skills, ensuring a more robust preparedness for their future professional endeavors. This venue facilitates a focused and purposeful training experience in preparation for practical application in their respective fields.
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COLLABORATION SPACE
The collaborative workspace functions as a forum for students to collectively address challenges through cooperative problemsolving. Emphasizing idea generation, this endeavor is facilitated within an open area, fostering an environment conducive to collaborative endeavors.
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CONNECTION TO THE LAND
In the past, structures in Santa Fe were designed to blend into the natural landscape, creating harmony between the built environment and surroundings. This approach sought a strong connection to the land while respecting traditional architectural principles.
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