ALEJANDRO LOZA Portfolio of Architecture
Preface
Throughout my education in architecture, I have gained a wealth of invaluable knowledge that has informed and shaped my role as an architectural designer and thinker. My manual, technical, and digital skill sets have grown, my design exploration processes have been sharpened, and my ability to find innovative solutions have been further refined. Looking forward, I will continue to harness new skill sets and further develop my expertise in architectural design and the means by which it can be used to generate creative design proposals. This portfolio contains selected works from my academic study, ranging from hand drawn compositions to architectural studio models. Extensive research, conceptualizing, and iteration was performed in order to create developed solutions for a given design problem. The projects shown presented a series of challenges that required critical, analytical, and creative thinking in order to solve complex design issues.
Table of Contents
01
MODOkit Affordable Modular Housing
02
Izzy’s Net Positive Ice Cream Shop
03
The North End State Fair Grounds
04
Drawing Compositions
05
Metropolitan Beekeeping Camp
06
Powderhorn Park Warming House
07
Maplewood Mall 2030
modular construction - GD2 module ll
existing buildings - GD2 module l
place making - studio V
sketch & representation - architectural drafting
program synthesis - studio lll
light materiality - studio l
abandoned infrastructure - master’s final project
MODOkit Affordable Modular Housing Spring 2019 - GD2 Module ll - Christine Albertsson
The MODOkit compact modular housing concept aims to reduce the barrier of access to affordable housing in urban cities. Created in response to the housing challenges of San Fransisco, MODOkit homes are designed to be efficient, affordable, and customizable, sized accordingly to the needs of the occupants. Able to function independently or as part of a larger development on a variety of sites, this living solution offers a unique take on what affordable housing developments can be through the use of modular construction. An Efficient Layout Creates An Open And Inviting Space
MODOkit Homes Deployed As Part Of A Stacked Vertical Development To Take Advantage Of Underutilized Sites
MODOkit housing units are prefabricated and comprised of smaller compact modules, which can be arranged in any layout and combination due to the interchangeability of the components. Efficiency of space is achieved by eliminating interior partition walls, and minimizing the amount of space each program needs. The exterior is clad with recycled metal panels while the interior uses sustainably harvested wood to create a strong visual contrast.
entry porch bathroom + bathroom
kitchen +
kitchen
living room living room + bedroom
module dimensions (ft) balcony
6 Primary Module Components Make Up A MODOkit Home
bedroom +
- standard - plus
6 x 12 x 12 12 x 12 x 12
Site Plan For Independent Unit Developments
Site Plan For Stacked Vertical Development
Sectional Elevation Through Independent Unit
Sectional Elevation Through Stacked Unit Development
vegetation growing medium blocking filter fabric root barrier drainage plane protective membrane
interior ceiling metal C-channel
glazing
window assembly interior wall rigid insulation light gauge studs ZIP panel sheathing & barrier air space metal panel cladding
anchor bolts extruded carrier track interior flooring subflooring angle connection steel I-beam
splicing collar helical pile ground
Floor Plan Of A Typical Compact Living Unit
Integration Of Stairs In A Vertically Stacked Development
Sectional Detail Of Exterior Wall Componentry
Independent Living Unit Overlooking The Landscape
Izzy’s Net Positive Ice Cream Shop Spring 2019 - GD2 Module l - Malini Srivastava
Investigating how existing buildings can adapt active and passive strategies to reach netzero performance targets, Izzy’s Ice Cream in Minneapolis was the subject of an intervention to improve functional standards while preserving existing integrity. Climate sensitive retractable exterior walls allow natural conditioning between the retail area and outdoors, while an external skin structure acts as a solar shading device and pollution neutralizer to improve air quality.
Sketch Studies Of Potential Passive Strategy
The Combination Of An Opening Facade & External Skin Enhance The Building’s Functional And Experiential Quality
exterior skin
module attachment
substructure
existing facade
Izzy’s m
Izz
y ’s
a Cre Ice
Breakdown Of Skin Componentry
The skin is composed of atmospheric carbon from waste biomass, sized to embody the yearly CO2 emissions of the building, effectively making it carbon neutral. Coated with titanium dioxide, the surface reacts with wind and sunlight to convert pollutants like VOC’s and nitrogen oxides into harmless by-products.
existing structure
structural extensions
horizontal rail supports
vertical rail supports
connection brackets
exterior modules
Existing Performance Metrics
New Performance Results
production space
outdoor seating area
retail shop
Ground Level Plan
mezzanine level
Upper Level Plan
The North End State Fair Grounds Fall 2017 - Studio V - Dan DeVeau & Jeffrey Mandyck
The study of introverted and extroverted qualities and conditions at the state fair grounds informed a proposal aiming to revitalize the fair’s struggling north end. Through the design of landscape and facade, moments of mystery, threshold, and discovery are heightened in order to activate the experiential quality of buildings and the site. Deactivation Of Space Approaching Innovation Hall
Landscape Elements Direct Circulation To Various Buildings Around The Site
hoyt avenue
food & beverage
food & beverage
vendors vendors vendors
vendors
ampitheatre
innovation hall
pet center
murphy avenue
Organization Of Building And Site Elements
scale: 1/16” = 1’
North women’s restroom
men’s restroom
storage room
art gallery
exhibition space
utility room
catering kitchen
Open Plan Allows Maximum Flexibility & Programming
Sectional View Of Exhibition Hall
Sectional View Of Art Gallery
scale: 1/8” = 1’ scale: 1/8” = 1’
Use of slab walls along the northern edge of the grounds deactivate the initial entry experience, hiding views and activity taking place inside. Crossing the entryway, landscape elements and the fairgrounds begin to reveal itself, both along the site’s outer boundary, and in greenspace pockets hidden behind these vertical surfaces.
Similarly, buildings also deactivate initial entries, hiding program and activity behind introverted exteriors. With the Innovation Hall, the dark and heavy quality of the wooden facade contrasts sharply with the vast, light-filled, open-air feeling of the gallery and exhibition area inside, creating intense moments of transition and revelation when moving into the spaces.
Activation Of Space Within Innovation Hall
Entering The Fairgrounds
Drawing Compositions Fall 2014 - Architectural Drafting - Kyle Veldhouse
A collection of analog compositions, these drawing exercises explored methods of representation and expression on various architectural subjects. In particular, studies on the conditions of light and shadow throughout the university campus were developed in a series of hand drawings, crafted to reveal the qualities of spaces and elements within.
View Through A Vestibule
Axonometric Sectional Study Of A Vestibule
Light, Shadow, And Reflection Within A Hallway
Explorations Of Light And Shadow Conditions
Succession Of Blended Tone Practices
Metropolitan Beekeeping Camp Fall 2016 - Studio lll - Matt Byers
Combining processes of beekeeping with the activities of a camp, the unconventionally programmed beekeeping camp in downtown Minneapolis seeks to grow and develop the quality of the surrounding urban environment analogous to the way bees grow and develop their natural environment. Like the hive, the building functions as a community-centered catalyst for change on an otherwise neglected block of the city.
Conceptual illustration Of Urban Relationship
Folded Form Allows Public Rooftop Access Through Stairs
Greenwall & Pond Threshold Crossing
Reading Lounge Hall
Exterior Stairway & Bleachers
ground level
upper level
rooftop level
Human & Bee Circulation Patterns Of Interaction
Human & bee interaction is an integral part of the experience at the camp. Sharing the same spaces, people are able to witness the bees at work in their natural setting. Seeing the processes that occur first hand helps educate visitors on the importance of bees and how they contribute to shaping our own environment.
Expansive glazing is utilized to create a feeling of porosity and openness similar to the comb. A vertical greenwall and reflecting pond form a heightened threshold into the gardens, while a set of exterior stairs leads visitors to a greenroof above. An exhibition space, studio workshop, extraction lab, and outdoor honey tasting bar are among various programs designed to teach visitors about the functions and processes of bees, as well as their importance to the sustainability of the overall environment.
Northeast Section Of Exterior Stairs, Cafe Space, Honey Bar, And Central Lobby
Southeast Section Of Exhibition Space, Reading Lounge, Workshops, And Rooftop Green Space
Powderhorn Park Warming House Fall 2015 - Studio l - Robert Ganser
The exploration of light material qualities informed the design of a prospective warming house along the shore of Powderhorn Lake in Minneapolis. The facility, serving the needs of park visitors, promotes recreational activity throughout the site and functions as a central gathering space for the local community. Initial Sketches Of Conceptual Thresholds
Shore Side Boardwalk And Ramp To The Lake
outdoor deck ramp to lake
community room women’s BR men’s BR storage office
women’s locker room mechanical
men’s locker room
boardwalk
Building Plan And Site Context
Wood is used as the primary aesthetic material to create a sense of warmth and intimacy. Views are projected out towards the lake, while a boardwalk facilitates circulation and provides access to the waters below. The building form creates an illusion of being folded upon itself, while the openings in the roof filter sunlight into the space.
Maplewood Mall 2030 Spring 2020 - Master’s Final Project - Patrick Lynch
As shopping malls continue to fail because of changing social and economic conditions, a question arises as to how these properties can be repurposed for new uses. Using Maplewood Mall as the site of interest, this soon-to-be abandoned urban infrastructure was the subject of a programmatic transformation focused on addressing three important issues relevant to its contextual locale; improving health and wellbeing, providing housing for the surrounding population, and establishing native ecological habitats.
Initial Explorational Study Model Of Maplewood Mall
Residents Live In Close Proximity To Natural Habitats
The surrounding surface lot is redeveloped with a variety of natural landscape habitats, establishing a more hospitable environment for wildlife and people. The mall is reconfigured by breaking up its singular inwardly mass, creating numerous unique spaces that are connected to the outdoors.
Ecological Habitats Around The Site
Exposed Steel Structure Denotes New Entryways
Open Air Atrium Becomes The Node Of Convergence
Interior Space Is Revealed Through Upper Level Openings
Housing is spread throughout the central core of the building, concentrated into several clusters, while the anchor store spaces are converted into health related programming, encompassing fitness facilities, recreational courts, and a jogging track that weaves throughout the upper level of the mall. Natural features like trees and ponds are dispersed and accessible throughout the property.
Sectional Cut Through A Mall Department Store Space
Structure And Nature Interweave In The Meditation Garden
Thank You
Alejandro Loza Master of Architecture Graduate B.S. Architecture Graduate University Of Minnesota - Twin Cities lozax009@umn.edu 651 - 900 - 4058