sector: Urban Advance Studio critic: Juana Salcedo & Julian Casatro location: Las Cruces, Bogota Colombia partners: Andrea Cruz, Brent Ryndak, and Arantza Zamudio recognition: Design Excellence Nominee date: Spring 2023
Revival’s proposal outlines a holistic approach to address the most crucial needs of Las Cruces, a marginalized community in Bogota, Colombia. The approach takes into account the flow and swath of water, ecology, movement of hierarchical transportation, flow of care systems, and arts as a representation of culture, community, and place.
initial concept collage collage created by Arantza Zamudio in Photoshop
conceptual analysis
While collaborating with the city of Bogotá and various partners, the team focused on restoring the land, reclaiming water, preserving historical heritage, and fostering a community rooted in equity, autonomy, and safety.
Instead of promoting gentrification, we aimed for a rejuvenation that benefits current residents. This required a deep understanding of Bogotá’s evolving landscape and urban infrastructure.
By addressing neighborhood conditions and the city’s unique location, we wanted to establish a vital connection between the city and its people.
landscape restoration
propositions and strategies diagrams sketched by
actor network diagram illustration created by Arantza Zamudio in Adobe Illustrator
current neighborhood condition collage collage created by Arantza Zamudio in Photoshop
Alexandra Matute-Blanco
1:1000 scale illustrated proposal map
collaborated drawing by Brent Ryndak and Alexandra Matute-Blanco in AutoCAD, Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
proximity zone consists of evaluating the safety and interconnection of the neighborhood, by studying areas of danger and risk.
perimeter of las cruces transmilenio line prone accident zones need of transit improvement motorcycle danger zones road insecurity
transmicable enhancement zones
1:1000 scale proximity existing condition map
landscape zone consists of evaluating Tributary and loss of permeable surface, conditions of health and the natural surrounding.
low elevation zones ruta agrocultura visible stress buried stream large potential green space small potential green space
non-existent pedestrian passage
trash accumulation
evaluating the Fucha surface, to improve surrounding.
community zone consists of evaluating the restoration of the neighborhood with the use of art and its historical attributes to connect the neighborhood back to the city of Bogota.
parks
1:1000 scale community existing condition map
1:1000 scale landscape existing condition map
calle 2 current conditions created by Alexandra Matute-Blanco in Rhino and Adobe Illustrator
maps created in collaboration with Brent Ryndak, Andrea Cruz, and Alexandra Matute-Blanco with GIS and color corrected in Adobe Illustrator
re-exposed river rain gardens parks
pedestrian passage significant buildings alleys car circulation ciclovia (bike path) bus route transmilenio line bus stops transmicable station phases of implementation Flow-Block Proposal
- flow
site organization
The site, located near the Cerros Orientales, home to one of the city’s largest water reservoirs, embraces water as a vital historical element. By reopening the Fucha tributary—the city’s former main water source—the team revived its significance. This approach closed traffic to create pedestrian paths and bike lanes, mitigated flooding risks, and rejuvenated the neighborhood, seamlessly reconnecting it to La Candelaria’s historical heart while honoring its legacy and fostering sustainable urban renewal.
node of Calle 2 and Carrera 7 intersection
node of tesquesusa park
collage vignette of tesquesusa park
illustration created by Brent Ryndak in Rhino and crafted in Adobe Illustrator
collage created by Arantza Zamudio in Photoshop
illustration by Alexandra Matute-Blanco created in Rhino and crafted in Adobe Illustrator
axonometric view of Las Cruces
collaborative drawing by Andrea Cruz and Alexandra Matute-Blanco in Rhino and crafted in Adobe Illustrator
Revival | Spring
2023
| Urban Adv. Studio
C-House - Case Study
sector: Digital Drawing and Fabrication
critic: Danelle Briscoe
location: Tokyo, Japan
date: Spring 2022
For over half the semester, our class delved into various visual communication techniques to depict C-House by Tele Design in Tokyo, Japan. These drawings enhanced my understanding of technical drawing, allowing me to easily apply architectural drawing methods in other projects.
concept collage and illustration on c-house illustrations created with Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
abstract c-house model 1/2” scale felt lazer cut model
isonometric city scape
modeled in Rhino, and rendered in Enscape
pre-design
While studying the C-house, the task was to experiment with texture, color, and materials that could create an aesthetic and continuously evolve in every assignment.
Using bold colors and playful graphic, seem to resonate in the houses unique design, which lead to creating a bubbly and colorful theme to the drawing set.
| plans |
c-house axonometric section
sections modeled in Revit, color corrected in Adobe
Spring 2022
Vertical Living
sector: Integrative Studio
critic: Martin Hattasch
location: Sunset District, San Francisco
partners: Miguel Yapur
date: Fall 2023
Vertical Living provides a new set of housing units and commercial space in the Sunset District of San Francisco. The approach took into account vertical growing landscape, ADA accessibility, and commercial space towards the main street.
concept illustration illustration created by Alexandra Matute-Blanco in Adobe Illustrator
site analysis
The lot, measuring 100’ x 30’, presented a narrow and challenging site. Among four options, my teammate and I chose this site to push boundaries by designing a mixed-use building rather than solely residential, given its location between a commercial and residential street.
With a 25’ setback and a 50’ height restriction, we created a seven-unit building featuring groundfloor commercial space and a 25’ sunken garden, optimizing both functionality and design within the constraints.
created in collaboration by Miguel Yapur and Alexandra Matute-Blanco. Modeled in Revit and Rhino, with color correction in Adobe Illustrator
31stSt.
TaravalSt.
context map
illustration created by Alexandra Matute-Blanco in Revit and Adobe Illustrator
1/8” scale elevation | residencial balcony - render created by Alexandra Matute-Blanco in Revit, Adobe Illustrator, and Enscape
1/8” scale plans
plans created in collaboration with Miguel Yapur and Alexandra Matute-Blanco in Revit and Rhino, with color correction in Adobe Illustrator
1/16” scale elevation
created by Alexandra Matute-Blanco in Revit and color corrected in Adobe Illustrator
R2
Each unit offers residents a spacious interior with the flexibility to extend their living space into the exterior through the mesh façade. Designed for versatility, the units feature 1-2 bedrooms, generous living areas, balconies, and an office space that can seamlessly transition between private rooms and open, flexible layouts.
This mixed-use housing fosters a unique community connection through its distinctive façade, offering thoughtfully designed, one-of-a-kind living spaces for each unit. unit experience
1/2” scale wall section
section created in collaboration with Miguel Yapur and Alexandra Matute-Blanco in Revit and color corrected in Adobe Illustrator call-outs
created by Miguel Yapur in Rhino
focused illustration
illustration created by Alexandra Matute-Blanco in Revit, Rhino, with post-production in Adobe Illustrator
Adept - Collective Work
sector: Professional Work
critic: Adept Architects
location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Adept is a multidisciplinary firm that works across various architectural fields, always keeping the human scale in mind. The team is dedicated to creating harmonious and sustainable designs in every project. They approach each new challenge with curiosity, understanding that every project offers a chance to learn something new. At the firm, I was primarily part of the urban competition team, where we developed thoughtful urban renewal strategies. Guided by Adept’s core values, our focus was on landscape restoration and practical land organization, creating spaces that enhance user experience and foster sustainable, livable communities.
Kodak reimagines high-density development on a small plot, turning a challenge into an opportunity for innovation. The project called for the creation of both residential and commercial spaces, seamlessly integrated with a green corridor that weaves through the site. This approach not only maximizes space but also enriches the environment, blending urban living with natural elements
focused in green corridor sections
1:1000 scale site plan
modeled in Rhino and crafted in Adobe Illustrator
modeled in Rhino and crafted in Adobe Illustrator
1:1000 scale model
base sent by competition council, while intervention was 3D printed with wood filling and populated with synthetic beige trees.
Altona is a development that strengthens Hamburg as a hub for research and innovation. Alongside innovation projects and tech startups, the area will provide residential opportunities for the future. As a forward-thinking urban space, the innovation park serves as a vital link between business, office, and research within a vibrant and attractive city environment.
corridor connects the surrounding greenery with the area.
Currents of cold air flow in a northsouth direction ensure a pleasant micro-climate. The sponge city principles are integrated, and the roofs are equipped with PV systems.
A neighborhood garage houses the private car. All properties are accessible from the street. Cycle loop calls for sustainable forms of mobility.
Focal points of use are designed according to their surroundings and structureds with modules S, M, and L. The three modules have a magnetic effect in public spaces.
Green
diagrams | illustration
modeled in Rhino and crafted in Adobe Illustrator
1:5000 scale site plan
map modeled in Rhino and crafted in Adobe Illustrator
1:1000 scale illustration
illustration modeled in Rhino and crafted in Adobe Illustrator
L-A-N-D Architects
sector: Professional Work
critic: L-A-N-D Architects
location: Austin, Texas
L-A-N-D Architects, based in Austin, Texas specializes in residential and public spaces, emphasizing the integration of landscape in every project. Their work is research-driven, focused on creating quality architecture that connects with the landscape, values ethical practices, and prioritizes environmentally conscious, equitable design. During my time, I worked on residential, commercial, and public-scale projects, with a primary focus on a high-end home in West Austin. The challenge was to design a comfortable living space while integrating sustainable features that enhanced both the home and its surrounding site.
Canyon Ranch is a residential project designed to create simple and adaptable spaces tailored for a family of four. The design emphasizes sustainable views, ensuring a seamless integration with the surrounding environment. The project carefully balances public and private spaces, crafting a home that is not only functional and comfortable but also built to endure and serve the family for the long-term.
illustrations modeled in Rhino and crafted in Adobe Illustrator 1/8” scale
main closet
bedroom closets
manufactured wooden storage
playroom
closet
outdoor dinning
outdoor kitchen
long entrance
private parking
visitor parking
Andalucía
sector: Urban & Architectural Advance Studio critic: Dean Almy & Kevin Alter location: Seville, Spain partners: Catherine Gallagher & Chris Honeycutt recognition: Design Excellence Nominee date: Fall 2024
Seville is renowned for its historic downtown and dense urban fabric, which foster a strong sense of community in compact spaces. However, the outskirts often lack the balance and connection seen in the city center. Andalucía offers a fresh perspective by transforming a glass factory surrounded by Roman ruins into a vibrant community hub, integrating history, landscape, and a renewed sense of belonging into the neighborhood.
initial concept collage collage created by Alexandra Matute-Blanco in Adobe Illustrator
site analysis
Seville’s arid climate, with scorching summers and heavy winter rains, makes landscape sustainability a challenge. With preserved elements like a glass factory and Roman ruins on the site, the group wanted to find a balance of density, replicating Seville’s famous urban fabric.
At the same time, the project prioritized creating larger green spaces, addressing the city’s scarcity of parks— only five major ones—while balancing historical preservation with modern urban needs.
site analysis
created by Chris Honeycutt in GIS with post-production in Photoshop
initial neighborhood concept sketch sketch created by Alexandra Matute-Blanco
seville aerial urban density
ave.demiraflores
initial site plan organization collage illustration by Alexandra Matute-Blanco crafted in Adobe Illustrator
ctra.decarmona
rda. de capuchino
ctra.decarmona
1/16” scale ground plan
created by Alexandra Matute-Blanco in Rhino and crafted in Adobe Illustrator
A’ A’ 1/16” scale section
created in collaboration with Catherine Gallagher and Alexandra Matute-Blanco modeled in Rhino and crafted in Adobe Illustrator trade school courtyard - render created by Catherine Gallagher in Rhino and Enscape with post-production in Photoshop
B’B’
Andalucía revives the city’s traditions with orange trees and connective corridors while embracing modern co-living for residents and students. Thoughtful material use and expansive green spaces create a vibrant, shared environment for both the community and the broader city. site experience
citrus grove pedestrian bridge - render render created by Catherine Gallagher in Rhino and Enscape with post-production in Photoshop
pedestrian bridge
the terraced garden
citrus grove
storefront pedestrian passage plaza park
1/4” scale street scape | 1/8” scale elevations
modeled by Alexandra Matute-Blanco in Rhino and crafted in Illustrator
B’ B’ 1/16” scale landscape section
created in collaboration with Chris Honeycutt and Alexandra Matute-Blanco modeled in Rhino and crafted in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
wetland gardens bitter orange grove
rda. de capuchino
ave.demiraflores
axonometric of Andalucia
axonometric modeled by Alexandra Matute-Blanco in Rhino and crafted in Adobe Illustrator
ctra. de carmona
Alexandra Matute-Blanco
matuteas@utexas.edu (571) 279-2715
education
The University of Texas at Austin
Masters of Architecture First Professional Stackable Graduate Certificates - Urban Design: Housing and Urbanism and Sustainable Design: Technology and Environment
James Madison University
BFA Architectural Design, with highest honors
Environmental Studies Minor NOMAS Secretary 2020-2021
work experience
L-A-N-D Architects
July 2024 - Current Architectural Intern
-Austin, TX
Working on residential, commercial, landscape, and public space projects. Executed design ideas, graphic representation, model-making, and visualizations for various construction documents. Edited project elevations, assisted with client presentations, and reviewed RFI’s.
ADEPT Architects
February 2024 - July 2024
Architectural Intern
-Copenhagen,Denmark
Worked on several scales: Urban, Landscape, and Architectural scale. Presented and executed ideas and drawing sets to partners daily. Made sure all drawing sets were ready for competition and commission work submission.
Alarife Architects
Summer 2022, 2023
Architectural Intern
-Austin, TX
Completed a 19th-century building conversion in East Texas for a private couple. Presented drawing sets to the clients and contractors biweekly and reported to lead architect with design concepts and drawing sets. Traveled to sites to conduct studies and acquire dimensions for sites and structures.
UTSOA
-Austin, TX
TeachingAssistant-EnvironmentalControl1
Collaborated closely with the professor to ensure effective grading processes. Took on a leadership role in conducting lab lectures. Actively engaged with students by moderating discussions and aiding them in comprehending complex technical terminology.
TeachingAssistant-IntroductionStudio
Collaborated with the professor to develop a suitable lesson for an introductory studio environment for undergraduate students. Facilitated discussion and critiques. Providing constructive feedback on design projects students’ creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
honors
2023 AIAS Honor Award - Portfolio Honor Award
Design Excellence Nominee
2023 AIA Austin WiA/AFA Scholarship Recipient
Shortlisted for Icelandic Volcano Look-out Point Competition
Senior Achievement Award in Architectural Design
Senior Superlative in Process Award
Service Certificate NOMAS
A Rocha - Environmental Organization (Volunteering) organizations
National Organization of Minority Architects
American Institute of Architects Texas
skills & interests
Rhino, AutoCAD, Revit, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, Enscape, ArcGIS, Grasshopper, Model Building, Drafting, Welding, Woodwork, Laser Cutting, and 3D-Printing.
