FIFTH EDITION
AD&VISION
SPRING / SUMMER 2017
CREATING COMMUNITIES
LAS GLADIOLAS REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
IN THIS ISSUE: • Arch. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was named by governor Ricardo Rosselló, as a member of the board of directors of Invest PR • Arch. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz has been selected as one of the Top Executives for the Caribbean Business Power 100 • The Caribbean Business Book of Lists positions AD&V among the Top 3 architectural firms for 2017 • AD&V Celebrates it’s 15 years in service • AD&V’s latest projects • AD&V’s Internship Program • AD&V Visits Affordable Housing Projects in process
CREATING COMMUNITIES
LAS GLADIOLAS REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT LAS GLADIOLAS marks the first stage in the rollout of the greater Mar tín Peña Channel Master Plan: a multi-decade environmental effor t of major historical significance and cultural impor tance for the island. This new mixed-income residential community, replaces the old public housing project of the same name. Built in 1969 and demolished in 2011, it had come to represent all that was wrong with high-rise, high-density public housing: isolation, dysfunction, and social conflict. The redevelopment of LAS GLADIOLAS is a landmark project in Puer to Rico that sets a new precedent for mixed-income public housing on the island. Located in the hear t of San Juan business district, LAS GLADIOLAS is the first of three mixed-income public housing projects on the island designed and master-planned by Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón (AD&V) and developed by McCormack Baron Salazar, the leading developer of economically-integrated urban neighborhoods in the United States. The 7-acre site comprises 140 newly constructed apar tment homes including walk-up apar tments and townhouses. The new complex builds upon the residential character of the neighborhood and strengthens the commercial nature of the area. Moving beyond the parameters of affordable housing, plans for the site include amenities and site improvements associated with market-rate developments, including walking trails, playgrounds, fitness centers, community gardens, landscaping, site lighting, and controlled parking and building access. The project respects and reinforces the neighborhood’s existing historic character with buildings designed to human scale and based on classical European lines: traits rooted in the island’s history where, for over three centuries, the Spanish culture was (and in some ways, still is) the predominant cultural force informing design. As with all AD&V projects, sustainability plays a key par t in planning and building the community, from strategic design, which maximizes natural light and cross ventilation, to multiple green features, such as photovoltaic panels, Energy-Star appliances, energyconserving systems, and environmentally friendly building materials. 2
Challenges & Solutions: • LAS GLADIOLAS will be the first project in compliance with the Caño Mar tin Peña Master Plan. As such, it was necessary to create new public streets and integrate the new development into the existing neighborhood fabric. • Originally, the site had no visitor or commercial parking within the complex. Parallel parking was added throughout all public areas in order to meet this requirement. • Water pressure was insufficient in the area to supply the needs of the project. Potable water cisterns were added in order to meet pressure requirements. • The site demanded environmental remediation. An innovative system called Cupolex was employed to disperse and dilute vapors beneath the slab and ventilate risers leading to the roof. • To fur ther reduce energy consumption by the buildings’ high-efficiency cooling systems, the project uses low-E glass and insulated windows instead of the more economical metal jalousies typically used for affordable housing projects. 3
WHAT’S NEW?
From left to right: Estefanía Alejandro-Silva, Cristina Villalón, Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz, Natasha Yordán and Gilber to Ibarra.
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GROUNDBREAKING OF THE NEW ESJ VERDE IN ISLA VERDE, PR This past March, construction began on Hotel ESJ VERDE, the second of three new ESJ Collection Hotels in Isla Verde, Puer to Rico. The 3-star proper ty, developed by renowned Hotelier Keith St Clair, designed by Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón, and built by F&R Construction, is the first new hotel to be built in Isla Verde in 25 years. It will comprise 71 studios, 29 one-bedroom, and 7 two-bedroom suites on 10 levels. A par t of ESJ Collection’s three-project concept, ESJ VERDE will be followed by ESJ NOIR, the company’s 5-star hotel, also designed by AD&V, currently in the design development stage. Collectively, the three proper ties will create an ESJ Collection Resor t, comprising approximately 700 rooms and the first of its kind in Puer to Rico. Located on the picturesque Isla Verde Beach, ESJ VERDE is designed to meet the needs and demands of a new generation of guests by offering an authentic Puer to Rican experience and a real interaction with the local culture. The hotel’s design simultaneously pays homage to the heyday of the Puer to Rico tourism industry of the 1920s through a subtle use of tropical Ar t Deco elements, and signals its looming revival with sleek, contemporary lines reminiscent of a pedigreed ocean liner. Inside, the studios and suites will be outfitted with king or queen sized beds, seating and dining areas, and quality appliances, including a full size refrigerator, microwave, and full range of cooktop appliances. The units will feature ample glass cur tain walls that provide natural sunlight and beautiful beach views. The hotel’s ninth floor terrace, will feature recreational areas, such as a bar, swimming pool, gym, and multi-use space for events. Living up to its green name, ESJ VERDE features eco-conscious building systems, materials, and furnishings including low and zero VOC paints, coatings and primers, recycled material textiles and carpets, high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, low consumption LED lighting fixtures, and a high efficiency A/C system. Native and adaptable landscaping was selected to meet low water demand requirements. A boardwalk, designed to have a minimal impact on the surrounding environment, will eventually connect all three proper ties. “We strive to convey a sense of place, cultural context, history, and architecture in each of our projects,” said Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz. “With ESJ VERDE, our aim was to capture the spirit, feel, and culture of contemporary Puer to Rico, which is steeped in history but not stuck in the past and is progressive and ready to push toward its full potential.” Hotel ESJ VERDE is scheduled for completion in summer of 2018.
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UPCOMMING PROJECTS RKA FILM STUDIO San Juan, Puerto Rico
CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM Santurce, Puerto Rico
ESCUELA DIFERENCIADA DE PONCE Ponce, Puerto Rico
COMPLETED PROJECTS SJS HURRICANE STUDENT CENTER Santurce, Puerto Rico
COLEGIO MARISTAS Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
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AD&V WORLDWIDE HIGHPOINT SPRING MARKET This past April, AD&V’s interior design depar tment traveled to High Point, Nor th Carolina to attend the Spring High Point Market 2017, the largest fair in the furniture industry in the United States. The team got a chance to have a firstlook at new trends, attend continuing education seminars, and keep up with new supplier lines and materials.
INTERFACE TRIP TO ATLANTA, GA The renowned commercial tile rug company, Interface, invited our principals to their annual Gulf Coast A&D Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. Here they met David Oakey, the famous industrial designer and president of David Oakey Designs, in his pond studio.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT In recent months, AD&V has been featured in numerous publications including:
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CELEBRATING WITH PURPOSE
AD&V MARKS THE FIRM’S ANNIVERSARY BY PLANTING NATIVE TREES AD&V’s whole team celebrated its 15th year anniversary together with their families, by planting 90 native trees in Hacienda la Esperanza Nature Reserve in Manatí, Puer to Rico: 15 trees each of six native species (Cayur, Péndula, Uva Playera, Algarroba, Mangle de Botón & Maga) were planted to symbolize the firm’s fifteen years of service. For this project, AD&V collaborated with the island’s leading environmental non-profit organization Para La Naturaleza, who for the past 40 years have dedicated themselves to the conservation of key environmental lands across the island.
“I am very happy that the team of Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón chose to celebrate its fifteenth anniversary by planting 90 native trees at Hacienda La Esperanza. I congratulate them for demonstrating that everyone at any time can do their par t to help protect nature”, said Fernando Lloveras San Miguel, the current president of Para la Naturaleza.
Since its inception, the firm has promoted the message that sustainable design is smar t design and can be achieved on any project, budget, building type or location. They have led by example, relocating their own headquar ters to a retrofitted historic building, which later earned LEED® Platinum cer tification—a first for any architectural or interior design firm in Latin America.
“For us, the act of planting is at the root of our philosophy, of who we are as a company— our love for the Ear th— and all it represents. We are proud of this impor tant milestone and we wanted to celebrate with purpose.” said Cristina Villalón, co-founder of Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón.
“More impor tant than celebrating our fifteen years in service, is to be able to highlight the impor tance of celebrating with our team, our co-workers, and their families,” added Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz, co-founder and president of ÁlvarezDíaz & Villalón. “It is because of them that we have made it here. Today we reaffirm our commitment to Puer to Rico, AD&V’s decision to celebrate by contributing to the planting for the future in its soil.” preservation of the island’s natural resources reflects the firm’s lifetime dedication to green building and business practices.
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FROM THE ACADEMY
From left to right: Antonio Gárate, intern Rebekah Hall, Cristina Villalón, intern Mariana Alvelo, Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz and intern Alexandra Santana.
AD&V’S INTERNSHIP PROGRAM As par t of AD&V’s commitment to the development of the field of architecture and interior design, the firm offers a yearround Internship Program for design students to develop their abilities in a professional office setting while working closely with our team members on real projects. This past semester, AD&V welcomed two students from the School of Architecture of the University of Puer to Rico - Rio Piedras Campus, Ineajomaira Cuevas and Alexandra Santana, and one student from the Interior Design School of the Polytechnic University of Puer to Rico, Mariana Alvelo. Additionally, Maria Corina García, a recent graduate from Academia Maria Reina, joined AD&V this summer for a week as par t of the mentoring program of that high school’s academic program. The AD&V Professional Practice Summer Internship Award This year’s winner of the AD&V Professional Practice Internship Award - created in association with The University of Notre Dame in Indiana - was Rebekah Hall. By hosting international students from the University of Notre Dame, AD&V exposes them to another side of Puer to Rico that differs greatly from the negative press coverage that has proliferated the media in recent years. By allowing them to experience the real Puer to Rico, the students take with them great stories about the island and all it has to offer. We want them to return to their hometown and to their universities with unforgettable memories to share as well as marketable professional experience under their belt.
THE ARCHITECT AS AN ENTREPRENEUR This past spring, Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz led an advanced class as par t of the Architecture School Program of the Polytechnic University’s professional degree program entitled “The Architect as an Entrepreneur”. This course focused on the role of the architect as an entrepreneur, addressing the analysis and management of concepts and skills that assist the design professional in assuming leadership in practice by becoming knowledgeable of the multiple conditions and processes that influence the construction industry. The first class had 14 students and proved to be a total success. For those interested, the course will be offered again in the Spring of 2018. 10
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
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2 1. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was named a member of the Board of Directors of Invest PR by Governor Ricardo Rosselló. 2. Ricardo Álvarez-Díáz was selected as one of the region’s top executive’s for the Caribbean Business Power 100. 3. The Caribbean Business Book of Lists positions AD&V among the Top 3 architectural firms for 2017 4. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was nominated by the National Association of Home Builders as a Region B finalist for the 2016 Young Professional Award, marking the first time in the award’s history that a Puer to Rican has been nominated for this award. 5. Cristina Villalón was selected for the Caribbean Business 40 under 40 award.
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SPECIAL APPEARANCES
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1. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz & Cristina Villalón were featured in a WIPR video as par t of the relaunching of the TV program Impulso Boricua. 2. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz & Cristina Villalón were interviewed in a video filmed by DDEC that showcases AD&V firm as a Case Study of successful businesses in the Island. 3. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz & Cristina Villalón were interviewed in a video filmed by Ciudadela that showcases AD&V firm as a successful business in the complex. 4. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was a speaker at the Rotary Club of San Juan. 5. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz par ticipated in a panel titled Economic Impact, Challenges and Oppor tunities of ACT 20 and 22 for Professionals of Architecture and Landscape Architecture Par t II at the CAAPPR Convention. 6. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was invited to par ticipate in a panel titled Debt Island: A Critical Analysis of ACT 20 and 22 in Puer to Rico. 7. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz offered a conference at Parellel 18 titled How to develop the profession locally by expor ting globally. 8. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz offered a conference at theColegio de Arrendadores about the perspectives, challenges and oppor tunities in the housing and construction sector. 9. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was a speaker at the first Fiscal Control Board Meeting where he discussed the perspectives and challenges on Puer to Rico’s Economic Development, Under Our Current Fiscal Outlook. 10. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was a speaker at the BISNOW Latin American and Caribbean Investment Forum in Miami. 11. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz offered a conference in the Polytechnic University of Puer to Rico titled “The Architect as an Entrepreneur” as par t of a course he offered this past Spring trimester. 12. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was a speaker at the ULI Latin American & Caribbean Conference in Miami offering a conference that discussed developing in Puer to Rico. 13. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was the guest speaker at the Colegio Marista’s Science National Honor Society ceremony. 14. Cristina Villalón was invited as a speaker to the “Star on the Rise” Where Are They Now Panel at DCOTA Winter Market 2017 in Miami. 13
OFFICE CULTURE AD&V VISITS AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS IN PROCESS
Las Gladiolas and Puerta de Tierra Community Rooftops will spor t photovoltaic solar panels to offset Developments start to materialize as the landmarks traditional electricity costs and minimize the community’s environmental footprint. Exterior windows are doubleAffordable Housing Projects we envisioned. paned in order to fur ther reduce energy consumption by the This summer , the AD&V team visited both the Las Gladiolas buildings’ high-efficiency cooling systems. Ample parkways and Puer ta De Tierra Community Development construction and green spaces are strategically placed throughout the sites. As you walk the barren lands where construction is fully neighborhood. underway, you see the beauty of a design that is coming to The Las Gladiolas Community Development project is fruition, and which has stayed true to the firm’s philosophy. scheduled to be completed by November 2017 and the Puer ta As you look around, you can also star t to contemplate de Tierra Community Development project is scheduled to the individual, varied, and unique designs of some of the be completed by mid-2018. buildings. The traditional tropical architectural design with a contemporary slant is taking shape along with the design team’s hopes of creating a safe and inviting social atmosphere that will benefit an entire community of mixedincome residents and visitors alike. Soon you will be able to see the three-to-four story structures that will be grouped around a European-style plaza and the first hints of a new urbanist solution that fits into the fabric of the city instead of ignoring it. ABOUT THE PROJECTS The buildings have been meticulously designed to take advantage of existing sun and wind path patterns in order to maximize natural light, cross ventilation, and overall energy efficiencies throughout the day. 14
IT SEEMS WE ARE ALWAYS CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS!
MARCH 30 Gilber to Ibarra
APRIL 1 Jocelyn Torres
MAY 22 Wilfredo “Wally” Carlo
JUNE 13 UND Intern Rebekah Hall
JULY 26 Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz
AUGUST 10 Neydín Alvarado Miranda
AUGUST 13 Gina Tormos
AUGUST 17 Carolina Mar tínez
AUGUST 26 Intern Mariana Alvelo 15
OFFICE CULTURE MOTHER’S DAY Last May we celebrated Mother’s Day at AD&V. This year was special as we celebrated with our new team member, Monique Lugo. She is the mother of two teenage children: Zoé & Alejandro.
SURVIVOR MEDAL This year, for the very first time, we have instituted the official AD&V “Survivor Medal “—an award given to those team members who have been working in Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón for 13 years or more. The number 13 has special meaning to our founders, Ricardo and Cristina. This summer the medal was awarded to (from left to right): Joaquin Hernández (14 yrs), Jocelyn Torres (13 yrs) & Neydin Alvarado (15 yrs). Here’s to many more years of commitment and great team work!
FATHER’S DAY This year, we celebrated Father’s Day at AD&V, as well. These awesome dads received gift cer tificates from Caribbean Cinemas so they can spend some quality time with their families having fun at the movies.
AD&V’S NEW TEAM MEMBERS AD&V is pleased to announce that executive assistant Carolina Mar tínez, architect Monique Lugo and interior designer Nirmaliz Rodríguez have joined our team. We are happy to have them as our new coworkers and as par t of the AD&V family!
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MASSAGE DAY @ AD&V In our effor ts to promote wellness for our team, we contacted the Centro Quiroprรกctico del Parque for a massage day at the office. They offered a fifteen minute massage for each and every one of our team members. It was awesome and educational since then some of our team members have been reaping the benefits of chiropractice.
REVIT WORKSHOPS In our constant pursuit of innovation and growth, Architect in Training Natasha Yordรกn, has volunteered to teach the rest of the AD&V team the Autodesk BIM software, REVIT. In order to do so, she has designed a series of workshops - alongside Architect Gilber to Ibarra - covering topics, tools and tips to help the team reduce the learning curve and aid them in their independent learning of this new program.
SOLAR ECLIPSE The AD&V team got to watch - front and center - the solar eclipse of August 21st, 2017. One of our team members, Joaquin Hernรกndez, even crafted a viewing device from plan tubes made of cardboard. It was an unforgettable experience!
URBAN GARDEN UPDATE This has been a very busy season for our urban garden and our crops are growing by the minute! As of today we have planted jobos, blackberries, starfruit, pineapple, white grapes, acerola cherries, avocado, lemon and apples. As we mentioned in our Fall / Winter edition, we have successfully harvested our first crop of muscatel grapes and as of right now the second crops are star ting to grow! We have also harvested our second crop of bananas and they are super sweet and delicious. We have to say, our AD&V green bananas make some great guineitos-al-escabeche! 17
SAN JUAN 1509 Ponce de Leรณn Avenue,
MIAMI 2100 Ponce de Leon Blvd.,
Ste. 4, 2nd Floor San Juan, Puer to Rico 00909
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