SIXTH EDITION
AD&VISION
FALL / WINTER 2017-2018
PLACES OF PURPOSE
AD&V®’s first independently published book
RICARDO ÁLVAREZ-DÍAZ CRISTINA VILLALÓN
&
PRESENT THEIR NEW BOOK PLACES OF PURPOSE | 2002 - 2017 showcases the 15-year combined por tfolio of the Puer to Rican husband-and-wife team, architect Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz and interior designer Cristina Villalón, who merged their previously separate architecture and interior design practices to create Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón (AD&V).
More than just a book. AD&V has decided to donate all the profits received from the sale of this book to Habitat for Humanity of Puer to Rico. With this future donation, AD&V aims to fur ther encourage the development of affordable housing in Puer to Rico, which will be a key driver in Puer to Rico’s reconstruction effor ts. IN THIS ISSUE: • Renaissance Square wins the Multi-Housing News Excellence Gold Award in the Unbuilt category. • Take a peek inside the units of Renaissance Square! • Dr. Azim Jamal-international motivator, professional speaker, and visionary visits AD&V.
PLACES OF PURPOSE Dear friends, We’re proud to announce that our first book, Places of Purpose is now available for sale. This monograph chronicles AD&V’s full 15-year history up until the present day. It showcases our dedication to creating spaces that enhance people’s experiences and improve their lives. It’s a visual depiction of our passion for design, sustainability, and social responsibility. Work on Places of Purpose began long before Hurricane Irma and María ravaged Puer to Rico. After seeing our beloved island devastated, we became more determined than ever to finish the book and share something beautiful and inspiring. Most of the projects highlighted in the book were completed during a decade-long recession, telling a powerful and moving story of resilience, perseverance, and pride.
More than just a book. AD&V is donating all profits from the sale of Places of Purpose to Habitat for Humanity of Puer to Rico in an effor t to continue the rebuilding effor ts on the island. You can get a copy of our book through our local exclusive online distributor, Brands of Puer to Rico. We hope this book, like the spaces it illustrates, will transform your experience of the world and give Puer to Rico hope for the future. Best wishes,
Ricardo and Cristina Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón Architecture & Interior Design
2
HURRICANE MARIA
Photo Credit: Carlos Giusti - AP
Last September, Puer to Rico suffered the onslaught of the Category 4 hurricane MarĂa, causing material destruction and loss of life throughout the whole island. The 155 miles per hour winds and more than six months’ wor th of rain devastated the already fragile electrical infrastructure and created economical and psychological chaos during the first few weeks after the disaster and beyond. It has been repor ted that approximately 350,000 Puer to Ricans have emigrated to Florida already. Thankfully, the AD&V team and our families are safe and sound. Our headquar ters in Santurce, Puer to Rico sustained several damages. We have been working diligently cleaning up, organizing, working hard, and getting up to speed on current projects. We had electricity and internet connection fairly quickly but still experienced sporadic blackouts from our debilitated electrical grid as well as loss of signal at times.
Photo Credit: Hector Retamal / AFP / Getty
We hope that all our Puer to Rican friends are safe and working towards rebuilding their businesses, lives, and homes. Together we will build a better and more sustainable future for our island.
Photo Credit: Ricardo Arduengo/AFP/Getty Images
3
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Cristina Villalón, Arch. Ricardo Alvarez-Díaz and Jessica Fiur from MHN.
RENAISSANCE SQUARE (PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS LAS GLADIOLAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT) WINS MULTI-HOUSING NEWS EXCELLENCE GOLD We are thrilled to announce that Multi-Housing News has honored our firm with the Gold Excellence Award in the Unbuilt/ Affordable category for the design and conceptualization of Renaissance Square: an eco-conscious, mixed-income housing development that combines intelligent, energy-saving design with contemporary aesthetics and function. Last October, in an event hosted by Multi-Housing News and Commercial Proper ty Executive TM in New York City, AD&V was acknowledged for its responsible application of traditional architecture—one that is both aesthetically pleasing and respectful of its surroundings. The event rounded up professionals from across the United States to celebrate the architectural industry’s leading projects, companies, and exper ts. A NEW PRECEDENT IN RESILIENT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT Developed by McCormack Baron Salazar in San Juan, Renaissance Square establishes a new precedent for future architectural planning, with a concept that is mindful of Puer to Rico’s need to venture into environmentally responsible structures. The landmark project, set to open in the first quar ter of 2018, comprises a 7-acre site with newly-constructed, economical apar tment homes that include walk-up apar tments and townhouses. Breaking the mold of affordable housing, Renaissance Square features amenities to increase residents’ overall well-being and quality of life. These include walking trails, children’s playgrounds, fitness centers, community gardens, and lush landscaping. 4
RESILIENCE AMID THE STORM In the aftermath of Hurricane María, an unmistakable urgency has arisen to create new and smar ter designs rather than reconstruct older models that have proven in the past to be unreliable to the island’s climatic and energetic realities. Renaissance Square, which suffered no serious damage from 2017’s storms—in stark contrast to the totality of the 250,000 + homes damaged or destroyed on the island—is a testament to the resilience and enduring commitment of AD&V to the principles of sustainability. Post-disaster reconstruction involves more than the rebuilding of damaged structures—or even the entire re-edification of fully destroyed towns. It is an oppor tunity to create new designs and employ improved construction techniques and materials to build stronger and more sustainable structures. Renaissance Square was strategically conceptualized with eco-friendliness in mind—with features such as photovoltaic panels, high-efficiency cooling systems, and environmentally friendly building materials—in an effor t to reduce energy consumption, which, in turn, helps tenants save money. MIXED-INCOME HOUSING: THE FUTURE OF POST-MARÍA PUERTO RICO Following the Category 4 storm that devastated the island, it is imperative to conceive structures designed with future atmospheric behemoths in mind in order to mitigate damages. Some of Puer to Rico’s old infrastructure confirmed its unreliability after the historic hurricane, leading many residents to flee—fur ther impoverishing an already struggling island. “We need to look at the devastation caused by Hurricane María as an oppor tunity to develop adequate, sustainable, and resilient professionally-designed housing.” -Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz In order for Puer to Rico to fully recover, there needs to be jobs in place, a safe and accessible housing infrastructure in which people can live, and adequate healthcare all for citizens. Our role at Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón is to design accessible, ecofriendly, and durable housing for the residents of today’s—and tomorrow’s—affordable housing facilities. Renaissance Square seeks to reverse the socioeconomic damage caused by the hurricane and to serve as an example of how Puer to Rico should be re-conceived, redesigned, and reconstructed: with a long-term picture in mind. Apar t from its environmental components and conveniences, commercial spaces have been included to encourage the entry of local businesses, which would improve the quality of life for its residents, attract visitors, and solidify the area’s economy. ABOUT THE MHN EXCELLENCE AWARDS The 2017 MHN Excellence Award Winners acknowledge the multifamily sector’s most innovative and ingenious achievements. Whether transforming an obsolete proper ty into a 21st-century community, creating a cutting-edge design, or turning around an underperforming asset, the designers, developers, executives, and real estate managers recognized here set a high bar. Also recognized are outstanding executives, top proper ty managers and future stars in all of these fields. Now in its 11th year, the MHN Excellence Awards covered proper ties and projects in 21 different categories.
5
RENAISSANCE SQUARE
The Renaissance Square’s Open House was held last December. Visitors witnessed for the first time the beautiful units of this great residential development. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apar tment came to life when our interior design team - led by Cristina Villalón - staged this spacious unit for the event. For this event, we par tnered with Pottery Barn who loaned the furniture and accessories needed to create this industrial chic look. We hope you enjoy these incredible images and feel as excited as we feel looking at them! Photos cour tesy of our par tner McCormack Baron Salazar. 6
OPEN HOUSE
7
UPCOMING PROJECTS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF PUERTO RICO Barrio Quintana
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
ESJ VERDE
Isla Verde Carolina, Puerto Rico 8
BAYSHORE VILLAS Puerta de Tierra San Juan, Puerto Rico
AD&V GIVES BACK
This past year, Puer to Rico suffered two natural disasters, first Hurricane Irma and later Hurricane MarĂa. As par t of the ongoing AD&V Cares program, our team collaborated through different organizations’ effor ts in helping to rebuild our beautiful island. Top photo: we worked with Habitat for Humanity of Puer to Rico were we donated the design and par ticipated in the reconstruction of a single family home located in Villa Prades. Middle photo: we collaborated with Habitat for Humanity of Puer to Rico at their initial Disaster Response Events that took place right after the hurricanes on different Municipalities around the island. Here, we provided orientation on the installation of the roof tarps that were included inside the kits that Habitat donated to the communities, as well as safety instructions, and basic construction tips. The kits, which included all the tools that were needed to install the roof tarps, were given to families that lost their roofs during the hurricane. Bottom photo: AD&V volunteered with the American Red Cross in Utuado in helping to distribute first necessity supplies to the community.
9
FROM THE ACADEMY
From left to right: intern Ivexis Castro, architect Antonio Gárate, and intern Edward Ramírez from the School of Architecture at the University of Puer to Rico
AD&V’S INTERNSHIP PROGRAM As par t of the Firm’s commitment to the development of the Architecture and Interior Design profession, the firm offers a year round 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, we welcomed two students from the School of Architecture of the University of Puer to Rico . Río Piedras Campus — Ivexis Castro and Edward Ramírez.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
SEPTEMBER 6 Natasha Yordán
NOVEMBER 29 Cristina Villalón
DECEMBER 5 Yrene Vázquez
SEPTEMBER 16 OCTOBER 7 Antonio Gárate Joaquín Hernández
DECEMBER 1 Carla Joan González
FEBRUARY 19 Monique Lugo
10
IN THE SPOTLIGHT In recent months, AD&V has been featured in numerous publications including:
11
SPECIAL APPEARANCES
12
1
5
9
13
2
6
10
14
3
7
11
15
4
8
12
16
17
18
19
20
1. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was a speaker at the Conversatorio de Vivienda y Comunidades Forum hosted by the School of Architecture of the University of Puer to Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. 2. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was a speaker at the Puer to Rico Path to the Future Forum in New York City. 3. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was interviewed by WKAQ 580 about the status of Puer to Rico after Hurricane María. 4. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was interviewed by Ryan Snow of the USGBC - Advocacy and Resilience - about Puer to Rico. 5. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was interviewed by VOA (Voice of America) about the status of Puer to Rico after Hurricane María. 6. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was interviewed by MegaTV about the status of Puer to Rico after Hurricane María. 7. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was interviewed by Radio Caracol about the status of Puer to Rico after Hurricane María. 8. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was interviewed by Diario Las Américas about the status of Puer to Rico after Hurricane María. 9. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was interviewed by Actualidad Radio 1040 about the status of Puer to Rico after Hurricane María. 10. Cristina Villalón was a guest speaker at the Por tfolio Class of the Interior Design Depar tment of the University of Puer to Rico, Carolina Campus. 11. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was featured in the Business Magazine of the newspaper El Nuevo Día. 12. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was interviewed by NBD New York about the status of Puer to Rico after Hurricane María. 13. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was interviewed by Noticentro about the status of Puer to Rico after Hurricane María. 14. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz met with Congresswoman Jennifer González to discuss oppor tunities in housing and funding for Puer to Rico after Hurricane María. 15. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz met with the CEO of Enterprise Communities Par tners from New York City to discuss a possible future collaboration in the development sector for Puer to Rico. 16. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz met with HUD’s Deputy Secretary Pam Patenaude. 17. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was interviewed by CNN Español about the status of Puer to Rico after Hurricane María. 18. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz met with Congressmen Darren Soto Representing the 9th District of Florida. 19. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was interviewed by Univision Radio’s Buenos Días America. 20. Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz was interviewed by FOX Business about the status of Puer to Rico after Hurricane María. 13
OFFICE CULTURE AD&V PREPS FOR HURRICAINE MARÍA AD&V came together as a team to prepare and protect our office headquar ters for the arrival of Hurricane María. Thankfully, the office only had minor damages and we were up and running within a few days.
THANKSGIVING DAY @ THE OFFICE After a challenging 2017 hurricane season, we thought it was impor tant to celebrate Thanksgiving at the office. Each of us had many things to be grateful for, and at time like these, we must come together to appreciate and give thanks for the many blessings that we have.
DR. AZIM JAMAL VISITS AD&V As par t of our effor ts evolving as a team and becoming better leaders, we were honored to receive a visit from Dr. Azim Jamal at the office for an amazing and inspiring workshop. Dr. Azim Jamal is the founder of Corporate Sufi Worldwide Inc., a company dedicated to inspiring leaders at all levels to achieve material success, blended with a deep sense of purpose, passion, and happiness. He calls this the synergy of Business, Balance & Beyond, and it is achieved by unleashing the power within that we all share.
THE JOYS OF THE CHRISTMAS SECRET ELF Look at what we found in the Secret Elf box! Every year we celebrate Christmas with a lot of fun at the office. We draw names for a Secret Elf gift exchange that takes place at AD&V’s Christmas Lunch. Until that day, we leave fun and silly gifts in the box which will make our last weeks of the year very enter taining.
14
CHRISTMAS LUNCH We work hard, but we also have a lot of fun! In 2017, we celebrated our Christmas Lunch and Secret Elf Gift Exchange at La Cabaña in Caguas, where we had lechón y arroz con gandules and some amazing local desser ts.
AD&V TWIN DAYS Great minds think alike! It feels like we always have an unexpected “twinning moment” at AD&V. On the left, we have Cristina and Gina with a yellow, black and white look, and on the right, we have Gilber to and Ricardo with a navy and khaki look.
URBAN GARDEN UPDATE We are so proud to share our Urban Garden update. Even after a busy hurricane season, we are pleased to announce that when we came back our garden had survived and is now better than ever! Most of our crops star ted growing really fast and getting stronger every day. Nature is our best reminder that there is hope for a better future. Among the variety of crops that we have at this time of the year, we would like to share with you our cherry tomatoes (upper photo), very blooming white grapes (lower left photo), and a pineapple (lower right photo) that is only a few months away for AD&V’s Piña Colada Day. We just can’t wait! Salud!
15
SAN JUAN 1509 Ponce de Leรณn Avenue,
MIAMI 2100 Ponce de Leon Blvd.,
Ste. 4, 2nd Floor San Juan, Puer to Rico 00909
Suite 1260 Miami, Florida 33134
t: 787. 754 1381
t: 786. 703 5737
info@aldivi.com www.alvarezdiazvillalon.com
FOLLOW US @advfirm
VISIT OUR WEBSITE