ARCHITECTURE + PROCESS
Alvaro Gutierrez|M. Arch Selected Work 2011-2014
Resting Inside the Taj Mahal|Agra, India Photograph by Author
Erosion by the beach Photograph manipulated with Photoshop
ARCHITECTURE Informal Architecture
Re-Interpretation of the Informal Market Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
Suburban Library
An Integration to the Neighborhood Savannah, United States
Between The Folds
River Edge Revitalization Paris, France
Industrial Arts Center
Live + Work Cincinnati, United States
Photography
Observing human behavior
A Sensitivity to the Environment As architects, it is crucial to look at every detail and process of a project. Starting with a successful relationship with a client, to a holistic understanding of the purpose of our project. It has presently become very relevant, the world has a lack of consideration to the user and its environment. Architects many times design without analyzing how the building will affect its environment and users, Eventually as future designers of the built environment, we have to consider current issues, and incorporate them to our projects.
RE-INTERPRETING INFORMAL MARKETS Thesis Project
This thesis explores informal markets in Santa Cruz, Bolivia and the participation of the female vendor. Through public infrastructure merged with a responsive design to circulation and movement within the site, a successful linkage to the urban fabric and adaptive market for informal and formal settlements is accomplished. By creating a potential catalyst as a mayor nexus for interconnectivity, this corridor located within a void between plantations and a dense urban fabric, would successfully avoid all traffic congestion.
Swelling of Informal Market in Santa Cruz Photograph taken by author
Plan View of Analyzed Market Vehicular Circulation in Relation to the Market This congested and hazardous condition for the market was created by the organic growth of the structures at this location. Growing within a predominant boulevard caused vehicular and pedestrian circulation to merge in an unsafe pattern.
Focal Point
The informal layout of the market grew around a node located at a predominant intersection with high vehicular circulation. This was also the only gathering space market users where provided by the municipality.
Areas of Densification
A densifying of the stalls occurs the closer you get to the node. This organized chaos brings sanitation and congestion issues that provide an understanding of the unsuccessful traits of this layout.
Informal Storefronts
A unique function is provided by every one of these small businesses. From a barber shop to a restaurant, these are vital organs for the essence of the neighborhood.
Densification Analysis. Market Stalls in relation to urban fabric
Contrasting Existing and Proposed Market
The canopy structure implies an organization for the market circulation. It connects to an urban circulation strategy that lines with the markets context. By not over designing the spaces and leaving an opportunity for further participation from the vendor, a possibility to further organize and refine the layout of the market is implied.
Informal Market Analyzed
Re-interpretation of the Storefront
Corrugated metal
Steel structural framing system
Site design in relation to market structure
Implementing Green Spaces
Gathering Spaces|Water features
SUBURBAN LIBRARY Savannah, Georgia
Texture exploration Wood manipulation through the laser cuter
Response to its Context
This project involved a thorough exploration of form, materiality and their incorporation to the building. Surrounded by vegetation and the iconic spanish moss of Savannah, the buildings facades respond with large open windows, framed by a wooden grid. This limits direct sunlight to reach interior spaces, but at the same time maintaining a visual connection the environment.
Interweaving between the vegetation
Form Exploration A series of exploratory models allowed me to have a physical understanding of the building and its context. Constantly referring to the site model, this provided an accurate response to scale, form and circulation of the building in relation to the suburban environment.
Site Model Building in relation to the suburban environment
Facade studies
Response to Site boundaries
Structural Studies
Final Section Model Plywood & Tacky glue
BETWEEN THE FOLDS River Edge revitalization Paris, France
Landscape Exploration Colors created by the process of printmaking and paper folding
Observing the Existing During my visit to the site, an observation of the users behavior along the Seine River provided a basic understanding of what the user look for. The incorporation of the basic flood resistant elements, would be implemented within the continuous landscape proposed between the street and river edge.
Bringing back a true river edge condition
LANDSCAPE EXPLORATION Bristol Paper
Pathways
LANDSCAPE EXPLORATION A series of models inspired on the continuous landscape of my project provided an exploration of form and response to the street, boat and river levels.
Connecting the street to the river
INDUSTRIAL ARTS CENTER
STRUCTURE PENETRATING THE MOUNTAIN
Meeting personally artists in Cincinnati, an inspiration to their methods of work influenced my process. During the development of this project, a personal incorporation of designing purely by hand was intended. This artistic approach allowed me to work with the users perspective and truly experience their appoach to art and design.
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Cincinnati, Ohio
SERVICE CIRCULATION
VIEWING TOWERS
STOREFRONTS AND ART GALLERY’S
LIVE
WORK
LIVE
HOW I SEE IT Portraying my perspective through photography allows me to express what I see to others. This a reflection of me and a appreciation to my surroundings Mumbai, India
Observing Human Behavior, Agra, India Photographs by Author
Praying at the Market Mumbai, India Photograph by Author
Blue and White Salar de Uyuni, Potosi, Bolivia Photograph by Author
Edge Conditon, Freeport, Bahamas Photograph by Author
ARCHITECTURE + PROCESS
Alvaro Gutierrez|M. Arch alvguti20@gmail.com