Andrea Rubio Fabrication portfolio
2022 - 2023
Andrea Paola Rubio Paredes Mexican architect focused on sustainable design. Passionate for digital fabrication, material research, wood working and teaching/academia.
Education Enrolled Jan 2024
Postgraduate Fab Academy BCN: Applications and Implications of Digital Fabrication Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) Barcelona, Spain
Oct 2021 Sept 2022
Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities (MAEBB) Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) Valldaura Labs - Barcelona, Spain
Aug 2011 Dec 2015
Feb - Aug 2013
Bachelor’s of Architecture: Honorable Mention Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana Tijuana, México Certification in Architecture: “Sustainable community management and interdisciplinary projects” Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana Tijuana, México
Awards + Publications + Exhibitions 2023
Honorable mention with masterʼs thesis “Observatory F.L.O.R.A.” Design Educates Awards (Germany) MAEBB 2021-22, IAAC
2023
Published with masterʼs thesis “Observatory F.L.O.R.A.” in Designboom, ArchDaily, Divisare, Dezeen, Detail Magazine and Arquine. MAEBB 2021-22, IAAC
2021
Winner IAAC scholarship competition with entry “Adaptive Waste” for Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings and Biocities at Valldaura Labs (Spain)
2019 2018
Exhibition and Published in Premio Felix Candela first edition “Memoriales del 7 y 19 de Septiembre” through various institutions in México and Spain. Simbiosis
2019
Merit Award with entry “Apan Social Housing” AIA San Diego Design Awards (USA - México) CROstudio
2018
Directors Choice Award with entry “Lagos Waste-Lab” Arch out loud - Waste competition (USA) Simbiosis
2018
Finalists with entry “Embarcadero” Premio Felix Candela and IESARQ (Spain and México) Simbiosis
Barcelona, Spain andrearubio18@gmail.com +52 (664) 491 50 15 andrearubio18
Work Experience 2023 Current
Teacher ( Universidad Iberoamericana) Tijuana Bachelorʼs level focused on Sustainable design strategies // Digital fabrication // Urbanism // Design development // Lectures // Material research. (Rhino - Twinmotion - Adobe suite - 3D printing - Laser cutting - CNC)
2022 Current
Founder ( Extractica ) Tijuana 3D printing products and finishes made out of waste // Computational design // Fabrication // Biomaterials in order to promote circular design. (Rhino - Grasshopper - 3D printing - Laser cutting)
2018 2023
Freelance ( Simbiosis estudio ) Tijuana / San Diego Architecture competitions // Project manager for housing and commercial projects // Design development Construction documents sets // Coordinating engineering teams // Administration // Fabrication detailing Site supervision. (Rhino - Archicad - Adobe suite - Twinmotion - CNC milling)
Feb 2020 Aug 2021
Jan 2018 Jan 2020
Nov 2016 Nov 2017
May 2014 June 2016
Junior architect ( Design Opera ) Los Angeles / Tijuana Project coordinator for residential and commercial projects from a variety of scales // Building codes in USA and México // Design developmen t// 3D visualization // Construction document sets. (Rhino - Archicad - Twinmotion - Adobe suite) Project Architect ( Bartolini arquitectos ) Tijuana Manager for multiple remodeling projects, residential and commercial facilities // Construction documents sets Supervising project teams // Administration // Coordinating MEP engineers. (AutoCAD - Rhino - Revit - Sketchup - Adobe suite) Project Architect ( CROstudio ) Tijuana / San Diego Coordinator for competition entries regarding rural social housing prototypes and urban reactivations Research boards // Design development // 3D visualization // Construction documents sets // Coordinating MEP engineers // Marketing visuals for book publications. (AutoCAD - Rhino - Adobe suite) Designer ( Estudio Santander ) Tijuana / San Diego International architecture competitions // Design development // Environmental studies // Marketing graphics Construction docs sets // Site supervision assitant. (AutoCAD - Revit - Sketchup - Adobe suite)
Skills Architecture AutoCAD // Rhino 7 + GH // Archicad(BIM) // Revit Architecture(BIM) // Sketchup // Twinmotion Photogrammetry - 3D scanning // Ultimaker-Cura // Flashprint Graphic design Adobe Illustrator // Photoshop // InDesign // Canva Hardware 3D printing (plastics & clay) // Laser cutting // CNC milling + routing // Biomaterial research // Wood processing // Ceramics // Carpentry tools
3D PRINTING + Extractica 2022 - 2023
METAL
+ Simbiosis furniture 2023
WOOD + F.L.O.R.A. thesis 2022
ACADEMIA + IBERO teaching 2022 - 2023
Extractica 3D PRINTING
extr
ctica
WAST E LAB
Design studio based in Tijuana, located between the border of USA and México. Extractica is a waste lab that experiments with clay (as base material) and local waste, such as seashells and eggshells (collected by daily consumption) combining handcraft techniques with computational design to fabricate 3D-printed products and finishes, pursuing a circular design practice in its locality. The creation of biomaterials not only to enhance appeal of our products but also contribute to a reduction in waste, transforming it into everyday pieces, promoting fusion between natural elements with cutting-edge technology aesthetics.
Extractica 3D PRINTING
Waste material
Natural binders
Agar agar gell
Water
Agar agar gell
- Thickener - Binder - Soluble/Viscose Seaweed Calcium salts
MOLD MAKING
Sodium alginate Agar agar gell gell
Sodium alginate gell
Sodium Alginate
Oyster shells
95% CaCO3 Calcium carbonate 5% Organic matrix proteins
M O L D M A K I NMGO L D M A K I N G
Sodium alginate gell
Base material
Honey
38.6% Fructose 32.3% Glucose 15% Water .3% Proteins .2% Vitamins
White clay
Water
Low Fire Cone 05 up to 03 Shrink 6.3% Absorb 13.7%
Water
Eggshells
94% Calcium carbonate 3% Magnesium carbonate 3% Calcium phosphate
Xanthan Gum
- Stabilizer - Thickener - Phosphate - Magnesium salts
Water
- High polarity - Universal solvent - High heat - Cohesion
Extractica 3D PRINTING
Material matrix
OS
OS + SA
OS+SA+H
ES
ES + XG
ES+XG+W
Extractica 3D PRINTING
Computational design + Fabrication
Creating digital models through computational algorithms and values to govern the overall form but also enable intricate patterns, textures and geometries for a more custom design. Once the shapes are defined, we generate the curvatures and g-codes that will instruct the 3D extrusion process.
Extractica 3D PRINTING
Material prep + 3D printing + Drying
Once the clay and eggshells mixture is fully homogeneous, we proceed to remove air from the material so the extrusion doesn’t contain air bubbles which can interrupt the flowness or pressure in between layers. Throughout this process its important to supervise extrusion velocity, material viscosity and drying to obtain a clean piece.
Extractica 3D PRINTING
Extractica 3D PRINTING
Extractica 3D PRINTING
Simbiosis furniture METAL
Simbiosis Metal furniture design
Simbiosis estudio is an architecture and research studio meaning the transformation from an autonomous entity (individuals, cities and regions) disappears and rises to the merge of several entities that constantly evolves together.
Project type: Architecture Fabrication Furniture design Competitions
A team of architects established by 3 partners based in Tijuana / San Diego, the complexity of our region has guided the idealization of our design through a multidisciplinary practice.
Team: Jorge Jimenez Felix Oscar Cortes Landa Andrea Rubio Paredes
Simbiosis estudio has received national and international recognition, promoting design under urban catalysts, technology and fabrication.
Photography: Jorge Jimenez Felix Francisco Palacios
Currently the office explores material behavior through CNC milling and plasma cutting, welding techniques and machine bending by designing aluminum and carbon steel furniture.
Simbiosis furniture METAL
Metal furniture design
560 Elevations
Pieces dimensions
107 R20
476 874
450
400
26
58
450
563 400
R20
874
400
X3
CS1 1505 484
27
445
68
453 41
29
R13
484
400
240
R20
600
453
250
X2
CS2
2110 2113
420
563
450
120
CS3
X2
566 400
R20
AL1
R20
476
493 58
26
444
444
874 400 25
493 22
400
26
22
R20
X3
X3
Simbiosis furniture METAL
CNC arrangement
0
450
560
X3
W15
CS1+CS2
290 20
CS: Carbon Steel 1/8” AL: Aluminum 1/8” W%: Waste percentage
441
233
X4
*Dimensions in mm
W08
CS1+CS2 120
563
X4 W20
CS2+CS3
W12
CS2+CS3
566
W55
560 444
X3
AL1
AL1
Simbiosis furniture METAL
2 1
Simbiosis furniture METAL
3
4
1 CNC milling 1/8” Aluminum sheet 2 Carbon steel chair prototype 3 Aluminum chair prototype 4 Fitting carbon steel chair type 2
Simbiosis furniture METAL
Simbiosis furniture METAL
Simbiosis furniture METAL
Metal floating structure design
1
2
3
4
6
0.35 0.63 0.63
Simbiosis furniture METAL
5 0.63 0.63 0.29
Superior metal frame (4.45 m x 2.00 m) Square steel frame 2 x 2”
Curved sill (4 pieces) Tubular steel 1”
Inferior metal frame (3.15 m x 0.70 m) Square steel frame 2 x 2”
1.90 0.60
0.84
0.70 0.23
1.07
1.29
0.80 0.17
0.17
0.22 0.77
4
2
Curved sill (X4)
6
Profile view
Horizontal support + Metal plan Top view + Front view
Unrolled welded mesh section (2 pieces) Short section: front view
4.40 0.60
0.60
1.07
1.29
0.22 3.20
4
Unrolled welded mesh section (2 pieces) Long section: front view
Superior metal frame (4.45 m x 2.00 m) Welded mesh (4 sections) Rol 6-6, 10-10
Curved sill (4 pieces)
Inferior metal frame (3.15 m x 0.70 m)
Vertical supports (4 pieces)
Horizontal supports + planters (5 pieces)
Tubular steel 1”
Tubular steel 1” / welded to frame
Square steel frame 2 x 2”
Tubular steel 1” / welded half metal sphere
Simbiosis furniture METAL
Square steel frame 2 x 2”
Simbiosis furniture METAL
Client: Beauty salon Type: Retail design Location: Tijuana, MX Year: 2023 Status: Built
Simbiosis furniture METAL
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
F.L.O.R.A.
Forest Lab for Observational Research and Analysis
A mass timber building located in the most extensive green space in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, Collserola Natural Park. Measuring over 8.5 metres in height, the master thesis project sources invasive pine trees within the park through rigorous forest management and traceability procedures. All seventy trees are then cut and the wood is then processed by the master students to create CLT panels. F.L.O.R.A will be used to house a researcher for a short period of time that will be studying the biodiversity of the park, furthermore will be using the new weather station introduced by F.L.O.R.A. Housing a bird radio, bird houses, working and projection space, and bird watching spaces, the project seeks to be immersed within nature and to create an ecological interactive prototype.
Project type: Final thesis // Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities ( IaaC ) Status: Built Team: 18 students Alex Hadley (Coordinator) Bruno Ganem (Fab-lab) Vicente Guallart (Director) Daniel Ibañez (Director) Location: Valldaura Labs, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain Program: Research cabin Cámara obscura Biodiversity magnet
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
Wood sourcing
1 Forestry management with specialists // Removing 70 invasive pine trees
2 Log traceability through color patte
Design strategies
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
Bridges // Exploring In order to recognize and interact with the different tree types on site, a series of platforms guide down the prototype for a surrounding experience.
Core // Research The exterior box is covered by educational panels, while the inside is designed for specialists of the forest to use it as a work station for analyse surroundings.
erning
3 Lumber production (October - November)
Biodiversity magnet Camuflaging in the forest by growing crawlers throughout the envelope to attract more and different biodiversity.
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
Mesh // Transparency The envelope net provides safety while it’s pattern gives visibility along the pathways but leaving each end open for site seeing.
4 Wood drying (October - July)
Site work + Photogrammetry
3D SCANNING
1. Google Earth + Rhino+Blender: merging KMZ files data and digital site plans to review actual site compatibility and measurements.
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
2. LiDAR scans&Photogrammetry: through a series of scans we were able to capture accurate elevation data of current soil, while using photogrammetry to obtain detailed surface texture and accurate tree locations on site. 3. Drone scans + laser leveling: we obtained through drone shots the surrounded trees height and marked precise positioning for the prototype.
1
3 2
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
Construction sequence
CLT
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
1. Process lumber: good quality and moist lumber pieces were selected and cut into strips of 3.5cm thick. 2. Laminating: processing final thickness of 2.5cm for planks later on stacked in layers with alternated directions, making a criss-crossed grain for stability and compression. 3. Gluing and pressing: adding glue proportionally to the panel’s size and in between layers, to later on place inside hydraulic press for even pressure through 3 to 4 hours. 4. CNC routing: once the adhesive is fully bond, we transport each panel to the CNC machine and route edges. 5. Finishes: sanding to achieve final smooth surface and coating with natural varnish for moisture protection. 6. Assembly: 26 wood panels from a variety of sizes composed walls, floor and ceiling were assembled using scaffolds and student’s team effort. *Panels processed at Valldaura labs carpentry
4 3 2
6
5^
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
Construction sequence
GLULAM
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
1. Custom press design: using left over wood, we made a structure to hold large metal clamps every 50cm to provide uniform pressure for our 12 meter beams and other structural elements. 2. CNC routing - Dovetails: joinery technique known for tensile strength, each lamela was CNC routed for precise cutting. 3. Gluing and pressing: adding glue proportionally in between layers, to later stack and place into custom press for even pressure through 3 to 4 hours. 4. Finishes: sanding to achieve final smooth surface and coating with natural varnish for moisture protection. 5. Bridges assembly: once each beam and is finished, we continue by screwing and fixing with metal connectors raw wood elements and planks to assemble each bridge. 6. Crane sequence: with the help of a qualified crane technician, students and staff guided the lift in order to protect the surrounded trees and align each bridge to the clt core, to later on screw and assemble with the structural diagonals below. *Beams and bridges processed at Valldaura labs carpentry
12 meter long beam(exterior) - Dovetail sequence
3
4
12 meter long beam(interior) - Dovetail sequence
5
6
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
Construction sequence
CORK
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
1. Design: two layers of cork with different panel thicknes were applied. The first layer protects the clt core, while the second layer is modulated for aesthetic and moisture protection. 2. CNC routing: the pattern was designed and arranged for CNC routing for edge precision and generate less waste. 3. Assembly: the internal layer was screwed to the clt panels, while the exterior layer was glued and pressed over the first cover with a special mortar. Insulation: providing both thermal and acoustic. Panels are suitable for walls and floors to regulate temperature and reduce sound transmission. Renewable: harvested from the bark of oak trees, which can regenerate afterwards. Waster resistance: while cork is not entirely waterproof, it can resist moisture to some extent.. Fire resistance: cork has inherent fire-resistant properties. *Panels routed at Valldaura labs carpentry
INTERIOR LAYER
2
EXTERIOR LAYER
3
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
Construction sequence
MESH
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
1. Design intention: the surrounding net was digitally designed with Rhino and Kangaroo, testing deformation and tension. 2. Camouflage: the aperture of the net was carefully selected to allow plants to crawl and spread along its shape, in order to blend the structure with the forest and attract more biodiversity. 3. Cutting: 250 square meters of mesh were cut into 4 pieces, previously tested physically to understand the material’s flexibility and movement. 4. Labeling: tagging each anchor point in order to instruct the sewing. 5. Stitching: sewing the four pieces together, considering two types of stitching for reinforcement and later assembly. 6. Assembly: hooks were fixed over the main frames and lower core structure in order to unfold the envelope and tense it’s shape to a secure position. *Panels processed at Valldaura labs carpentry
Cut Stitched Front (main frame) Side (net & elm tree) Back (entrance) Side (net & oak tree)
3
6
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
F.L.O.R.A. master thesis WOOD
Teaching - Universidad Iberoamericana ACADEMIA
Academia Lectures + Forums + Workshops
Throughout this year, I taught bachelor students how to operate cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing and laser cutting towards efficient waste management. Along with biomaterial research to produce new materiality as an addition to environmental planning for a more sustainable design and construction system in our region.
Topics: Social housing Urban planning Sustainability ----------------------------------3D printing Laser cutting Biomaterials
I also had the privilege to participate as a speaker in architecture forums regarding sustainable social housing topics and give various lectures and podcasts sharing my experience from the master thesis abroad, plus my personal work “extractica”. A waste lab that pursues circular design through 3D printing with biomaterials, which later led me to instruct open workshops of my methodology.
Semester: Spring 2023 Fall 2023
It has been a year of endless learning and constant challenges, and I am pleased to have been part of the mind-shaping journey for the next generation of creators.
Grade: 2nd year students 4th year students Support: Zurizaid Morales (Coordinator) Georgina Munos (Teacher consultant)
Teaching - Universidad Iberoamericana ACADEMIA
Teaching - Universidad Iberoamericana ACADEMIA
Lecture: “Materialidad Fabricada + Extractica” Sustainability through digital fabrication Universidad Autonoma de Baja California September 2023
Forum: “Sustainable Affordable Housing” Discuss sustainability in Mexico Format 20 x 20 Universidad Iberoamericana Tijuana March 2023
Open Workshop: “Fab lab” 3D printing with PLA and biomaterials IBERO + WDC San Diego-Tijuana 2024 October 2023
Universidad de Tijuana (CUT) July 2023
Lecture: “Materialidad Fabricada” Sustainability through digital fabrication (Series of podcasts) Youth Talks - Young Architects of Mexico June 2023
Social housing/Urban planning/Biomaterials/ Fabrication/Sustainability IBERO Tijuana Spring 2023
Best project: “Green Mycelium”
Restoration/Urbanism Biomaterials/Fabrication Sustainability IBERO Tijuana Fall 2023
Urban planning workshops
Site analysis & sustainable community engagement.
Digital Fabrication
3D modelling in Rhino and laser cutting operation.
Digital Fabrication Modelling in Rhino and 3D printing prototype explorations.
Teaching - Universidad Iberoamericana ACADEMIA
Lecture: “Materialidad Fabricada + Extractica” Sustainability through digital fabrication
Best project: “COL HOUS”
Architecture portfolio*** https://issuu.com/andrearubio18/docs/andrea_rubio_ arq_2024 Competitions portfolio*** https://issuu.com/andrearubio18/docs/andrea_rubio_ comp2021 Extractica https://www.instagram.com/extractica?utm_source=ig_web_ button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Simbiosis estudio (Mexico/US) https://issuu.com/simbiosis-estudio/docs/ws_-_espa_ol
F.L.O.R.A. (Spain) Honorable Mention @ Design Educates Awards https://gallery.designeducates.com/projects/1903 ArchDaily https://www.archdaily.com/1000487/flora-observatory-iaac Designboom https://www.designboom.com/architecture/flora-iaac-observatory-barcelona-spain-05-02-2023/ Divisare https://divisare.com/projects/479687-iaac-adria-goula-flora
Lectures & podcasts (Mexico) Youth Talks - Federation young architects of Mexico https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wXb4AREaOBY5IEEaEgzqV?si=6e6f113fd7d64c02 Forum: Sustainable affordable housing https://tijuana.ibero.mx/noticias/2023/marzo/Foro-de-Vivienda-Asequible-Sustentable-en-IBERO-Tijuana
Barcelona, Spain
andrearubio18@gmail.com +52 (664) 491 50 15 andrearubio18