Into an integrated architecture
Portfolio by Jesús Carlos Álvarez
I seek a truthful architecture of order and respect developed by the integration of the community around ethics and sustainabilty using innovative solutions driven by the integration of technologies as a reflection of the development of a just and respectful society in the present and in the future.
Community Tec360 Sambou Toura Drame Primary School Schloss Tiengen, a garden vision Connection Oasis, Desert Ecolodges Luna Park: Coliving Aymara House Creation Art and Morphology 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Profile
Tec360
June 2021 | BIM | Typology: Mixed Use Revit, SketchUp, Lumion
Located in Monterrey, Mexico. Tec 360 is a mixed use complex for mutual benefit of the student community. It integrates the social life of the area by promoting a new recreational and housing center in the heart of the entrepreneurship and innovation polygon of Distrito Tec. The project vision is to create, unite and learn from the community around it. Tec360 is a building that innovates and seeks to break with the traditional method of construction by implementing a hybrid modular system. The scope of the project included the architectural design, electrical installations, hydro, air conditioning, steel structure, construction scheduling and budget management by applying the BIM methodology. This project is a remote teamwork collaboration.
The program of the project included a 3-story retail and entertainment center, school residence with 544 beds, a 132-bedroom hotel and an underground parking lot with capacity for 350 vehicles. The project responds to the site conditions by opening a ground plaza allowing for a seamless flow of pedestrians. The two towers are placed above the commercial center and house the hotel and housing. The student residence counts with 3 levels of amenities that include silent rooms, learning commons spaces and art laboratories. The first five floors of the complex were designed according the traditional construcion method.
1:300
As part of the team, I was in charge of developing the modular construction approach. It was decided that the towers would be assembled using 9 modules types based on a grid of panels of 1.22 x 2.44 m. The modules needed to able to withstand winds and loads from 34 levels. A modulated MEP system separated from the housing module was used. The modulation does not limit the proposed division of spaces or materials. When analyzing the schedule of the construction and budget it was concluded that using modules could reduce 30% the construction time and by 20% the overall costs. Applying the BIM methodology enabled a deep understanding of the project systems and design process. It was an opportunity to cope with office-like pressure and teamwork. Detailed drawings and technical floorplans were also modeled by utilizing Revit MEP and Robot Structure softwares.
1:250
Sambou Toura Drame Primary School
December 2020 | Contest | Typology: Education Revit, Rhino, Photoshop, Ilustrator
Located in Marsassoum, Senegal, the proposal is based after an analysis of the site that identified the design parameters: the integration of the environment and sustainability by integrating bioclimatic strategies, the search for innovative construction techniques with local resources and the focus on the community and dignified spaces. In order to solve these premises, form studies and research of buildings already built were carried out. The program harmoniously connects all functions in a way that stimulates community learning and collaboration. A form finding study resulted in favoring a pentagonal layout that optimized the parcel area, costs and the program layout while reducing sun exposure:
1. Classrooms, 2. Canteen, 3. Dinign room, 4. Latrines, 5. Library, 6. Access, 7. Offices, 8. Orchards, 9. Comunity Orchard, 10. Well.
1:75
On the use of materials, local resources such as bamboo, dry palm leaf and clay bricks are utilized. The construction techniques were simplified to the maximum. The structure of bamboo frames, with trusses in diagonal arrangement, is supported by brick pillars with a concrete core. The structural framing follows a radial arrengement that can be replicated module to module. The openings of the north and south walls favor cross ventilation by cooling the interior of the rooms. The roofs take advantage of the decline by capturing rainwater to irrigate the orchards and supply the latrines
Tiengen Schloss, a garden vision
September 2023 | Academic | Typology: Reaptation of use
Revit, Photoshop, Twinmotion
The project is located in Waldshut-Tiengen in Germany, a small border town by the limits of the Swiss canton of Zurich.
Tiengen Castle is a building of great historical value. A readaptation of use is proposed in the central courtyard and in the southern platform of the site. The vision of the garden takes advantage of the open areas of the site by opening it to the community. The garden is a covered with folding parasols with a design inspired by the national flowers of Germany and Switzerland. New uses are given for recreation and contemplation, as well as the generation of terraces for outdoor cultural events. The 2 concepts of the project, the promenade and the shelter, are based on a site analysis. The route starts from the north entrance, direct to the central courtyard, down a sloped garden path ending towards the pedestrian street.
Metaphor of parasol design. Operation of abstraction of the shape of national flowers of Germany, cornflower, and Switzerland, edelweiss. Automatic folding sunshade system. Depending on the weather conditions it is possible to close or open the sail.
Oasis, Desert Ecolodges
July 2020 | Contest | Typology: Hospitality Revit, Procreate, Twinmotion
The project presents itself as an arabic outpost in the middle of the Emirati desert. An unique environmentally conscious project mixed with arabian traditions in the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. The design is based in bioclimatic strategies to help mitigate the effects of the harsh environment. The traditional ways of local architecture with contemporary and sustainable element are taken as design premises. The concept spins around geometrical patterns mixed with materials inspired by the Arabian Oryx. The project mainly focus in visitors willing to take a weekend or a week long escape into the desert. Program: A. Lobby, B. Oasis garden, C. Restaurant & shisha bar, D. Praying rooms, E. North wing lodges & F. South wing lodges.
N B A C D E F
The modules emerges from the iconic Arabian Oryx. The circular shape gives extraordinary views and follows bioclimatic design. The modules contains diferent systems that help reduce the environmental impact. Rainwater is captured by the tensed roof and storage for later use. Humidity is condensed by an atmospheric water generator. Electricity is obtained from solar panels. Graywater is filtered and reused for the toilet and gardening. Blackwater is filter and treated thanks to an eco treatment unit. The design helps to mantain a simple and small pipe and cable network that adjust to a modulation of the walls and selected materials such as the wood deck, marble flooring, stone and Low-E Guardian Glass in windows. Cross ventilation occurs thanks to the open air shower, the surrounding deck and high windows.
UP
Luna Park: Coliving
May 2020 | Client proposal | Typology: Collective Housing SketchUp, Revit, Twinmotion
The proposal would be the first coliving building in Monterrey, Mexico. Located in the historic quartier of the city. The project focuses on community building. The program includes an author restaurant, movie theater, convenience store, meditation patio, cafe lounge, gym and a rooftop infinty pool. The project faces the outstanding views of the city’s main mountain range. In terms of materiality the use of brick, steel and concrete were upfronted as they are local source options and represent the industrial origins of the city connecting the building to its historical location. There are 3 different apartments type in the complex including double decker suites. The project was modeled entirely in Revit and SketchUp with ilustrations renderized in Twinmotion.
Aymara House
December 2019 | Academic | Typology: Residential SketchUp, AutoCAD, Revit
Influenced by the constructive tradition and art of the Aymara culture in northern Chile, the project reminds back vernacular architecture and integrate embroidery patterns to form the identity of the House.. Materials such as rammed earth, concrete, corten steel and glass integrates the house. The central architectural piece of the house is the outdoor stair. Designed from the embroideries of the Aymara culture and respecting their patterns and colors, they are the connection between the two main volumes and functions of the house. The promenade is in fact the design concept as the house is intended to be walked and discovered as the desert itself.
Art and Morphology
Continous | Personal projects and Academic Mix media, hand drawn
As an architect student I have worked with different techniques and media to express my ideas. All images are my own handmade creation utilizing Chinese ink.
