Architecture
Contents
Work
Design/Art
Architecture
Aquarium
This conceptual project is of a marine science center located in Hartford, Connecticut. The form is a representation of marine life. The building took on the shape of a barnacle found in bodies of water. I chose this organic form for the aquarium because I wanted the shape to be representative of what is inside. There are three light shafts strategically positioned to allow for light to enter the science center. The light shafts open at the top when weather permits allowing for heat exhaustion; on rainy days these shafts collect rain water to harvest and provide water for the exhibit tanks. The building hosts a variety of spaces including a gift
shop, theatre, food court, ticket office, managerial offices, multiple exhibition rooms with areas for both fresh water and salt water marine life, and a touch pool. In the landscape of the exterior there is a sweeping pavilion that bridges to the opposite side of the street. The sweeping bridge connects local residents to the aquarium. The pavilion has areas to allow for outdoor landscapes and gathering spaces.
Solar Penetration Analysis
Temperature Analysis
Air Flow Analys
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Rain Water Harvesting
Performing Arts Center
This conceptual project is of a performing arts center to be located at the University of Hartford. The concept for this design came to me after looking at a sculpture titled Katja Strunz by Wiley. The sculpture consists of metal plates which support each other and is also raised off of its surface. What caught my attention with this sculpture, was its sheer mass and openness. The program for this project consists of a large multilevel dance theatre, a smaller single level music theatre, a black box theatre, gallery, and storage. The dance theatre is accessible from the first and second floors. The music theatre is accessible from the first floor. There is a proscenium stage at the front
of the dance theatre and a platform stage at the front of the music theatre. The black box theatre is located on the third floor. I shaped the black box theatre to take on the shape of a black box and placed within the constraints of the third floor. There is a small gallery located on the fourth floor; which will display students work from the Hartt School (the Hartt School is the performing arts
school at the University of Hartford). Storage is located in the basement, along with the mechanical systems. The total area of the building could not exceed 35,000sq.ft. In addition to the interior theatres, I wanted to create an outdoor area where more urban performances could occur. On the exterior of the outdoor performance theatre, there is a graffiti wall which is representative of the urban environment and provides the viewers a glimpse of what type of performance may take place. I lifted up the building to make it more inviting and canopy the outdoor performance
area. The faรงade is constructed of blue painted metal plates and polished mirror finish stainless steel. The entrance of the building points to the Hartt School; I wanted to create a building that was open to the Hartt School to welcome the students and performers.
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1. Dance Theatre 2. Music Theatre 3. Black Box Theatre
Pavilion
The core of this project was to design a pavilion to be located on the campus at the University of Hartford, between the art and architecture buildings. The 30’x30’ pavilion is located in this area to act as a focal point in welcoming students to the art and architecture schools. The pavilion is constructed of a double layered chrome welded wire mesh; the intention in using this material was to give the pavilion a transparent impression. The pavilion references a domed style vault; I chose this style because I wanted to intertwine the traditional style vault with a contemporary design.
Connecticut Hospice
This project was a competition during my undergraduate studies. The University of Hartford was approached by Connecticut Hospice in Branford to design a waterfront retreat for patients and their families; as well as, the staff. The program consisted of a dining area, café area, performance space, water closet, children’s room, work/library room, and outdoor treatment. The site consists of a proportionately narrow strip of land between the existing Hospice Center and the salt water of the Branford Harbor. My proposal for this project included four parts: site overhaul, memory wall, a bridge, and a building. Taking a look at the site; I proposed to level most of the
site to make it accessible for the patients. There would be accessible paths throughout the site made of stone pavers. The memory wall would be located on the south side of the site along a path. The memory wall consists of metal enclosures with engraved bricks. The enclosures would seem as if they were randomly placed on top of each other to create the wall. In the crevasses of the wall there would be planters; this would allow people to plant flowers in honor of the deceased. The memory wall would create a visual block from the neighbors and would be an area for reflection. About 500’ from the shore there is a small island owned by
Connecticut Hospice. The island is accessible by a sand bridge on low tide. I chose to utilize this island and make a bridge accessible for all the patients. The bridge takes the shape of a slender “S”. I chose this shape to allow for open areas with bench seating. There is also an arm that extends out from the “S” shape; the arm is where boaters are able to dock. As the bridge passes the island, it cantilevers the island about 22’ above the water. In designing the building I first started with a single rectangle. I chose the rectangle because I wanted to optimize the views of the water. I then added two other rectangles to give more square footage to the building. I united the rectangles together to give the structure high angled ceilings; and to minimize the obstructions from the new building. My intention was to create a feeling that you were entering a grand cathedral; but without the share mass
that a cathedral has. What makes a cathedral is the mass and lighting. To capture the lighting I chose to filter some of the light coming into the building by adding colored glass. The layout is perceived to be an open floor plan; however, the children’s room and work and library room are partitioned with glass walls from the rest of the interior. There is an 8’ wide main entry and rear full wall opening to a balcony with seating, which cantilevers the water. With this proposal, my intent was create an environment where the patients and staff could take advantage of the site and to create a retreat where they could go and enjoy time on their own or with family and friends.
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1. Structure 2. Glazing, Colored Glazing, & Solid Infill 3. Floor Plan
Torcido
Torcido is a conceptual project I designed in my undergraduate studies at the University of Hartford. The only restriction to the project was that it had to be an office building with a cafe area and an atrium space. I chose to locate my building in Barcelona, Spain because of the culture and the city plan. Barcelona‘s city plan is designed in a grid, except for the old section of the city. Most of the buildings in Barcelona are placed on the outside of the block within the grid and have a central courtyard. I wanted to locate my building in the center of the block, with landscaping around the building. This would give the employees a space outdoors without the confinements of a courtyard; which would encourage interaction with the public.
In designing the building, I started with a square box design that would have seven levels. I then wanted to add balconies to the square; I cut the geometric shape of the building and rotated it to allow for the balconies. There is a major influence in Barcelona from Architect Antonio Guadi; in his work he would incorporate mosaics into many of
his designs. To honor Gaudi’s mosaic styling, I chose to use colorful painted paneling on the facades of the building. The first floor atrium is where you would find the cafe; this is also where the main entry is located. To create a more playful environment I added playground features to the first floor. There is also below grade parking for the employees and visitor parking above grade. Torcido is a building that challenges social norms of the business atmosphere and invites adults to experience childhood excitement.
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Cathedral Saint Julien of Le Mans, France
In a structural analysis course, students were given a cathedral and assigned the task of providing a structural analysis of the nave. The purpose of the project was to analyze the existing structure of the cathedral and to research the history of its construction. The cathedral that was given to me for this assignment was Saint Julien of Le Mans in France. The project required me to create a scaled section model of the nave. The section model was created using wood cut segments that represented the stone work of the structure. Students were not allowed to use glue or joints to join the segments; which showed the reaction of the forces within the structure. We also had to show were hinging could occur on the arches when a force was applied to one side. In my research findings, I found that in 1419 flying buttresses were added to the nave due to the potential collapse of the nave. My findings and model were presented to the Dean of Architecture, Dean of CETA, and the President of the University of Hartford.
Pushing on the flying buttress side, you can see the flying buttress dishinge & where hinging occurs in the nave’s lancet arch.
Pushing down on the lancet arch voussoirs of the nave, you can see two areas where hinging of the voussoir occur.
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Pushing on the roman arch voussoirs of the aisle, you can see two areas where hinging of the voussoir occur.
In 1419 the nave was threatened to collapse; this represents what could have occured in the lancet arch.
Museum of The New Enlightenment
The proposal for this design was to create a sculpture museum; chronicling the cultural change over the last forty (40) years. I wanted to create volumes that would be representative of what is housed within the building. The site is located in downtown Hartford with heavy pedestrian traffic. The existing buildings in this area are all store fronted shops and restaurants. Within the property lines that I had to work with, I decided to situate the building within the center of the lot. I purposely did this to signify the importance of the building and what it represents. Having the building set away from the street allows for outdoor displays and public spaces. I shaped the building to be sculptural in
hope that it would spark curiosity amongst the public; as well as, encourage people to see for themselves the art and design of not only the creativity inside the building, but the creativity that is the building. I created three volumes to enclose the galleries and supporting spaces; and one other that is the foyer. There are two floors, on the first floor there are three galleries and on the second there are two galleries. On the first floor there is a small
gift shop and back room. The exterior facades are to be made of natural materials. The red volume will be patina steel, the blue will be blue glazed ceramic tile, and the yellow will be birch plywood. The bridge and foyer will be colored glass and clear glass. On the first floor, the center volume connects to two other volumes and on the second floor the two outer volumes are connected by a bridge. The spaces in the interior would be composed of gypsum board and concrete floors. My intention was to use basic materials throughout the interior, as to not take away from the artwork on display. My intentions on this project was to expose the public to art when they first see the building that they are enticed to see what is inside.
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Secound Floor
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Gallery 1 Gallery 2 Gallery 3 Gallery 4 Gallery 5 Gift Shop Back Room Office
First Floor
University of Hartford Pavilion
For this conceptual project, I was given a site and asked to design a place that would benefit the students and faculty at the University of Hartford. The idea for the project was to create an area where students and faculty could congregate and accomplish work. The site is situated in a courtyard on campus at the University of Hartford; it is on a main path that is accessible from the dorm rooms to the main school. For my design, I chose to create an outdoor pavilion. My concept for this project came from wanting to see students spending more time outdoors enjoying the courtyard. My design is an open aired pavilion, with a raised platform and a metal trellis overhead to provide shading. There are accessible ramps and grand staircases on opposite sides, inviting students and faculty onto the pavilion. Within the landscape of the courtyard, I proposed sculptures to be added and a modified landscape. Being that the University of Hartford is an art school; the pavilion was designed to complement the cultural climate of the university.
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The Birds Nest
The purpose of this project was to create a space where one to three people could read, converse, relax, and observe, without interruptions. The concept for this building came while I was walking through the campus looking for a site. As I was walking, I heard birds chirping and thought about how birds are able to observe the world from above. I decided to base my concept for this project on a bird house, as these are spaces which provide shelter for birds; while giving them a perch where they are able to observe their surroundings. The constraints to the project
were that it must be 100sq.ft., must be located on campus at the University of Hartford, and must provide shelter from the elements. In determining a site location for my design, I was looking for a place with minimal traffic (both automotive and pedestrian), and where one could observe the campus. The site I chose at the University of Hartford is located between the School of Architecture and the School of Art. I designed a 10’x10’ space with amphitheater seating in the interior to allow for unobstructed views of the outdoors; there is a balcony which represents the perch of a bird house. This concept is a vision where people could interact with each other; while being given the opportunity to observe their outside surroundings.
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First Floor 10' - 0"
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Entrance to Exterior Space
This project focuses on creating an entrance to an exterior space at the University of Hartford. The parameters that I had to follow for this assignment were to design an architectural element that defined the edge of an entrance to an exterior space, inform the viewers about the nature of the space, and reflect the character of the University of Hartford as a whole. The space I chose is located between the sculpture center and art gallery. This location is a more deserted
area on campus. The idea I had for my design, was to have the space be seen from anywhere on campus and also giving the space an entryway that emphasized what was occurring within. To accomplish this, I designed colorful spires that tower over the existing buildings. The design in itself is sculptural and artistic, informing viewers that the area is a place to reflect on art. The space reflects the character of the university as a whole by emphasizing
the arts that the University of Hartford is known for. The concept was to create an entry that reflected the area and to get the attention of students and faculty around campus.
Multi-use Hub
The purpose for this conceptual project was to create an urban live/work community to be located in downtown Hartford and linked to a bus-way interchange. The area was to be connected visually or physically to the Old State House landmark, which is across the street from the proposed site. The program for this community includes; condominiums, hotel, supermarket, cultural and social spaces, and restaurants/cafes. The
total square footage for the structure is approximately 130,000sq.ft. I wanted to create an area that was active and visually appealing. Downtown Hartford has historically housed the headquarters for insurance companies; there is not much activity for individuals and families. The building’s mass starts off lower to not take away from the Old State House. As you walk in the opposite direction of the Old State House, the building grows in its size; it eventually takes on the form of a tower, this is where the condominiums and hotel are located. I sculpted the building to create caverns; this would allow for outdoor seating for the restaurants/cafes and outdoor displays for the museum. The exterior of the building consists of triangular metal
panels and clear glazed windows. I wanted to use colored glass to filter the light coming in. The main faรงade on the tower is south facing and is constructed of colored and clear glass. There is a double glazed wall to limit the solar gains within the building, to create more sustainable living quarters. Within the site there is outdoor parking. The hotel and condominiums are interconnected between two masses, but have different entrances. There is a break between the tower and the other building so that one could cut across the block. There are balconies in the hotel and condominiums which have deciduous trees for shading. I wanted to create a live/ work community that was representative of the urban environment; while also
being appealing to the community as an active social hub.
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First Floor Plan
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9 1. Condominiums Entry 2. Condominiums 3. Hotel Entry 4. Hotel 5. Supermarket 6. Cafe 7. Offices Entry 8. Restaurant 9. Restaurant 10. Museum Entry 11. Museum Courtyard
Work
University of Memphis Starbucks Cafe
During my employment at Ni Design I worked with a team to design a café space at the University of Memphis. The purpose of this project was to inspire creativity and give the students at the University of Memphis an area to gather. The space is located in the university Barnes & Noble Bookstore; it is open to the bookstore and has an outdoor patio area. The program included the renovation of a new
Starbucks café, seating area, and a work room for the café. Since the space was to inspire students, we chose to use bright colors. The space is arranged with bench seating and coffee tables throughout. My responsibilities for this project included; design of the ceiling, flooring, and the creation of all construction documents. The project team included: Jennifer Oliveira, Project Manager; Guilherme Pinho, Designer/Draftsman; Craig Moore, Graphic Designer.
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Cafe Lounge Starbucks Starbucks Back Work Area Outdoor Patio
Troy University Bookstore & Cafe
While I worked as a Designer/Drafter at Ni Design, I worked with a team on the Barnes & Nobel Bookstore at Troy University. The program for this project included the new addition of a Barnes & Nobel Bookstore with a Starbucks cafĂŠ and an outdoor patio. My responsibility on this project included: assisting with the flooring, textbook fixture layout, and creation of construction documents. The project team included: Jennifer Oliveira, Project Manager; Guilherme Pinho, Designer/Draftsman; Craig Moore, Graphic Designer.
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Shopping Cafe Lounge Starbucks Starbucks Back Work Area Textbook Shopping Bookstore Work Area Offices Outdoor Patio
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Design/Art
Stool
When thinking of a stool that was representative of my styling, I wanted to show the struggle and strength of mankind. I thought of the sculpture “Atlas” by Lee Lawrie, which illustrates Titan holding up the heavens. I wanted the stool to be sculptural. I created two stools; the original stool was constructed of steel and was 24” tall with a foot rest. This stool has been powder coated red with a stainless steel seat. I found this stool to be bold. I created the second stool which is lower in height. The second stool is finished with natural materials, burnished brass and a mahogany seat.
Desk Lamp
In designing this desk lamp, I wanted to create a lamp that would act as a light source; however, not be bright or large where it would overpower the desk. The concept behind this design is that I wanted it to be visually appealing, while at the same time, not suggesting that it is a lamp. The materials I used to construct the lamp are mirror finish stainless steel and a touch dimmer with LED lights.
Engagement Ring
This jewelry design is of a single solitaire diamond engagement ring. Diamonds generally symbolize love and eternity. The diamond splitting the solid round band is symbolic in showing the strength of the diamond; or the strength of the love between the person giving the ring and the receiver of
the ring. The process began with hand sketches; after a finalized design, a detailed schematic was produced. The ring was then three dimensionally modeled and 3D printed; a mold was later made from the 3D printed ring.
Forever
I designed this sculpture as a tribute to my father. My father worked as a lead foreman for Segrees Steel, a company that created and restored Alexander Calder’s sculptures. After the company closed down my father was given an abundance of scrap metal plates that he was going to discard. He had enjoyed his work as a foreman and opened his own iron forging shop. Like myself, he has a passion for art and the use of color; he also enjoys the outdoors and gardening. I have always been in awe of his work and decided to combine his interest in iron sculptures and gardening and created Forever, an endlessly blooming garden. The sculpture is an abstract flower garden created with discarded aluminum plates and stainless steel rods, which are embedded in a concrete footing in the ground. This kinetic piece of art moves with the wind and blooms year round.
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