design portfolio.
camila a. morales
contact information.
contact information.
camila a. morales address:
667 Meeker Avenue, Apartment 3R, Brooklyn, NY, 11222.
contact phone:
917.833.9079
email address:
camila.a.morales@gmail.com
P1
table of contents.
content.
contact information table of contents university of maryland - design studio
: glowing from within : exbox theater : kaleidoscope - jazz club : living with the arts - residential complex
university of maryland - design seminars
: visual analysis seminar - urban diary : art studio : study abroad - paris
P2
page. : p1 : p2 - p3 : p4 - p15 : p6 - p7 : p8 - p11 : p12 - p13 : p14 - p15 : p16 - p27 : p18 - p19 : p20 - p21 : p22 - p27
P3
content.
professional practice
: ricoh showroom nyc : brownstone renovation - brooklyn heights : nyc loft renovation - tribeca : level 44 tv studio : bridge competition - venice : andes sprout competition : urbanshed competition
personal interest : hand drawings : photography : public work
page. : p28 - p43 : p30 - p31 : p32 - p33 : p34 - p35 : p36 - p37 : p38 - p39 : p40 - p41 : p42 - p43
: p44 - p51 : p46 - p47 : p48 - p49 : p50 - p51
table of contents.
P4
university of maryland.
university of maryland.
university of maryland.
design studio
P5
glowing from within. Program: Light - Box installation Professor: Ronit Eisenbach. Studio: Fall 2004. Glowing from within was a study series focused on experimenting with a fixed light source and understanding the quality of light emerging from such structure. The primary focus of my study was to create a light box that explored the glowing effects of a single light source and how this light could be guide the procession of through the installation. To accomplish this goal I conducted charcoal studies of the reflecting light on various materials to capture the character that each material rendered on the experienced light. Which resulted with the selection of a translucent material that would be suspended within a solid threshold. This threshold merged overlapping spaces allowing the light source to be viewed differently as the installation was experienced along all sides. The architectural language created was one of opposition, allowing the light box to be viewed as a series of moments that constantly challenges the character of the light. For instance as one moves along the perimeter of the light box the light observed is transmitted from the exterior in, in contrast, the following view presents the light being projected from the interior outward. The study of this glowing condition of the light box was further developed in the design of a experimental black box theater. front elevation.
side elevation.
conceptual sketches.
P6
charcoal studies.
P7
side elevation.
conceptual sketches.
interior elevation.
glowing from within.
P8
front view of model.
conceptual sketches.
exbox theater.
conceptual sketches.
exbox theater. Site: Dupont Circle, Washington. D.C. Program: Blackbox Theater. Professor: Ronit Eisenbach. Studio: Fall 2004. The exbox theater showcases experimental performing arts. It is located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It is a place where art and culture amalgamate into one; a place where art is presented in its natural form, unconventional and in touch with reality. The design of the building was arrived by the exploration of light and later translated into the design as a glowing box that radiates light from within. Light guides the visitor through the building, inviting them to explore space and experience planes of different materials. The entrance to the building is located on the east side of the site to take advantage of the pedestrian and automobile traffic approaching from Dupont Circle. As the visitor enters the building, they enter a compact entrance vestibule, which overlooks the open plan cafĂŠ and gives them a relief space which allows them to leave their everyday lives and enter into the theatrical realm.
exterior elevation.
As the visitor enters the structure they are presented with a glimpse of a suspended staircase that leads to the second floor where the black box theater is located. The counterclockwise circulation pattern of the building emphasizes the concept of radiating from within since the public is constantly engaged with the exterior as they pass through glowing planes. The public and private areas are separated by a non porous wall that acts as a theatrical curtain where the backstage and mainstage are clearly defined.
conceptual sketches.
front staircase.
front staircase.
site plan.
P9
exbox theater. The second floor introduces the public to an ephemiral staircase that is suspended by cables and leads the visitors to the theatrical function. Additionally, this platform area contains a permeable wall that allows a glimps of a second staircase that leads to the rooftop terrace. The surface of the Black box theater is wrapped with a transparent material that allows the surface to radiate light and therefore creating a glowing envelope that emits light. When entering the black box theater, there is a sense of going through layers, the visitor passes through different planes, experiencing shifts of space. From a glowing area to a dark corridor, back in to the theater; the public experiences the glowing zone.
axonometric.
section through facade staircase.
parti diagrams.
P10
view from vestibule.
view from staircase.
view of cafe.
P11
section through theater.
first floor plan.
circulation diagram.
conceptual sketches.
exbox theater.
P12
exterior perspective collage.
front elevation collage.
second floor plan.
KaleidoScope.
first floor plan.
front elevation sketch.
entrance sketch.
KaleidoScope. Site: Hyattsville, Maryland. Program: Adaptive Re-use Jazz club. Professor: Alick Dearie. Studio: Spring 2005. KaleidoScope is an adaptive reuse jazz club located in the art district of Hyattsville, Maryland. It is a place where music and visual arts create identity for the residents. This venue is designed to act as a social and cultural hub where neighbors and local artists gather and share experiences with their community. The concept that drove the design of the building was to translation the energy and vibrancy found in jazz while fuse\ing the eclectic styles this genre of music presents. This can be seen within the material selection for the venue which displays diversity and varies from brick, zinc cladding to translucent materials such as plexi-glass. All of which are placed in a creative manner that reinforces the notion of materials being melded into each other and furthermore reinstates the collision of styles found in jazz.
transversal section.
The open plan of the performance space allows for flexibility of seating as well as function of the space. An outdoor space holds a green roof for the public and provides seating with views towards the interior making the entire floor a transparent plane that can be visible from all vantish points. The ground floor area is a less formal room where a small cafe with local produce is served. The concept of having two floors that are diverse creates two zones that cater to all residents.
longitudinal section.
Furthermore KaleidoScope, is a place that supports the continued professional growth of artists and enhances the cultural and economic vitality of the surrounding community.
staircase sketch.
staircase sketch. view of model.
existing site.
site plan
P13
living with the arts. Site: mt. vernon, baltimore, maryland. Program: mixed use apartment complex. Professor: ronit eisenbach. Studio: fall 2004 living with the arts is a mixed use apartment complex located in mt vernon, baltimore. it is a building that embraces art as a lifestyle and acts as a catalyst for the neighborhoods identity. the building was created as a place for expression, community development and cultural education. the layout of the building is created by two intersecting l-shaped figures that maximize the view towards the courtyard as well as optimizes day light illumination for each apartment. this mixed-use building is composed of 30 units that vary from triple single and duplex apartments. the lower level of the complex is primarily commercial and is easily accessed by two main streets that run along the building: charles and read street. however, in order to keep the integrity of the neighborhood the less transited street -read street- is designed to cater the needs of the local residents. hence the placement of smaller local stores along this street such as a cafĂŠ or deli markets. the ground level also contains community spaces where adults and children can enjoy extracuriccular activities. by providing a recreational center the neighborhood can enjoy art programs where classes like photography, painting, and sculpture are offered. flanked by a sculptural garden, located within the courtyard, a space for contemplation is introduced and is designed to house art openings and social events that will revitalize this historical neighborhood.
P14
charles street view.
read street view.
longitudinal section.
aerial view of site.
charles street view.
read street view.
P15
axonometric of typical apartment layout.
The upper floors of the apartment building are designed solely for living and vary between double and single height spaces. this is most noticeable around the courtyard where there is a horizontal rhythm created by the changing heights of the apartments. Additionally there is a vertical rhythm that is created by the floor-to-floor height change. Alternating from the ground floor-12ft high ceilings -to the fifth floor- 10ft high ceilings (with 2 ft floor slab). The height of the overall apartment complex varies from 3, 4 and 5 stories. the idea behind this was to create a transition towards the corner of charles and read street that would maintain the stret edge while still allowing light to penetrate into the courtyard. first floor plan.
living with the arts.
P16
design seminars.
design seminars.
university of maryland.
design seminars
P17
visual analysis seminar . Site: Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C. Program: Urban Diary - Visual Analysis Seminar. Professor: Brooke Wortham. Semester: Spring 2005. Everyday Urbanism is often described as non-utopian, conversational, and nonstructuralist. But what does it mean for architects and planners to address ordinary life and reality? As John Chase and Margaret Crawford illustrate in their book Everyday Urbanism, “the present city is the taken-for granted everyday that surrounds us. It possesses its own type of beauty, one that claims space, solves site and program constraints with smart, if sometimes temporary-solutions, aspires for a better present, and works within a framework of given conditions and histories�. Consequently the city is above all a social product, created out of the demands of everyday use, which seeks to release the powers of creativity and imagination as a means of transforming the urban experience of the city. The objective of this seminar was to create an urban diary that focused on the topic of Everyday Urbanism and demonstrate that lived experiences are the fundamental core defining a city. The main goal for my research was to gather lived experiences of my neighborhood of Columbia Heights. This was accomplished by means of an digital diary that contained entries that analyzed various topics that contributed to the making of the communities culture; such as parks, playgrounds, flea markets, vendors, among others. The end product was a presentation that was intended to be used as a booklet to promote the understanding of the topic of everyday life. Specific methods i made use of in order to accomplish my goals were sketches, photography, interviews with l ocal residents, and collages.
meridian hill park
typical street in columbia heights.
observing history through paths.
mom and pop stores
P18
hispanic street vendor.
typical dc street vendor.
site location.
- latino deli market
P19
gentrification through buildings.
pedestrian traffic
-public spaces to meet
mom and pop stores
- latino deli market
building for the rising class.
building for the rising class.
visual analysis seminar.
P20
destination and detour installation.
art studio seminar.
portrait study.
portrait study.
art studio seminar. Program: Contemporary Approach to Art. Professor: Dawn Gavin. Studio: Spring 2005. Produced several works of art that challenged traditional methods of drawing. The course primarily focused on collage and photographic techniques laid over charcoal drawings. During the course of the semester I created a wide range of projects. Culminating the class with an exterior installation named destination and detours. Destination and Detours This installation was conceived as a mechanism that enhanced a quotidian path by creating a pattern of silk fabric layed within a common wrought iron fence in order to bring awareness to an ordinary object and transform its everyday experience into something extraordinary.
charcoal drawing of baltimore aquarium.
hand stitched collage.
charcoal collage.
collage with mylar and fabric.
spray paint drawing.
charcoal study.
P21
study abroad seminar. Site: Paris. Program: Study Abroad Program - Summer 2005. Professor: Thomas Schumacher, Melissa Weese, Amy Gardner. Studio: Visual Analysis and History / Theory seminar The study abroad program offered by the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation focused on the understanding of the architecture and urbanism of foreign cultures through an intensive program of drawing, analysis and historical studies.
champs elysees
- section collage.
champs elysees
- section collage.
champs elysees
- section collage.
The eight week program produced a series of sketches a long with a presentation of a historical site. The images presented are a few of the sketch studies produced throughout the study abroad program.
P22
ronchamp vignette.
ronchamp vignette.
material separation vignette.
brazilian pavilion
- lucio costa / le corbusier.
P23
vignette of place de la concorde and arc de triumph from louvre.
arc de triumph
- front elevation.
arc de triumph
- plan.
study abroad seminar.
P24
barriere de la villete massing.
la tourette
- le corbusier.
study abroad seminar.
tgv trainstation
- lyon.
maison la roche watercolor.
paris vignette
ronchamp axonometric.
- siene.
study abroad seminar.
ronchamp window arrangement vignette.
southern france vignette
- nancy.
neerlandais pavilion
paris
- section.
- st. michel metro collage.
neerlandais pavilion
paris vignette
- elevation.
- pedestrian bridge.
P25
study abroad seminar. louvre
- pavillon turgot facade study.
the study of the building facade arrived to the conclusion that the mass of the pavillion could be described as a two part facade that is created by the extraction of the top of the main mass creating a shape derived by a process of subtraction.
diagram of columns.
exploded axon indicating massing of building.
elevation. diagram showing rhythm of bays.
plan.
P26
P27
place de la concorde
- hotel crillon facade study.
the study of the building facade arrived to the conclusion that the mass of the hotel could be described as a two part facade that is created by the carve-out of the main mass, leaving the middle of the mass transparent.
diagram of columns.
exploded axon indicating massing of building.
elevation. diagram showing rhythm of bays.
plan.
study abroad seminar.
P28
aenarchitects - nyc.
aenarchitects - nyc.
aenarchitects - nyc.
professional practice
P29
ricoh showroom nyc. Site: Midtown, Manhattan Program: Commercial Space - Ricoh Technology Portal. Date of completion: 2007 Project Manager The Ricoh Technology Portal was designed to house a technology showroom for Ricoh Corporation. As one of only three such Technology portals located in United States the facility acts as a place to display cutting-edge office equipment and provide a training and conference facility. Designed as a fully networked business environment, the technology portal depicts typical customer workflow with various Ricoh solutions designed to address everyday requirements through distinct sections of the showroom floor. Among the showroom’s customer-friendly features is a state-of-the art conference room, with teleconferencing capabilities that connects engineers with Ricoh’s customers to develop solutions on-site as well as lecture and event facilities. The space is designed to be flexible and accommodate large seminars and events or small group marketing tours. The varied nature of the events makes this a multi-purpose facility that presented special design and construction challenges. Working with the client, as the Project Manager, I developed a program for the facility and carried the design through construction in a turn-key manner. In addition to the conference and sales facilities, the showroom is also an office and training site for staff that run the events. night view of ricoh storefront.
The facility was designed in accordance with LEED and ISO standards to meet the client’s sustainability goals.
floor plan.
P30
view of signage.
view of curved wall with signage.
view of millwork.
P31
view of ricoh storefront.
view of ricoh workstation area.
conceptual sketches for millwork and signage.
conceptual sketches for millwork and signage. conceptual sketches for millwork and signage.
ricoh showroom nyc.
P32
view of restored stoop.
rendering of living room
view of entrance.
view of living room.
view of fireplace.
rendering of dining room.
brownstone renovation.
section through building.
rendering of facade.
brownstone renovation. Site: Brooklyn Heights, New York Program: Gut Renovation of Landmarked Brownstone Date of completion: 2007 Project Manager The brownstone renovation located within the Brooklyn Heights historic district, consisted of a gut renovation of a four story building, installation of new structural and mechanical systems, as well as restoring the windows, stoop, and brownstone faรงade. As the Project Manager, I worked closely with the residential real estate developer to produce a high end renovation that was cost effective and adhered to the Landmarked aesthetics of the building by offering the clients a design-build project delivery model. Following the analysis of the site context, zoning limitations, and pre-design meetings with the developers, we proposed to convert the existing building to a two family dwelling. The design proposed to reinstate the original stoop entrance to the first floor, restore the windows and faรงade, update the rear and front yard, as well as install new structural and mechanical systems throughout.
view of staircase.
The layout of the apartments optimizes circulation and maximizes the amount of natural light and ventilation entering all habitable spaces while staying within the existing framework of the historic building. Since the bulk of the interior was demolished a new staircase and balustrade was introduced to the plan. The custom built staircase was designed with a unique light cove that serves each of the floors. An open plan with custom built millwork was the overall strategy applied to each unit.
view of typical bedroom.
first floor plan.
basement level plan. view of millwork
view of kitchen
view of lightcove.
P33
nyc loft renovation. Site: Varick Street, Tribeca Historic District, NYC Program: Loft Renovation Date of Completion: 2008 Project Manager The scope of the work consisted of converting an open loft into a high-end one bedroom apartment. As the Project Manager of the renovation, I worked closely with the client to produce a cost effective renovation that embodied the desired aesthetics for the space and was in keeping with the landmarked building. The loft renovation was situated within a historic district and subject to loft board control and co-op board approval. The complexities of this type of project required careful multiple steps to facilitate the approval process. The proposed design worked within the context of the historic warehouse and maintained the open loft feel while providing ample storage for the client’s use. The design included raising the ceiling height throughout the apartment by exposing the original joists and introduced custom built millwork made of mahogany that complimented the existing wood beams, columns, and flooring. Curved elements were introduced to facilitate the flow between public and private areas and permitted the creative configuration of the bedroom. Translucent features where added to the curvilinear elements to facilitate natural light and air ventilation could within the living room and kitchen while maintaining the privacy of the adjacent spaces.
approved plan.
P34
view of tilework.
view of bathroom.
view of office.
P35
view of original column with mahogany millwork.
view of kitchen island.
conceptual plan.
conceptual sketch of millwork wall.
conceptual sketch of kitchen.
view of bathroom.
conceptual plan.
nyc loft renovation.
P36
view of ramp.
view of custom built millwork.
view of restroom.
level 44 tv studio.
view of custom built millwork.
view o
view of custom built millwork.
view of custom built millwork.
of control room.
level 44 tv studio. Site: Midtown, Manhattan. Program: TV Studio and Editing rooms. Date of completion: 2008. Project Manager. The 7,000 sf tv studio is located in Midtown Manhattan, the location of the site and direct access from the street allowed the design to create a unique entry sequence for arrival to reception, star dressing rooms, green room facilities, and access to the two new state-of-the-art production studios. In addition to the studios themselves, our client uses the facility as an editing location to produce and complete studio on-site filming. The program called for the creation of a main and secondary studio, green room, dressing rooms, studio control room, sound and lighting control rooms, postproduction editing suites, reconfiguration and upgrades of existing restroom facilities, and support spaces. Due to the varying floor levels within the existing building a unique ramping system was designed to address handicapped accessibility constraints and allow studio access to the main building core for services. Since the cooling and ventilation loads needed by studio production have substantial HVAC requirements, our team found unique solutions to serve the HVAC loads for all program spaces within the existing building as well as the integration of sprinkler systems with the complex lighting and mechanical requirements. approved plan.
site plan.
view towards studio
1.
view of studio
1
P37
bridge competition. Site: Venice, Italy Program: Venice Bridge Competition. Team members: Camila A. Morales, Carlos Ciampioli, Alex E. Nussbaumer, Luis Casiano, Tim Sudweeks. Venice represents a unique opportunity to explore the notion of the ‘bridge’ as a continuation of urban fabric with an emphasis on program, activity, and pedestrian access rather than vehicular requirements. Bridges in Venice are part of the life of the city and an extension of the network of cultural and commercial activities . They not only connect, but create points of interaction that are unique in their context. Bridges, like other public spaces, allow mixing and cross-over of various urban activities while acting as landmarks and icons of the metropolis. With our submission, we sought to understand the various levels of program required as part of this competition as well as address the underlying program required by the urban context of Venice in our interpretation of a forward looking bridge program. The museum bridge is conceived as the materialization of mixing flows and mixing programs. Starting from digital studies on how twisted wires (tubes) create interesting spatial possibilities, we translated the results to a program configuration. The different programs blend together giving users different crossing experiences.
rendering of bridge interior.
P38
site plan.
circulation diagram.
conceptual massing.
bridge interior exploration.
P39
rendering of bridge exterior.
presentation board.
bridge competition.
P40
massing diagram.
rendering of pod location.
design sketch. presentation board
andes sprout.
presentation board
presentation board
andes sprout. Site: Catskill Mountains, NY. Program: Mobile Artist Residence. Team: Camila A. Morales, Alex E. Nussbaumer Date of Submission: February 2009. The andes sprout site, program and available resources led to a unique solution of re-combinable building shells made from materials available onsite. the proposed system allows the combination of three separate shells that can be assembled in variations of three or more sections. The standard end opening allows the components to suit specific site and programmatic requirements. The flexibility of the system and reliance on site-found materials allowed the project maintain the required budget and deliver a sustainable solution for the artists. The orientation of the structures takes advantage of prevailing winds for convective cooling in the summer and solar gain in the winter. The structures are placed on temporary piles supported by a timber frame-on-grade sourced from onsite demolition. Donated sheet scrap metal is used for the fabrication of the exterior shell that is suported by heavier framing members that provide structural support. Waterproofing is applied to all exterior metal to form a weatherproof enclosure. The structures are also insulated by hay bails that provide additional weatherproofing. During relocation, new hay bails are applied to the structure to keep the hay bails dry from the climate.
rendering of pod location.
A mechanical spine is housed in each of the structures and contains all plumbing and heating functions for the dwelling. Waste is collected in a tank for periodic pumping, or for future connection to an organic septic system. A rain collection system channels water to an interior tank for use as grey water. Bathing water from a separate filtered reservoir provides water from collected rainwater. The fireplace and hot water tank located directly above heats the structure. A re-heat coil is located in the hot water tank for future connection to a pv panel array or windmill source of electricity. The mechanical spine will organize the dwelling and serve the needs of the entire structure by allowing natural light and ventilation. design sketch.
design sketch.
P41
urbanshed competition. Site: New York City.
Program: Urbanshed International Design Competition. Team: Camila A. Morales, Alex E. Nussbaumer, Luis Casiano, Abel Artesona. Date of submission: October 2009 The goal for our the entry for the 2009 Urbanshed International Design Competition was to challenge the design community to create a new standard for sidewalk shed design and develop a prototype for New York City. AENA presented hxshed, a scheme based on a modular system composed of structural cast cells that are easily transported and economically assembled onsite. The pre-fabricated nature of hxshed makes the design of the shed flexible and allows for multiple configurations that are site specific. The cell configuration is reinforced by a secondary structural system that is built with composite planks that supports the vertical loads of the shed and also protects pedestrians from possible construction debris. The selection of sustainable materials allowed the design of a system that maximizes natural lighting and avoids waste and excessive energy usage. The underlying beehive structural organization provides nature inspired strength and durability while allowing replacement or reconfiguration of individual cells without undermining the structure as a whole. Natural light is used to illuminate the shed during daylight hours through the plank and open cell system but when natural illumination levels drop an artificial source located within the protective deck of the shed is activated and provides lighting through an integrated illumination system. Signage is also incorporated to allow lighted designation of obscuresd property and business addresses.
presentation board.
section of shed.
P42
digital exploration.
digital exploration.
rendering of cast shell.
P43
color study of shed.
vignette of shed.
vignette of shed.
hxshed provides planted elements within the structural cells to enhance the pedestrian experience and foster an improved urban environment for those that utilize the public infrastructure. Enhancing quality of life in the city and achieving sustainability goals were the primary design principals behind our proposal. Our modular approach allowed a practical and economical solution that could be assembled in varied site conditions and re-used to achieve the goals we established for our submission.
detail section of shed.
urbanshed competition.
P44
personal interest.
personal interest.
camila a. morales.
personal interest
P45
hand drawings. Hand drawings. Being engaged with the act of drawing has always been a means of expression to me and more so a form of understanding my surroundings and how objects interact. During my carreer I have produced various sketches and collages based on visual experiences of living in an urban city as a process of documenting what sparks my creative genius.
hand drawing of southwest dc row house.
photographic emulsion collaged with found objects.
P46
sketch of dc grid.
sketch of parking lot.
sketch of dc row house.
P47
charcoal drawing.
sketch of giggenheim museum nyc.
photographic emulsion collaged with found objects.
pencil drawing of hand.
personal interest.
P48
personal interest.
photography. Polaroid - 35mm. Produced varoius prints that emphasize composition and basic photographic skills, throught the use of a 35mm camera and also antique polaroids, such as sx70 and Land Cameras. My latest works focus on my chilean heritage and also portraits.
P49
public work. Public Work - Art installation collaboration. Engaging with the public is of great interest to me. I have participated with various programs that have addressed the topic of architecture and the built environment in a variety of formats. My recent works include the participation with Outreach Programs sponsored by the National Building Museum: Investigating where we live and Cityvision. Additionally, I recently contributed with the fabrication of the art installation ‘the reef’ by urbana architects this past summer of 2009.
national building museum outreach program.
the reef by urbana architects.
P50
P51
personal interest.
P52