Carlos Rafael Salinas Gonzรกlez
Architect, MSc Urbanism
Carlos Rafael Salinas González
EXPERIENCE
Mexico City, April 8th, 1986. Eugenia 626 7-502 Col. del Valle, Benito Juárez. 03100, México, D.F. Telephone: +52 55 55367514 Mobile: +521 55 3566 3394 crsalinasg@gmail.com
Urban Planner/ Urban Designer Transconsult S.A. de C.V. - México (July 2014 - Present) Advisor for the elaboration of the Sustainable Mobility Strategy for the metropolitan region of La Laguna, Mexico. Research, analysis and mapping of urban and regional trends. Responsible for the elaboration of strategies and projects for Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and the integration of transit infrastructure within existing urban environments.
Architect, MSc Urbanism
Urban Design Internship Urhahn Urban Design - Amsterdam (November 2013 - April 2014) Scenario conceptualization and elaboration of strategic urban design proposals for the reconfiguration of port and industrial areas in several locations in the Netherlands and Belgium. Assistance in the participatory planning sessions for the Oostenburg Area in Amsterdam and Space-S in Eindhoven. Architect Freelance Delft - Mexico City (October 2011 - November 2013) Elaboration of renders, presentation drawings and visualizations for architecture and landscape projects. Contribution with local cultural projects including publications in local media, public talks and cultural activities in public spaces. Junior Architect EmergeArq - Mexico City (December 2009 - December 2010) Architectural design and elaboration of construction drawings for executive projects. Rendering, elaboration of photomontages and architectural proposals for the renovation of dwellings, offices and restaurants. Architecture Internship CC Arquitectos - Mexico City (June 2009 - August 2009) Elaboration of technical drawings, presentation posters and construction site visits as part of the final construction phase of the “Mexipuerto Ciudad Azteca” public transport hub. Social Service at Self-help housing Architectural Support Program. UNAM - Mexico City (February 2009 - June 2009) Field-work and elaboration of architectural projects for self-construction dwellings in marginalized communities. Group coordination in the elaboration of architectural surveys, site analysis and architectural and urban design proposals for NGO’s and public institutions.
EDUCATION
AWARDS
Master of Science (MSc), Urbanism, (Cum Laude) Delft University of Technology. TU Delft. The Netherlands. (2011 - 2013) European Postgraduate Master in Urbanism. Strategies and Design for cities and territories.
Honourable Mention at the “Urban Intervention Competition 2014”. Public Space Authority of Mexico City.
Master exchange program. Urbanism. Università IUAV di Venezia. Italie. (2012) Recycling city. Lifecycles, embodied energy, inclusion. Studio conducted by Bernardo Secchi and Paola Viganò.
Gabino Barreda Prize 2011. Prize awarded to the student that obtained the highest grades of the generation. Faculty of Architecture. UNAM.
Bachelor in Architecture. Full Architect accreditation. (Cum Laude) Faculty of Architecture. (2005 – 2010) National Autonomous University of Mexico. UNAM.
Justus en Louise van Effen Scholarship (2011 - 2013). Delft University of Technology. The Netherlands.
Gustavo Baz Prize 2010. Award given to the students that have distinguised themselves for its participation in Social Service programs with high social impact that improve the life conditions and promote social and economic development in poor communities of Mexico.
PUBLICATIONS LANGUAGES Spanish (Mother tongue) English (Advanced level) French (Advanced level)
SKILLS Urban Design, Territorial Strategic Planning, Architectural Design, Autocad, Adobe Suite, 3DMax, ArcMap, GIS, Space Syntax, SketchUp, Rendering, Hand-drawing techniques.
“Urban expansion, the government as urban designer and the shopping revolution”. Colonia del Valle (1940-1970). Dweling spaces in moder architecture. UAX-Xochimilco. 2014. Mexico City. Spanish. “Characters of the streets of Colonia del Valle”. Co-authored with Maria del Jesus Real Figueroa”. Ediciones ECA. October 2012. Mexico City. Spanish. “From suburb to city. The evolution of Colonia del Valle neighbourhood in Mexico City”. Bitacora Magazine. 22. May 2011. Mexico City. Spanish.
Carlos Rafael Salinas González // Architect, MSc Urbanism
Dolores Street
Entrance to Chinatowon
Walls and barriers
Heritage buildings
Epicentro Barrio San Juan Location: Mexico City. Type: Professional. Urban Intervention Competition. Honourable Mention. Urban Intervention Competion Role: Co -author with María Fernanda Ascobereta, Eduardo Ruiz Naves and Beatriz Piña. Date: April 2014. Active street level
Underused lots
This project articulates two urban microcentres: Chinatown and San Juan Square in the Historic Centre of Mexico City. by generating a spatial continuity between them. Those microcentres are interwined through the re-design of the public space in the area and the creation of a vibrant pedestrian axis along Dolores Street. That pedestrian axis is activated by a diverse program of dwelliings, spaces for co-working, shopping and cultural venues using lots that are currently underused as open air parking. The intervention includes also the restauration of existing heritage buildings in the area as well as the creation of new shortcuts and passages linking the interior of the blocks.
Carlos Rafael Salinas González // Architect, MSc Urbanism
Restauration of San Jose Basilica and the public space at its front
Renovation of San Juan Square MERCADO DE ARTESANÍAS Y DISEÑO DE SAN JUAN
Heritage buildings NIVEL AZOTEA Colocación de paneles solares y realización de talleres de energías renovables
NIVEL +2 Area de talleres para elaboración de artesanías y productos de diseño
Espacio de co-working, área de elaboración, exposición y venta de artesanías y productos de diseño industrial
Renovation of the San Juan Handcrafts Market
Programs
Special attention is given to San Juan Square one of the oldest public spaces of the site that presents severe deterioration. For that square is proposed a more transparent layout that emphasizes the valuable heritage buildings in their surroundings and activating the street level facing it with cafes and restaurants.
Pedestrian spaces and shortcuts
NIVEL +1
For the adjacent handcraft market is proposed an update transforming into a Design and Handcraft market that facilitates the work of young creatives. The new activities for the place include also workshops and organic agriculture using the roof of the place. The architectural intervention in it keeps its current structure while making it more transparent and open to the street as an integral component for the liveliness of the neighborhood.
Oficinas administrativas
Centro Gastronómico con vista a la Plaza de San Juan, El restaurante funciona en un ambiente informal entrecruzado con las actividades de exhibición de productos y co-working.
NIVEL CALLE
Public Space Proposal for the area together with programs (red) and shortcuts (pink).
Integration within the existing urban structure
Preparación en la azotea de instalaciones para realización de talleres de agricultura urbana.
Espacio de co-working, área de elaboración, exposición y venta de artesanías y productos de diseño industrial
Librería del Fondo de Cultura Económica con café y terraza hacia la plaza. Area de expansión futura
Locales comerciales complementarios: Tienda Fonart y showroom de productos de diseño industria y de mobiliario.
NIVEL SOTANO
Peña musical y espacio para espectáculos de jazz nocturno
Estacionamiento
Carlos Rafael Salinas GonzĂĄlez // Architect, MSc Urbanism
Megalopolis of Central Mexico Mexico City Metropolitan area and 5 potential train infrastructure related centralities
The surrounding metropolitan areas: 8 million Inhabitants vs flight operations in the largest metropolitan areas in the world measured by GDP. Mexico City in the black square.
The airport of Mexico City is saturated. However, if we consider the scale of the megalopolis of Central Mexico including the neighbouring cities, the region has already 4 operating international airports. Those airports are subutilized due in part to their lack of integration with public transport networks that would make them accessible.
Connecting the Megalopolis Location: Central Mexico. Type: Academic Master Thesis. Role: Author. Mentors: Arjan van Timmeren, Paola Vigan, Diana GarcĂa Cejudo. Level:European Postgraduate Master in Urbanism. Third semester. Date: Fall 2012.
The surrounding metropolitan areas: 8 million
Capacity vs passenger in the airports of the region
In the megalopolis of Mexico City this lack of integration affects negatively the attractiveness of the alternate venues of the metropolitan airport network that are currently underused, contributing to the saturation of Mexico City airport and negatively affecting the competitiveness of the other cities of the region.
Carlos Rafael Salinas Gonzรกlez // Architect, MSc Urbanism
Evidence: Map displaying frequency of shuttle services rides from Mexico City to Toluca Airport
Mexico - Toluca Intermetropolitan transit corridor.
Proposed typology for the intermetropolitan airport - train corridors for the region.
Chapultepec Station
Santa Fe Station
This project states that instead of developing new aiports in the region, the development of mobility networks linking existing airports to public transport in the region could be used as a strategic tool not only for enhancing airport accessibility but also for improving the mobility experience for different users of public transport in the region in the inner city and in the periphery. Therefore, the project explores the possibilities and potentials for improving the integration of the five existing airports to public transport as well as the challenges this integration would face and the benefits this might bring for the urban development of the region. As a case study the potentials of the integration of Toluca and Mexico City metropolitan area through a train line are explored.
Toluca Center Station
Carlos Rafael Salinas González // Architect, MSc Urbanism
In this studio research project we explored the problematic and potentials underlying the conditions of urban dispersion that can be found in the città diffusa of the Veneto region. The approach of the studio was to recycle the embodied energy of the territory using its tangible and intangible elements. One of the most interesting landscape features of the area is the water infrastructure grid that was built since the roman times and that had a big influence in the region’s territorial development. In the past, this water infrastructure let this area become a very productive one in terms of agriculture production.
Low Intense-City Location: Veneto, Italy. Type: Academic Group work. Role: Co -author together with Perrine Frick and Jesus Gárate Esain. Level:European Postgraduate Master in Urbanism. Third semester. Date: Fall 2012.
Schematic evolution of the water infrastructure network in the Veneto region througout history and proposal
However, during the last decades this water infrastructure has suffered strong transformations that had modified the original water network. Additionally, due to climate change the area is facing now both water shortages and floods. For analyzing the area we used an anthropological approach that included several interviews with people living there for understanding the social and economic dynamics of the place. For systematizing the information we did a so
Carlos Rafael Salinas González // Architect, MSc Urbanism
A
B
C
Agricultural production properties found in the region: A) Autoconsumption, B) Medium entreprise C)Large agriculture facility for export
called “territorial taxonomy” in order to correlate the interviews with the built and un-built space we were analysing. One of the aspects that attracted more our attention in the interviews was food production. On the one hand, there is a increasing trend towards micro and organic agriculture production, but on the other, there is a also an important growth of food production in greenhouses due to its improved efficiency in terms of resources management. By visiting the supermarkets of the area we found out (like in many regions of the world) that products that could have been produced locally were paradoxically brought from distant locations spending lots of energy and CO2 in transport.
Landscape adaptions for agriculture facing climate change in the Veneto Region
As the backbone for supporting the food production and diminishing the impacts caused by climate change, our proposal consisted in giving a new life cycle to the existing water infrastructure supporting it with phytodepuration ponds and providing more space for water discharges of the rivers in case of high water levels. Additionally, our strategy included the introduction of a soft-mobility network in the area for facilitating the access to the production and living areas.
Scenario. Vegetarian self-sufficiency. Greenhouses: 2500 ha. Greenhouses 10 times normal agriculture land yield.
Carlos Rafael Salinas Gonzรกlez // Architect, MSc Urbanism
This ecoturistic and research center on the monarch butterfly has the aim to be a place in which visitors can enter in contact with nature and understand the environment where the monarch butterfly hibernate each year.
Ecotouristic and Research Center Location: Piedra Herrada, Mexico. Type: Academic. Individual. Role: Author. Level:5th semester. Bachelor in Architecture. Date: Fall 2007.
Conceptual diagrams
The design process began with the elaboration of three diagrams: the first one is based on a monarch butterfly wing which form was abstracted to inspire complex paths. The second is an analysis of the location of the spaces of the architectural program as well sunlight and the third one about the flows that the visitors will follow by walking from the parking to the information center and then to the forest. The sum of these first diagrams provided a first scheme for the project that was designed taking into account, the tension established between topography, appropiate natural illumination, and ventilation, as well as emotional paths that stimulate an aesthetic view of nature.
Carlos Rafael Salinas GonzĂĄlez // Architect, MSc Urbanism
Section B
Section A
During the design process, the specific requeriments of each space were analysed according to the size, height, light, ventilation and qualitative aspects required.
Section A Section B
For having a holistic understanding of each space it was very useful to have the drawing of sketches in perspective views and plans of each component of the architectural program. As a result of the previous analysis and diagrams, the spaces were grouped into two volumes according to their function: one for the visitor’s venues and the other for the research activities, each volume with autonomous function. Each volume conforms and twists itself according to the topography and the sunlight requirements generating a dialog with the other volume and the surroundings through interstitial spaces and voids. The pathways let users to softly climb topography through platforms, plazas, stairways and ramps, letting us change our perception each time we walk and encourage us to watch nature and architecture from different points of view.
Carlos Rafael Salinas Gonzรกlez // Architect, MSc Urbanism The streets
Block sample analysis
Lots
Roads before 1908
Urbanization grid
Streets result of the subdivision a new developments
Current street pattern
Land uses
Perception: Borders
Perception: Insecurity
Perception: Shopping and entertainment
Transformations of the Urban Habitat Location: Colonia del Valle, Mexico City. Type: Academic. Individual. Role: Author. Level: Final project Bachelor in Architecture. Date: September 2009- August 2010.
Perception: The streets and places people like
types of urban development. From the ancient streets and roads of the first towns that existed in the zone to the massive urban planning that began in the first decade of the 20th century as well as the later subdivision and modification processes that succeeded the original plan. In the Architectural Typologies chapter, I identified, classified and analized the most recurrent building typologies of the zone as well as the formal and stylistic variations that they have suffered throughout the 20th century, for understanding its characteristics and to know which of them were built in which time, and which are still or no longer under construction in the zone. Also were analized some examples of how a typhology has changed throughout decades focusing on the functional changes and uses of space because of the transformation experienced by society and its impact on architecture. In that way it could be noticed how with the pass of decades the retail is disappearing and how the space used by parking space under each building is increasing nowadays.
The methodology used in this investigation consisted in a reading of this territory from four views: Historic Evolution, Urban Morphology, Architectural Typologies and Perception.
In the perception analysis part and for understanding how the space of the area is used by its inhabitants, I carried out 32 comprehensive interviews to inhabitats of different parts of Colonia del Valle with different genders, ages and occupations. The interviews were applied according to a question guide that aimed to understand how the inhabitants of the zone relate with the built environment and their neighbors and to find the most important problems of the zone, the aspects its inhabitants like, or dislike about it, and with that information, analyze the causes and the possible measures that can be applied in the zone.
In the Historic Analysis I consulted documentary and bibliographic sources that let me understand the evolution of this zone through the passage of years. It was possible to find some ancient roads of the 19th century that later were converted into streets that nowadays are part of the urban structure of the zone as well as some ancient buildings that still exist.
Some questions related to specific places of the zone were answered directly on plans which were superposed in layers using Photoshop with an opacity of 5% for each interviewed in order to identify the coincidences directly in space. Also it was asked to the inhabitants to draw some mental maps of the zone that summed the former questions of the interviews provided very worthy information for understanding the human perception.
In the Urban Morphology chapter I analized the urban trace of the zone where I could find different processes of urbanization that responded to different
Based upon the four analysis mentioned and after contrasting the information obtained, I did a diagnostic for the zone that showed that its challenges are related with the
Heights
Carlos Rafael Salinas Gonzรกlez // Architect, MSc Urbanism Block evolution
Mental mappings
1908 Original block
Scenario 1: Low urban development 1920 Subdivision of the block by the opening of a new street and creation of smaller lots
.
1930 First building types: houses of one and two levels
Calm traffic streets and pedestrian oriented network proposed for the area 1950 Consolidation Medium size buildings are built.
Scenario 2: Moderate urban development
most important urban functions of the area: dwelling, commerce, and also its function as a transit zone for people that traverse this area by different kinds of transport for arriving to other zones of the city.
1970 High-risecondos began to be built. The trend stops in the 1990s.
In that way, the proposals were grouped into three main issues: Public space, the integration of architecture in the different urban contexts of the zone and the role of inhabitants and government in the improvement of quality of life conditions in the city. This proposals are intended to provide positive changes in the zone and be realistic and of easy application.
2000 New construction boom. Mid rise dwelling buildings and horizontal condominiums are built.
Later, I developed some scenarios showing how the measures proposed for the integration of new buildings in this urban context may impact the urban morphology of the area taking as a case study of one block of the neighbourhood.
.
Scenario 3: High urban development
Carlos Rafael Salinas González // Architect, MSc Urbanism
Spaces: Library Rooms Fusion of spaces
Free plan
Concentration of services
Flexibilty of openings
Parking Bookstore Garden Art rooms
Lobby
Square with different atmospheres
Rehearsal room Open the square
Service spaces
Natural ventilation
Toy library Black box theatre
Santa Úrsula Culture Centre Location: Santa Úrsula, Mexico City. Type: Academic. Individual. Role: Author. Level: 6th semester. Bachelor in Architecture. Date: Spring 2008.
Foyer Music rooms Multipurpose room Public art gallery Projection hall Services
I began this project by analyzing the role of this culture centre, in its urban location and the relation and opportunities that this construction should foster within its users and its surroundings. By that way, after visiting the site, I did some diagrams which served as a guide during the first stages of the project process as elements that the program and spaces should accomplish for its better function and relation with city. The program of the center included a black box forum, classrooms for sculpture, painting and music, a public library, a toy library, multipurpose rooms and a projection hall. After this first approach to the project, I experimented with the elements of the architectural program and the form of the project by assessing the different ways in which the spaces could be arranged in order to select the most suitable disposition. For this, it was of great help the use of conceptual volumetric models. By the same
Carlos Rafael Salinas Gonzรกlez // Architect, MSc Urbanism
Lobby
Level 0
Section
time, the drawing of sketches was a very important tool for also explore the possibilities of space and the solution of different aspects of the project.
Level 1
The culture centre, friendly relates with its surroundings with portics that integrate the street with the interior of the center and that serve as a transition of light, shadows and spaces. The project disposition was arranged around two courtyards, an open air one, and a covered one. These courtyards represent the natural and the artificial aspects which stimulate art. These courtyards provide a variety of sensations and atmospheres inside the culture center. In the open air patio, the lush vegetation provides a fresh and quiet environment in which people can read, draw or play during warm days. In the coveredd patio, the movement of users on the ramps and in the corridors stimulates a dynamic athmosphere plenty of life, plenty of encounters, a site for sharing culture.
Level 2
Carlos Rafael Salinas Gonzรกlez // Architect, MSc Urbanism
Centro Cultural Mexiquense de Oriente Location: Texcoco, State of Mexico. Year: 2008. Role: Project visualiser for private landscape architecture studio. Type: Professional.
Carlos Rafael Salinas Gonzรกlez // Architect, MSc Urbanism
In 2008 the neighbourhood celebrated its first centennial. With the objective of stimulating the local awareness of the evolution that the area had since its foundation, I started gathering old photos and documents from the residents in order to create a local historic archive. After being scanned and printed, the images were displayed in public spaces as part of the centennial celebrations.
Revalorizing the Local Heritage Location: Colonia del Valle, Mexico City. Year: 2008. Role: Researcher and organizer. Co-author with Architect Ada Avendano in the historic catalogation research. Type: Self-starting - Volunteer.
In 2011, Hacienda de San Borja, inspite of being one of the most ancient constructions of the area was surprisingly not included in the national heritage registry and presented some damages. With the support of my university the site was declared a national monument opening the possibity for additional public funding for the maintenance of the place. A series of events have been organized since then for increasing the community awareness of the historical value of the site.
Carlos Rafael Salinas Gonzรกlez // Architect, MSc Urbanism
Topographic map
Highlighted heights
Temporary water storage Water pump Opening system
Mounds Area 0
Area A
Area B
Types of water safety control
The Fluctuating Landscape Location: Dordrecht, The Netherlands. Type: Academic. Individual. Role: Author. Level:European Postgraduate Master in Urbanism. Second semester. Date: Spring 2012. Types of water safety control
Types of
dyke protection
This project explores the spatial qualities that could be achieved re-using and adapting the existing landscape in the southern part of the island of Dordrecht facing a completely open water system scenario for the River Maas delta. Improved environmental conditions in the area due to the restoration of the water flows between river and sea in the future will allow several human activities to happen such as fishing, new ways of aquaculture and recreational possibilities together with the regeneration of tidal areas. The flooding conditions in the new transitional landscapes are defined according to two proposed typologies: an Area A with controlled flooding conditions and Area B, a tidal landscape. These landscape typologies were applied according to the existing height conditions and features of the area. In the case of area type A, in addition to the reinforcement of the existing dikes and the creation of a controlled water opening system, the existing canals are widened and deepened, in order to be able to store a higher amount of water.
Carlos Rafael Salinas Gonzรกlez // Architect, MSc Urbanism
Possible relations dyke - landscape
Urbanizing the mounds
Fill
High water level conditions
Cut
At the same time the arable area is slightly heightened. In case of area type B, the landscape could be reshaped in order to create high areas and mounds that can be used even in very high water conditions. At the interior of this area a wide range of activities could be developed using the different conditions the new landscape presents including arable land, and cattle in the high areas or floating fish farmings or amphibious dwelling in the water areas.
Current condition
The resulting shape of the landscape is regulated by the application of design rules as well as a zoning system that takes as a framework frequency of high water according to the height of the area, giving flexibility and space for manoeuvre in the future.
Average water level conditions
Low water level conditions
Carlos Rafael Salinas Gonzรกlez // Architect, MSc Urbanism
During the period of six months working at Urhahn Urban Design I has the opportuny to work on Scenario conceptualization and elaboration of stategic urban design proposals for the reconfiguration of old port and industrial areas in several locations in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Urban Design Internship at Urhahn Urban Design Location: Amsterdam Year: 2014. Role: Intern. Type: Urban Design. Date: 2013-2014.
As well I helped elaborating materal for the participatory planning sessions for the Oostenburg Area in Amsterdam and Space-S in Eindhoven. As showcase of the projects, models and drawings I colaborated in their elaboration with my colleagues is presented here. The images correspond to projects in The Hague, Amsterdam, Nieuwpoort, Hoorn and Utrecht.
Carlos Rafael Salinas Gonzรกlez // Architect, MSc Urbanism
Should any additional information be required, please do not hesitate on contact me.
Carlos Rafael Salinas González
Architect, MSc Urbanism
Mexico City, April 8th, 1986. Eugenia 626 7-502 Col. del Valle, Benito Juárez. 03100, México, D.F. Telephone: +52 55 55367514 crsalinasg@gmail.com