C A RL OS E. SERRA NO
academic, professional, + creative work
TABLE OF CONTENTS Academic Work _Monarch
01
_Palace of Memory
05
_Frayed Borders (WIP) 07 _TX2050
11
_MMNT Spa
15
_Prospect+Refuge
17
_OneYoga
19
_VoidYoga
21
Professional Work _San Pedro Creek
23
_Urban Design
25
Creative Work _Drawing
29
_Fashion
30
_Graphic Design
31
00
MONARCH
What are fashion and architecture if not but second and third skins for the human body? Inspired by the work of fashion labels Iris Van Herpen and Chromat, this project speculates the boundaries and relationship of the built environment at two scales. The work aims to project a future where a single repeating module can become anything for anyone. At the architectural scale, the module aggregates itself into an installation for fashion runways and presentations. At the human scale, the module adapts to the curves of the body, creating a protective yet dynamic body architecture. Evidence of this is seen in a 3D test print in the form of a bracelet.
runway section
01
Assignment #: Topic
Assignm
academic work
clothing article #1: aggregation of monarch module into mask
clothing article #2: aggregation of monarch module into dress
Clothing Article #1: Aggregation of Butterfly Module into Mask
1: Aggregation of Butterfly Module into Mask
Clothing
03
Clothing Article 2: Aggregation of Butterfly Module into Dress
clothing article #3: aggregation of monarch module into prosthetic leg
test 3d print of monarch module as a braclet
Assignment 3b + c: Development of Narrative
Clothing Article 3: Aggregation of Butterfly Module into Prosthetic Leg
12
academic work
PALACE OF MEMORY
An understanding of materiality is vital in architecture, but arguably, not as important as the creation of a compelling narrative.
section
section detail: the outlook
section detail: the chamber
Palace of Memory is a tower where our spatial relationship with our memories (the past, the present, and the future) are questioned and enhanced. The tower is meant for one person, completely alone, who walks through its entirety, yearning to find someone, something. In their search, they stumble upon unique moments, moments where they think they may have found what they are looking for. Unsure, they keep going until they find the next moment. The making of the project was driven by the following three conditions:
section detail: the library
Material properties: concrete, wood, steel, and fabric were used to better understand fundamental architectural principals such as solid/void, part/whole, mass/ frame, and surface/depth. Circulation Conditions: different circulation types, ranging from flat platforms, to 7’ tall restricted paths, were deployed throughout the tower to highlight special moments. Spatial properties: as the person moves throughout the tower, they encounter different spaces that compliment the program. 05
section detail: the cavern
model: the library
1/4” = 1’-0” model / 68” total height concrete, plywood, steel, and string
model: the chamber
academic work
FRAYED BORDERS
Current Studio // Work in Progress Located on the northwestern perimeter of the Los Angeles Fashion District, Frayed Borders proposes a building in downtown LA where fashion shows are not only seen as a type of performance, but where architecture and fashion start to lose their distinction. Various spaces at different scales are created through the architectural techniques of shifting and spreading, particularly private and public performances spaces. This technique was initially explored in an abstract, autonomous manner. Sculptural, flowing effects emerged allowed for the distinction / definition of space, positive and negative relationships. At the architectural scale, the application of this technique lends itself to the creation of small rooms, light + view control, and architectural elements like stairs, theater seating, and . At the urban scale, shifting and spreading creates moments of seating, shading, and landscape. This allows for the building to embedded itself not only into the site, but into the larger context of downtown Los Angeles.
07
interior perspective (wip)
exterior perspective (wip)
academic work
process models
09
diagrams: shifting + spreading
academic work
TX 2050
the texas triangle
distribution of population: current // projected // proposed
Fort-Worth Dallas-Fort-Worth
Dallas
Hillsboro
Waco Temple
June 2015
Austin
Done under the direction of Ian Caine in collaboration with Trenton Tunks for the “Planetary Urbanism – Critique of the Present in the Medium of Information Design” international competition. Selected for the preliminary review group, made up of 37 projects out of 125 total entries.
Galveston
proposed high-speed rail in texas triangle Fort-Worth
11
Dallas
Hillsboro
Waco Temple College Station
Houston
The Texas population will grow from 18 to 36 million by 2050. Current densities would lead land areas to double. As population in the Texas Triangle grows and geographies expand, the megaregion has the opportunity to reorganize residential concentrations along a high -peed rail corridor. Doing so would drastically redirect the growth of the mega-region from one of exhaustive expansion to a corridor-centered region consisting of infill and mass transit.
Conroe Woodlands Houston
San Antonio
In order for successful urbanism to occur, each mega-region should aim to identify and maximize pivotal infrastructures that would Austin grow and run efficiently. help them In this particular project, the Texas Triangle and the strategies necessary for a high speed rail to succeed were further examined.
Austin San Marcos
Over the next 35 years, the population of the U.S. is predicted to double, with a majority of that populationDallas-Fort-Worth living in a mega-region.
San Antonio
College Station
Houston
San Antonio
Austin San Marcos
Conroe Woodlands Houston
San Antonio Galveston
current population // current land area // current dials: hillsboro
galveston
san marcos
temple
college station
waco
conroe/woodlands
austin
san antonio
dallas
fort worth
houston
8
44
52
90
171
172
240
1362
1758
2368
2754
4944
population
6
12
26
54
71
90
133
523
597
818
961
1660
land area
1272
3753
1987
1671
2399
1910
1800
2605
2945
2878
2879
2979
density
el paso
denton
lubbock
laredo
killeen
772
366
320
237
236
218
218
197
170
153
148
729
population
234
145
120
96
66
85
82
81
74
105
92
357
land area
3307
2522
2661
2461
3589
2566
2669
2423
2294
1451
1613
2036
density
harlingen
tyler
odessa
midland
abilene
san angelo
lake jackson
victoria
sherman
136
130
126
118
110
106
99
99
93
75
64
62
population
83
90
59
53
55
76
50
83
47
42
29
36
land area
1640
1443
2145
2228
2017
1400
1974
1191
1992
1795
2194
1723
corpus christi
current population: 18.9 million
texas city
brownsville
wichita falls
current land area: 7,200 sq. mi.
amarillo
long view
mckinney
port arthur
beaumont
(thousands)
(square miles)
(people per square mile)
mcallen (thousands)
(square miles)
(people per square mile)
(thousands)
(square miles)
density
(people per square mile)
current density: 2,600 peo. / sq. mi. academic work
projected population // projected land area // projected density dials: hillsboro
galveston
san marcos
temple
college station
waco
10
73
277
205
369
240
1085
2674
3260
4578
4126
9029
9
19
139
123
151
125
603
1028
1107
1582
1440
3053
land area
1272
3753
1987
1671
2399
1910
1800
2605
2945
2878
2879
2979
density
el paso
denton
corpus christi
lubbock
laredo
killeen
beaumont
mcallen
1321
1675
429
366
499
493
400
664
161
149
139
3307
2522
2661
2461
3589
harlingen
tyler
odessa
midland
abilene
texas city
248
238
217
207
121
177
152
165
101
93
60
1640
1443
2145
2228
2017
projected population: 36.3 million 13
conroe/woodlands
brownsville
austin
san antonio
dallas
houston population (thousands)
(square miles)
(people per square mile)
amarillo
mckinney
397
299
826
220
212
1674
population
192
149
123
360
152
132
822
land area
2566
2669
2423
2294
1451
1613
2036
density
long view
san angelo
lake jackson
victoria
sherman
105
182
103
203
76
92
population
126
53
152
52
123
35
53
land area
1400
1974
1191
1992
1795
2194
1723
wichita falls
projected land area: 13,800 sq. mi.
port arthur
fort worth
current
density: 2,600 peo. / sq. mi.
(thousands)
(square miles)
(people per square mile)
(thousands)
(square miles)
density
(people per square mile)
projected population // current land area // proposed density dials: hillsboro
galveston
san marcos
temple
college station
waco
conroe/woodlands
austin
san antonio
dallas
fort worth
houston
58
105
239
114
643
1336
1200
4707
3260
4578
4128
9092
population
6
12
26
54
71
90
133
523
597
818
961
1660
land area
9000
9000
9000
9000
9000
9000
9000
9000
5459
5594
4300
5477
density
(thousands)
(square miles)
(people per square mile)
8 stations in smaller existing urban areas absorb all projected growth from the outlying areas el paso
denton
772
366
234 3307
corpus christi
lubbock
laredo
killeen
320
237
236
218
218
197
170
153
148
729
population
145
120
96
66
85
82
81
74
105
92
357
land area
2522
2661
2461
3589
2566
2669
2423
2294
1451
1613
2036
density
harlingen
tyler
odessa
midland
abilene
lake jackson
victoria
sherman
136
130
126
118
110
177
105
182
93
75
64
62
population
83
90
59
53
55
126
53
152
47
42
29
36
land area
1640
1443
2145
2228
2017
1400
1974
1191
1992
1795
2194
1723
projected population: 36.3 million
texas city
brownsville
wichita falls
current land area: 7,200 sq. mi.
amarillo
long view
mckinney
san angelo
port arthur
beaumont
mcallen (thousands)
(square miles)
(people per square mile)
(thousands)
(square miles)
density
(people per square mile)
proposed
density: 5,100 peo. / sq. mi. academic work
MNTN SPA
section perspective
Fall 2013 The MNTN Spa [pronounced mountain] is located in Adeje, Tenerife on the Canary Islands. In an effort to elevate the program of the thalassotherapy center, the architecture aims to restore the body by simultaneously restoring the mountain back into the landscape. The previously existing villas, which were abandoned as a result of the 2008 economic downfall, are maintained in their original state, but buried under new soil to evoke the mountain terrain. Valleys cut the site to continue the idea of the mountain restoration, but help create circulation above and throughout. Light tunnels pierce through the buried villas and up into the landscape, offering themselves as sculptural pieces for a public setting as well as for moments of contemplation to the thelassotherapy center users.
15
valley perspective [view a]
field perspective [view b]
sculpture field
private + public pools
mudbaths algae wraps salt rooms
timeshares
40ft 20
ft ft
administration
80ft 10
0ft 0ft
entry
site plan
a B
a
A 240ft
160ft
site section [aa]
academic work
40
ft
80
ft 5ft
PROSPECT + REFUGE
entrance from e. commerce st. [view a]
Fall 2013 Done for the Roots of Change Community Garden Rainwater Harvesting Design Competition Psychology tells us human beings look for prospect and refuge when they seek shelter. In the hopes of uplifting the Roots of Change Community Garden and the surrounding neighborhood, this design aims to provide its users with various areas that embody these qualities, while also shedding light on the current state of the water and food crises the city of grid garden [view b] San Antonio is currently facing. Using recycled billboard tarps + scaffolding, rain water is collected from the pre-existing downspouts of the surrounding buildings and channeled into the center of the garden where a filter and temporary holding tank are located. From there the rain water pumped into and held in a clear tank that allows visitors and daily users alike to visually connect with the water as they use it. It is then channeled to the 3’ x 4’ x 4’ concrete self-watering planters and used to irrigate the vegetation of the grid garden.
17
self-watering planter detail
site plan a
0ft 0.5ft
1ft
mme
B
4ft 2ft
e. co
A
a
rce s t
0ft
.
40ft
120ft
20ft
80ft
water collection diagram
site section [aa]
5ft 0ft
20ft
30ft
10ft
academic work
ONEYOGA
Spring 2014 Prior to departure to Barcelona, a design charette was held for a yoga studio for one. Located along the San Antonio River, OneYoga aims to provide an escape from the city and the industrial. OneYoga utilizes extreme yoga poses and average body measurements to drive the size and shape of the waffle structure which is suspended from exterior perspective steel cables attached to concrete columns that are embedded into the banks of the river. Aligning, separating, and connecting are important aspects of the yoga experience and became major driving forces of the design. The porosity, suspension, and materiality of the studio work to enhance these attribute more explicitly into the yoga experience by architecturally and physically manifesting them.
19
interior perspective
anthropmetric measurement
alignment of the seven chakras
vertical reach: 87” side arm reach:37” shoulder: 18”
sahasrara:understanding + will anja [om]: imagination visuddha [ham]: power anahata [yam]: love manupura [ram]: wisdom svadishthana: order
buttock-popliteal: 24.5” buttock-knee: 33.0”
muladhara: life
yoga pose collage
buttock-toe: 42.0” yoga pose taxonomy
yoga pose taxonomy
form diagram
academic work
VOIDYOGA
perspective from plaza
Spring 2014 Once in Barcelona, OneYoga grew in scale and evolved programatically but aimed to maintain the attributes of aligning, separating, and connecting. However, in order to adapt to the site context, VoidYoga used a different architectural language that concerned itself more with the solid / void relationship present in the dense fabric of the city. Moments of escape, varying in scale and feeling were created by breaking up continuous moments of negative space with positive space. This can first be seen on the facade as various windows protrude out from the building into the plaza, where one can sit, read, or reflect before a yoga session. The most evident yet important of this is the void-window in the yoga classrooms. This wood-lined box acts as a platform for instructors, but also provides a private space in the larger context of the building as it protrudes out into the inner courtyard.
21
site
positive-negative relationships of site
creating of void on site
initial sketch of solid-void relationship
void-window section detail corten panels insulation plaster wall
tinted glass
wood liner
initial sketch of solid-void relationship
pine studs folded stainless steel chanels
0m
.5m
1m
2m
academic work
front elevation
side elevation
front section [bb]
0m
2m
0m
4m
8m
2m
12m
1m
4m
8m 10m
side section [aa]
0m
2m
4m
8m
12m
0m
2m
4m
8m
12m
23 0m
2m
4m
8m
12m
roof
a
b
b
3rd
N
0m
2m
4m
b
8m
12m
8m
12m
8m
12m
b
2nd N
0m
2m
4m
b
b
1st N
b
0m
2m
4m
b
a
0m
2m 1m
8m 4m
10m
N academic work
SAN PEDRO CREEK WORKSHOP Done under Alamo Architects, associate architects to the project. Originally printed at 200 in. by 90in, this map was created for a San Pedro Creek Improvements Project Public Workshop. In attempt to reconstitute its lifegiving qualities, the San Pedro Creek Improvements project aims to create a public amenity that pays tribute to San Antonio’s history and culture. Currently, the creek is an unsightly drainage ditch that runs through the west side of Downtown San Antonio. Because of the expansive 2 mile reach of the project and complexity of programming, public input is heavily valued throughout the design process. This graphic was created to help the general public spatialize their input.
25
professional work
URBAN DESIGN MANUAL Done for Alamo Architects under the direction of Ben Bowman and Irby Hightower. Seattle-based landscape architect Gustafson Guthrie Nichol (GGN) was chosen to design HemisFair’s civic park, a previously underutilized and unpleasing space resulting from the World’s Fair in 1968. The park will offer an much desired beautiful urban green space in the center city of San Antonio. Alamo Architects is to assist in the design of the park and to help create a framework for public/ private partnership development. Critical to the Hemisfair’s long term success, HPARC chose to pursue Public-Private Partnerships with developers to provide continuous revenue for the park, leading it to be a self-sustaining amenity for the community. The Urban Design Manual was created to act as a guide throughout the design process for developers. Doing so will maintain the character of the park and will contribute to the ultimate placemaking of downtown San Antonio.
27
professional work
DRAWING
29
FASHION
creative work
GRAPHIC DESIGN
31
creative work