Architecture Portfolio | 2024|

ABOUT ME

Detail-oriented and innovative architectural designer with a master's in robotic manufacturing and computational design from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC). Aiming to contribute creativity and skills in a dynamic, collaborative environment. Passionate about challenging my abilities to make a meaningful impact on architectural projects.

LANGUAGES

CONTACT

Atlanta, Georgia

+1(984) 343-7561

diego.vazquez.desantos@gmail.com

English Native / C2

Spanish Native / C2

French Competent / B1

Experience

ROBOTIC MANUFACTURING ASSISTANT | IAAC | Jan. - May 2023 | Barcelona, Spain

Supported instructors and students in robotic manufacturing and computational design, ensuring smooth operation of equipment and adherence to safety protocols.

• Provided technical support, set up and maintained robotic equipment, and addressed technical issues promptly.

• Led configuration and pre-session checks for optimal functionality.

• Guided students in overcoming computational challenges.

• Worked closely with instructors, contributing to team meetings.

• Ensured strict adherence to safety protocols during equipment operation.

DESIGNER | Mario Cucinella Architects | Feb. - Aug.2021| Virtual

Contributed as a Collaborating Architectural Designer on an Arte Sella architectural installation, focusing on parametric modeling, digital manufacturing, and efficient project execution.

• Engaged in parametric modeling for design innovation.

• Designed and executed a streamlined workflow for a smooth transition from digital models to manufacturing, emphasizing efficiency and resource optimization.

• Aided in the production of shop drawings for project execution.

ARCHITECTURE WORKSHOP | YACademy | Sept. - Dec. 2020 | Bologna, Italy

Led a team to secure second place in the 2021 MUDETEC installation competition for Automobili Lamborghini.

• Conceptualizing and executing a visually captivating design showcasing 21 significant cars with intricate details.

• Crafting a compelling narrative to illustrate Lamborghini's journey within spatial constraints.

• Producing detailed drawings and 3D models for effective project communication.

• Efficiently managing project costs and presenting the final design to stakeholders.

Education

INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED ARCHITECTURE OF CATALONIA Barcelona, Spain

2-Year Masters in Advance Architecture. Accredited by Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya

YACADEMY Bologna, Italy

Post Graduate degree, Architecture for Exhibition 2020

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY Marietta, GA, USA

Bachelors of Architecture (B. Arch)

Honors

THESIS SELECTED FOR IAAC'S PERMANENT COLLECTION September 2023

Thesis "Tangible Imaginative Facades" joins IAAC's permanent collection for exceptional craftsmanship and innovation.

GRANTFUNDED ARCHITECTURAL INTERNSHIP IN GERMANY January 2020

Recipient of stipends from the German Joachim Herz Foundation, Cultural Vistas, and Kennesaw State University for a six-month Berlin internship (Canceled due to COVID-19).

Skills

Platforms | Windows & OSX Operating Systems, Microsoft Office, Google Drive|Docs|Sheets

Graphics | Adobe Cloud Suite, V-Ray, Corona Render, Lumion, Painting, and Sketching.

BIM & 3D Modeling| Rhinoceros 7, Grasshopper, Revit, AutoCAD, 3DS Max, and Sketchup.

Other | Model Building, Woodworking, CNC Milling, 3D Printing, , Laser cutting, KUKA & ABB Robotic Manufacturing , Vacuum Forming, Digital Manufacturing, Web Design, & Ceramics.

TABLE OF

SNOW SANCTUARY

“Sleeping under a blanket of snow” Master 1, Self Sufficient Buildings Spring 2022

TANGIBLE IMAGINATIVE FACADE

“Transforming Architectural Facades: AI-Generated Design & Robotic Manufacturing”

Architectural Masters Spring

“Bridging wooden offcuts with digital manufacturing” Masters 1, Digital Woodcraft Spring 2022

LAMBORGHINI LANDSCAPES

“Bringing foreign MUDETEC”

Postgraduate course Fall

VALDAURA FOLLY

foreign landscapes to MUDETEC”

course with YACademy 2020

“A

UT RENATI

“The rebirth of Chiesa Diruta” Architectural Competition Spring 2021

Fourth

ECO - HUB

“Give

a second life”

Bachelors Thesis, Spring 2020

LAMBORGHINI LANDSCAPES

LOFTS AT THE BELTLINE

TANGIBLE IMAGINATIVE FACADES

“Transforming Architectural Facades: AIGenerated Design & Robotic Manufacturing”

ABOUT

Date: Spring 2023

Course: Architectural Masters

Project Location: Paris, Fance

Programs & Techniques: Grasshopper, Illustrator, Photoshop, Rhino, V-Ray, Midjurney, Stable Diffusion, Controll Net, CNC Milling, Clay 3d Printing, Python, & ABB Robotic Arm

BRIEF

With the introduction of Artificial Intelligence in the design process, AI opens new doors to design possibilities that have not been previously explored. These new possibilities are creative and unique. With this uniqueness comes the great challenge of how to translate these ideas from paper into the real world while maintaining affordability and feasibility in mind.

“Tangible Imaginative Facades” is a workflow that explores how to produce manufacturable facades that are complex, unimaginable, or non-existent. This challenges the conventional way of building within the field of architecture and opens new possibilities for fabricating unique facades. This could be achieved through the utilization of new tools and technologies, as well as considerations of materiality, all while keeping the cost of construction and building methods in mind.

METHODOLOGY DIAGRAM

1

3 Input Post Production

Prompt Engineering

2

Background Removal

Black & White Mask

Displacement Map Generation

Data Manipulation

Point Cloud Generation & Manipulation

AI IMAGE CREATION & MODIFICATION TO 3D

Street view Orthographic projection of a building facade in Paris made out of porcelain corals, Front facing overcast lighting, parametric facade, biomorphic, photorealistic architecture, 8k, hyperrealism, unreal engine 5, --ar 2:3

Edge Detection

Mesh

Curve

Quad Re-mesh

Quad Mesh Curve

Segmented Mesh

New Curve

Ornamented Section

Stereotomy Ready For Manufacturing

Main Facade Segmented

STEREOTOMY OF THE FACADE

La fachada se compondrá de varias secciones, cada una de ellas formada por ladrillos individuales impresos en 3D.

1:2 NON-PLANAR

3D ROBOTIC CLAY PRINT

This model consists of 36 nonidentical, non-planar, robotically printed clay bricks that are part of the overall facade proposal. Each of the 3D printed bricks is connected using 3D printed adjustable clips that facilitate proper expansion and provide tolerance for acceptability.

SNOW SANCTUARY

“Sleeping under a blanket of snow”

ABOUT

Date: Spring 2022

Course: Master 1, self Sufficient Buildings

Group Members: Emily Bishop, Gizem Demirkiran

Project Location: Monte Perdido, Spain

Programs & Techniques: Grasshopper, Illustrator, Photoshop, Rhino, V-Ray, Laser cutter, CNC Milling, 3d Printing, Vacuum Forming, & KUKA

BRIEF

Located in Monte Perdido in northern Spain, Snow Sanctuary aims to explore and monitor the phenomenon of snow cycles and how the sun’s energy influences the mountain terrain, causing it to continually change shape and adapt to the weather. The design features a roof canopy resembling a forest, with panels that actively collect snow to obscure the sun and reveal it later, prompting the question, “How does it feel to sleep under a blanket of snow?”

SEASONALITY OF MONTEPERDIDO MOUNTAIN

Winter

CLIMATE AT MONTEPERDIDO MOUNTAIN

Spring

Summer

CABIN FLOOR PLAN

SECTION

The cabin is situated on the mountain slopes, where there is a significant change in elevation. To account for the heavy snow accumulation, the cabin is elevated on wooden pillars.

The Marquette represents onequarter of the entire cabin. This model was used to test the potential of digital fabrication for wooden elements, both for offsite manufacturing and on-site assembly.

SNOW ACCUMULATION LIGHT QUALITIES

As snow accumulates throughout the seasons, the quality of light and the overall phenomena will vary, enhancing the experience of being surrounded by snow.

VALDAURA FOLLY

“Bridging wooden offcuts with digital manufacturing”

ABOUT

Date: Spring 2022

Course: Masters 1, Digital Woodcraft

Group Members: Digital Woodcraft Class

Project location: Valdaura Labs Barcelona, Spain Programs & Techniques: Grasshopper, Illustrator, Photoshop, Rhino, V-Ray, Wood shop, CNC Milling, & Gluelam

BRIEF

Valdaura Folly explores the connection between digitally fabricated and hand-manufactured glulams. The structure primarily consists of glulam sections that were digitally optimized for production using just three molds. The Valdaura Folly’s exterior benefits from the wood waste generated during Valdaura Lab’s tree milling process. This approach reduces waste associated with mold production, saves construction time, and repurposes material that would otherwise be discarded, adding character and color to the structure.

3D DIGITAL MODEL

All the planning and measurements for the fabrication of the structure were done digitally and computationally, with the exception of the offcut logs, which had non-standard dimensions.

FOOTINGS

For the footings, bricks were staggered and joined using fine-packed soil, secured by moisture, as a solution to address non-permanence and restrictions on concrete use.

STRUCTURE

The structure is composed of preformed glulam beams that collectively frame the view of the sunset and the distant Montserrat mountain.

SKIN/ ENVELOP

The wooden offcuts from previous projects were repurposed as a decorative skin, serving the dual purpose of protecting the structure from environmental factors such as wind and sun, while also adding an additional texture to the overall design.

PLACE

The Pavilion was situated in a field adjacent to the main building of Valldaura Lab, allowing natural vegetation to flourish and seamlessly integrate the pavilion with its surroundings in nature.

LAMBORGHINI LANDSCAPES

“Bringing foreign landscapes to MUDETEC”

ABOUT

Date: Fall 2020

Course: Postgraduate course with YACademy

Group Members: Marta Daturi

Pablo Pastor

Massimilliano De Crignis

Project location: Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy

Programs & Techniques: Grasshopper, Illustrator, Photoshop, Rhino, & V-Ray

BRIEF

Lamborghini’s advertisements showcase their cars gracefully traversing scenic landscapes, narrating tales of exploration and fresh experiences. These breathtaking landscapes served as inspiration for the 2021 Lamborghini exhibition at MUDETEC, designed to fully immerse visitors in a Lamborghini-inspired environment.

The selected landscape, the Arctic, symbolizes Lamborghini’s cutting-edge technology. It incorporates icebergs that allow visitors to closely interact with the car exhibits. The floor is designed to reflect the cars’ light trails, invoking the sensation of high-speed driving. In essence, Lamborghini’s exhibition seamlessly melds the allure of their cars with the grandeur of nature, resulting in an immersive experience for all attendees.

IDEA

The idea was inspired by an iceberg, chosen to symbolize the depth of engineering expertise that Lamborghini possesses within its vehicles. Consequently, the iceberg landscape is arranged with the older models at the bottom and the beginning of the tour, as this is where much of the technology originated.

The path that will guide attendees through the exhibition consists of a series of LED diffused pipes, designed to resemble the streaks of light emitted by cars traveling at high speeds during the night. This design aims to take the visitor on a journey, enhancing the immersive experience.

SECTION

Each car is positioned atop the icebergs, creating a visual connection that traverses from the ground floor to the first floor. Similarly, the staircase is integrated within this arrangement, enhancing the overall design coherence.

LOFTS AT THE BELTLINE

“A playful take on Atlanta’s housing“

ABOUT

Date: Fall 2017

Course: Fourth Year, Integrative Studio

Project Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Programs & Techniques: Grasshopper, Illustrator, Photoshop, Rhino, V-Ray, Laser cutter, 3d Printing, Revit

BRIEF

Lofts at the Beltline is an urban revitalization housing project located in Atlanta, Georgia. The project is planned for a currently vacant parking lot adjacent to the Atlanta Beltline trail, with the aim of transforming it into a multi-housing residential building to address the city’s housing needs. The proposed site takes full advantage of nearby amenity parks and the site’s connectivity to the urban environment.

The concept behind this project involves the creation of parallel unit blocks, optimizing views of the city of Atlanta and establishing a series of courtyards within the site. This design creates a hierarchy of scale, with the courtyards transitioning from public to private spaces as they extend deeper into the site.

The site is situated on the outskirts of Atlanta and is slated for the construction of a new residential building, aligning with the updated urban zoning regulations. This development project also aims to establish a connection between the Atlanta Beltline and the new residential building, enhancing accessibility and integration with the surrounding urban environment.

BUILDING

Each building within the project features a series of extruding apartments that, in turn, form terraces for the upper apartments. This design approach creates a playful architectural language that not only generates visual interest but also serves a utilitarian purpose.

VIEWS

The building is divided into 3 separate structures, strategically designed to provide views of the city from various points.

DISCONTINUITY

The buildings are divided into half sections to break up the monotonous block and offer additional vantage points for views.

SITE INTEGRATION

A promenade is being developed within the site to establish a connection between the two street levels.

STAGGERING

The buildings are staggered to create a visual language that harmonizes with the natural terrain.

233.1 General Facilities with residential dwelling units shall comply with 233.

233.2 Residential Dwelling Units Provided by Entities Dubject to HUD Section 504 Regulations where facilities with residential dwelling units are provided by entities subject to regulations issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, such entities shall provide residential dwelling units with mobility features complying with 809.2 through 809.4 in a number required by the applicable HUD regulations. Residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with 809.2 through 809.4 shall be on an accessible route as required by 206. In addition, such entities shall provide residential dwelling units with communication features complying with 809.5 in a number required by the applicable HUD regulations. Entities subject to 233.2 shall not be required to comply with 233.3.

233.3 Residential Dwelling Units Provided by Entities Not Subject to HUD Section 504 Regulations. Facilities with residential dwelling units provided by entities not subject to regulations issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, shall comply with 233.3.

233.3.1 Minimum Number: New Construction.

Newly constructed facilities with residential dwelling units shall comply with 233.3.1.

233.3.1.1 Residential Dwelling Units with Mobility Features.

In facilities with residential dwelling units, at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one unit, of the total number of residential dwelling units shall provide mobility features complying with 809.2 through 809.4 and shall be on an accessible route as required by 206.

233.3.1.2 Residential Dwelling Units with Communication Features.

In facilities with residential dwelling units, at least 2 percent, but no fewer than one unit, of the total number of residential dwelling units shall provide communication features complying with 809.5.

233.3.2 Residential Dwelling Units for Sale.

Due to the interplay of filled and void spaces in the building, the floor plan incorporates numerous windows that allow ample natural light to enter all the rooms. Simultaneously, this design approach maintains distinct separation between each room, providing individualized spaces.

Residential dwelling units offered for sale shall provide accessible features to the extent required by regulations issued by Federal agencies under the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. [See additional requirements at 28 CFR 35.151(j).]

Kitchens and Kitchenettes. Section 4.34.2 of the UFAS requires a clear turning space at least 60 inches in diameter or an equivalent T-shaped turning space in kitchens. Section 4.34.6 requires a clearance between opposing base cabinets, counters, appliances, or walls of at least 40 inches except in a U-shaped kitchen where the minimum clearance is 60 inches.

(per table 404.2.4.1)

Clearances for manual swinging doors and gates

Approach from hinge side_push door

Perp. to doorway: 42"

Paralle to doorway: 22"

UT RENATI

“The rebirth of Chiesa Diruta”

ABOUT

Date: Spring 2021

Course: Architectural Competition

Group Members: Marta Daturi

Pablo Pastor

Project location: Grottole, Italy

Programs & Techniques: Grasshopper, Illustrator, Photoshop, Rhino, & V-Ray

BRIEF

This re-adaptation project aims to envelop the existing ruins of Chiesa Diruta with a semitransparent covering, preserving and revealing its rich history. A lightweight canopy frame structure now covers the vast expanse where the ceiling once stood, serving as a protective shield against weather conditions while maintaining a connection with nature and the surroundings.

The primary space is versatile, featuring a large deployable system that adapts to various functions. This system can transform into a staircase, serving as seating during performances. Alternatively, it can be raised to create two floors for different occasions, such as exhibitions or various events. Notably, the stage is not elevated in the traditional theater sense, allowing the hills of the province of Matera, visible through the rear window, to serve as a picturesque backdrop for performances.

COMPOSITION

The main area features a versatile deployable system that serves different purposes. It can become a staircase, functioning as seating during shows, and can also be raised to create two additional floors for various occasions, including exhibitions and events.

FLEXIBLE SEATING CONFIGURATION

A double open space to allow for unrestricted movement.

Second floor closed in pinup gallery arrangement.

Seating and Gallery Setup

Enclosed second floor, open sky above.

ECO - HUB

“Give recyclable materials a second life”

ABOUT

Date: Spring 2020

Course: Bachelors Thesis

Project location: Manhattan, New York City Programs & Techniques: Grasshopper, Illustrator, Photoshop, Rhino, V-Ray, & Laser cutter

BRIEF

This thesis seeks to create a recycling center as a transparent structure that both physically and metaphorically uses the power of architecture and design as an exhibition device. This investigation reconsiders the typology of a recycling facility by showcasing how the process of recycling can instead become an educational and interactive experience. This thesis proposes a viable model that can be implemented in other cities to provide a center where recycling, public space, and art will bring the community together: ultimately educating and inspiring the public to get involved with recycling in a more efficient way.

Traditional linear flow of waste management.

Sorting process Shipment

Tipping floor Trash trucks

Cycling and pedestrian lanes are raised and highway is manipulated.

Storage

Plastic recycling

Restructured waste management flow in site with constrains and existing program.

Capping the programs and the highway with corresponding heights.

NYCFD parking & access

Museum build able for pedestrians

Museum

Trimming of the museum some of the existing

Public Plazas

area and access ramps

Hight extrusion for importance and area needed.

Activity gathering spaces and circulation

museum area to incorporate existing urban fabric.

Top floor offset of the museum spaces to create more space and playfulnesses

Form manipulation to create dynamic views of NYC

Museum building foot print

Outdoor Theather Rooftop Garden Access

SECTION

THANK YOU