E M I LY C A S T RO
A R C H I T E C T U R E
P O R T F O L I O
CONTENTS
0 2 R E S U M E 0 4
A C A D E M I C
W O R K
05
[re]surface: Destabilizing Material Perception
09
Assembling Housing: ACSA/AISC Student Competition
15
Amistad Research Center
17
Largo Di Torre Argentino: A New Metro Station Fro Rome
19
Product Design: Mutating Candle Holder
2 2
P R O F E S S I O N A L
23 ThinkArt
25
6022 Patton Street
29
Spanish Plaza: Digital Model
31
1843 Tennessee
33
1055 St Charles Ave
35
SW1: AIA New Orleans
3 8
P E R S O N A L
39
W O R K
W O R K
Bike Rack: New Orleans Public Library
E D U C AT I O N Tulane University, School of Architecture, New Orleans, LA Master of Architecture, with Departamental Honors, 2009 Thesis: [Re] Surface: De-Stabalizing Material Perception Tulane School of Architecture, Study Abroad Rome, Italy; fall 2007 Professors: Ron Filson & Doug Harmon University of Texas, Arlington, TX Visiting Scholar; fall 2005 Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX Graphic Design ; fall 2004 D E S I G N
E X P E R I E N C E
ENC Designs, New Orleans, LA Drafting & Design; January 2010 to Present Aid multiple clients in space planning and design; draft construction and permit drawings for home renovations and additions. Perform interior design consultations, furniture and finish selections for client’s homes. Design, construct and install retail window displays. Merchandiser. West Elm, Williams-Sonoma Inc., New Orleans, LA Lead Home Stylist; July 2014 to Present Provide customers with design services including; space planning; furniture, window treatment and home decor selections; and choosing paint colors. The Garden Gates, Metairie, LA Visual Display Coordinator/ Interior Designer October 2011 to August 2014 Coordinator of all visual displays and merchandising for the store. Assisted in buying trips twice a year to AmericasMart in Atlanta. In- house designer for customers with interior and architectural design needs.
E M I LY C A S T RO 137 S Murat Street Midcity, New Orleans Louisiana, 70119 emily.nicole.castro@gmail.com emilyncastro.com 504. 390. 1896 O B J E C T I V E I specialize in creating experiential environments that embrace the senses & above all leave a lasting impression on the mind & soul. With an emphasis on process, my design approach focuses on the client’s needs while interpreting them into unique and creative design solutions.
United States Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, LA Contractor, Evans-Graves Engineers; March 2010 to August 2011 Performed land acquisitions for the USACE’s real estate- federal division and worked with the traffic management team to conduct transportation studies and GIS mappings relevant to a $14 billion project to rebuild 350 miles of levees and floodwalls after hurricane Katrina. Rehage Entertainment- Voodoo Music Experience, New Orleans, LA Art Department Team Member; October 2010 Part of a team in charge of creating an environment called the ‘Artist Compound,’ a VIP area only for crew members and musicians performing at the Voodoo Music Experience. Under the direction of a Team Leader, the art department team members were in charge of creating the atmosphere and aesthetic look of the lounge through the construction and installation of temporary walls, tents, furniture, and creation of all art decorations and lighting installations for the space. Make It, LLC., New Orleans, LA Head Graphic Designer; January 2010 to June 2010 Helped industrial design company to aid their clientele in realizing product ideas from concept to actual production: manufacturing methods, patent drawings and material selection. Designed graphic brand and identity materials for product marketing, as well as consulted on product packaging design.
Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, New Orleans, LA Intern Architect; September to November 2009 Used digital software; ArcGIS, Rhinoceros and V-Ray render to construct a digital model of downtown New Orleans, including the Garden District, for an urban design proposal. Also contributed to the production of design and construction drawings for a client presentation. Billes Architecture, LLC., New Orleans, LA Intern Architect. February to August 2008 Aided in the design of a residence for the Make It Right Foundation; developed working drawings; construction documents; conducted material research and selection; code and LEED certification research; produced digital models and renderings; renderings published in national design publications. Also designed and built a 6’ x 14’ hanging, acrylic model of the city of New Orleans as an office art installation. Chauvin Arkhitekton Inc., Metairie, LA Intern Architect. June to August 2006 Aided in the layout and space planning of projects ranging from a renovation of a clocktower into a 4- storey residence to the conversion of a double shotgun home into a single camelback residence. T E A C H I N G
E X P E R I E N C E
ThinkingStorm, New Orleans, LA Online Tutor; January 2010 to December 2010 Helped students enrolled in The Art Institute’s online design degree programs to understand and learn design software such as: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, AutoCAD and Lightroom. Tulane University, School of Architecture New Orleans, LA Digital Media I- Teacher Assistant; August 2008 to December 2008 Led a section of twelve students in learning AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign; presented lecture on Adobe Photoshop; graded student work. Professor: Victor Jones Tulane University, School of Architecture New Orleans, LA Structures I- Teacher Assistant; January 2007 to May 2007 Guided first year students through their first structures course; graded student work. Professor: Byron Mouton T E C H N I C A L
S K I L L S
&
Q U A L I T I E S
Design: Detail- oriented; Creative problem solver. Language: Bilingual; excellent command over English and native Spanish speaker and writer for over 20 years. Basic command over Italian. Software: Proficiency in pc and mac platforms; Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom); Rhinoceros; Maxwell renderer; SketchUp; AutoCAD; ArcGIS and Microsoft Office. Working Knowledge of: Revit Architecture.
ACADEMIC WORK
2 0 0 4 - 2 0 0 9
04
[re]surface,
New Orleans, LA
de-stabilizing material perception
Engaged in perpetual motion, the living body is essentially a continuous sequence of kinesthetic responses, a sensitive and expressive organism that moves in relation to time and situation. The materials that surround the human body function as boundaries that mediate between the body and its environment. By using materials in unprecedented ways, a material transformation from the banal to the delightful can occur. These shifts in perception begin to challenge the senses and allow users to foster new experiences. The thesis sets in motion an in-depth exploration and investigation for [re]thinking and [re]evaluating materials in order to open new paths of experimentation and innovation. The project proposes the design of a mixed-media art gallery which facilitates a diverse cross-section of creative endeavour, cultural hybrid and artistic collaboration. The gallery is located within the Lower Garden District of New Orleans and is intended to become a destination for both locals and visitors. Thesis, Professor: Ligia Romer, spring 2009 05
SENSES
BALANCE
TOUCH
BRICK
HEAR
SEE
METAL
WOOD
TASTE
SMELL
LIGHT
GLASS
KINESTHESIA
VEGETATION
MATERIALS mass
porous
hard
soft
natural
un-natural
opaque
translucent
manicured
un-manicured
warm
cold
rigid
flexible
controlled
wild
strong
fragile
transient
tactile smoothe
rough
dull
luminous frozen
ephemeral
COMMON PERCEPTIONS
PERCEPTION OBJECTIVE
PURPOSE
didactic
light analysis
plan construction
experiencial
questionable
de-stabilize
surprise
form construction
06
Once my material palette was chosen, I started to think about how I would use metal in new ways in order to change the common perception of the material. I began by completing visual studies by examining shadow and light through materiality. There was an interest in the effects a material could have on a person through perforation, flexibility, movement, and shadow. I was able to get a hold of various types of metals such as: brass, aluminum, copper, patin-ated copper, steel, corten steel, mesh, and corrugated metal. After examining these metals, I decided I wanted the form to be panelized and perforated. I used a Rhino plug-in, grasshopper, to help me design the perforation patterns based on light and shadow.
07
longitudinal section
panel design
08
Assembling Housing,
New Orleans, LA
ACSA/AISC Student Design Competition The program for the steel competion was housing. A site for the project was chosen on a narrow triangular site in the warehouse district of New Orleans. The concept for the design revolved around the use of steel as a ‘protective shield.’ Every summer New Orleans is vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. The city’s unique geographical location inspired the design of the building. The main architectural element of the design is the metal protective panels that clad the structure and protect the residents within, while also allowing the residents to customize their own living spaces. The panels are adjustable in many different ways; they can be slid to one side (maximum exposure), rotated 90 degrees (visibility and light), or be completely closed (no light and protection against the elements). The building is very flexible in the interior as well as in the exterior. Professors: Ammar Eloueini and Victor Jones, spring 2008 09
3 bdrm 2 bdrm 1 bdrm live/ work support small retail large retail
program
services
restaurant offices recreation
openings
voids
cores 10
Core 1_services Core 2_services
Circulation
Core 3_services
section
11
structural frame
metal decking with concrete slab
glass facade
metal panel sunshade system 12
13
panels slid to one side/ maximum exposure
panels rotated 90 degrees/ light & visibility
panels rotated to minimize light entry
panels closed/ no light entry
metal panel variation
14
Amistad Research Center,
New Orleans, LA
The program for this project is a research center for the Amistad, which is currently located on Tulane University’s campus. The design for the building revolves around creating versitile spaces. The layout of the building is a bar, that houses private spaces and is connected to four objects. The objects house public spaces. Both objects are connected through a circulation bar located between them. The exterior shading system changes depending on the program happening within the interior spaces of the building. Professor: Scott Bernhard, fall 2006
west elevation
15
east elevation
floor plans
circulation massing diagram
massing diagram
private/ public massing
transverse section
16
Largo di Torre Argentina,
Rome, Italy
A New Metro Station for Rome The site for the design of a new metro station in Rome, was located within a sacred site, Largo di Torre Argentina. Torre Argentina was where Caesar was asassinated and the former site of three sacred temples. The idea behind the design of the metro station was to make the entire experience of the metro as if it were a sacred procession. The metro focuses on the sacred temples and houses a gallery within that further explains the origin of the temples. The overriding idea for the metro station is for it to be a place that is educational for both tourists and the residents of the area, while still respecting the sacredness of the site. Professors: Ron Filson and Doug Harmon, fall 2007 17
transverse section
18
Product Design Mutating Candle Holder
The idea behind the design of the candle holder arose from the form of production we were exploring in class, 3D printing. When a model is 3D printed, the printer uses two different materials for production: resin, to make the model and wax to act as the supporting material for the model. Once the model is finished it needs to be placed in the freezer for 4 hrs (this is the setting process) and then the support material (the wax) needs to be melted. The idea behind the candle holder is that its form is ever-changing. As the candle burns and melts, the holder col lects the metled wax; in turn, transforming the holder itself as the wax accumulates upon itself. Whenever the candle needs to be replaced, the candle holder can once again be placed into an oven to melt the wax off for a fresh start.
Professor: Ammar Eloueini, fall 2008
19
detail of pattern
pattern
inspirations
inspiration for form of holder
model before applying pattern
20
PROFESSIONAL WORK
A R C H I T E C T U R E
I N T E R N S H I P S
&
F R E E L A N C E
W O R K
22
ThinkArt,
New Orleans, LA
Make It, LLC, Graphic & Product Design
At Make It LLC, my first project was to design the marketing materials for ThinkArt, a local artist producing a paintbrush holder. I designed the logo, business card, letterhead and brochure for product marketing. I also aided in the design of the final product packaging.
T H I N K art
MICKEY STRAIN owner
504.239.1377 thinkartllc.com
business card
T H I N K art
T H I N K art
holds twenty-one brushes up to 1/2" | thirty-four brushes up to 3/8" | ten brushes up to 1"
MICKEY STRAIN
The Wave paintbrush holder by Think Art keeps an artist’s brushes clean and organized. The Wave paintbrush holder ensures that brush tips keep their shape via its patented design. No more fumbling through jars of brushes for the right brush. The Wave paintbrush holder organizes up to sixty-five brushes for easy access.
504.239.1377| thinkartllc@gmail.com| thinkartllc.com
marketing brochure 23
The Wave paintbrush holder by Think Art
packaging sketches
back
bottom
front
top
final packaging design
packaging diagram 24
151’
POOL
40’
site plan
6022 Patton Street, House Renovation and Garage Addition
New Orleans, LA
Site Plan
scale: 1/16”
PROJECT: 6022 Patton Street New Orleans, LA 70118
PREPARED BY: Emily Castro 623 N. Hennessey Street New Orleans, LA 70119
While working on my own, I was asked to design a garage for an existing shotgun home and provide GENERAL NOTES: drawings for a variance submittal. The drawings included existing floor plan, existing elevations, exisitng site This drawing is for design purposes o and is not intended plan, new floor plan and new elevations. The design incorporated an open- air carport that is set back from for structural use. Patton Street and an enclosed garage towards the back of the house to allow access to gardening tools, etc. After the garage design, an interior renovation plan was done to improve spacial configuration of interior spaces.
18’
W
east
25
E
18’
10’ 79’-3” POOL
ESTCODE ESTCODE
DW
21’ 11’-4”
18’ 24’-3” 11’-4”
existing floor plan
Floor Plan
” = 1’
6022 Patton Street New Orleans, LA 70118
North
PREPARED BY: Emily Castro 623 N. Hennessey Street New Orleans, LA 70119
GENERAL NOTES: This drawing is for design purposes only and is not intended for structural use.
only .
West
scale: 1/16” = 1’
PROJECT:
ESTCODE
north
North
Elevations
south
South PROJECT: 6022 Patton Street New Orleans, LA 70118
PREPARED BY: Emily Castro 623 N. Hennessey Street New Orleans, LA 70119
12’
ESTCODE
GENERAL NOTES: South
This drawing is for design and is not intended for st
18’
East
12’
west
West
26
POOL
38’ 10’
13’-2”
11’-4” 24’-3” 11’-4”
79’-3”
21’
POOL
10’ ESTCODE
north
North
27
DW ESTCODE ESTCODE
10’
POOL 21’
79’-3”
11’-4” new floor plan
24’-3”
Garage Addition 11’-4”
PROJECT:
6022 Patton Street New Orleans, LA 701
DW ESTCODE ESTCODE
PREPARED BY:
Floor Plan Renovation
scale: 1/16” = 1’
Emily Castro 623 N. Hennessey Str New Orleans, LA 701
PROJECT: ESTCODE
North
6022 Patton Street New Orleans, LA 70118
south
GENERAL NOTES
South
This drawing is for de and is not intended f
PREPARED BY: Emily Castro 623 N. Hennessey Street New Orleans, LA 70119
GENERAL NOTES: This drawing is for design purposes only and is not intended for structural use. east
Garage Addition
East 28
Spanish Plaza,
New Orleans, LA
Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, Urban Design Study
While working at Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, I was asked to build a digital model of downtown New Orleans. The model encompasses the Lower Garden District, the Warehouse District and the Central Business District of New Orleans, LA. The model will be used for an urban study of the Riverfront Development Project as well as renovations being done to the New Orleans Superdome.
29
30
1843 Tennessee,
Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans, LA
The Make It Right Foundation
While working at Billes Architecture, LLC I aided in the design of a residence for the Make It Right Foundation. MIR was developed by Brad Pitt who personally chose the designers he would fund to design homes to be built in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans after hurricane Katrina. Each homeowner chooses the design of their choice, Billes Architecture’s design was one of the first designs chosen. I developed working drawings, conducted material research and selection, and produced a digital model and renderings for the design. The renderings were published in Interni Russia Magazine, in the October 2008 issue.
31
32
1055 St Charles Ave,
New Orleans, LA
Billes Architecture, New Orleans Art Installation
While working at Billes Architecture, I was asked to design an art installation for the office that would incorporate Billes Architecture and art. I decided to make an acrylic model of the city of New Orleans. Four 7’ x 3’ x 3/8” panels of clear acrylic were hung and used as the backing for the model. Frosted acrylic panels were then used to cut out the buildings and etch the streets of the city. To incorporate Billes, the firm will be able to map out the buildings they have worked on by refilling the building cutouts with green acrylic (their company color). The model maps out Billes’s work throughout the city and is a changing piece of art. 33
34
AIA New Orleans, New Orleans, LA Ammar Eloueini Design Studio, SW1 In the fall of 2008, I aided Ammar Eloueini Design Studio (AEDS) in the construction of an architectural installation, SW1, for Descours, an annual AIA contemporary architecture and visual arts event in New Orleans, LA. The installation was designed using an animation program, SoftImage XSI. After the design was complete the form was converted into a line drawing and ‘unfolded’ then plotted. The plotted sheets were used to cut and score the polycarbonate material used for the installation. Once the polycarbonate panels were done, the installation was assembled using zip ties. 35
36
PERSONAL WORK
V o l u n t e e r
W o r k
38
Bike Rack, New Orleans, LA New Orleans Public Library, Architect’s Week In the spring of 2008, I aided in the construction and design of a bike rack for the New Orleans Public Library. The project was designed in collaboration with other students in the school of architecture, during Tulane’s annual ‘Architect’s Week’. The design was inspired by the sun-shading device on the facade of the building and the material selection was inspired by the metal sculptures located in front of the library. The material used for the bike rack was galvanized u-channel posts, which allowed the bike rack to be collapsable for easy transport.
39
transportation of the bike rack
inspirations for bike rack design
site for the bike rack
inspirations for bike rack material selection
detail image of bike rack
detail of assembly
40