Gabriel Fernandez, BLA
Portfolio
Selected Works 2009|2013
Through architecture, I have the opportunity to portray everything that defines me as a person. Like works of art, no two designs are ever the same. Each tells a different story, whether it be about the architect or the client. It becomes a very personal experience, because each design exposes you and essentially puts you out there for the whole world to judge. Some may perceive it as genius while others may find it perplexing, but it’s that challenge in architecture that I find so thrilling and makes me so sure of what I want to do for the rest of my life.
Contents 20 – 29
2–3
Taking Toronto To The Next Level
CV
Toronto, Ontario, Canada 30 – 33
4–7
Wellington Hillside Sportsplex
Landscape Construction Design
Fergus/Elora, Ontario, Canada 8 – 11
Graphic Details, Construction Details 34 – 39
Confederate Hill
Sketchup + Photoshop Renderings
St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada 12 – 19
Extracurricular Residential Designs 40 – 43
Innovation Lands Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Photography Chile, Indonesia, Hong Kong
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Gabriel Fernandez 2825 Bushland Crescent, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5J 1Y1 Mobile: 647-202-9120 E-mail: gabefernandez@live.com
Objective
Master of Architecture
Education
University of Guelph – Guelph, ON BLA – Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
2009 – 2013
Segaf Construction Incorporated – Toronto, ON - Foreman Assissted in general renovations and supervised during construction process. Work included landscaping, carpentry, painting, drywall installation and taping, stone work.
2009 – 2014
Professional Experience
Volunteer Activities
Habitat for Humanity – Project Zambia, Africa One of over 12 volunteers that contributed in constructing two small homes in a remote village. Tasks included mortar mixing, brick laying, concrete paving, window installation, etc.
Technical Skills
– Four years experience in detailed hand and digital drafting – Proficient in Google Sketchup, Adobe Creative Suite AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, Vray, SU Podium. – Working knowledge of Rhino and Revit. – Experienced in model development.
Additional Skills
– Extensive experience in various aspects of construction and supervision. – Fluent in English and Spanish
2007
References
Scott Henderson Principal – Adesso Design Inc. | scott@adessodesigninc.ca T: 905-526-8876 | C: 519-400-6728 Nathan Perkins Professor – University of Guelph | nperkins@uoguelph.ca T: 519-824-4120 x58758 Nadia Amoroso Professor – University of Guelph | namoroso@uoguelph.ca T: 519-824-4120 x56577
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Wellington Hillside Sports Complex Location:
Fergus/Elora, Wellington County, Ontario
Term:
Fall 2010
Medium:
Hand Graphics
The objective of this project was to incorporate a centralized recreational hub that would seemlessly bring together both the Fergus and Elora communities within the Wellington County. This facility would provide a place where people could take part in a variety of activities from a recreational to a competitive level.
The goal in this layout was to provide a functional space that allowed for easy vehicular and pedestrian access to the site. This also displays pedestrian access between the sports complex and the rest of the site through a system of trails.
Vehicular Traffic Pedestrian Traffic Desirable Views Undesirable Views
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Master Plan
The site is surrounded by dense treelines scattered throughout in order to conceal the less desirable views of the parking lot. Due to budgetary concerns, underground parking was not a feasible option for this project.
Perspective
Perspective and elevation drawing of the Wellington Heartlands Sports Complex, demonstrating the thick treeline and complex typography of the site.
Elevation
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Master Plan
Confederate Hill Location:
St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
Term:
Winter 2011
Medium:
Hand Graphics
The intent of fhe Confederate Hill design was to portray different characteristics that were representative of what is Newfoundland. This would be achieved through the integration of unique focal design features throughout the site.
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Site Location
Entrance Perspective
Terrace Perspective
Amphitheatre Plan Detail
Entrance Plan Detail
Plan details of the site focusing on key features of the site, each representing a unique characteristic of Newfoundland’s geography. For example, the entrance water feature represents the form icebergs of the famous Iceberg Alley. The terrace, being located at an elevated point, represents the island’s beautiful coastline, overlooking the city of St. John’s. Other features include a park and amphitheatre,
Building Entrance Elevation
Amphitheatre Elevation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43
Innovation Lands Location:
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Term:
Fall 2012
Medium:
Model, Hand & Digital Graphics,
Collaboration:
Adam Leger, Kelly Breanne Huff, Milana Malesivich
Guelph is a growing community with a city sized population and a small town feel. The design for Innovation Lands strives to support the anticipated growth of the city whilt providing residents and visitors with a humble sense of place. A holistic approach to design was taken to create a dynamic, walkbale, and interdependent community that is compatible with the existing city of Guelph.
Downtown, Guelph
Mattamy Shared Backyards, Mississauga
The quaint feeling of downtown Guelph will be reflected in the development of the Innovation Lands. The architectural style of the buildings will respect the historical patterns of the city.
Experimental Plantings, Turf Grass Institute, Guelph The existing plantings display a wonderful pattern in the landscape. The experimental grounds are symbolic of the principles in which Guelph was built on. Our design has been generated from these ideals and is based upon a linear form system making a suble reference to the existing plantings.
This precedent features a walkable design with shared backyard space lined with small planters to be used as gardens, providing a safe environment and a pedestrian friendly community.
Port Credit, Mississauga Such mixed use development will enable an interdependent community with shops and services on the street level and residential & office units on the upper levels. The architectural and landscaping style in Port Credit are also seen as valuable precedents.
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Master Plan
Land Use Map
Site Context Map
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Elevations
These digital renderings provide a detailed look into the potential future of the Guelph Innovation District, demonstrating a strong sense of historic character that is representative of Guelph’s traditional style of architecture. Also demonstrated is the combination of different land uses between commercial, residential, and office space.
Perspective
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Model Development This model was built to provide a much more realistic understanding of the topography that is representative of guelph and how Innovation Lands would be constructed around it. Using an Autocad layout displaying the contour lines of the site, each contour was traced onto a seperate sheet of medium density 1/8� fibreboard. Each board was then cut using a bandsaw and glued together in order. After constructing the building structures with foam board with a wood finish, the perimeter of the structures were then carved out of the board layers so that they could be mounted on a level surface. Trees were then added as an accent to represent the central loop of the area that would be developed into a park.
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Taking Toronto To The Next Level Location:
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Term:
Winter 2013
Medium:
Autocad, Illustrator, Photoshop, Google Sketchup Fourth Year Design Thesis
Taking Toronto To The Next Level aims to revitalize one of the busiest places in Toronto as well as improve the moveability of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The concept involves the integration of an elevated pedestrian walkway and park. This will hopefully help alleviate some of the high density from street level and provide a safer environment for commuters. The area will be able to facilitate a variety of activities including the Celebrate Yonge festival, without requiring street closures and dramatically increasing traffic. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43
Conceptual Analysis
Highline, New York Elevated Walkway, Hong Kong
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Yonge St. & Bloor St. Chinatown, Spadina Ave. 2011 2013
The precedents to the right were used to develop a solution to these issues through the implementation of alternative methods of transportation and traffic distribution.
Yonge St. & Bloor St. 1970
The Toronto Timeline to the right demonstrates the progression of an increasing population density over the the years.
Yonge St. & Bloor St. 1938
The conceptual analysis to the left was created with the intention to dramatically emphasize the large volume of pedestrian and vehicular traffic that flows through Toronto’s downtown core daily.
Toronto Timeline
Lujiazui Pedestrian Bridge, Pudong, China
Precedents
Vehicular Traffic During Peak Hours
Land Use Types
Very Heavy Moderately Heavy Moderate Light
Mixed Use Area Park/Recreational Area Institutional Area Regeneration Area Employment Area Neighbourhood Residential
Points of Interest Locations: 1 Ryerson University Campus (Partia) 2 Toronto Eaton Centre 3 St. Michael’s Hospital 4 The Bay 5 Downtown Core/ Financial District Public Transit Stop(s)
Pedestrian Nodes Daily Pedestrian Traffic (App.) 1 Yonge & Dundas – 31,802 2 Yonge & Queen – 28,209 3 Yonge & Adelaide – 23,297 4 Yonge & King – 25,743 5 Bay & Dundas – 35,585 6 Bay & Queen – 20,124 7 Bay & Adelaide – 27,086 8 Bay & King – 22,398
Pedestrians Injured (20002009) 23 26 9 11 20 14 9 9
Natural Spaces Locations: 1 Trinity Square 2 Nathan Phillips Square 3 Cloud Gardens 4 Metropolitan United Church 5 Courthouse Square
Figure/Ground Spatial Features Structure Void
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Elevation
Benefits Location This project, situated on Yonge Street, one of the busiest areas in the Downtown core. Will have access to major retail destinations such as The Bay, The Eaton Centre, as well as the rest of the retail locations on downtown Yonge St. This will allow for the implementation of second floor retail, bringing a number of other benefits.
Cyclists The integration of slightly elevated bicycle lanes at street level will give cyclists a safer method of navigating through the overcrowded streets of Toronto. The sloped curb will act as a buffer, preventing drivers from drifting into the cyclists’ lane.
Traffic A reversible lane is another possible solution to high traffic volume. One lane for each direction will keep the flow of traffic consistent and smooth, while the middle, reversible lane will change systematically throughout the day to accomodate heavier traffic flow.
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Plan Detail
A Quick, Green Alternative This development will bring new life, as well as a new look to the downtown core. Pedestrians will be able to commute from the Central Business District to the Yonge & Dundas Square without having to go down to the street level. This elevated park welcomes a variety of users, whether if it is families enjoying a picnic in the gardens, people that are late for work; employees enjoying a lunch break on the terrace, a bench or a patio; or even just people looking for a calm, shopping experience while also enjoing a natural escape within the built environment. Vantage Points This overhanging terrace facing Yonge & Dundas Square will provide an optimal vantage point overlooking the square. People will be able to enjoy movies being played, and view concerts, fundraisers and other events taking place in the square. Also, the “Green Ramp� curving down into the square will give pedestrians a unique experience when transitioning from one level to another.
Access There are exits and escalators placed strategically to distribute pedestrians to the busiest areas, including The Eaton Centre, the Central Business District, St. Michael’s Hospital, The Bay, and other locations. Additional access to street level will also be available through the buildings.
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Landscape Construction Design Location:
Studio Design Work, Guelph, Ontario
Term:
2009 - 2013
Medium:
AutoCad
This is a brief summary of the construction plans and details that we were assigned to do throughout the course of the program. We were required to have a strong knowledge in detail design such as planting details and construction details, as well as in grading plans, planting plans, layout plans, etc. We were expected to compile all of our designs into proper construction packages.
Real Vernacular Commercial Services Park Construction drawings for a site in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Designed for educational purposes only.
Construction Details 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43
Grading Plan
Planting Plan 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43
Sketchup + Photoshop Renderings Location:
N/A
Term:
2009 - 2013
Medium:
Google Sketchup, Adobe Photoshop
A collection of extracurricular designs done to further develop skills in digital design.
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Renderings of a high-end residential property. Initial design was developed in Google Sketchup and then edited and then edited in Adobe Photoshop. The main focus of this design was to demonstrate a high level of detail within the structure. Features of the site include a guest house, pool house, swimming pool, pool bar, wine cellar, gardens, etc.
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Inspired by the Optical Glass House designed by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP in Hiroshima, Japan, this modern home features a large glass brick enclosure as part of its facade. Within the enclosure is a garden that may be used year-round, providing a private space of tranquility, and still maintaining a vital connection from the interior to the exterior.
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Photography Location:
Bali, Hong Kong, Chile
Term:
2009 - 2013
Medium:
Nikon D3100
I feel as though photography and architecture go hand in hand. There is an enourmous opportunity to capture a certain complexity, emotion, and beauty within a landcape or building that in some cases the human eye might not see. And my love of travelling has taken me to very unique and exciting places, introducing me to many different styles of architecture and culture. This is a collection of photographs that I have taken on my travels.
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Gabriel A. Fernandez|BLA University of Guelph gfernand@uoguelph.ca gabefernandez@live.com +1 (647) 202–9120