Architectural Portfolio & Design - v.2019

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

visual portfolio

by ISRAEL RODRIGUEZ

“WHADDUP.” - Israel Rodriguez

ISRAEL RODRIGUEZ EDUCATION

SKILLS

2010 - 2015

University of Houston - Gerald D. Hines CoAD Bach. Architecture Houston, TX

2006 - 2010

Pasadena Memorial High School Diploma Pasadena, TX

Rhinoceros 3D

Adobe Photoshop

Grasshopper

Adobe Illustrator

AutoCAD

Adobe InDesign

Microsoft Word

Adobe Premiere

Microsoft Powerpoint

Adobe After Effects

Microsoft Excel

HTML & CSS

Zbrush

Revit

Hand-Drawing

Biligual (Spanish)

EXPERIENCE

2014 - 2015

Gant Architects Houston, TX

Architectural Intern

EXHIBITIONS & PUBLICATIONS

2014

SunScreen D3 Housing Tomorrow

Led by Instructor Michael Gonzales and curated by Gregory Marinic, the project was installed and exhibited at the D3 Housing tomorrow exhibit.

2015

PlastiCity Studio Beginning Design - National Conference on the Beginning Student

The studio work was set up for exhibit at the National Conference as part of the collective works of the college.

2015

Malleable Environments Parametricism

The project “Malleable Environments” was part of the PlastiCity studio and was posted as part of Parametricism’s page, through professor Vrana.

Marta Rodriguez, Ph.D. marta@petitearchitecture.com

Assistant Professsor University of Houston

Andrew Vrana andrew@metalabstudio.com

Assistant Professsor University of Houston

Michael Gonzales mgonzales07@gmail.com

Lecturer University of Houston

REFERENCES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 - 14 15 - 28 29 - 34 35 - 44 45 - 52 53 - 64

HABITAT MORPHOGEN MALLEABLE ENVIRONMENTS

(exhibited as part of 31 BEGINNING DESIGN STUDENT CONFERENCE)

LOOKOUT ARTPLACE CARACOL DIGITAL STUDIES

(exhibited for D3 HOUSING TOMORROW)

HABI T AT MORPHOGEN The conveniency of hotels makes it a breeding ground for unhealthy habits.

Laziness, ill-hygene, disease-ridden; these things are synonymous with “hotel living.“ By creating a place in which activity is nurtured, we hope to eliminate the stigma of hotels being an unhealthy environment. Through “habit-forming-environments” we hope to instill good living habits that will enable visitors to leave with healthier living values. To do this, we begin by rethinking the way in which we move within a room, and how movement, or the implication of it, can encite necessary activity.

1|2

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THE MODULE The module takes on different attributes in order to help accomodate a variety of uses by simply changing 2 variables: shape and length. The module serves a tool in helping active the room and the user.

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3|4

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

• ROOM MATERIALITY - Renewable - Recyclable - Low VOC - Anti-Allergenic - Eco-friendly manuf. process • LIGHTING - Sensor Active Lights - High-Efficiency Halogen Lamp - No Mercury - Easier recycling • PLUMBING - Low-Consumption plumbing fixtures - Linen and towel water reuse program

REGULARLY ACTIVE

OBESITY

THE PROBLEM 1970’S

2006

8%

24%

DOWNTOWN

SECOND WARD

30% UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

GREATER EAST END

CUSTOMER REFLECTIVITY

59%

- brands that reflect their style and personality

CAUSE PROMOTING

MENTAL HEALTH

• CUSTOMIZATION - Mental Stimulation - Engages in an activity - Healthy environment to express creativity through configuring the room • SIMPLICITY - The simplicity of the room provides a tranquil environment to put the user’s mind at ease

50%

- more likely to buy a brand they know supports a cause

GOOD DEAL

PHYSICAL HEALTH

• INTERACTION - Physical Stimulation - Engages the user in a non-intensive physical activity - Acclimates the user to being more physically active in every-day activities • HEALTHY ROOM MATERIAL - Anti-allergenic - Low VOC • INTERACTION - Healthy Diet Incentives - Active Use = Free Meal

56%

TARGET VALUES

- are willing to switch brands in favor of a good deal

CREATE A STRONGER USER - ENVIRONMENT RELATIONSHIP

ENVIRONMENT

HUMAN

ACTIVE ROOM

ACTIVE USER

Customization

CUSTOMIZATION

+ Loyalty

HOW?

7|8

BAMBOO - recyclable - hypoallergenic - renewable

A HEALTH-CENTRIC ENVIRONMENT Because the design is health-centric, it was necessary to find materials that were hypoallergenic, safe for the environment, and recyclable. Along with materiality and activity options, meals are used as incentives for users that choose more active rooms and that contribute to health-conscious programs.

WALL PANELS POLYPROPYLENE (THERMOPLASTIC) - highly recyclable - hypoallergenic

LIGHT PANELS

SILICONE RUBBER - recyclable - hypoallergenic

TENSIONSERS

STAINLESS STEEL - recyclable - hypoallergenic - sanitary

STRUCTURAL FRAME

9 | 10

VOLUME

SEGMENTATION

MODULE

AGGREGATIION

FROZEN/PURE - $

+ ready for use

+ easy access

+ implied movement

50/50 ADAPTABLE - $$

+ ready for use

+ easy acces

+ customizable + stimulates activity + active user incentives/free meal

+ implied movement + engages the user

FULLY ADAPTABLE - $$$

+ completely customizable + unique room + personal + stimulates activity + engages the user

+ active user incentives/free meal

ONE HUNDRED PERCENT Because the hotel industry has to accommodate a mutitude of clients with seperate needs, the room is essentially broken up into 3 room types: Pure, 50%, and 100%. The higher the room percentage the more the room has the ability to adapt and transform (as shown left), However, users that prefer a simple overnight stay, the “Pure� option is there to more accommodate their needs.

13 |14

MALLEABLE

ENVIRONMENTS

In an attempt to explore the malleable nature of spaces, the project builds upon the idea that every space should be a spatial experience as well as a learning experience. The design rejects the notion that buildings become neutral brackground for research and workshop environments, and instead becomes an active tool for educating and revealing technologial research and its role in our active environment. It promotes the melding of exclusive and inclusive by breaking down what a building can do for a community. By intergrating architecture, nature, and technology, the space becomes a beacon for education and an environment for public discourse.

Exhibited as part of

BEGINNING DESIGN

1

Ground Level

2

Park Level

3

Gallery Level 1

4

Gallery Level 2

THE NATURAL UNNATURAL The park level serves as a visual and environmental relief from the industrial and warehouse filled context. The park becomes a place of gathering and a hub for the neighborhood.

17 |18

CURVES

EXTERIOR WALL STUDY

MOUNTAINOUS FUNNEL GALLERIES

SURFACE ROOF SYSTEM REINTEGRATE VEGETATION

AGGREGATE

INTERIOR WALL STUDY ATTRACTOR

PUBLIC LEVEL

19 | 20

PLASTICITY MODEL As a means to further understand and explore the “plastic“ nature of the design, I felt it would be good to treat the model-making process as a learning tool. The process consisted of: shaping; smoothing; coating with compound; wet-sanding; painting; and polishing;

21 | 22

AN EXTENSION OF NATURAL SYSTEMS In hopes to create a building that is flexible with its surrounding context and open to the public, the design took on properties that would encourage use from the surrounding neighborhood, helping it become a staple in the community. By uprooting the existing landscape and creating an artificial park wherein we could begin enriching it with vegetation, the design begins to become more than a private building, but rather a community project to bring more life to this indutrialized area of the city.

23 | 24

INCORPORATED SYSTEMS Performative Skin

Adaptive Frame

Composite Panels [ENCLOSURE] Structural Frame

Composite Panels [INTERIORS]

Floor Plates

Walls Foundation

CITY CONTEXT At the split between the natural system of the bayou and the artificiality of the city

AREA CONTEXT Square in the middle of the industrial district of Houston

SITE CONTEX Adjacent to major streets that support the arts through civic art and public displays.

25 | 26

INSIDE THROUGH OUTSIDE The composite superstructure, floating over the elevated park and puncturing through the interior, serves as a medium to help reveal the experimental workings that occur within. The structure becomes a prototypical exhibit of how the users of the workshop hope their work can be utilized in the field of composite plastic manufacturing.

27 | 28

LOOKOUT The design explores the concept of rotation: the implications set by such movement, and its applications to form an architectural solution.

Investigative work in biomimetic design was incorporated to help research ways in which to create a relation to the park system. Studies done on human anatomy and the functional systems which have developed to create strong biological networks were analyzed to find ways in which to explore the idea of rotation and their connection to movement. Analysis of the spinal chord and how it promotes flexibility to the design of the human body quickly became a focal point in the design. Figurative comparisons translating physical aspects of the spine to programmatic sectors and circulatory elements help create an architectural framework that functions with the site, the user, and the environment.

The design essentially becomes a manifestation of rotational movement, guiding and encouraging a path directed by design for optimum use and observational utility.

29 | 30

1

Dominant Face

2

3-Level Split

3

Profile Change - Circlular profile - Creates optimal views

SPINE VERSATILITY

A comparison to the vertebral bodies of the human spine allows us to see the natural flexibility of how a central core can help facilitate movement throughout.

Aligned / Straight

4

Incremental Sizing

Curved

5

Shift and Push

Twisted

31 | 32

1

1st Floor - Observation Deck - Work Station

2

Ground Floor - Lobby - Observation

Panopticon-like Views Outward - Unobstructed

3

Basement Floor - Living Quarters INCREASED VISIBILITY AND OPTIMAL VIEWS

33 | 34

artplace The social expression of people has always been an essential component of the cultural fabric of an area. Art, in all its forms, has always been an indication of culture, and making this work visible to its peoples is essential in defining a bond between people and culture. By bringing focus to artwork and making this visible to the public, we can begin to create a connection between neighborhood and art scene, providing helpful exposure to local artists and artists abroad.

An overall focus on movement encourages the “encounter“ of culture. By creating a flow of movement driven by motion and rest, we can create a space in which to foster knowledge about the local culture, as well as providing moments for necessary public discourse.

35 | 36

WAR’HOUS VISUAL STUDIOS HOUSTON CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT

LAWNDALE ART CENTER

SITE

MA

IN

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RE

ET

CZECH CENTER MUSEUM

GLASSELL JUNIOR SCHOOL CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM HOUSTON

HOUSTON ARTS COMBINED ENDOWMENT

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON

HOLOCAUST MUSEUM

BIN

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CONNECTION THROUGH

movement EXPAND CONTRACT

CONTRACT MOVEMENT

REST

EXPAND

ALONG PATH

OBSTRUCTION IN PATH

POINT TO POINT

THE BLOB When thinking about the enclosure, to help emphasize the inner workings of the design, a surface was draped over the path of the design. Pushing and Pulling, the draped surface contoured to the shape of the design and helped accent the beauty of the changing, winding path inside.

39 | 40

LONG SECTION

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 2.5

TRIANGULATED ENVELOPE (GLASS)

STEEL SPACE TRUSS

WAFFLE SLAB (CONCRETE)

SHORT SECTION

HVAC DUCTS

STEEL REBAR

LEVEL 3

LEVEL 3.5

41 | 42

From the interior, the draped enclosure seems cascade down on the users.

Open yet enclosed, the circulation of the building is exposed and helps the user navigate the building with visual cues from distant levels.

43 | 44

In order to help establish a space in which the architecture serves to perform not only for the user, but the public at large, the project aims to create a space in which the UHGBC can educate their students, as well as educating the public on the innovations taking place as part of the “Green Building Components� organization.

In an attempt to achieve such a space, the design introduces a ramo component that will help mediate the flow of movement throughout the design. The ramp, emerging from the floor, splits the flow of movement; providing a duality of experience. Simultaneously, two experiences exist to help inform the campus what the UHGBC aspires to provide the university. It provides an interaction between student, building, and campus; creating a dialogue between user and visitor.

45 | 46

1

Block

The path cuts through the interior exposing the life within building and the work exhibited by the students, making it a more communal space between visitors and students.

2

Split

3

Floor Levels & Connecting Strip

4

Ramp System

47 | 48

Wood Angle Support Precast Concrete Roof Panel Concrete Infill Water Barrier Foam Insulation Corrugated Steel Metal Ceiling Panels #6 Steel Reinforcing Rebar 6” Wood Beam w/Steel Bolted Plate

12” Load-Bearing Concrete Wall Symbiotic Wall - Steel Wall Structure 24” Deep Holedeck Waffle Slab 0.05” Thin Concrete Ceiling Panel

Soil & Vegetation

Water Filter Screen

Soil Retaining Screen

Concrete Footing Pump

Pressure Tank

D2

+34’

+18’ +16’

+ 0’

3’ Cellular Beam

4.5’ Cellular Beam

18” Steel Round Column Steel Guardrail Topping Slab (Polished Concrete) 24” Holedeck Waffle Slab Glass Rail 6” Deep Concrete Ramp Botanica Air Purifier Permanent Wall Installation #6 Steel Reinforcing Rebar 12” Concrete Wall Raised-Floor Panels Raised-Floor Supports

Air Duct Slab-On-Grade Foundation

D3

+34’

+26’

+18’ +16’ +12

+ 0’

D1

1

Learning Space

Vertical Structure D

E

Structural Walls

A

Ramp System

B

Floor Structure

C

Mullions

D

Horizontal Beams

E

2

Exhibit Space D

E

D

E

A

B

C

51 | 52

DIGITAL

STUDIES

Growth and Change; The idea that “people can affect change” and “change can affect people” are two core ideas that I wanted to explore in the development of this project.

Consider an object without permanence; The object is not static and can move about and multiply dependent on the actions of people. Not only does this object begin populating and changing due to interaction, but likewise, the interaction with the object affects how people interact with the space. Through this exchange space and object become impermanent and infinitely adaptable.

Exhibited at

A LIFE AFTER DESIGN As an effort to contribute to the campus, our team envisioned constructing our installation to accompany the new University Center for the University of Houston. The intention was for it to embody the constant “changing of the guard,� and to have new, incoming students modify and change the installation, as well have it become an interactive art piece to reinvigorate campus life.

53 | 54

EXCAVATED DODECAHEDRON

3RD STELLATION + ICOSAHEDRON

3RD STELLATION LATTICE

ICOSAHEDRON LATTICE

LATTICE NETWORK As part of a working network, the module undergoes a few select iterations, as well as each iteration depending on unique stellations of its original form. This delicate networks follows strict rules to define its growth, but as the rules are in place, the modules can grow and replicate in order to accomodate changes in its overall form.

AXIS We first define the module through an axis

ROTATION Each module moves dependently on the next cycle of growth that occurs from module to module

72º

Rotational Axis

- 72 deg

63.43º

Direction of Travel + 72 deg

DEFINING TRAVEL Each module has what is considered a “front” or a direction in which it will begin its movement; a datum of sorts

41.81º

THE NETWORK As part of a larger framework, each module fits as part of a lattice network. The framework consists of 2 main modules that depend on a stellation of its iteration in order to connect and form a stronger system.

55 | 56

FROM START TO FINISH As part of a larger effort, our team and I worked together to make our design real. Materials were donated to us, the university workshop opened up their doors for extended hours for us to CNC our material, and Gregory Marinic allowed us to exhibit our project for the opening of the d3 Housing Tomorrow Exhibit.

57 | 58

Flat-Cut Modules

THE UNIT Sunscreen is composed of a coupled unit consisting of two, embracing modules that aggragate to create a surface. The component for the project is strategic not only for its visual value, but also for its structural integrity and performative qualities: as one progresses around the object, the perforations created by the components serve as an aperature that expands and contracts based on the viewer’s location relative to the installation. This typology allows for a structure that is dynamic and engaging although static and unmoving, viewer participation is required to fully experience the piece.

THE FORM Sunscreen adapts to different surface typologies on the principle of its module, because of the flexibility of the module, there are several different configurations that are possible.

Elevation Drawing

GLOBAL FORM

COMPONENT ASSEMBLY Component One

Component Two

Combined Component

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS The final assembly was made from Polypropylene sheets generously donated to the project. After months of preparation and design work, the team worked countless hours to digitally prepare construction files, to CNC, form, organize, and assemble the project overnight, in order have it ready for the exhibit the following day.

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- THANK YOU -