PORTFOLIO JUAN ALBERTO BONILLA
URBAN DESIGNER & PLANNER
ALBERTO BONILLA,
AICP, LEED AP ND
URBAN DESIGNER & PLANNER
San Diego, California, USA
jalbertobs@gmail.com
+1 619.495.4880
Juan Alberto’s passion for urban design stems from a deep appreciation for how spaces shape human experiences. He believes that successful urban design not only addresses complex challenges but also creates solutions that prioritize people, fostering healthy and resilient communities. As an urban designer and planner, Juan Alberto focuses on how urban spaces impact individuals and the environment, striving to create spaces that are sustainable, inclusive, and adaptable to future needs.
LEAD URBAN PLANNER
WSP USA
San Diego, California, USA
June 2021 – Present
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
» Project manager on select projects, including client communication, staff supervision, and task delegation.
» Assist in the design and update of a broad range of community planning documents and active transportation plans.
» Execute zoning, land use and urban design evaluation to identify development projects sites and the development massing plans and urban design concepts.
» Participate in project meetings and presentations.
» Preparation, distribution and monitoring of project correspondence to/from project clients and consultants, including invoicing.
EDUCATION
MSc URBAN DESIGN & CITY PLANNING
University College London
London, England, UK
Graduation: September 2024
Note: Distinction
BSc CITY & REGIONAL PLANNING
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, California, USA
Minor: Sustainable Environments
Graduation: June 2015
Note: Summa Cum Laude
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
PLANNING & URBAN DESIGN
SKILLS
Urban design visions, general plan and specific plan updates, land use studies, active transportation plans, corridor studies, community character studies, and park planning.
Creativity and problem solving, teamwork, active listening, translation and interpretation, and written and oral communication.
LANGUAGES
Spanish (Native Speaker)
French (Elementary Proficiency)
CERTIFICATIONS
AICP CERTIFIED
American Institute of Certified Planners
AICP Certification Number: 35333
LEED AP NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
Green Business Certification, Inc.
License 11155931-AP-ND
RE-ENCHANTING THE CITY: DESIGNING THE HUMAN HABITAT
UNSW Sydney
June 2016
» Adobe InDesign
» Adobe Illustrator
» Adobe Photoshop
SKILLS
» Microsoft Office » SketchUp » AutoCAD » ArcGIS » Rhino
INTERESTS » Travel
Photography » Architecture
Graphic Design
Music
Reading
01 RE-ENVISIONING URBAN SPACES
URBAN REGENERATION
Major Research Project
University College London
London, United Kingdom
September 2024
Public spaces are vital for creating vibrant, healthy communities by fostering well-being, social interaction, and a sense of identity. While they support mental and physical health and strengthen social ties, access is often unequal, where affluent areas enjoy more amenities, while marginalized neighborhoods face scarcity, raising environmental justice concerns.
This study explores how innovative urban design can repurpose public spaces to better integrate communities, particularly in underserved areas. It proposes a multi-step framework of design and programmatic interventions to improve inclusivity, accessibility, cultural celebration, and community engagement, enhancing both functionality and social resilience.
This was my graduate research project, which I developed in its entirety.
REGENERATING AN AREA
Two sites in Poplar, Tower Hamlets, were selected to test the design methodology and toolkit. Tower Hamlets, with its mix of affluent and disadvantaged residents, presents unique challenges. The chosen sites, in an ethnically diverse and economically disadvantaged area with the country’s largest Bangladeshi population, highlight barriers to social integration. Designing public spaces that reflect the needs of Poplar’s young, predominantly Muslim community is crucial. Repurposing underused spaces around residential buildings offers an opportunity to create high-quality urban environments that serve residents.
» DESIGN FRAMEWORK
The design framework and toolkit offer strategies to repurpose underutilized spaces in deprived neighborhoods, using evidence from literature and case studies to address the needs of underserved communities and promote social cohesion. Aligned with social equity and urban regeneration, the strategies focus on engaging stakeholders and fostering community involvement.
» TOOLKIT
SITE 1
Underutilised pedestrian corridor
2
The toolkit includes three themes: design, programming, and management. Each theme provides principles, objectives, and tools for achieving project goals. Interventions are flexible and adaptable based on community feedback and outcomes.
SITE
Housing estate
POPLAR
The toolkit was tested to demonstrate how design and programmatic interventions can revitalize neglected and underused spaces. By incorporating local cultural heritage and a variety of community-serving amenities, the design created welcoming environments with amenities that offer diverse cultural, exercise, and leisure opportunities, fostering social interaction and engagement.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Enhanced green spaces to offer residents opportunities for recreation/socialization, such as sports facilities, playgrounds and community gardens.
COMMUNITY SPACES
Revitalized spaces to create dynamic hubs where people can foster a sense of belonging and improve social cohesion.
IMPROVED CIRCULATION
Improved circulation network to ensure efficient movement for users of all abilities, enhancing accessibility and connectivity within the community.
OBJECTIVE
Repurpose a neglected alleyway to create an engaging and colorful inviting place that uses art and culture to encourage social interactions through communal facilities and spaces.
PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS
– Community-led design
– Flexibility/adaptability
– Connectivity/integration
– Adaptive reuse
– Sustainable design
– Education/culture
– Economic/social support
– Tactical urbanism
– Community events
– Community-run spaces
– Funding
Multi-purpose
Basketball court
Enhanced alleyway with urban art and cultural motifs
Playground
OBJECTIVE
Transform underused open spaces into vibrant, multifunctional areas that encourage social interaction, recreation, and cultural activities, fostering stronger community ties, well-being, and local pride.
PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS
– Community-led design
– Flexibility/adaptability
– Connectivity/integration
– Adaptive reuse
– Sustainable design
Education/culture
– Economic/social support – Community garden – Community events
– Community-run spaces
02 WEST CANNING DESIGN CODES
DESIGN CODES
Academic Project
University College London
London, England, UK
March 2024
The West Canning Design Codes aim to foster sustainable growth by leveraging the area’s strong connectivity to Central London, relative affordability, and proximity to the River Lea. The codes guide residential expansion while preserving industrial uses, positioning the site as a key player in sustainable construction. By encouraging partnerships between warehouses and local technical colleges, the codes promote research and innovation in eco-friendly building materials. The adaptable built environment allows for flexible reconfigurations based on demand for residential or industrial spaces. Emphasizing new technologies, environmental standards, and labor and transport trends, the design codes create a vibrant community where families, students, and workers thrive at the intersection of urban and natural landscapes.
As part of a team of three, I contributed by developing GIS-based graphics and maps, along with diagrams that clearly conveyed design regulations and the final layout. I also led the production of the final document, ensuring a cohesive presentation of the information and arguments throughout the project.
REGULATING PLAN
The regulating plan prioritizes accessibility, land use, and community needs, transforming the area into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood. A new street hierarchy enhances accessibility, tackling the challenges posed by wide, isolated plots, while limiting car mobility to certain roads to promote walkability and improve connections to neighboring areas. The introduction of a grid structure helps organize residential- and industrial-led areas. Addressing the displacement of long-standing communities due to broader regeneration, the plan also aims to moderate affordability by increasing housing supply and advocating for residential development across all zones, including industrial areas.
Places to stop and sit, and features which enhance the walking experience. » ALLOWED LAND USES
Mixed-Use Industrial-Residential
Flexible plots that might be amalgamted to either residential or industrial.
Mixed-Use Commercial-Residential
Grocery, gym, studio, coworking, hardware stores, community hub point.
Mixed-Use Cultural-Residential
Short-term accommodation and AirBnB, cultural industries, non-profit organizations, community hub point.
Multi-Family Residential
Mixed tenure ownership, shared ownership, courtyar, L-shape, or tower blocks, community hub point.
Public Space
Leisure, temporary or pop-up uses.
Green Space
» BUILDING TYPOLOGIES
The following suggested building typologies are highly flexible and can be arranged in a wide array of designs and configurations (as shown in the master plan) in a way that is responsive to each parcel’s needs. This flexibility allows the incorporation of an adequate mix of dwelling units and other uses.
Podium
Mixed-use typology with commercial uses and community amenities at the ground floor level.
Courtyard
Mixed-use typology a central courtyard for open space and other leisure facilities.
L-Shape
Mixed-use typology with commercial uses at the ground floor level with a high degree of flexibility.
Tower
Highest typology reserved primarily for residential uses. Provides a high number of residential units.
» BLOCK ARRANGEMENT BY INTENDED LAND USE
The following block arrangement configurations are meant to suggest potential mix of uses for future development within the site. Each configuration intends to create an adequate and balanced mixed of uses within a plot to optimize the density and revitalizes the block.
DESIGN CODES
The site is divided into six distinct community character areas, like the one showed below. Each with specific design regulations and standards to ensure high-quality, sustainable development across the site.
» ALLOWED USES
The allowed uses within the NODO area are intended to promote the sustainable development of the area, provide housing, and preserve the area’s industrial heritage.
BUILDING STANDARDS
Buildings in the NODO community character area must adhere to the following building standards, in addition to the mandatory regulations established in the site-wide code.
– Building coverage: 100%
– Floor area ratio: 6.5
– Density: 200 units/ha
– Height: 25 stories / 80 m (res/comm) 6 stories / m (industrial)
– Podium height: 9 m
– Setbacks: 0 m
– Stepbacks: 5 m after the initial 3 stories
BUILDING GREENING ELEMENTS
Green Roofs
Buildings should install green roofs where feasible to reduce stormwater runoff and boost energy efficiency.
Landscaping
Soft landscaping should be provided to separate residential uses from industrial uses to reduce negative impacts and increase privacy.
Community Scapes
Green roofs and areas should be designed as community and recreation spaces for workers and residents. RECOMENDAD
North of Docklands Community Character Area
03 PRESTON CORRIDOR
CORRIDOR STUDY
Professional Project
WSP USA
Louisville, Kenctucky, USA
November 2022
The Preston Corridor, also known as Kentucky Route 61, is located in Louisville, Kentucky, and includes segments of Preston Street and Preston Highway that link various prominent regional destinations. This corridor study addresses the needs of this thoroughfare, including the call for walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly amenities at key locations along the corridor where future denser transit-oriented development is expected.
For this project, I was the urban designer in charge of producing the conceptual diagrams for three key intersections based on the existing conditions analysis and the expected outcomes from Metro Louisville and the community. To produce concepts that effectively address some of the barriers identified in the corridor, I leverage various technology tools, including ArcGIS and Nearmap, as well as drone photography that was provided. I produced and refined the intersection concepts in AutoCAD. These concepts were then transferred to SketchUp to create 3D models that were overlayed on aerial photographs to the potential improvements for each intersection.
CORRIDOR DESCRIPTION
This important thoroughfare connects downtown Louisville, located at the northern edge of the city across the river from the State of Indiana, to the Louisville International Airport to the south. Extending for 10.9 miles, the Preston Corridor runs parallel to Interstate 65, acting as an alternate route for local traffic and providing access to the adjacent residential and commercial neighborhoods to the region and beyond.
» CHASE PRINCIPLES
The intersection concepts for the three key intersections draw guidance from the CHASE (Connected, Healthy, Authentic, Sustainable, and Equitable) principles highlighted in the MOVE Louisville Comprehensive Plan.
CONNECTED – Multi-modal
– Access to jobs/housing – Regional
HEALTHY – Active lifestyles
– Safe neighborhoods – Access to open space
AUTHENTIC – Citizen engagement
Local businesses
Adaptive reuse
SUSTAINABLE – Green practices
Transportation and infrastructure – Walkable communities
» PROJECT STATS
CORRIDOR LENGTH: 10.9 miles
KEY INTERSECTIONS: 3
– Broadway – Clarks Lane
– Outer Loop
SURROUNDING LAND USES
– Residential
– Commercial/Retail
– Warehouses
MAJOR DESTINATIONS
– Downtown Louisville
– Louisville International Airport
EQUITABLE
Equity
Jobs – Housing
» CORRIDOR’S OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS
OPPORTUNITIES
– Connection to regional destinations – Public tranist lines
– Proposed Bus Rapit Transit (BRT) – Capacity for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
CONSTRAINTS
– Poor quality sidewalks and curb ramps
– Lack of bicycle facilities – Lack of transit shelters – High speed vehicular traffic
Downtown Louisville
Preston at Broadway
Preston at Outer Loop
Preston at Clarks Lane
PRESTON STREET AT CLARKS LANE
The intersection of Preston Street and Clarks Lane is located in the middle of a predominately suburban neighborhood. Similarly, to other major roads in suburban areas in the U.S., this roadway is wide and offers few amenities to enhance the pedestrian and cyclist experience. The proposed street reconfiguration intends to create a walkable and bikeable environment that will support future transit-oriented developments.
– Separated two-way bikeway for safety and comfort
– Seating areas with shade for resting and socializing
– Dedicated bus lane for improved service and reliability
– High-visibility crosswalks and curb extensions for safety
– Installation of bus shelters
PRESTON STREET AT BROADWAY
The Preston Street and Broadway intersection is located at the northern tip of the corridor. Closest to downtown Louisville, this crossing is two blocks east of Interstate 65 and it is adjacent to Norton Healthcare Pavilion, as well as other medical facilities and hospitals. Additionally, denser commercial and residential uses can be found around the intersection, increasing pedestrian activity. Despite this, improvements are necessary to enhance the safety of users of alternate modes of transportation. Inspired by Dutch urban design, physically separated colored bikeways are proposed, along with corner islands for additional protection at the western corners of the intersection. Pedestrian islands with bus shelters are also present for increased accessibility.
» PROPOSED DESIGN
1 Class 4 separated bikeways
2 Dedicated bus lane
3 High-visibility crosswalks and curb ramps
4 Pedestrian islands with bus shelters
5 Transition striping
6 Corner islands
7 Landscaped medians
PRESTON HIGHWAY AT OUTER LOOP
Located at the southern end of the study area, the intersection of Preston Highway and Outer Loop spans between 7 to 8 lanes in each direction. The current configuration prioritizes cars over other modes and makes it specifically harder for pedestrians and bicyclists to navigate the area. The lack of bicycle facilities and the faded crosswalks create a hostile environment. By redesigning the intersection, priority will be given back to alternate modes of transportation. The addition of a new plaza with seating and wayfinding will create a new space for people to gather, socialize, or even rest.
» PROPOSED DESIGN
1 Class 1 multi-use path
2 Dedicated bus lane
3 High-visibility crosswalks and curb ramps
4 Pedestrian refuge islands
5 Improved lighting
6 Permeable pavers
7 Plaza with seating area
8 Wayfinding
9 Welcome sign for placemaking
10 Landscaped medians
04 EL CAMINO REAL
CORRIDOR STUDY AND PLACEMAKING
Professional Project
KTUA Planning & Landscape Architecture
Atascadero, California, USA
August 2020
The El Camino Real corridor study provides an urban design vision to calm traffic and support the increase of bicycling and walking in Downtown Atascadero. This conceptual design includes the incorporation of flexible spaces throughout the study area that will act both as parking and gathering spaces depending on the occasion. Additionally, pedestrian and bicycle facilities will be improved to enhance the safety and comfort of residents and visitors.
For this project, I assessed El Camino Real’s current and future conditions, as well as active transportation trends to produce an urban design concept for the City of Atascadero. I was responsible for producing a conceptual diagram that I then refined to generate an illustrative site plan in AutoCAD. This site plan was then used as a base to produce a SketchUp model showing a proposed section of the corridor. Renderings of this model were presented at community workshop and at a City Council meeting to obtain feedback from both the community and elected officials. I was also responsible for managing and overseeing the project’s Caltrans Active Tranportation grant application.
MULTI-USE CORRIDOR
El Camino Real is one of the main thoroughfares in Atascadero, California. Tracing its origins back to Spanish colonial times, this segment of El Camino Real is part of a 600-mile route that connects the 21 missions in California, including nearby Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Nowadays, it serves as one of Atascadero’s main streets, traveling parallel to U.S. Route 101 and connecting the downtown area with the rest of the city and the region.
» TRAFFIC-CALMING AND PLACEMAKING
Due to an economic upturn, downtown Atascadero is experiencing increased vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. Safety concerns have been raised, especially for the numerous students present along the corridor who use a pedestrian underpass that links the neighborhoods located on both sides of the highway. The proposed “rambla” is located at the jucnture of all these modes of transportation, becoming the focal point of the street reconfiguration that aims to calm traffic and increase biking and walking in the downtown area.
OPPORTUNITIES
Road diet
– Centrally located near parks, schools, dowtown and City Hall
– Active commercial uses with shops, offices, restaurants, and hotels
– Direct connection to highway pedestrian underpass
– Imporant historical significance
GOALS
– Increase pedestrian and bicycle safety
– Preserve parking supply
– Create a destination in downtown
– Provide flexible spaces for outdoor events, such as farmers’ markets and concerts
Enhanced pedestrian crossing Diagonal parking spaces
Rambla (flexible median)
Rambla
Pedestrian Underpass
Atascadero City Hall
Atascadero Middle School
Atascadero High School
Sunken Gardens
SalinasRiver
CIRCULATION
To effectively calm traffic and increase biking and walking safely and attractively, the proposed street reconfiguration includes:
1. Road diet
2. Dedicated center turn lanes
3. Curb extensions with accessible ramps
4. Shared bicycle lanes
5. Flexible median with pedestrian amenities and angle parking
6. On-street parking
The reduction of traffic lanes and the addition of angle parking will result in slower traffic speeds, allowing the installation of Class 3 bike routes.
THE PROPOSED DESIGN
Based on Barcelona’s famous street La Rambla, the proposed design for El Camino Real incorporates a 23-foot wide tree-lined median enhanced by outdoor furniture, permeable pavers, and landscaping. This broad median is meant to be a flexible space for the downtown area, and it stretches from West Mall to Entrada Avenue and Traffic Way to Rosario Avenue. The flexible space provides both diagonal parking spaces for the surrounding businesses and an open linear promenade that can be used during events, such as farmers markets, festivals, and concerts.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
To educate the public about El Camino Real’s history, a hardscape design feature depicting the missions built by the Spanish along the California coast was incorporated into the promenade’s design. This increases the flexible space’s visual interest while paying homage to this route’s legacy.
05 AVENIDA REVOLUCIÓN
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION
Undergrduate Senior Project
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Tijuana, Mexico
June 2015
Avenida Revolución, Tijuana’s main tourist corridor, is the focus of a project to transform it into a mixed-use hub with commercial, retail, residential, and hotel spaces. Many underutilized buildings and lots will be redeveloped through adaptive reuse, lowering construction costs.
This urban design vision adds retail and office spaces, introduces residential components, and enhances walkability with wider sidewalks, outdoor seating, plazas, pocket parks, and marked crossings. These efforts aim to revitalize Avenida Revolución, turning it into a vibrant destination and revitalizing downtown Tijuana.
This was my senior project at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, which I developed in its entirety.
PROJECT STATS
The Avenida Revolución study area covers six blocks of the downtown area. These blocks are located along Avenida Revolución, one of Tijuana’s main tourist and commercial corridors, which lies 1.6 km south of the U.S.-Mexico border. Its proximity to the border, as well as the multiple public transit routes that go through downtown, make it highly accessible to locals and visitors from both sides of the border.
US-MEXICO BORDER
» MAIN ISSUES
LOW DIVERSITY OF USES
LITTLE REDEVELOPMENT
NEGATIVE PERCEPTION
KEY FACTOR: LAND USE
The lack of appropriate land uses and limited incentives to redevelop prevent the site from taking advantage of its potential.
» SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
– Central location
– Street grid pattern for walkability
– Adjacent to major public transit stops
– Historical significance
WEAKNESSES
– Low-quality services and goods at high prices
– Lack residential uses
– Lack of cultural centers and institutions
– Pedestrian facilities in poor condition
OPPORTUNITIES
– Large underutilized blocks
– Capacity to absorb demand for higher density housing
– Potential to become a fully pedestrian-oriented area
– Unique and eclectic environment for artists and businesses
CONSTRAINTS
– Negative perception from residents and tourists
– High vehicular traffic congestion
– Lack of incentives to redevelop the area
– Lack of U.S. tourists due to long waits at the international border
Study Area TijuanaRiver
San Ysidro Port of Entry
El Chaparral Port of Entry
Mexican Federal Highway
Reloj Monumental (Landmark)
Zona Río (CBD)
IMPROVED CIRCULATION
CREATING A MAIN STREET
The improved pedestrian and bicycle circulation enhances the linkage and permeability along Avenida Revolución. Pedestrians will feel safer walking around the area, increasing the activity on the streets and attracting more people to the site. The mix of uses creates a wide array of destinations that attracts visitors, giving the avenue a “main street” feel, and activating the area as a whole.
Vehicular Circulation Bicycle Circulation
Pedestrian Circulation
The urban design vision for Avenida Revolución intends to create a destination for both residents and locals. As a result, an increase in traffic for all modes of transportation is expected. To accommodate the additional traffic and enhance the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, a series of intersection improvements are proposed as part of the plan.
LAND USE PLAN
Avenida Revolución will incorporate a mix of uses and compact denser development at walking distance from each other. The area will preserve its commercial and retail-oriented focus, while adding residential uses at the upper floors of some of the proposed buildings.
ADAPTIVE REUSE
Adaptive reuse will allow adapting of existing economically obsolete buildings for a new more productive purpose. The current Mexicoach Bus Station and El Foro venue will be upgraded to cultural centers that included art galleries where local artists will be able to showcase their work, as well as enhanced entertainment venues.
» PROPOSED USES
RESIDENTIAL
Medium- to high-density residential uses located on top or adjacent to commercial establishments.
RETAIL
Retail and neighborhood-serving commercial development.
OFFICE
Administrative, professional, and medical offices that meet local and regional office demands.
TOURIST COMMERCIAL
Commercial development, including hotels, that accommodate the needs of the traveling public.
CULTURAL VENUE
Historic and readapted spaces focusing on cultural and entertainment activities.
OPEN SPACE
Open areas intended to enhance the public realm and provide recreational opportunities.
Mexicoach Bus Station
Proposed
El Foro
ART AND LEISURE
Open plazas, parks, pedestrian paths, and cultural centers, like the one located in the Mexicoach Building, provide spaces for leisure and social interactions. Some of the pedestrian crosswalks also provide opportunities for street art through the utilization of different colors, materials, and designs, which increase the street’s complexity and visual richness.
06 OTHER CREATIVE WORKS
VISUALIZATIONS, GRAPHIC DESIGN & REPORT PRODUCTION
Professional Projects
2015-2023
The following samples showcase a diverse range of projects I have worked on throughout my professional career, encompassing 3D modeling, graphic design, project branding, and report production.
ONTARIO URBAN TRAIL & WAYFINDING
The 3D model was developed to show linear park opportunities to transform a flood control channel in Ontario, California. Wayfinding alternatives were proposed to showcase’s the city’s park system.
MOBILITY HUB DIAGRAM
This 3D model was developed to illustrate the concept of an urban center mobility hub. The graphic is part of the RTA First and Last Mile Mobility Plan and is meant to show the reader the different mobility options available at transit centers that are usually located in larger urban areas.
PROJECT BRANDING
GRAPHIC DESIGN & REPORT CONCEPTUALIZATION
