Julián Castillo Holzheu by Julián Castillo

P O R T F O L I O JULIÁN CASTILLO HOLZHEU

WHY? Why do we act in determined ways?

Why do spontaneous interactions occur on a daily basis? Why is the physical environment and culture so important for design? Why do we decide to settle in one place or another? Why do we choose to adapt despite the circumstances? Why is architecture a reflection of society? Why do we express ourselves through imagination? Why are we alive? Why do we feel? Why do we dream?

Energy in the Skyline - Juliรกn Castillo

JULIĂ N CASTILLO HOLZHEU

CU R I O U S

E N E R G E T I C

A DA P TA B L E

Since I was a kid, I have been sensitive about my environment and context. Colors, textures, sounds, and space have always had an effect on me. All these properties make me question how living organisms interact with their surroundings, and why they have an impact on each other.

I am passionate about ideas, culture, nature, and experiences. Exploring unknown horizons around the world has enriched my scope of architecture and culture. It has also showed me the ability we have as human beings to think and act deliberately.

Adaptation is an evolutionary process in which an organism becomes better at living in its habitat. This process adjusts to environmental conditions by identifying and learning from specific elements. As an architect and designer, I have the ability to translate these traits into responsible and life improving solutions.

Why being curious about our surround-

How can new connections increase our

What changes are needed in humanity to

ings can change our perception?

energy level?

adapt to the challenges of the future?

Being open to experiment new things has influenced the way I see myself and the world that surrounds me; it has confirmed that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m capable of evolving, using my knowledge and my work to contribute to a more advantageous environment.

ARCHITECTURE

MUSEUM OF GUATEMALA’S CIVIL WAR M e m o r i a l t o t h e 3 6 Ye a r s o f D i s p u t e 3rd Semester (UFM, Guatemala) Individual work (2011)

Guatemala’s history has been influenced by several critical moments. Yet one of the most controversial ones was the Civil War that took place from 1960 to 1996. It was a conflict between the Guatemalan government and various leftist armed guerrilla groups integrated mainly by ethnic indigenous people and Ladino peasants.

In order to understand the historic precedents and the different points of view from both sides, I decided to design a museum that could hold different spaces representing the fundamental moments of the conflict. The main lobby, two meters above ground level, includes a locally sourced café, a bookstore, and a space for temporary exhibitions. All other spaces in the museum are be-

low the ground to create a feeling of uncertainty and mystery, and to resemble the mass graves that exist throughout the country. The light, the textures, and the altered proportions play as variants to intensify feelings among the spaces. A continuous descending ramp connecting the galleries will guide those who are willing to discover a critical moment in Guatemala’s history...

HOW? How can we translate feelings, moments in history and ideas into the physical space to enhance the architectural experience?

During this time, many events occurred that perpetuated hate and anger between different social groups. Innocent civilians all over the country suffered from kidnappings, murders, and extortions. In 1996, the president of Guatemala and the guerrilla representatives finally signed the peace accords, putting an end to the 36 year old war.

Scenes from Guatemala's Civil War Photos By: Jean-Marie Simon

l Mode Cut r e s La

Parking Area

6 AVE

6 AVE NIDA "A"

NIDA "A"

Parking Area

+/-0.00

6 AVENIDA

(AVENIDA BAR

+2.00

) RANQUILLA

0.00

UP UP

2.00

0.00

+2.00

GALLERY 4

2.00

-7.00

CAFE

CAFE BOOK STORE

BOOK STORE

GALLERY 3 "PARQUE MEMORIAL"

"PARQUE MEMORIAL"

-5.30

TICKETS

+2.00

DN %

GALLERY 2

TEMPORARY EXHIBITION

TEMPORARY EXHIBITION 0.00

0.00

-3.60

Campo Marte Sports Park GALLERY 1

ADMINISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE AREA

2.00

ADMINISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE AREA

PERMANENT EXHIBITION ENTRANCE -1.50

2.00

-1.50

Guard of Honor Government's Military Base

-2.00

Guard of Honor Government's Military Base

-1.00

SERVICE ENTRANCE

Campo Marte Sports Park

-1.00

SERVICE -1.50 ENTRANCE

SERVICE-1.50 ENTRANCE

ZONE 10

A' 0

Roof Plan

Prototypes of Movable Roof

A' 10

50 m

Floor Plan 1

50 m

Floor Plan -1

Glass Bridge Model

Fourth Gallery Model

50 m

+2.00

MAINTENANCE AREA -3.60 -5.30 -7.00

Second Gallery: Between Two Armies This large space that mirrors metallic triangular shapes in both ceiling and floor, mimics the feeling of being immersed between two large forces that are similarâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;both fighting for a common end but both leading to opposite directions. Together they form a prismatic path that constantly changes with drastic shades and lights.

Section A-A'

30 m

First Gallery: The Attack

Third Gallery: Victim Memorial

This space with inclined walls contains violent images of the civil war, giving the user a sense of being targeted by armed individuals. The intermittent concrete segments reveal the uncertainty that Guatemalans had during the conflict: not knowing when or where others could attack.

Triangular glass prisms come down enlightened from the sky with pictures from the victims of the conflict. Each one has a story to tell; a light of their own. This gallery includes a cinema space where personal stories are told. The overall space gives time to contemplate and learn from the experiences of others.

Fourth Gallery: Conflict Resolution Comforting water sounds echo in the 7m-height space, surrounded by light beams coming from skylights above. The space emanates peace and serenity, inviting the user to open his eyes to this new phase. It provides a moment to breathe, calm down, and remember that after all, we are all humans and we need to understand our differences to start building together.

TROPICAL BREEZE

Apartment Building in San José Harbour, Escuintla, Guatemala 4th Semester (UFM, Guatemala) Individual work (2011)

Puerto San José, Guatemala

Considering the humid and hot climate of Puerto San José, the building stands as an integral solution for climate comfort. Its curved form imitates the natural canal on its front and gives the entire building a functional rhythm.

South Facade

West Facade

North Facade

East Facade

Each apartment has a spaceful balcony with a garden and a wooden deck. This space can be integrated to the apartment thanks to the sliding glass doors that also welcome the breeze coming from the canal. The building takes advantage of its cantilevers since they drastically reduce extreme solar radiation, they are also efficient in the winter solstice which is the most critical time of the year. The central chimney serves as a cooling system in the building. The low pressure generated by the wind roof pulls air due to the negative pressure, generating constant cross ventilation. This element also serves as a special place to have the main stairs surrounded by a vertical garden that also helps as a heat insulator.

View from Deck

Apartment

Main Stairs

View from Street

Wind Roof Solar Panels Photovoltaic Glass Low Pressure

Panoramic Elevator

Mesh

Garden

Horizontal Solar Protection

Vertical Garden

15 m

Roof Plan

SKY LIFE

Mixed-use 77-Story Skyscraper 9th Semester (UFM, Guatemala) Individual work (2014)

Sky life, a 77-story building creates a mix of its own. In the first floor a huge plaza opens to the street. Here, restaurants and commerce merge with the public space, creating an interesting scenario were all kinds of people can interact. From level 3 to 49 there are 2 modules of offices, connected by a sky lobby with recreative ammenities. The next 25 floors are dedicated to residential units, also with their own space for entertainment. In the 77th floor, a lookout restaurant takes the best view of the city.

WHAT? What are the technologies and mechanisms employed in high-rise buildings?

Mo de l

Sky Life in Guatemala City

Cu t

Mixed-use zones benefit cities by providing residential, commercial and cultural areas. People can be part of an ecosystem of opportunities and community. By providing a friendly infrastructure that connects people to their daily activities, we are able to reduce the amount of cars on the street.

La se r

Guatemala City is rapidly growing and evolving, yet the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing infrastructure lacks scope and vision. Daily commuters have long distances to travel and public transportation options are few. Highways are falling apart and plagued with cars. For a city spread throughout 700 kmÂ˛, the metropolitan area feels totally disconnected.

Lookout Restaurant Mechanical Floor

Apartments

Sky Lobby (Apts) Mechanical Floor

Office Module 2

Sky Lobby (Offices) Mechanical Floor Office Module 1 Aerial Restricted Area (white)

Lobby (Apts) Lobby (Offices)

Site is Outside Restricted Area General Distribution Diagram

Even though plenty of buildings exist in Guatemala, the highest was built in 1999 and it only reaches 101.3 m, with 31 floors. This is due to zoning restrictions that include use of land and air traffic regulations. In this case, a part of zone 11 doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have this limitations and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible to create a skyscraper with mixed-use activities. The selected site is close to restaurants, commercial centers, convenience stores, museums, hotels, and other types of projects that will be beneficial for the development of the project. Diagrams

Location

Location: Zone 11, Guatemala, Guatemala

+ 1.25

+ 1.80

+ 2.30

DN DN

LOADING AND UNLOADING AREA

RESTAURANTS

KITCHEN S

45 m2

SERVICE CORRIDOR

RESTAURANTS

+/- 0.00

CONVENTION CENTER

Calzada R

PUBLIC PLAZA +/- 0.00

oosvelt.

+ 3.00

DN DN

CONVENTION CENTER

+/- 0.00

KITCHEN

+ 1.50

+ 3.00

UP UP

DN DN

+ 1.25

+ 2.00

Floor Plan 1

+ 2.45

100 m

LOBBY

BA R

KITCHEN

Lookout Restaurant (77th floor) 9

170 m² W

4.5m²

230 m²

155 m²

170 m² 230 m²

A stick-build system glass curtain wall that provides views and also maintains thermal performance covers the facade.

155 m²

W/D

90 m²

15 m

90 m²

245 m² D

245 m²

170 m² 170 m²

Core Floor Plan

230 m²

Apartments (52nd-75th Floor) 9

15 9

9 9

350 m2

170 m2

WOMEN'S RESTROOM

170 m2

WOMEN'S RESTROOM

MEN'S RESTROOM

165 m2

MEN'S RESTROOM

170 m2

170 m2 UP

350 m2

2 1

350 m2

-1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6

Offices Module 1 (3rd - 24th Floor)

Elevator Distribution Diagram

ELECTRIC STAIRS

VISITORS AND EMPLOYEES

EMPLOYEES RETAIL OFFICES OFFICES OWNERS OWNERS APARTMENTS

30 m

350 m2

SERVICE

RETAIL OFFICES APARTMENTS

9 25

APARTMENT OWNERS EXPRESS LOOKOUT RESTAURANT EXPRESS OFFICE VISITORS MODULE 2 APARTMENT VISITORS EXPRESS APARTMENT VISITORS EXPRESS OFFICE OWNERS 2ND MODULE OFFICE OWNERS 1ST MODULE LOCAL SUPPORT VISITORS AND EMPLOYEES

UNDERGROUND PARKING GARAGE

VISITS

MAIN LOBBY (4-LEVEL HEIGHT) APARTMENT LOBBY OFFICE LOBBY

15 m

OFFICES (22 STORIES)

BAR

SKY LOBBY MECHANICAL FLOOR

75 74 73 72 71 70 69 68 67 66 65 64 63 62 61 60 59 58 57 56 55 54 53 52 51 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3

APARTAMENTS (23 STORIES)

MECHANICAL FLOOR 76

The braced tube structure is conformed by a series of perimeter tubes designed to carry the gravity loads of the building and resist the lateral loads upon it. Also, the lateral bracing provides stiffness to the building and resists movement from wind and other loads. The X-type bracing transmits the load over multiple floors along the external face of the building, making it a very convenient solution in seismic areas.

LOOKOUT RESTAURANT 77

30 m

OPHTHALMOLOGY CENTER

Medical Hospital for the National Unity of Ophthalmology 10th Semester, Graduation Project (UFM, Guatemala) Individual work (2014)

I started observing and analyzing the situation of the center, understanding all of the processes and different specialties within it. I gathered information from different types of users and understood their role in the building. The relationship between every single element involved in the process was crucial for a comprehensive design proposal.

9A AVE 7A AVE

Site Panorama N

Apart from lack of space, the current building does not provide a pleasant experience for the final user. There are outdoor waiting rooms, outdated technologies, and the design does not provide an efficient workflow for both doctors and patients. Also, non-patients lack comfortable waiting areas while they hold for their loved ones.

CALZAD A SAN JUA

The National Ophthalmological Center (Unidad Nacional de Oftalmología) in Guatemala City needed a proposal to remodel their current building. Their lack of space, forced them to build provisional infrastructure in adjacent spaces to cover the excessive demand for their services that surged in recent years.

HOSPITAL ROOSEVELT

8 CALLE

CANCEROLOGÍA

CALZADA ROOSEVELT

6A Avenida

INCAP

HOSPITAL ROOSEVELT

4 CALLE

5 AVENIDA

EN IDA M

ISC

Location: 8a. Calle 5-64 zona 11, Colonia El Progreso, Guatemala

4 AVENIDA

1 CALLE

3 CALLE

4 CALLE

5 CALLE

6 CALLE

A ENID

2 CALLE

Site

7 CALLE

8 CALLE

4 AVENIDA

3 AV 3 AVENIDA

DIRECCIÓN: 8a. Calle 5-64 zona 11, Colonia El Progreso

PROYECTO: CENTRO OFTALMOLÓ PLANTA LOCALIZACIÓN

Vertical Circulation

(Doctors and Surgery Patients)

Main Waiting Room

NOTAS:

Operating Rooms

FEBRERO 2016

Vertical Circulation

Vertical Circulation (General)

Current Installations

Administration and Teaching Area

Relationship Diagram

Medical Clinics

WHO? Who are the ones being served?

Underground Parking Garage 1 Underground Parking Garage 2

Pediatrics Ramps

Current Waiting Room

General Distribution Diagram for the New Proposal

ESC. 1:3,000

B Concrete Folded Plate

2.84

Concrete Beams

8.5

8.05

F 0.85

8.1

H 8.5

I 8.5

J 0.85

7.65

8.5

N O 2

2.41

4.09m x 4.06m

TECHNICAL DIAGNOSTICS

4.09m x 4.06m

3.63m x 5.81m

2.7m x 5.95m

4.52m x 5.75m

2.7m x 5.95m

2.7m x 6m

3.47

FUTURE CONNECTION TO EXISTING HOSPITAL BUILDING 3.85m x 4.06m

2.7m x 6m

OPERATING ROOM

REFRACTION

5.23m x 5.71m

7.51m x 5.92m

ARCHIVE

3.26m x 7.66m

SPECIAL PROCEDURES

WAITING ROOM

7.63m x 5.98m

ACCESS LOBBY

CLINIC ENTRANCE

8.5

ACCESS LOBBY

ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION

Bidirectional Concrete Slab

DROP ROOM 8.80m x 6m

DRESS.

Doctor's Lockers ROOM

135 SEATS

4m x 2.74m

DRESS. ROOM

GENERAL 8.79m x 6.36m

PEDIATRICS RESTROOM RESTROOM

DATA CENTER

3m x 4.85m 8.55m x 4.14m

5.2m x 6.63m

RETINA 8.79m x 6m

PLASTIC

OCULAR FUNDUS

6m x 8.71m

3.62m x 8.7m

CAR BASEMENT EXIT ACCESS LOBBY

CLINIC ENTRANCE

WAREHOUSE MAINTENANCE

LOBBY CAR BASEMENT ACCESS

Concrete Columns

GLAUCOMA

LAUN DRY

8.35m x 10.39m

2.3m x 2.5m

8.5

MEN'S RESTROOM

TRAUMA

CAFETERIA

6m x 6.31m

7.92m x 8.85m

WOMEN'S RESTROOM

PHARMACY

OPTICS

4.49m x 8.85m

4.57m x 8.85m

SEGMENT 7.5m x 8.40m

SECURITY S

57 people

4.17

SERVICE AREA

MAIN ENTRANCE

TRASH WAREHOUSE MAINTENANCE

4.13m x 2.04m

Concrete Foundations

8.5

8.55m x 4.19m

SERVICE CORRIDOR

Secondary Concrete Beams

DECK

ROOSEVELT HOSPITAL ACCESS ST.

Floor Plan 1 C

2.84

8.5

8.05

F 0.85

8.1

H 8.5

I 8.5

J 0.85

7.65

8.5

WASHING AREA

4.1m x 7.42m

8.6m x 4m

4 4.1m x 6.08m

STUDY ROOM

5.6m x 7m

4.10m x 6.08m

3.95m x 6.08m

PRESENTATION ROOM

2 4.10m x 6.08m

1 WASHING AREA

53 PERSONS

LIBRARY

2.41

7.9m x 3.4m

8.6m x 9.45m

OFFICE

9.6m x 3.8m

N O

LAB

AUDITORIUM

7.2m x 3m

Sketches VISTA AÃ&#x2030;REA

DOCTOR'S ENTRANCE

MEETING ROOM 6.22m x 4.27m

Doctor's Lockers

DRESS. ROOM

30 m

3.47

OPERATING ROOMS

DRESS.

3.24m x 2.73m ROOM

8.5

DOCTOR'S CORRIDOR

Structure Diagram

B' B

10m x 6m

5.54m x 5.12m

WHEELCHAIRS

5.54m x 5.5m

MEN'S BATHROOM

3.64m x 5.96m

MAINTE NANCE

6.05m x 5.5m

NURSES ROOM

6.54m x 3.32m

6.05m x 2.65m

WOMEN'S BATHROOM

CAMBIADORES DOCTORS LOUNGE

WAITING ROOM

4.17

OFFICE 4.15m x 4.9m

5.5m x 4.9m

OFFICE 4.08m x 4.9m

MEETING ROOM

OFFICE 3.14m x 7.19m

SERVICE ENTRANCE

SEPTIC PROCEDURES

13m x 7.22m

LOUN DRY

8.5

ESTERILIZATION AND EQUIPMENT

LOBBY OPERATING ROOMS

WORKING AREA

7 SURGICAL SUPPLIES

3.15m x 4.88m

KITCHEN

ADMINISTRATION LOBBY

8.5

RECOVERY

NUERSES STATION

DATA CENTER

WASHING AREA

RESTROOM RESTROOM

16m x 13m

WASTE

Floor Plan 2

30 m

2.3

SECCIÃ&#x201C;N TRANSVERSAL B-B

C 8.5

D 8.5

E 8.05

F 0.85

8.1

H 8.5

I 8.5

J 0.85

K 7.65

L 8.5

M 8.5

N O 2 1.48

3 2.3

2.3

2.7

3.4

0.7

2.7

3.4

0.7

0.7 0.3

2.4

0.6 1

0.7 0.3

0.7 0.7

2.67

2.84

esc. 1:100

Section A-A'

30 m

PROYECTO: CENTRO O SECCIONES NOTAS:

ESC. 1

FEBRER

Main Entrance

Waiting Room

TORRE CAPRESE

Cooking Ecosystem, Guatemala City Solares y Lara Arquitectos (Guatemala) Work Placement (2015-2016)

Personal Contributions One of the major problems of Guatemala is the insecurity caused by lack of community. Most buildings themselves hide behind imposing walls, disconnecting the building from the street and the outside world. Furthermore, people in common apartment buildings donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know each other, because they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a mutual place to share experiences and interests. In questioning these complex problems, we landed on a particular interest that brings people together: the kitchen.

Sketch

Torre Caprese is a 12-story building located in a mixed-use zone in Guatemala City. The building offers a unique and special proposal: not only does it have a friendly exterior, but it also provides all of the necessities for a cooking community to thrive. The amenities include a cafĂŠ open to the neighborhood, communal kitchens for events or cooking classes, a vegetable garden, a lounge, a gym, a sauna, a business center, and an area dedicated to kids.

Caprese Salad Inspiration

This was the first project I did with the firm. I was involved from beginning to end with the design team. I contributed to the development of the entire concept, providing first drafts and fresh ideas. I worked with different kinds of engineers to accommodate all the design parameters we established. Also, I personally dealt with the client in order to satisfy his needs and convince him about this new idea for apartments in Guatemala. The entire project was an exciting adventure, which will begin construction mid 2017.

Main Entrance

Maid's Room 3.98 X 1.79

Living Room 4.45 x 4.45

Dining Room 3.45 x 4.45

Bathroom Bicycle Parking

Bathroom

Kitchen 3.70 x 4.60

Laundry Room 2.53 X 2.61

Garden 4.20 x 13.41

Laundry Room 2.04 X 4.16

Level 1 +1.20m

LOBBY Level 1 +1.20m

Bedroom 2 4.28 X 3.60

Balcony 1.81 x 3.00

Exterior Lobby

GYM

Bedroom 3 3.70 X 4.86

APT. E Restroom

Security

Bathroom

PEND. 9%

NIVEL 1 +2.50m

Storage Room

Bedroom 2 3.70 X 4.86

Level 2 +5.75m

Balcony 1.46 x 4.09

Street

Admin.

-0.15m

Bathroom

VIENE DE NIVEL 2

NICHO

VIENE DE SOTANO 1

NICHO

Bathroom

NICHO

B.C.

Hall 1.51 X 3.53

Master Bedroom 5.00 X 4.41

Dressing Room

Living Room 4.73 x 4.78

Restroom

Walk-in Closet

Terrace 3.84 x 6.26

Kitchen 5.56 x 3.93 LINOS

Storage

Restroom

Linen

Sidewalk 0.0m Storage Room

Hall 6.38 X 1.49

Apt. D1

Bathroom

Dining Room 5.20 x 3.60

Maids Room 2.03 X 3.45

CAFÃ&#x2030; Restroom

Sauna

Master Bedroom 5.00 X 4.41

Walking Closet Walk-in Closet

Garden 4.20 x 13.41

Slope 6.2 %

Bedroom 2 4.28 X 3.60

Linen

Apt. D2

Living Room 4.45 x 4.45

Dining Room 3.45 x 4.45

Bathroom

Underground Parking Entrance 0.00m

Slope 6.2 %

Hall 2.49 X 2.18

Kitchen 3.70 x 4.60

Lounge

Storage

S.S VISITAS

Kid's Room

Underground Parking Exit 0.00m

Laundry Room 2.25 X 2.61

Maid's Room 3.70 X 1.78

Terrace

Recycling

Gas Installations

Plastic Glass

Floor Plan 1

Metal

Paper

Floor Plan 2

Apartment's Interior

Apartment's Terrace

Communal Kitchen Room

Vegetable Rooftop Garden

Communal Kitchen

CERRO DE LA CRUZ PARK Proposal for a Park in Antigua Guatemala Solares y Lara Arquitectos (Guatemala) Work Placement (2015-2016)

3 1b

5 5

Development Phases

Due to historical conflicts and insecurity, Guatemala lacks parks and common areas. This has prompted even more delinquency and problems in society. As designers, it is our task to conduct new behaviors through the creations of our imagination. Antigua Guatemala is one of the most visited cities in the country. For the same reason, it should provide the right infrastructure for its users.

The current Mayor of Antigua Guatemala, is interested in investing in public areas and spaces. The design objective was to create an environment where all kind of activities could be performed. The project uses “Cerro de la Cruz” as the designated site—a hill that overlooks the city with a cross sitting at the top as its main attraction. We used its outstanding traits to generate a proposal that is friendly with people and nature.

Personal Contributions The team sought to develop this park as friendly and comfortable as possible. We suggested various types of activities, as well as places where people could just sit and admire their surroundings. We made all drawings and also designed the trails according to the topography of the place.

WHERE? Where can people interact with others, have contact with nature, and enjoy a moment of solitude?

Cerro de la Cruz, Antigua Guatemala

Food Kiosks

Outdoor Theatre

Greenhouse

Outdoor Gym

Kids Play Area

Skate Park

Volleyball Courts

Sculpture in Art Plaza

Picnic Areas

View of Antigua Guatemala from Cerro de la Cruz

Natural Vegetation

Park Master Plan

LAKE HOSTEL

Sustainable Living Units in Lake Atitlรกn Solares y Lara Arquitectos (Guatemala) Work Placement (2015-2016)

We finally got the green light for a long awaited project at the firm: high quality, affordable living units for travelers, locals, or whoever wants to be part of an eco-friendly adventure in Atitlรกn, one of the most beautiful lakes in Guatemala. Inspired by local architecture, we analyzed different ways to build the most effective and comfortable house unit possible.

We started to analyze which materials could resist in the long term and could be easy to transport. Like a Lego, the parts that conform the unit need to be effectively installed in a short amount of time. We wanted to create independent units, so we proposed solar panels to generate energy, and rainwater tanks to serve as water supply. Low maintenance was a key design constraint affecting the materials chosen, as shown in the next page.

Personal Contributions As a team, we developed several design proposals to find the best solutions in terms of cost and location requirements. We worked with engineers of different disciplines to develop the most efficient housing technology. All drawings, diagrams, and renders make up part of the work I contributed to this project.

WHEN? When are we going to create sustainable housing?

View of House 1 Prototype in Lago de Atitlรกn Context 1.44

3.66

1.22

Rainwater Tank Structural steel tube 2"*4" Thickness 2.5 mm

0.61

3.88

1.05

0.61

1.21

Secondary beams Structural steel tube 4"*4" chapa 16

0.61

3.36

3.05

0.61

Structural steel tube 4"*6" Thickness 2mm

Rainwater tank

0.6

0.61

Columns Structural steel tubes 4"*6" Thickness 2mm

Plycem Deck

Main beams Structural steel tube 4"*6" Thickness 2mm

Plycem Floor

1.22

Secondary beams Structural steel tube 4"*6" thickness 2mm

Floor Plan Module A

Floor Plan Module B

Cross Section

5.2

Floor Plan Module AB

Floor Plan Module ABA

0.61

3.36

0.61

1.22

0.61

3.66

1.22

0.61

3.66

View of House 1 Prototype

3.05

0.61

0.61 0.61 3.36

3.05

0.61

1.22

0.61

0.61 0.61

3.66

0.61

3.36

3.05

9.94

1.22

View of Prototype 2 House in Context of Lago de Atitlan

Roofing Solar Panel

Solar Water Heater

15° Angle Roof Prefab Foam Panels for Insulation 15° Angle Roof Prefab Foam Panels for Insulation 2° Angle Roof Prefab Foam Panels for Insulation Rainwater Tank

Enclosure Glass or Wall Depending on Location Inner Walls Gypsum Board or Similar External Walls Durock or Plycem External Walls Durock or Plycem Glass or Mdf Stacking Doors Bamboo Screen

Floor Internal Floor Plycem or Similar External Floor and Stairs Deck Plycem or Wood

Structure Roof: Structural Steel Tubes Floor: Structural Steel Tubes Concrete Foundations

Diagram of House 2 Prototype

DIGITAL FABRICATION

HER

TENSION

3rd Semester (UFM, Guatemala) Individual work (2011)

4th Semester (UFM, Guatemala) Individual work (2011)

Human Sculpture

Membrane Prototyping

This prototype questions the ability of fabrics to perform in different situtations. This 1.2m x 1.2m structure has two acrylic perforated screens on two of its sides on which fishing lines can be tied up and create shapes with the fabrics by tension. These lines can easily be changed to test new forms and overlaps. The idea behind this project was to experiment by trial and error. Laser Cut Model

This piece was modeled after a female body. The entire mass was contoured digitally in both x and y-axis to create a set of pieces designed to fit perfectly with one another. I took into consideration the thickness of the selected material: cardboard.

The intention of this 1.5 m height sculpture was to test this â&#x20AC;&#x153;waffledâ&#x20AC;? method of construction and show that it can be useful in the fabrication of any curved surface such as site topographies.

WHICH? By which means are we creating the future?

Digital technologies let us experiment with the design and fabrication of complex forms. This was almost impossible to imagine before. This is a huge step for creative fields and opens vast possibilities for architects, engineers, and designers to generate new solutions to complex problems.

Tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and other CNC machines are changing the way we design and build.

SONA TABLE

ZOID CHAIR

Ishto Design (Guatemala) Individual Work (2014)

CNC Wood Milling

The Pansona table, Sona for short, is named after the Spanish word for big belly. The table’s belly is formed by a sequence of CNC cut plywood pieces assembled to generate a smooth curvature.

CNC Wood Milling

The hole created in the top can accommodate objects, but can also be covered with glass to work as a flat table. The assembly process was easy because no glue, nails, or screws were required.

The Zoid chair is inspired in a trapezoid, a shape that maintains at least two parallel lines but has dynamic angles. The chair is designed to fit human proportions and maintain its functionality. It is made up of one plywood sheet of 1.22 m x 2.44 m with 3/4” thickness; one sheet makes two chairs.

Cut Sheets

The figure was cut with a CNC cutting machine. The seat is attached by perforations on each of the side structures. However, these only take up half of the part’s width, hiding the perforations and giving it elegancy. The assembly of this chair requires a minimum amount of glue, only enough to secure the points of connection. Cut Sheet

MATERIAL BIAS One-week workshop 5th Semester (UFM, Guatemala) Group Work (2012) Arch. Mathew Trimble (MIT)

Grasshopper Diagram

Understanding

how

materials

serve to inform and regulate deCut Sheets

sign was one of the main goals of this workshop. Along with a group of students, we built an installation for the Architecture Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student lounge in order to create a different space for leisure and relaxation. As a team, we worked together

Laser Models

in the conceptualization, design, fabrication,

and

construction

of this multi-curved permeable structural surface to experiment and rethink strategies of materi-

Spatial Diagrams

1:1 Scale Prototype

al use, by using algorithmic tools and reducing material waste.

Process of Construction

Structural Column

Final Piece

The Team

TRI DOOR

BEE PANEL

Ishto Design (Guatemala) Group Work (2014)

Ishto Design (Guatemala) Independent Work (2014)

CNC Wood Milling

CNC Pvc Milling

The main goal was to create a unique, contemporary door for a house in Antigua, Guatemala. Certain amount of transparency was required, so we designed a triangular pattern that could be perforated in specific points to reinforce this concept.

A hexagon pattern was modified at various points to generate a dynamic complex surface. This piece was cut in a 1.22 m x 2.44 m PVC sheet with 1/4â&#x20AC;? thickness. The design of these type of screens create a 3D illusion, giving architecture and design a new perception.

PHOTOGRAPHY

MAXXI Museum / Zaha Hadid Architects

Museu Blau / Herzog & The Meuron Flatiron Building / Daniel Burnham Kogod Courtyard - Smithsonian Institution / Norman Foster

Science Museum Principe Felipe / Santiago Calatrava Mercat Encants / b720 Fermin Vazquez Arquitectos East Building, National Gallery of Art / I.M. Pei

National Museum of the American Indian / GBQC Architects, Johnpaul Jones Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum / Frank Lloyd Wright Munich Olympic Stadium / Frei Otto and Gunther BehnischArchitects

Serpentine Pavilion / BIG Architects MIT Chapel / Eero Saarinen Superkilen / Topotek 1 + BIG Architects + Superflex

Kubuswoningen / Piet Blom Untitled (Styrofoam Cups) / Tara Donovan Gran Teatro Nacional / EfraĂn Recinos

Acatenango Volcano, Guatemala Magdalena Lagoon, Guatemala

Pacific Ocean, Guatemala Torres del Paine Park, Chile

AND NOW on to the next adventure.

1st Place Winner Photography Contest UDD, Santiago, Chile 2012 Desierto de Atacama, Chile