LVA Portfolio

Experiential

Biomimicry function protection

Architecture is

memory/emotional adaptive

for HUMANITY

Imagination Art Compassion contextual social/personal

invention process

LVA

Nature

Research | Design

Exploration

Filte ering g the min nd th hrou ugh th he environment An Architecture c and Desig gn School

Connection

Inspiration Design Practice

proc pr oces ces esss

Integration

memory/emotionall

Nature

adaptive p

Environmental Architecture invention

PURE

phase 2 development

A filtered urban development proposal wetland connection Zoning Key

The Sustainability Matrix

Civic

wetland conservation

Institutional

Resource

Civic

Solar

Grid Electric

Surface Water

Algae Farm

Waste

Grid Water

Waste Water

Land

Institutional

Mix Use/ Retail Retail/Mix Use

Fertilizer

Resource Harnessing

canal filter system

Solar PV/ Thermal

Mix Use/ Residential Mix Use/ Residential wetland conservation Plaza of the Arts

Collection

Multi-Family Multi Family Residential Residential

Electricity

Biodiesel Biomass Fuels

Resource Refinement

Manicured Manicured Green Space Green Space

boardwalk

wetland conservation research area

artist’s pods

Natural Natural GreenGreen Space Space Use

wetland connection

Waste Water Treatement

Single Family Single Family Residential Residential

Fishfarm

MixMix Use/Use/ Commercial Commercial Research | Design site

Landscape

Production

Parking Lots

Parking

Team: Leslie Valverde Ayers and Connor Nicolas, Ryan Snodgrass Client: international multi-media corporation, wishes to remain private Location: Orlando, Florida Programs used: Rhino, Kerkythea, GIS, AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator

Electricity

Calorifiers

Chillers

Fresh Produce

Bioremediation

Non-potable Water

New Technologies in Harvesting Energy from the Land

Reverse Osmosis/ Thermal Desalination

Cooling

Food

Hot Water

Potable Water

Jobs

Education

Proposal: PURE uses passive design strategies to work with the existing environment, enhancing the natural systems.

A series of canals that act as filters for water run-off, reconnecting the existing wetland habitats and creating places of interest for residents and tourists. A matrix of sustainable methods portrays how resources will be utilized and refined within the development.

mixed-use commercial district

Arts Plaza theater and installations, natural and landscaped green spaces

civic and institutional

civic and institutional

Community Walk canal and gardens

single family and multi-family district

Student Lounge

Urban Development

Entrance

N

Site

Studios

Storage Classrooms Library

West

South

Primary structure, reinforced concrete

HVAC systems loft

Algae farm clads the south facing facades connected to laboratories for renewable energy research

Circulation and plumbing core

North

view from conservation area, facing east

M.E.P. core

CafĂŠ Lounge

Exit to City

view facing south west

south - facing view from Boulevard

M.E.P. core

Information Center Gardens

Entrance to Conservation Area

N Level 1

M.E.P. core

Computer Centers

Team: Leslie Valverde Ayers, Kendra Mclain Client: international multi-media corporation, wishes to remain private Location: Orlando, FL Programs used: Revit, AutoCAD, Illustrator, Photoshop

Studios

Clasrooms Classrooms

Atrium

Algae Testing Labs

Study Centers

An Environmental Architecture School

Student Lounge

A

Print Shop

Materials Library

Research|Design

Algae Farm exoskeleton

Offices

Lobby

Outdoor seating Gallery

west - facing view from side street

Library Study Centers

Computer Centers Laboratories

Terrace Garden

Level 2

M.E.P. core

Section A

Proposal: As part of an initiative to preserve this valuable piece of land, an environmental architecture school is placed at the southern boundary of PURE to serve as a gateway to the conservation area for students, residents and tourists to explore, reflect, and enjoy.

The school directly integrates scientific research and design, to teach future designers that architecture is a holistic and considerate response to the environment.

Miami 2111

Nature Adaptive

Imagination Art Creation

Pre-Historic

year: 2000 BCE

year: 1920

Modern Middens

cultural vibrant

contextual responsive

year: 1970

beach erosion ecosystem elimination

Team: Leslie Valverde Ayers and Kristina Buchler

tomorrow

year: 2100

time, needs sea level rise

Urban Scraper

Response to

reuse refuge

year: 2500

year: 3000

year: 3500

Calusa Indian midden and communal structure

dune growth

pedestrian bridge

layers of rubble form midden

mid-beach now - current condition

middens

historical structures ferry stop boardwalks

plaza

4 boardwalks connect

ferry terminal

residential

hotel

retail & office

5 landscape becomes Scraper

hurricanes

Florida’s coastline with 15 feet of sea level rise in 2500.

replication li ti tto growth th

ferry terminal structural biomimicry: cellular growth

rain

marina research

program change over time

waves

separation ti off cellll iinto t cells ll

education

nightlife

urban scraping | pedestrian connections

jjoining i i and d creation of cells

400 years - 15 foot rise

3 middens created

2 rubble

1 hotels demolished

100 years - 3 foot rise

The Urban Scraper provides a progressive and holistic response to sea level rise in south Florida. By invoking of methods of native Floridians in a futuristic translation, the Scraper retreats from the rising ocean and respects the natural systems. A condensing of function allows for the scraper to live lightly on the land while providing a future urban destination to complement the vibrant community of Miami Beach.

reaction to weather

An Evolo competition project by Leslie Valverde Ayers and Kristina Buchler

Site

Kadena Flagship Architect: Leslie Valverde Ayers Client: Rosanna Ryan, Senior Fashion Designer Location: New York, NY Programs used: Revit, AutoCAD, Photoshop Proposal: The design concept translates the designer’s style into a built form by deconstructing her signature jacket to reconstructing it – understanding the construction methods and aesthetic choices.

Based on the research, the building also follows a three-part system: primary and secondary structure with an undulating tertiary curtain wall.

3.

Level 3: Cafe 2.

Level 2: VIP showroom 1.

west elevation

Level 1: Showroom three-part structural system: 1. primary, 2. secondary, 3. tertiary curtain wall

analysis of fashion construction methods

A

Kadena’s presence on the street is an interactive and social hive, drawing in crowds with the folds of the curtain wall, displays, and the corner cafe’s activity, tempting passers-by.

B

C

D

south elevation

A Study.

1.

Exploration: Velocity Programs Used: Revit, Pheonics CFD Subject: Measure of wind velocity through dense urban environment

2.

Exploration: Pressure Programs Used: Rhino, Pheonics CFD Subject: Measure of wind pressure through screen variation

A Study.

1.

Exploration: Insolation Programs Used: Revit, Ecotect Subject: Measure of solar insolation in built environment

2.

Exploration: Radiation Programs Used: Revit, Ecotect Subject: Measure of seasonal solar radiation in an urban environment

A Study.

1.

Exploration: User Experience Mediums Used: Ink and mylar Subject: Polis and Eden

2.

Exploration: Historical survey Mediums Used: Ink and mylar Subject: Villa Savoy, Le Corbusier

A Study.

Exploration: Dream/ Memory imagery Mediums Used: Charcoal and pastel Subject: architecture, space, place

Equal Opportunity Minds Thesis subject: psychology in architecture Client: Hogar Santa Maria, home for children whose mothers are in jail Prototype Location: Aserri, San Jose, Costa Rica Programs used: Revit, AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Photoshop, Illustrator Proposal: Organize experience and meaning of space to help architects use space as a tool to help individuals optimize their capacity through design. Using research and case studies, objectives are broken down into components of experiences and then translated into design solutions for the prototype. Theories of five education activists were fundamental to translating the needs of users to design.

The psychology of space, how it can help or hinder the users, is the foundation for achieving higher potentials of human capabilities. Thus, this proposition asserts a declaration of a morally just position; to achieve good for others. An individual’s development, a complex yet delicate biological journey, needs to be carefully considered in all phases; an experience can have long lasting consequences. For this reason, constructability and sustainability needs will meet the user’s psychological needs to create a place for equal opportunity minds.

Israel Scheffler

››“Within the framework of potentials as capacity, propensity or capability, humans exist within a society that inhibits or prohibits the expansion of an individual’s potential. Within the social structure, individuals have a choice to pursue their potentials; choices are made available by opportunities or personal drive. Education and the capability to learn are a special type of potential with the power to re-form or re-shape oneself” (121). ››“The social context for each learner, sets the stage for their own striving... subject to alteration through social choice” (122). ››Individuals have potentials that may or may not be reached, affected by society. Likewise, individuals influence society.

John Dewey

››The type of experiences relies on the quality of those experiences, which has two effects, an immediate reaction and long lasting consequences which “influences later experiences” (27). ››The sum of experiences is what makes developing as an individual a complex, yet delicate, process, modifying each consecutive experience. ››Experiential education is a collective process ››Inherent lessons happen regardless of human intention

Howard Gardner

››“Nurture all of the varied combinations of human intelligences and I think we will have a better chance of dealing appropriately with the many problems that we face in the world. If we can mobilize the full range of human intelligences and ally them to an ethical sense, we can help to increase the likelihood of our survival on this planet, even contribute to our thriving” (12). ››Everyone possesses multiple intelligences, abilities, talents or mental skills with a limitless variety of combinations. ››Education should be relevant, comprehensive and incorporate awareness of the self in the context of humanity.

Paulo Freire

››“When you learn the word, you learn the world.” ››“Increase their capacity to make choices, and therefore their capacity to reject the prescriptions of others” (16). ››Convey information in the language of the recipient. ››Respect culture, have faith in people and be sensitive to the conditions of people; an individual’s way of life is how they understand the world. ››Education is to train the educatee to have a critical attitude by means of analysis and scientific methods, with which they can transform their world.

Maria Montessori

››“True abilities of man are infinite, each acquired by the human individual during childhood” (108). ››“Education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual... by experiences upon their environment” (6). ››Each individual has unique capabilities ››Learning inherently through experience ››Education is protection for the future

bedrooms below receive natural light

Nurture, Creation, Participation, Confirmation A user profile was developed through research: age group, condition (physical, psychological, social, cultural), and routine within the condition. Each individual’s personality and background shapes their response to external situations. The research determines which experiences are essential to the heuristic design and how it applies to the site. Design suggestions complement definitions of needs and illustrate how a possible combination of experiences can meet psychological needs to be translated into design.

Multiple responses to needs are influenced by each other, linearly or layered and supportive. It is imperative to allow the solutions to develop and form their own strategy. It became evident through the concluding research that the particular responses for this prototype - nurture, participation, creation, and confirmation - took on a layered and supportive role with each other. The role of nurture supports all the other responses while participation and creation determine the amount and rate of confirmation, which in turn, supports more participation and creation.

bookshelves

dn loft

Separation from family creates a lack security and need for nurture. A design solution is intimate spaces that provide security and affection through small scale and soft, abundant materials.

to birds nest overlooking assembly

3m intimate space

visually engaging multi-level corridor

balcony to perch balcony overlooking San Jose

Standing seam copper roof on wood joist and purlins N Loft space: corrugated metal decking with lightweight concrete

2nd level: corrugated metal decking with lightweight concrete Reinforced castin-place concrete column and beam system

Concrete slab on grade with control joints at columns level 3

level 2

level 1

outdoor classroom extension

Nurture, Creation, Participation, Confirmation “Ya se va?” The children ask over and over, “are you leaving?”

The sense of abandonment hinders future relationships, therefore a design solution is to provide a variety of ways to engage and be engaged to participate with others. An open and flexible assembly space encourages interaction.

Multiple levels of vantage points allow new users to observe activities while acquainting themselves with a new challenging environment. The flexibility of the design allows users to create an environment that suits their needs.

awning doors outdoor classroom extension

folding partition

education space Confirmation of shared thoughts, emotions and experiences gives confidence to the children at Hogar Santa Maria. All of the spaces are designed for users to observe others and confirm their existence within humanity.

outdoor classroom extension double swing doors

outdoor assembly

thinking rock

to living and dining area

amphitheater seating

to other facilities and grounds

The education space is a place of beauty connected to nature to inspire creativity.

Physically taking control of the building’s metamorphosis empowers users to take control of the transformation in their own life. The building’s flexibility transforms the environment, offering alternating connections with nature and is intended to be a place of inspiration, where creative outlets treat depression and frustration.

OBJECTIVE:

To work in an environment that pushes the limits of my abilities to experience creative innovation and diverse collaboration with colleagues and clients while pursuing licensure and LEED accreditation.

EXPERIENCE: [2012] Freelance

designer and workshop assistant to carpenter [2010 - 2011] Lecture Series Chair

AIAS SCAD Chapter Included the following lecturers: Perry Kulper, Tom Low, Cameron Sinclair, Andrea Ponsi, Olympia Kazi, Brad Samuels, Paul Masi, and Alan Maskin.

[2005 - 2008] AutoCAD technician

Kelly, Collins and Gentry, Engineers and Planners

Under the direction of Civil P.E. produced construction documents, proposals, edited red-lines, maintained details and client relations

EDUCATION: [2008 - 2012]

[2003 - 2008]

Master of Architecture The Savannah College of Art and Design, cum laude Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Humanities The University of South Florida

RECOGNITIONS: AIAS, AISC, SCAD RUF, six NAAB showcase studio projects, one permanent collection studio project, and recipient of the Gold Seal scholarship for technical work

PROFICIENCIES: AutoDesk: Revit Architecture, AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Ecotect Adobe Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Bridge, Acrobat Hand drafting, physical 3D model making,conceptual studies Google Sketchup, Rhinoceros, Pheonics GIS systems research, Green Building Studio Digital and film photography Color and composition, document preparation and print Microsoft Office programs Mac and PC platforms

Experiential

Biomimicry function protection

Architecture is

memory/emotional adaptive

LVA

Nature

Leslie Valverde Ayers Imagination Art Compassion contextual social/personal

invention process

e. ayersleslie@gmail.com w. http://issuu.com/leslievalverdeayers

for HUMANITY