647 786 7516 dtgacost@uwaterloo.ca
I look forward to meeting you!
I root myself in reality; in storytelling, and the contexts it reveals; in memory
and history and the ways in which they are intertwined. Of the tools at my disposal, my favourites are research, conversation, and sketching. My name is Mara Acosta, and I am a third-year student at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. My approach to design is holistic, inspired by movements that thrive through intersectionality and the sharing of diverse perspectives. To me, a successful project begins with a deep understanding of the community it serves, which I seek to achieve through empathy, love, and effective communication. I am constantly inspired by the people around me; at the forefront of my inspiration are my ancestors, my heritage, and their oral histories, which are often forgotten. My passion lies in crafting inclusive and sustainable spaces that amplify and support the voices of those who use them. I am eager to expand my knowledge and skills in these areas, and I relish new opportunities to challenge myself and grow as a designer. Above all, I find true fulfilment in working within a collaborative team setting, particularly when it involves giving a voice to marginalised communities and individuals. I believe that design is more than just a product—it is an act of love, an expression of the soul, and a medium for human-connection.
Mara Acosta
Fourth Year Architecture Student
647 786 7516 dtgacost@uwaterloo.ca Link to online portfolio (high quality)
EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
June 2023 - August 2023 Vancouver, BC
University of Waterloo School of Architecture
Architectural Design & Draft Intern | David Mah Architects Collaborated closely with the Principal Architect on a variety of projects, including residential and communal designs, to ensure design concepts were executed accurately and met the client’s needs. Acted as a liaison between the architectural firm and multiple stakeholders, maintaining clear and effective communication to facilitate project progression. Played a significant role in drafting numerous CAD technical floor plans and building elevations for residential and daycare projects, demonstrating attention to detail and precision in design work. Actively engaged with clients by providing assistance and addressing their inquiries, fostering positive client relationships and ensuring their needs were met. Assumed a mentoring role in onboarding and guiding incoming students, contributing to their professional development and understanding of the firm’s processes.
Design/Graphics Intern | Canyon Ent. Group March 2023 - May 2023 Toronto ON
Contributed to the development of the Canyon Entertainment website by working on UI design, enhancing its visual appeal and user experience. Designed and produced promotional materials, including flyers and digital content, to effectively market and promote artists within the organization.
Course/Technical Support Assistant | University of Waterloo Sept . - Dec. 2021, Waterloo ON
Collaborated with a team of 5 to conduct research on changes in student behavior following two years of online schooling during the pandemic, resulting in a research paper. Reviewed and edited data to ensure accuracy and completeness of information for the research project. Corresponded and provided assistance to faculty and students in the Management Engineering department, demonstrating effective communication skills. Successfully organized, planned, and coordinated the execution of courses, ensuring a seamless learning experience for students.
Orientation Leader | UW School of Architecture Aug - Sept 2020, Cambridge ON
Planned, organized, and led engaging online activities and welcoming experiences for over 90 first-year students during Orientation Week. Demonstrated professionalism and strong communication skills in effectively addressing and overseeing student concerns.
Teaching Assistant | Regional Arts Saturday Art Class 2016 - 2019, Father John Redmond CSS
Mentored and managed classes of 30 elementary school students as part of a 5-person team, fostering an educational and inspiring creative atmosphere while closely collaborating with the Head of the Visual Arts Department to coordinate and execute enriching art projects for the students.
Art Assistant | AGO Family Sundays 2018, Art Gallery of Ontario
Managed and assisted in art workshops, catering to large groups of families with young children visiting the gallery throughout the day, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
2019 - Present, Cambridge, ON & Rome, Italy
Candidate for Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Honours, Co-Op.
Czech Technical University in Prague
Sept. 2022 - Feb. 2023, Prague, Czechia
Erasmus Exchange, Faculty of Architecture
SKILLS Digital
Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Adobe Indesign Adobe Lightroom AutoCad Rhino 3D V-Ray Grasshopper ArcGIS Microsoft Office Suite
Fabrication Hand Drafting Model Making Sketching & Drawing
SOFT SKILLS Planning & Organization Strong Communication Skills Interpersonal Skills Leadership & Initiative Problem Solving Enthusiathic & Motivated Team Player and Supporter
DISTINCTIONS
Excellent Academic Standing 2019 - Present, University of Waterloo
Maintained average of 80% or higher
President’s Scholarship 2019, University of Waterloo
Achieved admissions average of 90% to 94.9%
Contents. 00
Intro & Curriculum Vitae
2-5
01
NOURISH: The Collective Mosaic
6 - 19
02
Paradise Lost: Helical Tower
20 - 25
03
Interwoven
26 - 33
04
Oasis
34 - 41
05
The Crystal Cave
42 - 49
06
Roethig Square: We Make Roethig!
50 - 57
07
Personal Works
58 - 69
01 NOURISH: The Collective Mosaic
Type: High Rise Location: Brampton, Ontario Course: Design Studio 2022 Instructors: Adrien Blackwell Programs used: Rhino 7, Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, Indesign In collaboration with: Emilio Gonzales
The City of Brampton is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in
Canada, with an average population growth rate of approximately 4.0% annually between 2001 and 2016. Census data reveals the story of an ageing population, showing a steady growth in its senior population rising 40% between 2011 and 2016. Indicating a population that thoroughly enjoys the community they live in, and a need for more spaces and infrastructure that supports the idea of ageing in place.. Sitting between the cusp of Bramalea’s Central Park Neighbourhood, as well as the Bramalea City Centre Mall, Nourish proposes a housing model that seeks to form spaces that promote residential autonomy, and opportunities for economic growth by providing spaces which encourage a flexible means of economic gain through the public market hall, as well as urban farming greenhouses situated at the top of the market.The building enables spaces of opportunity for the community to nurture themselves and one another: economic growth from the market hall/ cafe, garden that gives access to food, and spaces to gather and host events that allow them to connect with their surrounding community. To further build on the neighbourhood’s desire for more public greenspace, the design extends into a public woonerf which sits adjacent to the building’s active market hall. The building’s bifold facade doors on the ground floor open directly to the woonerf, connecting the active market hall and producing a series of shared spaces that allow movement within and connect to the community internally and externally.
Sectional Axonometric
Section through Ma
arket Hall & Art Gallery (Ground Floor)
Circular Timber Economy
GLT Beams & Steel Roof Structure
Glulam Columns 6x7 Grid
GLT Floor Slab & Walls
Concrete Cores and Podium Foundation
Materiality Axo
Ground Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Typical Residential Floor Plan (11-21)
Typical Residential Co-op Floor Plan (4-11)
A B
G E
F
C
D
Section through Residential Units & Garden Terrace
Section through Market Hall & Art Gallery (Ground Floor)
1 Bedroom Unit Plan Perspective
4 Bedroom Unit Plan Perspective
2 Bedroom Unit Plan Perspective
3 Bedroom Unit Plan Perspective
Co-operative Units Plan Perspective
02 Paradise Lost: Helical Tower
Type: Pavilion Location: Homonhon Island, Philippines Course: Building Constrcution Instructors: Terri Boake Programs used: Rhino 7, Illustrator, Photoshop
Located at the easternmost tip of the Philippines, Homonhon Island is a sanc-
tuary for a diverse selection of endangered ecological flora and fauna. However, in recent years, the island has suffered from severe environmental degradation due to the unyielding presence of mining companies. Despite the fervent protests of the local community, these companies continue to operate without signs of slowing down. In response to this urgent issue, PARADISE LOST aims to shed light on the island’s foreseeable future through a thought-provoking journey that showcases different perspectives at various levels. Starting with a lush and verdant landscape at the base, the experience gradually reveals the desolate wasteland created by the mining operations from a commanding height. PARADISE LOST encourages voyagers to observe, to feel the island, learn and grow, before returing home.
Second Floor 1:100 Ground Floor 1:100
Top Floor 1:100
Third Floor 1:100
Fourth Floor 1:100
AESS 3, AESS 4
AESS 4, AESS 2
AESS , AESS 2 Elevation 1:100
WELDED HIDDEN SEAMS ON CORTEN STEEL PIPE
8” CORTEN STEEL PIPE Section 1:100 GUSSET PLATE CONCRETE FOUNDATION
Render Top View
03 INTERWOVEN: Indigenous Gathering Space
Type: Indigenous Gathering Space Location: Waterloo University Campus, Ontario Course: Design Studio 2021 Instructors: Amina Lalor, Lola Sheppard, Michelle Fenton, John McMinn Programs used: Rhino 7, Vray Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, Indesign In collaboration with: Priscilla Subramanian
An integral part of Indigenous culture is the philosophy that universal
connectivity can be achieved through personal storytelling. In essence, it teaches us that storytelling and the act of observing and listening to one another connects us to the very core of what it means to be human. The art of weaving is a universal medium that perfectly encapsulates these philosophies through its ability to transcend time. space, and language -it has a compelling aptitude to connect communities through depiction of local motifs, patterns, materials, and landmarks. Taking inspiration from the philosophies of Indigenous teaching and the universal motifs of weaving, INTERWOVEN, strives to establish an intimate space within the diverse campus which encourages personal storytelling through the weaving of visual, natural and human connection. Through INTERWOVEN the diverse community at the University of Waterloo is encouraged to interact with the pavilion through means of guerilla art performances and exhibits, “yarn-bombing”, and other student lead gatherings of their choosing.
Engineering Sciences Arts Environment Indigenous Student Centre
Site Plan on Campus
FORM
SEATING
ENTRANCES
SUN
CIRCULATION
WINDS Conceptual Diagrams
Weaving Pattern
Weaving Connection
Beam Connections
Beams + Structure
Foundation
Groove for Beams Structural Axonometric
View of West Side Lecture Space
Perspective Section AA
Perspective Section BB
Students and local artists are invited to weave their own patterns and have it attached to the structural partition
04 OASIS
Type: Off Grid Research Facility Location: Inuvik, Northwest Territories Course: Environmental Building Design 2020 Instructors: Terri Boake Programs used: Rhino 7, Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign
Located within the beautiful tundra of Inuvik, Northwest Territories,
“OASIS” strives to become a hideaway into the the very depths of the Canadian wilderness. The space fully embraces its natural environment attempting to work together with what nature has to offer into its program. Using the strong westerly winds, abundance of forestry, and overcast skies, “OASIS” attempts to hone these gifts in order to life harmoniously with its given environment. In order to reduce carbon emissions, “OASIS” creates a mound using the dug up material from its construction in order to create and earth ridge on its north facing wall. This will provide the facility with extra insulation during its harsh winters.
N
Top View Elevation
A
Timber/wood siding Metal Roofing Self Adhered Flashing Membrance (2) Layers 1 1/2” Rigid Insulation 7” Blown In Insulation w/ R 52 1/2” Gypsum Board
Double Pane (Low -E); clear only on south facing side
1/2” Gypsum Board/ Interior Finish 2x6 Wood Frame w/Studs at 24” distance Air barrier and 6 mil Vapour Barrier 3/4” Rigid Insulation 1 1/2” Vented Airspace 1x3” Wood Furring Fiberglass Insulation w/ R-Value 68 Wood flooring w/ slate on top 8” Concrete Slab 4” Rigid Insulation 6 mm Vapour Barrier Gravel
Frost Line depth (~2m)
Detailed Wall Section
Metal Roofing w/ skylights and Solar Water Heaters
Interior walls; gypsum board(first and second floor)
Cedar wood siding
30X30 Dark coloured slates Sun Room
Plywood
Concrete Slab
Exploded Axo
Section AA
Section BB
PASSIVE HEATING
PASSIVE COOLING
ACTIVE SYSTEMS
System Diagrams
N
A
B
B
Ground Floor Plan
A
Loft Space Floor Plan
05 HOUSE FOR A COLLECTOR: The Crystal Cave
Type: Residence for a Collector Location: Riverbluffs Park, Cambridge Course: 1A Design Studio 2020 Instructors: Fiona Lim Tung and Kristin Schreiner Programs used: Rhino 6, Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign
Located in the picturesque setting of Cambridge’s Riverbluffs Park,
THE CRYSTAL CAVE has been excavated into its limestone grounds, and is positioned on a hillside which overlooks the river. It’s design creates a cavern-like environment that complements the beauty of the surrounding landscape and features a crystal-like rooftop that peeks out from beneath the ground to a touch of magic and whimsy to the overall design. The ground floor of the house is composed of raw limestone walls, giving it the feel of a cave or grotto. The walls have been carefully excavated to create shelves along the walls that display the crystal collection, adding to the unique and authentic atmosphere of the space. The ground floor of the house is dedicated to showcasing the crystal collection and can be open to the public as a museum, making it a perfect destination for crystal enthusiasts. As you move towards the second floor, the design integrates stucco walls, creating a more traditional and comfortable atmosphere. This use of materials creates a sense of balance between natural and man-made elements. Overall, the Crystal Cave is a perfect retreat for a crystal collector who wants to live in a unique and inspiring environment and showcase their collection to the world,
Experimental Collages Space
Section BB
Section AA
Mezzanine Level
Second Floor
A
A
B
B
Ground Floor
06 ROETHIG SQUARE: We Make Roethig!
Type: Public Square Location: Strasbourg/Roethig, France. Course: CTU Prague, Erasmus Exchange. Studio Rehwaldt Landscape Architecture, 2023 Instructors: Till Rehwaldt, Klara Concepcion, Jiri Klokočka, and Jana Zdráhalová Programs used: Rhino 7, Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign, Procreate *Research portion of this project was done in collboration with students from different universities which took part in an international design workshop in Strasbourg, France.
Located in Strasbourg, Roethig France, project Roethig Square Mosaic
aims to act as a unifying main square that promotes social inclusion and diversity through a series of programs and zones that encourage civic participation.
The surrounding neighbourhood has a growing demographic of young families with kids, a majority of those who are immigrants. Recent data collected on the Lingolsheim, Strasbourg neighbourhood classifies the demographic as a largely low income and sensitive urban area with an overall low quality of living. Strasbourg was also rated extremely low on the Intercultural city index, communicating the lack of ethnic minority representation and accommodation in the city. Roethig Square Mosaic is strategically proposed adjacent to the Strasbourg Roethig train station; making the site’s programs, landscape, and market hall accessible to a diverse population of Strasbourg. The intervention pays tribute to the history of the site by refitting a historic big box grocery store, allowing it to hold an open market structure that encourages members of the community to enter the space and open up their own stalls. Through Roethig Square Mosaic, we aim to create a space for the underrepresented population of Strasbourg and give them economic and social opportunities to improve the overall quality of living.
Site Plan
Longitudal Section
Concepts
ELEVATE RAILWAY TO CONNECT COMMUNITIES
INSPIRE POINTS OF CONNECTION USING “MOSAICS”
DISMANTLE GROCERY STORE TO CREATE AN OPEN MARTKET SPACE THAT INVITES THE COMMUNITY IN
Market Hall under repurposed steel structural frame
Underpass Skate Park
View from Ampitheatre Square
View from Children’s Butterfly and Sculpture Garden
07 PERSONAL WORKS & HOBBIES
ARMOUR 2019 Dried acrylic paint 36x32” Model: Stephanie Tarape
PHOTOGRAPHY
My parents would use these leaves to shield themselves from the rain -coincidentally, it started raining as soon as I took this photo. (Philippines 2018. dslr)
I was trying to find the washroom, instead, I found a cow. It was tied up to a tree but it seemed to be very calm. (Philippines 2018. dslr)
My uncle gave me a tour of his town’s historic church. I caught this cute moment of these two boys sitting in front of the church doors, eating some bananas they stole from the tree out front. (Philippines 2018. dslr)
This place used to be a playground my mom would come to play at when she was young. Now it’s used as a site to raise chickens for fights. (Philippines 2018.dslr)
Strolled around the Louisiana Museum this little boy happily point at the shi (Copenhag
m, and teared up watching ip that was on the horizon. gen, Denmark 2022. analog )
View from one of my favourite benches to sit at in Prague. (Prague, Czechia 2023. analog )
DRAWINGS
NANA 2017 Graphite and charcoal on stonehenge paper. 9. 5x11”
Coloured
SUBLIME 2019 d pencils on stonehenge paper. 15x22”
family.2023 Graphic and charcoal on stonehedge paper 8. 5x11”
PAINTINGS
the longing.2019 Mixed media. Oil Paint, markers and newspaper on canvas 36x60”
this or that.2021 Mixed media. Acrylic paint, and markers on collaged canvas 18x24”
Memories Captured Oil paint on canvas 18x24” thoughtsonselfperception.2020 Mixed media. Acrylic paint, markers, oil pastel and nail polish on collaged canvas 18x24”
SKETCHES & JOURNAL EXCERPTS
Thank You! 647 786 7516 dtgacost@uwaterloo.ca