Dara Mao Architecture Portfolio dara.mao@gmail.com 917-873-8425
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FASHIONABLE PARIS
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FOLD, HOLD, SOLD, TOLD
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LOCK HOUSE
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PROFESSIONAL
FASHIONABLE PARIS
Academic GSAPP New York Paris Program
2011 Critic: Jane Kim
The design of a fashion atelier at the Garnier Opera in Paris calls for a dynamic public realm.The project began with an exploration of spatial conditions in motion on the site, including the changing perception of the revelation of space. This strategy formed the basis of my design and led to the creation of extensions that were nested in the lobby. Surfaces were transformed and choreographed according to movements through a single surface, highlighting the interplay between inside and outside echoing the role of fashion as a vehicle of expression.
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FOLD HOLD, SOLD, TOLD
Academic GSAPP New York Paris Program
2011 Critic: Thomas de Monchaux
A virtual/“impossible� volume of space has been created between the competition drawing elevation of the Pompidou Center, replacing the west facade of the NY Public Library, and the eastern area of Bryant Park. The temporary installation of tents and tensile structures is to house many of the Fall and Spring Fashion Week collection exhibitions and shows.
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LOCK HOUSE
Academic GSD Career Discovery
2011 Critic: Hiroshi Jacobs
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This project was conceived for two families. My ambition for this project was to accommodate each family’s lifestyle and occupation. Due to the proximity of exchange and space limitations, I first analyzed each client’s daily activities.
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CIRCULATION
TWIST
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EXPLODED AXON (INCLUDING CIRCULATION) INFORGRAPH
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MADE Sﾃグ PAULO
Professional Snarkitecture
2013 MADE (Mercado, Arte, Design)
Commissioned to create two separate installations for MADE Sao Paulo, Snarkitecture worked with Electrolux to source materials reclaimed from their manufacturing process. Hundreds of lightweight recycled high impact polystyrene freezer bins are arrayed in an offset grid to infill the architecture of the existing site, with the openings of the boxes creating an architectural play on the coffered ceiling. Pushed or pulled vertically, the field of boxes creates a sweeping topography that hovers within the space, changing in appearance as visitors approach and move below the installation.
CASA ELECTROLUX Boxes: 176 Dimensions: 356 x 286 x 411
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MADE Sﾃグ PAULO
Professional Snarkitecture
2013 MADE (Mercado, Arte, Design)
At MADE, the installation provides a sensation of entering from above where the boxes appear as a solid volume which the stairs drop below, leading you into the main design showcase beyond. At Casa Electrolux, filtered light permeates through the suspended bins from the skylight above, which breaks up the grid and creates a central focal point within the main showroom.
JOCKEY CLUB Boxes: 567 Dimensions: 408 x 544 x 411
DARA MAO
EN NOIR
Professional Snarkitecture
2013 En Noir Fashion Label
For En Noir’s Spring/Summer 2014 “Coal Wasteland” fashion show, Snarkitecture created a mountainous black landscape carved from dense customized foam. There are moments of concealing and revealing so that as the models approach the front of the set, they are walking through a pathway that cuts off portion of audiences’ views.
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FABRICATION
Professional Snarkitecture
2013
Felt Light is a series of light fixtures made by stacking layers of thick wool felt to build up forms that recall familiar pendants or lamps, translated into the unexpectedly soft and rich material of wool. From one side, the fixtures appear whole, while from the opposite side moments of excavation are cut into the interior, hinting at a contoured landscape and light within. Cast Light consists of a single long-life LED light bulb cast within a solid cubic volume of white gypsum cement.
FELT LIGHT Wool felt Variable dimensions
CAST LIGHT (right) 5” x 5” x 5” (H x W x D) LED light bulb, white gypsum cement DARA MAO
CHELSEA OFFICE
Professional Snarkitecture
2013 Public Relations Firm
The layout design for a Public Relations firm in Chelsea accommodates more than 25 employees with the flexibility to expand to 40 employees. Public areas is created for casual interaction that encourages creativity and collaboration.
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WENDY PS1
Professional HWKN
2012 YAP Winning Project
Volunteered for the construction of Wendy Installation as part of the ground team.
DARA MAO