Luis Ramirez

Luis Ramirez University of Florida

Undergraduate Architecture & Design Portfolio M. Arch Applicant 2014

Architecture begins with the exploration of spatial possibilities through the use of systems. These systems deal with a hierarchal procedure of layering, repetition, and structure that as a unit are harmonious. Once these fundamentals are clear the architecture can then question phenomenological and sociological aspects of space. The following are my explorations in this process.

Luis Ramirez University of Florida

Undergraduate Architecture & Design Portfolio M. Arch Applicant 2014

Selected-•-Works The following projects are organized into distinct categories depending on their parameters. Within the projects there are specific correlations and relationships. Their order is dependent on these specifications.

S

SE

I

EA

Environmental Analysis

Site

04

Marsh

08

Desert

12

Relief

Spatial Exploration

Installation

39

Other Works

41

CV

VS

Vertical Systems

US

18

Vertical Living

16

Tectonics

24

Light

Urban Setting

30

CBP

26

Layers

Dwelling-•-In-•-The-•-Marsh Class

Design 5

Year

Fall 2012

Critic

Martha Kohen

Program Site

Florida Boathouse Gainesville FL This proposal is an attempt to house and accommodate the living and working parameters required by the University of Florida’s Rowing team.

The project began with an understanding of the climatic environment and the terrain of the site. The land is marshy with high possibilities of flooding.

Therefore, the use of stilts raises the floor to develop wind tunnels that would cool the warm and humid environment provided by the marsh. Its framework consists of heavy timber and steel structure that are deeply grounded in this soft terrain. The use of CLT timber actually proposes sustainable ideas sequestering CO2 emissions, and as well as being an inexpensive resource.

S EA

Interior Perspective “Courtyard”

Site Analysis Diagrams

06

Model Images

1/16 Section A-A

07

N W

E S

True North

This plan portrays the importance of the projects orientation as it was necessary that the storage area for the Bays be located in the direction of the lake. The Bay area is divided into three different sectors for three different size boats, as well as providing storage space of the immense Oars. The perspective shows in detail the interior activity in the courtyard with a direct orientation towards the Bay area understanding the courtyards hierarchal value with the project.

08

Plan Diagrams

Overall Model Image

1/16 Section B-B

09

Shifting-•-Terrain Class

Design 4

Year

Spring 2012

Critic

Lisa Huang

Program

Desert

SE EA

A desert has specific climatic attributes that challenge a comfortable human living. Heat, vast lands and little natural resources are common complications found in a desert. This is why it was necessary to propose a program that utilizes these attributes in specific ways. The proposed program is a fitness center that concentrates in full body workouts such as Yoga, Pilates, and Strength Training.

Yoga and Pilates are regularly practiced in vast lands where there are very little distractions. This helps create a deeper and more meaningful scenario for tranquillity. Now; to create spaces for strength training, shelter and cooler environments provide ideal conditions. Carving into the desert and shifting the terrain would develop barriers where strength training can be practiced. The diagrams show an analysis of different wind and terrain patterns. They helped to organize where entrances and exits would be essential for this program. They became the primary plans in developing locations for certain enclosed and open spaces.

Site Analysis

10

Preliminary Models

Interior Rendering

11

B

A A

B

1/16 Scale Floor Plan

Diagrammatical Plans

12

Section A-A

Carving into the vast land begins to develop initial overhead systems for the first and second floors. These can be designated as natural systems since their supporting structural element derive from the ground. Then steel and wood is used to develop additional systems to enclose these spaces as well as articulating the land. The idea of different levels is to enhance several views for the distinct programmatic spaces.

High

level views would be more specific to Yoga as you

experience the vast land. Lower shaded areas would be more related to practice strength training.

Section B-B

13

Visual-•-Relief Class

Design 5

Year

Fall 2012

Critic

Martha Kohen

Program Site

Recreational Home Gainesville FL

I EA

Process Diagrams

Site inventory and analysis involves the design and construction of a specific facility purposeful to the end of University Avenue in Gainesville Florida. The reason for this facility is to provide a location of rest.

Secluding visitors and local residents from the noise and active lifestyle of University Ave. Inspiration came from the vast view of the lake once you reach the site location. The hierarchical space is orientated West towards the lake, receiving a grand understanding of the site. The site also involved serious floods which is why the facility was built on a original set of stilts.

14

Site Analysis

15

E University Ave

E N

1/16 Scale Site Plan

16 1/16 Section A-A

True North

S W

1/32 1st Floor Plan

1/32 2nd Floor Plan

17 1/16 Section B-B

Vertical-•-Tectonics Class

Design 4

Year

Spring 2012

Critic

Lisa Huang

Program

Tower

SE VS

Node 1

Node 2

Node 3

Cirque du Soleil is comprised of a variety of acts and performers that are integrated into a grand show. This portrayal of cohesiveness served as inspiration in developing vertical tectonics. Designing space in a vertical form is important when land is limited. Therefore making sure the spatial qualities in the project have features that speak to each other, and show a clear understanding in their connection.

Sequential Diagrams

18

T r a n s v e r s a l S e c t i o n

Overall Image

This vertical composition of spaces begin to pull and push its tectonics conforming to the programmatic elements given

by Cirque du Soleil. It is divided into three pivotal nodes, each with changes in height and width spans to accommodate the acrobatics of the performers. As you begin to transition vertically through the nodes, there is a specific alignment and spatial connection. The top node aligns its bottom spatial feature with the hierarchical space of the second node; giving a relationship to its tectonics and spatial purpose of the space. There is an overall framework that confines these nodes into a cohesive system of spatial relationships.

19

Democratic-•-Dwelling Class

Design 7

Year

Fall 2013

Critic

Alfonso Perez Mendez

Program Site Partner

NYC Residential Hotel Manhattan NY (East 74th st) Rebecca Houde

S VS

Formal Skeches

Ground Night Image

20

The residential high rise begins to develop relationships between distinct socioeconomic statuses. Its located in between the Upper East and West side of Manhattan. Its Western view faces a wide range of Central Park, while its Eastern perspective is directed towards Roosevelt Island capturing a large view of the East River. Lenox Hill is a predominantly wealthy neighbourhood with a rich history of the rich and famous living in the area.

21 Transportation and Destination Analysis

Program Distribution

F

45%

S

25%

P

15%

PR

10%

E

Longitudinal Section

22

5%

The high rise proposes a fusion of affordable living units in addition to luxury apartments.

The desirable views are shared between the units by locating a combination of varying apartment sizes in both sectors of the residential tower. There are 5 programmatic spaces that distinguish themselves in height and construction from the living units. These are designed in order to meet the needs and desires of the distinct socioeconomic statuses living in the high rise.

Site Rendering

23

Exploded Axonometric of Systems

Skin System

Framework

Secondary Glass System

Floor Plate System

Glass Structure

24

Layering, repetition, and structure are prevalent systematic ideas in the development of this high rise. Consisting of two structural glass systems surrounding the tower enhancing its transparent attributes to bolster the imaginative spatial thinking.

The ground is treated as a soft terrain where this heavy piece penetrates and leave a formal watermark on the ground developing ideas of entry and exit.

25

Torre-•-Light Class

Environmental Technology II

Year

Fall 2013

Critic

Dr. Lucky Tsaih, LEED AP BD+C

Program

Luminare Design

I VS

Torre light is a proposal for a light fixture understanding the basic relationship in vertical tectonics. These wooden panels are movable objects with the intention of revealing and secluding more light at any given moment.

The interior consists of a steel frame construction with the intention of being revealed as a method of demonstrating its constructive process. Its a fairly light product being made of Oak and light aluminium bars.

It also consist of a very energy efficient project using LED strip lights that only utilize 65 percent of the energy absorbed at a time.

Sequential Diagrams

26

Begining Sketch

North and South Views

Overall Image

Here the panels are demonstrated in exploded form how they begin to connect to each other. The idea of shifting the panels up and down to expose the space with more light or less light when necessary. The edges are also very efficient being able to form themselves to any edge of a table, also folding downward as an intention to hang the project if a table was no available.

27 Exploded Axonometric

Manipulating-•-Timber Class

Advanced Digital

Year

Spring 2013

Critic Program Site

Lee-Su Huang Bus Stop Gainesville FL (Museum Road

I US

Museum Road Street View

28

This proposal for a bus stop consists of the manipulation of heavy timber plates, with aluminium bars that serves as a frame work for the project. Its an attempt to redesign the use of a bus stop not only as a waiting area, but also as an area for rest, book reading, and even eating. The form is very relatable to the human form mimicking the curvature of the spine, of even that of the bottom of a foot and the palm of a hand. This served as a purpose of comfort when sitting, laying down, and even standing waiting for the bus.

29 Aerial View

Exploded Axonometric

Overhead Plates

Roof Framwork

Horizontal Structure

Main Plates

30

Section Perspective

These images clearly demonstrate the infrastructure of this product. It has a steel frame construction that serves as an exoskeleton holding in place the formal wooden plates. By layering and stretching the canopy of the bus stop it was possible to achieve a higher range of shade and accommodate for a larger amount of public seating and resting. The assemblage of the product serves as a propose of adding extensions for the use of nearby events or even for heavy traffic scenarios in the city.

Seating Structure

Preliminary Sketch

31

Urban-•-Academy Class

Design 7

Year

Fall 2013

Critic

Alfonso Perez Mendez

Program Site

NYC City Block Proposal Manhattan NY

S US

Site-Diagrammatical Analysis

32

33 11th Ave and West 27th St View

The project involves a private school and an underground market as tow significant atractors for the city. These become the main focus within the use of the block. On a sociological aspect these destinations develop a high level of public activity.

Therefore, the integration of housing, retail, and offices for both students and private residents was necessary.

34

West 27th St View “The Academy�

Spatial Distribution 1.

Student Housing

2.

Private Housing

3.

School

4.

Library

5.

Bike Shop

6.

Market

7.

Offices

Program Distribution

Shell Diagram

Atractors

Student Housing

Private Housing

Retail

Housing

Office

Urban Intensities

35

Exploded Axonometric of Systems

Main Tower Structure

Exterior Structure Shell Composition

Interior Structure of Market

Tectonics

Glass Wall

Glass System

Market Glass Sysytem

36 Informal Longitudinal Section

The exploded axonometric divides the block proposal into different systematic layers. Structurally, the block consists of an exterior , interior, and central frames. The exterior structure not only hold the major formal gestures of the project, but spatial breaks down the space giving the project clarity to different programs. The interior structure is most significant in the market holding the glass peragola and the units of the distinct market shops.

East Side Elevation

West Side Elevation

37

The design of public space within the block was also considered at distinct levels of intensity. The market is significantly activated through the means of a glass peragola. Located above the market this peragola is used as shelter for visiting customers, as it also begins to communicate with the High Line. The high activity drawn from the High Line enhances the presence of the market and school.

38

Urban Diagramming

39 West 26th Market View

Other-•-Works University of Florida

Undergraduate Studies M. Arch Applicant 2014

Third Floor

Second Floor

First Floor Second Building Ground Floor

Ground Floor

Parametric Structure

Exploded Axonometric Design 6 -•- Charleston SC

40

Overall Design 6 -•- Charleston SC

Longitudinal Section Design 6 -•- Charleston SC

Sequential Plan Floors Design 6 -•- Charleston SC

41

CV Objective To continue my education in the field of architecture with a focus on sustainability and construction at a higher academic and professional level

Luis Gerardo Ramirez Velez ramirezl2044@gmail.com ramirezl@ufl.edu 29025 SE Hwy 42 Umatilla, Fl 32784 (954) 663-3946

Education UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA- Gainesville- FL •

Bachelors of Design in Architecture.

•

Cumulative GPA: 3.26/4.0

Expected Graduation: May 2014

CYPRESS BAY HIGH SCHOOL- Weston- FL • •

High School Diploma

Cumulative GPA: 3.20 SAT V-480 M-590

May 2009

Experience Teaching Assistant, University of Florida Department of Architecture; Gainesville- FL- Fall 2013 •

Actively participated in weekly lectures and student reviews for Design I Studio.

•

Reviewed, analyzed, and proposed suggestions to help develop student’s projects.

•

Mentored and encouraged students on the importance of time management and how to apply the fundamentals of design to architecture

Head Server, Dragonfly Sake and Sushi Company; Gainesville- FL- June 2012-present •

Greet customers professionally using Japanese Izakaya Style.

•

Introduce, engage and entertain customers with menu selections and dish knowledge.

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Help maintain and setup a clean eating and working environment on a routinely basis.

Student Assistant, USF International Student of Latin America and the Caribbean; Tampa- FL- Spring 2011 •

Organized student academic data into digital folders for the University’s records.

•

Received calls, collected mail, and scheduled meetings for ISLAC department advisors.

Teaching Assistant, Mosi Partnership Elementary School; Tampa- FL- Fall 2010 •

Tutored first and second grade students in pre-algebra and problem solving skills.

•

Supervised students in the absence of teacher.

42

Leadership and Volunteer Member, University of Florida’s Fab Lab Club; Gainesville- FL- Spring 2013- present •

Continually teach and expose other members and nonmembers how to use Rhino, AutoCad, and Photoshop to design products. Worked with team to design lab wall installation for aesthetics.

Co-Captain, University of Florida’s Intramural Soccer Team; Gainesville- FL- Spring 2013 •

Helped teammates develop ball control, kicking, pace, and passing skills, which helped lead team to third place out of sixteen teams in Spring 2013 tournament.

Presentations and Exhibitions Timber In The City Competition; Gainesville- FL- Spring 2013 •

Researched neighborhood culture and site of Red Hook in Brooklyn, NY for the development of a public school and residential proposal.

Sketch 2013, Fordham University Center Gallery Exhibit; New York- NY- Feb 2013 •

Vertical Tectonics, designed as a final cross-section, showed the study of tectonics through vertical relationships.

Awards and Scholarships •

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, recipient; Fall 2009-present

•

Vicenza Institute of Architecture Study Abroad Scholarship, recipient; Spring 2013

Computer and Language Skills •

Microsoft Office: Word-Excel-PowerPoint-Publisher-Outlook-Access

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Adobe: (all updated) Photoshop-Illustrator-Indesign-Lightroom

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Autodesk: AutoCad-Ecotect

•

3D Modeling: Rhinosaurus 5.0, Sketchup

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Rendering: V-Ray, Brazil, Maxwell

•

Fluent in Spanish, some Italian

43

Luis Ramirez Contact

29025 SE HWY 42 Umatilla, Fl 32784-9106 Mobile: (954) 663-3946