Riley Velarde Lacalli A rc h i t c t u re Po r t f o l i o selected works
2
0
1
9
Riley Velarde Lacalli ASPIRING ARCHITECT AND URBANIST rileylacalli@yahoo.com 206 . 214 . 5461 820 Jena St. New Orleans, LA 70115
Riley Lacalli is an aspriring architect and experienced designer. Upon graduating from the University of Washington and working in a Seattle-based architecture firm he moved to a small town in Central Vietnam to deepen his knowledge of the built environment. While living in Vietnam he researched the effects of annual flooding on the local community and their methods of resilience. Upon returning to the US he completed his Masters of Architecture Degree at Tulane University, focusing on urban development of coastal cities in the face of climate change, specifically envisioning multi-scalar and multi-systemic solutions for urban infrastructural systems. Seattle
Dong Hoi
New Orleans
Boston
Education Tulane University New Orleans, LA 2017- 2019
University of Washington Seattle, WA 2011- 2015
Masters of Architecture 1 Tulane School of Architecture . Graduate Government Vice President AIA Henry Adams Medal . Outstanding Thesis Award . Thesis Commendation Award Floyd A. Naramore Architectural Memorial Scholarship. 2017 Graduate Teaching Research Fellow, 2017-2019 Bachelors of Arts in Architectural Design Department of Architecture Honors Student. Deans List 2014, 2015. Specialization in Urban Design and Planning. Participated in the Architecture in Rome program, 2014.
Employment Tulane School of Architecture New Orleans, LA June 2019 - present
Adjunct Lecturer : Assist professors during the 2019 summer intensive studios preparing incoming M.Arch I and II students for graduate study. Led lessons focused on architectural drafting, program uses and workflows, and design theory. Conduct desk crits and distribute feedback to further students’ development.
Studio A/C New Orleans, LA May 2019 - June 2019
Project Manager : Worked under Adam Modesitt and Carrie Norman. Led the transition between design and implementation of an 80’ x 20’ mural in downtown New Orleans. This included organizing a group of interns and distributing tasks in order to decide the best methods and techniques for drawing/painting the design on the physical brick wall.
The Millhaus New Orleans, Louisiana May 2018- July 2019
CNC Technician: Programed and operated a 3 - axis CNC router for commercial, institutional, and private clients. Followed clients visions and used RhinoCAM to find ways to mill and fabricate material to best represent the initial concept.
Cong Ty Thanh Viet Dong Hoi, Vietnam Oct. 2016- Aug. 2017
Design Staff: Prepared drawings for clients ranging from government buildings to private residences. Schematic design of a farmstay in the countryside of Central Vietnam. Schematic design and initial drawings for owner’s approval of a 300 m2 residence.
Schreiber Starling Whitehead Architects Seattle, WA May 2015- Sep. 2016
Design Staff: Visually represented projects of all sizes with renderings, plans, and diagrams. Drew construction documents, ranging from demolition plans to connection details. Designed new signage and entry portal concept for Seattle colleges. Worked alongside principles to prepare drawings for clients and to win projects.
Awards and Achievements AIA Henry Adams Medal Tulane School of Architecture 2019
Awarded during the 2019 commencement ceremony, an award for general excellence to the top graduating student of the program.
Outstanding Thesis Award Tulane School of Architecture 2019
Selected by the Tulane School of Architecture faculty and thesis jurors as the most compelling and outstanding thesis for the graduating class. The thesis, “Pumps Politikos : A Novel Archetype Promoting an Alternative Urban Metabolism” explores the dissemination and redistribution of New Orleans stormwater management system to promote civic engagement, water retention, and public empowerment.
Richardson Memorial Hall Design Competition 2018
Winning proposal of a wall installation competition funded by the Tulane School of Architecture aimed at increasing usage and accessibility of the buildings entrance.
PCI Grant Award Tulane School of Architecture 2018-2022
Aided two Tulane Professors through research and data collection to win a 4-year $100,000 grant through the Pre Cast Institute Foundation to research water-management structures and their implementation within New Orleans infrastructural systems.
HUD Design Competition Tulane School of Architecture 2018
Semi-finalist in the 2018 United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Affordable Housing Design Competition.
Relevant Skills Adobe Creative Suite Digital Modeling Fabrication
Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Permier Revit, Rhinoceros, 3DSMax, Sktchup, AutoCAD, VRay, ArcGIS RhinoCAM, CNC Routing, RoboDK, Lasercutting, Woodshop
2017
2016
2015 achievements
academic
firm experience
other experience
OVER THE YEARS
Schreiber Starling Whitehead Architects Seattle, WA
Design Staff
Bachelors of Art in Architecture
The University of Washington graduated with honors specialization in urban planning
Rome Study Abroad
Changing the Imagery of Homelessness
Instructor : Rob Pena
Advisor : Nicole Huber
Honors Thesis
Tent City Collective Seattle Based Non Prophet
Graphic Design and Advocacy
Pumps Politikos : A Novel Archetype Promoting an Alternative Urban Metabolism
Nhat Le Residence : Relying on Narrowness and Natural Light from Above
Earth Lab NOLA : Green Infrastructure Exploration and Classroom
p. 05-14 New Orleans, LA, USA
p. 15-22 Dong Hoi, Quang Binh, VN
p. 23-32 New Orleans, LA, USA
2019
2018 Richardson Memorial Hall Entry Competition
“A. Hays Town” Exhibition
Critical Mass 2019
Adjunct Lecturer
Design to be implemented upon building remodel
geographic mapping on display during exhibit
presented thesis “Pumps Politikos”
Design Studio Arch 6011/6012
Hilliard University Art Museum
UNC Charlotte School of Architecture
The Tulane School of Architecture
Teaching Assistant
Studio A/C
Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
The Tulane School of Architecture
Chu Van An Primary School
Site Strategies, Integrated Building Systems, Arch. Hist.
Project Manager
English Teaching Assistant
Cong Ty Thanh Viet
“Open House” Mural
Masters of Architecture
Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
The Tulane School of Architecture AIA Henry Adams Medal Graduate Gov. Vice President
Design Staff
PCI Grant
Pumps Politikos
4 year research based studio for precast infrastructural solutions to urban flooding
Outstanding Thesis Award Advisors : Cordula Roser Gray, Margarita Jover
The Tulane School of Architecture
Masters Thesis
HUD Design Competition
The Millhaus
Semi-Finalist
CNC Technician
The Tulane School of Architecture
Robotics Lab
Independent Study
Universal Robot and RoboDK
Stagecoach Hostel : An Alternative Dwelling for Extreme Sporting Enthusiasts
p. 33-36 S. Lake Tahoe, CA, USA
The Morning Chair : Eastern and Western Maple
p. 37-40 Seattle, WA, USA
Lacalli . Riley
01 Pumps Politikos A Novel Archetype Promoting an Alternative Urban Metabolism
Investigating Archetypes of the Anthropocene: year : 2018-2019 location : New Orleans, LA type : infrastructure and civic space advisor : Cordula Roser Gray and Margarita Jover
Masters Thesis
05
In an age when climate change, rising sea levels and coastal land loss are all rising, it is crucial that citizens of urban environments establish a new relationship with that infrastructure that pulses throughout the city. The disconnection between humans and these necessary machines will prove detrimental to the longevity of the cities and peoples within them. Through the physical implementation of the network and governance across multiple scales and functions, these systems can be re-appropriated by the citizens which they serve, allowing them to play a larger role in the monitoring, distribution and recognition of the city’s metabolism. This project explores the thesis through the lense of New Orleans stormwater management system. Through disseminating and redistributing the pumps throughout the neighborhoods, the stormwater management sites become areas of civic engagement, water movement and usage, and public empowerment. The new system utilizes each drop of water as an asset as the new sites become a model of the new infrastructures of the anthroprocene.
Dismantling New Orleans’s approach to urban infrastructural systems is key to the survival of the city. The current centralized approach has led to city-wide social inequity and vast amounts of ecological degradation. Through instating a decentralized armature of governance and nodes, networks such as the storm water management one can be reappropriated by the citizens of the city it serves. It can produce an output that promotes social and ecological capitol while elevating citizens to participate in the governance of the systems. The eleven pump stations in the Orleans drainage basin become the individual sites for potential exploration. The sites serve a singular purpose currently, to rid the city of its unwanted water as quickly as possible. However, through viewing these sites as stages for the discourse of governance across multiple scales, they can become an asset to the urban citizens as well as places of empowerment. Ultimately, these pump sites become a space for Politikos, for the citizens of New Orleans to partake in the not just local, but city wide governance of the systems that keep them alive.
New Orleans, LA . Pumps Politikos
Section axonometric showing proposed canopy system attached to retrofitted existing pump station. The canopies handle stormwater while the spaces they create enhance citizen participation on site
06
Lacalli . Riley
Gentilly Terrace, 70122 Academic Intervention Brother Martin High School area : 1.21 sq mi population : 3,745
07
New Orleans, LA . Pumps Politikos
Central Business District, 70119 Transit Intervention Union Passanger Station area : 1.18 sq mi population : 2,060
Phase 1 : Neighborhood Interventions In order to increase project feasibility the implementation will begin with the new local pump stations. The first round of buildings will be attached to local institutions to increase awareness and both large scale and small scale buy in as well as be eligible for a larger variety of grants. These initial interventions will be site specific and provide amenities that cater to the already existing entities. For example, pictured above is a school
where the water filtration canopy stitches together the various school buildings and creates passageways that frame different spaces. Other potential institutions include hospitals, transit centers, and parks, all in an attempt to hybridize ingfrastructural sites to increase social and ecological resilience. Not only does the pump station and canopy increase storm water management but also raises awareness about the issue. 08
Lacalli . Riley 500,000 gallon storage tank filtration soils isolated zone for flora growth
pedestrian path
Raised Ground Plain void in canopy for natural light vertical circulation spiral staircase vertical circulation hydraulic elevator data display panels
Processing Canopy urban forest Gulf native species planting Pump Station #2
woonerf
The Lafitte Greenway open rain garden local business partnership permeable parking lot
local business partnership permeable parking lot
Public Space and Transit at grade water movement bioswale
The Lafitte Greenway open rain garden water transfer to pump station
at grade water movement bioswale
sub-terrain water movement
Water Movement 09
sub-terrain storage
New Orleans, LA . Pumps Politikos
Phase 2 : Existing Station Retrofit Water Once the other drainage elements are in play, alterations to the existing pump stations can begin to unfold. As opposed to solely pumping the water through the city, the site can be responsible for filtering, educating, and distributing the water back into the communities where it originated from. This in turn takes the input and turns it into an asset upon output. The instating of a canopy system that envelopes the existing stations can be responsible for storing and filtering the dirty water in order to filter it for optimal quality for human consumption, whether it be gray water or potable water. This process is symbolic of the new system that retains water on site and distributes it across multiple scales and multiple systems. Additional Urban Systems It is imperative for multiple urban systems to be consolidated onto a single site. This demonstrates the benefits of handling water in a more cohesive and cross disciplinary way. The water that is collected on site
can be used for a variety of purposes. The gray water can be filtered and redistributed for irrigation, which is currently the only code regulated use for gray water. Or it can be filtered and redistributed back into the local water grid, which is currently in practice but only minimally, on the outskirts of city development. Linking the input of water with the output hints at both the economical benefits as well as the biological. Urban agriculture, irrigation, and commercial or private gray water can all become outputs of the new system, ultimately creating a positive asset from the 38 billion gallons of stormwater and 378 million gallons of gray water produced by the Orleans Basin each month. Neighborhood Amenity In addition to creating space for urban systems, the new and retrofitted pump stations can begin to offer space for neighborhood usage which can promote local buy in and accessibility. Each neighborhood then has the opportunity to curate a space that reflects their needs and concerns. Both in terms of program and data display. 10
11 500,000 gallon water storage
canopy column widened for verticle circulation
new mezzanine levels houses community partner space
water feature storage and filtration system
single AB Wood Screw pump
bar / cafe mixed with exhibition space
closed loop water feature
Lacalli . Riley
opened up drainage canal for asset
greenhouse irrigated by filtered stormwater
The Lafitte Greenway
New Orleans, LA . Pumps Politikos
Plan and Section : These two drawings show the transformed space vertically framed by the canopy system and horizontally by the ground texture. The altered woonerf is signified by the change in ground texture to a permeable material such as bioswales or permeable pavers. This texture expands into adjacent lots and stakeholders. The proposed system taps back into the existing water system to redistribute the filtered water back into the surrounding neighborhood. This also hints at the ability of the station to plug into other urban systems such as food production and gray water disposal and re-use. 12
Lacalli . Riley
13
New Orleans, LA . Pumps Politikos
Above : Perspective taken alongside the Lafitte Greenway. The canopy system stretches out over the newly opened canal, activating both the axis. The experience of the canal and canopy vary as storm water floods. Left Spread : The newly vacated interior of the pump station, along with the shaded exterior becomes a site of civic engagement and participation, all centered around the systems that govern and activate the city. 14
Lacalli . Riley
02 The Nhat Le House A Narrow Dwelling that Relies on Natural Light from Above
Rapid Urban Development in Central Vietnam year : 2017 location : Dong Hoi, VN type : residential company : Cong ty Thanh Viet
professional
15
The Nhat Le House is a private residence designed for a client in Dong Hoi, Vietnam. The city follows the trend of many cities in Vietnam of rapid development. Limited space and property taxes give way to narrow and tall dwellings. The concept was created with the expectation that the adjacent parcels would be reconstructed in the coming years and be fully built out to the lot lines which is quite common in Dong Hoi. The client, a family of four, had acquired the lot from their ancestors and wanted to finally build on it as their current house at the time was becoming too small. Being located across the street from the Nhat Le River, the house opens up to the front but the planter screen provides inward privacy. The concrete structure with brick infill
pulls from the local typical and cost effective building method. The coastal city is plagued with annual flooding and thus the living spaces are raised 1 meter off the ground. The family wanted the more public spaces on the ground floor and the private rooms moving up, culminating at the family alter. The design brings in natural light and local flora through a central light well which also functions as the vertical circulation shaft, as well as the main gallery space for the clients artwork. The light atrium spans all three levels and is accompanied by a Rosewood tree at the ground level. The greenery follows the light up the levels and branches off to join the more private bedrooms, allowing for vegetation at all areas.
Dong Hoi, VN . Nhat Le House
The front facade of the Nhat Le Residence. The building draws in light based on the presumption that adjacent lots will be built out to the maximum extents.
16
Lacalli . Riley
Roof Plan
Third Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
0
17
1
2
5m
N
Ground Floor Plan
Dong Hoi, VN . Nhat Le House
Kitchen Perspective
Living Space Perspective 18
Lacalli . Riley
0
19
1
2
5m
Front Elevation
Dong Hoi, VN . Nhat Le House
Longitudinal Elevation 20
Lacalli . Riley
21
Dong Hoi, VN . Nhat Le House
The Light Source : Rendering of the central atrium space that stretches across all levels in the house. The void space brings down natural light from a large skylight located at roof level. The space is filled with vegetation at the ground floor and hanging lights that are set at various levels throughout the atrium. The concept is a centralized core that functions as lateral stability and also verticle circulation but mainly it becomes an area for the life of the house to span across multiple levels, with greenery, the clients artwork and human interactions. 22
Lacalli . Riley
03 EarthLab Green Infrastructure Exploration and Classroom
Adapting the Vernacular : year : 2018-2019 location : New Orleans, LA type : infrastructure and civic space instructor : Adam Modesitt
Design Build
The Tulane University School of Architecture design build studio envisioned the promotion of architects dedicated to crafting the buildings, places and institutions that create vibrant, vital and sustainable cities. The Client Tulane School of Architecture partnered with Groundwork New Orleans; Earth Lab, the local chapter of a national non-profit organization, Groundwork USA. Groundwork New Orleans uses the Earth Lab to educate students and community members about local ecology, green infrastructure, environmental conservation, water management, and urban agriculture. Project Scope This studio worked to design and build a new educational facility for the Earth Lab, an outdoor classroom and gathering space. The existing Earth Lab was a green space that includes a mix of agricultural and ecological installations. The goal of the studio was to first provide new facilities and
23
infrastructure at the Earth Lab that will support the activities of Groundwork New Orleans, and second, to develop a distinctive architectural identity that will celebrate, promote, and showcase the work of the Earth Lab. The project scope, however, extended to rethinking the site in its entirety, from the streetfacing perimeter fence, to new signage and landscaping. The Result The studio worked with Groundwork NOLA to design and build outdoor classroom space as well as enforce the organizations current efforts to prmote green infrastructural practices. The two monolithic cast in place concrete walls create hierarchy within the site which allow for a progression of spaces begginning with the entrance, or porch, and jutting out into the more intimate and private outdoor classroom spaces, including one last cast in place half wall that conceals the sites three stage compost bins. The intervention also provided landscaping work to enforce the water drainage and collection on site while still creating space for gathering and learning.
New Orleans, LA . EarthLab
A portion of one of the monolithic dyed concrete walls. These two walls provide hierachy to the space and promote an open and inviting classroom environment. Photo credit : Alex Marks Studio
24
Lacalli . Riley
25
Photo credit : Alex Marks Studio
New Orleans, LA . EarthLab
Photo credit : Alex Marks Studio
The Framing of Spaces : The project focused on framing the spaces on site, both to provide spatial hierarchy and street presence. The main entrance space is framed by the two dyed concrete gabled walls on the sides as well as the custom made dyed concrete pavers. The gabled walls stick out from the fence and create a noticable node that acts as wayfinding for visitors and EarthLab members. Perpendicular to the walls and parallel to the street run
the various spaces. This view is framed by the openings cast into the wall. On one side the spaces culminate with the compost bins and a kumquat tree. On the other side is a trio of trees located on a man-made mound. A path runs along the grassy spaces that provide mobility for the various tasks that the organization needs to accomplish, such as plant transit, organic material removal, and rainwater collection both on and off site. 26
Lacalli . Riley
1
1 - Ribbed concrete texture. Glue milled 3/4” rigid insulation to inside of plywood formwork where noted. 2 - #5 rebar located horizontally at 24” o.c. and every 24” vertically. 3 - Mirrored steel angle header located above door opening. 4 - Geotextile located in between compacted base soil and gravel. 5 - 8” of crushed gravel, compact and level with plate compactor 6 - 2” of sand, compact with plate compactor and level using steel conduit pipes
2
3
7
6
5
4
Detailed Section - Cast in Place Wall 0” 2” 4”
27
12”
0
6"
New Orleans, LA . EarthLab
Section Cut - North 0’
1’
2’
5’
Micro Plan Not to Scale
Ground Floor Plan 0’
1’
2’
5’
28
Lacalli . Riley
Photo credit : Nicholas LiCasusi
29
New Orleans, LA . EarthLab
Photo credit : Nicholas LiCasusi
Construction Method Our design-research focused on expanding the architectural possibilities of dyed concrete. Through multiple processes and methods, the dyed concrete walls become markers of place as well as divisions of space. The method underwent many rounds of testing for both final results and technique. The final concrete chosen was CTS Rapidset Concrete Mix, a subset of Quickrete. This was chosen for its overall compression strength and its light color finish which showed the blue dye well. The dye used was Buddy Rhodes Superblue Dye. The same method was applied to the custom blue pavers. The method for casting was cold pouring two foot layers and then adding additional formwork as the concrete layers dried. A layer of
milled rigid insulation was added to one side of the forms to add a ribbed texture, further enhanching the tactile and visual presence of the walls. The concrete was mixed in a six cubic foot electrical mixing drum, which could handle three bags at a time dependant upon the individuals performing the task. The mixed and dyed concrete was then tranferred to five liter buckets which where then poured into the formwork, followed by vibration. The pavers were cast using the same concrete and dye but were cast into rubber molds and then popped out after 30 minutes of drying. The pavers were layed using a typical ground paver detail that included a layer of crushed gravel, a ground barrier, and then a layer of compacted sand. 30
Lacalli . Riley
31
New Orleans, LA . EarthLab
Creating Permenance : There were many discussions with the client and other designers centered around how to assure the longevity of EarthLab and Groundwork NOLA. The newly implemented entrance accomplishes this on multiple levels. The conscious use of concrete brings an earthly material to surface while also being weather-resistant and durable. The monolothic dyed concrete walls also give a strong identity to the site which has the advantage of increasing the organization’s presence within the city. Photo credit : Alex Marks Studio
32
Lacalli . Riley
04 Stagecoach Hostel An Alternative Dwelling for Extreme Sporting Enthusiasts
Regional Use of Building Materials and Methods year : 2018 location : Lake Tahoe, CA type : hospitality instructor : Bruce Goodwin
academic
This project was part of the Comprehensive Studio and thus required an in-depth look into all the systems inside and outside of the building. The Concept
33
through by pass construction (structure area 2) or Pitzl connections (structure area 1). Where the base of the building touches the ground there are either concrete footings (area 2) or a slab on grade foundation (area 1).
The Stagecoach Hostel is located in South Lake Tahoe adjacent to the the Heavenly Resort and Ski Lodge. It offers an alternative communal dwelling that has 100 rooms, a large mess hall, and equipment storage facility. The building snakes throughout the hillside in between the tree canopy. The glulam columns allow for minimal ground intrusion.
Circulation
Structure
Mechanical
Being located in Douglas Fir County, the building takes advantage of the neighboring materials and is constructed all of engineered mass timber. The primary structure consists of glulam columns and glulam beams whith lapped CLT flooring spanning the distance of the beams. The horizontal chases in the CLT houses the electrical conduits. The horizontal beams connect to the vertical structure
The building uses a ground source heat pump to keep water at a constant earth temperature. This energy is used to heat the rooms through chilled beams that run parallel to the horizontal shafts provided by the CLT. In the larger shared areas there are linear diffusers located under the raised floor system to introduce fresh air into the rooms. This air is then exhausted through roof exhaust fans.
The circulation within the building is quite simple. There are two fire rated egress corridors loacted at either end of the building. There is also a monumental stair not used for egress at the center, above the reception. The whole building is sprinklered to maximize allowable travel distances. Each egress core also houses elevators.
Lake Tahoe, CA . Stagecoach Hostel
Detailed section perspective showing all the systems inside the hostel. Glulam columns and beams with CLT spanning members make up the structure.
34
Lacalli . Riley
35
Lake Tahoe, CA . Stagecoach Hostel
Above : A perspective of the main entrance to the hostel. The ramp proceeds to the front doors and entrance lobby while there are stops at the storage lockers to drop off equipment before continuing in. The view also shows the integration with the surrounding tree canopies. Left Spread : Site plan shoes the location of the hostel embeded into the hillside. The ground floor being raised 12’ off the ground allows for the flow of both water and fauna to naturally continue. 36
Lacalli . Riley
05 The Morning Chair Eastern and Western Maple
A Moment to Oneself year : 2015 location : Seattle, WA type : furniture design instructor : Penny Maulden & Steve Wythcombe
design build
37
The Morning Chair was designed as an occasional lounge chair for short moments to be enjoyed. Whether it is over a cup of coffee, a couple pages of a book, or both, the Morning Chair gives its user the opportunity to have a moment of comfort and serenity. This is accented by the slight dip of the seat, allowing for the user to sink back and relax slightly while the harder wood texture keeps the users posture upright as opposed to a full recline. The chairs frame is made of Eastern Maple, which gives it
the stiff structure it needs. The non-structural pieces are made of Western Spalted Maple. The grain of which, being partly rotted, gives the wood a remarkable natural accent. The construction uses 100% wood joinery, including the seat and back rest. These elements have loose joints meaning as the wood expands and contracts as the moisture of the air changes, the pieces have room to move and thus reduces the chances of splitting. The chair uses mortise and tenon pieces for joinery and is finished with three coats of beeswax.
Seattle, WA . The Morning Chair
Image shows the contrast between the softer, more marbled, Western Maple and the stronger more structural Eastern Maple.
38
Lacalli . Riley
39
Seattle, WA . The Morning Chair
Form Study : The design process focused on the mass production of iterations at various scales. Through physical models and drawings, a final form and material was selected. The design aimed to create an auxillary / lounge chair that had a slight recline in the back rest anddip in the seat. The slight angles were decided upon through full scale mock-ups using standard 2x4’s and MDF as well as rellying on case studies of similar styles of chairs. Although most furniture is designed for the average human, the Morning Chair is designed for a 6’ user. 40
Coming Soon - Open House
The Design : The mural depicts a lifesize section through a late 19th century New Orleans home. Illustrated in black linework on a white background, the mural reveals a domestic interior rarely exposed in totallity. Like an open house, it transforms the private home into a public space. -Studio A/C
A Mural and an Invitation completion : Aug. 2019 location : New Orleans, LA type : installation firm : Studio A/C
thank you! Riley Velarde Lacalli A rc h i t c t u re Po r t f o l i o selected works
2
0
1
9