For your Consideration: Gary Garcia
2005-2008
Otis College of Art and Design Architecture/Landscape/Interiors
•Wurlitzer Units •Otis 2.0 •Ntrance Evolution •Inside Out
Wurlitzer Units
Fluctuating Void -Work Live In the urban context of downtown Los Angeles, a mass movement is developing to bring people back to work and live in downtown. Currently downtown remains abandoned after work hours, but buildings like the staples center and the Disney Concert Hall are working to bring back an active cultural day and night life style. The Wurlitzer units combine work-live program to become a part of the movement and provide a private residential space in downtown Los Angeles, a downtown of private spaces. The units contrast the old downtown off Broadway with its rustic steel, rough brick and begin to construct a new way of organizing private residential space in a commercial private context, while providing the qualities of a “home�, while leaving a void in program to become a potential space for individuals to define. Unit materiality contrast typical apartment materials in loss angels. The organization of the program allows to transition from home to work and create different environments. Units contrast in circulation transition from Public Street to private unit. Material Contrast. Takes advantage of Los Angeles Downtown views and weather with transparent and translucent views and light conditions. Void provides a potential space, which could become defined by the individual
Otis College of Art and Design
Otis 2.0
Otis College of Art and Design
Inhabitable Social and Sustainable Vertical Landscapes After decades of departmental stratification, per formative inefficiency and outmoded iconography, Otis 2.0 is born. Its flat roof becomes and inhabitable landscape, an outdoor gallery, an open air studio, an ephemeral-eighth-floor-as-common-space. For activities ranging from open-air lectures and mid-day naps, to illicit after hour student gatherings. Suspended from its southwest façade is a transformative scaffolding- ‘naturalartificial’ organ that radically alters the existing conditions of the Ahmanson building--facilitating- of shared amenities, maximizing opportunities for departmental crosspollination, and creating a substrate for dynamic social, academic, vegetal ecologies to emerge.
OFFICE CUBICLES
FREE PLAN
FREE SECTION?
LIV E @ GE E 2 00 7!
Ntrance: Evolution Gaming Exhibit 1st Place: International Competition
Otis College of Art and Design
This project was designed for the "Launch Your Career in Exhibit Design" International Competition 2006 hosted by the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association. The competition challenge was to create an exhibit design for the fictional client Evolution, a
LIGHTING SYSTEM
new company that would like to impact the gaming market with its debut of “Ntrance,” a wireless, portable gaming console with five MAIN ENTRANCE
new games. This Ntrance exhibit design for GEE 2007 (Gaming Electronic Expo)
GAMING PLATFORMS A ATFORMS
consists of an arena-like center stage to launch the new gaming console with the spectacle, intensity, and power of a rock concert. The exhibit provides an intense experience through playing the games on one of five elevated gaming stages that overlook the crowd below. Dramatic effects of light and sound enhance the gaming experience at every stage. This design won first prize.
PLATFORM A ATFORM
TRANSLUCENT MEDIA
STAIR/ T TAIR/ WALK WAY A AY
STATIC TATIC MEIDA TA
SITE DIMENSION
EXHIBIT SECTION
EXHIBIT STRUCTURE
INSIDE OUT
Otis College of Art and Design
Architecture/Landscape/Interiors: Senior Exhibit Architecture/Landscape/Interiors OTIS College of Art and Design's Architecture/Landscape/Interiors seniors design and construct an exhibition for display of their studio projects. The exhibit is designed, documented, and fabricated and installed entirely by the students during one semester, which culminates in an opening night attended by thousands of industry professionals, family, and friends.
DN
pivoted into eight possible configurations to achieve formal and expe-
UP
A single, faceted (8'x8'x18') object was designed to be rotated and riential variation. Constructed entirely out of 1/2" CNC-milled and laser cut MDF components, the seven large objects were deployed in four of the eight configurations within a dynamic circulatory logic As a counterpoint to the strict geometries and monolithic presence of the containers, a series of
surface-mounted laser cut apertures
appeared to erode or explode the skin of the objects with the insidious logic
of a topographical infection.These apertures created
framed backlit displays and operated at a variety of scales to script moments of partial interiority and implied virtual
habitation of the
representations within. "Inside-Out" demonstrated the sublime potential, and otherworldliness of a multi-scalar spatial experience.
A 2000 sq.ft. site and just seven students the 2008 exhibit presented an array of seven large objects that created various scales of immersion and spatial experience while performing as personalized containers for each student's work. An immersive head-swallowing rendering, to an voyeuristic single-eye model display.
2008-2011
University of Southern California Masters of Landscape Architecture Certificate in Architecture and Urbanism
•Pedestrian Infrastructures •USC Founders Park •Urban Relief •Fluctuating Freeway Ecologies
Pedestrian Infrastructures
Creating accessibility and usability to pedestrians.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles is part of a global and regional network. Infrastructures work independently to transport and connect different destinations for people, consumer products, and natural systems. Regionally, Los Angeles relies on systems to transport millions of vehicles, people, consumerist products/waste and gallons of run off water every hour. These systems ensure Los Angeles remains a vital global economic city. The infrastructure systems of Los Angeles through out city history have failed to achieve a cohesive planning strategy, instead establishing single purpose systems that deplete natural systems and resources, disconnect communities, increase pollution, reduce open spaces and reduce pedestrian scale systems. These reasons and the overall need for open space in Los Angeles can attribute to exploring the possibilities of blending, morphing and integrating
Site Boundaries
systems of infrastructure to increase, repair, and strengthen natural
Infrastructure Section Studies
and pedestrian systems.
USC Founders Park
University of Southern California
Sustainable Design Strategies: Ecology of Water and Plants The design of Founders Park is comprised of several planters which curve, rise and descend in harmony with each other, creating a meandering pathway system that flow into a variety of gathering spaces. The gathering spaces feature fixed and movable seating, lighting and wi-fi. The gathering spaces provide students and faculty a place of leisure outdoors, while simultaneously providing a sense of an interior space. The copper planters provide a boundary between the pedestrians and landscape plantings. The overall strategy is to provide a place of leisure, allow for the constant flow of pedestrians, and employ a water wise landscape.The Founders Park surface allow for the process of groundwater recharge and reduction of urban runoff. By replicating natural systems, the permeable
Comprehensive Plan
Hardscape Palette
surface allows water to move downward from surface water to groundwater. The strategy reduces the amount of water runoff that gets into city storm drains, which may lead directly to the ocean. First
Top Soil
Decomposed Granite
Mulch Paver
Rubble Paver
Jacaranda
Crape Myrtle
Tulip Tree
Bergenia crassifolia Winter Blooming Bergenia
Centranthus ruber Red Valerian
Salvia chiapensis Chiapas Sage
Caryopteris x clandonensis Blue Mist
Cytissus scoparius Scotch Broom
Jacaranda mimosifolia Jacaranda
Planting Palette
flush urban runoff can be extremely contaminated the permeable surface counters conventional drainage systems that often creates
Sempervivum tectorum Hen and Chicks
flooding, pollution, and ground water contamination. Tree Planting
Lagerstroemia indica Crape Myrtle
Section Tree Planting
Tree Planting
Tree Planting
Jacaranda mimosifolia Jacaranda
Jacaranda mimosifolia Jacaranda
Lagerstroemia indica Crape Myrtle
Tree Planting
Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Tree
Copper Planter
Copper Planter
Exterior Group Space
Planting Space
In the gathering space, the Copper Planter has risen to act as a physical and visual barrier. Users can enjoy the benefits of being outdoors while feeling a sense of privacy and safety.
Group Planting (1) Hen and Chicks Winter Blooming Bergenia
Allows for plants to be placed and be cultivated. The planter creates a barrier between designated planting space and circulation space, keeping the plants from being destroyed by the heavy pedestrian circulation.
The planters ascend to ground level at the entryways as a spatial transition into the various elevations of the park
Group Planting (2) Red Valerian Chiapas Sage
Group Planting (1) Hen and Chicks Winter Blooming Bergenia
Urban Relief
Urban Land Institute
A Strategy for the East Village in San Diego URBAN RELIEF in the East Village transforms the site into a new hub for health in San Diego. By developing the site into a sustainable, economically viable community without displacing its current residents. The goal is to establish a medical campus to support this community’s diverse and growing population, making this community the first LEED-ND development in San Diego by incorporating green
building
elements,
reducing
VMTs
by
encouraging
car-sharing, using public-transit, and introducing bike-friendly, pedestrian-friendly streets. • Magnet for Economic Activity Attract regional medical industry, fill regional retail void, and train local workforce • Utilize Natural Resources Create an immediate relationship between the natural and urban systems • Promote a Healthy Lifestyle Provide public health infrastructure, and attain LEED-ND Certification • Maximize Use of Site Provide housing options, enliven streetscape, and stimulate architectural features Comprehensive Plan
Strategic Systems
Fluctuating Freeway Ecologies
University of Southern California
Finalist WPA 2.0 (SE) International Design Competition 2009 In many communities of metropolitan areas, population density swells while available public open space shrinks. It is imperative that existing urban infrastructure, originally built to serve efficiencies on a singular level that often resulted in fractured neighborhoods, now be viewed as the most promising prospect to provide relief to those seeking open space. A seismic retrofit planned for the 550 mile freeway network within Los Angeles County offers the opportunity to capture some of the approximate 19 square miles dedicated to these thoroughfares. By integrating new layers of urban infrastructure that perform both socially and ecologically, neighborhoods become reconnected and natural resources better managed. Since the freeway is already part of the inventory of publicly-owned land, embedding park space with environmental systems above becomes a more cost effective strategy. The result is an existing infrastructure that is transformed to intertwine many community needs with multiple ecological functions. The Hollywood example demonstrates not just a concealment of the freeway, but a strategy that integrates and enhances the driving experience while providing the community with open space that is culturally relevant and socially attentive.
Comprehensive Plan + Materials Ceanothus Leucodermis
Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass
California Coffeeberry
Rhamnus Californica + cvs
Multi Purpose Turf
Salvia Cleveland + cvs
Cynosurus cristatus
Trifolium aureum
Decomposed Granite
Chaparral Whitehorn
Cleveland Sage
Penstemon Spectabilis Showy Penstemon
Crested Dog's-tail
Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot
Trifolium aureum
Rubber Mulch
Synthetic Lawn
Pervious Concrete
Landscape Machine Section
2003-2012
Robert Treman Architecture SWA Group Los Angeles VC Design Group Los Angeles Earth Asia Design Group Shanghai
•Residential Architecture •Summer Internship •Nanjing Corporate Campus •Lujiazui Capital Plaza
Pearlman Residence, Manhattan Beach CA
Associate
Robert Treman Architecture
Residential Architecture - Custom Homes + Renovations Established as a small design firm, the practice is firmly rooted in the community with a large portfolio of work. RTA dedicated itself to successful projects, whether new or remodeled, large or small, with a detailed plan executed with experience and wisdom. A design strategy founded on a ‘Master Plan’ that flows and functions efficiently, upon which any number of ‘styles’ can be developed. As an Associate in charge of all graphics of RTA I experienced all Five Phases of the design process.
Team Role • Site Measurements • As Builts • Schematic Design Renderings • Architectural Drafting • Structural Drafting
• Construction Documentation • Daily Office Maintenance • City Submittals and Redline Revisions • Public/Art Committee Meeting Graphics • Website Design Pearlman Residence, Manhattan Beach CA
Boyd Residence, Manhattan Beach CA
Ralls Condos, Hermosa Beach CA
Digenova Condos, Torrance CA
Hand Sketch
Rhino Wireframe
Rapid Prototype Planter Model with Laser Cut People
SWA Summer Internship Landscape Architecture, Graphic Media
Laser Cut Study
SWA Group Los Angeles
The extend summer internship in the Los Angeles office of SWA Group provided provided the opportunity to gain experience as a member of the design team. Working directly under the supervision of Principal, now President of SWA Group; Gerdo Aquino, I was assigned a variety of research and graphic assignments to directly contribute meaningful products for ongoing projects. Engaging in highly focused design projects during the course of my academic studies, contributed to bridging the gap between theory and professional practice.
Team Role Graphic Contributions • California Academy of Sciences • Samsong - Bromex Hillside Plexus • Anning River – New South Town • Irvine CA – Jeffrey Open Space Trail
• Irvine CA – Jeffrey Open Space Trail • Zhejian Province - Beizhi River Waterfront • Santa Monica – Civic Park Competition • Landscape Infrastructure – Case Studies by SWA
California Academy of Sciences Section Diagram Published Landscape Infrastructure: Case Studies by SWA 2010 Jeffrey Open Space Trail Site Diagram Published Landscape Infrastructure: Case Studies by SWA 2010
Nanjing Corporate Campus
Valley Crest Design Group
Campus Plazas Courts and Water Feature
VCDG is developing the design of a corporate campus for an energy
POWER & SUCCESS
service company in Nanjing. Based on the power and strength of the
力量与成功
dragon, the campus will be a physical manifestation of these qualities. The overall dragon’s form can be seen from the perspective of the Chairman’s office at the top of the building.
Site elements
MANIFESTATION
CLOUD
展现
祥云
throughout the campus convey the tactile qualities of the beast. Core HEAD OF DRAGON
ten steel and solid rock walls suggest strength while layers of stone are reminiscent of the scaly skin of this legendary creature. Within
龙头
the metaphorical landscape are places for employees to gather,
CLOUD
exercise and stroll through the campus.
祥云
Team Role Concept Phase: • Site Analysis • Concept Imagery • Concept Diagram • Systems Diagrams ie. Program Circulations • Presentation Book GUARD HOUSE 警卫室
Schematic Design Phase: • 3D Modeling • Perspective Rendering • Program Imagery • Drawing Renderings ie. Plan Section • Planting Scheme
ENTRY DRIVE 车行入口车道
ROLLING SECURITY GATE 滑动大门
WEATHERED STEEL WALL 锈蚀钢墙 TERRACE PLANTERS 台地式的种植池
Concept Diagram - The Dragon
PEDESTRIAN GATE 行人入口大门
Hand Sketch by Duane Border of VCDG
STEEL POST FENCE 钢立柱围栏
Lujiazui Capital Plaza 4 Landscape Ribbons of the City
The 4 Landscape Ribbons of the City begin as independent elements and as the rhythm of the city engages the plaza space, the 4 ribbons choreograph to create meaningful experiences and spaces. City Forest-Maximize green coverage on site to create comfortable ground level street. Nong Tang Impression Creates strong laneway network of textured/recycled paving around the buildings. As a contrast to the modern paving. Sink Pole Plaza Allows for comfortable viewing and enclosure. Water AxisA linear east-west axis of jumping water jets and hedges paving.
Earth Asia Design Group