PORTFOLIO OF SELECTED WORKS 2018
Alfredo Sebastian Palacios Romero
TABLE OF CONTENTS: This portfolio aims to summarize 10 semesters of work. Despite I am showing less than 10% of the projects I have developed in this time, I selected those which had a bigger impact on my development because of the meaning they could have in the community where they are placed and because their design is based on real conditions, budgets and problems; rather than being forged by aesthethic or plastic intentions. Some of these projects might be small or simple, but maintain their focus on the user and understands their future impact. Overall, I hope that this compilation can be a successful approach to express the relationship I have, and want to have, with Architecture.
TIME
1
p. 1-2
Urban Room
Oaxaca, Mexico
2
p. 3-4
Indigenous Social Unit
Amealco, Mexico
3
p. 5-8
Neuperlach Connected
Munich, Germany
4
p. 9-14
The Inverted Factory
Oaxaca, Mexico
5
p. 15
Betweenness: Chicago Biennale Chicago, USA
SCALE
THE URBAN ROOM
A public space to express, share and solve community concerns Location: Oaxaca, MĂŠxico Year: 2017 Class: 5th year short project (1 week) Studio: Prof. Garnica & SolĂłrzano Type: Temporary instalation / Social Development Individual work
1 The city of Oaxaca is mostly recognized for its beauty and traditions, but also for the social problems it constantly faces, confronting the government institutions with the community. This project functions as an intermediary between these 2 actors through the use of public space and art, which was a main topic in this course. The goal is to develop a simple modular design that can achieve 3 main objectives: interaction, versatility and self-expression. The basic module has 3 parts: the base, the columns and the roof. The base includes two concrete pedestals and wood benches. The wood columns and wood beams form a rigid frame that supports roof panels when needed, depending on the amount of shade that is desired. This module should be replicated as many times as necessary. 2
INTERACTION
VERSATILITY
EXPRESSION
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The modules create spaces where diverse types of exhibitions can happen, allowing a cultural exchange between the inhabitants and the numerous artists and artisans of the city. The expositions should include content that activates the community and the reflection around actual topics. It is also possible to create work stations or debate centers by adding certain elements. People are able to personalize the space and cover it with color laces, reflecting the way they feel about the topics being discussed and leaving a mark or clue to future visitors and authorities entering the building.
1 Installation of the project at Plaza de la Soledad 2 Plaza de la Soledad, the first place where this project would be located 3 Concepts and intentions followed for this project
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4
6
CULTURAL EXHIBITION
WORKSHOPS / REST
CULTURAL EXHIBITION
EXPRESSION THROUGH THE SPACE
4 Assembly of the equired pieces for a module 5 Detail of connection of a column with the beams 6 Detail of assembly of the pedestals 7 Alternative module arrangment in a rural context
The heavy concrete pedestals grant stability to the structure and are molded to provide support for the columns and the benchs. The columns and beams are wood logs with iron pieces on the endings, which allow for an easy, safe and clear join of the elements. The same modules can be arranged in any public space because of its adaptability to different conditions; for example, an open and rural environment. The project gives to public space the relevance and use it should have: a place of enjoyment and rest, but also of social interaction and expression. The so-called “urban room� is not a building, it is an area designed to serve the community and respond to their needs with low-resources and versatility. These were crucial points in the creation of a temporary installation that could be effective attracting and empowering people.
7 02
INDIGENOUS SOCIAL UNIT
A low cost housing project for people in poor indigenous mexican communities Location: Amealco, México Year: 2016 Class: 4th year short project (4 weeks) Studio: Prof. Thautan Type: Social Housing / Rural Team work with Ixchel Muñoz & Camila Urquina
1 More than 10% of Mexico’s population is indigenous and still lives in poor conditions facing public discrimination. Therefore, a government housing program builds houses for them with the intention of improving their life quality. Each one of these houses is entirely built with a budget of 6700 US$ which ignores their traditional way of living and cultural differences, causing them to slowly lose their identity and cultural heritage. This project aims to replace that basic design with a design option that reflects their indigenous way of living and development possibilities of the Otomi community, but maintaining the government’s budget.
Assembly of basic spaces in a simple shape to reduce costs
Separation of public and private spaces, creating an open space between them
The projects responds mainly to the user characteristics and needs, opposite to the previous design. After several interviews, visits and conversations with the community, it is clear that the main goal is to provide a dignified space and to satisfy the most basic needs. Of course, it is also crucial to take advantage of the opportunities given by the context, such as a productive environment, open surroundings and natural materials.
Enclosing of this inner space to appropiate it and for security needs
The basic typology is composed by two main blocks: public (kitchen and familiar space) and private space (bathroom and bedrooms). The relationship between these two is created through exterior corridors. A fundamental characteristic of this design is the existence of 3 empty areas, providing opportunities for the user to transform them and make them productive whenever they got the possibility to do it.
Creation of a low-cost structure suitable for future expansions
Growth of the basic module according to the family possibilities and needs
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Visualization of the new house design already occupied 1 Conception diagram 2 Exploded materiality diagram 3
E X PA N S I O N A LT E R N AT I V E S
P L A N S , S E C T I O N S A N D FAC A D E S
0
5m
0
10m
New covered or uncovered porche
B
Crops, garden or animal’s space PRODUCTIVE FOCUS
A’
A
Third bedroom
B’
Second bathroon, storage space and privatization of old bathroom C A P PAC I T Y I N C R E A S E
B
Livingroom extension
S E C T I O N A-A’
New room for multiple purposes HIGHER COMFORT
S E C T I O N B - B’
Mud roof tiles
W E S T E L E VAT I O N
Straw insulation layer
Wood beams and interior plaster covering
Non-structural adobe walls S O U T H E L E VAT I O N
Reinforced concrete structure The open spaces of the initial tipology work as a productive environment and an integral part of the house, granting always the possibility of using them for different purposes according to the user needs. In order to reduce construction costs, overall heights and dimensions are limited; but always keeping in mind the dignity of the space. For the same reason, windows and doors were addapted to the structure height. One of the biggest diferences with the previous design is the materiality. Instead of concrete block’s walls and concrete floor, this new approach encourages the use of natural materials, which can be easily found or produced in the region. Thus, the future users would be capable to assume a self-construction at a low cost and according to their needs.
Structural ashlar walls
Red brick floor 3 04
NEUPERLACH CONNECTED
The mutation of 60’s brutalist housing developments towards contemporary Location: Munich, Germany Year: 2016 Class: 4th year project (13 weeks) Studio: Prof. Hild Type: Multi-level Housing Team work in collaboration with Mui Sadler
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2
Neuperlach is a post-war neighbourhood located on the outskirts of Munich, designed to host high density buildings as a solution for the housing crisis. Due to the time and reason of its development, the neighbourhood is composed of almost entirely old functionalist projects who share some common characteristics: simple shapes, large scales, brutalist aesthetic and exterior circulations cores. That last aspect gave origin to the main question of this course: “Is it possible to reuse these mobility cores in order to generate extensions that boost the zone’s quality and desirability?” In this particular case, the best location for the expansions is located to the east of the main building. By extending the 3 middle cores, we can guarantee a positive impact of the sun rays. The extensions capture most of the southeast radiation while being protected from undesired radiation by the old construction. The floor plans show as well the main characteristic of these extensions: an extreme slenderness. From the second floor up, the levels are occupied by apartments. The ground level remains free, with the exception of a few bike spaces, avoiding the creation of an obstacle. Therefore, just three huge concrete colums support the whole structure, receiving the loads from smaller columns distributed on the south and north facade.
Possible expansions
Existing buildings
3 05
Model 1:100 and visualization of the finished design 1 Current aspect of the housing buildings in Neuperlach 2 Plan of the buildings in the designated area and the possibilities 3
MASTER PL AN 0
30m
PL ANS 0
7m
G R O U N D F LO O R P L A N
D U P L E X 1 S T F LO O R P L A N
D U P L E X 2 N D F LO O R P L A N
B’ A’
A
B
S I N G L E A P PA R T M E N T P L A N
06
E L E VAT I O N S 0
12m
E A S T E L E VAT I O N
These “surreal” constructions try not to invade the green open space below them, but at the same time have a strong pressence. The east facades are mainly balconies, taking advantage of the green views and the warm morning sun. The north facade is covered with prefabricated concrete panels, resembling the brutalist surrounding. On the other hand, the south facade is covered with glass bricks and a concrete/iron structure, creating a contemporary extension with modernist construction materials. These clear differences try to take advantage of the sun and minimize the loss of heat, preserving the privacy of the other towers and the existing building. The two resulting sections are quite contrasting, because of the tower’s shape. There are 4 duplex on each tower plus a single appartment on the last floor. The duplexs have a double height in the common area and a simple height on the private one. The transversal section show the clear differences in the openings: while being almost completely open to the south, they are reduced to a minimum facing north. S O U T H E L E VAT I O N
In the model pictures the desired atmosphere is represented through 1:20 scale models. The resulting space resembles the modernist appartments of the 1930’s, very influenced by the use of iron, glass and light at the Maison de Verre in Paris, but slightly adjusted to contemporary times.
4
N O R T H E L E VAT I O N
07
Balcony detail in plan view 4 1:20 scale model showing the interior atmosphere 5 Lehrstuhl für Entwerfen Umbau und Denkmalpflege, TU München - Mui J. Sadler und 1:20 scale model showing the south facade Neuperlach and balconies 6 - Building 5 Connected
SECTIONS 0
12m
S E C T I O N B - B’
S E C T I O N A-A’ Lehrstuhl für Entwerfen Umbau und Denkmalpflege, TU München - Mui J. Sadler und A. Sebastian Palacios - SS 2016
Neuperlach Connected - Building 5
Lehrstuhl für Entwerfen Umbau und Denkmalpflege, TU München - Mui J. Sadler und A. Sebastian Palacios - SS 2016
Neuperlach Connected - Building 5
5
6
08
THE INVERTED FACTORY
A urban reactivation strategy for a town facing environmental and cultural degradation Location: Arrazola, México Year: 2017 Class: 5th year final project (13 weeks) Studio: Prof. Garnica & Solórzano Type: Restoration / UrbanPlan Team Work with Cecilia Villamil
1
CURRENT STATE “The typical abandoned factory”
COMMON RESTORATION “The huge monster fabric”
CHOSEN RESTORATION “The natural resources factory”
The final course focuses around analysis and the cappacity to generate solutions. After Analyzing a designated metropolitan area, each team has to generate a vision, choose a problem, find a place to work and develop an integral solution according to their findings. Arrazola is a town located in the southeast of Mexico, close to Oaxaca city. It is the place where the industry of oaxacan alebrijes started. Since that “Golden Age” in the 70s, the town lost its relevance and has been forgotten, partially because of a terrible management of their skills and resources. This project targets the aspects which should improve in order to reactivate this town through a plan with different stages and scales. As the center of this strategy, we chose an abandoned factory located at the entry of the town. This building has the perfect location and history to act as a symbol of the revival of this community through a different approach. The factory spreads for over 3500 m2 of surface, despite just about 30% stays in decent conditions. To restore the factory back to its original design would not be the right approach, because of the unsustainable scale it has and the required investment. But recovering the factory and rebuilding just certain spaces, it is possible to create a project which produces resources, instead of consuming them. Despite being extremely closed to the touristic site of Monte Albán, visited by every tourist on the region, Arrazola has some serious conectivity problems. It is a town of about 1000 inhabitants, where the 80% of the population creates and sells handcrafts. The program is divided in multiple areas addressing different working points: the reforestation, the selling of pieces in an adequate environment, the revalorization of this activity, the creation of public space for the community and the creation of a space cappable of generat monetary resources. Conceptual collage showing the proposed factory-trees symbiosis 1 Connectivity of Arrazola with the city of Oaxaca 2 Nolli Plan showing the pre-existences and the chosen site 3 Picture of the factory and its current state 4
09
C O N N E C T I V I T Y A N A LYS I S 0
2000m
NOLLI PL AN OF ARRAZOL A 0
250m
CHOSEN SITE
3
2
4
P RO G R A M D I S T R I B U T I O N
R E I N F O RC E M E N T VS C O N S T RU C T I O N
10
N E W S T RU C T U R E S 6m
0
CAFETERIA
MUSEUM
COMMUNITY ROOM
EVENTS ROOM
TREE NURSERY
C O N S T RU C T I V E P L A N S 5m
0
Corrugated steel sheet Corrugated steel sheet
Blade angles to support the windproof joints
Blade angles to support the windproof joints PVC window Triangular steel structure
Steel batten
Steel batten Red brick vault
Stainless steel plate
Air chamber
Air chamber Pluvial gutter Concrete footing 30x60cm Brick guard rail settled with cement and sand in a proportion 1:4
Red brick lattice 7x14x21cm
Red brick lattice 7x14x21cm Triangular steel structure
Steel tensil
Concrete footing 30x60cm Brick footing Concrete footing 30x25cm
Red brick lattice wall Existing adobe wall
Existing adobe wall
Boiled clay floor 15x15cm
Boiled clay floor 15x15cm Waterproof floor glue
Waterproof floor glue
Rainforced subfloor Boulder stone and limestone foundation Boulder stone foundation
MUSEUM
Boulder stone and limestone foundation
CAFETERIA
COMMUNITY ROOM
AT M O S P H E R E S GSEducationalVersion GSPublisherVersion 1.3.84.96
GSEducationalVersion GSPublisherVersion 1.3.84.96
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4
Five different roofs had to be developed for spaces that had lost them because of the abandon. Each one of these roofs is different, and share the characteristics of being simple and viable in such context. The creation process started by analyzing the current conditions, the expected use and the orientation, aiming to develop a bioclimatic design and abandoning the old monumental scale of the factory. Where it was necessary, the heights were reduced or the floor area was divided, in order to make a rational use of the space available.
PL ANS
Most of the used materials are iron joists and natural fibers. However, certain spaces are covered with brick vaults and wood structures. Most of these covers adapt to the existing thick adobe walls. These walls, which need to be reinforced, are crowned with a concrete running beam, which adds resistance and support for the new roofs. The desired atmospheres are simple and functional. We want spaces that promote cross ventilation and natural lightning, where the character is given by the used natural materials such as: brick, wood and adobe. Since they use just a few elements, they could even be built by the same community. The lower level hosts the public community space, the private event garden and other highly transited areas, like the cafeteria or the offices. The higher one hosts more private spaces, like the museum, the tree nursery or the handcrafts exposition. We are promoting circulation from every side of the building and integration of the different users. Besides that, we encourage an intense internal reforestation. The entry is located to the south, just in front of the proposed bus stop. The sections show how each space has a different height, as well as how we intend to distribute trees in every open space in the project. Our intervention is discrete, but we believe that its effect can be a turning point for the community.
50m
0
UPPER LEVEL
LOW E R L E V E L
C O M PA R I S O N 0
50m
B
B’
5 Interior model 1:20 of the common space 6 Interior model 1:20 of the cafeteria
A
A’
SECTIONS C U R R E N T S TAT E
0
P RO P O S A L
15m
SECTION A
SECTION B
12
7
8
9 R E F O R E S TAT I O N P L A N 0
2500m
The factory is perhaps the central point of the strategy, but it is supported by projects of bigger scale. The closest one is a park located just in front, which currently is an empty lot. Both spaces should act as an integral project. The park hosts the parking space and will be a natural public space for the community, besides an icon of the reforestation efforts being held. The park design was reached through the juxtaposition of 3 main layers: circulation, topography and vegetation. The main goal of the design is to clearly express, through a partially artificial landscape, how there is people and strong efforts behind the reforestation plans and the overall project, as well as a full community expecting to change its future. This strategy is accompanied by a long term plan. It is possible that the creation of this center greatly increases the number of visitors in the town, increasing as well the number of services required. In order to develop a better town image, we designed a plan showing the new hierarchy of streets and their adaptation to sustainable urbanism practices. Another important aspect to improve on the long term is the urban connectivity. It is possible to potentialize the accessibility and arrival of tourists through 2 main routes: one going through all the urban suburbia located to the south of the mountain and another one taking advantage of the proximity to Monte Alban. Finally, the biggest plan is the reforestation and resource management program. The crisis in Arrazola started because of a terrible resource management still present. Therefore, any possible solution should address this problem. The plan is divided in 3 main stages, starting close to the town and expanding while covering the protected Monte Alban’s area with a protective natural barrier which can be used for productive purposes, to reduce the destructive erotion and to stop the increasing illegal settlements.
Different layers used for the park design: roads, topography & vegetation 7 Final park design explaining the multiple elements 8 Scheme of species used in the park and the reforestation 9 Four different streets schemes to implement in Arrazola 10 Four different street schemes used to improve Arrazola’s connectivity 11 13
U R BA N I M P ROV E M E N T 0
160m
MAIN STREET - SOUTH ENTRANCE
M A I N S T R E E T - C O L L I D I N G FAC TO RY
SHARED STREETS
PEDESTRIAN STREET
10
NEW CONNECTIVIT Y 0
1800m
S O U T H RO U T E - U R B A N PA RT
S O U T H RO U T H - E N T RY TO TO W N
N O R T H RO U T E - H I L L
N O R T H RO U T E - R U R A L PA RT
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BETWEENNESS: ART, ARCHITECTURE AND ACTIVISM Debating the real value of public art at the Chicago Architecture Biennial 2017 Location: Chicago, USA Year: 2017 Class: 5th year parallel project (16 weeks) Studio: Prof. Garnica & Solórzano Scale: Urban activation Class project (6 members and 2 teachers))
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4 As part of our last studio, whily trying to represent the value of art for the Oaxacan society at the Chicago Architecture Biennial, we came to a question: What’s the role of art in the creation of a community? In Oaxaca, art is a mean of expression and response to all types of situations. Artists show in their work the opinions of the regular people and make this opinion visible, addressing controversial topics and summoning the reaction of the whole community. After seeing the importance of “art” in Oaxaca, we aimed to show this particular role at the Chicago Biennale and to apply some of this forms of expression to the particular case of one of Chicago’s most traditional latin neighbourhoods: Pilsen. Through the replication of Francisco Toledo’s work (with his previous approval), one of Oaxaca biggest art exponents, we wanted to expose the loss of the artistic heritage in Pilsen. This neighbourhood features big murals in most of its streets, showing their culture and pride. However, many of those murals already dissapeared, mostly because of commercial interests and lack of heritage preservation. Inspired by the famous Toledo kites, we created a kite model which features images of these lost murals, and provide information of its previos location and objectives. The kites grant a “second life” to the dissapeared murals. They create a debate around the problem that inspired them and socialize it between the 15
community. The activity is a way to address real problems in a lighter way, instead of ignoring them. Also, is a way to give the right importance to the fundamental role the artistic heritage plays in a community. The event was a success, receiving very positive reviews by the visitors and the Biennial Directors. But most importantly, it brought together different generations of inhabitants around a simple but fundamental piece: a kite. I think that this is the right project to close this portfolio. It is the one with the largest team involved, the longest development time and perhaps the smaller scale, since it doesn’t include any construction or space design. However, it implied a huge challenge and its results show the impact that a commited group of people can have. As architects, our interest in the space can strenghten a community, even without designing buildings or landscapes. I believe that our understanding of the space, its history and its reality, allow us to work on strategies that impact directly on the transformation and the improvement of our society.
Designation as official partner program of the Biennial 1 Back side of the kites, contaning information and instructions 2 A kid participating of the activity in front of more visitors 3 Four dissapeared murals chosen for this activity 4
THANKS FOR THE ATTENTION