Architects are often told they must learn to be many things —engineers, philosophers, sculptors, poets— but I believe the most intriguing role of an architect is that of a problem solver.
When given a prompt in design studios or an RFP from a client, they list the outcomes they wish to see. When looking into these requests I find myself identifying both problems and opportunities; it is always more interesting to look beyond the scope. How can a site be better utilized, a community issue addressed, or a material pushed to new limits.
In my projects, I seek out these opportunities and utilize them to drive my designs forward, achieving not only the prompted goal, but striving to serve a higher purpose,
A complete solution.
URBAN FILTER
VOX NATURA
CHELSEA ARTS COMPLEX
COMPOUND CRAFTS
SHOWCASE
PHOTOGRAPHY
1. URBAN FILTER
UNIVERSITY PARTNER
GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
SEMESTER PROFESSOR
SPRING 2023
KIM STEINER
JOHN WILSON
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Urban Filter Project blends ecology and industry connecting Atlanta to its history as both a railroad city and its moniker “City in the Forest”.
The Proctor Creek Greenway Loop showcases the physical and social connection between industry and creek systems, with areas of occlusion transforming into areas of community; demonstrating that industrial effects on ecology can not only be mitigated, but can be used to improve upon a purely natural system.
This project creates a 13.1 Mile Greenway Loop with four notable constructs along its route which act as catalysts to bring the community together through programs like public pools, kayak launches, and ecological areas.
Working closely with BIG’s Kai-Uwe Bergmann, this project earned third place in the Georgia Tech’s Portman Prize Competition.
ATLANTA’S RIVER AND RAIL CONNECTION
Our preliminary research led us initially to what appeared to be contradictory paths, but what we discovered was that this juxtaposition in elevation and transport systems contributed to each other in fairly simple ways.
To minimize the chance of flooding, rail lines are placed on natural and constructed high ground which cuts through the urban fabric and natural watershed systems. Creeks naturally occur at the lowest points where water can flow downhill until they reach a larger river system. In Atlanta, a city that was founded by rail has major rail lines that alter these natural creek systems forcing runoff (pollution) into these creeks rendering them uninhabitable.
GREATER PROCTOR CREEK COMMUNITY
Our purpose was to start on the most affected creek systems and identify what could be accomplished to not only revitalize the creek but in doing so also improve the existing distribution systems.
The Proctor Creek Watershed has been troubled by frequent flooding, erosion, storm-water runoff, and illegal dumping. It was clear that there was no one location along the creek system that could make a substantial positive impact so we immediately jumped in scale. We needed a solution that would not only tackle the creeks pollution issues and begin to reverse degradation, but also return a community asset that they lost, a creek that they could be proud of and enjoy using.
“I learned to swim in that creek, played in that creek, fished in that creek. I just want it like it was...”
Lisa - Proctor Creek Resident
GREATER PROCTOR CREEK WATERSHED FLOODING PATTERNS + TYPOLOGY OF BLOCKAGES
After selecting the Proctor Creek Watershed as the target of our project we initiated the process by finding all access points to the river and exploring them through a process of “photo walks”. We spent approximately 12 hours on the river identifying details that could only be discovered through first hand experience.
What we discovered from looking at photo locations overlayed on our flood maps was that the river was regularly blocked by dumping sites, trash accumulated from roadway runoff, as well as non-physical blockages such as social and legal boundaries that limit access to the river.
Since the river had been effectively “closed”, very little had been done to promote a healthy ecosystem. This pushed us to begin thinking about this project not only as an architecture project, but as a means to showcase how an ecosystem could be restored and how architectural solutions could be put in place to expedite the process.
Proctor Creek Greenway Loop Master Plan -
URBAN FILTER PROTOTYPE
This Urban Filter prototype is based on natural filters used for storm water runoff and deployed in a network based system across the Proctor Creek Watershed. These would be installed on roadways and process the runoff from the roads before it enters the urban creek. A series of metal screens take out solid waste before it enters the phyto-genic beds. These beds contain fine gravel, microorganisms as well as plants commonly used for filtering water and are also native to the region.
URBAN FILTER STACKED FILTER BEDS
FLOATING WETLANDS PROTOTYPE
Integrating floating wetlands and replenishing the existing riparian zones served as a pivotal strategy in restoring degraded creeks to their natural state. These approaches harness the power of nature to enhance water quality, stabilize stream banks, and create habitats for diverse aquatic and terrestrial species. By utilizing native plants in these restoration efforts, we not only retain the biodiversity of the ecosystem, but also promote the resilience of the riparian habitat. Native plants are adapted to local conditions, making them more effective in filtering pollutants, providing food and shelter for wildlife, and supporting the overall health of the ecosystem.
PHYTOREMEDIATION
CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER KAYAK LAUNCH
A kayak launch on the Chattahoochee River would benefit surrounding communities by promoting outdoor recreation and healthier lifestyles. It would attract visitors, boosting local tourism and supporting businesses. Additionally, it would offer educational opportunities about river ecosystems, fostering environmental awareness and community engagement.
CENTER
The hydrology center functions as both a field research laboratory as well as a public pool. Given the community’s history of swimming in the creek, we aimed to create a safe and comfortable solution around this historical pastime. The pools use a robust phytoremediation system with hydro-botanic pools to filter runoff from the hill behind the center and water drawn from the creek.
PROCTOR CREEK HYDROLOGY
INMAN YARDS WATER TREATMENT CENTER
This localized water treatment plant filters runoff from the highly polluted rail station before it enters Proctor Creek. The high profile positioning of this treatment center on the Proctor Creek Greenway Loop highlights the extent of the problem and the necessary steps for improvement. The goal is to address pollution, educate the public, and advocate for pollution reform on railways.
URBAN FILTER PROTOTYPE
The Urban Filter prototype is the first of many planned for Proctor Creek using existing infrastructure to implement our phytoremediation practices. This prototype will showcase the solution, foster community engagement, and educate residents about the ongoing work. Additionally, it will promote local businesses interested in supporting various community aspects of the project.
INMAN YARDS WATER TREATMENT FACILITY
Runoff Intake
CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR INMAN TREATMENT PLANT
PROCTOR CREEK HYDROLOGY CENTER
Planted Hillside Remediation
Gabion Wall Funnel to Filtration System
GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY
ANDROS ISLAND NATURAL SYSTEMS + NATURAL DRIVERS FOR DEVELOPMENT
At the outset of this project, we investigated the largely untouched natural systems that make up Andros Island. The island’s unique ecosystem relies on the freshwater lens which sustains the largest pine forest in the Bahamas. This lens supports lush plant life through natural hydroponics.
Currently, the island faces a natural threat: the hyper density of the pine forest. The dense growth makes the pines thinner and less stable during the annual hurricanes that batter the region. This issue is starkly illustrated by the loss of 90.9% of Grand Bahama’s pine forest over the past 15 years due to major hurricanes.
The project employs forestry techniques to promote the growth of larger pine, enhancing their resilience to hurricanes. Additionally, the project explored ways to utilize the culled pines, leading my project to investigate and develop the circular agricultural practice shown below. The goal was to create a green system where the waste products from each step fueled subsequent processes. The program even utilized waste products from other industries in the Bahamas as inputs.
BIO-NEXT SOIL + AGROFORESTRY
Due to the Bahamas’ limestone base, black soil is scarce, necessitating alternative agricultural methods such as natural hydroponics and utilizing sinkholes for cultivation. To enable large-scale traditional farming, there’s a crucial need to generate soil sustainability. Leveraging forestry operations, coconut production, and sargassum collection, along with their byproducts, present an opportunity to create nutrient-rich, biologically diverse soils.
These soils would support crops with minimal fertilizer requirements, safeguarding the water lens from contamination. Additionally, the more delicate plants can thrive in indoor farms under controlled conditions, ensuring optimal growth while preserving the natural environment of the Bahamas.
Agroforestry offers numerous benefits to the Bahamas while addressing its unique environmental challenges. By integrating trees with agricultural crops, agroforestry promotes soil conservation, diversifies income streams, enhances climate resilience, conserves biodiversity, improves water management, sequesters carbon, and promotes sustainable resource management. Particularly valuable in a country with a limestone base and scarce black soil, agroforestry systems help generate soil, reduce erosion, and mitigate the impacts of climate variability and extreme weather events. Agroforestry further maximizes resource efficiency and minimizes environmental impact, ultimately contributing to food security, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability in the Bahamas.
BAHAMIAN UNIT OF FORESTRY
Bringing back forestry to the Bahamas presents a significant opportunity for both economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. By responsibly managing the nation’s forests, Bahamians can not only profit from their natural resources but also ensure the long-term health and vitality of their ecosystems. Sustainable forestry practices, such as selective harvesting and reforestation efforts, can help maintain a healthy balance within the forest ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
Furthermore, a healthy forest plays a critical role in safeguarding the freshwater lens, a vital source of drinking water for the Bahamas. Trees act as natural filters, trapping sediment and pollutants, and helping to recharge groundwater supplies. By preserving and restoring forested areas, Bahamians can protect the integrity of the freshwater lens, ensuring a sustainable supply of clean water for both human consumption and ecological needs.
In addition to environmental benefits, sustainable forestry practices can also contribute to social and economic development. By creating jobs in the forestry sector, empowering local communities, and supporting small-scale industries such
SOUTH ELEVATION
SOUTH ELEVATION
With the effective oversight from the Bahamian Forestry Unit, Andros Island Timber Company aims to apply best practices in its forestry operations to effectively manage the overgrown Andros Island pine forest. By selectively trimming the pine forest, the Company can not only supply timber to the Bahamian people, but also contribute to the forest’s health and sustainability. This practice aids in fostering thicker tree growth and maintains the delicate balance between the pine forest and the freshwater lens, ensuring the long-term ecological integrity of Andros Island’s natural environment.
WEST ELEVATION
The growth and effectiveness of a Bahamian Indoor Farm is substantial considering the scarcity of natural soil suitable for traditional farming. Leveraging innovative methods, these indoor farms capitalize on byproducts of the coconut industry, utilizing discarded husks as seed pods and maximizing space through vertical column cultivation. This approach enables thousands of plants to thrive within a single building, regardless of external conditions, ensuring year-round production.
By employing a fertilized water pump system with minimal power consumption, these farms operate efficiently while being easy to maintain and repair. Importantly, this closed-loop system eliminates the risk of fertilizer runoff into the freshwater lens, making it environmentally sustainable.
Indoor farming not only addresses the challenge of limited soil but also provides a solution for cultivating delicate plants that require fertilizers, ultimately contributing to agricultural sustainability and food security in the Bahamas.
EAST ELEVATION
INDOOR FARMING BAY
varieties adapted to the unique climatic and environmental conditions of the region.
Additionally, the presence of a seed bank would foster awareness concerning the importance of preserving biodiversity and promoting resilient farming practices tailored to island ecosystems. The bank would serve as a focal point for education, research, and collaboration, engaging stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public in an effort to address the pressing challenges confronting farming on island nations.
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
EDUCATION SPACESCLASSROOMS + CHAPEL
Incorporating classrooms and a chapel into a remote farming compound provides the opportunity for essential educational and spiritual support for residents and workers. Classrooms offer access to education and skill-building opportunities ensuring children receive quality learning support while promoting community cohesion.
The chapel serves as a space for spiritual nourishment, offering religious services and fostering a sense of belonging and emotional support.
Together, these facilities create a well-rounded environment that promotes personal growth, community engagement, and overall well being within the farming compound family.
SOUTH ELEVATION
FLOOR
ROOF PLAN
The wellness and hurricane shelter on Vox Natura is essential for both daily operations and emergency preparedness. This multifunctional shelter maximizes space utilization and cost-effectiveness, ensuring continuous value and support in both routine and crisis situations.
On a daily basis, it serves as a mess hall, restaurant, gym, and infirmary, providing nutritious meals, fitness facilities, and medical care to enhance the health, productivity, and morale of the inhabitants.
During hurricanes, it transforms into a safe haven for local families lacking secure housing, offering protection and emergency supplies, and demonstrating Vox Natura’s commitment to community well-being.
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
THE SANCTUARYWELLNESS + HURRICANE SHELTER
3. CHELSEA ARTS COMPLEX
SEMESTER PROFESSOR
FALL 2020
ALFONSO PEREZ UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA UNIVERSITY PARTNER BENJAMIN PETERS
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Chelsea Arts Complex is a mega-block project located at 317 9th Ave in New York City, NY. The complex was designed to retain the block structure while enhancing pedestrian accessibility. Our team developed the site program by considering the surrounding community and anticipating the cultural shift brought by the High Line Project, which would attract more residents and drive up housing prices.
We proposed localizing NYU’s art students in this area, creating shared spaces to encourage interactions, particularly along what we called “The Horizontal Datum.” Above this, we included towers for affordable apartments and dorms. This programming split addressed the need for student housing far from the main campus and provided affordable housing to prevent the displacement of long-term residents as property values rise.
HORIZONTAL DATUM + STACKED PROGRAMMING
The Horizontal Datum served as a framework to transition from public to private spaces across six floors. This design encouraged student collaboration on large projects through chance interactions.
The Performance Center and Gallery features a shoe-box-style performance space and a black box theater, attracting local theater groups and providing a stage for both professional and student work.
By showcasing professional and student work side by side, the goal is to highlight student talent and enhance job placement opportunities post-graduation.
PROPOSED STUDENT UNION - NYU TISH SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
4. COMPOUND CRAFTS
SEMESTER PROFESSOR
FALL 2020
VERNELLE NOEL UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA UNIVERSITY
ABOUT THE PROJECT
In this studio, we were tasked with learning and diagramming a method of craft; I chose smocking. Through this process, I generated a building to house another craft and use both concepts to create a functional and buildable workshop space.
The Gainesville Ceramics Center integrates smocking-inspired design with ceramic arts to create a multi-functional space, including a studio, gallery, performance venue, and library. The project features a textured façade wrapped in an adjustable smocked fabric which obscures an organic vase-like structure that captures water for pottery use. This central form, visible through the transparent façade draws on the vertical smock technique to highlight its aesthetic appeal.
The Center not only serves as a creative hub for Gainesville’s potters and ceramicists, but also exemplifies how traditional craft techniques can inspire innovative architectural solutions.
THE COMBINATION OF SMOCKING AND CERAMICS
EXPLORATIONS THROUGH SMOCKING
At the root of this project was the idea of blending crafts while staying true to their individual qualities. Pottery and smocking were chosen for their inherent relationship; both art forms involve manipulating a mass into different forms using simple yet precise techniques. Ceramics add the benefit of rigidity to a formal pattern and can be used as a building material. The Arrowhead smocking pattern was selected because preliminary light studies highlighted the appealing shadow play created by the fabric, becoming a central driver in the design of the building’s core.
The first step was to create a scaled digital model to demonstrate proof of concept. After designing an arrowhead plate form in Rhino, individual plates were added to the flanges of the digital smock, creating an interlocking pattern, essentially a puzzle. Similar to varying the tension in fabric to control light, a family of digital ceramic arrowheads was arranged to achieve a similar effect. The digital model in Rhino was used to create molds, which were then 3D printed to manufacture tiles for a physical model. This physical model tested the real light qualities of the space and was used to explore different methods of attaching the ceramic tiles to an internal structural framework, ultimately supporting the building.
FIFTH FLOOR
FOURTH FLOOR
GROUND FLOOR SITE PLAN
SIXTH FLOOR
The ceramic tiles would wrap an organic vase like form that stretched internally from the floor to the roof of the building. This structure allows rain water to enter the building and to be captured for the use of making pottery within the on-site ceramic studios.
The steel form, wrapped in tiles, is surrounded by the building’s main circulation platform. The circular ramp appears to constrict the ceramic tower transforming the occupants moving from floor to floor into the artist’s fingers shaping the clay on a potter’s wheel. On the ground level, occupants can pass through and underneath the structure to reveal the height of the atrium. From there they can see all the way to the sky through the oculus.
On the third floor, the Sound of Ceramics exhibit, occupants can enter a walkway that takes them through the tiled form. This is referred to as the Heart of the Building and was the focal point of the project. The occupants can experience the sound of rain hitting the glass topper to the atrium and follow the flow of water over the tiles to the reflection pool at the ground level of the building.
CRAFT LIBRARY
HEART OF THE BUILDING
5. SHOWCASE
ABOUT THE WORK
While the core of my portfolio showcases my joy in problem-solving, I do not want to overlook other works that demonstrate my skill in the crafts I used to present these ideas.
The following works are from various projects during my undergraduate and graduate studies. While not going deeply into the details I find most exciting, they are accurate representations of my skills and interests. I hope you enjoy this sampling of projects.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA - DESIGN 5 - FLORIDA LANDSCAPE PROJECT
GEORGIA TECH - ADVANCED STUDIO 1 - PIRANESI ARCHIVES
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA - DESIGN 4 - TOWER + DESERT
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA - DESIGN 5 - FLORIDA LANDSCAPE PROJECT
6. PHOTOGRAPHY
ABOUT THE WORK
Photography offers a refreshing way to step out of the studio while continuing to work on my design brain-eye connection when seeking inspiration in my surroundings. This hobby has encouraged me to travel more, exploring new places and cultures and to look deeper into my daily life, finding beauty and interest in the ordinary.
Through photography, I’ve developed a keener eye for detail and composition, which has enriched my architectural practice. It has allowed me to capture and reflect on diverse environments, enhancing my creative process and providing a constant source of inspiration.
