Selected Work- Richard Gonzalez, AIA

Richard Gonzalez, AIA Portfolio

Selected Work

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Richard R. Gonzalez, AIA, NCARB, LEED速 AP Richard R. Gonzalez is an architect, urban designer and native to New York City. Mr. Gonzalez has an array of experience on design, planning and project development. Previously, he has worked with the firm of Davis Brody Bond, LLP designing a diverse mix of projects within New York, the U.S. and abroad.

Professional experience includes urban design, master planning, corporate offices, institutional, residential, industrial building types and research. With an extensive background in community based projects, he has worked with government, private sector and not for profit entities addressing the social and political needs of the community. Planning and Urban Design research projects have been applied in international countries such as Mexico, Thailand, South Korea, West Africa, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Mr. Gonzalez has conducted research with the Urban Design Lab at the Earth Institute and has taught studio design courses in the Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University.

He is the recipient of the Matthew W. Del Gaudio Award for Excellence in Design.

Richard R. Gonzalez is a registered architect in the state of New York, member of the American Institute of Architects, NCARB Certified and a LEED速 Accredited Professional with the United States Green Building Council.

B.S.1998, B.Arch.1999, City College of New York; MSAUD, Columbia University, 2008. www.rgitect.com

About III

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Table of Contents

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Architecture Cathedral of Note Dame de L’Assomption Alianza Dominicana Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Education Center Kentucky Center for African American Heritage Strivers Gardens

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Planning Applied Science Facilities, Columbia Engineering Poppleton Master Plan Boricua College Master Plan

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Urban Design Urban Rooftop Farm High Bridge Pedestrian Walk Dongtan-2 Water District Redhook Bicycle Master Plan

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Architecture 2

Project Description: As part of the national rebuilding strategy following the drastic January 2010 Earthquake, the impacts from this natural disaster have taken effect on Haitian landmarks to include Notre Dame de L’Assomption Cathedral. This proposal seeks a design strategy to restore, rebuild and re-establish the national order of Catholicism to reinstitute Faith, Spirit and Memory to Haitian individuals within the island. This proposal is in compliance with the guidelines as set forth by the Port au Prince Plan Centreville 2011 and Haiti Demain Plan of 2010.

The DESIGN CONCEPT for the New Notre Dame de L’Assomption Cathedral builds upon the idea of a cube which is reminiscing of the urban block. The cube is equal in all sides, a smaller cube is extracted from the center to form a structural archway. This arch has been studied in a series of sizes and heights where the shape has an interrelationship within each other. Hence the concept for the design looks into a box within a box module.

A DESIGN ANALYSIS of the existing property is looked upon with aspects related to passive design strategies towards wind, solar and power. The new design should maximize on such uses as the economic climate of the nation has little to no access on energy sources as they relate to building operation. Seismic design technics are crucial in this high risk zone that is active.

Conventional construction systems use a planar wall system that would limit forces in certain directions. The design concept utilizes an ‘accordion style’ folded wall system that would enhance internal structural rigidness and distribute lateral forces through its shape and form. Case-studies and presidents are also showcased as examples of building structures that are addressing similar needs and programs.

The DESIGN APPROACH looks towards a sequence of interventions while addressing solutions to highlight a feasible design scheme. This study implements the preservation and restoration of the existing cathedral façade. Retaining the building structure maintains cultural and social recognition of the cathedrals importance to individuals and local history. The site on the rear will be allocated for the new building addition to house the nave, alter and supportive spaces.

The site area is divided into three zones and each cube has been scaled to match the contextual size of neighboring building structures. Rebuilding of the towers at the façade will be of importance to reclamation to the city skyline and reinforcing a visual landmark recognized by the community.

Design Concept

The DESIGN PROPOSAL looks into an organization strategy and entry sequence as one navigates within the cathedral campus. The entry square is renamed ‘Memorial Plaza’ in tribute to the victims whom perished in the 2010 earthquake. Such type of a space would service many as no memorial plans do exist to commemorate a tragic event in history. The plaza can also be an organizational focal point for tourist visiting the site. The plaza incorporates the use of solar powered lighting fixtures to harvest the energy of the sun and use this as a power source for ambient lighting. Such technology can be converted as testing grounds for renewable energy systems to supply and support the buildings energy needs.

Cathedral of Note Dame de L’Assomption Port au Prince, Haiti 3

Site Analysis 4

Design Approach

Site Plan 5

Axonometric 6

Cross Section of New Annex

Cross Section 7

Axonometric Ground Floor 8

New Annex from Interior Courtyard

Memorial Plaza and Restored Historic Facade

Interior of Cathedral Nave

Project Description: This project consisted of designing a multi- level office type of building structure for the primary tenant Alianza Dominicana. This will be their first newly constructed building. Alianza Dominicana is a not for profit group that provides social services primarily to the Dominican community of Washington Heights in Northern Manhattan.

The project presented many challenges at various different scales. One of the foremost was to fit the client’s program in a triangular site of only 6,000 sf.

The solution is to build out a compressed core with a scissor stair to maximize the building floor plate for the tenant’s use.

Typical Floor Plan

Architect of Record: Davis Brody Bond LLP Role: Project Architect

Alianza Dominicana New York, New York 15

West Elevation Study

North Elevation

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West Facade Elevation

Project Description: The Audubon Ballroom has had a significant amount of history to the community of Washington Heights. It is also the place of death for one of American histories most profound civil rights activist, Malcolm X. Through public out cry, the Audubon Ballroom was saved from demolition.

By adaptive re-use, the structure would be preserved and the ballroom would be the official memorial center for Malcolm X & his late wife, Dr. Betty Shabazz. The memorial center would be a place open for all people of the world to experience and research the life and times of both individuals.

The program called for a flexible space that could be used for exhibit purposes as well as assembly space for public functions. The ground floor will house the entrance desk, and the interactive exhibit kiosk to display Malcolm’s legacy. The second floor displays the movable exhibit kiosks showcasing Malcolm’s personal artifacts. The meditation room is geared to focus Dr. Shabazz’s spiritual journey on researching the three major religions of faith.

Administrative spaces are located in the lower level.

Second Floor Plan

Architect of Record: Davis Brody Bond LLP Role: Project Architect

Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Education Center New York, New York 19

Ground Floor Plan

Copyright Albert Vercerka/ ESTO Typical Bay with Interactive Kiosk 20

Lobby Entrance & Digital Exhibition Hall

Copyright Albert Vercerka/ ESTO Interior View of Multi-Use Space

Project Description: The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage (KCAAH) maintains an initiative to bring an institutional center in a predominantly residential neighborhood. The site contains four existing masonry structures that have been abandoned for many years. The buildings previously served as a maintenance shop for the trolley cars that serviced the transportation needs of the streets of Louisville.

This adaptive re-use project emphasized on converting a industrial type building structure into a museum which would devote its spaces to archive and display the history and stories of African Americans in Louisville. The site is historically designated and sits on a Brownfield. Restoration of the exterior is developed as part of the program.

The project studied the use in indoor and outdoor spaces, making them accessible to the community. A new administrative building is proposed that would connect all four structures to be accessed internally as well as providing the new administrative wing to the museum.

Site Plan

Interior of Trolley Barn

Section- Trolley Barn

Architect of Record: Davis Brody Bond LLP Role: Project Architect

Kentucky Center for African American Heritage Louisville, Kentucky 23

Ground Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan- Trolley Barn

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Interior View from the Great Hall

View from the East Court

Project Description: Housing has been a major aspect in community development. In Harlem, the Strivers Gardens has been a leading project in proposing affordable housing with quality craftsmanship. Located on 135th Street and Frederick Douglas Blvd, Strivers Gardens is a mixed use development with 170 condominium units, ground floor commercial, and underground parking.

The project has been developed with careful investigation of housing types and materials that constructed together nicked name this project “The Crown Jewel of Harlem.”

“It is a dream project, in a dream location”, The New York Times, April 11th, 2004 AIA New York Chapter, Housing Award 2005

Architect of Record: Role:

Davis Brody Bond LLP Project Architect/ Manager

Strivers Gardens New York, New York 27

Site Plan

Copyright Albert Vercerka/ ESTO

Typical Residential Floor Plan

Entrance Lobby 28

View South from Frederick Douglass Blvd.

Copyright Albert Vercerka/ ESTO

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Planning 32

Project Description: Science and technology are two applications that have large influences in the molding and design of our cities. These terminologies are reflected upon the planning and design of structures to express function and formality of programmatic uses and individuals whom inhabit the spaces. The Innovation Avenue Corridor proposal carries such concepts that are integral within the urban fabric for academic communities. Proposed for the West Harlem neighborhood in Manhattan, this proposal falls within one of the designated areas of interest as outlined in the RFEI. West Harlem has a history of manufacturing, engineering and incubation. During the turn of the century, this community was a hub for manufacturing of food and products specifically meat and dairy. This area was a primal food source for processing and distribution to citizens in Manhattan. Today one can see traces of such ingenuity through the architectural buildings that maintain one of the characteristics of Harlem’s Arts and Culture.

The Innovation Avenue Corridor builds upon the concept of integration within the New York City neighborhoods. By utilizing the diversity of land use, architectural buildings, resources and individuals, the Innovation Avenue Corridor makes such a distinction to function within an existing cluster of academic institutions which are also community members. City College in the North, Columbia University in the South, and Columbia’s Manhattanville project which is currently under construction towards the east outlines a triangular district for science and engineering within West Harlem. The universities become active tri-point anchors to enhance the commercial, educational and residential activities that currently exist.

Applied Science Facilities, Columbia Engineering New York, New York 33

Site Plan

Cross Section

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Aerial View of Manhattanville

Project Description: The City of Baltimore has issued an initiative to renew the neighborhood of Poppleton, just west of the downtown area. This masterplan was supported by several city agencies which was lead by the mayor’s office. This is a 14 acre site with city and privately owned properties. Predominantly a residential neighborhood, Poppleton is surrounded by various districts such as the historic Franklin Square to the institutional community of the University of Maryland Baltimore. The masterplan provides for low to mid-rise residential structures and single family townhouses clustered around a recreational park. A total of 1,400 residential units are proposed with retail at the ground floor.

The masterplan is envisioned to provide additional housing promoting a livework space for existing community members as well as the new inhabitants of the university and the greater city of Baltimore.

Architect of Record: Davis Brody Bond LLP Role: Planner

Poppleton Master Plan Baltimore, Maryland 37

Elevation Studies

Site Plan

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Design Proposal and Community Context

Project Description: Boricua College is a private institution with two satellite campus locations in New York City. The main campus is in the Audubon Terrace Complex, a designated landmark within the Washington Heights vicinity. The college is planning to expand their programs and offer post- professional degrees in a new urban campus setting located in the Melrose Commons section of the South Bronx.

The 4 acre site is formally a civic complex of abandoned courthouse buildings. The masterplan focuses on various options of integrating adaptive reuse structures for community use. The masterplan emphasizes a phasing option to integrate a courthouse into the first academic center for Boricua College then evolving to a newly administrative/ academic wing for the school. The other buildings programmed in the site would service community functions such as a gymnasium, learning center and housing for senior citizens.

All building components would surround a publicly used green open space to be managed by the school and symbolized as the new town center for Melrose Commons.

Architect of Record: Davis Brody Bond LLP Role: Planner

Boricua College Master Plan Bronx, New York 41

Site Plan

Neighborhood Massing & Transportation Network 42

Aerial View of Building Components

West View of the Academic Commons

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Urban Design 46

Project Description: Art in shape and form have historically been utilized in early child education methodologies as learning tools for cerebral development. Broadway Housing Communities Inc. has expanded this philosophy within the spatial environments they program and manage in the Washington Heights community. In a current development entitled Sugar Hill, a mixed use affordable Housing with a children’s museum at the base, the programming for this new facility will take cues in interaction and public art displays within the confines of the public spaces.

This proposal investigates the opportunity to foster and engage social development and interaction of the building’s users be utilizing the roof top area for urban agriculture and cultivation purposes. The design scheme looks upon basic geometric shapes such as a square, cross, and triangle in a 10 foot by 10 foot outline. Each module is designed as urban street furniture therefore fostering street life activity which typically occurs at the ground level. The modules are placed to the south which will maximize on the solar exposure of the sun. The prototypes are constructed of strong materials to include perforated painted steel panels, galvanized steel and a drainage system. The prototype is designed in modular parts which offer flexibility in the system manufacturing, delivery and assembly.

Technical equipment can be incorporated at the roof with an all-weather station to measure air quality, wind speed, temperature, relative humidity and water levels. Such information can be utilized to acquire data use for scientific atmospheric and environmental research. This information can be showcased on a digital screen display at the children’s museum for educational purposes.

The modular prototypes aims to access and promote various opportunities in active design, social engagement, cultural preservation, local food harvesting, education, health, recycling, heat island effect, and storm water management.

These topics define various forms of passive design applications that contribute towards green design and sustainable best practices.

Solar Analysis

Urban Rooftop Farm New York, New York 47

Wind Analysis

Site Plan of the Rooftop Layout

Typical Section of Modules with Planting Medium 48

Aerial View of Rooftop Modules

Rooftop View of Modules

Project Description: Aging infrastructure are evolving to new life in urban settings. The High Bridge Pedestrian Walkway is one such example that has the eligibility to perform with new design standards. The structure is the oldest bridge in New York City and a designated Landmark. Its original purpose was to supply water through a below surface aqueduct which serviced the city. The upper level served as a walk way connection linking residents from Washington Heights and the Bronx. The water connection was rerouted in the later years and by the mid 1970’s the bridge fell into disrepair and officially closed from public usage.

This design proposal looks at servicing the adjacent communities which has high rates of Unemployment, Poverty, and High School Dropout statistics. The intent is to link community members towards digital infrastructure connecting neighborhood resources which has access to jobs, education and services via an affordable internet connection. Proceeds from membership enrollment provide a revenue stream for maintain and operating the pedestrian walkway.

Water is analogous to energy, by retrofitting the viaduct with fiber optic cabling and utilizing the High Bridge Tower as a service antenna, this underused urban typology will shed new life within a new digital era. Additional supportive programming would include Art Studios, a Visitor Center and Exhibition Hall.

The future of High Bridge embarks on creativity with culture and technology.

Broadband connection enhances cultural identity towards a worldwide audience.

High Bridge Pedestrian Walk New York, New York 51

Site Plan Cross Sectional View of Pedestrian Bridge

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Exhibition Hall

Visitor Center

Art Studios & Classrooms 53

Aerial View of High Bridge Park and the Bronx Beyond 54

Project Description: As cites throughout the world continue to develop, the growing population will also experience new needs for water, food, and housing. With these demands, cites will further evolve into mega-cities and regional centers. In order to cope with this growth, satellite cities are being developed near or along the edges of large cities. They will be connected though infrastructural systems related to energy, communication and transportation – vital systems for sustaining residential, working and recreational communities. Seoul represents one such example, where clustered dense communities strategically placed around the main city are expected to address the issues related to urban expansion, population growth and economic development.

Dongtan-2 has come at a critical moment for the evolution of our urban environment, and outline the need for integrated design with long-term vision.

Dongtan, rich with vibrant waterways and historic land use precedents, provided an ideal site for implementing cutting-edge strategies for a new urban conception. Inspired by its existing agricultural landscape and topography, the team has reinterpreted key elements from the existing ecology as an underlying principle in the vision of what lies ahead for Dongtan. We insisted that we not rely on predetermined traditional definitions of urban design, and instead looked to Dongtan itself for site-specific guidance in sustainable urban practice. The goal: create an urban model that allows long-term sustainability for both the environment and the inhabitants of Dongtan-2.

Vertical High-Rise vs Dispersed Low-Rise

Construction Methodology

Dongtan-2 Water District Dongtan, South Korea 55

Assembly Components

Master Plan

Aerial View of the Water District 56

View of Residential Corridor Public Space

Project Description: Bicycling is currently envisioned as a means of transportation in urban cities.

As a clean environmentally efficient alternative, bicycle routes are being integrated within the urban context connecting citizens between their living spaces and places of work.

The community of red hook is an exclusionary site to pilot this program by creating an example of how a bicycle network can connect communities, and assist in promoting healthier living lifestyles. This will also reduce the use of automotive transportation therefore reducing the air borne contaminants attributed to the polluted air quality. Redhook is a neighborhood currently undeserved by the cities mass transportation system such as the subway and bus system. A bicycle network acts as a median between intermodal transportation systems by connecting pedestrians to other means of transport choices. Such connections expand to water ferries which then connect to the larger context of the outer boroughs. By designing a bicycle network which can be well integrated within the neighborhood fabric, red hook can achieve a bicycle path system which can be self-reliant and dependent.

Open Module

Within the larger context, the designated bicycle path would integrate with the larger plan of the New York greenway project. Looking at the bicycle paths in lower Manhattan, red hook would want to connect into this system by several means. There is currently a link to the Manhattan bicycle path with Governors Island via a ferry terminal. The plan would expand this connection by bridging cyclist and having a series of bicycle networks that connect Manhattan, Governors Island and red hook all by water transportation. The other strategy would be to expand this network to the north and link to the Brooklyn or Manhattan bridge. This would expand the network by bridging and connecting the residents of Redhook to the larger urban context.

Secured Module

Redhook Bicycle Master Plan Brooklyn, New York 59

Storage Units

Bike Network Diagram 60

Cross Sectional View

Vertical Storage System

View of Smith & 9th Subway Station Entry 61

Ground Floor Plan

Bike Path on Columbia Street

Bike Path on Beard Street 62

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Richard Gonzalez, AIA 603 West 140th Street Apt 32 New York, NY 10031 T. 646.734.3743 E. rg@rgitect.com W. www.rgitect.com Richard Gonzalez, Architect c Copyright 2013