(Latin architectura, from the Greek – arkhitekton, from- “chief” and “builder, carpenter”)
designary by:
VERONICA ACOSTA
Maria
ar·chi·tec·ture [ahr-ki-tek-cher]
2007-2010
ar·chi·tec·ture [ahr-ki-tek-cher] designary by:
VERONICA ACOSTA
Maria
(Latin architectura, from the Greek – arkhitekton, from- “chief” and “builder, carpenter”)
2007-2010
Maria
VERONICA ACOSTA
verd@xis
2-3
growakener 16-23
4-15
exlinksion
harptial
24-27
28-33
linefied
journience
emerction
34-41
42-55
56-75
noun
a book that explains the language of design in a specific order and gives the purpose, planning, or intention that exists behind the action, fact, or material object in a visual manner. ORIGIN English : design + dictionary
designary 1
de·sign·ar·y [dih-zahyn-ar-ee]
Maria
VERONICA ACOSTA
What attracts me to the architecture profession is our ability and responsibility as human beings to make positive changes in the lives of people around the world. I was born in the capital of Paraguay, moved to rural South Carolina, travelled around Europe, and spent a summer in New York City. Something that became a constant theme in all the places I lived and experienced were the people, the culture, and the way architecture reflected the lifestyle of the people there. Architecture has an origin, it evolves, adapts, and records history. My ambition is to be a major part of that process. I am drawn to rediscovery, innovation, and responsible action through architecture. Architecture is the ultimate universal language. It is everywhere and everyone interacts with it. This portfolio explains my personal architectural language.
noun
a female human being (full name: Maria Veronica Acosta Lesme) born in Asuncion, Paraguay, on April 10, 1989, who craves engaging with the world through proactive innovation. ORIGIN Spanish : veronica (biblical name) + acosta (meaning by the coast)
veronica acosta 3
v e · r o n · i · c a a · c o s · t a [vuh-ron-i-kuh] [ah-KOS-tuh]
verd@xis
1. P rop
2. D
ose
dS
isco
ite
ntin
uity
3. T op
og
to
Stre
et
rap
hy
Co
ntro
l
verd@xis 5
v e r d · @ · x i s [vûrd-at-sis] noun
a new ecology for the 21st century Barcelona Eixample through surgical interventions for an urban transformation, with emphasis on open public space. Designed by Maria Veronica Acosta and Kevin Miller in 2009 under the guidance of Tony Montes and Santi Ibarras. Clemson UniversityBarcelona study abroad program. ORIGIN Spanish : verde (meaning green) + English : axis
Private Office 20.000 sqm
Public Office Academic
Private office
Retail 6.000 sqm Warehouse 8.000 sqm Park 12.000 sqm
Housing Warehouse Academic Retail
4. B
uild
ing
5. B u
Public office
ildi
Foo
trpi
nt
ng
Flo
ors
4.000 sqm 7.000 sqm
Housing 15.000 sqm
6. B uild ing
Pro g
ram
barcelona, spain eixample grid by veronica acosta fall 2009
verd@xis 7
Function:Shading large area. Hackberry_tall, wide crown, shady (decidous 10-20 m tall_crown 6-8 m wide it has smooth, grey bark blooms at the beginning of summer its fruit appear at the beginning of autumn
species)
Function:Visual boundary but seethrough. Chinese Parasol Tree_tall, small crown, seethrough species) 10-15 m tall_crown 4-6 m wide smooth. gree-grey bark
(decidous
Function:Shade in more intimate spaces. Ashleaf Maple_short, small crown, small spaces (decidous
species) 8-10 m tall_crown 4-6 m wide bark is grey-brown with vertical ridges it blooms in March and April whith yellow-green flowers fruit appears at the beginning of autumn and remain for 6 months
Function:Shading large area. Tipu Tree_tall, wide crown, lots of shade
(decidous species) 10-25 m tall_crown 6-10 m wide brown-grey, lightly fissured bark blooms in June and July with bright flowers growing clusters 30 cm long
Function:Physical boundary separating spaces. Chinese Privet_tall bush, physical boundary (large evergreen or 3-10 m tall_crown 3-5m wide smooth and delicate dark grey bark blooms in July and August
Function:Visual boundary. Lombardy Poplar_tall, small crown,
small tree)
visual boundary (decidous species) 20-30 m tall_crown approximately 2 m wide smooth grey-greeen irregularly furrowed bark dark green leaves turn to brown in autumn blooms at the beginning of spring
verd@xis 9
Manipulating topography to
restrict people from occupying certain areas, while making other areas inviting for activity and circulation.
verd@xis 11 elbaipucconu si epols %21 .yhpargopot eht fo noitpursid a suht dna
elbaipuccu si epols %21 dna %8 neewteB .tser ot ecalp a rehtar tub noitalucric yvaeh rof dednemmocer ton tub
below 8% yes
between 8-12% maybe
above12% no
elbaipucconu si epols %21 .yhpargopot eht fo noitpursid a suht dna elbaipuccu si %8 .noitalucric rof tfi dna
elbaipuccu si epols %21 dna %8 neewteB .tser ot ecalp a rehtar tub noitalucric yvaeh rof dednemmocer ton tub
elbaipucconu si epols %21 .yhpargopot eht fo noitpursid a suht dna elbaipuccu si %8 .noitalucric rof tfi dna
The intent of the double skin facade is to serve as a type of natural ventilation system for the buildings to enhance the idea of a new urban park. The distance between inner and outer skin is increased or decreased to allow for activity in certain spaces depending on program. For example, in residential spaces the distance between skins is much larger to take advantage of the oppurtunity of a terrace space which is so very important to residents living within the eixample.
W, E 1. Glass 2. Translucent 3. Open 4. Wire Mesh
SW, SE 1. Translucent 2. Glass 3. Open 4. Wire Mesh
S 1. Wire Mesh 2. Translucent 3. Glass 4. Open
Facades with the most sun exposure were given a high ratio of opaque materials to increase the amount of natural shading throughout the day. Facades with low sun exposures were given a high ratio of
transparent materials
to allow for maximum sunlight throughout the day.The ratio of facade materials to one another is dependant upon the orientation of the facade to the sun and the amount of sunlight it would recieve throughout the day.
verd@xis 13
N, NW, NE 1. Open 2. Glass 3. Transluscent 4. Wire Mesh
In response growing need
to the for open public space in an urban environment, the design of the verd@xis urban park is intended to break the formality of the typical eixample interior public space while maintaining the continuity of the eixample grid. This
was
achieved
by
elevating the park from
the street and surrounding it with program to mimic a typical eixample block. As a result from inside the park the space remains intimate while the city moves around its borders.
verd@xis 15
growakener
noun
an instrument through which to experience the grace of God in nature. This chapel is located in Anderson, SC, on the highest point of Anderson University’s natural campus, overlooking their 64 acre natural forest, a 15 minute walk from the main campus. Designed in 2010 under the guidance of Professor Harry Harritos. ORIGIN English : grow + awaken
gowakener 17
g r o · w a k e · n e r [groh-weyk-ner]
The exterior walls range from opaque to translucent. Behind the opaquewalls of the chapel the entrance, the office and restrooms are located. As the distance between the floor and the ceiling increases, so does the translucency. Glass panels with different opacities form a broken grid that slowly start to disappear to reveal nature.
growakener 19
growakener 21
A building that opens to nature. Floor slabs follow the existing topography. People descend down as they make their procession to the main altar. Nature becomes the backdrop to the main sanctuary, cleansing one from the distractions of everyday life to concentrate on one’s spiritual life. The ceiling elements bring in light and get higher as they approach the main altar.
growakener 23
exlinksion
noun
an instrument for more direct circulation. It becomes the link uniting two architectural studio spaces to the center courtyard as well as each other. The tensile structure was designed in 2008 under the guidance of Lauren Mitchell. ORIGIN English : extend + link
exlinksion 25
e x · l i n k · s i o n [ik’s-lingk-shuhn]
exlinksion 27
harptial
harptial 29
h a r p · t i a l [härp-shuhl] noun
a space inspired by the sounds and structure of the harp. This object takes the spatial quality of the harp and turns it into a place people can experience, at different heights and different enclosures. The intertwining structure was designed in 2008 under the guidance of Lauren Mitchell. ORIGIN English : harp + spatial
Exposed joints
help to better understand how the structure is assembled. Similar to the structure of the harp, Harptial has a main body structure that holds all other elements. The
verticality
creates and generates the need for the master stairs that bring one to the look-out window. The entrance is opened by the separation of the main vertical body slab into two broken elements.
different
levels
harptial 31
The Harptial project is about three main spatial experiences:
door window stair
common spaces that are many times taken for granted. This project studies the opportunities that those elements provide. The verticality of the main structure mimics the the main structure of the harp.
harptial 33
liniefied
verb
to make a drawing with many lines. Hundreds of layers overlap to make the final composition of a drawing. Different line weights, yet one color. Depth and texture become enhanced with each coat of fresh new lines. This is the result of weeks of line layers overlapping. This drawing was liniefied in 2009 under the guidance of Harry Harritos. ORIGIN English : lines + -fied
linefied 35
l i · n e · f i e d [lahyn-fahyd]
linefied sketch 37
linefied 39
black and white ink drawing composition 22x30 in. by veronica acosta spring 2010
41
journience
water tower
tillman clemson house smoke stack
stadium little john
journience 43
j o u r · n i · e n c e [jur-nee-uhns] the new Clemson University Preforming Arts Center. Located on the highest, most western side of the campus. It is an addition to the large scale, visual journey, through the landmarks that give identity to the university. A theater nestled on the highest point of a natural forest. Protected from external distractions, yet just a 10 minute walk from the main campus. Designed in 2010 by Maria Veronica Acosta, Katherin Harris, and Rachel Randall, under the guidence of Robert Bruhns. ORIGIN English : journey + experience
EM
S ON
site CL
noun
journience 45 clemson, sc. over the water. by veronica acosta. fall 2010
Service Access
Parking
journience 47
HWY 93
Patron Access
The small scale journey takes place through the site. Paths guide one from the parking lot, to the lobby building, then through the inner courtyard, with the black box theater as the final destination. The journey through the site is designed to be mysterious yet playful, revealing framed views of the lake, nature, and the architecture.
ESTCODE
CL EM S ON
P
AR
TS
journience 49
ng
rmi erfo
journience 51
journience 53 The external wall skin was inspired by the organic structures of leaves and tree canopies. The skin patterns alter according to the program inside, revealing activity and views in more public areas like the lobby space, and providing privacy in areas like the dressing rooms The structure is exposed inside the building to display the assembly strategy.
shop
level 2 Black Box
Office
lobby
vel Plan
Office Green Roof
Gallery Classrooms
shop
level 1 Black Box
lobby Dressing Room
Gallery Rehearsal
Dressing Room
journience 55
emerction
noun
the tool displaying the past, present, and future of the Gowanus neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. This
Environmental Science Park and Research Center
houses the Gowanus museum, Gowanus Canal Community Development Coorporation offices and co-working spaces, as well as classrooms and research labs. Designed in 2010 under the guidence of professor David Lee. Clemson University - New York study abroad program. ORIGIN English : emerge + connection
emerction 57
e · m e r c · t i o n [ih-murk-shuhn]
A walk through the streets of Gowanus, Brooklyn exhibition - summer 2010 by Veronica Acosta & John Oxenfeld
emerction 59 This collection of photographs was taken over the period of one week. Photographs were taken of both sides of each selected street every 20 steps. All the photographs were later merged to form a continuous street facade. This exhibition displayed the neighborhood fabric and character.
union st.
carol st.
3rd st.
emerction 61
gowanus canal
emerction 63
the site
Canal Community Development Corporation, GCCDC, has been one
of the driving forces to turning this neighborhood around. In order for the GCCDC to work successfully they need a place that can gather all the components they require to research and educate others about what is happening and what will be done about it to change the future
of Gowanus.
emerction 65
The Gowanus neighborhood, located in Brooklyn, NY, has been selected as a Superfund site by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Gowanus Canal itself has more than a century’s worth of noxious pollutants in its waters. That has been a factor pushing away commerce and even residents away from the area. The Gowanus
emerction 67
HUN
TING
entrance to
CLASSROOMS
TON S
T.
start of green hill
entrance to environmental science labs
entrance to
MUSEUM
ramp
courtyard
lab 1 Men
MUSEUM
restrooms
Men
SMIT
H ST.
greenhill
n
Wome
Wome
n
seminar room elevator ramp
lab 2
GCCDC entrance to
OFFICES
9T
HS
T.
street level: 0 ft.
above street level: +12 _ft.
restrooms
emerction 69 educational green roof
restroom
co-working spaces lab 3
elevator
ramp
ft. _ above street level: +26
green roof
above street level: 38 ft.
above street level: 41 ft.
lab 3
scale: 1/16
TRACKS co-working
education welcome entrance green hill
green roof
educational green roof
lab 3
lab 2
lab 1 museum
gccdc
9TH ST.
HUNTINGTON ST.
SMITH ST.
seminar room museum
emerction 71
TRACKS co-working
lab 3
9TH ST.
HUNTINGTON ST.
SMITH ST.
seminar room museum
TRACKS
education welcome entrance green hill
educational green roof
lab 1
The building itself is shaped by the connection lines made by green roof analyzing the site. This strategy co-working provided the location of the lab 3 entrances of each of the main programs and framed views lab 2 around the site. museum
gccdc
Learning from the past, assessing what is in the present, and planning for the future. GCCDC invitions the Gowanus neighborhood to blossom to its potential and become one of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn, to live, work, and play; setting an example for others.
emerction 73
The GCCDC Center will house the past, present, and future aspects of the neighborhood. A museum, to learn from the past and display information; offices, to work on the present issues; and labs and classrooms to research and teach the future leaders of the community, the children and neighbors about what can be done.
emerction 75
queens, ny. over the water. by veronica acosta. summer 2010
AIAS Freedom By Design Clemson University Spring 2011 - Easley, SC Project Manager
Maria
VERONICA ACOSTA Education
Clemson University
New York, NY
Barcelona, Spain
Architecture
Architecture
BA in Architecture Minor in Spanish Expected graduation:
(Summer Semester 2010)
(Fall Semester 2009)
Architecture
Civic Engagement
(Fall Break 2010)
(Spring Break 2010)
(Fall 2007-Spring 2011)
May 2011 GPA: 3.4 (4.0 scale)
Chicago, IL
New Orleans, LA
Prague, Czech Republic
Architecture _ Dry-In House (Spring Break 2009)
Recognition
SOUTH CAROLINA LIFE SCHOLARSHIP (4 yrs.) ($20,000)
PSA CLEMSON COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP (4 yrs.) 448 hrs. of community service_ Civic Engagement Commitment ($12,000)
SUSAN & HARRY FRAMPTON SCHOLARSHIP (1 yr.) ($4,000)
Leadership
Project Manager Managed small scale design build and repair projects. Lead groups of student volunteers through execution.
Ecumenical Service Committee Leader Arranged food and clothing drives for the homeless.
Freedom by Design
Clemson Campus Ministers Association
(Fall 2010-Spring 2011)
(Spring 2008-Spring 2011)
Rewigo Ministries (Spring 2010)
Camp Collide _ paid (Summer 2009)
Sales Associate Managed sales and personally sold over $15,000 worth of fine cutlery in 3 months.
Vector Marketing _ paid (Summer 2008)
Spiritual Retreat Leader Organized spiritual retreats once a semester. Lead student parishioners throughout the event.
Catholic Student Association (Spring 2010-Spring 2011)
Skills
Rhinoceros 3-D AutoCAD CS4:
Photoshop lllustrator InDesign Photography
Sketching Drafting Modelling MS:
Word PowerPoint
Spanish (Since1989) English (Since 2000)
Maria
VERONICA ACOSTA