VICTOR EMMANUEL H. DIONISIO ARCHITECTURAL PORTFOLIO
Make big plans; aim high in home and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die, but long after we are gone be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistence.� DANIEL H. BURNHAM
CITY BEAUTIFUL ADVOCATE - MANILA MASTER PLAN ARCHITECT
CONTENTS 01
The Lighthouse A Cultural & Recreational Telecommunications Tower
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SM Aura Public Seating
An Exploration on Modularity and the Enthralling Effects of Illumination
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Solo Tower The Amalgamation of Circulation and Technology
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Stilt House
A Distilled Expression on the Vernacular Tagalog House
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BALE
Building Accessible Livable Ecologies
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The Metropolitan Museum Recomposition of a National Treasure
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PSA Tower
Dynamic Geometry Interlaced in Formal Function
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Institutions: In Between Spaces
An Exploration on Programmatic Developments of Spaces Both Formed and Intended
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Flat to Fold
A Freestanding Brise soleil on Modularity and Multiplicity
The Lighthouse
A cultural and recreational telecommunications tower
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS | UNDERGRADUATE ARCHITECTURE THESIS | OUTSTANDING THESIS AWARD 2013
Filipino architecture is a style and philosophy that is misrepresented and challenged on a daily basis. The birth of architecture in the Philippines is said to be a direct product of the influence of foreign colonizers. That being the case, the concern and desire to develop cultural identity has always been a persistent problem nationwide. The Lighthouse, an undergraduate thesis project that I proposed, aims to develop cultural identity in the form of “mixed typology” development as a beacon of progress and future design that skillfully represents Filipino architecture and Manila as a world class city.
Conceptualized by drawing inspiration from the tetrahedron and the equilateral triangle, The Lighthouse makes use of two geometric figures that represent a multitude of ratios, patterns, forms, and functions. This balance in geometry and rational proportion are related to Filipino ideologies and characteristics; from the three different typologies amalgamated into the project - the cultural, recreational and commercial sectors - to the development’s orientation as a direct interpretation of the national flag. These nationalistic concepts fused together with structural expressionism and parametric design, showcase a vivid representation of Filipino architecture of the 21st century. 02
MIXED ICONOMISM Located along the Pasig river, the life line of Manila, The Lighthouse aims to revive, redevelop and reinvigorate the immediate area . While the 336 meter high observation deck proudly showcases the three main business districts of Manila, the development is also home to several attractions.
Attractions such as the theatre, function halls, commercial strip, and art gallery represent the nature of the Filipino people generating form from the various nodes and intersections of the cardinal points around the site. The structural concept draws inspiration from the simplistic design vertical supports strengthened by horizontal members plus the addition of perforated steel sheets in the form of a helix to counteract windload.
Tripod
Rebars
Helix
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One major issue in the development of this project and it’s numerous functions is the proper segregation of areas in horizontal zones and vertical tiers, a consideration clearly addressed as seen in the floor plans and site development. While the axial nature of the development clearly promotes walkability and simultaneously creates a storied pathway towards the tower’s base from any point of the site.
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SM Aura
Public Seating
LEAD DESIGNER ARCHION ARCHITECTS
AURORA This project called for the development of modular public furniture while simultaneously creating a captivating experience that will assure visitors of the commercial center to linger within the premises longer. The enthralling effect of proper accent lighting has lead to the design of solid sculpture made of acrylic stone integrated with strip lighting. The synthesis of the project’s organic form while fused together by light, similar to the Japanese art of Kintsugi, resulted in a centerpiece system that exudes modularity and flexibility while embodying the captivating effects of light and aura much like how the commercial center - its setting was designed.
High Back with Y-Bend Module
2 - Seater Module
8 - Seater Light Tree Centerpiece Module
3 - Seater Y-Bend Module
Floor Lamp Module
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SOLO TOWER LEAD ARCHITECT ARCHION ARCHITECTS
TECH-CIRCULATION Manila’s growing problem of land scarcity has lead to numerous vertical developments. Although these developments seem to solve the need for more space, the high density of people per square kilometer has greatly affected transportation and infrastructure within the city.
Due to the dependence on private
transportation of Manila’s residents, parking space is a major consideration in the development of any project. With so much energy and resources expelled on parking floors, vehicular ramps, lighting and air moving mechanisms; the idea of re-imagining circulation and parking was necessary to develop this project with the total land area of a mere 1040 sq.m (11,194 sq.ft.) together with a limited floor area ratio restriction of 12. The idea of vertical circulation for parking has greatly diminished the required construction area for parking while keeping the circulation factor at a minimum of 14% of the entire floor plate. This efficiency has produced a tremendous impact on energy and resource saving. Although the systems and processes of how to use vehicular elevators are not yet perfected for varied use, our cooperation with the development of the electronic systems and programming integrated with these mechanical systems will eventually lead to more elegant solutions. Truly, technology centered design is the now of architecture.
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Drawing inspiration from the great automobile era during the art deco period, the variations in linear patters intersected with 45 degree angles at various points creates a evident feeling of transit. This psychological effect creates a rapid movement in areas where space is limited and where the interior architecture plays a crucial role in influencing movement upon its users. These patterns and accents carry throughout the development in forms of architectural detailing, lighting accents and even spatial geometry.
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STILT HOUSE LEAD DESIGNER COLLABORATOR: VVZ ARCHITECTS
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Single Slope Roof
Living Volume
Social Volume
Service Volume
DISTILLED VERNACULAR
Vernacular architecture in the Tagalog region of the Philippines
can be classified as one typology - a light wooden house on stilts that is usually found by the mountain side or in a valley The Stilt house aimed to embody that typology while interjecting the idea of functional volumes as fundamental building blocks of the functionality of the structure.
The simplicity and segregation of spaces aimed to manifest
the distilled and minimal concept while artfully translating the form of vernacular Tagalog architecture to a modernist version of residential design fit for the local climate.
The openness and lucidity were both direct products of the
site, orientation, and immediate natural surroundings. Basic concepts of sustainable architecture were applied throughout the project, which aided the new residential project to coalesce with the evident and dramatic landscape that surrounds it. 14
B A LE LEAD ARCHITECT ARCHION ARCHITECTS
LIVABLE AND ACCESSIBLE The goal of this design competition was to create a community where the masses residing in the gentrified slums in Metro Manila could live and thrive. Taking this goal to heart, BALE aims to create a mutual relationship between the end users, environment, and the built environment. This constant interrelation of all three entities would determine the success of the development of being livable and sustainable for years to come. Analyzing the site, the physical setting of the project played a major role in the development of the master plan. The master plan which is divided into three phases, generates its form from three nodes of polarization. These nodes place the chapel and town hall, park, and playgrounds respectively, while maintaining its distance within the radius of walkability. Steering away from any massive structure, the clustered configuration of the residential buildings minimize heat gain and promotes an open space network that is integral to the character of the community. Accessibility in this project is not a mere requirement but also an experience that adds to the sense of place or Genius Loci that BALE aims to achieve.
SUSTAINABLE The spiral configuration of the plan aids in the creation of a fluid and defensible residential cluster while leaving an epicenter that generates numerous sustainable concepts. One applicable concept is the Venturi Stack Effect - an advantageous passive cooling technique that takes effect when hot air rises and new cold air is drawn due to the change in pressure. A related concept to the stack effect is the Coriolis Effect; which generates a deflection in the circulation of wind within each cluster that also contributes to passive cooling. BALE strives to be the epitome of comfortable living, a place wherein proper and simple architecture can greatly improve the quality of life of the community’s future residents.
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THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM LEAD ARCHITECT ARCHION ARCHITECTS
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PUBLIC ORIENTED Resurgence in the arts has lead the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank), to develop a new home for the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. Although exciting, museums defy the idea of sustainability especially in the local setting. To counteract the notion of museums lacking financial viability, the design intended for a much more interactive lifestyle park like experience rather than the typical parametric, massive, and sculptural structure. By freeing up the ground plane and providing garden and commercial spaces for the public, visitors could opt to enjoy the development without actually having to visit the museum per se. Circulation is an integral part of museum design. The intention of the vertical portals, which draw inspiration from the Teteh - ladders of vernacular Filipino homes, creates various nodes that stimulate visitors to explore the building in different ways every visit.
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PATTERNED Patterned after the artifacts displayed by the Metropolitan Museum, the precision cut sun shading devices intend to create shadow play that constantly changes the aesthetics and experience of the interior. These sun shading elements which sit a top glass “diamonds� are reminiscent of the typical indigenous villages found in the Philippines. The proportions of these Ifugao hut like structures vary in size to stimulate the illusion of depth since the primary challenge of the competition calls for an idea on how to reverse the linear block like mass that the narrow project site willfully suggests.
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PSA TOWER LEAD ARCHITECT ARCHION ARCHITECTS
MOVEMENT Progression is the desired trait that the Philippine Statistical Authority strives to exude. By creating a structure with a basic but efficient floor plate interlaced with a facade that embodies both the principles of symmetrical design - for the significance of authority - and asymmetry - expressing movement - the intended design of the project serves to be a benchmark for future government offices. The positioning of the angled solid masses countered by glazed fenestrations on the opposite side accounts for the perfect incorporation of natural light and also minimizing heat gain.
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In-Between Spaces Arch 552 - Institutions Studio Instructor: Prof. John McMurrough
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TANGENTIAL Life in middle school is a time where internal development takes place. Taking this concept to heart, the Clauge middle school in Ann Arbor should exude evolution, connection, uniqueness, and multiplicity. Based on the postulation of platonic forms as a basis for an antithesis of potential form, the extension of significant points in the basic geometry produced a development of the tangential connection. Ultimately, the aggregation of forms, zoning of activities and proportioning of program function produced linkages between these geometric forms and with its uniqueness between objects have simultaneously formed unintended courtyards of various sizes, circulation that transverses adjacent to both exterior and interior, and a continuous loop between spaces.
Ur
Cell Accommodations
Var
Zone
Proportion
Connect
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As the context of the project suggest a clear segregation of forestation and suburban fabric, the amalgamation of this institution creates a significant illusion of creating an urban frontage and fabric to act as a mediator between the two bifurcated elements. The location of the project on site suggests the formation of a private field oasis completely safe from all the externals surrounding the site. Regarding the strategy of producing a facade as a physical manifestation of the underlying intentions of the floor plan, the striation of colored panels bring both identity to each polygonal form independently and as a logic that unifies the entire development.
An affect this design strives to produce is the significance of adaptability as a product and derivative of the open spaces or simply known as the courtyard. The unintended or non-compulsory formed spaces of these courtyard comprise the ultimate identity of the building, while also creating a multiplicity of possibilities for coherence and adaptation. Ultimately, the intended design of this school relishes the awkwardness that is middle school and the middle space producing an environment ample for an epoch of change.
UrbanPresence Presence Urban
VariedCourtyards Courtyards Varied
Fortified
Fortified Fortified
Urban Presence Expandable Expandable Expandable
possibilities bothininthe theinterior interiorspaces spacesand andthe theimmediate immediate ossibilities both
Cell
Varied Courtyard Typology
Varied Courtyards
Accommodations
The cell produces multiple possibilities both in the interior spaces and t neighborhood. Urban Presence
Urban Presence
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Flat to fold Arch 537 - Fabrication Collaborators: Julie Choi, Don David, Nancy Cheng
To design a brise soleil that originates from a single sheet of metal that embodies
both modularity and multiplicity was the challenge for this project. Originating from the honeycomb pattern, we then decided to create units that vary in length and depth to provide both stability for the free standing wall unit and ample apertures for light and shadow play. The fabrication process was also considered in the design where the cutouts on the side planes create opportunities for tool access and an added layer for light and shadow play. Ultimately, this project is an exemplar for simple elements in design, material and execution that produce the effect of modularity and multiplicity.
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Victor Emmanuel H. Dionisio +1.650.750.5280 donidionisio1@gmail.com c. 2017