M.ARCH I
PORTFOLIO Ricardo Hernandez-Perez
CONTENT SYSTEMATIC CUBE 01 INTERMEDIATE TERMINAL 03 BELLE ISLE BATHS 13 SUTURED RESTAURANT 15 STUDIO 421 19 TRENDWATCHING OFFICE 21 MOB WORK 25
cover and back cover image of wax model for terminal warehouse project.
MOB BIKE RACK CARVER MEWS MAPPING VACANT LOTS RICHMOND PARKLET
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SYSTEMATIC
CUBE This project was a one week charrette that sought to find a reconciliation between a rib and a piece of hardware. I was inspired by the geometric qualities of the objects and incorporated the continuity of the circles on the piece of hardware and the idea of contraction and expansion of the ribs while breathing to create this cube.
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TERMINAL
WAREHOUSE
PROBLEM Can introverts and extroverts cohabit in the workplace without infringing each other’s ways of working? SOLUTION Solitude has long been associated with creativity and transcendence. The Intrinsicdriven Model I developed will address collaboration as a spontaneously driven activity, not forced, and solitary spaces as components of the creative process; thus creating a balance in the introvert-extrovert spectrum. SETTING The Intrinsic-Driven Model will be implemented in an incubator/coworking work.learn campus that provides flexible and customizable work spaces. Beyond acting as a collaborative hub for individuals, the campus will consist of learning facilities that support artistic work and provide workshops for learning. Mentors will range from local firms to academicians. In addition, the campus will provide apartments for traveling guests. BUILDING SELECTION Intermediate Terminal Warehouse No. 3 3103 East Main Street Richmond, VA Building has 33,000 sq.ft. and 3 floors This project will occupy 19,500 sq.ft. across all floors
building lighting study
1. Individuality Enablers
2. Spontaneous Encounters FOCUS
3. Flexible Work Philosophy
1. Individuality
2. Spontaneity
3. Flexibility
Individuality will occur by providing areas that adapt to various personality types. Besides allocating for a level of customization, these areas should consider aspects such as noise level and solitary vs. open spaces.
Collaboration cannot be forced. Therefore, areas that support these types of activities become essential. In a generalized description, spontaneous encounters will support three of the four components of knowledge work: Collaboration, Learning, and Social Activity.
A work philosophy that understands individual work styles is imperative, especially in creative companies. The transformation of the workplace from an eight hour per day location to a place where you go to exchange ideas allows for a more proactive workforce.
INTRINSICALLY-DRIVEN MODEL 04
After developing a metaphor between my space and a city, I began thinking of a city as an ecosystem which lead me to explore the oceanic landscape. Upon doing so I began to develop an early strategy for the organization of the building. Moreover, the landscape of the ocean became a great inspiration for the forms that would take place within the space. In order to further explore the relationship of the building to the site I began to develop an organizing principle that related to the spectacular view from the building. Despite my early acknowledgment of this feature, I lacked a specific study that analyzed in detail the best viewing angles from the site. Therefore, I chose the farthest corner of the building as my X and Y axis, X being the wall facing Main Street and Y pointing towards the river. Upon that I drew the angles in increments of 1o and after taking into account my site visit decided that angle 120 was the direction that provided the best view of the skyline. This became my organizing principle for the forms found in the canyon. 05
At the beginning of the project I thought of the building as a simple cube and began drawing forms that carved out parts of the cube. This approach allowed me to arbitrarily study forms and volumes without any preconceived ideas. Moreover, the series became a good point of reference for inspiration later in the project. After the space planning phase, I began to sketch potential concepts for the space. This allowed me to start thinking in 3D and begin developing the space in elevation. The 3D studies have allowed me to explore the connections between floors, rooms, and study the circulation within the building. 06
A. CANYON MODELS The canyon model explores the early programmatic aspects of the process. The white boundary divides what I had designated as the employee side from the support/ client spaces. The canyon, on the left, begins to study possible gradations within the landscape and is positioned towards the view. The client/support side is positioned on the left with a more solid and enclosed structure. B. MAGNETISM MODELS Upon exploring the canyon and using the elevation diagrams as a guide, I began to study the shapes that would extrude towards the view. I began thinking of pulling objects and how the become thinner as they are pulled. This led to the concept model on the bottom of the column. The model on top explores the idea of staggering the offices so they each enjoy the view and the relationship between them across all three floors. C. PULL MODELS The pull model is a further and more refined exploration of the movement concept model. It spans all three floors and begins exploring the relationship between the extrusions and different ways of creating privacy within them. Since the early inspiration of the project was the ocean landscape I wanted to incorporate the idea of light remaining on the surface and materials getting darker the closer you get to the ground. D. WAX MODELS
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The final model involved a wax form positioned within the framework of the building. Since I already had an idea of the forms I preferred through previous explorations, I wanted to give myself the opportunity of using a material that allowed for unexpected opportunities. The wax, mixed with ice, created numerous voids and shapes that inspired new concepts and forms.
CANYON CITY
LEVEL THREE
CANYON CITY: MODULE II
CANYON CITY DIAGRAM CANYON CITY
LEVEL TWO
1. Sky Terrace (Phase 2) 2. Module II 3. Module I 4. Reception / Auditorium Level
CANYON CITY: MODULE I
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CANYON CITY
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LEVEL ONE
CANYON CITY: LEVEL ONE
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A. CANYON FACADE
Adjustable partitions for Workspace Typology 5
Corten steel detail accentuates floor transition Black granite detail symbolizes carving into the canyon
Mahogany wood detail Garage door concealed with corten millwork opens woodshop up to canyon
A B Blackened steel forms bridge between sides of canyon 09
B. CANYON CITY
Corten steel outlines canyon city structure Glass allows visibility for offices within canyon city Patina copper millwork represents canyon formation
Lounge within canyon
Pattern inspired by suspended rope bridges
Bleacher seating made of molded blackened steel to mimic the form of a suspended bridge 10
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Auditorium glass partitions
RECEPTION ATRIUM 11
Corten steel detail represents canyon city structure
Blackened steel represents bridge “spilling� over reception atrium and forming reception desk
Black stone is used to represent the mass that contains the support spaces: restrooms, elevators, etc.
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Typology 5 workspaces with adjustable corten partitions for privacy
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conference room provides private collaborative space
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lounge provides space for spontaneous collaboration
technology is integrated within the campus to appeal to diverse work styles
WORKSPACE TYPOLOGIES 1. This workspace allows individuals to work in the open, usually with others. Tables with built-in screens facilitate this collaboration and serve as individual workspaces as well. 2. This is a traditional benching system that allows individuals to work around others while keeping their own space. 3. This workspace allows individuals to work in groups of two. The space has adjustable sliding panels for personal customization and wink walls for collaboration. 4. This is a more private workspace. The desk faces the wall and provides maximum concentration, shared only with one other person. 5. This is the most private of all the typologies, perfect for focus work and individuals who prefer to work in complete isolation.
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A. PROCESS
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B. MODEL C. RENDERINGS
dark basswood depicts new structure built with existing materials
existing quarry ruins
channel carries cold water from uppermost pool
light basswood depicts new material
BELLE ISLE
BATHS wax is used to depict the site
Belle Isle is an experience. In order to enhance such experience one must create a connection between the space and the end user. A clear relationship between the baths, the site, and the users has to be established in order to enhance the experience. The design allows the user to create a unique relationship with the site by providing pools with various temperatures, diverse environments, and a sensibility towards public to private progression within the design. 14
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Server Hallway
Custom Furniture
The hallway creates a path that the servers can use to care for the tables without obstructing the main guest traffic path.
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1. Reception & Waiting Area 2. Bar & Lounge 3. Front Dining Area 4. Server Station 5. Private Dining 6. Back Dining Area 7. Rest room Waiting Area 8. Woman’s Rest room 9. Men’s Rest room 10. Server Station & Cellar 11. Large Group Dining 12. Kitchen 13. Small Garden N
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SUTURED
RESTAURANT 2
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Inspired by the cultural schism between Spain and Catalonia, the design of the Les Cols Restaurant in Richmond seeks to infuse the contemporary brand with some southern warmth. Using the central wall in the space as the organizing element I have created an internal structure that seeks to suture the halves and alludes to a possible reconciliation between culture and structure. 16
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Kitchen
Bar + Lounge
Dining Area
SUTURING PROCESS
The Les Cols location in Spain served as a critical source of inspiration for the feel of the Richmond location. Architecturally, I begin exploring partis and possible organizing elements by overlaying the Spain location’s plan over the Richmond space.
Floorplan Overlay Drawing
By overlapping the plan of the Les Cols restaurant in Spain, new organizational patterns began to form, developing the parti for the space. A longitudinal and transverse axis open a gateway into finding a solution to suture the schism. Preliminary sketches explore structural components that posed conceptual solutions to the concept of suturing spaces while exploring shapes and forms to begin shaping the experience within the restaurant.
Original Wall
Les Cols Restaurant Spain
205 - 207 East Broad Raw Space
Broken Sections
Longitudinal Axis Transverse Axis
More elaborate sketches explore different manners of interpreting the desired experience of the design. Wood study models allow the structural decisions to be explored in a more tangible manner to ensure plausibility of design. 18
B Matte Red Paint
Pure White Paint
Semi-gloss Black Paint
Shaw Contract Group Carpet
Plywood
Armstrong Metal Ceiling Tile
Felt AppliquĂŠ
PROCESS SKETCHES
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Polished Chrome Finish
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1. CLASSROOM 2. STORAGE / CLOSET 3. CONFERENCE ROOM
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4. DISPLAY CASE
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SECTION 1
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STUDIO
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421
SECTION 2
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Studio 421 serves the students of the VCU Fashion Merchandising department. The program involved a classroom, a conference room, and storage for historical garments.
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CONCEPT MODELS
section 2
Concept: The design focuses on the idea of creating a runway for the fashion merchandising students who, despite studying fashion, lack the amazing experience of having their work showcased on a runway. The runway is delivered in a large red cargo container that becomes the organizing element between the three spaces and opens up into the classroom, alluding to the merchandising aspect of their majors. The design also explores different ways of dividing a cubic space in three.
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A BRAND AS A CONCEPT After researching various materials used in the Vernacular architecture of Virginia, two materials were chosen, straw and brick. The inspiration for straw came from the Jamestown Settlement recreation of the Powhatan Indian Village and the brick from its vast usage throughout the state. The pattern created using the straw in an inspirational image served as the main catalyst in choosing that material that would carry its influence into the space. On the other hand, the influence of the brick will be seen through the layering of wood in a manner that it recreates the bond pattern created after a brick wall is laid. Therefore, the vernacular concept extracts unique elements from the common nature of the materials and uses them to create the brand for the Trend Watching Richmond Satellite Office. 21
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1. Private Enclaves 2. Reception 15.
3. Copy/Printing/Fax Room 4. Cafe 5. Waiting Area
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6. Lounge 14.
7. Yoga Room 8. Play Room 9. Server Room
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10. Storage Room
12. 11. ADA - accessible shower 12. ADA - accessible bathroom
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13. Bathroom 14. Teleconference Room
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15. Library 16. Work Stations
9. 17. Technology Work Station 20. 18. Main Executive Office 8.
19. Executive Office 20. Conference Room
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Public Semi - Private Private
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Core Work Area Support Spaces
TRENDWATCHING
OFFICE As a trend analyst company, Trend Watching sets out to seek trends throughout the world. This rigorous process of examination requires as much consideration as choosing a location for a satellite office. Richmond, Virginia, the chosen location, was a major inspiration for this project and the design was brainstormed using the vernacular architecture of the state as the main driver. The goal was to use these common materials and incorporate them in a unique way, the same method by which the consumer creates a trend pattern. Therefore, the concept of the Richmond satellite office is born from the same process consumers follow that leads to the creation of a trend, picking out the special from the ordinary. 22
The play room, adjacent to the waiting area, reiterates the casual atmosphere of the company by opening up their play room to the incoming guests. The play room features a yoga room, a treadmill, and modular seating from MOLO to create a space of relaxation for the employees.
Blue Bliss Carnegie
Red Bliss Carnegie
3-form Chroma Midnight
Parcs by Bene
THE IDEATION SPACE
THE RECEPTION
Gallery Green Wall of Deesawat
Softseating by MOLO
Trellis Brick Bond Pattern Detail The manner in which the wood trellis is stacked resembles the bond pattern of brick, one of the two inspirational vernacular materials chosen. The straw is represented through the shredded paper ecoresin panel from 3-form.
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Babel Tables Bla Station
Premise MoxieXSeries Haworth
Boo Chairs by Bla Station
The workstation system is designed to provide privacy while keeping the area open enough to promote collaboration. Acoustic ceiling panels from Texaa are installed above the desks to control noise levels. In addition, a technology station is located at the end of the desks to encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
Technology Station by Bene
THE WORKSPACES
THE LOUNGE
Kitchen by LAGO
Soflight by MOLO
The Lounge is the heart of the Trend Watching office. Designed to promote and increase collaboration, the large huddle space features a lounge feel that blends furniture from BENE and Haworth that can be used for informal meetings and as hang out spots. Whiteboards adjacent to a wide table, an enclave, a kitchen, and various seating arrangement. MOLO softlight clouds are used to soften the hard edges of the trellis.
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The pink forms on the left were part of the mobJOB collaboration effort between mob and Troy Schaum from Rice University. The project was a one week charette that explored the idea of monumentality for the underdog. I contributed to the design process and the construction of the forms. The assortment of images adjacent to mobJOB are thumbnails from various projects I worked on at MOB.
MIDDLE OF BROAD
COMMUNITY DESIGN “Enter Storefront for Community Design - armed with the simple tagline, “For the Love of Our City” ... The nonprofit is the brainchild of communityminded architects, preservationists and city leaders. It provides Richmonders with a host of tools, everything from assistance with architectural design to help with labyrinthine process of applying for home or community improvements grants and loans. SDC helps residents take an active role in shaping their surroundings.” - Chris Dovi for R Home Magazine. SDC partnered with VCUarts to create an interdisciplinary studio were students from Interior Design, Graphic Design, and Fashion Design join forces to work on SDC projects. The following pages highlight both personal and groups projects from my yearlong journey at MOB + SDC. 26
1. Entrance/ Carver Mews Sign 2. Swing Area 3. Benches and Privacy Fence 4. Mrs. Abernathy’s House 5. Open Green Space 6. Alley 7. Storage and Amphitheater 8. Sculptural Trees Garden
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ENGAGEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY In march 2013, we attended a carver community general meeting and presented the concept of a green space to the attendees. The image above shows the inspiration board presented. We asked residents to respond with a blue post-it for designs they liked and an orange post it for designs they disliked. Residents were drawn to low maintenance designs that were very cost effective and spaces where people could gather without attracting large crowds. We used this feedback to inform our proposal.
Wood Swing
Concrete Bench
Blackened Steel
Corten Steel
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Corten Sign 6.
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CARVER
MEWS This project sought to create a green space proposal for the Carver neighborhood. VCU currently owns the piece of land so Carver residents approached MOB with the idea that with a plan for a neighborhood Improvement, the community could acquire the property in the future to implement the plan. Our proposal was based on designing an urban park for the neighborhood with a variety of spaces to cater for the older and younger crowd. My role was to design the park, develop renderings, site plans, and material selections. Ricardo Hernandez-Perez, designer Grace Hazelgrove, client relations Gwendolyn Stinger, graphic designer Sophie Yan, project manager
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MOB BIKE RACK
Inspired by the lack of trees on MOB’s block, the design of these bike racks seeks to create a protective canopy resembling that of a tree sheltering the bikes, people waiting for the bus or the occasional pedestrians. From it’s protective branches to its nutrient-collecting roots, these bike racks serve as a metaphor to our presence at MOB.
AERIAL VIEW
SIDEWALK VIEW
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1. Storefront Logo 2. Red Resin 3. Green Resin 4. Blue Resin 5. Yellow Resin 6. Polished Stainless Steel
STREET VIEW
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1. In this imaginary transformation of Union Hill, we see where the angled streets of the neighborhood collide with the superimposed city grid, intricate geometric shapes are formed. The process is shown from top to bottom. 2 + 3. Since topography plays a major role on the unique characteristics of Union Hill, I developed maps thats overlayed the contour lines of the terrain over the blocks. Two maps depicting occupied and vacant sites were developed In order to better examine the interactions and the relationships formed. Remaining Maps. A relationship between the vacant lots and the streets began to develop as the documentation progressed. I began to question the idea of the lots as vacant spaces and began to view them more as connectors between blocks. These existing green pedestrian thoroughfares offer an alternative path, as well as permeable transportation surface. By putting aside the legal constraint of property lines, the vacant lots took on a new identity: plazas and passageway.
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MAPPING VACANT LOTS
Problem: Our cities are overflowing with vacant lots and spaces yearning for attention and care. These vacant lots are constantly overlooked and neglected. The Goal: To reveal vacant spaces as assets for the community. The Process: 1. Choosing a neighborhood. 2. Understanding the neighborhood in relation to city and its history. 3. Developing maps that convey discoveries and ideas both conceptually and pragmatically. The colorful maps above were Inspired by household income, population density and age of the Union Hill neighborhood. Each color represents different data and the bleeding of colors symbolizes the integration occurring in the neighborhood presently. These watercolor maps explore alternative methods and mediums of conveying and displaying information. The map on the left shows the vacant vs. occupied lots in the neighborhood. The black represents the vacancies. 30
1. Parklet for Pets
2. Parklet as a Playground
The next big idea in urban design is thinking small. Parklets are tiny public parks created from parallel-parking spaces or other unused swathes of land. With help of a $5,000 undergraduate research grant, VCU student Ricardo HernandezPerez hopes to create a parklet in Richmond this spring. Hernandez, an interior design major, and Lauren Versino, a sculpture major originally partnering on the project, traveled to San Francisco last spring to visit parklets there and collect ideas. Hernandez is now working with the Storefront for Community Design, Richmond’s nonprofit design and building resource, to secure land and build the parklet.� - JRH for R Home Magazine.
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3. Parklet for Performers
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RICHMOND
PARKLET This project forms parts of an undergraduate research grant for $5,000 I received to build Richmond’s first parklet in collaboration with Lauren Versino, a sculpture student. A parklet is an extension of the sidewalk that takes over unused space and turns it into urban parks where people can sit, perform, park their bikes, and enjoy the city around them. I chose Carytown, a mile long strip of stores and restaurants as the site due to its lack of public space and its vibrant atmosphere.
A map of Carytown shows spaces for potential parklets. Four spots were chosen for the project.
The project was featured in the yearly HOT LIST by R Home magazine and I was honored as one of Richmond’s Top 10 Innovators of 2013. I made four parklet prototypes that became part of my MOB course, a cross-disciplinary class that focused on community design. The parklet is currently being fund raised by the Robinson Street Association. 32
RICARDO
HERNANDEZ-PEREZ M.ARCH 1 PORTFOLIO // THANK YOU