Atlanta is in need of additional affordable housing, and we look to the MARTA rail system as the site for an innovative solution. By working underneath the elevated sections of the MARTA rail, our proposal transforms this neglected industrial space into a new affordable housing system, the MARTA Bridge Village. The Village maximizes each unit’s access to light and outdoor space through the use of courtyards and balconies, and is punctured by communal spaces built around the columns supporting the bridge above. The proposal uses the new Shape Machine technology to lay out its linear master plan in a manner that connects each unit’s outdoor spaces, in order to maximize the use of these spaces in an under-bridge setting and develop resilient communities.
Marta Bridge Village
West End Marta section with buildings.
Section through West End MARTA, Murphy St., Lee St., cargo rail, and the Beltline.
The MARTA Bridge Village at West End from across Lee Street.
Floorplans of one thin unit (1/8th of bay) variation with form diagrams. Floorplans of medium unit (2/8th of bay) variation with form diagrams.
Floorplans of one wide unit (3/8th of bay) variation with form diagrams.
Catalog of all variation forms thin, medium, and wide.
Sections through medium sized unit showing its balcony.
Elevation, second floor, and first floor of a stretch of four bays.
Axonometric section of one bay including communals.
Interior view in medium bay of dog-trot area.
Beer Spa
Fall 2023
Professor: Christian Coles
Location: Mývatn, Iceland
Mývatn, Iceland is abundant with views of pseudocraters, lakes, and the northern lights. With the call for a beer spa that hosts a brewery, tasting bar and relaxing spa facilities with beer baths near the Sel-Mývatn Hotel, this design prescribes all of these features as well as a focus on the most scenic views of the site. The design was derived from the angles from a radial diagram of the direction of the views of the site as well as a play on the interior and exterior experience of the user. Each form of the building hosts a different experience depending on what the tourist or local is in the mood for when visiting this beer spa.
Mývatn craters and lake.
Section cutting through craters near site and Sel-Hotel in Mývatn.
Second Floor Plan
Site map of craters, lakes and Sel-Hotel at Mývatn.
Site analysis conceptual parti diagrams on views, radial crater shapes, wind, and circulation.
Myvatnsvegur-848
Myvatnsvegur-848
Myvatnsvegur-848
Section through beer spa and craters.
de Maria Matilde Almendros
Summer 2023
Professor: Mark Cottle
Location: Barcelona, Spain
In partnership with Ana Palma Tello.
The Eixample in Barcelona is a bustling grid of blocks, offering housing, retail, and dining options. Among these blocks are Illas, serving as courtyards or parks. This project suggests modifying these Illas by dividing them into zones based on site visits and observations. Emphasizing spaces for young adults, teens, and the elderly, it enhances community engagement within these unique interiors.
Jardins
View of Eixample grid with Maria Almendros block detailed.
Interior proposal with added zones, planters, and interactive outdoor furniture.
Exploded elevated facade with immediate ground texture context.
Interior of L’Illa before the renovations of the courtyard.
Interior of L’Illa after the renovations of the courtyard.
Ways of Seeing
Summer 2023
Professor: Sekou Samuels
Project Location: Barcelona, Spain
Exploring the different attractions around Barcelona, this sketchbook course offered the opportunity to dig deeper into how to perceive shadows, light, and voids through a different lens. Drawing exactly what we see gives the chance to abstractly think of our everyday lives in a way through just a few strokes of graphite pencil.
Bench in Parc del Laberint.
Architecture in the Museum of Miro.
Biblioteca de Jaume Fuster.
Glimpse of urbanism in Barcelona.
Deep Decoration
Fall 2022
Professor: Hayri Dortdivanlioglu
Location: Rocinha, Brazil
In partnership with Analia Morales Gonzales.
The studio initially focused on analyzing Celtic Knotwork, exploring its figures and configurations. Panels representing the building’s “walls” were envisioned from these knotworks. Upon learning about the site in Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro, the focus shifted to understanding the local environment. Insights from site analysis informed the development of a building, Re-Imagining Equity, to address challenges in the neighborhood. This design preserves Celtic Knotwork elements while accommodating the building’s programmatic functions.
Final interlacings.
8 floorplans.
Exploded axonometric of final pattern interlace.
Section
Sweet
Auburn Spring 2023
Professor: Harris Dimitropoulos
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
The studio began by analyzing Celtic Knotwork, focusing on its figures and configurations. Initially, the design centered on creating spaces using knotworks for the building’s “walls.” However, after studying the site in Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro, the focus shifted to understanding the local environment. Insights from this analysis informed the development of a building, Re-Imagining Equity, aimed at addressing challenges in the neighborhood. While preserving Celtic Knotwork elements and panel connections, the design now integrates programmatic functions to serve the community.
Exploded axonometric of floors, mesh, walls, and curtain walls.
Structure of studio exploded axonometric drawing including truss members, columns, curtain wall mullions, and mesh structure.
