ALEXANDER MONTANILE
SELECTED WORKS 2022 - 2024
PROLOGUE
“Design is the bridge between what is and what could be—a canvas for solutions, stories, and change.”
In every space I shape, I seek to respond to both the visible and unseen needs of communities, crafting designs that resonate with resilience and nurture potential. Each project stands as an exploration—a balance between sustainability and impact, and of architecture’s role in fostering a more inclusive, enduring world. Through subtle gestures and bold interventions, my work invites a deeper understanding of what it means to build for all. . . .
ÑOOM ÑAAR
Primary School | Baghere Village, Senegal
Design Competition | Individual Work
Net-zero K-8 Public School | Chicago, Illinois
Academic Competition | Group Work
Self-cleaning Urban Garden | New Delhi, India
Academic Studio | Partner Work
Marketplace | Urbana, Illinois
Academic Studio | Individual Work
Library
Academic Studio | Partner Work
ÑOOM ÑAAR
Baghere Village Primary School
Summer 2023
Kaira Looro Competition
Individual Work
Rhino 3D, Grasshopper, AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator
Published as Project of the Day by Spectacular Design
Ñoom Ñaar is a school designed with simplicity and purpose, where light plays a pivotal role in function and guidance. The name, which means “to give light” in the native language of Wolof, reflects the building’s core mission—to create an environment where education can thrive in bright, inspiring spaces.
The classrooms are carefully designed to maximize natural light, eliminating the need for artificial lighting and creating an atmosphere that fosters focus and creativity. Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Ñoom Ñaar’s design. With a focus on affordable construction methods, the building incorporates locally sourced materials and passive systems to ensure long-term environmental benefits while keeping costs low.
At Ñoom Ñaar, young minds aren’t just touched by light; they become its source, casting beams that illuminate a future of endless possibilities.
Baghere Village, Senegal
Baghere
Senegal
Primary School de Bakidioto (destroyed and vacant)
Baghere Village Site of Ñoom Ñaar
Mosquee de Baghere
Tanaf Village
Casamance River
City Hall
Malnutrition Hospital
Design Process Connecting Program
As lifestyle continues to worsen in Baghere Village, life expectancy follows the same trend, specifically amongst children. The programming of Ñoom Ñaar is designed to target these individuals, ensuring basic human needs are met and exceeded, while fostering opportunities for education, health, and community growth.
Born Sick
Undereducated
Malnourished
Design Process Sketches - Interiors and Materials
Fountain Pen on Trace Paper
Physical Model
Central Courtyard
The floor plan of Ñoom Ñaar features a central radial atrium that connects difference wings, creating a community that maximizes natural light. Collective classroom spaces encourage collaboration and adaptability, while on-site gardens provide practical learning opportunities in agriculture.
Recognizing cultural diversity, adaptive spaces facing Mecca can be transformed for prayer. This holistic approach, catering to the needs of the children in a non-classroom setting has been proven to enhance their overall wellbeing.
Ñoom Ñaar’s design promotes positive brain stimulation, giving students a well-rounded education, bettering their lives in and out of the classroom.
1. Classroom 2. Recreation 3. Canteen 4. Office 5. Garden 6. Bathroom 7. Soccer Pitch 8. Atrium 9. Class Commons
Light
Hypothalamus Cerebellum
Limbic Front Cortex
Cross Ventilation
The large openings on each sides of the central courtyard allows for a constant circulation of fresh air, naturally cooling the building in warmer months.
Pedestrian Circulation
This structure allows for easily accessible circulation paths from each of the sides, using the center as the main wayfinding point.
Rain Water Collection
Water is collected from the roof and dropped down into the atrium gardens, allowing for low maintenance for interior vegetation.
Exploded Axonometric Material
Thatched Roof
Timber Truss
Sandbags 3 Wooden 2” x 4” Planks
5 Perforated Banco Brick Wall
Perforated Banco
Brick Wall
Sandbag Walls
Rammed Earth Wall Exterior
Wooden Truss 7 Woven Bamboo Frame
Ñoom Ñaar incorporates locally sourced materials, keeping construction costs just under 18,000 USD. Most materials are reclaimed, with a few newly added elements designed for future reuse and recycling. Economic
Woven Bamboo Frame
Wood Columns
Wall Section
Begin to assemble the wooden brace system and place bags accordingly
Sandbag walls are a sustainable alternative to traditional stone walls, that excel in cooling the building. Their simple construction process allows for rapid deployment, making them an efficient and eco-friendly choice for various applications.
Allow bags to set for 1-2 hours before constructing
Process
Walls
Pack sand and water into recycled sand bag
Construction
Sandbag
Sandbag Composition
After Activation Sandbag Size
Sandbag Wall Layout
Sandbag Composition Location Site 0.2 miles
Exterior View Front Entrance
Gymnocoronis splinanthodies
Communal Gardens
The establishment of communal gardens in Ñoom Ñaar goes beyond traditional horticulture; it symbolizes a collective commitment to sustainable education and community unity. These native gardens serve as living metaphors, fostering a sense of growth, interconnectedness, and shared responsibility among students. Beyond the cultivation of plants, the act of tending to these gardens becomes a collaborative endeavor, instilling values of teamwork and environmental stewardship.
Anubias barteri
Ensete ventricosum
Nicotiana africana
Anubias barteri
Phoenix reclinata Musa paradisiaca
IDEALS
Net-zero K-8 Public School
Spring 2024
DoE Solar Decathlon Competition
Group Work | Architecture and Structures Lead Role | Overall design, Renderings, Energy Analysis
Revit, Rhino 3D, Photoshop, Illustrator
Fourth Place
IDEALS: Innovation, Design, Engineering, Arts, Learning, & Sustainability. Situated on a 250,000 square foot parking lot that contributed to environmental degradation and heat island effects, IDEALS is designed to lessen the gap between public and private education in Chicago.
Catering to students from underdeveloped Chicago south and west neighborhoods, the building incorporates ultra-sustainable elements, such as a bio algae and double skin façade, exposed mass timber structure, and low carbon materials. High-tech classrooms blend with abundant natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Expansive indoor and outdoor green spaces, a green roof, and open communal areas foster both academic and social growth.
By re-imagining a neglected space and transforming it into a forward-thinking institution, this project not only prioritizes sustainability but also strives for equity in education, setting a new standard for public schools.
School District Funding Chicago-land Water Color on Paper Pad
Chicago’s South and West suburbs face challenges of poverty, housing instability, and inadequate education, leaving many children disengaged or seeking refuge in schools.
IDEALS is designed as a safe haven, offering security, guidance, and opportunity beyond the school day. Strategically located in a community in need, it serves as an anchor of stability and care.
Its design, symbolized by open hands, provides the support and structure many students lack, standing resilient amidst the city’s shifting landscape.
Highly Funded
Adequately Funded
Underfunded
Severely Underfunded
IDEALS Site and Target
Imagine
Where stories come to life, sparking creativity and transporting children to worlds beyond their own. Its design fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity, encouraging young minds to dream and imagine endless possibilities.
Gather
The heart of the school, where students naturally come together to connect and share experiences. Its open design, with an architectural stair as a central feature, encourages interaction, creating a sense of community and belonging.
Innovate
Designed as a dynamic space that inspires creativity and forwardthinking, encouraging students to explore new ideas. Its adaptable layout and integration of modern tools empower learners to innovate in their educational journey.
Library
Atrium
Tech Labs
Nourish
A welcoming space where students gather to refuel their bodies and minds, fostering well-being and connection. Its design emphasizes comfort and warmth, creating an environment that nourishes both health and community.
Grow
A vibrant space where students can connect with nature and each other, promoting personal and social growth. Its open design and greenery encourage exploration, play, and a sense of renewal, making it a place to grow in every sense.
Inspire
IDEALS - welcoming families with an inviting design that sparks curiosity and excitement. Its thoughtful architecture and sustainable goals creates a sense of possibility, reflecting the school’s role in fostering growth and ambition for its students.
Cafeteria
Courtyard
Front Lawn
Energy Analysis
By using softwares such as WUFI and THERM, it allowed us to test the thermal capabilities on the building’s envelope. By incorporating a double-skin façade, and vegetation roof, our data shows an effective reduction in heat loss, even at the roof junction.
As for humidity in the building, WUFI testing demonstrated an effective envelope that mitigates humidity with the varying spaces.
Exterior View Front Entrance
Total luminous flux
Total power
Total power per area
Lighting Analysis - RELUX CAD
Computer Lab
Cause and Effect
By placing IDEALS on an empty parking lot adjacent to a residential zone, the site lacks tall structures that would block light from any given direction. With that, the site gets direct sunlight from sunrise to sunset.
To solve this issue, aluminum louvers are hung on the west and north façades. The louvers are able to twist at highly specific angles to conform to sun changes throughout the day, providing unique shadows, adding dimension to the spaces.
Bio-algae Facade Panel Layer Breakdown
BOX OF AIR
Self-cleaning Urban Garden
Fall 2024
Professor Erik Hemingway
ACSA Steel Competition
Partner Work | Hengyang Zhang
Role | 3D Modeling, Graphic Representation, Research
Rhino 3D, Photoshop, Illustrator
Fall 2024 Edward C. Earl Prize | Nomination
Box of Air is a project that integrates traditional agricultural practices into cities severely impacted by high pollution and limited space for cultivation. New Delhi, India—the most polluted city on Earth—has faced challenges in crop production for decades. As populations continue to grow, access to clean, healthy crops becomes essential for sustaining human life. However, the greatest obstacle in these areas is the severely polluted air.
This project addresses this by breathing fresh air into communities that desperately need it. Encased in an electro-ionizing steel façade, pollutant particles are positively charged to react and “stick” to the negatively charged façade, allowing clean air particles to flow through. With clean air, the community can grow crops more efficiently and sustainably.
Box of Air is not just a solution for today’s challenges but a forwardthinking proposal for the future. As urban populations continue to swell and pollution levels rise globally, clean air and sustainable food sources will become increasingly scarce.
High population densities have led to a surge in demand for housing in urban centers. Given current employment rates in New Delhi, many residents are forced to live in low-income neighborhoods.
High levels of traffic emissions from industrial areas tends to create “hot spots” of air pollution, posing a threat to health of neighboring residents and workers.
Road design and infrastructure in many industrial areas have failed to meet the growing traffic demand and the lack of adequate parking spaces, creating extreme traffic backup throughout the entire city.
Housing Crisis
Lack of Infrastructure Traffic Build-up
INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
Given the limited space and highly populated towns, zoning districts within New Delhi are within extremely close proximity of one another. Each zone contributes in some way to the increasing rise of pollution and crop reduction. The project is sited within a transition zone, being equidistant to each of the adjacent zones within this area.
BOX
Non-conductive Plexiglass
Steel Facade and Conductive Layer
Main pollutant caused by mining and digging
Main pollutant caused by gas-powered cars
Air
Result of the electro-magnetic system
Low Voltage Ionizer Creates a negatively charged current that is picked up by the steel panels
High Voltage Ionizer Positively charges pollutants, creating them to react to the negative charge steel panels
Air Purifying Facade
Formaldehyde - CH2O
Benzene - C6H6
Pure
- N2
Natural stack effect to vent clean air into the space
Positive Charged Conductor
1: Base-Leg Connection
Each elevated leg is secured to a wide steel base, which then is bolted to a concrete foundation. The leg itself consists of four steel plates that encase a reinforced concrete pedestal. Each leg has a steel joinery system that gets bolted together.
The steel facade is anchored on the exterior beam-column wall system. A spider connection is used to create an all glass look from the interior. A layer of non-conductive plexiglass separates the ionizer from the steel to prevent an electric current.
3: Base-Top Connection
The elevated legs are anchored by a series of steel plate and pin connections. The legs attached directly to the bottom structure of the building, securing them both laterally and horizontally. Each leg is connection on both sides of the beam.
Cultural Patterns
The façade mimics traditional Indian geometric motifs, standing as a representation of Indian culture. The panels are painted white to symbolize purity.
2: Facade System Connection
INTERMARK
Marketplace
Spring 2023
Professor Andrea Malgarejo de Berry
Individual Work
Revit, Rhino 3D, Grasshopper, Photoshop, Illustrator
Intermark, nestled in Urbana, Illinois, stands as a culinary haven designed to enrich the diverse and underrepresented community of Urbana and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a global array of cuisines previously absent in the region. With its open floor plan, Intermark goes beyond being a marketplace— it becomes a dynamic space fostering community growth and engagement.
The layout encourages social interactions, creating a vibrant atmosphere where people from various backgrounds can connect over shared culinary experiences. Adding to its innovative design, Intermark features a solar shading façade. More than a functional element, this system not only provides comfortable spaces but also metaphorically embraces the city. Inspired by the native fish of Urbana, the façade symbolizes a comforting presence, weaving the city’s identity into the very architecture.
Intermark Target
Modern Tech
Large Retailers
Design Process Sketches - Form and Façade Exploration
Fountain Pen on Trace Paper
Physical Model
Tensile Material Exploration
Intermark boasts an innovative architectural floor plan that seamlessly harmonizes form and function. The absence of interior walls within this marketplace fosters a fluid and dynamic circulation, allowing visitors to traverse effortlessly between the diverse array of food stalls and vendor offerings. The triangular site with its absence of traditional barriers creates inviting entryways on each of the three sides, encouraging a free flow of foot traffic and promoting accessibility.
1. Meat and Dairy Inventory (2,340 sq. ft)
2. Fish Inventory (1,248 sq. ft)
3. Fruit and Vegetable Inventory (1,728 sq. ft)
4. Loading (1,000 sq. ft)
5. Kitchen (700 sq. ft)
6. Food Receiving (1,340 sq. ft)
7. Office (200 sq. ft)
8. Restrooms (1,500 sq. ft)
9. Handicraft Product Stalls (1,000 sq. ft)
10. Canteen Stalls (2,160 sq. ft)
11. Non-perishable Stalls (1,000 sq. ft)
12. Bar Seating (1,000 sq. ft)
13. Dining (6,000 sq. ft)
14. Outdoor Plaza (10,000 sq. ft)
15. Outdoor Balcony (600 sq. ft) 16. Strawberry Fields Cafe
Stalls
Seamless Design
Exterior View
Thoroughfare
Begin mirroring the tail of a Channel Catfish
Rotate and combine to derive the shape of each system Scale and calculate the proportional curve
and subtract elements to create voids for light
Fish Tail Façade
The Fish Tail Façade is a unique architectural concept inspired by the elegant curvature of the Channel Catfish tail, a native species to Urbana’s ponds and rivers, and a culinary staple in the region. Through meticulous parametric design techniques, the façade precisely mirrors the proportional geometry of the fish’s tail, creating a harmonious blend of nature-inspired aesthetics and sustainable functionality.
This innovative design serves a dual purpose by acting as a solar shading element. The result is an ecoconscious solution that minimizes the need for artificial interior lighting, promoting energy efficiency and reducing the building’s overall environmental impact.
The
Section BB East - West
Food and Community
Intermark’s interactive food stalls offer a delightful fusion of diverse culinary experiences, inviting individuals from various cultural backgrounds to savor and immerse themselves in flavors that might be novel to them. Situated just a brief six-minute drive from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Intermark becomes a culinary haven for both international and local students alike. Here, students can find a taste of home with cuisines reminiscent of their familiar flavors, creating a welcoming space that feels like a home away from home.
Interior View
Stacks
TEMPORAL TWIST
Library of Recipes
Fall 2023
Professor Akima Brackeen
Partner Work | Beni Lawson
Role | Graphic Representations, Diagrams, Sections Rhino 3D, Grasshopper, AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator Fall 2023 Edward C. Earl Prize | Third Place
Albany Park, Chicago, renowned for fostering unique connections among strangers, is facing challenges due to changes like gentrification. To preserve its vibrant culinary spirit, the concept of a recipe library has been developed, blending the essence of traditional kitchens with an archival inventory. This recipe library reimagines the traditional library as a place for learning, interaction, and new experiences. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the traditional culinary practices that have been the foundation of Albany Park residents for decades.
The design choice, a fusion of stainless steel and glass panels, reflects the beauty of the community, creating a more inclusive, inviting, and participatory environment. The proposal is a testament to immortalizing Albany Park’s current essence, ensuring its cultural connectivity endures.
By immersing themselves in this cultural heritage, new residents can gain a deeper understanding of Albany Park’s history and foster respect for the community’s long-standing traditions.
Below Poverty Low Income Median Income Storefronts
Similar to many West Chicago neighborhoods, Albany Park falls below the average household income. With higher rent rates, it makes living much more difficult
1890s 1920s
1950s (post-war)
1970s
Current Day
1890s - Introduction to the railway, small business trade
1920s - Family owned businesses, population double
Albany Park continues to fluctuate between societal hardships and economic booms
1950s - 80% population reduction, vacant businesses
Albany Park is anchored on one main road that houses a diverse range of businesses, allowing to create impactful architecture that will be seen and used by many.
Albany Park offers a diverse range of restaurants. These restaurants are segregated into certain areas on the main strip, not promoting cultural inclusion.
1970s - Economic boom, increase in Korean population
Now - Signs of gentrification, new apartment development
Underlying Issues
The presence of the “white man” in the depiction hints at underlying issues, particularly those related to gentrification. It metaphorically suggests a need for external validation or recognition for the community’s struggles. The contrast between the monochrome depiction of Albany Park and the vibrant, dynamic view through the ticket serves as a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by marginalized communities in asserting their identity and narratives against the backdrop of societal changes. Keeping this in mind, we sought to design a place that would allow for these communities to be heard.
Extrude Extrude faces from a square base.
Form One
Add four more planes and complete a cube.
Stretch
Take the faces and stretch it vertically to elongate the horizontals.
Form Two
Complete the rectangular prism by adding the top and bottom planes.
Form Process Study
Shear
Shear both verticals in opposite directions from each other.
Twist Twist the front and top horizontal planes to create final form.
Lasting Impact
Temporal Twist is a visionary project that emphasizes the profound impact of generations, seeking to encapsulate not just the spirit of the present but to craft a narrative that spans across time.
Envisioning our Library of Recipes as a dynamic space, we foresee a continuous cycle where the wisdom of the older generation imparts knowledge to the younger, the younger eventually becoming the new bearers of tradition.
This perpetual exchange serves as an educational and inspirational force, bridging the gap for both those well-versed in cultural cuisines and those just beginning their culinary journey.
Rectangular Prism
Prism
Rectangular Prism
Twist
Rectangular
Twist
Design Process Sketches - Interiors
Fountain Pen on Trace Paper
Oblique
06 OTHER WORKS
[RIG]GED
Space to convey negative and positive emotion
Site: Gulf of Mexico | Summer 2024 | Buildner Museum of Emotion - Shortlisted Top 30 | Group work: Ben Romo and Deonante Sutton |
Contribution: Overall design ideation, all graphic representation and renderings | Software: Photoshop, MidJourney AI, AutoCAD
[RIG]GED is a conceptual project that explores the life cycle of an oil rig and its intersection with sustainability and emotional impact. Once abandoned in the ocean, oil rigs pollute the water, but by re-purposing the structure, we created an artificial marine environment that supports thriving fish and marine life. The space functions as a “museum,” guiding visitors through exhibits that address ocean pollution and the harm caused by oil mining. As visitors journey through the space, they are confronted with environmental issues, but are also uplifted by the revitalized marine life, offering hope for positive change in response to past mistakes.
1901 E. Arthur Davenport House Restoration
Design and documentation of the home’s new Studio Garage
Site: River Forest, Illinois | Original Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright | Summer 2024 | Harding Partners | Architectural Intern
Harding Partners, led by Paul Harding, FAIA, specializes in historic preservation. In summer 2024, I contributed to the restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s E. Arthur Davenport House, which is a decade-long effort to return it to its original 1901 design. I helped finalize designs and details for the new garage and studio, which was originally demolished in the 1930s. The home is on track for LEED Silver Certification, blending historical preservation with sustainability.
Original 1901 Design
Today’s Design
thank you.
