GRADUATE THESIS PROJECT
ALEX DOMINGUEZ | ANDY CAO
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON CAPPA
ISAMU NOGUCHI
DALLAS SCULPTURE
CENTRE
Situated between the Dallas Arts District and the Central Business District, the project acts as a connective vessel between both urban conditions. A contained landscape strategy introduces much-needed green space, reinforcing the curvilinear form of the sculpture center while integrating ecological systems. Sustainability is achieved through an mass timber structure, with daylighting and natural ventilation reducing overall energy demand, establishing a connection between exterior and interior.
DALLAS - TEXAS
Site Research - Program + Development
Districts
Thanksgiving Square
Ross Tower
Nasher Sculpture Centre
Dallas Museum of Art
Berms
Pathway
Gravel Threshold
Blossom Garden
Sunken Garden
Admin + Shared Spaces
Art Venue
Retail Venue
Public Sculpture Garden and Park
Landscape Street Flow
Public Face
Pedestrian Density
Crow Museum of Asian Art
Jacinto
MAIN + SECONDARY GALLERY
A naturally lit exhibition space that extends the landscape experience inward through that curvelinear circulation and framed courtyard views.
RETAIL ENTRY + VENUE
A double-height space serving as the primary retail entry, Akari Lamp gallery, and restaurant. Naturally lit through a skylight system defined by the interlocking mass timber structure, the space emphasizes openness, warmth, and visual continuity throughout the interior.
Jacinto
TERTIARY GALLERY
A naturally lit exhibition space functioning as both a transitional gallery and landing space to the second level. Positioned between the retail venue and administrative spaces, the gallery acts as a connective vessel, encouraging movement, interaction, and visual continuity throughout the building
Wall Assembly + Details
1” Cover Board
7” Rigid Insulation Skylight Flashing Roof Membrane
3” Composite Ceiling
6” Metal Studs Stone Veneer Panel Panel Bracket
OSB Panel
1 - 1/2” Air Gap
Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation R-42
Accoya Treated Wooden Finish Wooden Slat Bracket
Water Proofing Membrane
Zip R-12 Assembly
Accoya Treated Wooden Slat
Mass Timber
Structural Framing
Concrete Foundation
+ Retaining Wall
Wooden Slat
Accessory Steel + Components
Exterior Wood Panel
+ Fins
Closed Cell Spray
Foam Insulation
Interior Stone Veneer Panels
AXONOMETRIC - DOUBLE VOLUME + R - VALUE
Mass Timber
Structural Framing
Concrete Foundation + Retaining Wall
Wooden Slat
Accessory Steel
+ Components
Exterior Wood Panel
+ Fins
Closed Cell Spray
Foam Insulation
AXONOMETRIC - EXTERIOR + R - VALUE
RESTAURANT + EXTERIOR PERGOLA
A filtered daylight social space functioning as the project’s primary retail venue, integrating the bar, café, and Akari lamp exhibition. Connected to the exterior pergola and balcony, the space extends activity outward while reinforcing a seamless relationship between interior atmosphere, structure, and landscape
Structure + Interlocking Assembly
Curvilinear Structural Assembly
RETAIL VENUE ENTRY
The retail venue entry highlights the contrast between exterior and interior through transparency, material warmth, and filtered light. Accoya-treated wood slats and finishes extend throughout the canopy system, maintaining a balanced interplay of natural light and shade while reinforcing the project’s cohesive material and vertical language.
1 - Evapotranspiration Cooling
2 - Pollinator Planting
3 - Biodiversity
Natural Ventilation System
5 - Canopy Overhang
6 - Geothermal System
LANDSCAPE ENTRY
The Landscape entry sequence emphasizes the relationship between building and landscape through framed views extending from exterior to interior and interior to exterior. A sloped blossom garden guides visitors toward the sunken garden, while integrated landscape berms provide natural seating and moments of pause throughout the approach.
SUNKEN GARDEN
The final concentric ring of the landscape program, the sunken garden houses Isamu Noguchi’s heaviest sculptures within an immersive ecological setting. Surrounded by native Texas greenery, including Texas Sage, the space integrates a water retention pond that supports evapotranspirative cooling while reinforcing the project’s connection between landscape, sculpture, and environmental performance.
