My name is Andrea Acevedo Rivera, an architecture student from Ponce, Puerto Rico, currently a senior at the Savannah College of Art and Design, pursuing a BFA in Architecture with a minor in Architectural History. I aspire to continue my studies with a master’s degree in architecture and work towards licensure, with a particular interest in mixed-use developments, such as airports.
My design approach emphasizes the importance of circulation and how it ultimately shapes the user’s experience. I believe that how we navigate through a building has the power to influence how we feel about ourselves and our surroundings, making architecture an integral part of human connection and experience.
I am enthusiastic to continue refining my approach to design, creating spaces that guide, inspire, and leave lasting impressions on those who get to experience them.
OTTAWA, CANADA . PROFESSOR SAMUEL OLIN ARCH 301 HUMAN CENTERED DESIGN . FALL 2023
Embracing the profound nature of the site, the Levels of Light Central Mosque embodies a monumental architectural space through a focused approach between what is set-in-stone and the contemporary. Inspired by the site’s central importance, the design acknowledges the presence of Islam as the second-largest religion in Ottawa.
The design of the mosque centers on creating a monumental space that transitions between moments of compression, introspective reflection, and liberating release, for both community and self-reflection. A visual hierarchy guides visitors through the sacred environment, creating directionality and a sense of belonging. All visitors are welcomed to gather.
Site Location : Ottawa, Canada Mecca : Saudi Arabia
ISLAM
MONOTHEISTIC RELIGION NAMED AFTER AN ACTION “SUBMISSION TO ALLAH” COMMUNITY . SAFE . WELCOMING
Islam is the second largest religion in Ottawa, Canada. Dated to have originated during the 7th century in Mecca. Prophet Muhammad is believed to have been the last prophet sent by God to reveal their faith, after having an encounter with Angel Gabriel. Mosques are the heart of Islam, where prayers are performed on an open space or courtyard. Islam is currently the fastest growing religion in the world.
The design in Ottawa Canada aims to be a symbol of education and a welcoming environment. The use of stone and concrete as materials serves as a representation of wanting to keep what is traditional and set-in-stone of the Islam religion, while the ‘modern look’ offers a contrast that embraces progress, inclusivity, and change.
PILLARS OF ISLAM FIVE Faith
SHAHADA
SALAT Prayer
ZAKAT Almsgiving
SAWM Fasting
HAJJ Pilgrimage
1.8
Million Muslisms in Canada, which is about 4.9% of the population.
AXIS DIAGRAM
The axis created emphasizes directionality, appearing as an approachable site. The axis is made out of a concrete path that both organizes the arrangement of structures and connects both ends of the site - the market and the parking lot.
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DIAGRAM
Recognizing the value of prospect and refugepublic and private. Separating spaces based on programming and the needs of the user and community.
PUBLIC
PRIVATE
CIRCULATION DIAGRAM
Established paths to ensure a similar experience for both men and women, while maintaining the sanctity of their sacred spaces without intersecting.
WOMEN MEN
HIERARCHY DIAGRAM
An architectural visual narrative; the variation in wall heights guides the users to the most sacred space of the mosque - the prayer hall. In addition, these serve as prospect and refuge, providing opportunities of privacy and exposure.
SITE
A
SECTION B
SECTION C
SECTION
0’
0’
PERSPECTIVE B
PERSPECTIVE A
PERSPECTIVE C
INTERVENTION
13°42’75” N, 100°36’26” E
BANGKOK, THAILAND . PROFESSOR HSU-JEN HUANG ARCH 303 STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS . SPRING 2024
Inspired by the profound themes of intervention and connection, the design narrates the timeless legend of Mae Nak - a devoted wife from Thailand.
Through form and void, the triangular shapes symbolize various stages of connection and intervention: the intervention from the villagers, the religion, and the thin boundary between life and death. The design aims to honor Mae Nak’s devotion by highlighting the challenges she faced in her unwavering commitment as a wife. At the end of the path, users experience a sense of liberation as they enter the garden - a beautiful space representing not only Mae Nak herself, but also the restoration of the chaos caused by external interventions.
Inspired by the concept of breaking boundaries, Intervention examines the interaction between forces that disrupt and those that restore balance.
Structurally, Intervention explores tensile systems as a metaphor for these concepts. Tensile structures rely on balance and tension which reflects the mediation between chaos and harmony. By integrating the poem’s narrative into the design process, the project invites reflection on the impact of cultural interventions and through material exploration, the structure visually reinforces and shapes the main design concept.
BRIDGE DESIGN EXPLORATIONS
A LOVE’S GHOST
Let this poem be a representation of our love, For when I waited for you to come home as your devoted wife.
To be connected to you was all I yearned for So, in your absence, my heart felt sore.
Our souls spanned across this river, intertwined you and I For a vow was made and a love was defined.
Amidst our love, breakthroughts arose, For you invited chaos into our home.
Intervention, connection it was all a blur.
Within this chaos, emotions stirred.
I crossed limits to stay by your side, Breaking boundaries, so forever was for you and I. But you reached bounds, just to cast me aside.
Then let this garden symbolize my peace - the beginning of my end. Where I shall room endlessly
Not as your devoted wife, But as Mae Nak
Let this poem be a representation of my story, For when I needed you to hold me close You set me free from a love’s ghost.
BEAMS
W 16 x 40 SPAN :10’
TENSILE SYSTEM WITH CLEVIS CONNECTIONS ATTACHED TO PREFABRICATED STEEL PLATES
V BRACING SPACING : 4’
GIRDERS W 36 x 160 SPAN : 20’
BRIDGE ISOMETRIC
2’
CONCRETE COLUMN, STEEL PLATE
CONNECTOR, AND WIDE FLANGE STEEL COLUMN
15’ CLEARANCE FOR BOAT TRAFFIC
5 1/8” x 21” GLULAM CONNECTION WITH A PREFABRICATED STEEL PLATE
5 1/8” x 21” GLULAM BEAM BOLTS
TENSILE CABLE STEEL PLATE
SCADSERVE COLLABORATION
FRANK CALLEN BOYS + GIRLS CLUB
32°04’18.5” N, 81°05’17.7” W
SAVANNAH, GA . PROFESSOR DANIEL BROWN ARCH 404 URBAN CONTEXT . FALL 2024
“Our team proposes a comprehensive redesign of the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club located in Savannah Georgia, utilizing all aspects of the building to enhance accessibility and spatial optimization. Simultaneously, we will preserve the historical character and reputation that the Boys and Girls Club has worked very hard to craft, safeguarding its role as a cornerstone of the community for generations to come.”
“Our design goal is to create a space that provides a fun, safe, educational, and creative learning experience. The key design focus is understanding the users experience while moving throughout the transformed spaces.”
Collaborated with a specific team measuring the existing building to create a detailed Revit model for accurate project documentation. Contributed to project visualization by producing a selection of redesigned first-floor renderings with Abigail Olakunbi-Titiloye. Assisted in documentation efforts to support the final project deliverable.
HIGH SCHOOL (15-18)
MIDDLE SCHOOL (11-14)
ADMINISTRATION AND ELEMENTARY ( 5-10)
GYM WITH FRANK CALLEN’S HISTORY TIMELINE RECEPTION
IN TUNE
23°55’49” N, 35°28’42” E
RED SEA, EGYPT . PROFESSOR DR. EMAD AFIFI ARCH 302 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT . WINTER 2024
The diving center creates a welcoming and inspiring environment for gathering, preparing, and embarking on water activities along the Red Sea coastline. Inspired by the site, marine life, and sensory experiences, the design seeks to capture the essence of rhythm and stillness, offering a tranquil space that seamlessly integrates with its coastal surroundings.
By merging the regulating lines derived from the natural contours of the site, the space mirrors the sensation of becoming one with the sea — an environment that embodies motion yet evokes serene stillness The goal is to capture the essence of the sea, serving as a seamless bridge between land and water.
Through an exploration of the shapes and characteristics of marine life and ecosystems, I found myself drawn to the profound experiences evoked by the sea’s natural beauty. Initially drawn to the concept of soundthe gentle rhythm of the waves, which offer a serene and harmonious experience. Despite embodying constant movement, there exists within them a profound stillness, an invitation to be fully present in the moment. RHYTHM
SOUND
RED
MAP LOCATION DIAGRAM
Located around the Red Sea coastline of Egypt is the Berenice Troglodytica Peninsulaa private isolated site, yet rich in natural resources surrounded by the Berenice Internacional Airport, a Naval Base, and beautiful landscapes, both inland and water.
SITE LOCATION DIAGRAM
The site includes the following main features : . proximity to coral reefs . variety of diving sites . direct access to the water . proximity to the airport
SUN PATH DIAGRAM
Hot summers, mild winters and little precipitation.
SUMMER SOLSTICE WINTER SOLSTICE
PREVAILING WIND DIAGRAM
The predominant winds in the site are Northwest.
EAST ELEVATION A
SECTION PERSPECTIVE B
C
SECTION
0’ 5’ 10’ 20’
12’ 0’ 3’ 6’ 24’
FLOOR PLAN
PANORAMA
43°44’15.3” N, 102°31’19.1” W
SOUTH DAKOTA . PROF. JULIE ROGERS VARLAND
DSGN 224 SITE AS DESIGN GENERATOR . WINTER 2022
Even when traveler’s seek a pause, the heart of a traveler longs for adventure. Panorama is a space designed for these traveler’s using the site of the Badlands National Park and its amazing features as a guide.
In this immersive landscape, the traveler’s will have the opportunity to relax, reflect, hike, and adventure among a 360 beautiful landscape that consists of mixed-grass prairies and rock formations. Aiming to enhance the features of the site, such as the views, the weather, and its characteristics - the use of sensory is used throughout the design creating an immersive experience. In this space where traveler’s seek a pause, the site impacts the architecture, in order for it to enhance the beauty of the Badlands National Park in South Dakota.
When it comes to the Badlands National Park, there seems to be no in-between. The diversity all-around changes drastically.
This model serves as an interpretaation of the site. It expresses the importance of these differences. Two of the most striking features are the rock formations and the prairies. This showcases the altitude in contrast to the flat landscape. Another important factor is the temperature change, portrayed through snow and red-ish yellow grass. In addition, throughout the site there are a variety of different textures - from the rigidness of rocks to the smooth, gentle touch of grass.
The Badlands National Park is a place of extremes. The balance between polar opposites creates a sustainable and functional place that appreciates the site and belongs.
BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK
The aim is to create an immersive experience, where the Badlands National Park would be enhnaced through the design.
The site selected is located between 27 and 44 road, which is easily accessible, while still providing a sense of privacy by being located far away from the tourist areas. It is near the Pinnacles Overlook, which is one of the viewing points of the Badlands National Park. The site also consists of a large area of mixed-grass prairies where the accommodations and gathering spaces will be arranged; however, it is surrounded by rock formations that will allow the traveler’s to adventure, hike, and appreciate a different view of the site.
The nightsky is one of the most beautiful features of the Badlands National Park. The arrangement of the structures in relationship to the site is meant to resemble a constellation, enhancing once again the natural features of the site.
ACCOMMODATION
The bed is to be embedded on a 6’ thick rammed earth, in order to serve as a passive cooling strategy. In addition, it creates a completely new experience.
The hearth, located in the middle of the accommodation can be used all around the accommodation. It’s a 360 experience - a Panorama.
The louvres provide shading and block the direct sunlight.
GATHERING
A contrast from the accommodations, continuing the concept of contrast and polar opposites. Embedded gathering space, portraying a sense of refuge.
Design decision of a sloped roof so that it is appropiate to the cold climate and can withstand the weather conditions.
Due to predominant wind, sound architecture can be implemented, creating a new sensory experience.
