Explorations in Architecture
place-making & storytelling
driven by rigorous curiousity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Where will the forest grow?
Boundary Embrace
From the Flames in pursuit of ecosystemic healing.
04 The Urban Respirator
where will the forest grow?
in partnership with Aliza Nazir
Site: Piazza Dei Ciompi, Florence, Italy
Brief: Revival of Piazza, Library & Kindergarten
Understanding that human movement navigates the memory of what once was and what is, this study aims to frame present day human circulation in order to further liberate human movement at the Piazza. Recognizing the comfort in the existing historical Loggia on site, the design develops 4 modules through study of its column rhythm and negative inhabited space. Ultimately, a grid that combines the loggia column spacing and orthagonal neighborhood block allows the modules to be placed to create a forest-like condition on the ground with intentional grid shifts informed by circulation observed on site. Opportunities for free movement and permeability of programmatic space (clearings) are optimized on the ground floor. On the second floor, the modules the programmatic density of the loggia’s negative space is expanded upon, lifting it up, scaling and aggregating it to speak to the loggia and expanded programmatic needs. Through modular play, the project practices modular personalization for programmatic and circulation needs as well as explores the possibility of the projects expansion over time in accordance with future needs.
Through understanding of the past uses of the piazza and observation of present day navigation on site, the project employs a grid of modules to frame what exists and expand its possibilities into the future.
Structural modules, prioritizing permeability and opportunity on the ground floor and comfort & familiarity on the second floor (utilizing the negative space of the existing loggia as the scale for programmatic spaces) communicate with existing human circulation paths on site and reach towards the existing loggia and the hubs of human movement on the piazzas perimeter.
The structural columns and framing are in corten steel, the arched dome roof is made of double insulated concrete, and the grid defining the walls of each module allow for wood and glass panels to be inserted according to privacy, programmatic light needs and visual connection points.
boundary embrace in partnership with Phoebe Cannon
Site: Sutro Baths, San Francisco, California
Brief: NOAAA Office & Education Center
Boundary Embrace is an exploration of how to navigate a site of ruins. The site gesture is to move around and hold the site in a timeless embrace of all that is ever-changing, honoring the accumilation of history and contributing new programmatic spaces to hold. Within each of the three programmatic clusters on site, each programmatic space acts as a individual extrusion of a honeycomb erosion hole in rock. Adapting climate strategies from the honeycombing process, each module is cut, angled and apertured according to the sun and wind. Much like the veins of the rock that define the network of holes, the site and circulation move around and define the program spaces through study of the mathematics of the local gartner snakes navigation of the terrain.
Insulation: Hempcrete
Components: Hemp Hurd, Lime Binder, Water Components: Sub-Soil Sourced in Local Canyon, Sand, Water, Cactus Juice, Cinnamon (antimicrobial)
From the Flames
Lead Researcher + Designer in partnership with Efren Cabrera
Structure: 2” x 8” Douglas Fir
Components: Dimensional Lumber, Plywood Sheathing for Clay Plaster
Understanding the impact of the Eaton Fire on Altadena as both physical and social, the research and design of this biogenic wall assembly (hempcrete, reclaimed wood, mycellium panels, local clay plaster) identifies resources within a 100 mile radius to develop a biogenic, fire-resistant wall assembly. The wall assembly seeks a new form of knowledge-based, biogenic wealth that sets the foundation for building a more resilient future for the neighborhood of Altadena. Through research, biomaterials with natural fire-resistance were selected, offering a cumilative fire resistance that challenges traditional building assembilies.. A priority driven by research of homes that survived was vertical continuity across layers to resist penetrating embers, and a thick wall assembly, all while still maintaining the breathability needed for wellbeing of residents.
Note: Research PresentationPackage and Process Photos of making these materials from scratch would be happily provided if interested.
Interior: Mycellium Panels
Base: Recomposed Pallete Components: Mushroom Substrate, Flour, Water, Steel Formwork
Components: Wood Slats
100 mile radius depicted to show the locality of the wall assembly. From the community of Altadena (pink) effected by the Eaton Fire (Red Perimeter), resources for the wall assembly can be gathered from locally invested organizations and farms (brown) within 100 miles.
This portable design exploration merges human anatomy and architectural systems, emphasizing the interplay of soft and rigid elements when crafting spaces for respite. How much structure is too much—or too little? As my thesis evolves toward an urban-scale network of modules offering city-goers spaces to reclaim agency, safety, and embodiment in managing chronic pain, this balance between forgiving and structured materiality and form remains crucial.
The Urban Respirator
This piece is designed to support nervous system regulation through the breath. Through a forgiving erogonomic frame and customized pillows— constantly varying in firmness to support specific areas of the body— “the respirator” encourages an expansive breath. Grounded in the principles of restorative yoga and supine anatomy, “the respirator” guides the body into a posture for optimal breathing. As one sits on the ground and aligns their spine along its frame, ”the respirator” gently opens the shoulders, expands the chest, and neutralizes the neck to promote a clear, medicinal breath.
