Contemporary Casting
Site Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Architecture Fall Studio 2024 Besthoff Art Gallery
Da Nang Refugee Center
Architecture Winter- Spring 2023 Natural Disater Refuge Center
Site Location: Da Nang, Vietnam Table of Contents
Site Location:
Architecture
Neighborhood
Daffin Park
Savannah, Georgia
Spring Studio 2022
Neighborhood Park Renovation
Naturescape
Site Location: Thunderbolt ,Georgia
Architecture Studio Winter 2022
Enviornmental Awareness Center
Other Creative Works
Tulane School of Architecture
Studio: ARCH 6031 - Fall 2024
Professor: Dr. Mostafa Akbari and Ammar Eloueini
Collaborator: Riley Wemhoener
Programs: Rhino, Grasshopper, Illustrator, Photoshop
The Besthoff Art Gallery, located in New Orleans’ vibrant Warehouse District, explores the role of architectural ornament, drawing inspiration from the city’s iconic cast ironwork. Integrating a contemporary intervention within a historic neighborhood, the art foundation achieves architectural symbiosis, juxtaposing modern innovation with the area’s rich, historic fabric. The design reimagines ornament as structure, weaving cast iron-inspired motifs into the very framework of the gallery and blurring the line between art and architecture.
The artisanship of the structure lends itself to produce the spatial and programmatic qualities of the building, creating a unique aesthetic rooted in the city’s cultural heritage. Reflecting the resilience and artistry of New Orleans itself, this project celebrates the city’s architectural traditions while pushing them into a contemporary dialogue.
The proposed project is located in New Orleans’ iconic Warehouse District. Historical research revealed that the area was once home to numerous factories and warehouses that helped shape the city—such as the cast iron factories that once operated near the site.
This map diagram shows pedestrian concentration, race demographics, sun path and wind, rent pricing, active developments, HDLC landmarks, and transportation.
This project draws inspiration from the ornate ironwork found throughout New Orleans. We developed a catalog of found patterns and used parametric tools to transform them from 2D motifs into 3D geometries, which ultimately informed the overall form.
The complexity of the form challenged us to consider which materials could best capture the lightness and transparency we were aiming to express. We drew inspiration from cast iron—not only for its historical relevance to the site, but also for its unique duality: a heavy, rigid material that often appears delicate and fluid through its ornate detailing. To emulate this quality, we chose ETFE for the paneling due to its lightweight, translucent properties that interact beautifully with light. For the primary structural system, we selected steel to ensure strength while allowing the form to remain open and expressive.
Savannah College of Art and Design SCAD
Studio: Capstone Winter - Spring 2023
Professor: Catalina Ogletree
AIA Cote Top Ten Competition Programs: Revit, Illustrator, Photoshop
Thousands of people in Da Nang are affected by typhoons and cyclones every year leaving a devastating impact. The people who lost their houses or employment due to the storms are left vulnerable with little assistance from the government. The proposed building is a multi-program facility that contains a medical clinic, housing, a donation, and a volunteer center.
To foster a sustainable community the refuge center considers various aspects of sustainability, including social, environmental, and economic factors. The refuge center’s holistic approach to utilizing natural and local resources, combined with sustainable water management and community engagement, aims to create a model that can be replicated in other areas throughout Vietnam.
DESIGN FOR INTEGRATION
Major flooding in the nearby downtown area pushed us to pick a more rural building location. The refuge center is separated into two sides one being private and one being public. The central outdoor space serves as a gathering point and encourages social interaction between people on different levels of the site. It becomes a natural meeting place where individuals can connect, engage in conversations, and foster a sense of community.
DESIGN FOR DISCOVERY
The Refuge Center will serve as a platform for discovery and innovation. By embracing sustainable practices, it can become a testing ground for new technologies, methodologies, and approaches to resource management. Through research collaborations and partnerships with local universities or environmental organizations, the center can contribute to the development of sustainable solutions and serve as a knowledge hub for the community. This project can be the blueprint so people can discover and learn sustainable practices.
This refuge center aims to create a sense of community during a time where people may be experiencing loss and hopelessness as it provides a support system and a sense of belonging for those who are going through difficult circumstances. During times where the area is not affected by weather events it can be used as hostel for travelers and a volunteer center.
DESIGN FOR RESOURCES
Vietnam Map
Local building materials and vernacular construction techniques offer several advantages, cultural preservation, and regional aesthetics. Locally sourced wood and brick helps to reduce the structures carbon footprint. The materials are common in the vernacular architecture of the region, thus making therm suitable as the primary materials of this design. By combining local wood species with cross laminated timber (CLT) and glulam construction, we can leverage the strength and sustainability of timber while incorporating regional aesthetics and vernacular design.
DESIGN FOR EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES
Gathering together as a community after a natural disaster is an important step in the recovery process. It helps foster solidarity, provide mutual support, and initiate collective efforts to rebuild and restore the affected area. The refuge center has a community support center where affected individuals can access essential services such as medical assistance in the clinic, counseling, and social support.
DESIGN FOR ECOSYSTEMS
The design is located on a green covered mountain, 100 feet above sea level. Using the natural slope of the mountain we can use that to our advantage by placing bio filtration ponds at the top of the site. This can help with flooding and as a natural water feature.
Density
Site
Green-way
Green Covered Mountain
Railway
National Highway
Secondary Roads
THIRD FLOOR
1.
SECOND FLOOR 1.
Offer vocational training, job placement services, and entrepreneurship support to empower community members with the skills and resources to become self-sufficient. Help individuals develop marketable skills that can improve their employability and financial stability. Engage with the broader community to build networks and leverage resources that support economic growth and sustainability.
DESIGN FOR ENERGY
Da Nang is a temperate and equable tropical climate that gets lots of sunlight all year round. Placed on top of each roof are building integrated photopholtaic (BIPV) shingles that collect and store solar energy that will be used for electricity and cooling. During the warmer months there are operable transom windows, louvered doors, exterior shading structures, and thermal mass flooring that will help reduce the structures overall energy consumption.
◦ Sengon
◦ Jabon
◦ Mangium
◦ Bamboo
Offer vocational training, job placement services, and entrepreneurship support to empower community members with the skills and resources to become self-sufficient. Help individuals develop marketable skills that can improve their employability and financial stability. Engage with the broader community to build networks and leverage resources that support economic growth and sustainability.
DESIGN FOR ENERGY
Da Nang is a temperate and equable tropical climate that gets lots of sunlight all year round. Placed on top of each roof are building integrated photopholtaic (BIPV) shingles that collect and store solar energy that will be used for electricity and cooling. During the warmer months there are operable transom windows, louvered doors, exterior shading structures, and thermal mass flooring that will help reduce the structures overall energy consumption.
Gutter
Welded Stainless Steal Tab to Support Chain
Steel Pipe
Notched Rafter
Rafter Cap
Rain Chain
Rock Drainage
Drainage Pipe Leads to Cistern Tank
The BIPV tiles have a thickness of less than an inch. They operate at a higher efficiency of 15% to 20% compared to traditional solar panels. The pv shingles will produce anywhere between 13 and 63 watts of power.
1. Roof shingles
2. BIPV Shingles
3. Decking
4. Underlayment
5. Purlins
6. Rafters
7. Integrated Gutter into Rafter
DESIGN FOR ECOSYSTEMS
The center serves as a safe space where people can find refuge, seek assistance, and engage in activities that foster overall wellness. Building a strong sense of community and fostering social connections is essential for well-being. Natural light and being surrounded by nature promotes a healthy environment. Research consistently demonstrates that having a strong social support system can positively impact emotional well-being. When facing challenging situations, having people around who care about you and offer empathy, encouragement, and understanding can help alleviate stress and improve coping mechanisms.
Shading Structure
Reducing thermal mass decreases radiant heat and allows building to naturally cool faster.
DESIGN FOR WATER
By capturing and storing rainwater, we can reduce the demand for municipal water supply. The structure is designed to capture water with open atrium spaces, which direct water to specific collection points. These underground cistern tanks are placed all throughout the site. We treat the water through reverse osmosis and through biofiltration systems. Grey water created within the buildings is sent through on site reed bed treatment.
Reduces potable water use and uses cistern tanks to provide irrigation and flushing
Reduces solar heat gain and supports energy demand
Sustainable alternative to steel combined with local wood materials. Has a low embodied energy
Savannah College of Art and Design SCAD
Studio: Spring 2022
Professor: Ryan Bacha
Programs: Rhino, Revit, Illustrator, Photoshop
Daffin Park is a historical park with an interesting history in Savannah, Georgia. The park was intended to meet the local community’s requirements at the time; however, the activities have evolved since then, and the environment must reflect this. Due to unsafe issues, the existing design discourages the community from using the park. It is around 80 acres in size, with many undeveloped areas. The park is currently unmanaged and primarily used by the nearby neighborhoods. This project aims to bring new life and reignite its potential to bridge the community.
Francis
This new Daffin Park idea suggests adjustments that might help draw community members and visitors from all over the city to the park by activating spaces on the park’s northeast side. The free-range region on the south side has remained untouched. The northwest side is likewise untouched because of the existing historic baseball field. The reorganization will improve circulation around the park, allowing previously underutilized areas to become active. The format allows for a smooth transition between formal and informal sports. This new idea supports a canopy superstructure that shields spectator seats surrounding the basketball courts, tennis courts, and football fields. The flow between these programs will help bring life back into the park.
Incorporating a distinctive structural system that seamlessly integrates with both weather conditions and functionality, this innovative design features photovoltaic panels on its upper surfaces, harnessing solar energy to power the park.
Simultaneously, the interior metal skin serves a dual purpose by efficiently channeling rainwater underground to replenish cisterns. The holistic superstructure breathes new vitality into the park, embodying a harmonious blend of form and function.
GROUND LEVEL
CONCRETE SEATING PIN CONNECTION CONNECTING STRUCTURE TO SEATING
Savannah College of Art and Design SCAD
Studio: Winter 2022
Professor: Andrea Bertassi
Programs: Revit, Lumion, Phototshop, Illustrator
The Environmental Awareness Center of Thunderbolt, Georgia, where people gather to learn about the human influence on the natural environment. It focuses on education and exhibition, emphasizing the importance of ecosystem preservation and coastal marshland protection. The marsh’s natural environment ties to the structure’s constructed environment, producing a sense of harmony. The circular shape encourages movement and interaction throughout the spaces. The art installations in the center of Naturescape will serve as a focal point for raising pollution and garbage awareness. This is hinted at throughout the structure with the cage walls and the exhibition space. The walls are a reminder of how much garbage has been collected in the local waterways; It puts into perspective the magnitude of waste. When someone is told “500,000 pounds of trash was pulled out of the rivers in Savannah just last year;” but what does that look like? These art installations provide that imagery. Through the educational spaces, galleries, and exhibitions this awareness center highlights the importance of respecting the local environment.
In the education space, young children will be exposed to the natural environment around them. The trees that puncture through the structure provide a connection between the built and natural environment. These punctures go through the entire structure or just in the floors to get a closer look at the marsh.
Thunderbolt stands as a coveted tourist attraction and popular fishing spot; however, its wetlands have suffered neglect, resulting in a decline in wildlife. The primary objective now is to prioritize the preservation of the wetlands and actively engage and educate the local community on environmental conservation efforts.
Site Images
Organizers and dedicated volunteers have tirelessly discovered and collected millions of pounds of trash throughout the years. In the most recent year alone, a remarkable 534,000 pounds of litter were successfully removed from Georgia rivers.
Specially designed cages showcase the gathered waste from the Savannah area, serving as a visual representation of the considerable volume of debris lingering in our local waterways. This initiative not only repurposes the collected garbage but also contributes significantly to reducing overall trash levels.
In 2010, a staggering 1,000,000 lbs of trash were gathered from Wilmington River. By 2020, the amount had reduced to 300,000 lbs, but unfortunately, it has once again escalated to alarming levels.
The items collected include tires, plastic bottles, grocery bags, cigarette butts, plastic water bottle caps, and aluminum cans.
