Architectural Portfolio
Graduate Studio Work 2022 - 2024
Dana Martinez
Dana Martinez
713 269 5859 dmartinez_97@yahoo.com
Originally from Houston, TX, I moved to San Antonio to pursue my studies and career in architecture. My interests include historic preservation, urban design, and community-based planning, aiming to merge culture, design, and sustainability for positive change. I am seeking new opportunities to grow in both technical and creative aspects of design and to contribute to a collaborative and dynamic studio culture.
Architectural Associate, Lopez Salas Architects
March 2022 - present
Designed five playground canopies for multiple safety rest areas in Texas, and was involved in the project’s development from schematic design to construction documentation
Produced architectural drawing sets for various phases in new o ce, civic, and recreational projects, and renovations to existing civic and residential projects
Researched building codes, accessibility standards, life safety requirements, and other applicable standards for active projects
Assisted project manager with construction administrative tasks such as ASI’s, RFI’s, submittals, and building energy code compliance on various projects
Improved o ce workflow by introducing e cient BIM practices and teaching Revit techniques to the team
Graduate Research Assistant, UTSA Center for Cultural Sustainability
July 2023 - December 2023
Assisted with graphic presentation and historical research for the Historic Structure Report for the Mission San Jose Granary
Produced as-built Autocad drawings based on historical photos and documentation, for a historic mausoleum in Turkmenistan undergoing reconstruction and preservation
Architecture & Interior Design Intern, Grace PG Design Group
January 2021 - March 2022
Collaborated with architect for space planning and interior design of a civic project while adhering to program needs and TAS guidelines
Produced architectural drawing sets during design development phase and prepared quality renderings for client presentations using Revit and post-production software
Assisted with material and FF&E selection and research, and assembled design boards with materials, textures, and finishes
Academic Recognitions
ARCC/King Student Medal Award, May 2024
Excellence in Architectural and Environmental Design Research
Nominee, Henry Adams Award, May 2024
Honorable mention, June 2023
UIA International Student Competition for Next Generation of Stroke Rehabilitation Centers, Group Project
Third-Year Certificate of Excellence in Design, May 2020
UTSA College of Architecture Awards
Education
Master of Architecture, UTSA with Historic Preservation certificate
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, UTSA
Software
Revit
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Enscape
Publications
Languages
Spanish, native
Graphic design + documentation - Historic Structure Report for Mission San Jose Granary, by UTSA CCS
Co-author - Designing for Stroke - Patients, Families, and Sta (in progress) with Neda Norouzi, PhD
Engagement
Vice President
Women in Architecture at UTSA, 2023 - 2024
Poster Exhibition + Publication (Group Project)
EDRA Conference, Mexico City
July 2023
AIA Houston Student Design Charette February 2023
References
Francisco Lopez
Principal, Lopez Salas Architects 210-367-9910 francisco@lopezsalas.com
Je Erlanson
BIM Manager, Lopez Salas Architects 254-242-8408 erlanson@lopezsalas.com
Sue Ann Pemberton, FAIA
Professor, School of Architecture and Planning, UTSA 210-364-7701 sueann.pembertonhaugh@utsa.edu
Graduate Studio Work
Masterplan for Resilience and the Future of Climate Change
Master’s Thesis Project
Riverside Recovery
Stroke Rehabilitation Center
O ces for the National Park Service
Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Sites
Westside Masterplan Urbino, Italy 2019 Sketchbook San Antonio Missions Headquarters
Awarded ARCC/King Medal for Excellence in Architecture and Environmental Design, 2024
Nominated for Henry Adams Award, 2024
Spring 2024
UTSA ARC 6996 Master’s Project
Instructors: Mark Blizard, Michael Guarino
Advisor: Sue Ann Pemberton
Urban Paseo
This project presents a proactive approach to enhancing disaster preparedness in response to the escalating impacts of climate change. Set within Houston’s culturally rich Second Ward, the project adopts a multi-scale strategy to boost community resilience.
The masterplan focuses on revitalizing the historically industrial area adjacent to Buffalo Bayou, which has long acted as a barrier, separating the community from this public space. An old freight railroad is transformed into a green promenade and public space, weaving together the urban fabric and reconnecting the neighborhood with the bayou.
This promenade is not only envisioned as a vibrant hub for community interaction but also plays a
A Multi-Scale Approach to Resilience + Revitalization in Houston’s Second Ward
critical role in disaster response. It is designed to facilitate relief efforts and provide safety for residents during emergencies.
Additionally, the proposed civic center located along the promenade incorporates flood mitigation strategies with architectural design, and provides recreational space for the community to enjoy. During normal conditions, this center serves as a communal focal point, promoting civic engagement and cultural activities. In times of crisis, it transitions into a secure shelter for residents displaced by disasters.
Overall, the project aims to create a resilient community at the social, urban, and site scale that respects and revitalizes its historical context. It’s
intention is to prepare for future climatic uncertainties, but also provide social spaces and critical needs to the community for daily use.
Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Harvey, which struck Houston in August 2017, was one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in the history of the United States. The hurricane delivered unprecedented rainfall, leading to severe flooding that affected large parts of the city. The floodwaters inundated homes, businesses, and infrastructure, displacing thousands of residents and causing billions of dollars in damages.
FEMA Risk Index
The FEMA risk index for Harris County highlights the various natural hazards that pose significant risks to the region. According to the index, Harris County faces a "very high" risk from several major natural disasters, including cold waves, hurricanes, winter weather, tornadoes, and riverine flooding. Each of these hazards has the potential to cause substantial damage due to the county's geographic and climatic conditions.
Additionally, Harris County is also at a "relatively high" risk of heat waves, which can lead to health emergencies, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those without adequate air conditioning.
AIA Disaster Preparedness
Designers play a vital role in FEMA's emergency management cycle by designing resilient and adaptable structures that reduce risk, enhance community readiness, support efficient recovery efforts, and ensure effective response to disasters.
Second Ward Identity
Houston's Second Ward, known as "El Segundo Barrio," is a vibrant neighborhood steeped in a rich tapestry of cultural history. Initially one of Houston’s original four wards, it has evolved from a predominantly Czech, German, and African American community to a primarily Latin American neighborhood since the 1910s, reflecting a diverse blend of cultural influences.
The neighborhood showcases its identity through street art and murals, which not only beautify the area but also serve as a medium for storytelling and cultural expression. These artistic efforts, led by local artists like Angel Quesada, encapsulate themes of heritage, resilience, and community, making the neighborhood a living canvas of Houston’s urban and cultural dynamics.
The neighborhood's historical industrial backdrop has become a foundation for its cultural identity, yet this same proximity to downtown Houston positions it at the forefront of gentrification This development threatens to displace long-standing communities and dilute the area's rich cultural essence.
Local initiatives combat these pressures by embracing "Rasquachification," a concept from Chicano culture that promotes visibility and resourcefulness through vibrant, community-focused art projects. This approach has helped preserve the Second Ward’s identity, highlighting its resilience and ongoing cultural evolution.
Second Ward Stressors
Second ward faces everyday stressors like lack of public space, access to necessities, food desert, inaccessibility, neighborhood tainted and separated from buffalo bayou with the industrial sector...
Former
Bu alo Bayou
15minwalktopaseo
Resilience during Everyday Stressors + Emergency Scenarios
The masterplan will address the community’s everyday stressors like lack of public space, food desert, and inaccessible spaces, constant rain, as well as emergency scenarios like flooding, hurricanes, cold waves, and heat waves. The design is meant to be a network of spaces to aid in disaster preparedness and mitigation.
Fifth Ward + Denver Harbor
BAYOUHIKE&BIKETR
The masterplan will connect all three neighborhoods via pedestrian bridges along the bayou.
Bu alo Bayou
Long time neglected piece of public space. There are plans to revitalize this green corridor.
Industrial Sector
The former freight railroad created an industrial area of this neighborhood. The city would historically do this in underserved communities.
Second Ward
The neighborhood has embraced former industrial spaces and turned them into art by spreading murals throughout
Paseo for Urban Resilience
Urban scale resilience in the Second Ward enhances public spaces and revitalizes old industrial buildings, incorporating flood mitigation strategies to safeguard the area. This approach celebrates the local art and culture, strengthening community ties and ensuring long-term sustainability and safety.
Buffalo Bayou Art walk: murals, sculpture, Bioswale, stormwater mgmt
Bike lane, connection to existing bayou trail
Adaptive reuse, opportunity for new art hub
Former railroad tracks
Repurposed industrial space for outdoor actvities
New Civic Center
Parking
Public plaza
Commercial, small business
Paseo for Site Resilience
site design
floodable park
retention pond
green spaces
permeable paving tree pits at parking lots
renewable energy/ micro-grid
water runo management
flood mitigation
bioswale
existing topography grade
rainwater collection system
architectural design
resilient structures
materials, water and wind resistive
shelter space lter
elevated buildings deployable barriers dryproof/wetproof
backup power for outages potable water filtration system access from higher ground adaptive spaces emergency design
roof slope, efficient water runoff minimal roof overhang to prevent wind uplift sustainable strategies
Located along Buffalo Bayou in the industrial heart of Second Ward, a new neighborhood center is set to transform the area into a lively community hub. This initiative aims to reclaim and repurpose industrial spaces for community use, breathing new life into the neighborhood.
The Neighborhood Center is designed to meet the diverse needs of the Second Ward's residents. It will house a small library to support education and reading, a fitness center to promote health, a makerspace to support local artists and creators, and a food hub to provide healthy eating options. The center will also include public spaces for events and gatherings, helping to strengthen community ties.
Emergency Shelter
The site features an adaptive program that allows indoor spaces to transform into shelters for residents displaced by floods or damage to their homes. These flexible areas can quickly shift to accommodate emergency needs, ensuring a safe and secure environment for the community. Additionally, access to the neighborhood center is maintained via the paseo walkway, which remains clear of floodwaters, providing a reliable and safe route for those in need.
Honorable mention in UIA’s Next Generation of Stroke Rehabilitation Centers International Competition, 2023
Nominated for ARCC/King Medal for Excellence in Architecture and Environmental Design Research, 2024
Fall 2022
UTSA ARC 6996 Advanced Design Studio Team members: Narda Parga, Ariana Gomez Instructor: Dr. Neda Norouzi
Riverside Recovery
Community-Centered Inpatient Stroke Rehabiliation Center in San Antonio
The Riverside Recovery Center is an inpatient stroke rehabilitation facility in San Antonio that focuses on the path of recovery and new life for stroke survivors. The adjacent river and its surrounding natural elements symbolize healing and the unification between occupants, architecture and nature. To promote a safe and welcoming environment for occupants,
evidence-based design principles merge with the concept of architecture for all to influence resiliency, safety and overall well-being.
The facility is designed to use natural landscapes to foster a therapeutic environment. Evidence-based design principles are implemented to enhance safety, resilience, and well-being, with features such as sensory gardens, a
central courtyard, and community-focused spaces. These elements, combined with local cultural art, and architectural design, demonstrate a commitment to user needs and community integrity.
Nestled in Historic Lavaca, San Antonio
421 Grove St. San Antonio, TX 78210
Post-stroke Complications + Design Solutions
Evidence-based Design
The evidence-based design approach, informed by over 100 articles, tailors solutions for post-stroke complications by considering gender, age, disabilities, autonomy, psychology, and social structure. It integrates wayfinding, ergonomics, and cultural elements to enhance functionality and patient well-being.
Novell + Architecture for all
Novell Redesign improves post-stroke care environments using evidence-based design. It addresses sensory disturbances, aphasia, cognitive challenges, and mental health by considering diverse occupant needs. The facility incorporates sensory control, communication technologies, effective wayfinding, and therapeutic spaces, using strategic materials, signage, lighting, acoustics, and ergonomic fixtures to create inclusive, healing environments.
Single floor + central plan
Radial, asymmetrical, and single-story configurations have the least amount of wayfinding problems [3, 5] fall-related injuries are reduced when stairs are not present [2]
Support patient-family-staff privacy. Shared rooms impact quality of night-time sleep, increase chances of infectious spread, and can negatively effect patients mental-health [4, 6]
Individual Patient Rooms Lounge Space
Common areas near patient rooms invite patients to engage outside of their rooms [8, 11] and opportunity to practice ADLs (Activities of Daily Living), and have family and friends a place to hang out during visitation.
Single-loaded corridor
A space to socialize, practice walking mobility, view the outdoors, and provide daylight [10] Patients spend over 75% of their time socializing in the corridors, oversized corridors allows them to actively socialize while walking or lounging without impeding staff work.
Community Space + Central Courtyard
A space where patients, guests and staff can engage in social activities provided by rehabilitation facility. Rotating events like performances and group therapy sessions encourage stroke survivors to interact outside of their scheduled rehabilitation sessions.
Accordion-style Breeze Panels
Inspired by the prominent presence of Mexican-American culture in San Antonio; When fully open, they allow the prominent southeast winds to enter the heart of the facility and acts as a flex space to engage the exterior with the courtyard
Native Plants
Combining Xeriscaping principles and native plants to achieve a low maintenace landscaping design
Garden Therapy
Sensory gardens as a form of therapy for stroke survivors serve as a multi-sensory experience, even for the partially sighted. This promotes socialization, and sense of community [9] Local flora was selected with xeriscaping techniques to minimize maintenance requirements and attract local fauna such as birds, small animals and insects.
Exterior Plaza
Trail-like landscape paths to encourage patients outdoors. Facility surrounded by pocket plazas with seating and gardens, providing views and access to nature.
Empowerment through independence
Three Patient Wings
Private rooms house single patients, provides a private space for guest interaction, and acts as a consulting/exam room
Upper storage cabinets for staff and descreetly hides mechanical equipment for safety
Closet space for patients personal belongings
Private patio space for patients and their guests.
Patient bed placed further away from the corridor to reduce noise disruption
Private water closet and shower enclosed for visual privacy, acoustic and scent control
Suite Floor Plan
Entrance/Lobby
Central Courtyard
Fall 2023
UTSA ARC Advanced Technical Studio
Team members: Diego Mujica
Instructor: Sue Ann Pemberton
Headquarters for the National Park Service
San Antonio Missions Historic Park Headquarters
Inspired by the historical layout of the San Antonio Missions, the design for the new headquarters reflects their large open spaces, courtyards, and monolithic structures. This project harmonizes modern functionality with historical reverence, creating a bridge between past and present. Central to the design are open courtyards, connecting employees with nature and enhancing
their work environment. These courtyards serve as serene retreats, promoting well-being and productivity. The design fosters collaboration among departments with dedicated spaces linked by a main circulation corridor. This corridor provides easy access to common amenities like break rooms, restrooms, and fitness spaces, encouraging casual interactions and
community building. The architectural language echoes the missions' robust structures, using natural materials and earthy tones to enhance the historical connection. Modern elements ensure sustainability and efficiency.
Location & Site Analysis
Program Adjacency Diagram
1207 Emilio Guerra San Antonio, TX 78211
Mission & Concept
Naturally, the primary inspiration for this facility is the San Antonio Missions. The way they are historically planned out with large open spaces, courtyards, and monolithic structures. With this in mind, the plan is focused around open courtyard spaces to connect employees to nature.
The central focus of the design is to cultivate collaborative spaces that facilitate interaction among the various departments operating within the new headquarters. Each department has a dedicated space in the building, with one main circulation corridor that connects them to each other, as well as common amenities like break rooms, restrooms, and fitness spaces.
Site Plan
Schematic
Courtyard
Courtyard + Employee Entrance
Fall 2022
ARC Advanced Design Studio Team members
Instructor: Dr. Angela Lombardi
UTSA
Westside Masterplan
BIENVENIDOS
Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Spaces for a New Social & Art Hub
The proposed central hub for the Masterplan merges arts, food, entertainment, and business embedded into a site design made for mingling, socializing, and celebrating the arts of San Antonio and the Westside. The former CPS Lot currently hosts many brick buildings that are used for warehouses, offices, and maintenance.
What happens when you treat the existing brick buildings, for new possible futures? An outcome of a series of adaptive reuse buildings sensitively designed for a new neighborhood in-between. The contrast between the old and the new architecture, emphasizes the history of the site, and the emerging artists of the Westside and San Antonio.
RETAIL
EXISTING CONDITIONS
NEW SOCIAL DISTRICT
ART WALK
WALK
PALETA - SABORES DEL MERCADO
An oversized paleta inspired by David Blancas is placed on the site to mark a major art district within the Westside masterplan
GALLERIES
A main exhibition hall is created from an existing brick building, as well as public access to the artist living galleries, creating an art walk within the site.
LIGHT EXHIBITION
Proposing: Artists working with lighting transform a dedicated space in the CPS tower through an installation
Inspiration: James Turrell, Bill Fitzgibbons (local)
SCULPTURE
Proposing: Large sculpture in the center of the site (CPS Lot) and various smaller sculptures next to the gallery space
Inspiration: Nancy Rubins, Kaldric Dow, Roxy Paine
SHEET METAL ART PAVILIONS
Proposing: Artist and crafters participate in creating public pavilions from the material taken from the Allen & Allen adaptive reuse project
ARTIST LIVE-WORK + GALLERIES
513 S SALADO ST
This adaptive reuse building has been split into two separated functions that are now an artist live-work and an adjacent gallery and exhibition space. The artist living has expanded studio space within each apartment, including their own viewing gallery open to the public. The exhibition space serving wine and coffee serves as a space to host rotating art exhibits, events, and next-door artists’ installations. The existing sawtooth brick facade creates for natural north-facing clerestory windows for ample daylight for each artist apartment, and east-facing restored windows for bright morning daylight.
13 S COMAL ST
This two-story existing brick building is kept mostly in its original shape, with removing the carport overhands and creating new balconies for the new office spaces. The inside space hosts four similarly-designed office spaces for lease, for creatives seeking a near-downtown location office in a vibrant and historic arts district.
GALLERY
SCULPTURE GARDEN
WESTSIDE SAN ANTONIO CULTURAL AND ARTS DISTRICT
PUBLIC ART PROGRAM
ART WALK EXPERIENCE
Art walk is an organized, often regularly occurring event, wherein multiple businesses, galleries, and other venues host artists and displays of their artwork, typically for purchase to the public.
SABORES DEL MERCADO
Oversized paletas are used to mark significant art areas
Proposing: Community engagement charrette for series of flavors and colors for the site
Inspiration: David Blancas
They are made of wood,resin and acrylic paint to ensure the longevity of the pieces.
Class favorite: Chamoy!
TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF LIGHTING
LIGHT EXHIBITION
Proposing: Artists working with lighting transform a dedicated space with an installation
Inspiration: James Turrell, Bill Fitzgibbons (local)
INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE
Light projected at walking level
Proposing: Digital Dialogues - Urban Screen
FLOATING STONES
Transformative Power of Lighting
Manufacturer: Red Linear
Inspiration: Reightag in Berlin
STARFIELD
Proposing: Shining tiny blue lights into nightime sky, replicating constellations on the day the river
Inspiration: Tummel Platz in Graz, Austria
LA LOTERIA
Proposing: Loteria placed along sidewalksSan Antonio artists create their version of a loteria card according to their art style
Proposing: Loteria cards placed on metal panels in the community center and garden
Inspiration:The traditional Loteria Mexicana deck is composed of a set of 54 unique cards
RELOCATION OF RIVER CROSSING (CRUZANDO EL RIO BRAVO)
UTSA Downtown Campus on breezeway between Buena Vista and Frio Street
Artist: Luis Jimenez
MURALES
Proposing: Female mural artist competition
Inspiration: Adriana Garcia (west-side based artist) Has murals on the San Pedro creek
The side of this mural is located not far from the Cigar Factory where a famous strike took place in 1930s.
Proposing: Mural Competition - Anything Goes!
Proposing: Liberation Mural
With local artists, zip code 78207 requirement to allow only westiside artist to participate
TENSILE SHADING TILES
Celebrating Shade
Inspiration: Umbrella Sky in Agueda Portugal
LUMINARIA
Proposing: Under the bridge night installation
Inspiration:
MONARCH SKYBRIDGE
Proposing: Skybridge with 6’ Monarch butterflies adorning the exterior connecting lots 13 + 14
Inspiration:Metamorphosis 2020
SCULPTURE
Proposing: Large sculpture in the center of the site (CPS Lot)
Inspiration: Nancy Rubins, Kaldric Dow, Roxy Paine
ROOTS SCULPTURE PARK
PARQUE DE NUESTRAS RAIZES
Proposing: Competition of local artists on the topic of “Ready made objects or Found objects”- A collaborative artistry process between residents and artists
Inspiration: Peter Blake, Damian Ortega
CAST CONCRETE SCULPTURES
Proposing: People and icons of the West side in life-size scale
Inspiration: Rachel Whiteread’s Transluscent Sculptures
LIVING INSTALLATION ON DEAD RAIL
Proposing: Old rail car turns into active food truck
Placed in the middle of a desert landscape along the non-active railroad tracks
Sketchbook
Urbino, Italy
Fall 2019
