David Solano Undergraduate Architectural Portfolio

solano design

W

hat is design? It isn’t limited to a discipline (like architecture). It’s not limited to a tool (like a pencil). And it’s not limited to a method (like

Deconstructivism). I find that it exists in all expressions of purpose. Design exists in a building, a meal, or even a song.

Since it exists in all expressions of purpose, and is inescapable, it behooves me to learn and understand what qualifies as “good” design. I’ve come to learn that the elements that unite all forms of design are the dynamics of social interaction, economics, and ethics.

In this portfolio, I reveal my abridged early works in undergraduate architectural study, through to my final year of undergraduate architectural study. Beyond that, I also include an additional project that is dear to me, continuing to explore design in its artistic and communal forms.

Using design as a vehicle for bringing meaning and value to the things that otherwise might exist solely on a subconscious level, I hope to help express what is already inherent in environments on social, economical, and ethical levels.

With this portfolio, I hope you will glean the undocumented passion behind the line weights; the persistence of countless revisions behind every final product; and more importantly, the trajectory of possibilities as experience and education continue to inspire the development of my love for greater design.

Hammer Project & Architectural Landscape Desig n 1 .1 | Design 1.2 I couldn’t have been more prepared for my first year in design studio. When I discovered what my first few projects were, I dove into them. I began drawing with my first pencil, so the hammer project tapped into skills I’ve been honing for years. The four years of drafting classes I took also helped me to begin thinking about my talent architecturally. The prior drafting classes also gave me a leg-­up on the Architectural Landscape project because I spent years of learning how to cut and assemble paper models.

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Picture of studied hammer

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A Hammer in pencil

T

he hammer project was a study to “make strange” a common household tool. I was to analyze this tool until I felt like I knew it intimately. Paradoxically, the more I

explored it, the less familiar it became to me. By exploring this hammer, I learned how to embrace the strategy of “making strange” as a way to sharpen my powers of vision and intellect.

The final result of this study is what you see on the far left. The original drawing was full scale and on one 18” x 24” sheet of The initial grids

drawing paper.

T

he architectural landscape project was in three parts. The first part was to create a grid by cutting 1/2“ x 1/2” black squares from construction paper, and then arranging

them in 10 rows of 10. From that grid, I then manipulated the grid through rotation and subtraction, noticing secondary and tertiary grids developing. Once I settled on a grid pattern, the next step was to create a 2.5” x 2.5” window through which I was to view the grid. By investigating different compositions, I was to select a condition that clarifies the characteristics inherent in the work.

The second part was to transform the two-­dimensional grid window into three dimensions by building a quater-­scale The mock-­up model

mock-­up model further exploring grid configurations through cube erosion, rotation, etc.

The final part of the project was to explore color on the finalized grid pattern and to build it full scale (1 cube measured 4” x 4” x 4”). I chose colors that were neutral, but I also used mirror paper for a “pop” I knew was sure to catch the eye. But I did not stop there. I added battery powered lights to the inside of the model in order to let the design be impacting in either a lighted or dark environment. To take advantage of the light, I left a space of about 1/8” between the contours in order to illuminate the edge of every contour line. I also used clear acrylic dowels beneath the rotated mirror cubes to conduce the light up through the rods and bounce the light off of the surface of the mirror paper. I can only imagine what the model

The final model

of the entire initial manipulated grid would look like!

The results of these two projects rose well above the expectations of the assignment, of my peers, and of the professors, gaining me quick recognition among my class.

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Lake Jackson Indian Mounds Tallaha ssee , FL | De sig n 3.1

The Lake Jackson Indian Mounds Preservation deserves a building responsive to the many aspects of the rich spirit & culture of the site. This design proposes a

solution

environment. orientation

that

is

Things and

consistently to

sensitive

consider

solar

path,

include

wind

to

its

solar

direction,

pre-足disturbed land use, and constant views onto the site. With this center, I intend to promote connection to the past and bridge the span to future visitors, so that the Fort Walton people will never be forgotten.

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Indian mounds entrance

The program includes a museum (2,000 sq. ft.), 2 classrooms (800 sq. ft.) education lab (700 sq. ft.), amphitheater (500 sq. ft.),

Project scope

4 offices (400 sq. ft.), theater (300 sq. ft.), and a viewing tower (100 sq. ft.).

Other factors to consider are the connections to the historic mounds on the premises and the frequent bus tours (bus loop radius needed for parking).

L

ocated in Atlanta, Georgia, the Flint Riverquarium was one of the first of many field trips for precedent studies.

One of the features that left an impression on me was the views afforded by the vertical mullion glazing. Also, the overall raw, earthy feel enhanced by the choices of exterior cladding spoke characteristically to the building’s use.

Vertical mullion glazing

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Cladding at entry

Pa s s i v e d es i gn s tra tegi es 1. Natural ventilation (summer) operable windows along North, East, & South glazing reduce obstruction of natural ventilation Electronically timed skylights serve for vertical air shafts to further promote interior air flow.

R.R. 73 Â sq. Â ft.

R.R. 73 Â sq. Â ft.

2. Plants and water (summer)

Office

Shrubbery and tree planting around parking lot provide site cooling

3. Wind breaks

110 Â sq. Â ft.

(winter)

Building orientation protects against north-­eastern wind flow Vegetation at south west of site Building juxtaposition The roof is angled to minimize winter wind turbulence by diverting the wind up and over the building site Vestibules used as wind shields aid thermal envelope

4. Solar walls and windows

Theater 363 Â Sq. Â ft.

Indoor Garden

Museum 2,000 Â sq. Â ft.

363 Â sq. Â ft.

Office 113 Â sq. Â ft.

(winter)

South glazing provides ample exposure to winter sun Glazing of high-­capacitance is used to store solar heat Dramatic North, East, & South views

patio 480 Â sq. Â ft.

5. Pre-­disturbed site

Building over existing parking lot Proposed  Museum  Floor  plan  NTS

N

GU

Education  lab

GU

GU

757 Â sq. Â ft.

R.R.

R.R.

80 Â sq. Â ft. 80 Â sq. Â ft.

Office

Office

100 Â sq. Â ft. 100 Â sq. Â ft.

GU

GU

GU

GU

Classroom  1

Classroom  2

408 Â sq. Â ft.

408 Â sq. Â ft.

GU Proposed  site  plan  NTS

Proposed  Education  Floor  plan  NTS

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Museum building front

Museum interior vista

Education building front

Viewing tower

Montrose Harbor Beach Pavilion Chica go , IL | De sig n 3.1 I really enjoyed this project on many levels. We were encouraged to do our best work to date on this one because at the end of the project, the professor would pick two designs (out of a class of 30 students) to submit to a national student competition. The pressure was on and the inspiration faucet was off . . . until I got the big idea. When it hit me, it all came together. After days of tweaking and drinking coffee, the final design emerged. And all of the hard work paid off. My design was chosen to be submitted to the competition.

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Montrose Harbor logo

Project scope

The program includes a restaurant (4,000 sq. ft.) an amphitheater (5,500 sq. ft.), bait shop (2,500 sq. ft.), male and female restrooms with showers and lockers (2,000 sq. ft.), a security office (300 sq. ft.), and a viewing tower.

In addition to the program, the project required consideration of USGBC’s LEED-­NC rating system (v2.2 Oct. 2005).

D

uring the design process, I relied heavily on the LEED criteria to inform the design.

Some of the major design elements are a

direct reflection of the LEED stipulations. For example, in the final design, half of the building is elevated, Bird sanctuary Restaurant/bar M/F showers/RR

minimizing its footprint and limiting compaction in the constructed area (ss5.2). Also, of the square footage where the building is in contact with the ground creating impervious surface (roof), a vegetated roof is installed promoting natural storm water infiltration

6:00pm

(ss6.1). Another major design element is the

9:00am

wave roof. This feature is reminiscent of bird’s Existing parking

Nature walk Bait shop

12:00pm

wings and leads the eye toward the waters beyond.

The following list details the potential LEED points my design ascribes to (a total of 45 points = LEED Gold project). This list is truncated to save space.

Sustainable sites (9 of 14 possible) Credit 1 Site selection Credit 4.2 Alternative transportation: Bicycle storage & changing rooms Credit 4.4 Alternative transportation: Parking capacity Credit 5.1 Site development: Protect or restore habitat Credit 5.2 Site development: Maximize open space Credit 6.1 Storm water design: Quantity control Credit 6.2 Storm water design: Quality control Credit 7.1 Heat island effect: Non-­roof Credit 7.2 Heat island: Roof

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Imagery ©2013 Google

Initial sketch

Water Efficiency (5 of 5) Credit 1.1 Water efficient landscaping: reduce by 50% Credit 2 Innovative wastewater technologies Credit 3 Water use reduction 20% reduction

Ground level

first floor

Ground level

open below

Green roof above

male rr showers security lockers 300 sq. ft.

900 sq. ft. main entry/waiting rr

amphitheater 5,500 sq. ft.

rr

kitchen

Female rr bait shop showers lockers 2,500 sq. ft.

1,000 sq. ft.

1,950 sq. ft.

restaurant 4,100 sq. ft.

Proposed Floor Plan nts

1st level finish +13’-­ 5” Ground level finish +0’-­ 0”

Proposed South Elevation nts

Proposed North Elevation nts

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Front view

Back view

The Exhibit

Talla ha ssee, FL | De sign 3.2 On the corner of College and Calhoun, this project is meant to be an activity hub for book lovers, art connoisseurs, coffee drinkers, and passersby. This was my first project in an urban context.

Being an art lover myself, I was thrilled at the idea of Tallahassee housing an art gallery where the public is invited and encouraged to explore. Although I loved the idea of designing an art gallery in Tallahassee, it came equipped with challenges that multi-足story, urban setting buildings can create.

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The Exhibit logo

Project scope

The program includes a bookstore (8,500 sq. ft.), art gallery (2,500 sq. ft.), coffee shop (2,500 sq. ft.), children’s bookstore (1,000 sq. ft.),mechanical (500 sq. ft.), public restrooms (300 sq. ft.) and a staff restroom (100 sq. ft.).

hvac package unit

T

module dimensions

U

were very important

attract an average passerby into the building. To

he bookshelf

6’

between the people outside and the activity going on

possibilities. art gallery

4’

outdoor space

constant stimulation from the bustle of city life.

achieve this, I used glazing to reduce the barrier

structure and floor plan open to below

people to enter buildings despite the

One of the main ideas in designing this building was to

to the overall design of

Roof level

rban contexts can attract, invite and get

inside. This presents a logistical problem because

2’-­10”

glazing can add to solar heat gain and overall energy costs. So I used double-­glazed, moderate solar gain, low-­E glass with argon gas fill to control the amount of

Fourth level

solar heat gain in this context where both the summer and winter climate is to be factored into overall energy efficiency.

open to below children's Bookstore

Third level

With the art exhibitions and daily activity

Bookstore

within the bookstore and coffee shop,

outdoor space

passersby will have to go out of their way to avoid engaging the activity within the Exhibit.

open to below

outdoor space

Second level

open to below

Bookstore

College entry

First level

S. Calhoun St.

Bookstore

Initial structural model S. Calhoun St.

Bookstore

E. College Ave

Female staff

male

coffee shop

6:00pm

Calhoun entry

Ground level

Proposed floor plans (nts)

Glazing/fireproofing detail

Imagery ©2013 Google

Bookstore

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E. College Ave.

12:00pm

9:00am

Entry on College

Imagery Š2013 Google

Dupont Circle sketches

W a shing ton, D.C. | Desig n 4.1 This

assignment

was

an

exercise

in

timed

sketching. The class toured Dupont Circle and the surrounding areas in D.C. setting out with a list from the professors of different types of architectural spaces. As we toured the different points of interest, we were to make 10-足minute sketches that portray the spaces in the assignment list. One of the hopes of the professors in giving this assignment is that I develop my abilities to quickly translate what I see or envision from my senses, through the pencil to the paper.

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Imagery Š2013 Commonwealth of Virginia, DigitalGlobe, District of Columbia (DC GIS), GeoEye, Sanborn, U.S. Geological Survey, USDA Farm Service Agency

Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.

An intimate court

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Architecture as terminus

Architecture as gate

A carved elevation with weight and mass

Proportion in a traditional building 27

Rascal Square Farmers Market Ta llhassee, FL | Design 4.2

This was the final project of my undergraduate degree.

The area was once a bustling center for buying and selling of food and merchandise in the 1800’s, adding to the business revenue of the growing capitol. Currently, there is a post office and parking lot on the site and excitement levels have probably never been lower. My task was to come up with a design that would restore vibrant activity to the area by housing the current farmers market that takes place in the adjacent park under independent venue tents and also accommodate the need for a post office.

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Rascal Square logo

Project scope

The program includes a farmers market (half of which is to be climate controlled) (8,000 sq. ft.), post office (9,000 sq. ft.), parking (27,000 sq. ft.), children’s discovery garden (4,000 sq. ft.), and an amphitheater (2,000 sq. ft.).

In addition to the program, the project required an ADA compliant ramp that connects our site with the adjacent Kleman plaza.

Views to capital

A

Kleman long with the considerations to the right, my main

plaza

idea behind this project is to design a solution that will be a connective tissue for the movement and

IMAX Theater

connectedness between points of interest, namely Kleman plaza, the Chain of Parks, and the public library.

12:00pm

The average person engaging with the site will be a passerby. The design draws one in, along its natural curved path, through its mix of colors and textures, all while being accompanied by the cool breeze created via passive 9:00am

design strategies. This sensory experience becomes more

W. College Ave.

6:00pm

than a simple walk on the sidewalk: it becomes an experience to be shared.

S. Bronough St.

As for the weekend farmers-­market shoppers, the color the types of produce and merchandise being sold on that particular weekend.

For those that will enjoy this public space beyond its facility of movement or convenience of shopping, the

S. Duval St.

coded fabric above their heads will conveniently indicate

regularly maintained children’s discovery garden will keep the children intrigued as they learn about the various indigenous plant species housed in the plaza. There is also an amphitheater where live bands can perform, or drama groups can meet to rehearse. The plaza will also serve as a

W. Park Ave.

space for conversation before and after an anticipated IMAX release, or a place to escape into an interesting book.

The renovated Post Office will also draw people to the

Chain of Parks

Chain of Parks

beauty of Rascal Square.

Rascal Square will prove to be an asset to Tallahassee both through the connections it makes to areas of interest Public Library

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Imagery ©2013 Google

and for the citizens that call the city home.

View of existing parking on site

ramp to plaza above

180'

w. college ave.

170'

180'

w. college ave.

elev

170'

elev

site fill

190'

180'

190' mech. vend.

post office elev

vend.

mech.

ramp

farmers market

vend.

vend.

S. Bronough St.

S. Bronough St.

parking

vend.

vend.

elev

mech.

vend.

View of existing Post Office on site

Post OFFICE

mech.

mech.

mech.

mech.

children's discovery garden

180'

mech.

elev

elev

stairs

site fill

stairs

amphitheater

pavilion storage

190' 181'

Proposed lower level plan nts

Proposed plaza level plan nts

N 190'

W. Park Ave.

180'

N

View of existing Post Office on site

180'

W. Park Ave.

Imagery ©2013 Google

View of ramp entry design 31

View from Park and Bronough

Imagery Š2013 Google

Main Post Office entry

Imagery Š2013 Google

Cafe Wednesday

Kissim mee, FL | Pe rso nal proje ct There are few ventures in my life that can compare to the impact that Cafe Wednesday has left on me. In a nutshell, Cafe Wednesday was a small-­group program in a coffeehouse setting where my team and I platformed the expression of artists and average people through the mediums of music, art, poetry, and culinary art. I’ve put countless hours into every aspect, from the design phases to the construction; from overseeing the recipes, to the lives being impacted. I even got a book contract from this venture. Transformed lives is the point of all the work.

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TM

feed your soul.

Cafe Wednesday logo

“G

arbage” was the first thought a few folks had when trying to

Walking into the space (below, left), the table arrangement and colors of pan-­

decide what would come of the pews that were removed from

el-­board brown and eggnog yellow made everyone want to pile into this room!

the church’s sanctuary. But I had another idea. Along with the

. . .Not. Fortunately, the decor would get a face-­lift. I proposed circle tables for

scraps of new carpet padding that was also going to be trashed, we could somehow

communal groups, recessed boxes for artwork, padded walls for sound absorp-­

repurpose these materials into elegant booth seating I had planned for the cafe.

tion, and a lighting scheme that promotes intimacy and dialogue.

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Not everyone was on board with the design I proposed, however. As a matter

It was crunch time because the different ministries still needed a space to meet

of fact, it was felt that any idea of remodeling the space would disrupt the

while construction was going on. So I put countless hours into ensuring quality

years of how things had always been done. Fortunately, after several revisions,

and speed. At that point, the next steps were to plan how we would handle the

everyone agreed on a design that would maximize the space and enhance

influx of people that would come to enjoy the chef’s dishes, live bands, genuine

the environment so that the various ministries would benefit.

conversations, artwork, and poetic expression that made Cafe Wednesday.

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Conclusion You just took a journey that is impossible to deny.

From the sketches of a hammer, to the wave-­like roof-­ line of Montrose Pavilion; from the contextual response of Rascal Square to the transformed lives of Cafe Wednesday: it’s the story of my learning, investments, and passions, laid out for you. Through the glimpses that I’ve shown of what I have learned so far, I yearn for the joint opportunity to capture the true potential that can be achieved together through the guidance of your experienced faculty. Knowing the great architects that have shown immense promise, I want to be numbered among those who have left a footprint that impacts the history and future of architectural design. Architecture for me is more than the discipline of architecture: it is perfected and inspired by ethics and moral reach that ultimately engage the fabric of how we live as a society.

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Imagery Š2013 Google

c

2013 David Solano

Image: West of Montrose Harbor, Chicago, IL