DESIGN PORTFOLIO Dominique Segura
College of Architecture & The Built Environment - Jefferson University, PA Selection of Projects from 2015 - 2016
URBANISM & RENEWAL SOCIAL IMPACT OF DESIGN MANTUA MASTER PLAN PHILADELPHIA, PA 2016
Utilizing design to have a beneficial impact on social life and communities through urbanism. Example of Urbanism Study and Competition project submittal. Scope of work for
the project included site survey, study of community demographics, accessibility to public services, needs and interest of all stakeholders, and informational mapping of the neighborhood. From the
survey and research a master plan was proposed and site specific designs were developed. The Mantua and Belmont neighborhood in Philadelphia faces on-going issues such as high crime
Streetscape proposed on main thoroughfare. rates, poverty, and low health. The problems can be in part attributed to the lack of access to basic amenities, recreational areas, and healthy food options. The situation is exacerbated by the declining population of the neighborhoods and the high rate of vacancy and deteriorating buildings. By assessing the programmatic needs it became clear that access to healthy food options, recreation, and public gathering spaces were pressing needs. Three sites within the neighborhood were selected for redevelopment with the idea that each site will become a node for its surrounding area. Dedicated community engagement amenities, recreational areas and market spaces were included in the proposed program for each of the three locations. Revamped housing and restructured streetscapes were designed to embellish and increase safety in the areas.
Detail of rear facade facing shared public space.
ADAPTIVE STATEMENT HISTORIC REHABILITATION STUDY THE SHAW CENTER NEW ORLEANS, LA 2016
Rehabilitation project in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The proposed design intends to capture both the history of the city and its modern shift. An early 20th century brick warehouse building already gutted and unused became
the perfect foundation for a multi-purpose project within the arts district of Baton Rouge. The distinction between the old and new in the design is clearly marked by the new structure and its large cantilever. The existing
and the new are interlocking at their cores where key programs of the learning center take place such as classrooms, workshops, offices, and other common areas.
Proposed structural addition.
Existing structural system.
Exploded axonometric of the building’s structural system.
Transverse section.
South elevation.
The modern addition to the existing building holds apartment housing units. Recognized as an architectural emblem of Louisiana the use of shutters were the historic way to
provide shade and ventilation. This design brings a modern twist on the use of the shutter by enlarging its scale and wrapping it around the building. The shading structure provides both privacy to the
apartments and comfortable shade and daylighting control. The pattern of openings on the added floors mirrors those of the existing brick structure but becomes
cohesive as one mass behind the shading envelope.
CONSERVATIVE HIGHLIGHT STUDY ON THE ITALIAN APPROACH TO PRESERVATION NESSO TIBURTINO ROME, ITALY 2015
Considering the italian perspective on cultural heritage conservation, the design for this project was guided by principles of minimal intervention and distinction of material. The Aurelians walls were built
between 271 AD and 275 AD and surround the city of Rome. The walls are one of the largest monument in the city but today have lost their function and are disappearing into the urban context becoming a decaying relic.
The Wallwalk project is a collaborative initiative between Italian universities and American universities to reconsider the wall, its role in the city and revealing it to the public with design projects. The section of the wall used
Cross-section of proposed connecting pedestrian walkway.
Existing condition west side of gate.
for this project is situated in the Tiburtino neighborhood named after the antique gate Porta Tiburtina. Via Tiburtina connected the roman gate to the city of Tibur in the countryside. This gate is an important monument of not only the walls but also the
Site plan of proposed piazza and walkway.
aqueduct of Rome which both connected at this location. Currently the gate is closed to to the public. The design aims to reclaim the use of the gate and includes a walkway that offers the possibility for locals and visitors to go through it with seating areas to
appreciate the monument. In addition, the design proposes a partial reconstruction of the rest of the original structure in distinctive materials and the walkway structure is elevated to reveal the change in ground level over the centuries. Today the gate is
two meters under the cities ground level. Furthermore the proposal relinks the two sides of the gate with the improvement and extension of an existing plaza adjacent to the gate, emphasizing the idea of passage and connection.