SELECTED WORKS
Gustavo Melero
Model Making
In the first years of my college, emphasis was placed on physical modeling for design presentations. I was assigned a variety of design representations, volumetric studies, and artistic explorations Working through this traditional architectural format enhanced my ability to generate concepts and understand the link between the process of preparing work in pen and paper and the creation of a real built product.
Physical modeling works as a tool for problem solving during the design process for visualizing what steps need to be taken to solve structural or aesthetic issues. It has informed how i organize myself for systematizing work flows in creating a architectural project, that i found to translate into my later work in computer software. In the cases i was assigned to study architectural work, i could go through the thought process of how a project was designed and understand what reasoning an architect applied to a project.
I've worked through different materials depending on the scope and representation needed for a project These include Foamcore, Paper Oragami, Chipboard, Wood, Quickcrete, Lego, Metal etc. At school i also had the opportunity to experiment with different technologies available in the design studio. I learned to work with various 3D printers, operate laser cutting machines, and work with power saws in a wood shop.
Adolf Loos Raum Plan Study
Le Cobusier's Ville Le Lac study
House Design
Spatial Form study
Museum project transition space
Le Corbusier's Carpenter Center study with proposed courtyard
Structural Projects
Understanding of structural systems is the framework for which all architecture is built on. During the second and third year of my coursework emphasis was placed in developing a deep understanding of construction detailing and how built systems are put together. Projects pushed us to demonstrate design sensibility while conforming to realistic building standards. This was an opportunity to learn how engineering influences design and what needs to be taken into consideration when proposing architectural ideas in ones projects
I learned to work through the main construction formats of wood, steel, masonry and concrete. I got to see how each is put together and understand what tectonic advantages each has. Additionally I learned about construction operations, how much time building takes and how contractors work. Working through force diagrams and learning to calculate sizing of members and force resistance was also taught in structures classes.
Section Drawing
Observation Tower
For a project on learning to detail and build with ballon framing construction, i was tasked with the design of a twofloor observation tower for a rest stop for hikers. I had to create a model made of wood and prepare drawings for its construction To make the design more appealing and consideration for rain, I went with an angled roof. From there I also had to learn how to work with lining the top beams of the walls to connect it to the structure and observe how force would interact with the rest of the structure.
Observation Tower Model
Market Hall Canopy
This project was a concept design for an openair market, that would use a long span roof structure to activate an urban corridor. Programmatically it had to include a mezzanine space and be walkable throughout. I choose to work with steel to experiment with how i could design a slender structure and handle the weight of the canopy roof. Tensioning wires were installed to aid with maintaining vertical and horizontal rigidity to force resistance
The design employs the use of modules of pillars that would serve as the hoists for the roof and grant space for the distribution of people traversing the area. As a precedent for design, I looked to the hightech design work of Norman Foster studio in their Renault Distribution center design
Module section study models
Design Work
Bougainvillea Apartments
With San Juan becoming an increasingly popular Caribbean destination for people looking for tropical living, demand for high quality housing has increased like never before. However, the capital city of the island is urbandense, making it difficult to develop large scale projects The concept of Bougainvillea Apartments proposes a luxurious living opportunity, making use of a limited space lot. Each floor of the building is a private individual apartment, with either two or three room configurations.
Floor to ceiling glass walls maximize views to the nearby coast. Interplay between the metal pieces and wood accent strives to give the facade a homely decor. Open air balcony gardens would provide the city resident with a touch of nature that most apartments are deprived of.
Concept Interior Renderings
Cape Cod Beachouse
As part of a concept for a client looking to build a modern summer home in Cape Cod, i was tasked with reimagining the typical New England summer retreat. Leaving behind the small reserved typology, this house embraces the freedom of modern convenience to become a spanning space for social gatherings. Wood accents through screens add the touch of rustic, and curtain windows serve to connect the living spaces to the environment.
Axonometric Drawing
Research Lab Campus
For my bachelor's final project, my assignment was to construct a building that served as a lab building for Harvard, but be able to be a multigenerational structure that could host unrelated programmatic functions with a future ownership I also had to incorporate built systems that would reduce energy consumption and help ofset its construction carbon footprint. Situated in the Allston neighborhood of Boston, the design looked to create a multistory building campus that would fit into the academic and industrial surrounding, but also allow pedestrians to pass through the space by providing additional routes through the inner courtyards.
Mass timber framing was used as the primary structural element. I chose this building system as it acted as a renewable resource, and was easily accessible in the region. I also tied in an earlier design exploration of lattice structures, which where incorporated as structural atriums throughout the floors of the buildings. This became a passive system to provide access points for cool air in sumer, and sunlight heating in winter. Structurally they work as additional support to handle the weight of the long spanning floor slabs, and help reduce the number of interior columns throughout.
Structural Study
Elevation Drawings
Lattice wood roof concept rendering
I’m an architectural designer with 4 years of professional experience. Highly skilled in producing construction documentation, handling architectural project management, and creating realistic 3D Visualization. I've worked on various project scopes including residential, commercial, academic, and urban development. My interest are in the convergence between art and technology, and how it can inform architectural practice.
Master of Architecture
Northeastern University 2020 21
Bachelors of Science Architecture
Northeastern University 2015 20
Apt 643, Flores de Montehiedra San Juan, PR, USA 00926
+1 (787)‐975‐1137
gemelero.design@gmail.com