ITZEL ALONDRA GAMEZ ALCARAZ PORTFOLIO

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

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WOVEN : A RESTORATION PROJECT | TUCSON , ARIZONA

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BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE CAPSTONE DISTINGUISHED PROJECT

LA CASA VERDE : MIXED - USE DEVELOPMENT | EL PASO , TEXAS

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THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD . BEST IN CATEGORY

EN BLANCO : CENTER FOR INNOVATION | TUCSON , ARIZONA

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LA MONTAÑA : PAVILION | TUCSON , ARIZONA

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STADIUM ROWHOUSES : MACRO TO MICRO | TUCSON , ARIZONA

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ACSA 2022 ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION DESIGN - BUILD AWARD TEAM PROJECT

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THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD . NOMINEE

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WOVEN RESTORATION PROJECT PHOENIX , ARIZONA BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE CAPSTONE DISTINGUISHED PROJECT

ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

Straw is a leftover remnant from grain production, usually wheat, rice or barley. After the edible part of the grain is harvested, the stems end up discarded and are often burned. Instead of wasting them, however, the stems can be compacted into rectangular bales, which can be stacked and used as fillers or even as self-supporting walls in a technique known as the “Nebraska” style, widely used in the 19th century on the plains of this US state. While field bales can support around 900 kg per linear meter, high density blocks of the same material, compacted by machines, are designed to support up to almost 6000 kg / m [1].

This project analyzes the building properties of straw. Historically, straw has been used in straw bales, already produced in blocks and then placed as insulation in “Nebraska Style” form. This project directly chalenges the bulding limits of straw. Straw is known to be fragile, porous, and wasteful.

This project, however, take the disadvantages and transforms them into building possibilities of the material. Arizona’s agriculture relies on its

climate and rich soil. Approximately 26 million acres are currently being harvested. These harvests include vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, wheat, hay, and cotton that are exported across the United States. The size of Arizona’s agricultural industry is approximately $23.3 Billion dollars and give jobs to approximately 162,000 people, where 40% of those are women.

Most of Arizona’s agriculture happen in the southern part of the state; including Phoenix and Yuma. The city of Yuma has proved to have more efficient way of producing large amounts of agriculture while still being conscientious about location. Straw, however, is not structural stable on its own. To provide structural stability, it was important to include another natural substance that aids straw in this defect, this being, Pluchea Sericea - commonly known as Arrow Reed.

“My perception of what should be built in the desert stems from having grown up in the desert” JUDITH CHAFEE

Arrow Reed was natural source that Native Americans used to make their arrows. This plant is not only structural, but it is also water proof. Found in Northern Mexico and Southern Arizona, this plant was perfect in combination with straw.

Straw and Arrow Reed make the perfect combination of sustainability and structural strength that has the possibility of bringing the community of this Arizona city together and restoring the living habitats of the Salt River.

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Several studies and experiments have been carried out with this agricultural waste substance, qualifying it as an potential material for the construction of walls, with good thermal, acoustic, and even structural characteristics. In addition, it is a renewable resource and easily constructed.

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Figure 3 : Bushels of Wheat and Barley Produced Per Acre - Foot of Water Applied Pluchea Sericea in Southern USA

Over the last 20 years, Arizona growers have increased the amount of grain they produced per AF of water applied. In 1984, growers produced 25.1 bushels of wheat for every AF of water applied. By 2013, this increased 22% to 30.6 bushels / AF.

Pluchea Sericea in Southern USA

Acres of Wheat in Arizona

Arizona growers (of all crops) spent $53.3 million on new irrigation equipment, facilities, land improvements, and computer technology. Changes in cropping patterns have combined to reduce water consumption per acre. Yuma growers have made many changes to improve irrigation efficiency and conserve water.

Constructing concrete lined irrigation ditches

Table 1 : Estimated Reduction in Water Applications to Arizona Wheat and Barley Because of Reduced Irrigation Application Intensity from 1984 to 2013 Minimal improvements in irrigation efficiency of agricultural lands have important implications for water conservation in the state.

Table 1 shows how much less water was applied to Arizona wheat and barley acres because application rates decreased since 1984.

Figure 2 : Acre - Feet of Water Applied Per Acre for Arizona Crops Among popular crops grown in Arizona, small grains have a relatively low water application rate. Only 3.1 AF / acre of water were applied to Wheat in 2013. This is 26% lower than the Arizona average across all crops of nearly 4.2 AF / acre. Water applied to wheat averaged 3.45 AF / acre in 1884, but this rate fell by 10%, to 3.11 AF / acre by 2013.

1 - 10,000 > 10,000 - 30,000 > 30,000 - 100,000 > 100,000 - 300,000 > 300,000 - 1,000,000 > 1,000,000 - 3,000,000 > 3,000,000 - 7,921,811

Figure 4 : Acre- Feet of Water applied to Grow 100 Bushels of Crop While productivity is a ratio of output to an input (or inputs), this ratio can be flipped and expressed as input per unit of output. This flipping may be useful if one is interested in the amount of resources that are needed to produce a given amount of output (Frisvold, 5). Less water is applied to produce more.

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

Figure 1 : Water Footprints For Durum Wheat Production

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2022 USA Diversity Index

2022 USA Diversity Index

BLOCK GROUP

BLOCK GROUP

0-7 7 - 33 33 - 58 58 - 84 84 - 100

0-7 7 - 33 33 - 58 58 - 84 84 - 100 This project has the ability to re-purpose 58-miles of land that runs along the Salt River and create a living and agricultural infrastructure that brings the community together. The proposals steers towards the idea of restoring the rivers natural ecosystem and economic vitality.

The Salt River encompasses six municipalities in Phoenix, Arizona, two important Native American Commuities, and Arizona State University.

TRACT $0 - $13,400 $13,400 - $50,400 $50,400 - $87,400 $87,400 - $124,000 $124,400 - $200,001

Woven is a series of self- sustaining natural built pavilions that are designed to encourage pursuits in the innovation of scientific and construction advancements by using agricultural by-product available in the region while simultaneously offering a high quality of living and integrated landscape systems that will weave into the fabric of the larger regional plan for The Salt River.

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

2022 USA Median Household Income

The project is located at the 19th Ave Superfund landfill site in Pheonix, Arizona. The design looks to tie together the lessons that past inhabitants of this land left which was to build an Arizona that embraces architectural advances and opportunities that acknowledge the challenges of living in an environment that has undergone extreme climate change where water and sustainable strategies are important factors in its development. As cities and deserts grow, a common issue around the region is HOW to re-purpose underutilized land and resources for its future urban development.

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

SITE , INDUSTRIALIZATION VS. SALT RIVER

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Pluchea Sericea , commonly referred to as arrow reed , is a rhizomatous evergreen shrub of riparian areas in the lower Sonoran Desert and sorrounding areas Common to the lower Colorado River Valley of California, Nevada and Arizona, and as far as Texas, also in Northern Mexico. Once used by Native Americans as an anti diarrheal and eyewash. Other traditional uses include thatching, arrow making, and food, especially its edible root.

Plant Type: Shrub, with slender erect branches.

Wetlands: Occurs usually in wetlands, occasionally in non wetlands.

Communities: Coastal Sage Scrub, Creosote Bush Scrub, WETLAND / RIPARIAN Pluchea Sericea or “Arrow Reed” is a material that can be found in Southern Arizona and Northern Mexico Mostly in washes and wetlands. This plants naturally grows along rivers beds and helps to keep water naturally clean and free of trash.

Arrow reed is used to structurally stabilize the Straw that is also found locally in agricultural farmlands of Arizona. By creating a wetlands system and natural Riparian Habitat, the landscape and the architecture can work together in order to create a space of common ground for users.

WOVEN On-site Industrialization Architectural Implementation

Riparian Areas Existing Roads Topographics Conditions WALKING DISTANCE TO DOWNTOWN FROM SITE

New Bike Routes

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

Wetland

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

STRAW WITH SOIL EXTRACTED FROM SITE

SELF-SUSTAINED STRAW WEAVING

CLASS 1 STRAW

CLASS 2 STRAW

CLASS 3 STRAW

1:1 MIXTURE OF CLASS 3 STRAW AND EARTH

STRAW WEAVING

This straw was strained in a 3 inch metal strainer that was made from

This straw was strained in a 2 inch metal strainer that was made form

This straw was strained in a 1 inch metal strainer that was made from

The class 3 straw was better manipulated, therefore, it was better for

Class 1 straw was the largest parts of the product and it allowed for the

wire. The intention was to break up the straw into different classes to test

wire. The material seems to be more finer with big pieces. When wet, this

wire. This state of purifying the material confirmed that the more finer

mixing with the earth extracted from the site. This first experiment was to

possibility of weaving and seeing how the material worked with itself to

the porosity and level of thickness of its parts. This was important in the

material stuck together more, which meant that the smaller pieces acted

the material was, the easier it was to manipulate. When water was added,

see how the material could be manipulated for insulation.

become structurally stable.

study because it gives the opportunity to recognize the material in its

as a method of natural reinforcement within the material. However, the

the material became more firm when compacted together in molds and

most natural state.

larger pieces would not allow the material from being cohesive.

such.

STRAW AS INSULATION

CLASS 1 STRAW COMPACTED

The entirety of the straw is used to replace typical fiberglass insulation.

The larger and longer pieces of straw were compacted into larger rods that would be reinforced against one another. Of Course, using the same size

This was a model that studied the process of using straw aw a product

straw that would be ultimately braided and wrapped around the inner pieces of straw. This then makes the singular straw strong enough to stand on

for insulation as well as the process of making adobe form the local area.

its own.

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

STRAW

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

The Series of woven structures are designed to be open plan, therefore, the design supports the idea of adaptability in reuse. Open plan allows for better cross- ventilation and natural light penetration, feeling of a bigger space, flexibility, easier connection with the natural environment in the exterior, increased light, and better communication.

Woven is a place where the people of the city can contribute to not only its creation, but can create an inmense amount of spaces that change according to user needs. open plans allow for flexibility and the ability to change the space as needed, which creates a space that can constantly evolve into the space that is needed.

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

Cafe - Library - Recreational Center

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PRIMARY STRUCTURE

SECONDARY STRUCTURE

TERCIARY STRUCTURE

36’

STRUCTURAL GRID

8’

16’

152’ STRUCTURAL GRID (PLAN)

PRIMARY STRUCTURE (PLAN)

SECONDARY STRUCTURE

TERCIARY STRUCTURE

Gridlines are aligned with the primary structural elements of the design, providing a background map

The primary structure prepares for the weight of the elements that will be overlayed. The series of

The secondary structure reinforces the arches that support the base. These series of circular forms at

The foundation of the structure is reinforced within one another. The main aspect of the design that

of known, source-of-truth points that all other elements in and around the building can be dimen-

arches resembles those of Roman Engineering called arcades that were utilized in order to contruct

the top of the structure ties the arches in, not allowing them to expand.

allows for shade is the interwoven thatch roof that covers 80% of the design.

sioned to

buildings with far greater ratio of wall openings.

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

56’

4’

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

S.1

S.3 THATCH The thatch element is interwoven into the whole structure, allowing the interior space to be comfortable.

S.2 TERCIARY STRUCTURE The inter-weaving connects both primary and secondary members into one cohesive whole, giving the design lateral stability.

S.1 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STRUCTURE Secondary structure grows from the primary structure. The arrow reed of each primary member is evenly distributed across the design.

The forms of arches give structural stability to the base of the design.

The primary structure is composed with both arrow reed and straw.

Each individual piece has an arrow reed center, compacted straw, and finished of with a thick inpenetrable layer of arrow reed for structure.

Both primary and secondary structures work cohesively in order to achieve an important part of the engineering of this project. It is the foundation of the projects stability. Both structures tie together individual strands of the projects whole.

I.

I. THATCH ROOF: The last component is to be attached to the woven arches. Thatch roofs are environmentally friendly , provide excellent insulation, and are durable.

H.

H. WEAVING : Interstitial weaving allows for the stabilization of the structure. The main goal for this aspect of design is for arches to be connected to one another for stability.

G.

G. STRAW & ARROW REED ARCHES: Principal structure for design. Each arch is 12” at base. As it starts to continue to the peak of the arch, it transforms into 4” diameter, as its strands distribute horizontally into other members.

F.

F. STRUCTURAL GLASS: Curved and frame less glass units connected and joined. They are designed to bear weight in its structure with minimal obstruction.

E.

E. IRON ARCH BASES: The woven arches are sustained by

D.

D. WOVEN FURNITURE: The woven aspect of the design is also brought into the furniture, allowing users to have an intimate experience with the material.

C.

C. GRAVEL: Excavated directly from the site, this allows a seamless transition form outdoors to the interior of the design.

B.

B. FOUNDATION: Made from Caliche material. Allows users to experience other types of materials native to the region.

A.

A. FOOTINGS: Made from Caliche material native to Arizona. The continuous underground footing and pillars that sustain the bases of the woven arches are placed into the caliche foundation for further stability.

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ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

S.3

CAFE

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

N PLAN CROSS SECTION

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LIBRARY

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

N PLAN CROSS SECTION

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N PLAN RECREATIONAL STUDIO

CROSS SECTION

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

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ECOLOGY

EDUCATION

BRING BACK WETLAND

RE-STORE SALT RIVER

URBAN AGRICULTURE

URBAN REFORESTATION

BALANCED CUT & FILL

BANK STABILIZATION

ARBORETUM

COMMUNAL INVOLVEMENT

Wetlands provide natural habitat to wild species as well as the

The Salt River runs throughout Phoenix, AZ and it is a crucial part of the

Urban agriculture bring the opportunity for healthy and sustainable food

Green space will be maximized to promote walking and exercising along

Balanced earthwork is important, as cut and fill are limited on-site to

PLUCHEA SERICEA, commonly reffered to “Arrow Reed”, is planted along

Plant communities are diversified and regional, creating opportunities

Through this design, the community is able to enjoy of recreational activ-

opportunity to learn about a natural process of clean water.

city that ties eight different communities together. The River is restored

access to needed populations.

the wetlands and the Salt River, making metropolitan Phoenix a healthier

create natural engineered mounds as stormwater management tools.

wetland banks. Its Rhizomatous plant stem growS horizontally, giving the

for the public to learn about plant species.

ities while increasing awareness of the importance of water.

with clean water for future riparian areas to emerge.

ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

EARTH

place all together.

wetland form and strength.

WETLAND ZONE 1

WETLAND ZONE 2

WETLAND ZONE 3

THE SALT RIVER

Polluted water from street and rain water collection systems of the city is

Zone 2 containes the “filtered water” from zone 1, and continues to treat

Zone 3 is the cleaner water outflow that connects the clean water with

The Salt River will be naturally restored and build on the foundation of

diverged into zone 1. The contaminants and sediments are filtered.

it naturally with plants and different types of ecosystems.

the stream and/ or river. The water is released slowly. Urban Gardens are

the Rio Salado Restoration efforts which aims to restore the native wet-

planted close to this zone for clean water

land and riparian habitats of the historic Salt River, which once flowed year-round through Phoenix.

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WATER

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

PRELIMINARY NOTES

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LA CASA VERDE MIXED - USE DEVELOPMENT EL PASO , TEXAS THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS DESIGN EXCELLENCE . BEST IN CATEGORY

The city of El Paso, Texas has a serious lack of vegetation and outdoor spaces for recreational activities in the downtown area of the city. There is much abandonment in the downtown area with little to no buisness development.

Buildings that once expirienced non stop growth are now collapsing on their own.

SOU FUJIMOTO

The design of La Casa Verde can be seen as a social environment that is created in order to connect the two main focal points within its context: the train station to its northwest side and a Saturday farmers market on its east side. The train station brings citizens to the site on weekdays, as it is home to the Texas Tech College of Architecture. The farmers market, on the other hand, brings citizens to the site on weekends. Since its open day view, it has experienced nonstop growth and users seem to enjoy the idea of areas for social interaction.

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

With much abandonment comes the desire to redevelop abandoned spaces and create soacial hubs of interaction for users across the city.The establishment of vegetation and outdoor recreational activity areas has only one intention: to create a much-needed dialogue between the architecture, the vegetation and the citizens of future urban developments.

“Architecture is really about well-being. I think that people want to feel good in a space”

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

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Each housing facility is connected by a series of extensive outdoor corridors that provide a commons area for the residents.

These commons areas are designed to encourage communal relationships and call for a sense of shared responsibility.

This space provides areas where residents can take care of their communal space, allowing them to create relationships amongst themselves or simply collectively maintain their outdoor gardens. The commons area has a dialogue of itself allowing clear views into the project and out to the surrounding context. The placement encourages a natural airflow and shade into the lower outdoor area, important in a city that experiences high temperatures. The screen walls flooded with vegetation provide a natural cooling system for the proposal. The hot air entering from the surrounding context is cooled with the vegetation, allowing for cooler air to go through the fenestrations and into the living spaces. Thus, demonstrating to citizens the importance of vegetation within future urban developments.

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

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N SITE PLAN

The ground floor plan responds to the site’s main commercial feature. A clean slate floorplan is provided for easier accommodations of future economic development. The heart of the project is an extensive outdoor space geared towards creating much-needed recreational activities within the community. By creating two separate volumes for mixed use, a great belt of open space is created, thus, connecting the two major points of interest within this site solely in its placement.

The next four levels actively mirror and reflect each other on each level, creating a jigsaw façade that allows for the visual communication amongst neighbors.

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

N FLOOR PLAN 2

N FLOOR PLAN 4

N FLOOR PLAN 3

N FLOOR PLAN 5

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N FLOOR PLAN 1

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No one element is secondary or supplemental, as the design treats architecture, vegetation and the inhabitants as one cohesive whole—creating a dialogue among each other.

UNIT 2 : 671 sqf UNIT 2 Capacity: 1 UNIT 2 Count: 20

The living spaces are designed to be divided into private and public spaces within living units. The entrance has open spaces that allow for visual communication for residents. The balcony allows for communication amongst neighbors and the opening up of private spaces.

1. Foyer 2. Kitchen / Dining 3. Living Room 4. Bathroom 5. Storage 6. Bedroom 7. Terrace UNIT PLAN

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UNIT 1: 953 Sqf UNIT 1 Capacity: 2 UNIT 1 Count: 20

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

The screen walls flooded with vegetation provide a natural cooling system for the proposal and allow for the contribution of natural cooling systems within the design. Thus, demonstrating to citizens the importance of vegetation within future urban developments.

Natural resourced wood is a renewable source of material that is strong in order to resist the test of time. The exterior walls are made of 2x6 studs which allows for higher insulation to provide more privacy for the residents while the interior partition walls have 2x4” partition walls.

The bottom floor is the only area that has concrete material that is durable and is of low maintenance. It provides the strength needed for the rest of the building.

Wood Framing -Renewable -Strong -Natural Insulation: -High Level of thermal resistivity -Energy Efficient -Renewable Exterior Walls: 2x6” Studs (Higher Insulation) Partition Walls: 2x4” Studs 8” x 8” columns for structural support Concrete Foundation -Durable -Low maintenance -Resistant to elements

Shading Device : Sun shading devices ensure a greater level of comfort for those inside the building as they block sunlight and reduce the amount of solar gain making the indoor environment better for occupants as it balances the temperature, humidity and the intensity of light.

Modular Units ( Domestic Spaces) : Modular Construction are when components are prefabricated off-site in a controlled setting and then shipped to the project site and assembled. This allows projects to capture the efficiencies gained by integrating the processes and technologies of design— without having to compromise on aesthetic intent.

Vertical Circulation Strength: High compressive strength, Less Deflection, meaning that upper levels that are cantilevered are given the strong base need Concrete Strip Footing

Wrought Iron Trellis System

Commons Area : This common area is a pathway that connects inhabitants with the rest of the architecture available within their living parameters. Here, neighbors are able to gather and commune.

Wooden Panel Walls Wrought Iron Trellis System Cast in Place Concrete 8’ wrought iron / glass doors

Outdoor Space : Architecture that encourages the use of outdoor space proves to be beneficial for human health. Spending time outdoors is known to improve both mental and physical health.

Being outside can also improve memory, reduce stress, battle depression, lower blood pressure, boost your immune system, and even decrease your risk of cancer.

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Wooden Panel Floors

Commercial Spaces : Mix Use buildings are an excellent opportunity to incorporate a mix of housing types on a small scale while enhancing traditional town character. Others see it primarily as a way of revitalizing struggling areas and spurring economic development of cities.

WEST FACING SECTION

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ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

The gentle offset creates a benign, two-sided quality in each volume. As each floor steps back, it enhances and embraces the outdoor recreational area. Each housing facility is connected by a series of extensive outdoor corridors that provide a commons area for the residents. These commons areas are designed to encourage communal relationships and call for a sense of shared responsibility. This space provides areas where residents can take care of their communal space, allowing them to create relationships amongst themselves or simply collectively maintain their outdoor gardens. The commons area has a dialogue of itself allowing clear views into the project and out to the surrounding context.

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

EN BLANCO CENTER FOR INNOVATION TUCSON , ARIZONA THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS DESIGN EXCELLENCE . NOMINEE

“Context is so important, not to mimic... but to become part of the place” DAVID ADJAYE

One of Arizona’s natural beauties is its immense canyons that seem to take you to another place of life. It is almost as if one is able to recognize the unknown, and yet, enjoy it simultaneously. The city of Tucson is experiencing nonstop growth, and as human beings, it is important to focus on ourselves, our serenity, and wellbeing. This project welcomes you with large bodies of water and native plants such as the famous saguaro, that through its purity in form, provide shade and allow for easy transition of spaces.

This project acknowledges the importance of wellbeing and provides spaces that are both open and serene for its users. The manipulated cube shape demonstrates purity in form, yet, on the inside of the form features various tectonic geometric sequences that introduce you to the same feeling that a canyon would all while mimicking the natural formation of an amethyst crystal geode. The overpowering double glass skin facade allows air to freely flow in and out the project.

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

The University of Arizona has invested in a re-imagining of Campbell Ave and the Rillito River campus to include an innovation garden. This new innovation garden eagerly seeks to provide a space for recreational activities , wellbeing, and the inclusion of people and the natural environment. The vision and mission of this garden is to encourage the surrounding communities of Tucson, AZ to participate collectively, to improve lives, communities, environments, and the economy. This community resource is tailored to provide a variety of amenities that can be utilized by community members. Here, gathered principles and knowledge will be transferred to people of the surrounding community. The goal is to provide architecture that is tailored to the needs of the communities within its reach and provide spaces that emphasize the importance of sustainability within everyday human life.

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Located in Tucson, Arizona En Blanco : Collaborative Center for Innovation is visibly a stack effect chamber, proving to be a representation of thermodynamics just in its facade. The idea of a completely glazed building is not ideal for Tucson due to its weather and climate. Using a glass facade automatically meant that this glass needed to serve a purpose: the green house effect. A single curtain wall that wrapped around the facade in combination with the hot weather of Tucson meant that air conditioning energy would be obscene.

N SITE PLAN

The bottom floor is purposefully placed underground in order for the building to receive a lower temperature in its most active spaces, that being the computer and commons area. Thus, being able to successfully balance the temperature within the building vs its surrounding context. The openings that are available on all cardinal sides allow a free air flow into the building. Thus, the Venturi effect is taking place throughout the whole year, increasing the opportunity for the internal building structure to become sustainable throughout the year.

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Integrated Energy is a concept that is very important in architecture. It has become one of the most important aspects of design, as there is a growing concern about the effects that buildings have on its surrounding environment.

Designing with an approach in thermodynamic materialism, means to understand the natural energetic flows of a context and how they can seamlessly be integrated into the material and space of a building

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

N PLAN FLOOR 1

N PLAN FLOOR 2

N PLAN FLOOR 3

12. MEETING ROOM (LARGE) 13.MEETING ROOM (SMALL) 14. VISITING SCHOLAR OFFICE 15. STAFF WORK AREA 16. STAFF OFFICES (ENCLOSED) 17. DIRECTORS OFFICE 18. COMPUTER SERVER ROOM 19. IT OFFICE 20. SHIPPING / RECEIVING 21. ADAPTABLE ACTIVITY AREA 22. PUBLIC STAIR

23. EGRESS STAIRS 24. ELEVATORS 25. HVAC EQUIP. ROOM 26. FIRE RISER ROOM 27. MAIN ELECTRICAL ROOM 28. MDF 29. IDF 30. PUBLIC RESTROOMS 31. JANITOR CLOSET 32. MECH. ROOM 33. OUTDOOR SHADED AREA

N PLAN FLOOR 4

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1. LOBBY / RECEPTION 2. CAFE COUNTER 3. CAFE PREP AND STORAGE 4. CAFE SEATING 5. LIBRARY COLLECTION 6. LIBRARY WORK AREA 7. GUEST SERVICES / CHECK OUT DESK 8. COLLABORATIVE LIVING ROOM 9. SHARED WORK AREA 10. PRIVATE WORK KIOSKS 11. COMPUTER STATIONS

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

One very notorious aspect of the design is the four planters located at all cardinal entrances that display of saguaro plants. Saguaro plants are extremely important for Arizonans, at it is something that truly identifies our location.

This project emphasizes the concern that Arizona has with the drought that has been occurring for the past ten years. This project encourages the responsible use of water by having a rainfall / storm water collection system, that is responsibly managed throughout the building. The surrounding bodies of water encourage evaporative cooling throughout the building.

The saguaros are them accompanied by several pools of water that reflect the beauty within our climate and location. The sunsets that would be reflected from those pools during the summer would be one thing that would distinguish the experience of being here.

The stairs then take visitors to the first floor which is 12 feet underground in a very open area that serves as commmon space for users.

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COTE TOP TEN: DESIGN FOR WATER

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

Microclimates Stack Effect Air Circulation

DESIGN FOR ECOSYSTEMS

DESIGN FOR ENERGY

Cultural preservation and critical regionalism derives from Architect Judith Chafee; a Tucson native who encouraged the idea of regional architecture - an architectural approach that responds to the local cultures, geography, and climates while still retaining characteristics of Modernism. This design focuses of preserving local landscape; encouraging the ecological health of location throughout time.

The first floor of the project is the most thermally active as it carries the common areas. The design sinks these areas into the ground with the goal of decreasing its temperature versus the outdoor area. The projects form allows desirable light to be shed through its double glass skin. This ski serves as a method for stack effect cooling that decreases the amount of energy use of the building.

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Evaporative Cooling

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

The outer glass skin is not only designed to be weather proof (protection against dust, rain, smog, weathering), but it also provides a crucial thermodynamic system that will aid the internal building and its production of energy.

Metal Cap

What separated the outer glass skin and the internal building made out of fiber cement is AIR. The goal was to avoid the possibility of having the green house reach the internal building.

Stucco

The space between the two elements perform the effect of a chimney. The hot air that enters into the system by convection, is able to exit through an opening at the top. There is a constant and vertical wind, that is helped by the Venturi effect created by the waists and essentially ELIMINATES the greenhouse effect.

Gypsum Board Sheething

Exterior Grid System Steel Studs Steel Truss System

FIG 1

Air Gap Mineral Fibre Insulation Steel Studs Gypsum Wall Board Double Glass Skin

Stack Effect

Steel Structure for Glass

FIGURE 1

FIG 2

FIGURE 2

The materials used to insulate residential and commercial buildings have remained the same for decades and most have severe environmental impacts. As we collectively begin to use increasing amounts of insulation for buildings to lower energy requirements, the volume of insulating material used increases dramatically. It makes ecological and financial sense to fill the volume with materials that are annually renewable, low impact, and sourced from waste stream or from y products, hence, steel.

PLAN : ENTRANCE VS. OUTER GLASS SKIN

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DESIGN FOR RESOURCES

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

DESIGN FOR WELLBEING Humans spend almost 90% of their time in buildings, therefore, it should be a designs goal to promote the wellbeing of oneself. The design offers open spaces that have contact with light and air, thus, establishing a relationship with the elements instead of them being purely subjective.

DESIGN FOR CHANGE The design is aware that accept that times change and so do people. The design offers open spaces that can accommodate future uses of the building.

DESIGN FOR ECONOMY Architecture can be a method by which balance among the economic sections of society is created. Architecture acts as a connection to many sectors of society.

DESIGN FOR EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES This design attempts to break the barriers that prevent the rise of social equity. The design reach from audiences from all cardinal directions, resembling how people across Tucson’s communities can enjoy the services of the project. This project contributes to creating a diverse, accessible, walkable, and human - scaled community, thus, promoting inclusion and social equity, particularly with respect to Tucson’s most vulnerable communities.

Architecture holds the potential to set the stage for chance encounters and social interactions, thus nurturing community building and influencing the fabric of our social culture. Architecture can improve the social capital of its surroundings through design strategies and thoughtful programming, creating the fertile ground for social interaction among different groups of people. Architecture generate fertile ground for social interaction.

DESIGN FOR DISCOVERY The relationship between architecture and the individual involves a process of discovery through themselves. Architecture is for human beings and it has the capabilities to move us and leave us with everlasting experiences. There are certain qualities of spaces that open up our subconscious minds and make us aware of ourselves, just like meditation.

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DESIGN FOR INTEGRATION

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

PAVILION

TUCSON , ARIZONA

ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

Tucson, Arizona is home to beautiful weather and epic scenery. The city of Tucson’s biking infrastructure is known to frame the cities great characteristics.

This infrastructure, known as “The Loop” features over 150 miles of dedicated paved bike trails that are often utilized for exercise. This trail, in particular , has a 56 - mile bike path that encircles the city and connects the vibrant cultures of one of the oldest continually habited places in North America. Pima County and the City of Tucson have been hard at work putting in miles and miles of paths along Tucson’s river beds across the city.

One of the best segments of “The Loop” is the Rillito River Park. The length is approximately 11.9 Miles (one - way) starting at the Santa Cruz River and ending on approximately on Craycroft road.

Form must have a content, and that content must be linked with nature.

ALVAR AALTO

This segment introduces a widely open and expansive mesquite tree grove that spans severely large sections of the trail. During the heat of the summer, the shade invoked by the surrounding groves make the Rillito River Trail perfect for a morning or late afternoon scenic rides.

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ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

LA MONTAÑA

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

This project is a re-imagined Ramada area inspired by the massive mesquite groves that can be seen throughout the bike trails of the Rillito Park.

Because Tucson has very extreme weather, it is important to be able to provide the cities citizens with proper rest areas that are noncontaminating to the wild life surrounding these bike trails. It is essential that the surrounding wildlife is taken into consideration for all design aspects whether big or small.

N SITE PLAN

Another characteristic of this design that enables natural cooling effect is evaporative cooling. Because the site is an open area with reasonable topography, the areas with low topography are dedicated to collecting rain water during monsoon season in order to contribute to this idea of evaporative cooling during the hot and humid days of Tucson’s monsoon season.

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

The design itself focuses mainly on air circulation during the hottest months of the year, June and July. The placement of each individual member creates a funneling effect, welcoming air circulation in and out of the structure. Inside the structure, there are seating areas made up of natural elements like rocks and wooden platforms.

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

N SITE PLAN

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

The primary construction material of the design is wood. Because wood is a renewable and biodegradable resource, responsibly sourced wood signifies a more environmentally sustainable option. Wood’s versatility allows for various applications, such as panels, slats, and structural meshes.

Here, each rod is resourced wood that is individually assembled in the site. This versatility enables efficient use of each element, minimizing waste. Each member of the design reserves its natural texture to minimize the chemicals that are introduced to the habitats that are found on-site. The “furniture” used within the design are rocks that are locally sourced within the river beds.

N

E

S

W

3”

6”

9”

12”

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ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

La Montaña is designed to be a semi-permanent structure in the middle of the desert. Temporary or semi permanent structures are often featured in exhibitions, fairs, cultural events, and sports gatherings, and provide a platform for exploring new materials and design concepts. This designs is intended for easy assembly and disassembly and typically used for short durations, making it crucial to consider reducing environmental impact without sacrificing aesthetics and innovation.

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

STADIUM ROWHOUSES MACRO TO MICRO TUCSON, AZ

A decade-long design-build project necessitates an organizational strategy that allows design of an entire project while also creating subcomponents that facilitate new design opportunities and a sense of authorship by each generation of students involved. A new Master Plan set in place by the University in 2009 resulted in various heated conflicts between the University and an adjacent residential neighborhood over projects in the expansion zone. Not only was there going to be a removal of existing housing stock, but a new parking structure would be set in place. Of course, much larger in scale than the residences at the expansion boundary. The University and neighborhood association reached an agreement that included a “visual buffer” between the parking structure and the neighborhood.

South Stadium Rowhouses became an official University project.

In 2014, Architecture professor Mary Hardin proposed to the University and neighborhood association that architecture students of the University design and construct a row of small houses to mitigate views of the parking garage, transition the street edge back to a residential scale, and help stabilize the residential boundary.

The Design- build curriculum uses hands- on learning, as theories taught in school curriculum are now being put to use during the construction phase of the design.

A 2015 studio produced and presented multiple master plan proposals to joint meetings of the neighborhood association and the University’s planning committee. With unanimous support from the stakeholders, the

Master plan proposals were handed off to new generations of students, who would design the individual housing units, produce construction drawings, and build the rowhouses.

For many students, these design - build projects became an opportunity to be exposed to real world use of theories taught in school curriculum. It became a way of understanding and using knowledge in order to create sustainable architecture that would be the sought after visual buffer between the large parking garage and the residential neighborhood.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RACHAEL VARIN

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

ACSA 2023 ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION DESIGN - BUILD AWARD

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RACHAEL VARIN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RACHAEL VARIN

During the Design phase, another component that was thoughtfully worked through was the plumbing. This design offered one plumbing wall, where all things categorized into “waste” would be placed in order to have a more organized system. The plan demonstrates how the plumbing wall towards the kitchen, includes all plumbing.

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

During school curriculum, it is difficult to incorporate real world theories of the design process of a building. During the design phase, electrical programming within the design gives the opportunity of analyzing how spaces will be used. It gives an opportunity to see the most beneficial ways of organizing the lighting within the spaces.

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RACHAEL VARIN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RACHAEL VARIN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RACHAEL VARIN

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

One of the earliest design choices made by the design group were the large 8’ tall windows south of the site, in the living area. This area needed to be well lit, because the living area is the most used space. With time, the group decided that it was best to include a deep overhang to shade during sunset while not sacrificing the end result of the space.

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

The Design group decided that it would be beneficial to have a shared parking ramada. This Design was not only low cost, but is also proved to add more use to the outdoor area. Because Tucson tends to be hot for a larger portion of the year, this structure that gives dappled lighting allows users to use the outdoor area more often.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RACHAEL VARIN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RACHAEL VARIN

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ITZEL A. GAMEZ ALCARAZ

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RACHAEL VARIN

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

Very often, the realm of architecture is narrowed down, and its expansive ability is ignored. For some, architecture is defined by the lavishness of the Burj Khalifa, the Gothic-style Cologne Cathedral, or the originality of the Sydney Opera House.

However, architecture has the potential to embody itself in less eye-catching forms, often built for the purpose of social justice and poverty eradication.

Architecture has the potential to serve a significant role in the reduction of poverty through sustainability, accessibility, and empowerment. Architects who work in impoverished countries can use sustainable and resilient materials in work with low maintenance costs, leaving a small footprint in the environment. In addition, architectural projects located in developing nations can train people in skill sets such as masonry or carpentry, which lead to significant opportunities for employment and economic growth. Architects could help in emerging economies but often harm by ignoring the context that their architecture is placed in. Thus, resulting in the ignoring of the social justice that is possible through appropriate design. I aspire to specialize in low- income built environments that embrace sustainable design to fight increasing poverty. Through respect, passion, and devotion to the field, less fortunate communities can and will have the opportunity to be supported and empowered.

Itzel A. Gamez Alcaraz itzelalondragamezalcaraz@gmail.com

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THANK YOU