PORT FOLIO
C ONTENTS
Logics of the Discrete
More Pitch No Problem
Explorations
The Visitor
Monument Sliced
Cavernscape
p. 6-11
p. 12-17
p. 18-23
p. 24-29
p. 30-35
p. 36-41
Logics of the Discrete
Fall 2024---Architecture Thesis Research Studio
Applications: Rhino, Grasshopper, Adobe Illustrator
I am deeply fascinated by the intersection of mathematics and archi tecture, particularly as expressed through parametricism. However, in its current state, many of the forms created through parametric design are both challenging to construct and largely inaccessible to the general public. To address this, I have focused on developing a new approach that I call “discrete parametricism,” serving as an intermediate step between contemporary construction methods and fully realized parametric styles. The goal of this research is to use one or two easily manufactured components to create complex forms that respond to multiple design parameters. By relying on mass-produced parts, this approach significantly increases accessi bility, making it feasible for application in a wide range of contexts.
Intermediate Parametricism:
age de ned by calculus and digital design, precision and complexity are constantly adAs a result, the gap between digital design craftsmanship is narrowing, bringing design achieving true democratic expression.
I began by defining “parametric architecture” using quantitative data rather than qualitative descriptions. To explore this, I studied the Chandigarh Tower of Shadows for its “Corbusien” orthogonal geometries. I used Grasshopper to count points, isocurves, and find factors of curvature for edges of the original pavilion then applied applying simple digital transformations reminiscent of D’Arcy Thompson. I observed increasing complexities in isocurves, edges, and points as the structure evolved. This complexity translates to higher construction challenges and costs. To mitigate this, my project shifted toward a low-resolution part to whole relationship, where individual parts have minimal connection to the whole.
Curvature: None
Avg. Isocurve Density 1
Isocurve Density 1
95 Holes
96 Discontinuties
6” columns
12” slab
95 Holes
80 Discontinuties
5” columns
8” slab 1 : 2
Discontinuties
90 Holes
78 Discontinuities
5” columns
6” slab 5 : 8 5 : 6
Form finding experiments playing with simple transformations and the shape of the repeated part. Here, parts have little relation to the form of the whole, but are integral in its computation on Grasshopper. To ensure its accessibility, there is a focus on aggregative techniques with CMU’s (concrete masonry units). As a result, three “semi-typologies” emerged, organized brick construction, Corbusier’s DomIno inspired construction where column and slab are blurred, and complete organized chaos.
Dom-Ino Interpretation
Addition and Subtraction from Swarm
Addition and Subtraction from Swarm (scaled 600%)
Fall 2023---Architecture Vertical Studio
Bullring by the Sea, Playas de Tijuana
Collaboration: Emmery Speed
Applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Rhino, Model Making
Tijuana is home to remarkable ecological sites that have often been overlooked amid recent rapid population growth. To raise awareness of these natural landmarks and Tijuana’s unique historical heritage, Monument Sliced is situated in the heart of the Bullring by the Sea in Playas de Tijuana. Near both the U.S.-Mexico border and Yogurt Canyon, this location is ideal for a botanical garden that fosters unity within the surrounding area. Using a modular scaffolding system, the garden offers a flexible layout that allows for adaptation, transformation, and a transformation of uses over time.
Absract visualization of the problems plaguing the San Diego/Tijuana border. In red, the abstraction of political corruption that makes reparing infrastructure almost impossible. In blue, the abstraction of natural forces such as weather and time that further worsen the infrastructure. As a result, problems such as species extinction and pollution threaten the US ecosystem as well.
art community nature exchange garden border unobtrusive unity history local transformation canyon market commune
Trajectory drawing visualizing the scale and aims of the intervention
No Problem
Fall 2022---Architecture Design Studio I
Tijuana, Mexico
Collaboration: Emmery Speed
Applications: Rhino, Adobe Illustrator, Twinmotion
Situated amid sprawling government housing in Tijuana, this plaza aims to bring unity and vibrancy to an otherwise overlooked community. The design of More Pitch No Problem centers on an often-overlooked yet essential architectural element: the roof. By thoughtfully considering its placement, material, and rhythm, the design transforms the conventional pitched roof into something unique. The roof stretches across the entire plot, creating natural shade and shelter while blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, inviting new possibilities for community engagement.
By illustrating the structure in an exploded view, the interplay between roof and framework becomes clearer, revealing how shadows and spatial functions emerge within the design.
Prince Model
Fall 2023
Jeff Svitak Inc.
San Francisco, CA
Collaboration: Emmery Speed
This physical model portrays a potential future construction in San Francisco. It consists of two identical units followed by a third smaller ADU in the back of the structure with a car port underneath for extra car storage. Materials used were bass wood, tacky glue, dried vegetation, and wood stain to accentuate the brise soleil.
The Visitor
Spring 2024---Architecture Vertical Studio II
City Heights, San Diego
Applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Model Making, Drawing, 3D Printing
Pried from the ground by a playful tube, The Visitor aims to unite City Heights, a growing community in the middle of San Diego. As a reaction to the small lot size, ramps were chosen to allow for a substantial increase in the useable area of the space, provide divisions and flexibility for a variety of programs, and retain general accessibility for all users. Rather than adding another purely utilitarian building, The Visitor employs a program and infrastructure are defined by a playful red tube (the visitor) that snakes its way through the site, creating program, support, and recreation.
By observing the top view of The Visitor, programmatic definition by the red becomes clear.
Cavernscape
Spring 2024---Architecture Vertical Studio II
City Heights, San Diego
Collaboration: Emmery Speed
Applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Rhino, Model Making
With San Diego’s population growth driving a critical housing shortage, architects are rethinking urban living. Cavernscape embraces vertical expansion with gravity-defying, bowed walls that maximize space and create a striking landmark. Designed to optimize natural light, it features oblique walls as light funnels, brick screens for privacy and connection to nature, and an oculus extending to the ground floor. Complemented by a public market and community garden, Cavernscape balances introversion and extroversion in urban design.
Long