Environmental Designer Kailey Kruse
+1(602)-741-0171
Tempe,Arizona(85281)
knkruse@asu.edu
Humans spend most of their lives in resurrected environments - spaces that, by choice or by fate, mold the minutiae of our daily lives. As an environmental designer, my design literacy is rooted in a commitment to define a form, function, and meaning of thesespacestoenhancethestandardandqualityofapeople,place,andtime.
The goal of my work is to transform both the physical and psychological landscapes we navigate, initiating a shift toward more sustainable ecosystems. Every environment is an opportunity to introduce and cultivate the vital components of a broader dialogue about anthropogenic systems, infrastructure, and art that fosters successful and happy communities. My work is not merely about creating spaces; it’s about reinforcing and redefining how we interact with our world, ensuring our environments today fosters a bettertomorrow.
EDUCATION
ArizonaStateUniversity
Barrett,HonorsUndergraduateCollege (August2020-Summer2024)
BachelorsofEnvironmentalDesign HerbergerInstituteforDesign&the Arts
Minor,Sustainability CollegeofGlobalFutures
Certificate,Biomimicry CollegeofGlobalFutures
InternationalDesignEducation Rome,Paris,London,Barcelona
ArizonaStateUniversity GraduateCollege (August2024-Summer2027)
MastersofArchitecture(MArch) HerbergerInstituteforDesign&the Arts
ACHIEVEMENTS
TomaleeDoanLibAidforStudentSuccess Award
KatherineK HerbergerScholarAward
SustainabilityUndergraduateResearch ExperienceScholarAward
BarrettSummerDevelopmentProgram ScholarshipRecipient NewAmericanUniversityScholarAward
HonorsProjectAwardRecipient
ASUDeansList(2020-2024)(3.94GPA)
GlobalEducationStudentSpotlight
PROJECTS
AIASDesignMentorship
NaturespaceDigitalization
NaturespaceDesignSpecialist
ArizonaStateUniversityMakerSpace Services August,2024-Present
NaturespaceLibraryAide
ArizonaStateUniversityMakerSpace Services
August,2022-July,2024
BiomimicryResearchOfficer
ArizonaStateUniversity May,2023-January2024
Human-NatureInteractions& ConservationPlanningforLandscape SustainabilityResearcher
ArizonaStateUniversity August,2022-May,2023
EventsandFundraisingSustainability Intern
ArizonaGreenChamberofCommerce January,2021-May,2021
UrbanPlanningExternship
GilbertCivicCenter May,2019-November,2019
RetailAssociateandStarbucksBarista Target Nov2018-Jul2020 EXPERIENCE
ReflectionsofLifeMuseumInstallation
ASUNaturespaceDisplayCaseInstallations
Art&ArchitectureWorkshops
Bio-IntegratedDesignFramework
Socio-EconomicStudyofLondonArchitecture andUrbanDesign
EPICSCoralRestorationProject
ArtandFurnitureDesign
LandscapeSustainabilityResearch AdobeCreativeCloud
SKILLS
MicrosoftOffice
Revit/AutoCad Rhino
SketchupPro
Fusion360
V-Ray/Lumion
3DPrinting
GeospatialDataandMapping
ArcGISPro
Research&Analytics
ClimaticAnalysisandDesign
SustainableDesign
Energy-EfficientModeling
Naturespace Digital Reconstruction
Arizona State University- Online Resource Expansion Project
BuildingInformationRemodelofArizonaStateUniversity’sNaturespace
CreatingAnInclusiveSpaceThroughDigitalBuildingInformationModelsatArizonaState’sHaydenLibrary SketchUp Pro - ArcGIS - InDesign - Illustrator - Polycam - Revit - Fusion 360 - Photoshop
Arizona State University’s Naturespace is an immersive on-hands collection of natural artifacts from across the globe. Unlike traditional natural history collections, which are often restricted from direct interaction, Naturespace provides an immersive experience where visitorscanhandlespecimens,studyintricatenaturalpatterns,and draw inspiration for academic, artistic, and professional pursuits. The collection features thousands of specimens, ranging from seahorse skeletons and crab shells to pinecones, honeycombs, and kingfisher feathers. To support in-depth study, the space is equipped with microscopes, magnifying glasses, measuring tools, scales, and other researchresources,makingitaninvaluablehubfordiscoveryandlearning.
Naturespace’s Digitilization Expanding Accessibility
To enhance accessibility and extend Naturespace’s reach beyond its physical location, this project is actively leveraging digital twin technology, integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and geospatial tools to develop an immersive, data-rich virtual representation of the space This ongoing initiative aims to bridge the gap between physical and digital experiences, enabling users to explore, analyze, and interact with Naturespace in ways that transcend traditionalspatiallimitations.
The project began with a in-depth spatial analysis of Naturespace, where furniture, natural artifacts, and ecological components were assessed, than modeled, and/or scanned. This process continues to evolve, ensuring that both tangible elements such as seating, display cases, and interactive stations— are accurately documented. By listing and defining all resources within the space, a comprehensive inventory is being established, forming the foundation for an authentic and continuouslyrefinedvirtualreconstruction.
Beyond digital replication, the project also includes an ongoing redesign proposal for Naturespace’s physical environment. By continuously analyzing user behavior, spatial flow, and accessibility needs, iterative improvements are being developed to enhance both the functional and aesthetic qualities of the space. The integration of digital twin technology has been allowing for real-time simulations of proposed modifications, supporting data-driven decision-making and ensuring that evolving design solutions align with sustainability and engagementgoals.
Multifaceted Modeling Approach
To achieve a high level of detail and accuracy within Arizona State’s project budget, this project is employing a hybrid modeling approach, utilizing a diverse suite of digital tools, each serving a specialized role in the iterative workflow. ArcGIS is being used for geospatial mapping, enabling precise site analysis and spatial positioning within the broader campus context. SketchUp provides an intuitive platform for early-stage volumetric modeling and conceptual visualization, allowing for quick design iterations. To ensure realistic texturing and form accuracy, Polycam is actively utilized for 3D scanning of key objects and artifacts, capturing intricatedetailsofNaturespace’sphysicalcomponents.
As the project continues to develop, Fusion 360 is being applied for parametric modeling, particularly in refining scans of natural artifacts and interactive elements with precision. Revit serves as another BIM platform, facilitating the creation of detailed architectural models, construction documentation, and analytical simulations to ensure design feasibility. Finally, Adobe Photoshop is being used to enhance presentation renderings, integrating post-processing techniques to refine lighting, textures, and overall visual storytelling. This ongoing, iterative approach has been ensuring that the digital twin remains an accurate, adaptable, and immersiverepresentationofNaturespace.
Digitalizing Purpose and Impact
Accessibility, Innovation, and Ecological Engagement
This project has ensured that Naturespace’s resources and opportunities are becoming increasingly accessible through ongoing digital transformation. By developing a virtual replica enriched with data-driven insights, Naturespace can be experienced and studied beyond its physical constraints. This initiative is particularly valuable for those who may not yet have direct access to the space, including remote learners, researchers, and the broader public. Through digital immersion, users will be able to exploreandinteractwithNaturespace’sexhibits,specimens, and architectural features in ways that closely mimic the physical experience while incorporating additional layers of engagement, such as annotated models, interactive learning modules,andreal-timeupdatesonecologicalandspatialchanges.
Beyond enhancing accessibility, this project is actively expanding educational and research opportunities. The digitaltwinisevolvingintoadynamiclearningtool, allowing students and researchers to study spatial configurations, material properties, and ecological interactions within the space—without the limitations of physical presence. By integrating geospatial data, parametric models, and real-world simulations, this project continues to support interdisciplinary applications, spanning environmental studies, sustainability research, architectural design, and urban planning. The ability to manipulate and test design iterations in a virtual environment before implementing them physically fosters a data-informed approach to spatial innovation, reducing waste, optimizing resources, and ensuring that modifications align with sustainability goals. Additionally, the adaptability of the digital twin ensures that Naturespace will continue to evolve, accommodating new exhibits, integrating real-time environmental data, and adapting to changing educational and researchneeds allwhileminimizingtheneedforextensivephysicalmodifications.
TheprojectedcompletiondateistheMayof2025.
Aurora Lime
Arizona State University- Educatinal Project
RehabilitativeHousingProjectInspiredbyArizona’sCanyons
AnUrbanFarmCommunityforRehabilitativeHousing
Rhino - Climate Studio - Weather Spark - Photoshop - Illustrator
AuroraLimeisaconceptualprojectdesignedtobeasupportivecommunityforindividualsontheirjourneytorecoveryfromsubstanceabuse. Groundedinprinciplesof therapeuticcommunities,recoveryhousing,andrecovery-orientedsystemsofcare,thishousingprojectseekstoaddressthe holisticwell-beingofitsresidents—physical,emotional,andsocial—whilefosteringsustainabilityandresilience.
InspiredbythelimestonecanyonsystemsofArizona,thishousingprojectmergesbiophilicandbiomorphicdesignprinciplestocreatearehabilitativeurban community.Asaresult,thedevelopmentismodeledasaself-sustainingecosystemthatthoughtfullyintegratesprivacy,communityconnection,andenvironmental stewardshipwithaquaponicagriculturalsystems,xeriscaping,andsolarenergysolutions.
AuroraLimewasnamedaftertheAuroraBorealis,theprojectreflectstheuniqueconditionsrequiredforindividualstorecoverandshine,justasthenorthernlights illuminatetheskyunderspecificcircumstances.AsAuroraLimewasdesignedtocreateaninclusive,restorativeenvironmentwhereindividualscanregainasenseof stabilityandthriveinamongstthecalmingLimestone.Thisurbanfarmcommunitynotonlysupportspersonalgrowthandreintegration,butalsointroducesasustainable agriculturalmodelthatoffersitsurbanecosystemtheuniqueconditionsnecessarytorediscovertheirlightandflourish.
Integrating Ecology, Privacy, and Sustainability
Aurora Lime is a sustainable response to Phoenix’s extreme desert climate, integrating resilient design strategies to support both its residents and the surrounding environment. Situated in the hot-dry conditions of ASHRAE 2B and Köppen BWh, the project addresses intense summer heat, mild winters,andminimalrainfallthroughpassivecooling,xeriscaping,and water-efficient systems. Its location within a flat basin near the Salt River informs a site layout that maximizes shade, airflow, and natural resource access,ensuringacomfortableandrestorativelivingenvironment.
The landscape layout prioritizes privacy, ecological health, and climate adaptation while reinforcing biophilic design principles. Surrounding limestone-clad structures, carefully selected vegetation serves as a protective buffer, enhancing residential privacy, regulating temperature, and supporting biodiversity. This strategic planting fosters a microclimate that improves air quality, agricultural productivity, and ecological resilience, while also preventingthespreadofinvasivespeciesandotherenvironmentalthreats.
At the site’s core, agricultural zones and water basins are integrated within the interior layout, protecting vegetation while enhancing plant growth and mitigating extreme heat. By positioning agriculture adjacent to water basins, the design maximizes food production efficiency while minimizing water loss through efficient water cycling, an essential strategy in Phoenix’s arid conditions. These features are evenly distributed, ensuring equitable access to resourcesandfosteringcommunityengagementinaself-sustainingecosystem.
The pedestrian pathways are arranged in looped circulation patterns to prompt and encourage organic movement, social interaction, and a sense of opennessasresidentsventurethroughspaceswithoutdeadends.The
ResidentialBuilding LandscapingLayout
AgriculturalandBasinManagement PedestrianPathways
residential layout balances privacy and community connection, with units strategically spaced to provide seclusion while still allowing engagement when desired or needed. The housing layout also intentionally features an open layout to facilitate and offer personal and communal programming to benefit the unique needs of the community as it changes throughout time. The residential buildings are also centered around the agricultural and water basins, reinforcing the site’s rehabilitative and therapeutic focus by exposure to the naturalenvironment.
To accommodate the community’s diverse residential needs, the project also incorporates three distinct unit variations, shaping the site’s architectural identity. These layouts define the overall structure of the development, ensuring a cohesive yet flexible living environment that adapts to individual andcollectivewell-being.
Aurora Lime’s residential units integrate privacy, community, and environmental consciousness through two distinct living spaces centered around an amenity core: Sun Core and TeraCore.
The Sun Core unit embodies an open, breathable environment designed to foster healing and renewal through natural integration. Featuring an open layout, it prioritizes spatial efficiency by combining a shared bedspace with the amenity core. Within the shared bedspaces, sleeping areas are strategically positioned at opposite ends of structural and spatial dividers to minimize visual and auditory disturbances while maintaining seamless communication through interconnectedhallsandcorridors.
A key feature of Sun Core is its incorporation of small interior courtyards framed by floor-toceiling windows and limestone slabs, allowing cascadingsunlighttopermeatetheunit. The larger central courtyard offers residents a flexible outdoor space for personal programming while simultaneously creating a microclimate that enhances thermal comfort, privacy, and passive cooling strategies. This biophilic approach significantly benefits residents' physical and psychological well-being by reducing stress, enhancing cognitive function, and fostering emotional balance. The NurtureNook, a shared central amenity space separate from the bedspaces, serves as a hub for social engagement, relaxation, and recovery, supporting both residents and isitors. To maximize environmental stimulation, the amenitycorepositions
Sun Core Floor Plan
SharedBedspace(1A)
the kitchen adjacent to floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuring ample natural light and a continuous connection to the outdoors. Every kitchen overlooks agricultural fields, reinforcing a direct link tonatureandsustainableliving.
Tera Core Floor Plan
TeraCoreoffersanalternativelayout that prioritizes the same functionality andefficiencywhilemaintainingmore privacy. Unlike Sun Core, this unit features fewer windows, creating a more enclosed yet well-ventilated space that mimics the deep hubs of a canyon, where indirect light and enclosed spatial qualities foster a sense of retreat and refuge. In this unit, all corridors offer personal programming and are strategically placed to ensure smooth circulation and minimize disruptions as residents have their personal corridors that enable easy transition between privateandcommunalareas.
Like Sun Core, Tera Core also incorporates a Shared Amenity Core with views toward agricultural landscapes, maintaining a connection to nature even within its more enclosed layout. While Sun Core emphasizes openness and direct exposure to natural elements, Tera Core provides a subtler biophilic connection, focusing on warmth, enclosure,andtranquilspaces.
Bio-Integrated Structure & Materiality
Aurora Lime’s design integrates biomorphic materials, passive cooling strategies, and renewable energy to create a resilient and restorative environment. The building composition prioritizes thermal comfort, privacy, and ecological integration, using limestone, glass, and photovoltaic panels to supportbothresidentsandthesurroundinglandscape.
Limestone, a sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), is used for its thermal properties and ecological benefits. Over time, it enriches the soil, retains moisture, and supports plant growth, reinforcing a self-sustaining microclimate. Its high albedo effect helps mitigate heat absorption, reducing theurbanheatislandeffectinPhoenix’sextremeclimate.
Windows incorporate low transparency and high light reflectance value (LRV) to balance privacy, daylight access, and heat reduction. Double-panel glazing prevents solar glare and thermal stress, while structural glass in courtyards and roofs enhances natural light exposure without excessive heat gain. Glass finsaddstructuralstabilityinopenareas.
Optimized shading of roof, calculated with a 45-degree Vertical Solar Angle (VSA), provides effective sun protection while maintaining openness. Trees further enhance shading, support microclimate creation, andimproveairqualityandsoilretention.
Solar panels are strategically positioned to maximize energy production while minimizing heat impact on residential areas. Combined with high-LRV exterior cover screens and doubled-panel solar systems whichelementsensureenergyefficiencyandpassivecooling,reducingrelianceonmechanicalsystems.
Cultivate Commons
A Multi-Functional Community Space
CultivateCommonsservesasthecentralcommunityspacewithintheagriculturalhousingproject,designedtofostersocialengagement,economicopportunity,andholisticwellbeing.Functioningasanintegratedfood,health,andcommunalhub,thistwo-levelfacilitystrengthenstheconnectionbetweenresidents,agriculture,andthesurroundingurbanfabric.
The first level supports economic activity and social engagement, enhancing urban life and resident livelihoods. A community kitchen and common area facilitate shared meals and educational programs on nutrition and sustainability, fostering social bonds and reducing isolation. Adjacent, an interior garden with storage enables year-round growing and seed preservation, promoting food sovereignty through hydroponics or vertical farming to boost productivity while conserving resources. A groundfloor marketplace strengthens local economies by offering a direct-to-consumer platform for residentgrown produce, improving food security and generating income. A physical health unit provides preventive care, fitness, and rehabilitation, linking healthcare access to quality of life. Office spaces supportentrepreneurship,cooperativemanagement,andlocalbusinessincubationforfinancialstability.
The second level prioritizes psychological well-being, recognizing the built environment’s impact on mental health. A psychological health unit offers counseling and mindfulness programs for shared housing residents. Interior green spaces and common areas enhance well-being, as nature exposure reducesstressandimprovescognition.
Designed with a holistic approach, Cultivate Commons programming balances sensory engagement, acoustic comfort, and spatial diversity—offering both stimulation and solitude for self-sufficient living. By integrating access to fresh food, healthcare, and shared resources, the project cultivatesahealthier,moreresilient,andinterconnectedcommunity.
Aurora Lime’s Sustainable Landscape Merging Aquaponics & Xeriscaping
To complement its sustainable architectural concept, Aurora Lime’s landscape integrates fishless aquaponics, xeriscaping, and multipurpose water basins to create a self-sustaining and water-efficient ecosystem. Designed for arid conditions, the system maximizes water reuse, insulation, and supplemental cooling, ensuring resilient food production and ecologicalbalance.
Aurora Lime’s aquaponic system operates on a closed-loop water cycle, efficiently circulating nutrient-rich water derived from organic inputs rather than traditional fish waste. This method supports the cultivation of leafy greens, herbs, cucumbers, strawberries, quinoa, and salt-tolerant crops, ensuring yearround food production while minimizing water waste. The aqua beds are designedtoconservewater,provideinsulation,andenhancecooling,making
them an integral part of the site’s microclimate strategy. The project features multi-purpose water basins, which serve as water reservoirs, thermal regulators, and habitat support for xeric plantings. These basins contribute to shared water efficiency, distributing water across the aquaponic system, graywater reuse infrastructure, and drought-tolerant landscapes. This integration reduces reliance on external water sources while enhancingenvironmentalresilience.
The landscape, inspired by Arizona’s desert-adaptive principles, features drought-tolerant plants and native grasses, with palo verdes, barrel cacti, and bermudagrass supporting soil stabilization and heat mitigation, while aquaponics sustain Mexican palm trees, which help manage excess water as partofawater-intensiveplantsystem.
ArtiChitecture Pavilion
Arizona State University Naturespace- Display Design
ArchitecturalPavilionInspiredbytheArtichokeFlower
SustainableParkRenovation(EducationalProjectforArizonaStateUniversityLibrary)
Revit - Photoshop - Illustrator
ArtiChitectureisaconceptualrenovationproject for Florida’s Rivera Park inspired by Cynara Scolymus, to transform the site into a sustainable sacred, matrimonial space. Cynara Scolymus, also known as the artichokeflower, is commonly defined as theflowerofhope,prosperity,andfuturesuccess.
The biophillic design of the pavilion emulates the artichoke’s distinctive structure, featuring a core reminiscent of its tender heart, encased by robust, overlapping layers that protect and define the space. This architectural interpretation of the artichoke represents a heart exposed by love, alluding to its significance as a sacred space dedicated to matrimonial ceremonies.
At the Heart of the Flower A People’s Place in Time
The renovation of Florida's Rivera Park pavilion, inspired by the Cynara Scolymus, is purposed to transform the site into a sacred matrimonial space. Its architecture features a core reminiscent of the flower's tender heart, encased by robust, overlapping layers that metaphorically protect and symbolize the safeguarding of love. This design, which mirrors the artichoke's transition into a vibrant thistle, symbolizes the growth and beauty of relationships,aligningwiththespace’sthemesofhope, prosperity, and new beginnings. Tailored to host weddings and connective celebrations, the pavilion creates a serene and intimate environment suited for both public and private events, enhancing the communal and emotional experience. Which is enhanced by the pavilion’s utilization of orangetrees,reflectiveinteriordesign,andrepurposedAlter.
TheOrangeTrees.
Theorangetreesgrownwithinthepavilionsymbolizesabundance, fertility,andenduringlove,aligningwiththethemesofgrowthand prosperityinmarriage.Theirpresencenotonlyenrichestheaesthetic andsensoryexperiencewiththeirfragrantblossoms,butalsoservesas ameaningfulbotanicalrepresentationofthecoupleshopesfora fruitfulandsuccessfulunion *Oncethedwarftreesoutgrowthe pavilion,theyareplacedwithinthesurroundinglandscapetoenhance biodiversityandresilience.
TheReflectiveInterior.
Thereflectivedesignofthepavilionsinterioramplifiesnaturallight andcreatesaluminous,sereneatmosphere,creatingaspacethat maximizestransparencyandopennessincommunication,crucialfora harmoniousmaritalrelationship.
TheAlter.
Thealtarwithinthepavilion,strategicallypositionedasthefocal point,symbolizescommitmentandsacredunion,servingasthe cornerstoneofthematrimonialceremonies Itsdesignreinforcesthe solemnityandsignificanceofmarriagevows,emphasizingthedeep, spiritualconnectionbetweenthecoupleastheybegintheirjourney together
Inspired by the Artichoke Flower
The structure of the pavilion resembles the facade of the artichoke flower, a perennial plant with tall flower stalks native to the Mediterranean, but are now cultivated across the globe. The structure’s floral influence is best detailed in the panels that decorate the exterior, which is composed of variedtightlyoverlapping,triangular segments. Each segment has varied layers of angular curves that mimic the artichoke’s petals, which alludes to a blooming artichoke flower. The direct visual and structural mimicry of the flower’s natural form identifies this as a biomorphic facade, that integrates biophilic design elements that promote a connection to nature, enhance natural experiences, and support human well-being. The combination of aesthetic mimicry and functional, experiential enhancements create a space that isbothbeautifulandbeneficialto its users. The pavilion, inspired by the structure of the artichoke flower, incorporates several biomorphic advantages, particularly in terms of structural optimization and enhancing user environmental interaction.
The Biomorphic Botanical Facade
The pavilion’s facade of overlapping triangular segments reflects the artichoke’s phyllotaxis the spiral leaf arrangement. This geometric design enhances aesthetic appeal while strengthening structural integrity by distributing forces uniformly, reducing weaknesses, and maximizing stability. The angular, layered segments regulate natural light and support cross-ventilation, improving energy efficiency and creating a comfortable microclimate. Beyond functionality, the design embodies biophilic principles, fostering a symbolic connection to nature. By integrating natural elements, the pavilion evokes positive emotions, alleviates stress, and enhances psychologicalwell-being,mergingbeautywithsustainability.
Sustainable Material Utilization of the Structure
The initial stages of the research and design process considered a few iterations of material development to enhance the long-term and short-term sustainability of the project’s footprint. Which is why Topic 3 materials were carefully selected to address Florida’s environmental challenges, enhancing the pavilion's resilience and sustainability. Each componentcontributestotheproject’saestheticappealandalignmentwithecologicalresponsibilitytooptimizefunctionalityandreduceenvironmentalimpact.
CopperIndiumGalliumSelenide(CIGS)SolarCells
Integrated into the facade resembling petals, these thin-film solar cells are less resource-intensive than traditional silicon panels and excellent at converting sunlight to energy, especially under Florida's intense solar radiation. Their strategic placement and surface area maximize solar exposure, enhancing energy generation while reducing the building's carbon footprint and cooling costs. CIGS solar cells maintain high efficiency even in diffuse light conditions, ensuring consistent energy generation even during Florida’s partly cloudy days. Unlike rigid silicon panels, CIGS cells offer flexibility, enabling seamless integration into curved or complex architectural forms without compromising aesthetic design. Their superior temperature coefficient means they perform better than crystalline siliconpanelsunderhighheat,ensuringoptimalenergyoutputdespiteFlorida’shightemperatures.
DanbyMarble
As the structural base, Danby Marble is a local (Vermont) marble that offers superior strength and durability, suitable forFlorida'sharshsunandpotentialflooding.Itsthermal masshelpsmoderateindoortemperature
fluctuations, maintaining a cooler interior, while its natural resistance to weathering and water erosion prolongs the structure's life and preserves its aesthetic integrity. Due to its low porosity and high density, Danby Marble also exhibits exceptional resistance to staining and microbial growth, making it an ideal choice for high-humidity environments like Florida Compared to imported marbles, Vermont’s Danby Marble has a lower carbon footprint, as it requires less transportation energy while supporting local economies and sustainable quarrying practices. Additionally, its naturally reflective surface reduces heat absorption, contributing to passive cooling strategies and decreasing the reliance on mechanical cooling systems.
BahiaGrass
This grass, used to decorate the facade’s marble walls, is ideal for Florida’s hot and sunny conditions. Its drought resistance minimizes irrigation needs, and its deep root system stabilizes soil and manages stormwater runoff, preventing erosion and flooding around the pavilion’s foundation. As a low-maintenance and native species, Bahia grass reduces the need for fertilizers and chemical treatments, mitigating harmful runoff into Florida’s waterways Its ability to thrive in sandy, nutrient-poor soils makes it particularly suited to coastal regions, helping combat soil degradation in urban landscapes Additionally, the grass serves as a natural carbon sink, absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphereandimprovinglocalairqualityaroundthepavilion
WaterResistantGlass
Extending halfway up the pavilion, this glass is tailored to resist Florida's humidity and rainfall, reducing the risk of water ingress and moisture damage. It also blocks UV rays, helping to control heat gain while allowing natural light, thus maintaining a cooler and more comfortable indoor environment. Engineered with hydrophobic coatings, this specialized glass repels water, preventing streaking and mineral deposits that can degrade visibility and aesthetics over time. Laminated layers enhance structural integrity, making the glass more resistant to hurricaneforce winds and impact from airborne debris, a critical factor in Florida’s storm-prone environment. By incorporating low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, the glass significantly reduces infrared radiation penetration, minimizinginteriorheatbuildupandloweringcoolingenergydemands.
Designing A Self-Suficient, Resilient Landscape
For a flood-prone pavilion in Florida, this design optimized its landscape sustainability by selecting plants that are both self-sufficient and effective in Florida’s unique environmental and climatic conditions. By incorporating Swamp Milkweed, Pickerelweed, and Blue Flag Iris into the pavilion's landscape design, the project leverages scientific principles to create a sustainable, resilient environment that manages water and radiation effectively, supports biodiversity, and enhances the overall ecological healthofthearea.
SwampMilkweed,AsclepiasIncarnata
SwampMilkweedhasdeeprootsystemsthatenhancesoilstructureandincreasewaterinfiltrationrates, makingitacriticalcomponentformanagingfloodwatersandreducingsurfacerunoff.Thishydrological benefitisessentialfordecreasingfloodrisksaroundthepavilion Ecologically,SwampMilkweedisahostfor Monarchbutterflies,providingcriticalhabitatandnectarsourcesthatpromotepollinatordiversityand ecologicalresilience.Additionally,SwampMilkweedplaysaroleinphytoremediationbyabsorbingand detoxifyingpollutantsfromthesoilandwater,whichcontributestoimprovedwaterqualityinthearea.
Pickerelweed,PontederiaCordata
Pickerelweed thrives in wet conditions and can absorb excess water, significantly reducing the risk of flooding around the pavilion. Its extensive root system stabilizes the soil and prevents erosion, which is vital for maintaining the structural integrity of the landscape Beyond its water management capabilities, Pickerelweed provides habitat and food for various aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, supporting a diverse range of species within the area. Moreover, Pickerelweed contributes to nutrient cycling by taking up excess nutrientsfromthewater,preventingeutrophicationandpromotingabalancedecosystem.
BlueFlagIris,IrisVersicolor
Blue Flag Iris is particularly effective in flood-prone areas due to its rhizomatous roots that improve soil porosity and water infiltration, thus mitigating flood impacts. This hydrological benefit is also crucial for maintaining the pavilion’s surrounding environment The vibrant flowers of the Iris attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, fostering a healthy pollinator population that can benefit nearby orange trees. Additionally, Blue Flag Iris enhances the aesthetic value of the landscape, promoting psychologicalwell-beingandcreatinganattractiveenvironment.
Arizona State University- Educational Project
EducationalDaycareCenter
Pre-PrimaryEducationDaycareFacility(EducationalProject)
Revit - Photoshop - Illustrator - InDesign
Blocks of Care is a sustainable daycare center, focused on enhancing the educational growth and maturity of children before their introduction into primary school. Designed for the up and coming suburb in Copenhagen, Nørrebro, this daycare is set up for the popular demographic of students and creatives that define the unique community in one of Denmark’s most famous cities.
The structure of the daycare center is inspired by the form and function of Lego blocks, a universally recognized toy that fosters creativity and play. The building’s exterior resembles a playful assembly of large, colorful Lego pieces, stacked and rotated to evoke a sense of imaginative construction. The playful facade is best observed in the circular components integrated into the design, which reinterpret the iconic Lego studs as functional windows. These circular windows not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the structure but also serve practical purposes by allowingnaturallighttofilterintotheinteriorspaces.
The structural composition encompasses four distinct two-story buildings, each closely spaced yet interconnected by an open interior courtyard.ThisarrangementechoesthemodularnatureofLego
construction with each building functioning as an individual piece that contributes to the cohesive whole. The courtyard serves as a central communal space, providing a secure and vibrant area for outdoor activities,fosteringsocialinteraction,andencouragingexploration.
The architectural intent extends far beyond the exterior. Inside, the daycare immerses its occupants in an environment that fuels creativity and innovation. A Lego-themed ceiling in the playroom brings the design concept to life, turning an everyday space into a playful, inspiring haven for activities. This whimsical detail pairs seamlessly with natural design elements, such as greenery that flows into the interior, creatingaharmoniousblendofimaginationandtranquility
The Inspiration of Legos
The Structure’s Playful Facade
The Psychological Benefits of Structural Design
The Lego-inspired facade and layout highlight the playful and creative essence of the design while seamlessly integrating functionality, leveraging principles from developmental psychology and environmental design. By incorporating childfriendly architectural elements, the structure fosters a sense of belonging, a concept tied to Maslows hierarchy of needs, which identifies belonging as a critical foundation for emotional well-being and growth. The design sparks imagination by engaging with the principles of symbolic play, which is known to enhance cognitive flexibilityandproblem-solvingskillsinchildren.
Rooted in the iconic form of Lego blocks, the design exemplifies how architectural innovation can transform familiar motifs into dynamic, engaging spaces that inspire creativity, which emphasizes the psychological benefits of environments that evoke connection, familiarity, and engagement. The facade’s direct visual and structural mimicry of Lego blocks promotes sensory stimulation and curiosity, both essential for cognitive and emotional development during early childhood. Furthermore, the balance between visual interest and practical utility aligns with principles of experiential design, which suggest that interactive and thoughtfully crafted spacesenhanceusersatisfactionandlearningoutcomes.
Matching Denmark’s Green Character
The building materiality and landscape character of the daycare center reinforce its Lego-inspired design, utilizing a structural system and facade that incorporates cross-laminated timber (CLT) to provide a sustainable, warm, and strong framework, reducing carbon footprint while enhancing indoor environmental quality. The circular windows, inspired by Lego studs, are constructed using impact-resistant acrylic or polycarbonate panels, ensuring safety and maximizing natural daylight. Inside, rubber flooring with color zoning provides a soft, slip-resistant, and easy-to-clean surface, defining different activity areas while reinforcing the playful theme. Acoustic felt or wood-wool panels control noise levels while serving as decorative elements shapedlikeLegobricks.
The site’s landscape character also emphasizes interactive, nature-integrated play. The central courtyard features soft, permeable play surfaces resembling Lego studs, complemented by grass mounds, sensory gardens, and native wildflower patches that promote biodiversity. Modular wooden climbing structures and balance beams designed to mimic stacked Lego forms support physical development. Additionally, stackable seating and shade pavilions inspired by Lego blocks are on site to create dynamic outdoor learning spaces. By merging playful aesthetics with sustainable strategies, this approach ensures the daycare remains engaging, safe, and ecologically responsible in fostering creativity and environmental awareness in children insideandoutside.
