This project seeks to address an architectural solution for LATTC’s new Design and Media Arts Center, a space meant to house the communications, technology and fashion programs. This building will be placed on the campus’ most prominent corner, where it is hoped to be an innovative hub and gateway for the campus. A challenge that this project addresses is the safety and security concerns of the students as a result of being in an urban area. The building ultimately acts as an urban edge to protect the campus from the busy intersection of Grand Ave and Washington Blvd, as well as violent crimes and homeless encampments. The massing was derived from a series of manipulation of a u-shaped scheme, in which the final parti consists of three different volumes where the voids are used as social spaces These social spaces were intended to establish smaller communities within the department blocks, while having adjacencies to main circulation cores, where students can engage in social interaction as they promenade up the stairs or go to class. What helped define the massing blocks is the placement of the louvers, which helped provide solar shading and privacy for the labs and classrooms on the outer edge of the building. The louver systems consists of two rhythmic patterns that plays with the building’s scale and proportion, creating a gradient of denser louvers above to thinner louvers as it reaches the ground.
Figure 1: City Context
Figure 2: Courtyard Perspective View
Figure 3: Washington Blvd Perspective View
Figure 6: Third Floor Plan
Figure 4: Section
Figure 8: Atrium Perspective View
Figure 7: East Elevation
Figure 9: Staircase Perspective View
Portland U.S. Federal Courthouse
Located in the heart of Portland, Oregon lies a new U.S. Federal Courthouse, overlooking the Hawthorne Bridge and Willamette River. The courthouse embodies a blend of architectural innovation, civic prominence, and environmental stewardship. It was designed to harmonize with the city's urban landscape while reflecting the transparency of the judiciary system. It's connection with the city can be found in the formation of its massing, which fosters a sense of openness and accessibility to the public. Strategically placed on this waterfront site enables its presence to serve as the gateway to the city's downtown core. The adjacent public plaza and pedestrian-friendly pathways also invites community engagement and civic interactions. The facade embraces a contemporary aesthetic that incorporates sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies. The accordion-like curtain wall not only offers panoramic views of the river and the city, but it also floods the interior spaces with natural light. Inside, the courthouse reflects a commitment to efficiency, security, and judicial functionality with its thoughtfully design courtrooms and public spaces.
This medical center seeks to establish an iconic addition to the Nike Campus, bringing healing and inspiration to its users. With its unique form, it creates a distinct spatial hierarchy while responding to the climatic conditions of Oregon. As it is perched over a riverbed, the river is made to be integrated into the healing experience, since the facility's specialty department focuses on various forms of hydrotherapy. To allow better encouragement for training and healing, the use of transparency, through glass and meshes, were presented all throughout the facility, developing a patient-centric approach in the interior. On the other hand, the exterior demonstrates a dynamic facade system that uses perforated mesh for each panel, resembling a shark skin. The facade system was intended to contribute to the sustainability strategies of natural daylighting and energy optimization. Another interesting feature of this building is its light well, acting as the eye of the centerpiece. It harnesses the attention of those in the circulation spaces, physical therapy, and lobby, which forms connectivity from different spots in the building.
Figure 1: Lobby Perspective View
Figure 2: Physical Therapy Pool Perspective View
Figure 3: Aerial View
Figure 5: Lobby Entrance Perspective View
Figure 6: Exterior Space Perspective View
Figure 4: Site Plan
Figure 8: Ground Floor Plan
Figure 9: First Floor Plan
Figure 7: Section
Santa Ana Multi-family Housing
This mixed-use multifamily development was intended to stimulate an engaging space for the residents of Santa Ana. Local retail stores and restaurants within the podium level allow people to interact and create a sense of community. The massing of the building constitutes the idea of embracing the community by opening up to the promenade street and the adjacent multi-family housing. Its U-shaped form enables the formation of a courtyard that becomes the centerpiece of the building. The upper levels of the building consist of residential spaces accessible from the lobby in the podium. As residents travel up the elevator and into their desired units, they are met with a wide corridor aligned with wooden louvers that bring in diffused sunlight. These louvers act as sun shading devices, regulate airflow, provide additional ventilation, and improve air quality. The wooden louvers essentially envelop the entire façade, varying in orientation depending on its position from the sun.
