Thesis project: The Rivulet marketplace+lofts

1.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

PROBLEM STATEMENT

WHY DOWNTOWN RENO?

Why Reno? Moving away from casino-dominated economy

Called the “Biggest Little City In the World,” Reno has seen exponential and continuous growth in its population in the past decade. Among many causes, the migration of people from California (young families and retirees) looking to live in the same region without the high-priced lifestyle is one of them. The city has also welcomed young professionals employed by growing Reno companies and industries.

The valley has a strategic location in the northwest region of Nevada, near the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. It is blessed with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Reno is a diverse community with various outdoor recreational options, making it a desirable place to live for ex-San Franciscans and others.

Reno’s economy today is based primarily on trade and services. Economic growth in the last decade has been driven by the concentration of big corporations’ new headquarters, warehouses, and distribution facilities, steering Reno towards becoming a high-tech hub city.

In the past, Reno was mainly known as a center of gaming and related entertainment. The city’s “Casino-town” identity is gradually dissipating as more tourists are drawn to its natural attractions and creative young workers take jobs in the new tech and other firms.

As a result of this rapid growth, housing demand and house prices are at a record high because of increased demand and the lack of inventory. The city has implemented many programs to help alleviate this in the short term by rapidly adapting to these new changes.

One of the most notable city plans is “Re-Imagine Reno,” where the city’s growth is assessed, and solutions are offered to the community in terms of public infrastructure, recreational spaces, and the opportunity to increase businesses by promoting local culture and shifting to sustainable practices.

Downtown Reno has been the target of many changes in the last few years. The city is looking to revive the area by implementing many city plans and giving advantages to investors willing to work here.

The proposal for this project is a residential mixed-use building. This combination of residential- and commercial-use buildings responds to the Reno community’s needs through thoughtful design, implementing sustainable practices, and embracing locally owned businesses with the overall goal of becoming a landmark in Downtown Reno.

This project will also be an excellent opportunity to look into the inventory of existing historical buildings in the community and find one with adequate size and location to accommodate the program. It will boost the community’s identity by taking a piece of its history into the new century. Moreover, it will add sustainable value by renovating an existing structure instead of building a new one.

City Plans

Mixed-Use Residential Building

RENO, NV- FACTS

Population (2020) 264.000 a 15% growth since 2010.

Demographics: 66% White, 24% Latino, 7% Asian, 2% African American, 1% Others.

Economy: Gaming and entertainment. Trade and Bussiness. Tech Hub.

Climate: Semi-Arid. Mild seasons

SITE OVERVIEW

The “Biggest Little City” is located in –northwest Nevada. It has a strategic location nearby Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains and is easy to reach by air (Reno-Tahoe International airport), by road (Interstate 80), and train.

COMMUNITY AMENITIES

Reno has a nationally-ranked college (UNR) andoutdoor recreational opportunities from Lake Tahoe beaches and skiing that make it a desirable tourist location all year round. The casino industry is also one of the big attractions.

ECONOMY

Reno’s economy is primarily centered on gaming and entertainment, besides trade and service sector, which constitutes 65% of the workforce. The city is now seeing some diversification of its business base with the appearance of new corporate headquarters, warehouses, and distribution facilities.

CLIMATE

Reno’s climate is semi-arid. Temperature varies between 20F and 90F. On average it has 252 sunny days, compared to the national average of 205. It receives an average of 51 days/year, and 9 inches of rain, compared to a national average of 38 inches. Reno receives an average of 22 inches of snow, compared to the national average of 28 inches.

Photo of downtown Reno- Truckee River

Above:PhotoofReno’sArch.Below:TheGreatBalloonraceinReno,NV

RENO, NV- FACTS

BACKGROUND

Reno originated as a favored crossing point of the Truckee river for people carrying silver and gold from the Virginia City mines to California during the 1850s.

The actual city of Reno was founded in 1868,the same year the transcontinental railroad that runs parallel to the Truckee River reached town. Historians attribute the city’s founding to Myron Lake because of his success in transforming a toll bridge business, a hotel, and a tavern into a city that became an important part of Truckee Meadows trading and mining.

Almost a decade later, the University of Reno was established, and it became the main reason for an increase in the area’s young population.

In the 1930s, the legalization of gaming in Nevada shifted Reno’s economy towards hotels, gaming, and tourism. Reno downtown’s character started to consolidate around big casino buildings and small motels and businesses to support pass-through tourism.

The city of Reno also became known as the divorce capital of America, with hotels located around the courthouse, and the Virginia street bridge was famously known as the” Wedding Ring Bridge” or “The Bridge of Sighs.”

Fromtoptobottom: Drawingofthebegginingsof thecityofReno Newspapersheadlines circa1869inVirginiaCity,NV

Actualphoto oftheoriginal innnamed LakeHouseandthe BridgeknownasLake’scrossing.

TARGET USERS

The marketplace is a public space open to the general public. Visitors are welcome to visit the market and find local produce and goods and grab a quick bite or sit down by the river with family and friends to enjoy a variety of plates served in the food court area.

For the loft apartments, the target users are students and young professionals looking to move into downtown for its city lifestyle, walking distance to cultural and entertainment amenities, easy access to public transportation, and strategic location in the heart of the city.

CLIENT PROFILE

The client for this project will be a private investor. Ed Friedrichs will play the role of a fictitious client. He is a notable architect born and raised in California who moved into the Reno area a few years ago after retiring and has become an active member of the Downtown Reno community.

Friedrichs’s architectural background and active community role will be valuable assets for this project. He will serve both as a creative mentor and community insider.

The city of Reno also gives tax incentives to investors as long as their projects are completed in 30 months or less. This is a strategy to ensure projects are finished on time and help alleviate the high demand for housing and retail in this area.

This project will be privately financed and will seek some economic profit by selling/renting the residential units. Retail space on the ground floor will also be open for selling/renting.

CONCEPT STATEMENT

A BRIDGE FOR THE COMMUNITY

The history of Reno begins with a bridge. Bridges are more than structural pieces; they connect people and can a ssemble communities around them. In the Truckee River District, BRIDGES are a symbol in the community, some for historical reasons, some for their aesthetic qualities, and others for being part of the communal memory.

The goal of the project is to emulate the idea of a BRIDGE. A building that serves as a connective element between the historical roots of the city and modern housing and commerce, with the desire to become a landmark in the town that unifies the fragmented community.

The concept is to design the building itself using core features of a BRIDGE. A strong foundation, permeable limits between exterior and interior spaces, and integrated design elements such as lines, geometric forms, rhythm, linear patterns, repetition, and dynamism to evoke the sensation of walking across a BRIDGE.

Finishes will follow the same criteria. Materials like concrete, steel, stone, wood, glass, and a carefully thought-out palette of colors inspired by local landscapes will match the functionality and set the tone in every room.

RESEARCH 2.

Research Finds

Building history Case Studies

RESEARCH FINDS

COMMUNITY OPTION- DOWNTOWN RENO,NV

PURPOSE OF RESEARCH

The proposal for this thesis project includes renovating an existing building for residential mixed-use. The focus of the research is to learn demographic and historical information and to find Reno’s strengths and weaknesses as a community.

IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

This research will eliminate biased perceptions that can undermine the real needs and expectations of the community. As a member of the Reno community, my personal analysis and experiences can shadow an objective view of the subject and their needs. An analysis grounded in statistics, historical facts, and sample recollection from the population will ensure that the accuracy of this research.

The city of Reno is undergoing many changes, and it has become a hot spot for investors who see its potential. This research will aim to learn first-hand the overall expectations of its population.

RESEARCH TOOLS

As part of my research to gather qualitative information, I was a participant in a Town Hall meeting hosted by the Downtown Reno partnership, a non-profit that has been working for the past two years with residents, property owners, businesses, and city officials to make the Reno community cleaner, safer and more friendly.

To gather quantitative information I used an electronic survey targeted at downtown Reno residents. The survey had an excluding question asking if they were downtown residents and for how long they had lived in this area.

The survey included questions about the beneficial and negative impacts of living in downtown Reno. It also had specific questions about lifestyle preferences and some questions asking what could be done by the city to positively impact the respondents’ lives.

RESEARCH OUTCOMES

» TOWN HALL MEETING- Several projects are happening in this area:Harrah’s P3, Canyon Flats, and others were discussed. These mixed-use projects combine apartments or hotels with commercial and office space.

» SURVEY FINDINGS (14 responses): The collected answers represented a macro view of residents’ priorities, evaluation of their community, and future expectations. However, the limited number of respondents means that we cannot conclude that the results are a fair representation of the views of the overall downtown population, though the results serve the educational purposes of this research.

When asked about the best feature of living downtown, the top three answers were location (42.8%), closeness to entertainment and other activities (28.57%), and walkability (14.29%).

As to the negative features of living downtown, most respondents mentioned the lack of cleanliness of the streets (46.1%). The sparse amount of parking came second (23%), while security and lack of entertainment and other amenities were noted by 7.69% of the respondents.

RESEARCH CONCLUSIONS

1- UNDERSERVED AREA: Low population density with the potential to alleviate the housing problem.

2- THE CITY OF RENO IS LOOKING TO REVIVE THE AREA by implementing several city plans and programs.

3- BLANK CANVAS: Unique natural settings where entrepreneurs can develop their businesses.

According to Washoe County property records, this building was built in 1970, has 56,380 sq.ft., and is three stories high.

The Building, formerly known as the Nevada Bell Building, was originally part of a group of adjacent buildings owned by the same company (as shown in picture 01-Nevada Building 1, 2, and 3). Building 01 is currently used as parking for the Greater Nevada Field, the baseball stadium located a few blocks away. The other two buildings, across the street from each other, are currently owned by AT&T. Building 02 is a tower building for the office center. Building 03 is used to store AT&T’s telecommunication infrastructure.

Based on information found online, the building experienced several transformations over the years. Picture number 2 is from 1974 and shows the original features of the building. Picture number 3 was taken before the transformation of 1999 and was closely monitored by Reno’s Historic Preservation Commission.

For security reasons, it was not possible to comply with one of the guidelines for buildings located in the Truckee River District, which requires the ground floor of the building to be accessible to the public.

The proposal, led by the building’s group of architects and owners, included the renovation of the exterior facade to harmonize with the historical context. As a result, the renovated Building displays faux-glass front store windows with blue canopies on the ground floor and an arcade along the Truckee River that features an outdoor art gallery.

The primary purpose behind adding windows and doors along Center St. on the ground floor was to “blend” with the surrounding structures, even though nothing can be seen through the concealed concrete backdrop of the interiors. On the upper floors, faux windows are painted to appear as real ones at first glance.

HISTORY OF BUILDING

6.CurrentfacadeofAT&TBuilding,showing real windowstotherightandfaux-paintingwindowstotheleft.

7. Photo oftheRiverwalkpathwayfromthebuilding.

CASE STUDIES

CASE STUDY 1: THE PALLADIO

Location: Reno, NV

Category: Mixed-Use Building

Levels: 13 stories

Units: 94 residential units

Architect: Stantec

Year: 2007

DESCRIPTION:

The Palladio is a high-rise building in downtown Reno, NV. It has 24,000 sq. ft. of retail space on the first and second floors and four stories of above-ground parking.

Amenities on the fifth floor include a pool and deck overlooking the Truckee River.

AMENITIES:

Reception area, swimming pool with deck area, parking, retail and office space.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS:

» Location is a crucial factor in this project. The building is located in the heart of downtown Reno with views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Truckee river.

» The ground floor has food establishments with outdoor seating as part of the River Walk.

» Building amenities are limited. The swimming pool and deck area are located on the 5th floor.

» The large windows and balconies of the façade bring natural light to the interiors and allow residents to enjoy the natural settings surrounding the Building.

CASE STUDY 2: COVE APARTMENTS

Location: Seattle,WA

Category: Mixed-Use Building Area: 50.000 sq.ft. Units: 60

Architect: Tiscareno Associates Year: 2017

Certification: Platinum LEED Certification

DESCRIPTION:

The Cove Apartments has a strategic location in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, within walking distance of amenities. The project combines residential, dining, and retail spaces in one building, complementing the existing amenities in the same community. Designers were able to fit 50.000 sq. ft. on a 9.000 sq. ft. lot.

AMENITIES:

» Reception, bike storage, fitness center, locker, rooftopdeck, parking, and restaurant on the ground floor

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS:

» Location is crucial to this project—walkable distance to essential needs.

» The target tenants are students and young professionals.

» Dynamic facade and interior design prove that design can be both beautiful and sustainable

» The balance equation between sustainability and affordability was key to their success was key in their success.

CASE STUDY 3: OXBOW PUBLIC MARKET

Location: Napa, CA

Category: Marketplace Levels: 1 story

Architect: Baldauf, Catton, and Von Eckartsberg Year: 2007

DESCRIPTION:

A 40,000 square-foot indoor marketplace featuring local and regional artisan food and wine vendors and restaurants. The market leases space to owner- operated businesses that focus primarily on sustainable local foods.

AMENITIES:

The marketplace consists of 22 merchants, each independently owned and operated.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS:

» Part of the market includes the rehabilitation of a 1930s tire store and garage, which was substantially remodeled under the direction of local designers, Shopworks, to accommodate additional retail, larger food production facilities and a restaurant space.

» Architecture features a unique open-span public market facility along the Napa River.

CASE STUDY 4: LA BOQUERIA

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Category: Marketplace

Levels: 1 story

Year: 1840

DESCRIPTION:

La Boqueria is a public marketplace with more than 300 vendors that features local flavors of the region. It is in the list of the most visited places by tourists.

AMENITIES:

Almost 30.000 square feet of ample space for food vendors.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS:

» Originally the marketplace started as an open-air farmers’ market

» After several renovations, la Boqueria is a covered labyrinth where visitors can spend hours delighted by the food displayed by the vendors or enjoy a fresh local meal under the steel canopy.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT 3.

SITE ANALYSIS

LOCATION: DOWNTOWN RENO,NV

COUNTY: WASHOE

ZONING: MUDR MIXED USE DOWNTOWN

REGIONAL CENTER- TRUCKEE RIVER DISTRICT

SITE ANALYSIS

The site is in Washoe County, part of the Truckee River District, in a prime location in downtown Reno. The lot has over 36.000 sq. ft., and it is located along the banks of the Truckee River, surrounded by scenic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is part of the Riverwalk trails, a series of pedestrian paths that allows for a seamless tour along the river and one of the most visited public attractions of the neighborhood.

The site is surrounded by entertainment, governmental buildings, retail stores, hotels, restaurants and coffee shops. It can be accessed by public transportation and there are parking structures nearby that can be used as an alternative to the available street parking.

Even though the site is not part of the National Register of Historic Places in Washoe County, it has been a part of the community’s memory for over 30 years. Reno’s Historic Preservation Commission supervises it. Any project renovation on this building will have to be approved by them.

Right:AerialviewoftheSiteindowntownReno,NV.

Leftfromtoptobottom: Viewofthebuilding on foursides

BUILDING ANALYSIS

BUILDING NAME: AT&T BUILDING USE: OFFICE BUILDING YEAR BUILD: 1970

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 56.380

LOT SIZE: 36.111

NUMBER OF STORIES: 3

The AT&T building has a significant setback over North Center St. that generates an open green plaza as a transitional space that accentuates the corner lot and gives a perspective view from the street to the building.

The main entrance to the building and the parking space are currently on East First St. This street is the busiest street surrounding the building and might create some noise concerns at certain times during the day.

The main building is three stories high and is made of concrete, with a uniform grid of columns spread on three levels. On the ground floor, there is an additional structure on the East side to accommodate mechanical areas.

On the South side of the building, parallel to the Truckee river, the Riverwalk pathway runs underneath a roof created by the expansion of the upper floors of the building. It forms an arcade and a refuge from the weather for pedestrians.

GROUND FLOOR

» Main Entrance of Ground floor over East St.

» Two stairs will need to be revised to ensure they are ADA-compliant.

» There are no elevators in the building.

» The ceiling height is 15 feet.

» The East and South sides of the building have uninterrupted views of the city and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

» The south side of the building opens to the Riverwalk pathway.

SECOND AND THIRD FLOOR

» Access through stairs.

» Limited fenestration due to the current use of the building.

» The ceiling height is 17 feet.

» The building’s West, South, and East sides have uninterrupted views of the city and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

THE BRIDGE

A BRIDGE FOR THE COMMUNITY

A building that serves as a connective element between the historical roots of the city and modern housing and commercial needs, with the desire to become a landmark that unifies the fragmented urban community.

A figurative bridge where the visitors lose the sense of boundaries between exterior and interior, with the majestic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains as the background during their visit.

DESIGN ELEMENTS

Bridges differ in their structural designs and have different forms: beam, truss, arch, suspension, cantilever, and cable-stayed.

Design elements like linear patterns, geometric forms, and shapes like lines and arches.

Repetition, dynamism, tension, and scale are related concepts that come to mind when thinking of bridges.

MATERIAL SELECTION SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

Circulation around a central atrium becomes the focal point of the project.

Centralized organization accentuates the hierarchy of tha3 three-story-high open space that brings natural light into the building.

Seeks to maximize the available square footage with efficient circulation and provide the adjacent spaces with access to the street

Selection of materials and finishes will be based on functionality, performance, and sustainability criteria.

Reinforce the materiality of a bridge: concrete, wood, brick, glass, wrought iron, and steel as primary materials of the space, enhanced by natural and artificial lighting.

The color palette in spaces will be inspired by local scenes.

PROGRAMMING DEVELOPMENT

ADJACENCY MATRIX

This Mixed-Residential use building includes the proposal of Marketplace space on the ground floor and lofts apartments on the upper floors.

Even though these mixed programs can co-exist in the same Building, aspects like security, accessibility, utilities, noise levels, etc., should be carefully addressed so as not to disrupt each program’s functionality and flow.

The programming on the Ground floor and the Marketplace and Residential Lobby are separated with no immediate connection to preserve the residents’ privacy. Both programs share the parking lot and utility rooms.

Entrance to the upper floors is restricted to residents and visitors and requires a security card or code to grant access to the apartments.

Due to the 15 foot-high ceilings available on the upper floors of the building, the apartments have a loft layout. This helps maximize the square footage available, obtaining ample spaces well-illuminated by natural light and ventilation.

FLOW DIAGRAMS

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STRATEGIES

AIR QUALITY LOCAL SOURCING ENERGY EFFICIENCY DESIGN

The glass rooftop in the atrium can be mechanically operated to allow evening wind to flow around and cool temperatures in the common areas. ~ ~ ~

Green planters in the food court and upper floor terraces ~

Light control and sensors will be install in common areas to reduce the lighting power density. ~

Solar panels will be installed on the roof top to take advantage of the many sunny days that can be enjoyed in Nevada, and produce onsite renewable energy. ~ ~

High performance windows to prevent heat gain or loss. ~ ~

Carbon offseting by planting deciduos plants in the outdoor plaza ~ ~ ~ MATERIALS

Low VOCs emitting paints and adhesives. ~

Energy Star certified light fixtures with LED light bulbs. ~

Finishes and furniture selection prioritizes the ones that have recycled content, rapidly renewable, salvaged o locally sourced. ~ ~ ~

When need it, materials like concrete, will be selected because of their durability properties. Long lasting products are sustainable because it reduces waste. ~

When possible, materials will be acquired locally to reduce transportation and support local economy. ~

NOISE POLLUTION STRATEGIES

COMMON AREAS 2ND AND 3RD FLOORS AND FOODCOURT

» Carpet as floor finishes in corridors of 2nd and 3rd floors.

» Double walls with insulation in walls around the hallway of 2nd and 3rd floors.

» Planters in terraces in 2nd and 3rd floors and planters in foodcourt as noise cushion

» Furniture with soun absorbant/diffuser finishes

» Finishes in walls, ceiling and columns with sound absorbant/diffuser materials

» Green roofs on top of food vendors stalls.

» Sound absorbing wall art in corridors surrounding the foodcourt.

PROJECT DESIGN

GROUND FLOOR: MARKETPLACE AND RESIDENTIAL LOBBY

Code Space Quantity Sq. Ft. Area Total Sq. Ft. Occupancy Type Occupancy Load

L-1 Reception area 1 116 116 B 100 Gross 1.16

Lobby

a. Seating area 1 355 355 B 15 Net 23.7 b. Circulation 1 534 534 B 7 Net 76.3 L-3 Office 1 180 180 B 100 Gross 1.8 TOTAL 102.9

L-2 M-6

Code Space Quantity Sq. Ft. Area Total Sq. Ft. Occupancy Type Occupancy Load

M-1 Grocery area 1 650 650 M 60 Gross 10.8 M-2 Vendors area 1 3022 3022 M 60 Gross 50.4 M-3 Staff room 1 154 154 M 50 Gross 3.1 M-4 Office 1 112 112 M 200 Gross 0.6 M-5 Storage 1 662 662 S 300 Gross 2.2

Dining area foodcourt

Load Factor 912 linear inches divided by 24 inches

Load Factor 33 |PROJECT DESIGN| PROGRAM

a. Seating area 1 1316 1316 A-2 15 Net 87.7 b. Booth seating A-2 38.0

2nd AND 3rd FLOOR: LOFT APARMENTS

Code Space Quantity Sq. Ft. Area Total Sq. Ft. Occupancy Type Occupancy Load

Living Room 1 110 110 R-2

Dining Room 1 110 110 R-2

Kitchen 1 100 100 R-2

Laundry Room 1 15 15 R-2

2B-L

Powder Room 1 40 40 R-2

Bathroom 1 65 65 R-2

Bedroom 2 150 300 R-2

200

Gross

Per unit 740 R-2 200 3.7

Total units per floor 4 2960 R-2 200 14.8

Living Room 1 110 110 R-2

Dining Room 1 110 110 R-2

Kitchen 1 100 100 R-2

Laundry Room 1 15 15 R-2

Powder Room 1 40 40 R-2

Bathroom 1 65 65 R-2

Bedroom 1 150 150 R-2

Load Factor

1B-L 200

Load Factor Gross

Code Space Quantity Sq. Ft. Area Total Sq. Ft. Occupancy Type Occupancy Load

Per unit 590 R-2 200 2.95

Total units per floor 11 6490 R-2 200 32.45

LOBBY

LOCATION

The residential Lobby located on First St. has direct access from the street and public transportation and easy approach from the parking lot of the Building and the parking structures across the street.

The Lobby is a grand space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing to welcome guests and make residents feel at home

TARGET USERS

It is a transitional space where residents and guests can enjoy the amenities.

SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT

Spaces are defined to make wayfinding easier for visitors and residents: circulation spaces, elevator foyer, seating area, entertainment area, and reception desk.

The Lobby is the first impression guests and residents have of the loft apartments. It is a transitional space for residents that arrive from the street on their way home.

SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT

FOCUS AREA-LOBBY

DESIGN APPROACH

The design idea for the Lobby is to bring the design concept of the bridge in a literal way. The design approach aims to make the guests feel as if they are walking underneath a bridge, from the entrance door until they reach the elevators at the end of the hallway.

The goal is to bring street-like vibes mixed in with artisanal and artistic elements to reinforce the idea of localism in the community.

The analogous, complementary color palette balances cool and warm hues. Blue shades and tones are perfect for creating a peaceful ambiance, adding muted orange and yellow to create a contrast and unexpected warm feelings.

Materials and finishes like rough iron, metal mesh, concrete, exposed bricks, and reclaimed wood, paired with artistic murals and graffiti-like art, strengthen the design concept.

ANALOGOUS COMPLEMENTARY PALETTE OF COLORS

MATERIAL TRAY

Viewofthe Lobbyfromthe entrancedoor.

FOCUS AREA-LOBBY RENDERS AND ELEVATIONS

View ofthelobby-Seatingarea

LOCATION

The Loft apartments are located on the second and third floors. There are 15 units per floor, 30 units total. The corner units on each floor are two-bedroom lofts (8 total), and the rest are one-bedroom lofts (22 units).

Residents access their units through the residential lobby on the ground floor. All units are connected on the upper floors through a common corridor that runs along and overlooks the central courtyard. This layout allows for well-illuminated corridors that are pleasant for visitors to walk through.

Each Loft is considered a city retreat in which to relax after a long day of work or study. Each unit offers a spacious and functional layout that opens to the outdoors through large fenestrations and balconies, as in looking from a bridge.

TARGET USERS

Students, young working couples, and others who enjoy the city lifestyle.

SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT

Each unit provides separate private and social areas. Private areas include a bedroom(s) with a walking closet, laundry room, and a bathroom on the loft level. The social areas include the kitchen, living room, dining room, study area, and powder room. Dwellings have a balcony for enjoyment of the views.

SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT

LOFT APARTMENTS- SCHEMATIC LOCATION NOT TO SCALE

FOCUS AREA-LOFTS

DESIGN APPROACH

The goal is to provide loft apartments with a functional layout and comfortably- sized spaces filled with natural light, balancing the coziness of feeling at home with a casual industrial style design and historical undertones.

The design approach will integrate the design concept into the loft as if the user has a view from a bridge. Throughout the space, the design incorporates geometric forms similar to a truss beam, accentuating triangular shapes and a diagonal axis.

The analogous, complementary color palette balances cool and warm colors to create a harmonious composition. A neutral background throughout the space features focal points in every room through various colors, textures, and architectural details.

Materials selection includes brick, concrete, and metal finishes contrasting reclaimed wood ceilings and parquet wood floors that add rich textures and bring warmth into the space.

ANALOGOUS COMPLEMENTARY PALETTE OF COLORS

MATERIAL TRAY

ViewoftheloftfromtheLivingroom

Viewfromthedining room

LOCATION

The food court is located on the Ground floor in the courtyard, with easy access from all the marketplace entrances. It becomes the heart of the project, an open central space more than forty feet high.

The goal for the food court is to become a get-together space of the neighborhood, a must- -visit location when in Reno to sample the exquisitely curated menu from local vendors and spend quality time alone or with friends and family.

TARGET USERS

It is a public space open to the general public. A prerequisite is a communal spirit, a sense of pride about living in Reno, and a big appetite.

SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT

The footprint of the food court includes four food-vendor stalls, separated into four categories: pizza, sandwich and soups, cafe, and bar.

Dining will be in the center of the atrium, surrounded by food vendors on three sidesand open towards the Riverwalk’s veranda on the South.

The design intends to provide the guests with a seamless exterior/interior experience while they grab a quick bite in the tall chairs by the food stalls or a sit-down meal in a booth under the central pergola.

The Riverwalk offers additional seating areas to enjoy the sights while dining.

FOODCOURT- SCHEMATIC LOCATION NOT TO SCALE

DESIGN APPROACH

The design goal for the food court is to emulate a festive setting that reflects the community’s vibes—a casual atmosphere with lots of natural light and greenery in downtown Reno.

The complementary color palette of Red and Green is used in different textures and finishes to create a playful composition against a neutral background of black, white, and brown. The color GREEN is an enhancing color around food, and it is associated with nature and brings a peaceful atmosphere. The RED brings warmth into the space and is also associated with appetite, favorable to attracting visitors to a food court.

Design elements that highlight the idea of a BRIDGE: an open space defined by permeable limits, using linear elements, geometric patterns, adding dynamism, visual tension, and repetition as a design tool to achieve the desired effect.

Materials and finishes were carefully selected to complement the design concept, efficiently perform its purpose, and adhere to the project’s sustainability requirements. One of the main focuses of this space was to alleviate the anticipated noise levels generated by the high traffic of people and its compatibility with the apartments on the upper floors. A high percentage of the materials and finishes in this area have sound absorbing/scattering qualities that, added to the overall design, will reduce noise pollution to the lowest levels.

The material tray contains natural finishes like concrete and wood panels; metals like rough iron, copper, and aluminum, combined with playful geometric patterns, colorful backlights, and neon signs that bring the best of Reno’s nightlife to mind.

COMPLEMENTARY

PALETTE OF COLORS MATERIAL TRAY

SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT

View of the foodcourt

View of the foodcourt

ALLIED DESIGNER

» HEBE CHEIN

She finished her MA in Interior Architecture Design at the Academy of Art University. It was a collaborative experience, where the main focus was to have a fresh look into the design area.

Discussion topics included technical areas like code compliance and adjacencies and design areas like selecting materials and finishes to express the concept design clearly.

» THE WOODWORKING SOURCE

The custom design of the reception desk in the Lobby area will be built by this company in Reno.

The design will follow the original sketches, and the artist will collaborate on the details to make it a reality.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

» Downtown Reno Make Over. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.downtownmakeover.com/Reno-Neon-Line-Plans

» Reno, C. o. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reno.gov/business/reno-s-economy

Point2Homes (n.d.) Downtown Reno Demographics

Retrieved from: https://www.point2homes.com/US/Neighborhood/NV/Reno/Downtown-Reno-Demographics. html

» Friedrichs Group (n.d.) Bio Ed Friedrichs

Retrieved from: https://friedrichsgroup.com/bio/

» Survey Monkey (2020) Let’s RENOvate Downtown Retrieved from: https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-DJPRDV9M7/

» City of Reno (n.d.) Downtown Reno Regional Center Plan

Retrieve from: https://www.reno.gov/government/departments/community-development-department/buildingplanning-and-engineering-division/master-plan/-folder-3598

» MC Reno,NV (n.d.) Mixed Use Residential Use

Retrieve from: https://library.municode.com/nv/reno/codes/land_development_code?nodeId=LAND_DEVELOPMENT_CODE_CH18.08ZO_ARTIIIDIECSTASZODI

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I was born and raised in Asuncion, Paraguay. I went to the Architectural School of Universidad Nacional de Asuncion and got a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture.

In my six years of Architectural School and more than five years of working in Paraguay, I have had the opportunity to explore many different possibilities of Architecture. I have worked with residential and commercial buildings, gaining experience with architectural design and experimenting with landscape design. These experiences gave me further insight into what is involved with Interior Design, reassuring me of my goal to specialize in Interior Design.

After moving to the US for personal reasons, nine years ago, I put my career aside for a few years to start my family.

Academy of Art University allowed me to return to school and complete my career goal, which was never fully pursued but also never forgotten. Being able to continue my education while managing my time with my little ones fulfilled my expectations and allowed me to prepare me professionally to come back to the work field later in time.

After completing my MFA, I can see myself working in the field, as part of a company or as a freelance professional.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Sep 2017- Present MFA INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Academy of Art University

March 2003-Aug 2009

BACHELOR IN ARCHITECTURE

Universidad Nacional de AsuncionAsuncion,Paraguay

LILIANA RIOS BORDON

liliriosb@gmail.com (248) 238 4759

WORK EXPERIENCE

» June 2016-June 2015

ASSISTANT OF REAL ESTATE AGENT

Carmen Mollicone| Sothebys Realty Birmingham, MI

RESPONSABILITIES: Realcomp 3, Process and Manage of listings, Generate reports for clients, Mailing and Marketing campaign.

» Oct 2010- July 2013

RESIDENTIAL AND OFFICE INTERIOR DESIGN

Leading Designer in association with Alejandra Escauriza (Arch) Asuncion, Paraguay

RESPONSABILITIES: Schematic Design, Design Development, 3D Modeling and Redering, Construction Documentation, Construction Administration + Site Supervision.

» Dec 2006-Aug 2010

BAUEN ARCHITECTURAL STUDIO

Leading Designer

www.bauen.com.py|Asuncion, Paraguay

RESPONSABILITIES: Schematic Design, Design Development, 3D Modeling and Redering, Construction Documentation, Construction Administration + Site Supervision.

LANGUAGES

(Native)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION

» IIDA Student Membership