LIZA SARMIENTO
SELECTED WORKS
2019-2023
GARDEN CO-OP
ARCH 371 I Architectural Design and Urbanism I
Commercial
WEB OF LIFE
ARCH 473 I Architectural Design and Performance I
Commercial
ORIGAMI ROOMS
ARCH 4741 Architectural Design and Making I Competition
01 GARDEN CO-OP
Location: Downtown Champaign, Illinois
For this semester-long project, we were asked to design a building in Downtown Champaign which will serve primarily as a place of learning and gathering in relation to gardening. The downtown area lacks green spaces and natural elements. This project reintroduces these elements within its materials and purpose.
One of the defining elements of this project is its seed exchange. Located on the south end on the first floor, the seed exchange is open to the public when the rest of the building is not in operation. This connection to the outdoor space, as well as the alignment of greenspaces towards it, acts as an invitation to the community.
This project includes spaces such as classrooms, libraries, offices, and computer labs to further the learning of community members.
02 WEB OF LIFE
Location: Historic South Central Los Angeles, California
For this semester long project, I was asked to design a foodbank for Historical South Central Los Angeles to address its high level of food insecurtiy. The site is close to Skid Row, a neighborhood heavily affected by homelessness. Thisfoodbank serves for people for those suffering from food insecurity. The location iscalled "historic"because of the richculture that built its foundation. This design takes inspiration from the Tongva saying: "humans are a strand in the web of life", meaning that human experiences intertwine to create a larger story. Its central corridor of activity also takes inspiration from the adjacent Santee Alley where residents often shop for their goods. This project was nominated for Earl Prize by an Illinois School of Architecture faculty member during the Fall of 2022.
03 ORIGAMIROOMS
Location: Japan
For this three-week long partner project, we were asked to design a portable reading room to submit into a competition. Taking inspiration from origami, our reading rooms extend and compact through a series of folding. This design allows for different combinations and makes transport easier. It also allows for users to choose whether they want more of an enclosed reading experience or one that simply covers them from the sun.
We envisioned origami rooms to be located in Japan as an homage to the origin of the craft. However, given the nature of the design, it can be placed anywhere.
