Miguel Mora Portfolio | Academic + Professional | 2023

| Professional Miguel Mora Rangel, Academic Architecture | Urban Design | Interior Design M. Arch, Assoc. AIA 2018 - 2023

PORTFOLIO

Story District Center 2020 Focus | Public

Courtyard 1820 2020 Focus | Multi-family

Horizon Line 2021 Focus | Public

City Link 2021 Focus | Mixed-Use

Hi Lo Connection 2022 Focus | Urban Design

Marsh Point 2023 Focus | Urban Design

Valmont Park District 2023 Focus | Urban Design

ACADEMIC

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Dupont Circle Library 2019 Focus | Public

PROFESSIONAL

Urban Study 2023 Focus | Urban Design, Research

910 8th 2021 Focus | Residential, Interior Design

15216 Carrolton 2022 Focus | Residential, Interior Design

844 Diamond 2021 Focus | Residential, Interior Design

10 Solitaire 2023 Focus | Residential, Interior Design

25 Solitraire 2023 Focus | Residential

5306 Carvel 2023 Focus | Residential

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Dupont Circle Library

Location | 1643-1645 Connecticut Ave NW, Washginton, DC 20009 Undergraduate | Fall 2019 Software | Revit, Adobe Creative Suite Focus | Public

In this six-and-a-half-week project, I spearheaded the design of a vibrant library located near Dupont Circle, one of Washington DC’s prominent landmarks. Recognizing libraries as crucial hubs for self-growth and community, our objective was to craft a space that not only symbolizes knowledge but also radiates a welcoming atmosphere for all.

The design concept focused on mirroring the rich and diverse culture surrounding Dupont Circle. To achieve this, I opted for a colorful and light-filled approach, ensuring that the Dupont Circle Library serves as a beacon of inclusivity.

Noteworthy features include cascading floor openings, a prominent “Mondrian” curtain wall along Connecticut Ave NW, and strategically placed large windows flooding the interior with natural light. This deliberate design choice aimed to draw visitors in and create an environment filled with comfortable and inspiring illumination.

Adding to the visual appeal is an expansive mural gracing the western facade, paying homage to the vibrant mural culture of Washington DC. This project not only sought to fulfill functional requirements but also aimed to contribute aesthetically to the cultural richness of the Dupont Circle neighborhood.

DCL

Floor Plans | Functionality takes center stage in the library’s design, with each floor dedicated to serving the public in distinctive ways. The first floor, open to the general public, serves as a welcoming escape from the urban heat of Washington DC. It’s designed to be an inclusive space where visitors can find solace and kids can engage in after-school activities.

Moving up to the second and third floors, the focus shifts to providing conducive workspaces and expansive book stacks. These floors are curated to facilitate a seamless continuation of visitors’ pursuit of knowledge, offering an environment that fosters concentration and exploration.

The fourth floor introduces a delightful change of scenery, transforming into a rooftop cafe with an adjoining outdoor garden. This level offers visitors a unique and refreshing respite from the bustling street below, providing an outdoor oasis in the heart of the city. The rooftop cafe not only serves as a culinary destination but also contributes to the overall experience by blending nature with urban life, creating a harmonious retreat within the library.

Procession | In addition to illuminating the interior with natural light, the cascading floor openings serve as a dynamic mechanism for movement throughout the building. At every level, visitors interact with these floor openings, which act as wayfinding elements guiding the general movement on each floor, fostering a seamless and engaging experience.

In Section | The library’s design truly shines in its section, revealing the enchantment woven into its architecture.

A captivating feature is the cascading floor openings that form a mesmerizing display of light. Sunlight gracefully filters through each level, illuminating the library and guiding visitors on a luminous journey of learning.

Beyond the aesthetic allure, these cascading floor openings serve a dual purpose. They not only flood the entire building with natural light, creating a welcoming ambiance, but also establish a profound audio and visual connection between all floors. This intentional design choice fosters an inclusive environment, ensuring that the Dupont Circle Library becomes a space where every visitor can experience the interconnectedness of knowledge and the joy of learning on every level.

DCL

Story District Center

Location | 1829-1831 14th St NW, Washginton, DC 20009 Undergraduate | Spring 2020 Software | Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Enscape Focus | Public

In this transformative five-week project, our mission was to craft a new center for Story District, a non-profit organization dedicated to the diffusion of personal, first-person storytelling—sharing traditions, culture, and experiences within the community. Inspired by the intricate mosaic of life, where each experience contributes to the masterpiece of our individual stories, the design philosophy behind the new Story District Center sought to embody this concept.

The center stands as a reflection of the timeless nature of the human experience, seamlessly integrating old and new architectural elements to create a structure that blurs the line between past and present. This intentional blending ensures a harmonious coexistence, preserving the rich narrative embedded within the structure.

SDC A key aspect of our approach was the recognition of the profound significance of stories and experiences. The design pays homage to the existing structures at 1829 and 1831 14th St NW, preserving their facades as storytellers that continue to enrich the U St Corridor. The new addition gracefully steps back, allowing the original structures to maintain a prominent street presence, avoiding overshadowing by contemporary elements.

This thoughtful design decision results in a void, a canvas for outdoor rooftop patio spaces. Visitors are invited to partake in a dynamic connection with the vibrant street below, creating an immersive experience that solidifies the Story District Center’s bond with the community it serves. The structure stands not only as a physical space but as a testament to the enduring beauty of stories and experiences, seamlessly weaving past and present into the rich tapestry of the U St Corridor.

Who is Story District | Story District is an organization based in Washington, DC, dedicated to promoting and celebrating the art of true, first-person storytelling. Their mission is to inspire, connect, and build a community of diverse voices. They believe that storytelling fosters a deeper sense of meaning, belonging, empathy, and connection to our shared humanity. The organization is committed to combating bias, challenging dehumanizing beliefs, and promoting inclusivity through the platform of storytelling. Their stories cover a range of emotions and themes, from funny and shocking to serious and thought-provoking.

Recognized as the “gold standard” in storytelling by the Washington Post, Story District has coached numerous individuals, including novices and first-timers, to confidently share unforgettable stories in front of a live audience.

Floor Plans | Committed to preserving existing structures, the new Story District Center’s floor plans seamlessly integrate them. The demising wall between structures was replaced with a robust postand-beam structure, ensuring stability and opening up space for classrooms, gathering areas, and events. Prioritizing flexibility, the design accommodates various activities, including performances, with equal attention given to less focal spaces like storage and offices. This meticulous approach creates a dynamic environment that removes barriers to storytelling, embodying the essence of Story District’s mission.

Preserving the Structure | Preserving the structure along 14th St NW not only maintains the continuity of the street facade but also offers significant environmental advantages. By repurposing the existing building, a substantial portion of the demolition process is eliminated, resulting in a reduction of construction waste. This approach contributes to environmental sustainability by minimizing the need for additional materials and decreasing the overall environmental impact associated with demolition and disposal of building materials. The adaptive reuse of the structure aligns with eco-friendly practices, promoting resource efficiency and minimizing the carbon footprint of the construction project.

SDC

Courtyard 1820

Location | 1820 14th St NW, Washginton, DC 20009 Undergraduate | Spring 2020 Software | Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, Enscape Focus | Multi-family In the exploration of designing a multi-story housing building, the primary challenge revolved around cultivating a sense of home in an environment that might be unfamiliar to many: Washington DC. This seven-week project tasked us with seamlessly integrating a housing structure into the diverse urban fabric of the city. The added dimension to this endeavor was the incorporation of a street-level commercial space, catering to the lively business scene along 14th St NW. The approach involved a thoughtful examination of the concept of subtraction, and from this exploration emerged Courtyard 1820. This innovative design strategically carves out a space between the occupants and the bustling 14th St NW corridor, effectively addressing the challenge of fostering a sense of home. By creating distance from the bustling city, Courtyard 1820 offers occupants an open, dynamic space—an oasis that was once simply the absence of mass. This intentional design choice not only provides a buffer from the intensity of the city but also transforms that void into a welcoming courtyard, offering residents a unique and harmonious retreat within the urban landscape.

CY 1820

Unit Design | The studio units at Courtyard 1820 defy the conventional layout of typical studio apartments.

In contrast to merging the sleeping, dining, and living areas into a single space, these studios employ a unique design where the bathroom and laundry facilities act as a thoughtful divider between the private and public spaces.

Within the one-bedroom units, a practical design feature takes shape in the form of a peninsula or island. This innovative layout alleviates the need for residents to furnish the unit with a separate dining set, resulting in a more spacious living area.

The consolidation of the kitchen and dining space enhances the unit’s openness and functionality.

Fresh Air | Each unit facing the courtyard is equipped with a balcony, fostering interaction among residents and providing an opportunity to engage with the vibrant courtyard atmosphere.

On the other hand, units facing the alley lack a balcony but offer an elevated perspective, overlooking the elegant row homes of DC and enjoying a premium view of the sunset. This deliberate approach ensures that each unit, whether facing the courtyard or alley, offers a unique and appealing living experience.

CY 1820

Floor Plans | The floor layout of Courtyard 1820 is meticulously crafted around the concept of expansion and compression, creating a dynamic and purposeful spatial experience.

Upon entering, the layout unfolds into an expansive lobby, where the elevators, mailroom, leasing offices, and front desk are strategically placed for visibility and accessibility. The utilitarian spaces are discreetly nestled in the rear, directly accessible from the alley, optimizing functionality while maintaining a seamless flow.

The second floor marks the transition to residential units and introduces the courtyard. Adjacent to the elevator, a welcoming community space and bar lead to the outdoor oasis. The courtyard provides a vantage point for residents and visitors to observe the vibrant street life along 14th St NW. Designed with aesthetics and relaxation in mind, the courtyard features a perimeter trellis, a green lawn for various activities, and a small reflecting pool that visually connects with the lobby below.

The subsequent four floors are exclusively dedicated to residential units, totaling 39 units. This includes 10 studio units and 29 one-bedroom units, each thoughtfully designed with short-term leases in mind—responding to the influx of young entrepreneurs seeking a temporary home in the city. Each floor is equipped with a trash chute and an elevator lobby, providing residents with the opportunity to personalize their communal space, fostering a sense of individuality within the collective living experience.

Horizon Line

Location | 7307 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, MD 21811 Team | Miguel Mora, James Long Graduate | Fall 2021 Software | Revit, Sketchup, Adobe Creative Suite, Sefaira, Enscape, Rhino Focus | Public Assateague Island, renowned for its wild horses and pristine Eastern Shore landscapes, attracts thousands of visitors from both within and outside the state of Maryland. The vast ocean stretching as far as the eye can see, coupled with the iconic wild horses dotting the shoreline, makes Assateague a picturesque destination.

Designing the day use building for the state park demanded a harmonious integration with the natural surroundings to foster a sense of unity. This proposed design for the new day use building achieves this through its deliberate connection to the natural elements. The elongated structure mirrors the horizontality of the berm and the expansive horizon, creating a seamless visual connection with the site. Beyond aesthetics, the design prioritizes functionality, providing an inviting facility to cater to the diverse needs of the park’s many visitors. This approach ensures that the new day use building not only complements the natural beauty of Assateague but also enhances the overall experience for those who come to enjoy this unique and captivating environment.

Initial Concepts | Horizon Line’s initial design aimed to create a central gathering space rooted in community. Exploring water and fire elements, the courtyard emerged as the focal point, embodying communal essence. As a cost-effective, multi-use space, it fosters connections and community engagement without ongoing State Park operating costs, preserving financial sustainability while inviting visitors to share experiences on Assateague Island.

HRZN LINE Floor Plans | The Horizon Line building features a distinctive barrel-like floor plan with indoor spaces flanking a central terraced garden. This garden connects a vast courtyard at the entrance to an intimate second-level eating area. The southern portion houses the cafe, strategically offering prime views of the island’s berm where wild horses graze.

The northern end includes staff offices, a souvenir store, and indoor gathering spaces, while the western end houses communal bathrooms, showers, and equipment rental. Communal facilities along the courtyard ensure accessibility for all beachgoers.

The second floor, terminating the garden, provides a panoramic view over the berm. An outdoor bar offers a refreshing escape and a delightful vantage point for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty.

Net-Zero Construction | In response to Eastern Shore’s challenging climate, Assateague Day Use prioritized insulation.

The Horizon Line building achieved this with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), exceeding code requirements.

Embracing natural ventilation, photovoltaics, and zoned HVAC, the design achieves a negative net use in electricity—a testament to innovative and environmentally responsible design, ensuring year-round sustainability.

Garden | The terraced gardens, strategically integrated to divide the building, serve a dual purpose as an educational tool and an environmentally conscious feature. These gardens showcase native vegetation, promoting environmental education by highlighting the diverse plant life indigenous to the area.

Beyond their educational value, the terraced gardens function as a natural water filtration system.

Water | Rainwater collected by the gardens is directed to cisterns adjacent to the building. This harvested rainwater undergoes a processing system, allowing for its reuse throughout the facility. By incorporating this sustainable water management system, the design not only contributes to the conservation of resources but also exemplifies a commitment to eco-friendly practices. The terraced gardens thus become a living representation of the harmony between architecture and nature, offering a dynamic and educational experience for visitors to the Assateague Island day use building.

Standing Seam Aluminum

Glulam Structural Members

Powder Coated Steel Connections

Cementitious Siding

Triple Pane Windows

Cedar Decking

HRZN LINE

City Link

Location | 1250 W Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 Team | Miguel Mora, James Long Graduate | Fall 2021 Software | Revit, Sketchup, Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, Enscape Focus | Mixed-Use The MARTA Arts Center Terminal is a vital stop for Midtown Atlanta. Visitors flow through the site, traveling to and from the Arts District and various shops and restaurants nearby. This site is integral to the urban experience of visitors but currently lacks a sense of place. City Link, a mixed-use center, is the missing piece that will serve to vitalize this overlooked area of the city, connecting the surrounding attractions and creating memorable experiences for visitors.

In order to create a captivating experience, City Link takes advantage of the complex site to engage the Arts Center Terminal entrance plaza and connect it to the High Museum plaza with an expressive “swooping” bridge.

The bridge opens toward the approaching traffic on the main thoroughfare of W Peachtree St NW and draws visitors along its length. Once across the bridge, visitors have direct access to a spacious plaza lined by a linear market hall, a curvilinear community center, and a highly articulated residential tower, all expressed with timber to establish a unique identity within the midtown context.

FAR | The mixed-use development proposal starts with an initial Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.3. Through the replication of the modular residential tower above the market hall in Phase Two, the FAR increases to 6.6. In Phase Three, the FAR reaches 8.5, all within the context of a maximum allowable FAR of 10

CITY LINK

Residences | In the housing tower, multiple communal areas allow transient dwellers to easily develop a sense of neighborhood in the tower’s terrace system.

This, along with uniquely designed units, allows them to experience a home with

City Link serves as a model for sustainable living in the city by celebrating timber construction in its many forms including CLT, DLT, Glulam, and charred wood finishes. Reinforced concrete is limited to the foundation and steel components are minimized by employing ingenious timber pin connections along the length of the market hall. Sustainable living is encouraged with an emphasis on interior spaces designed to reduce energy use via natural ventilation and exterior sun shades, which double as light baffles. Secure bicycle storage and direct access to public transportation further encourage sustainable living for occupants and visitors alike.

City Link continues the story of a progressive city. This sustainable design represents the necessary steps to attain a cleaner future; one that will serve for many years to come.

CITY LINK

HI LO Connection

Locations | Silver Spring, MD 20910 Team | Miguel Mora, Jihee Lee, Vasilea Roberts Graduate | Fall 2022 Software | Sketchup, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Enscape, Procreate Focus | Urban Design In the vibrant city of Silver Spring, abundant opportunities awaited the creation of an engaging civic center. Despite its role as a transportation hub in the DMV area, the city lacked a cohesive sense of place for both visitors and residents.

In this ten-week project, our objective was to implement a design that seamlessly connected the various districts of Silver Spring. The solution involved weaving these districts together through a network of pedestrian thoroughfares. This design not only fosters connectivity but also promotes a walkable and sustainable urban lifestyle that was previously absent in Silver Spring

HI LO

Network of Nodes |To address the challenging wayfinding in Silver Spring caused by a complex network of roads and sidewalks, our team implemented a solution inspired by Frederick Law Olmsted’s approach in Boston’s Emerald Necklace. We designed a network of parks and plazas, seamlessly guiding pedestrians through the bustling streets of Silver Spring.

This not only enhances safety but also elevates the overall urban fabric, creating a more enjoyable and pedestrian-friendly experience in the city.

HI LO

Marsh Point

Location | North Charleston, SC 29405 Team | Miguel Mora, Vasilea Roberts, Vincenza Perla, Maisha Islam, Lex Davis Graduate | Winter 2023 Programs | Sketchup, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS, Enscape Focus | Urban Design Link | https://uli.secure-platform.com/a/gallery/rounds/246/details/10516

Charleston, South Carolina, holds the distinction of being the first protected historic district in the United States, renowned for its unmistakable and charming characteristics. However, the city’s history is marked by injustices, notably the displacement of the Black population during development. Many settled north, giving rise to North Charleston, the location of this project. Despite this migration, the community lacked a crucial element that connects the people of Charleston: the river.

In a two-week design charrette for the 2023 ULI Competition, our focus on Marsh Point aimed to rectify this disconnection. Recognizing the historic significance of the Cooper River, which once served the Naval Shipyards on the site’s eastern edge, we reintroduced the water through a canal.

This reestablished the vital connection between the community and the river. Additionally, the introduction of urban parks injected life into the area, fostering economic growth in a once underprivileged region.

MARSH POINT

Phasing | Overcoming a significant challenge, our project addressed the fact that more than a quarter of the site was occupied by the Department of Defense (DOD), with a commitment to remain for an additional 10 years.

In response, our team implemented a phased design for the adjacent neighborhoods, strategically generating income to support each phase and paving the way for future site renovations. Phase one focuses on the entertainment district, serving as a catalyst for development, attracting local interest and generating income.

Phase two introduces the bulk of the housing, including local shopping centers and mixed-use buildings. The third and final phase strategically occupies the DOD site, acting as the connecting tissue between the entertainment and residential districts.

MARSH POINT

Valmont Park District

Location | Boulder, CO 80301 Graduate | Spring 2023 Programs | Sketchup, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, GIS, Enscape Focus | Urban Design Link | http://hdl.handle.net/1903/30094 Addressing housing disparities in the United States has been a hot topic issue for many years as it cannot be solved with a singular design that incorporates affordable housing. In order to produce change in communities that suffer from housing disparities, a new typology of affordable housing communities must be introduced and change the way in which housing is perceived.

Boulder, Colorado is a city that is in dire need of change. Over the past decades, Boulder has served as a hotspot in Colorado and will continue to be one for many more to come. However, living with the city limits has become an unattainable dream as housing prices rise to astronomical levels and steer newcomers and young entrepreneurs away. This long standing issue is one that, if left unresolved, will reduce Boulder to a city that lacks life outside of commerce and business, which is a characteristic that the city has avoided since its incorporation. However, by carefully analyzing the city, understanding what contributes to its uniqueness, and proposing a housing community that will address the city’s issues while also enhancing the fabric, an over encompassing solution can be reached in an attempt to maintain Boulder’s vibrant communities.

Optimizing the Site | The Valmont Park site offers abundant opportunities that can be fully realized by creating housing and designing a walkable, mixed-use community. With amenities like nearby bike tracks and skateparks, letting the site remain as a large parking lot is a mistake the city and its residents cannot afford to perpetuate.

VPD

Goose Creek Trail | Goose Creek presents a significant opportunity on the site. Integrating a bike trail alongside the creek offers a valuable means of connecting various neighborhoods. While existing paths serve well for connectivity, enhancing them with landscaping and terracing not only improves the overall experience along the trail but also helps mitigate floodwaters, minimizing potential damage.

VPD

Architecture and Urban Design After Catastrophe

Location | College Park, MD Date | January 2023 - July 2023 Software | AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, ARCGIS Focus | Urban Design, Research

Beauvais, France | Beauvais, extensively damaged in World War II, underwent significant redesign and reconstruction, preserving the legacy of its previous urban design. Instead of erasing the old, the new Beauvais learned from the past, incorporating lessons into a thoughtful redesign to restore the city to its former glory.

Efforts focused on both physical restoration and reviving the spirit and identity of Beauvais, guided by landmarks like Beauvais Cathedral. The post-war transformation seamlessly blended architectural and cultural heritage, harmonizing history with modernity.

Orleans, France | Orleans’ Old Quarter, steeped in historical significance, epitomizes the city’s rich past through its blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and traditional squares, it likely served as a pivotal commercial and cultural hub in Orleans.

Despite the post-World War II urban challenges, the preservation of the Old Quarter underscores the city’s commitment to maintaining its historical and architectural identity. The recent update of roadways for modern traffic, coupled with a focus on strong axial connections, demonstrates a thoughtful urban planning approach. This intervention not only meets contemporary needs but also ensures visual coherence, safeguarding the historical charm and cultural importance of Orleans’ Old Quarter within the city’s urban fabric.

URBAN STUDY

910 8th

Location | 910 8th St NE, Washington, DC 20002 Date | November 2020 - April 2022 Status | Completed Software | Revit, AutoCAD Focus | Residential, Interior Design

Project Scope | Complete renovation of two-family flat Unit 1: Complete renovation of the existing basement, involving the relocation of the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. Installation of all-new appliances, cabinetry, and fixtures throughout.

Unit 2: Comprehensive renovation of the existing upper unit spanning the first and second floors.

Includes the relocation of the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms, along with the installation of allnew appliances, cabinetry, and fixtures throughout.

910 8TH

15216 Carrolton

Location | 15216 Carrolton Rd, Rockville, MD 20853 Date | April 2022 - November 2022 Status | Completed Software | Revit Focus | Residential, Interior Design Project Scope | Comprehensive renovation of a single-family residence involving both exterior and interior updates. The project includes finishing an unfinished basement to incorporate a new full bath, mechanical room, and a wet bar for entertainment. Additionally, hardwood floors throughout the house will be refinished. The first floor will undergo a complete redesign, while minor changes to the second floor plan will be made along with updates to finish materials

15216 CRLTN

844 Diamond

Location | 844 Diamond Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20708 Date | June 2021 - December 2021 Status | Completed Software | Revit Focus | Residential, Interior Design Project Scope | Single-story addition to the rear of an existing single-story residence, adding approximately 450 sq. ft. The addition is constructed over the existing concrete patio and encroaches into the space of the existing single-car garage. The addition features an ADA accessible full bathroom, a spacious flex space for use as a living area or bedroom, a full closet, and a new laundry room.

844 DIA

10 Solitaire

Location | 10 Solitaire Ct, Gaithersburg, MD 20708 Date | March 2023 Status | Under Construction Software | Revit Focus | Residential, Interior Design Project Scope | Second-story addition to the rear of a single-family residence, incorporating a reorganization of the existing second floor. The addition will house a new master bedroom suite, contributing one additional bedroom and one bathroom to the residence. A screened porch is planned for the underside of the addition.

10 SOL

25 Solitaire

Location | 25 Solitaire Ct, Gaithersburg, MD 20708 Date | July 2023 Status | Concept Software | Revit Focus | Residential, Interior Design

Project Scope | Proposed addition to the rear of a single-family residence featuring a sunlit office space. The decision between a rooftop deck or screened porch is pending. The project also involves regrading the topography in the rear, with terraced retaining walls to create additional outdoor spaces.

25 SOL

5306 Carvel

Location | 5306 Carvel Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816 Date | October 2023 Status | Concept Software | Revit Focus | Residential, Interior Design Project Scope | Proposed octagonal addition to the rear of a single-family residence, introducing a new sunroom on the first floor and a new bedroom on the second. Exterior landscaping and paving will be reworked in accordance with the final building mass.

5306 CRVL

FIN.