Miguel Perez Architecture Portfolio 2023 by miguelpdesign

Miguel Perez

Portfolio | 2023

pSplit

The essence of architecture lies in its ability to establish connections - connections to individuals, surroundings, the environment, and even to one’s inner self. It is through these connections that a building truly becomes architecture.

Miguel Perez | 02

Content 01 | ECOWAS Topeka, Kansas

02 | CERRAS Thies, Senegal

03 | Collective Housing New York City

04 | Alma Branch Library Alma, Kansas

Miguel Perez | 03

ECOWAS Cultural Center & Consulate Class:

Architecture Design Studio 3 Bowman Design Forum - Merit Award

Instructor:

Adriana Molina

Duration:

8 weeks

ECOWAS Cultural Center & Consulate Bowman Design forum - Merit Award

Project Goal

Connect the building to Topeka and to the culture of the ECOWAS though sectional Relationships

Summary ECOWAS

(the

Economic

Community

West

African

States),

15-member

regional

group

with the mandate to promote the economic integration and development of its member states, has decided to pursue its strategic relationship with the Midwest and central plains. The demands of the organization’s strategic initiatives call for a development that contains the activities of a consulate and a cultural center, which will function as a political, economic, and educational hub for the ECOWAS member states, and act as a point of dialogue between the organizations and the people of the city of Topeka, the state of Kansas and the region beyond. At the same time, the project will house the ECOWAS regional consul general, visiting artists, and dignitaries. Everyday life in the cultural center should facilitate vibrant interplay with the community through artistic

production,

cultural

celebrations,

dignitary

visits,

language

classes,

lectures,

gallery

openings, community meetings, scholarly engagements with the ECOWAS region, and much more.

ECOWAS | 06

Context + Culture

When examining the relationship between the built environment and the natural environment in downtown Topeka, it is clear that there is a significant contrast between the two. The built urban environment can feel cramped and crowded, while the natural environment surrounding the capital building can provide a sense of openness and freedom. In the vernacular architecture of Africa, private spaces are utilized to create a framework for public spaces. These public areas are secured by layers, beginning with the initial building, followed by a fence, and ultimately, the surrounding community. These public, in between spaces are celebrated and within them is where celebration happens.

itd.IE

Section AA

Section BB

Mimicking how the urban environment opens to the capital: The street gives a strong sense of enclosure and compression

Traditional A

while the park and the capital juxtapose that feeling with openness and release. The sectional qualities mimic that of the

is protected b

city of Topeka. Compressing one though the passage and rewarding you into a gracious open space.

to the countr

security by s

the layering e

ECOWAS | 08

African communities have a central public space which

Program A single mass is divided into 3 programmatic sections: 1. Cultural center 2. Consulate 3. Residence

Function The sections are moved based off function. Residence: private space away from public street. Cultural Center: on the public corner

Security The consulate is placed below grade to create a secure space. The gallery is placed in the middle to unite the consulate and cultural center and to divide the cultural center from the residence.

Access to light Space is subtracted in the consulate and in the residence to provide access to light.

by solid mass and private spaces. The enclosure relates

ries that the ECOWAS represents. Creating a sense of

surrounding the open spaces with solid mass. Creating

effect seen in traditional villages.

Cultural celebration The cultural center is emphasized by subtracting space around it. This space is then subdivided using the cultural program to design the facade of the building.

ECOWAS | 10

Dignit

parking

Counsule’s office

Open office space

Private core

Residential Cour

Gallery Gallery

Consulate lobby

DOWN

Library

Entry

Public core

Director’s office

Community Room

Basement

First Floor

Second Floor

tary Suite Artist suite

Counsul suite

Gallery

Auditorium

Third Floor

Forth Floor

The Consulate Descending into the consulate, you are greeted with art. This gallery spans the entirety of the building connecting the consulate with the cultural center. This secure space, while below grade, is graciously lit by floor to ceiling windows adjacent to a courtyard.

ECOWAS | 14

The Cultural Center Ascending from the first floor, this space is the core of the building. The central celebrated space. It is from here where you are immersed in the culture of the ECOWAS. Where one can see, touch, and learn about the West African culture though art, literature, and community.

ECOWAS | 15

CERRAS: MBOLO Agricultural Innovation Center Class:

Architecture Design Studio 3

Instructor:

Adriana Molina

Duration:

4 weeks

CERRAS: MBOLO Agricultural Innovation Center Project Goal

Connecting to the culture, to nature, and to each other, to spark innovation. This was the driving force of this design.

Summary MBOLO, whose meaning in Wolof is “to unite, join or come together,” represents everyone’s synergy to work together towards a sustainable, social and human development of communities with cultural, social and environmental respect. The Center for the Improvement of the Adaption to Drought (CERAAS) is a Senegalese research center dedicated to the development of drought resistant crops. CERAAS’s primary motivation is to bring together researchers from around the globe to address current and future concerns for agriculture. Its mission has outgrown its current facility, however, and they are looking to expand. Thies is a large cultural and manufacturing hub in Senegal western Africa. The location presents a climatic challenge. Sehal is the region between the northern hot and dry Sahara desert and the tropical wet forest to the south. The context requires of us to think of passive design strategies. The new agricultural innovation center consisting of two primary program types: four innovation hubs and a large forum. All other spaces will serve as support spaces for these two program types.

CERRAS | 18

Itf

TIF

Connecting to Culture Drawing inspiration from the past and what has proven successful in the area, traditional housing serves as a valuable precedent. Traditional Sahel architecture, for example, features private modular structures arranged in a way that surrounds a central public space. Moreover, this traditional style of architecture was specifically designed to seamlessly blend in with the surrounding landscape.

tÉ

THINK

Applying this concept to our site, we can observe that the site already consists of three existing buildings that encircle a central plaza. Expanding upon this existing layout, our project aims to complete the array of buildings around the plaza, thus creating a welcoming and comfortable central public space.

CERRAS | 19

Connecting to each other

Connecting to Nature Mass More solid masses are placed on the northeast corner of the site, to block the hot winds coming from the Sahara Desert. The more open and tectonic green house is located at the southern end welcoming the cool southern winds

Submerge To further enhance the site’s micro-climate, the solid structures were partially submerged to create a more comfortable environment for the public forum.

Shift These structures were also divided to create both public and private spaces within each hub, generating additional opportunities for shade

Ground Floor

and intimate outdoor areas The ground floor of our design serves as a public hub that includes Connect to unify the various structures and provide a seamless connection between them, a series of outdoor breezeways were created

CERRAS | 20

the public part of the innovation hubs, a central forum, and a cafe. The four hubs are divided into two spaces to encourage interaction and collaboration among scientists and researchers, while the forum serves as an extension of the main plaza. This creates a dynamic public space that promotes innovation and community.

First Floor

Second Floor

The first floor of our design serves as the private floor, housing the

The second floor of our design serves as an exclusive area dedicated

private offices of the innovation hubs. These offices, while offering

to research on drought-resistant crops. The large tectonic structure

privacy, also open up to outdoor breezeways and outdoor courtyards,

is strategically positioned to be the first thing visitors see when

providing opportunities for individuals in the office to connect and

approaching the building, immediately communicating the purpose

innovate.

of the building. This floor is located at a higher level to allow for air flow into the public floor below, helping to maintain a comfortable and pleasant environment throughout the site.

CERRAS | 21

CERRAS | 22

Perforated Brick

Perforated brick is a key feature of our design, used throughout the project to cool the building naturally. This sustainable strategy is a common feature in the area and helps to keep buildings cool while allowing for natural light and views. The bricks were strategically placed in areas where the sun would be the most intense and where cool winds would be most beneficial, ensuring maximum effectiveness.

Covered Breezeways

In addition to connecting the different hubs, the breezeways in our design act as a unifying element for the entire project. These outdoor spaces provide a means for cool winds to enter specific parts of the building, promoting natural ventilation and creating comfortable, shaded areas. By incorporating these breezeways, we aim to provide a sustainable and cohesive design that enhances the user experience while minimizing the environmental impact of the project.

CERRAS | 23

SPLIT | COLLECTIVE HOUSING FOR INDEPENDENT ARTISTS AND EM Class:

Architecture Design Studio 4

Instructor:

Jongwan Kwon

Duration:

8 weeks

MERGING CREATORS

Split | Collective Housing

Project Goal

Using the idea of splitting to create public spaces connecting residences and community. Summary Located in the vibrant NOHO area of New York City, this building project is uniquely tailored for digital independent artists and emerging content creators. It offers a design that balances work and life, featuring versatile units split into distinct living and working spaces. These spaces are cleverly separated by thick walls, which serve dual purposes of ensuring privacy and incorporating built-in storage, thus facilitating a blend of solitude and community connectivity. The building’s design is particularly focused on creating communal spaces that connect residents with each other and the broader NOHO community. This is achieved through the clear segregation of public and private areas within the building. A standout feature is the large public amphitheatre, a thoughtful addition that addresses the scarcity of green spaces in urban New York City. The building’s exterior is marked by a unique gradient screen, offering a balance between privacy and engagement with the bustling city life of NOHO. Internally, the building houses a variety of shared and private spaces. These include communal areas for socializing and collaboration, which alternate with private spaces designed for creative activities. The ground floor introduces a dynamic blend of private and public zones, including street-facing amenities like coffee shops, retail stores, and galleries, encouraging interaction with the NOHO community. The central lobby serves as a communal nucleus, reinforcing the building’s commitment to fostering a connected and vibrant community within one of New York City’s most culturally rich neighborhoods.

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Studio (A)

One Bedroom

Studio (B)

Two Bedroom

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Maximum allowable mass The maximum allowable mass per code, and regulations in New York City.

Unit Aggregation The units interlock to create a seamless block.

Subtraction Mass is subtracted to create outdoor space, as well as fit the context of the site.

Sun shading A gradient sun shading system is placed to provide shade and privacy.

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Section BB

Sixth Floor

Third Floor

Ground Floor

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Amphitheatre The Amphitheatre was not only part of the program but a necessary space for collaboration and connections between residences and the community. The space was placed outside to further encourage the community to engage as well as to address the lack of public green space.

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Section AA

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Alma Branch Library Class:

Architecture Design Studio 2

Instructor:

Chris Fein

Duration:

6 weeks

Alma Branch Library Project Goal

The design stemmed from the necessity to capitalizing on the connection between City Park and Main street.

Summary What is a library for in our current digital age? Digitalization makes possible the dematerialization of knowledge and information, allowing for near instantaneous transfer access across the globe. A Library could exist nearly anywhere you can “connect”. Yet, the book persists and the need to house and celebrate these books and their readers remains. The Alma Public Library Board proposed a modern library equipped with the latest resources and technologies and with a vision to serve the citizens of Alma and the surrounding community in the coming decades. Alma is a small tight-knit community in northeastern Kansas. With a population of about 1,000 people, the public space in Alma is limited. The site we were given acts as a thoroughfare connecting the main public street to the only park in the city. This green space behind the site was just as important in the design as the library itself.

Alma Branch Library | 34

t.TK

IEg

Five

Alma Branch Library | 35

Program Organization

childrens story time

CST storage

appropriate adjacencies between programs while

Boiler/chiller Toilet 5.

maintaining privacy for users.

Janitor

To address this challenge, we located the ground floor program in a way that would be accessible to all users

Study rooms

Multipurpose room

Toilet

and members of the community,

Game Center

childrens collection

MPR Storage

while dedicating the second floor entirely to teens

Self checkout

BDR

and adults, providing them with greater privacy.

Entry

The children’s library was placed on the lower floor,

FRR

Study rooms

ensuring not only privacy but also safety from the street. By carefully considering these adjacencies, we

aimed to create a safe and welcoming environment

Cafe Lounge Confer

Toilet

Break room

anitor Cafe KItchen

BDC

Periodicals

that meets the unique needs of each user group.

Storage

Toilet Adult collection

Alma Branch Library | 36

Study rooms

Teen Collection

Elevator Service desk/ book drop

Study rooms

Maker Space

EMRJ

Additionally,

Electric

Study rooms

Computor Commons

Service dock

The main challenge in our design was to ensure

1. Entry program 2. Employee program 3.Circulation program 4.childrens program 5. Adult/ teen program 6. Service program

Second floor

Ground Floor

Lower floor

Alma Branch Library | 37

Alma Branch Library | 38

Light To enhance the user experience, our design incorporates experiential skylights that provide natural light to the central lobby, creating a bright and welcoming Central Lobby

atmosphere. Additionally, the courtyard serves as a light well that provides natural light to the lower floors of the building. The courtyard also serves as a secure outdoor space for the children’s library, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of being outside while remaining safe and protected.

Children’s Library

Alma Branch Library | 39

E/P miguel406@ksu.edu (620) 952-9328