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DRIGUEZ
• CARBON REMOVAL STANDARDS
• VOLUME LIVING
• UNITE ATMOSPHERES
• THE FORGOTTEN ISLAND
• E.L.M SPECIES HABITAT
• BROADWAY’S HARMONY
MAUR R DRIGUEZ
My portfolio aims to showcase projects that explore the potential of architecture to address global climate challenges. Through innovative design and PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT, my works examine how zoning, urban systems, MODERNITY, and sustainability can redefine how cities evolve, while protecting the world we hope to remember.
Carbon Removal Standards
Testing and Rating Technologies
This project proposes a global facility managed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to transform carbon removal technologies into scalable, proven solutions. By testing different technologies in diverse, controlled environments, the facility will rate their efficiency, price, embodied carbon, resilience, and carbon capture capacity.
This initiative addresses urgent climate needs by ensuring solutions are ready for global deployment, tailored to diverse conditions around the world. Bridging technology and policy, the facility creates a foundation for a thriving, equitable carbon removal market and offers hope to avoid irreversible global changes.
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico Course: Design Studio V Professor: David Benjamin Term: Fall 2024
PHOTOGRAPHY
I took the following images when visiting Bandelier, once home to the Tewa and Keres Pueblo people, two groups with distinct languages but shared cultural practices provides a glimpse into how architecture and design can respond to both environmental and social challenges. An ideal site for this project, due to its
RENDER VIEW OF BIOME 01
The Structure is drawn from Buckminster Fuller. His geodesic dome is known for lightweight structure, energy efficiency, even structural stress, no need for internal supports, modular design.
WHAT IT’S TESTED? -
Direct Air Capture
Scalability in the Next 10 Years: DAC: 60% – High scalability, but costly.
Carbon Mineralization
Scalability in the Next 10 Years: Carbon Mineralization: 30% – Limited by geography.
Enhanced Weathering
Scalability in the Next 10 Years: 12% Slower due to material handling.
Dependencies on this technique?
Dependencies on this technique?
Dependencies on this technique?
Wind Tunnel
Taos Trail
Map - Site
Our paths are firm and stable with acessible grades. Trails have varying terrain and are designed to be experienced on foot in comfortable shoes.
The Trails connect with the larger site of Taos (14 miles) and with the Bandelier Monument trail (6 miles) with this one being more challenging due to it’s steep inclination.
Residencies
This project builds on global frameworks like the UNFCCC to create a scalable model for sustainability. By incorporating closed-loop systems and public engagement, it seeks to bridge technological innovation with accessible design for a sustainable future.
Biome 1
Bandelier Trail
CO2 CAPTURE RATE INSIDE BIOMES
THE MAKING OF THIS TERRARIUMS REFLECTS CLOSED-LOOP ECOSYSTEMS, OFFERING INSIGHTS INTO HOW SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS CAN SUPPORT URBAN LIVING IN THE FUTURE
A WEBSITE FOR THIS POSSIBLE FUTURE
LIVING AMONG CARBON CAPTURE TECHNOLOGIES
HOW WOULD LIFE WORK IN THIS NEW FUTURE?
Volume Living Adaptive Reuse
A new approach to affordable housing re-imagines “home” in urban Harlem, challenging design norms by prioritizing height, volume, and innovative spatial planning. VerticalVista Homes revolutionizes compact living with a threedimensional design approach that transforms limited square footage into expansive, functional spaces. Elevated ceilings and multipurpose furniture enhance comfort and efficiency, optimizing every corner to feel both grand and welcoming. This project goes beyond conventional layouts, offering residents a luxurious yet accessible living experience where every inch is intentionally crafted to maximize airiness and flow within the dynamic heart of the city.
Location: Manhattan, NY
Course: Design Studio III
Partner: Nicholas Richards
Professor: Garry Bates
Term: Fall 2023
WHAT IF?
What if we measured housing by volume instead of just square footage? This question inspired us to design a building that is flexible, adaptable, and truly responsive to its residents’ needs.
OUR MODEL
Was an early exploration of how various unit sizes and configurations can shape the architecture itself by embracing a modular design.
IMAGINE
Imagine trading ceiling height with your neighbor to gain an extra room in your apartment—this approach doesn’t just make housing more enjoyable; it ensures that every bit of space is valuable and meaningful to someone.
DIFFERENT WAYS TO VISUALIZE A 3,000 CUBIC FT UNIT
VOLUMETRIC LIVING
FACADE AXONOMETRIC DETAIL MODEL
Glazed Terracotta Panel Module
Open-Web Steel Joists
Corrugated Metal Deck
Cladding Support Brackets
United Athmospheres Air Quality
In our GSAPP class project, we developed 3D-printable hydroponic pods to enhance indoor air quality. These pods, equipped with fans and filled with expanded clay balls, improve airflow through plants, targeting fine particles and harmful gases like VOCs. Installed at GSAPP, this system not only utilizes photosynthesis but also leverages the purifying properties of plant roots, offering benefits like edible produce. This innovative, low-maintenance solution underscores the importance of clean air for occupant well-being. With most of the world living in areas exceeding WHO air pollution guidelines, addressing indoor air quality through such sustainable practices is increasingly essential.
Location: Manhattan, NY
Course: Tech Elective
Professor: Andreas Theodoridis Term: Winter 2023
CASE STUDY: MY APARTMENT
IDENTIFYING AIR POLLUTION CONTRIBUTERS
• Fabric softeners and perfumes
• Cleaners
• Furniture
• Electronics
• Common HVAC & window ac filters
• Gas stoves
• Particle board
• Animals
Cleaners
CASE STUDY: GSAPP, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
RECORDED DATA
PARTICULATE MATTER DATA
Lack of Ventilation
EDIBLE PLANTS
While also purifying the air of Carbon Dioxide via photosynthesis, the plant will provide an extra layer of available nutrients by producing edible fruit.
WATER DISPENSER
The water dispenser allows for the purification system to be self sustainable and low maintenance
FAN
A fan is used to push the polluted air through the root system which is more successful in purifying the air rather than pulling air through the root system
EXPANDED CLAY BALLS
Expanded clay balls are used in lieu of soil to accommodate for better airflow through the root system of the plant. By using expanded clay, the water remains cleaner for a longer duration of time and prevents mold and mildew from growing requiring minimal maintenance.
SOIL BARRIER
A barrier system is put in place to separate the excess water and expanded clay soil
FUNNEL
The funnel is used to capture excess water and is recirculated back into the system to avoid any water waste
The Forgotten Island Ecological Restoration Project
Ossabaw Island serves as a compelling reminder of the need for humans to better interact with nature. Through an innovative architectural project, efforts are underway to address ecological imbalances and restore the island’s delicate ecosystem. By collaborating with the Ossabaw Island Foundation and implementing sustainable practices, the project aims to educate visitors, promote conservation, and integrate responsible living. This endeavor serves as a model for harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, inspiring a broader shift in our approach to environmental stewardship.
Location: Ossabaw, Georgia Course: Design Studio V Professor: Brent White Term: Winter 2022
OSSABAW USERS
A study was conducted to examine different user groups and their activities on Ossabaw Island. The findings identified four main user types: Government Officials, Researchers, Campers, and Hunters. These user profiles influenced the architectural and program development of the project. Additionally, the study determined suitable areas on the island for specific activities, ensuring optimal utilization of resources while preserving the island’s natural environment.
Interaction Hunting
Indigo Dyeing
Unpacking
Camping
Yaupon Holly
Cooking
Ossabaw Island History
To enhance the autonomy of the structures, the design optimizes site layout and leverages local weather conditions. Material selection and geometric principles are meticulously applied, assigning each surface a specific purpose. For instance, the roof is designed to harvest rainwater, while the walls facilitate airflow.
Additionally, Ossabaw Island, with its 13 miles of pristine, undeveloped beaches accessible only by boat, is a sanctuary open to the public up to the high tide line. The island serves as a critical nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles and endangered wood storks. It is a place of learning and conservation, where visitors are introduced to research techniques and the importance of preserving natural habitats. It’s also a source of inspiration for historians, photographers, writers, painters, and musicians, drawn to its untouched beauty and rich cultural heritage.
For transportation on this secluded island, the proposal includes a portable pod that, when towed by a car, transforms into a compact refuge for small groups embarking on their adventure. Echoing the architectural ethos, this pod is designed to collect rainwater and generate energy, seamlessly integrating with the island’s environment.
FABRICATION
To take this projecto to the most complete stange I could. I decided to buildi a 1 to 1 scale repgresentation of the portable Pod. The consisted of the assembly of a small trailer, chosen for its size to match the standard 4x8 feet plywood sheets used for the walls. This meticulous planning and execution allowed the portable structure to be efficient and adaptable, as evidenced by the images showing the step-by-step construction and the final setup.
E.L.M Spicies Habitat
As part of the innovative team at Terreform One, I had the privilege of contributing to the design of specialized modules for the “Home Alive” project, under the visionary leadership of our founder, Mitchell Joachim. These modules, integral to the project’s success, are designed to enhance the living architecture’s functionality and sustainability.
“Home Alive” is a pioneering initiative that uses Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) for construction, which are partly made up of living cells. These cells self-assemble, adapting and regenerating in response to environmental stimuli, embodying sustainability and longevity. My role involved the architectural design and integration of additional modules that attach to the main structure, aiding in energy efficiency and environmental adaptation. These modules are crafted to harness and recycle environmental energy, further promoting the structure’s organic integration into its surroundings.
Location: Brooklyn, New York Course: Summer Intership Work @: TERREFORM ONE Term: Summer 2023
IMPLEMENTATION
I developed a Grasshopper script that emulates natural growth patterns to justify the organic form and shape of the habitat modules. This algorithmic approach allowed for the creation of complex geometries that mirror the intricate structures found in nature, ensuring each module integrates seamlessly into the environment. The final forms were then brought to life through a precise 3D printing process, materializing the digital designs into tangible, resilient structures ready to support diverse species.
MATERIALIZING HABITATS
The research task was to devise a 3D printing solution capable of enduring harsh weather conditions, with an emphasis on a coating, process, or material that maintains its integrity over time. These 3D printed structures, potentially made from ceramics or eco-friendly materials, are entrusted with hosting species for decades to come. “If we want this structure to last a minimum of 15 years – the length of time for the trees to establish their growth – we can’t just leave raw fibers out in the elements,” underlines the durability requirement. Additionally, the envisioned forms are to be suspended within the wooden modules exhibited to the right, each module serving as a cradle for future species habitats.
Broadway’s Harmony
Adaptive
Reuse
This project creatively addresses overbuilding by transforming a bank at Broadway and Spring Street into a musical instrument, utilizing existing infrastructure like air conditioning and subway vibrations to produce sounds. Materials are chosen for their unique vibratory properties, with modifications to enhance acoustic diversity. Visitors interact with the building, composing melodies through their movements, engaging with music’s cognitive and therapeutic benefits. This conversion not only provides a unique auditory experience but also promotes creativity and cognitive development, making it a dynamic space for musical exploration and personal growth. The initiative offers a fresh perspective on repurposing urban spaces, fostering a harmonious blend of architecture and sound.
Location: Manhattan, NY
Course: Design Studio I
Professor: Lindsey Wilkstrom
Term: Winter 2022
TRANSFORMING AN AC UNIT INTO AN INSTRUMENT
BROADWAY STORIES
The project is situated at the bustling crossroads of Spring Street and Broadway, a nexus throbbing with the pulse of thousands daily. This particular junction resonates with a symphony of urban clamor, partly due to the nearby Nike store and the subway’s heartbeat rumbling beneath. Despite the cacophony, havens of quietude are scarce. This is precisely where our building comes into play, offering a respite from the relentless roar.
SPRING STREET
SOUND DISTRIBUTION
This innovative metamorphosis into an interactive soundscape is designed to have a profound impact on the city’s denizens. By allowing people to engage with the building’s materials to compose and experience music, it intertwines the urban fabric with the therapeutic and cognitive benefits of music, fostering a unique sensory and emotional connection with the space, enriching the lives of New Yorkers, and redefining the intersection as a hub of cultural and creative rejuvenation.
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
RODRIXMAU@HOTMAIL.COM
713-301-4961
@ARCH_0X8