Architectural Portfolio
Selected works.
Sofia Corona
Elgin Tower academic projec t
Elgin Church academic project
Golondrinas work project
ELGIN TOWER
PROJECT: High Rise
TYPE: Mixed use
(Residential + Comm.)
SIZE: 200,000+ SF
LOCATION: Elgin, IL
CLASS: Integrative Architectural Design Studies II
SUN PATH:
The facade benefits from more passive sun exposure at south and north axis, while the horizontal louvers are proposed to regulate sun exposure and heat. at the east-west axis.
TERRACES:
Orientation of terraces are either facing south-west towards the river and festival park, or northeast towards the suburbs.
RETAIL:
At ground level, the street is full of coffee shops, retail, banks, facilities, etc. The ground floor is an extension to the retail stores to the east.
ORIENT TERRACES
This 20-story building in the historic heart of Elgin is a mixed use building that will become the new focal point of the town. It willl be the tallest building in Elgin ping the monumental Elgin tower standing at 200 ft. It aims to create a connection to the local park (Festival Park) and river (Fox River) nearby while also addressing the suburban context to the east.
Residents will be able to enjoy views of the Fox river and the town to the west. Each block (containing two floors) has their own green terrace, where they can take a break from work or simply enjoy the view. In addition to the residential and office spaces, there is a gym on the middle floors to serve both the tenants and the residents. The ground floor is designed to mimic the commercial side of Elgin to the east and become an extension of the local park to the south side of the lawn.
SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES
GREEN TERRACES
The use of green terraces outside each block to create a common area (on commercial floors) and personal (each apartment unit).
PV PANELS-WOOD LOUVERS
PV Panels on spandrel facade to generate some percentage of electricity.
GREEN STAIRS
Wood louvers on east and west facades to bring some passive heating and cooling.
1. 3” LW concrete on 2” metal deck
2. 24x24” diffuser
3. Aluminum spandrel panel
4. Wood mullion
5. Insulated low E glass
6. Insulation
7. W36x135 girder
8. W24x370 beam
1.
2.
7. 8.
ELGIN CHURCH
PROJECT: Elgin Church
TYPE: Religious
SIZE: 30,000+ SF
LOCATION: Elgin, IL
CLASS: Integrative Architectural Design Studies I
The concept for this church came from a biblical verse. 1 corinthians 1:10. This verse talked about people being united in mind and thought. All paths lead to a community regardless where people are from. In this case, the auditorium is the meeting point of worship. It’s located at the center of the plan to show its rank and all the different entrances to the church lead to it.
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
CROSS PLAN:
The shape of the plan takes inspiration from the classic cross shape, but the program gives it a different focus.
BY PROGRAM:
It includes a community center, auditorium, admin. wing, a bike shop, and a wing for the youth that includes a black box theater.
BY PATHS:
The paths lead you into the building, towards the auditorium, or show you out. They help break out the massing and keep the program organized.
WEST ELEVATION
NORTH ELEVATION
NORTHWEST PATH
NORTHEAST PATH SOUTHWEST PATH
VILLASANTE ARQUITECTURA (VARQ)
PROJECT: Residencia Golondrinas
TYPE: Residential
LOCATION: Cancun
COLLABORATOR: Sofia Villasante
For this project, the clients already count on an extensive art collection of paintings, and sculptures. We aimed to keep the tone of the furniture neutral since the paintings will bring all the color in. This project focuses on the division from the kitchen to the living area. A wood sliding door was designed to keep privacy between the spaces or open it up if wanted. The entire house will be remodeled but my participation is mostly focused on the first floor; living area, kitchen, terrace, and guest room. The scope of my participation was modeling the house, the furniture, rendering, site supervision, and helping throughout the quoting of furniture and services.
MOODBOARD: The moodboard is a blend of the existing items the client has (furniture, paintings) and the selection of materials that are typically used in the Mexican tropicals (Chukum, Yaznik wood).
