Alayo-Reyes
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
Savannah College of Art and Design Gensler l FXCollaborative
Ximena
Architecture has the potential to break beyond conventional limits, turning the built environment into a powerful force for positive change. By deconstructing preconceived notions and reconstructing them into innovative solutions, design can address pressing social and environmental challenges. Through a strategic blend of
innovation and empathy, it crafts spaces that are sustainable, resilient, and enhance community well-being. This approach not only fosters meaningful connections and collective progress but also demonstrates architecture’s capacity to drive impactful transformation and inspire new possibilities for a better future.
THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF DESIGN
Gensler-Workplace/Retail FXC-Workplace/Redesign FXC-Workplace
01.
Z- TOWER
Professional Project-Unbuilt
Firm: Gensler
Location: Austin, Texas
Use: Workplace/ Retail
Area: 738,000 sf
Year: 2022
CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
Block 16 is strategically positioned in the dynamic center of Downtown Austin, where San Jacinto Boulevard, Trinity, and Second Street converge. This landmark development offers 738,000 square feet of versatile office space, directly across from the Austin Convention Center. Designed with connectivity at its core, Block 16 not only boasts seamless
access to major city landmarks but also stands to benefit from its proximity to a future underground station for Austin’s CapMetro. This architectural emphasis on connectivity enhances the building’s role as a central hub, integrating sophisticated design with unparalleled accessibility to create a truly interconnected workspace environment.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
The program development of the building showcases three office tiers, each complemented by a dedicated amenity floor. The ground levels are designed to energize the streetscape, featuring vibrant retail spaces, a cutting-edge fitness center, and a pet-friendly green terrace that fosters community engagement. The office floors are enhanced by 1,000-square-foot terraces on both the east and west sides.
GROUND FLOOR
The lobby, opening onto 2nd Street between San Jacinto and Trinity, is bordered by two retail F&B spaces. Together with the anticipated CapMetro station, this design will maximize connectivity to the Austin area.
TYPICAL OFFICE SPACE
Each office space offers between 26,500 and 31,500 square feet of rentable area per floor, featuring a nearly 42-foot clear structural span.
TYPICAL AMENITIES
A harmonious blend of approximately 20,000 square feet of interior workspace is complemented by 3,000 square feet of stunning terrace spaces, offering unobstructed eastern and western views of Austin.
BARCLAYS INVESTMENT BANK
02. Professional Project-Competition
Firm: FXCollaborative
Location: Manhattan, New York
Use: Workplace
Year: 2025
The renovation of Barclays Investment Bank’s New York headquarters focused on reimagining the first eight floors to foster a more inviting and engaging relationship between the building’s program and its urban context. Responding to the evolving nature of the workplace, shifting away from sterile, overly formal envi -
ronments. The design aimed to enhance user experience while improving spatial efficiency and circulation. The intervention emphasizes openness, flow, and a human-centered approach, aligning with contemporary standards of workplace design.
A key strategy involved transforming the existing entrance along Seventh Avenue into a vibrant secondary entry point. This move not only improved circulation but also strengthened the building’s connection to Times Square through the integration of large-scale LED screens and the reconfiguration of the auditorium’s entry. By opening up this space
and creating a double-height prefunction area, the design fosters a stronger sense of arrival and elevates the spatial experience. A centralized biophilic landscape was introduced to serve as a secure social hub, promoting wellness while reinforcing access control measures.
Social Landscape
Connection to Auditorium
LED Screen
Barclays’ Gallery
7thAv/TimesSquare
50thStreet
49thStreet
F&B
Lounges
Reception Desks
LED Screen and Tiered Seating as Extension of Auditorium
Conference/ Breakout
New Interconnecting Stair to Auditorium
The second strategy envolved replacing the former porte-cochère facing the Winter Garden with a new double-height public entrance, designed to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. This gesture reinforces the building’s presence at the pedestrian level and invites greater public engagement. The renovation extended to the reimagining of the Winter Garden itself, along with upgraded entry sequences at both 49th and 50th Streets to unify the building’s interface with the city, encouraging connection and vitality within the urban fabric.
Entrance and Gallery
Underground Auditorium
Social Platform
Reception and Security
Main Lobby
Winter Garden
03. CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
School: Savannah College of Art and Design
Studio: Structural Application
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Use: Cultural
Year: 2021
CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
Located in a prominent square within Savannah’s historic downtown grid, the cultural arts center provides a modern counterpoint to the surrounding colonial architecture. It acts as a dynamic space for celebrating the city’s culture, while fostering community identity and
cohesion through art. The design incorporates passive and active sustainability strategies and is built to withstand extreme weather and disasters, ensuring resilience and protection for the community.
COMMUNITY
The cultural arts center, situated in one of downtown Savannah’s iconic squares, offers a contemporary contrast to the surrounding colonial architecture. It invites the community to celebrate the city’s culture while strengthening its identity through art. The building incorporates both passive and active sustainable design strategies and is resilient to extreme weather and disasters, ensuring protection for the community.
THE HIGH, POINTED ARCHES OPEN THE SPACE TO THE PUBLIC, WHILE THE FACADE GRID FEATURES A SKEWED INTERPRETATION OF SAVANNAH’S ORTHOGONAL GRID.
THE TRANSPARENT DESIGN ENHANCES VIEWS OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT, SUPPORTS DYNAMIC LED LIGHTING EFFECTS, AND IMPROVES INDOOR ACOUSTICAL PERFORMANCE.
FUNNEL STEEL COLUMNS
THE STRUCTURE DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM THE VAULTED ARCHES OF SAVANNAH’S GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE, PRESERVING THE HISTORICAL ESSENCE OF DOWNTOWN.
THE ROOFTOP SPACE MAXIMIZES VIEWS OF THE RIVER AND MINIMIZES AMBIENT NOISE, CREATING A SERENE ENVIRONMENT FOR EVENTS.
THEATHER IN THE ROUND
THE THEATER ENHANCES CIRCULATION WITHIN THE BUILDING, WHILE THE HIGH ARCHES SEAMLESSLY TRANSITION THE SPACE FROM PRIVATE TO PUBLIC.
THE FUNNEL COLUMNS FEATURE COMPARTMENTALIZED AREAS DESIGNED TO HOST EXHIBITION SPACES FOR LOCAL ART INSTALLATIONS.
DIAGRID FACADE
ART GALLERY
ROOFTOP AMPHITHEATER
ETFE FACADE
CULTURE
The building is designed as a creative platform, celebrating community traditions and history through art. It functions as a work of art itself, providing space for diverse exhibitions and cultural events. By integrating with Savannah’s historic grid and engaging with the square, it offers a fresh perspective on the city’s historic district.
TESSELLATED ETHYLENE TETRA FLOURO ETHYLENE(ETFE)
MULTI FOIL CUSHIONS
INCREASE THERMAL CONFORT AND REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION
COLORED FOIL REDUCE GLARE, MAINTAIN LIGHT TRANSMISSION, AND ENHANCE INSULATION
LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURE REQUIRES LESS STRUCTURAL STEEL, REDUCING CARBON DIOXIDE
SELF CLEANING PROPERTIES ASSURE LOWER MAINTENANCE COSTS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS POSITIONED BASED ON SUN EXPOSURE TO HARVEST SOLAR ENERGY
LOW OXYGEN INDEX GIVES ITSELF EXTINGUISHING PROPERTIES
RESILIENT TO EXTREME WEATHER
FIRE RESISTANCE ETFE PASSES INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
The project minimizes environmental impact by conserving resources, reducing waste, and enhancing resilience through optimized sun and wind orientation, renewable solar systems, and design strategies that mitigate climate-related hazards like hurricanes, floods, and fires to protect the community.
NORTH FACADE
SOUTH FACADE
EAST FACADE
WEST FACADE
AMERICAN EXPRESS HEADQUARTERS
Professional Project-Competition
Firm: FXCollaborative
Location: Manhattan, New York
Use: Workplace
Year: 2024
The design for the new American Express Headquarters embodies the company’s core values of innovation, and connectivity through a thoughtful integration of brand identity, workplace culture, and urban context. Rooted in
research and observation, the concept translates strategic goals into spatial experiences that enhance workflow, encourage collaboration, and reflect both global presence and local connection.
Headquarters’ Employee Entrance
A branded lobby featuring a lounge, reception, and security, with direct elevator access from the ground floor.
AMEX Destination Hub
A card member hub featuring pop-ups of Amex-sponsored events and linking to the headquarters via a mezzanine.
HQEntrance
TO HQ Floors
TO HQ Floors
GROUND FLOOR AND PODIUM
Thoughtfully curated amenities that embody and enhance Amex’s culture and vibrancy.
Double Height Tiered Auditorium
A two-story, glassenclosed auditorium offers panoramic city views, while integrated retractable drapery allows for complete blackout functionality.
Townhall Floor
The townhall floor extends to a tiered terrace while the underside of the auditorium creates an immersive internal lounge experience.
Tiered Terrace
Creates a connection between the townhall, conference areas, and cafeteria to foster biophilia, energy, and vibrancy throughout the space.
Cafeteria
Opens directly onto an internal courtyard, providing a biophilic experience and flexible options for both indoor and outdoor dining.
Amex Spine
Wimbledon
Team Argentina
Golf US Ooen
Tennis US Ooen
Coachella
Formula 1
Travel
COMMUNITY HUB AND SPINE
The cafeteria and town hall levels connect through a bi-level terrace that extends programming outdoors in good weather and serves as a biophilic focal point year-round. Above, the auditorium is accessed by a grand stair and offers panoramic city views. A cascading stair links all floors, animated by installations inspired by Amex-sponsored events, bringing energy and celebration into the everyday workplace.
Living Rooms
Open corner living rooms provide inviting spaces for informal gatherings within each team neighborhood.
Workstations
A modular workstation system offers flexible configurations tailored to suit the diverse work styles and evolving needs of different teams.
Large Conference Room
Large meeting room accommodating group discussions, presentations, and collaborative sessions.
The AMEX Spine
The cascading stair and destination lounge encourage vertical circulation and foster connection between floors.
WORKPLACE FLOORS
The office floor is organized into two primary zones: one dedicated to socialization, collaboration, and teamwork, and another focused on individual work, complemented by smaller-scale collaborative pockets. A modular layout ensures long-term flexibility, with adaptable configurations to support the evolving needs, workflows, and space requirements of different departments.
A centralized pantry and situated directly across from AMEX spine, serves as the heart of the floor.
Enclosed Meeting Spaces
Smaller meeting rooms designed for quick collaboration to support different team dynamics and work styles.
Pantry Lounge
lounge, from the the social
Meeting rooms
Small modular meeting rooms with adjacent breakout areas support team collaboration within self-contained neighborhood zones.
Private Offices
Private offices, sized at 10’ x 13’, serve as the foundation for a modular and adaptable space planning strategy.
Huddle rooms
Strategically positioned modular huddle rooms offer enclosed spaces for informal, on-the-go collaboration and focused team interactions.
Sensor Based Library Tables
Create dedicated spaces for logging in and working, designed for flexible, non-assigned seating.
Phone Rooms
Eight modular phone rooms, each half the size of a standard office, are strategically distributed throughout the plan.
PENN STATION EXPANSION
Professional Project - Unbuilt
Firm: FXCollaborative
Location: Manhattan, New York
Use: Transportation Year: 2024
This design is a key component of the Penn Station expansion, aimed at increasing capacity, improving circulation, and creating a more inviting experience. The project introduces a new concourse with additional platforms, enhancing access to commuter and regional trains. A minimalist material palette and integrated lighting enhance visibility and circulation, while interactive columns serve
as wayfinding maps. The ceiling creates hierarchy and directs movement, while central areas feature art installations for moments of pause. The underground environment is transformed with ceilings simulating the sky, creating a sense of openness and connection to the exterior. This design elevates the commuter experience, making it more efficient and visually stimulating.
NEURODIVERSE MUSEUM
School: Savannah College of Art and Design
Studio: Comprehensive Design
Location: Mountain Creek, New Jersey
Use: Cultural Area: 98,000 sf
Year: 2021
CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
The project translates the gradient of Autism into an architectural experience designed to support individuals with ASD, fostering both well-being and connections. The sensitivity spectrum is divided into hypo- and hypersensitivity zones, each tailored to specific functions. Sensory zoning is prioritized to ensure clear organization, segment -
NEURODIVERSITY INCLUSION
TO FOSTER ACCEPTANCE OF EVERY NEURODIVERGENT INDIVIDUAL, PROMOTING EMPATHY AND SUPPORT FOR ALL.
ing the space according to four senses to provide appropriate sensory cues. Spatial sequencing is carefully planned to facilitate social interaction, enhance predictability, and ensure smooth transitions. Crucially, designated respite areas offer relief from sensory overload, creating a balanced and accommodating environment.
TO HELP INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL BY ENHANCING THEIR SOCIAL INTERACTION SKILLS. SOCIAL CONNECTION
HYPOSENSITIVITY
LIMITEDINTERACTION
INDIRECT ONE-ONONE INTERACTION
MODERATE HYPOSENSITIVITY
HYPOSENSITIVITY
SEVERE HYPERSENSITIVITY
MODERATE HYPERSENSITIVITY
DIRECT ONE-ONONE INTERACTION
INDIRECT GROUP INTERACTION
HYPERSENSITIVITY
COMPARTMENTALIZATION
THE BUILDING IS METICULOUSLY ORGANIZED INTO DISTINCT ZONES, EACH DESIGNED TO SERVE A SPECIFIC FUNCTION AND PROVIDE A UNIQUE SENSORY EXPERIENCE.
SENSORY ZONING
OPENINTERACTION
DIRECT GROUP INTERACTION
Program shaped by four senses, levels of sensitivity, and levels of interaction
SPACES ARE ORGANIZED ACCORDING TO THEIR SENSORY QUALITIES AND STIMULUS LEVELS, PROVIDING CLEAR SENSORY CUES AND MINIMIZING AMBIGUITY.
THE AREAS ARE ARRANGED IN A THOUGHTFUL SEQUENCE, FACILITATING A SMOOTH TRANSITION BETWEEN ACTIVITIES WITH MINIMAL DISRUPTION AND DISTRACTION.
VESTIBULAR EXHIBITION TACTILE EXHIBTION VISUAL EXHIBTION AUDITORY EXHIBITION
A RETREAT SPACE OFFERS A CALMING ENVIRONMENT WITH MINIMAL DISTRACTIONS, HELPING USERS RECOVER FROM OVER-STIMULATION.
ESCAPE
SPATIAL SEQUENCING
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
The design integrates program organization that reflect a spectrum of sensory experiences. The building is divided into four distinct zones, each addressing a different sense that impacts individuals with ASD. Its shape, featuring four mirrored wings, defines sensory zones, offering environments tailored to both hyper- and hypo-sensitivity. Social interaction levels are structured through spatial sequencing, with escape spaces provided in each wing.
HYPERSENSITIVE
HYPOSENSITIVE
COMPARTMENTALIZED BY THE SENSES: A MODULAR LAYOUT HARMONIZED WITH THE TOPOGRAPHY.
THE STEEPLY SLOPED ROOF EFFECTIVELY MANAGES PRECIPITATION, ENHANCING WATER AND SNOW RUNOFF. SENSES
GROUND AND UNDERGROUND LEVELS: HYPERSENSITIVE EXHIBITIONS; GROUND AND SECOND LEVELS: HYPOSENSITIVE EXHIBITIONS.
CROSS VENTILATION ENABLES A NATURAL BREEZE TO FLOW SEAMLESSLY THROUGH THE STRUCTURE.
SECOND LEVEL
MINIMIZED TRANSPARENT SYSTEM
UNDERGROUND GROUND LEVEL
CONIFEROUS TREES OFFER YEARROUND SHADE, WHILE DECIDUOUS TREES PROVIDE SUMMER SHADE AND ALLOW WINTER SUNLIGHT.
RAINWATER HARVESTED FROM THE ROOF IS CHANNELED THROUGH GUTTERS INTO A STORAGE SYSTEM, PROVIDING FREE WATER FOR IRRIGATION.
MAXIMIZED TRANSPARENT SYSTEMS
THE FRACTAL SHELL MAXIMIZES STRENGTH WITH MINIMAL DENSITY, WITH 30% OPENINGS TO REDUCE AND 70% TO ENHANCE STIMULATION.
PATTERN
FRACTAL STRUCTURES AND PATTERNS HELP CREATE A LOGICAL ORDER.
LIGHT
REPLACING FLUORESCENT
LIGHTING WITH INDIRECT
NATURAL LIGHTING AVOIDS
SENSORY DISTURBANCES
SIMPLE PATTERNS
DIFUSED LIGHT
COMPLEX PATTERNS
INTENSE LIGHT
Engagement session at La Esperanza Community. 2021
ESPERANZA HOMELESS SHELTER
Professional Project - Unbuilt
Firm: Gensler & The Other Ones Foundation
Location: Austin, Texas
Use: Comunity
Area: 305,000 sqf
Year: 2021-2024
Role: Architectural Designer
CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
Austin’s rapid population growth and severe shortage of permanent supportive housing have caused homelessness to rise dramatically, leaving many without stable shelter. In response, the city implemented a temporary solution by repurposing a state-owned, 7-acre truck depot into a homeless camp, aiming to keep unhoused individuals off the streets. As an architectural designer at Gensler, I worked closely with The Other Ones Foundation (T.O.O.F.), a local non -
profit entrusted with the stewardship and operation of the site. Our team was tasked with designing a master-planned community that could be developed incrementally, allowing for flexible expansion of housing and communal spaces for those experiencing homelessness. This project focused on providing essential infrastructure and services to create a safer, more stable environment for a highly vulnerable population.
La Esperanza Community. 2024
The previously makeshift shelters, such as tents and porta-potties, were replaced with permanent housing units, sewerage systems, and connections to the local electricity grid, allowing for heating, air conditioning, and climate control. Crucially, many of the residents were employed to help with construction, providing them with job opportunities that can serve as stepping stones to stable employment. The shelter provides the unhoused with access to crucial resources, an address for job applications, a sense of community, and personal growth opportunities that enhance their dignity and self-esteem as they rebuild their lives.
4 NEIGHBORHOODS WITH:
- 50 transitional shelter units (200 total)
- 1 shaded gathering area
- 8 bathrooms/showers
- Food prep areas
SITE SERVICES:
- Community offices
- Case management services
- Employment opportunities
- Central health services
- Laundry facilities
- Temperature/rest stations
- Creative/communal areas
- Computer access
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
08. INTERGENERATIONAL LIVING
School: Savannah College of Art and Design
Studio: Urban Context
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Use: Residentisal/Mix-use
Year: 2020
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Downtown Jacksonville’s lack of residential towers has led to a diminished sense of community as people move to the suburbs. This project aims to revitalize the urban core by reimagining senior living through intergenerational design.
INTEGRATING SENIOR LIVING KEEPS THEM CONNECTED AND SUPPORTED WHILE ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE AND PROMOTING INCLUSION.
ENCOURAGING INTERACTION BETWEEN SENIORS AND YOUNGER GENERATIONS TO REDUCE LONELINESS AND FOSTER BELONGING.
ENCOURAGING YOUNGER RESIDENTS TO CARE FOR OLDER RESIDENTS WHILE GAINING EMOTIONAL SUPPORT.
Rather than isolating the elderly, it fosters cross-generational connections to improve well-being, reduce loneliness, and build a socially sustainable community.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMUNITY INTEGRATION AND INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS TO ENHANCE SOCIAL COHESION.
TO REINTEGRATE GENERATIONS IN A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT, FOSTERING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN OLDER AND YOUNGER PEOPLE TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY PURPOSE.
OUTDOOR POOL
MULTIFAMILY HOUSING
FITNESS FACILITY
DINNING VENUE ART ROOM
SKY LOUNGE SPORTS COURT
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
The exoskeleton supports an open floor plan that integrates diverse programmatic elements, uniting users of all ages. The vertical circulation path encircling the building fosters interaction between residents and visitors, enhancing community engagement. This immersive path, enclosed by the exoskeleton, allows the public to appreciate the exposed structure and enjoy unique views of downtown Jacksonville.
INDOOR POOL
URBAN FARM
CHANGING PERSPECTIVES
ENTRANCE TO OUTDOOR VERTICAL SPACES CONNECT BUILDING RESIDENTS WITH THE COMMUNITY.
TERRACES ARE LINKED BY RAMPS TO OPTIMIZE CIRCULATION.
CONNECTION
DUAL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN MIDRISE AND HIGH-RISE LEVELS ENHANCE INTERACTION IN COMMON AREAS.
TWISTING
ROTATING THE BUILDING MASS ENHANCES CITY VIEWS AND REDUCES LATERAL WIND LOADS.
THE MAIN ORIENTATION IS SOUTH TO MAXIMIZE SUNLIGHT, WHILE THE TERRACES MITIGATE DIRECT HEAT. NATURAL VENTILATION
THE VOID CREATES AIRFLOW THROUGH THE TERRACES AND OUTDOOR SPACES.
CENTER FOR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
Professional Project - Unbuilt
Firm: FXCollaborative
Location: Manhattan, New York
Use:Civic/ Preservation
Year: 2025
The redesign of the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) blends history, preservation, and branding with a focus on creating a welcoming and comfortable environment. The mid-century modern aesthetic balances formality with warmth, while the carefully selected color palette, neutral tones paired with deeper accents, reflects the organization’s brand and mission. Interactive exhibits are seamlessly integrated, inviting visitors to engage with CCR’s legacy
and ongoing work in a thoughtful and meaningful way. A key feature of the design is a chronological feature wall that celebrates CCR’s historic milestones, anchoring the space with a clear narrative of its impact. This storytelling is supported by subtle, integrated details throughout, such as engraved quotes on the stair risers and a branded message at the entrance, offering moments of reflection and reinforcing CCR’s identity within the spatial experience.
In preserving the building’s architectural integrity, the redesign embraces sustainable design principles and honors the value of existing materials. The original vaulted arched ceiling was uncovered and restored as a dramatic focal point, linking the historic structure to the organization’s present-day mission. This celebration of structural authen -
ticity and material honesty exemplifies an upcycling approach—retaining and highlighting the character of the building while seamlessly integrating modern interventions. The result is a space that not only reflects CCR’s legacy but also embodies its enduring commitment to justice, continuity, and purposeful design.
Photograph: Creek Show 2022 - Neon City
CREEK SHOW
Professional Project - Built
Firm: Gensler / American Institude of Architects
Project: Lighting Exhibition
Location: Austin, Texas
Use: Cultural
Creeckshow is an annual 10-day event celebrating local artists with immersive art installations that foster dialogue about the urban context of Waterloo Greenway and the revitalized Waller Creek in Austin. “Luna,” a lighting installation featuring mirrors and LED lights, creates an infinity mirror effect, mimick -
ing the moon’s glow and radiating energy that reflects the moon’s subtle influence on water. “NeonCity” showcases an abstract representation of Austin’s skyline using steel frames, fluorescent UV paint, and black lights, capturing the city’s vibrant energy and colorful dynamism, visible across Lady Bird Lake.
Photograph: Creek Show 2022 - Luna