My work focuses on designing architecture that strengthens the bond between communities and their environment through sustainable strategies that prioritize user well-being. I see design as an evolving process, starting with freehand sketching to establish a clear parti, which then shapes the concept, informs the building’s form, and enriches the user’s experience.
Professor: Boaz Yavnai
Partner: Ana Cruz Carillo
Spring 2024
Concept: This broadcasting station is designed to prioritize user well-being through the concept of architectural fluidity. More than an aesthetic choice, the use of curved walls strategically fosters movement, collaboration, and connection among staff—creating a dynamic environment that nurtures creativity and innovation. In line with this philosophy, the building incorporates a variety of spaces dedicated to relaxation, reflection, and informal interaction, ensuring a holistic and supportive experience for all users.
Role: My partner and I collaborated on the building’s form and goals. In post-production, I was responsible for orthogonal drawings, details, and select renderings.
Fluidity is achieved through the integration of three key nodes (Main Staircase, core, and Coffee Shop) that shape both spatial organization and circulation throughout the building.
Concept: The building contributes to the transformation of Navy Yard from an industrial/military past into a vibrant, accessible waterfront destination. By combining a museum, aquarium, and academy, it reinvents the shoreline as a space for public engagement, storytelling, and environmental awareness. This building is meant to test your curiosity as you are compelled to decide between passing through a threshold or entering through a hidden entry way.
Third Level
Second Level
Professor: Lavinia Fici Pasquina
Partner: Sanaa Dukes
Fall 2023
Concept: With a focus on the timeless value of the seed, we aim to highlight the biodiversity of Italian seeds by showing how a few of the most common ingredients have been traditionally sown, prepared, and preserved throughout the country. The design of the building embarks visitors on a journey that fluidly moves them through spaces that focus on three points of focus: utilization, education, and preservation. Our target for this design is to influence visitors to internalize the knowledge gained and inspire them to propagate these ideas in their communities worldwide. Doing so will challenge unethical practices in food waste and production, as well as educate households on how they can be proactive in ensuring the quality of the food they consume.
Role: My partner and I collaborated to define the building’s concept through form. In post-production, I led the orthogonal drawings and select renderings.
We chose to cultivate, teach, and incorporate the seeds of these five ingredients in our building’s program. They have been selected because they play a crucial role in crafting authentic italian pizza.
The exhibit uses 360 immersive technology to showcase the agriculture of grain. The scenary displayed on the walls changes to follow the story of wheat from planting and harvest to consumption.
The integration of the seed bank with the ruins creates a harmonious experience, intertwining Italy’s rich history with the preservation of its agricultural heritage.
Introducing a rooftop garden not only provides us with the opportunity to cultivate our own ingredients but also enables visitors to witness the cultivation of key Italian vegetables. This space would also function as a demonstration area, offering visitors the chance to learn the art of gardening.
Like the layers of a seed, this building unfolds an experience that reveals the many ways seeds can be utilized at different levels. The central void symbolizes the act of carving away, exposing history beneath, as the structure sits atop underground ruins, connecting past and present through its design.
Site Section
While brick was chosen to adhere to the venacular architecture of the Brookland community, limestone was chosen to bring sophistation to a marginalized community. To ensure proper thermal comfort, a hydrothermal analysis was conducted to analyze the heat and moisture across the evelope. An additonal layer of rigid insulation was added to reduce moisture and heat content within the wall. Although having a larger carbon footprint, this design is composed of a steel frame structure because it is more resistant to moisture than wood.
The site has been redesigned to support more vegetation than it previously did. From partially building over the pre-existing foundation to adding more green spaces, it has allowed the site to support 72% for vegetation regardless of the new building footprint.
Professor: Patricia Andrasik
Competition: 2023 ACSA COTE
Spring 2023
Concept: The design concept is rooted in the idea that transitioning to a new environment is a gradual process. To support this, the building is divided into two main communities—permanent and emergency housing—with transitional units integrated into both. This structure fosters a sense of comfort by grouping families with others in similar situations. At the heart of the design, a central bridge serves as a community outreach space, encouraging interaction among residents and visitors alike. This shared space promotes social transition and personal growth through collective support.
The final design incorporates sustainable synergies aligned with the 10 Measures of the Framework for Design Excellence, meeting the standards for the 2023 COTE Competition.
interaction between families. These green spaces will be filled with vegetation native neighborhood. Through the integration of these green spaces -exterior courtyards and a with one another and the members of the Brookland Community.
Greenspaces have been added to promote community engagement. Courtyards offer families a more private opportunity to interact. The plaza not only serves as a place for residents to engage with the Brookland Community but also offers them a more direct and faster access to public transportation.
Level 2
With the aim of promoting community within the residents, sacred green spaces have been added to offer engagement between all families of distinct background and sizes. Green spaces have been added not only create residents to connect with the outdoors once again.
Resources such as medial rooms, counseling rooms, and childcare programming have been implemented into the design of this building so families have the basic resources needed to raise a family.
With the aim of promoting community within the residents, sacred green spaces have been added to offer engagement between all families of distinct background and sizes.
The building exterior of the building is composed of 2 primary matierals: brick and limestone. Both materials are recycable and allow for little onsite waste, reducing the overall construction cost of this building.
Well-being
residents
Resources such as medial rooms, counseling rooms, and childcare programming have of this building so families have the basic resources needed to raise a family.
Level 1
The building exterior of the building is composed of 2 primary limestone. Both materials are recycable and allow for little overall construction cost of this building.
This projects brings to light a marginalized community within Brookland. With the proper resources and support, these families can thrive and become independent which will give other struggling families the opportunites to move in. Creating relationships with other residents in the hostel and Brookland itself will strenghten this community
A collection of drawings of different rendering styles.
Hand Drawing
