Many stadium and sporting complexes are static in nature, meaning they are utilized only during a small percentage of the year.  The project seeks to enhance the nature of a stadium by introducing concepts such as adaptability and program integration. The integration of different programs within the stadium complex will not only enhance the utilitarian functions of the structure but also create a sense of community for the surrounding areas. 

The project embodied three main concepts:

•Adaptability

•Transportation---experience 

•Program integration

In terms of the master plan, a connection from the stadium complex to the existing big dig green belt across the harbor channel was established. The green belt is a formal connection to the downtown area of Boston. 

The stadium was also meant to be visually porous from a human scale. This is achieved through the floating roofs and the forest of columns. There are also informal standing and seating areas along the perimeter of the stadium.  People walking along the boardwalk are visually connected to the stadium, even if they are not in the complex. 

The design of Fall Creek Winery addresses two basic concepts. The first being, how to establish a relationship between the wine making process and a visitor’s experience, and the second concept explores the machine-like aspect of viticulture.  

The design also seeks to express certain functions associated with wine making.  The four modules house the four primary production processes: receiving/crushing, fermentation, barrel storage, and distribution. Three intermediate steps are found in between which include: pressing, processing, and bottling.  The second intersecting form provides access for visitors above and workers below. Through this interlocking connection, intimate relationships are established between the process and one’s experience. 

In terms of siting and structure, the winery is partially submerged to establish a strong connection to the earth and the repetitive steel frame mimics the rhythm of the vineyard. The purpose of the external skin was both formal and environmental. The skin visual unifies the four processing modules as well as provide shading for the exterior gathering spaces.

The Branch Library Project drew upon previous projects and studies from Design IV. Issues such as context, boundaries, circulation, and reading were addressed. Located on North Lamar and 11th street, the library sought to link urban zones found on the east side of the street with residential zones on the west. 

The public area is the large volume parallel to the street. Smaller, intimate projections intersect the larger volume, forming a dynamic relationship between the public and private realms. At the intersection of these two elements, books are shelved, and depending on the nature of the reading experience, one may choose the large public space or the secluded semi-submerged spaces. The project also provides a visual link as people circulate with books as well and as when the structure engages into the hill and protrudes onto the streetscape.

Phase shift is a research project to study the dynamic conditions of the Galveston barrier island. The goal of the project is to develop a series of public projects that effectively respond to Galveston’s ever changing environment. Research and analysis was conducted to study the site’s interactive biophysical environment which is in constant fluctuation and change. The barrier island is unique in that the rate of change is accelerated or enhanced due to current global environmental conditions such as subsidence, sea level rise, and severe weather anomalies.

Initial conceptual studies included analysis of patterns of organization and how systems relate, adapt, or evolve to other complex systems of organization. Issues such as adaptability, equilibrium, variability, flexibility, and resilience were major concepts that influenced the direction of the project.

Ideas are abstractions of the mind. They are thoughts, expressions,concepts, and observations. How do we express these seemingly intangible ideas?  Through drawing of course! Each drawing is unique in its own context. A variety of mediums such as pencil, charcoal, and digital applications are explored to analyze and express a particular set of ideas.

Ceramic exploration yielded exciting and visually stimulating results. Various methods such as slump molding, the potter’s wheel, and pinch techniques were applied to fabricate a dynamic array of pottery. Experimentation with glazing techniques also yielded interesting colors and patterns.

Passivity-a disposition to remain inactive or inert.

Reading may seem passive on the exterior; however, it is a very dynamic and interactive activity; thus, the crux of the urban reading space attempts to explore and enhance reading through a built structure.  

The site is located along Shoal Creek in the Warehouse District of downtown Austin. The site is unique in that it is a place where the past and present collide. It is a space located in the heart of the city yet completely surrounded by nature. 

The structure arises from an existing massive concrete drainage platform on the banks of the creek. To enhance the relationship and contrast between old and new, the tensile frame protrudes from voids within the existing mass yet never touches it. 

​Intern at Créature Architectes, Poitiers France

Contributions to project: concept, design development, technical drawings, construction

Required for security purposes, les escaliers de secours for the Bank of France at Poiters address both security measures as well as aesthetic ones. The external spiral staircases service four levels to an existing historical structure in the center of town. Building and safety codes required the structure to be enclosed as a result of its height, so a modular panel system was designed to create an interesting continuous pattern along the façade. 

Designed with the aid of Grasshopper, an algorithmic modeling software, various designs were explored to maximize economy, structure, and aesthetics. To keep construction cost low, the same panel design is reused throughout the façade. Depending on its orientation, the panel provides a different pattern which interlocks into the entire design of the façade.  The cor-ten panels also require very little maintenance and provide an industrial contrast to the existing classical structure.

​

​Intern at Créature Architectes, Poitiers France

Contributions to project: technical drawings, details, construction drawings, modifications, site visits 

The pavilion de Minkowski is a psychiatric hospital located on the outskirts of Poitiers, France. The design of the project integrates functionality issues required to house various levels of patients, as well as humane concepts such as natural light and materials. 

In terms of functionality, there are four separate wings to house different levels of patients. At the heart of the structure is the “accueil” or home for administrative and nursing needs. Communal and public areas for games, eating, and socializing are also located near the center.

Structure and sustainability are integrated into the project as well. YTONG insulating blocks provide the primary structural components for many of the wall systems as well as insulation. There are various interior courtyards and sky domes for natural light and ventilation. The green roof structure also provides additional insulation and rainwater filtering.

​

​Intern at Créature Architectes, Poitiers France

Contributions to project:  technical / construction drawings, site visits

Located in the heart of Poitier’s city center, the UFR is a library facility for the University of Poitiers. The project included the refurbishment of three existing structures as well as the creation of an entrance along the primary street. The project site presented two difficult questions. First, the context in which the library is located is in one of the most historical areas of the city. Secondly, the topography and elevation change of the three separate structures complicated the requirements for accessibility and circulation. 

Responding to the historical context, the entrance consists of a permeable wooden façade supported by a simple concrete frame. The permeability of the façade provides a visual connection to the historical structure behind. In addition, the circulation was simplified, in that upon entrance into each building, one has a direct path to the next via stairs or elevators. 

The principle library facility is located in the third and largest structure. Modifications included the addition of three auditorium spaces, as well as two library/reading spaces and book stacks. Linking the structure to the rest of the facility is a pedestrian bridge. Due to its orientation, frosted glass was applied to the west façade in order to provide shading. It also visually connects the structure to the rest of the complex. 

Furthermore, in order to protect the large reading spaces from the sun, the southwest façade is fitted with metallic solar shading louvers. Each single piece of metal has been twisted at various points to create an interesting visual experience on the exterior and interior of the building. The UFR project addressed many historical and technical questions through the refurbishment of existing elements and the creation of new ones.

​Intern at Créature Architectes, Poitiers France

Contributions to project:  Concept, design development, all technical drawings, site planning, construction permit

Situated on the town square in the small village of Beaumont, France, the project program called for the refurbishment of an existing structure as well as an extension. Serving as the town hall for Beaumont, the town council wanted to preserve the classical façade facing the square; as a result, the only external modification was the addition of glazing between the two volumes. Interior modifications included, the addition of a grand staircase, offices, and public meeting spaces. 

The concept behind the extension to the existing structure was to create a very simple monolithic box.  Extreme detail was placed in the materiality of the structure. Site-cast, sand blasted concrete was chosen as the primary building material, along with local stone and cor-ten metal. Detail was also placed in the fenestration elements. Along the western façade, small windows punch through the stone wall to reveal the depth and monolithic nature of the structure. 

Furthermore, the focal point of the structure is the cor-ten façade element. The simplicity of the structure increases the contrast with the dynamic shading device. The concept evolved out of creating openings without actually removing material; rather it is displaced, or bent in this case, to create an interesting play on what is closed and opened.

Project with Austin Design Collaborative​

​The Worm Tequila Bar project is located on the historical San Antonio River Walk. Replacing an existing structure, the project seeks to revitalize this area of the river walk by providing a place for bands and of course tequila connoisseurs! 

​The exterior bar is constructed from steel tube and cor-ten plates. The structure also connects with surrounding large planting containers through a green roof. Openness and transparency were fundamental design concepts to create a place that is inviting and enjoyable. 

Located in east Austin on the shore of a large water facility pond, the Bird Watch Project explores the relation ship between ground and air. The large concrete bar is grounded into the levee and functions as a shield for bird watchers. However, one can pass through the bar for unobstructed views of the pond and landscape. 

​Project under construction

​Project under construction