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The Abiotic and Biotic (AB) factors of urban design with Engineered Wood explores how a material alternative can create a positive impact to the urban environment. Conventional building practices have drastically changed in the past few centuries. By facilitating the construction of mid to high rise structures, concrete and steel have materially dominated cityscapes. Although wood has been considered a traditional structural material, it has gone through an evolution allowing it to become more adaptable and durable.
AB is a response to commonplace building practices that are being applied to the current Essex Crossing project, located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, NY. This design strategy includes consideration of the new Essex Crossing project that surrounds the two block AB site, located at Dalancey, Essex, Suffolk and Broome Streets. AB takes a different approach to urban design by employing revolutionary structural systems that promote carbon sequestration, and responsible forestry, while providing biophilic environments for city inhabitants and visitors.
Project Type: Park/ Public Space
Location: Tijuana, Mexico
Status: Unbuilt - Academic Work
Date: Summer 2014
Design Proposal: A rill is a small channel or gully, such as one formed during soil erosion. The Rill Pavilion follows such a path as it acts as a controlled decimation of the existing vernacular architecture in Pasaje Gomez. The area chosen for its location was based solely on the openness created inside the urban block by the removal existing structure. Opening this area allows for pedestrian circulation into the central confines of Pasaje Gomez through alternative passageways. Using the area of the existing 2nd story parking structure area, the pavilion’s form was inspired by a square grid. The grid assisted in the development of a curve, and by way of rotation. This assisted in devising the artificial Rill topography, which added an elevated walkway and structure. The prototype of the Rill Pavilion is truly a process, predetermined by the available surface area, which is broken into a 8’x8’ square grid system. The surrounding architecture is composed of masonry, steel and concrete. The Rill Pavilion will provide a material contrast as it will be constructed of Mexican White Oak and Steel. This new pavilion will act as a transitional space of engagement, where one can experience Food, Art and Music.
Project Type: Transportation
Location: San Diego, California
Status: Unbuilt - Academic Work
Date: Spring 2015
Design Proposal: The industrial revolution pushed the boundaries of technology, which included the invention of mechanized rail transport. The historic Santa Fe Depot was first constricted for the Panama-California Exposition, and successfully placed the city of San Diego as the West Coast terminus of the Santa Fe Railway System. Presently, the High Speed Railway (HSR) system is creating the opportunity for another celebrated technological advancement. Creating more opportunities for more efficient travel is an inspiration of the human machine’s circulatory system. The San Diego Civic Transit Center will be the city’s arteries for providing efficient connections to surrounding areas and beyond. This facility will serve as the hub for the HSR, the Coaster, the Amtrak, the Trolly and the Rapid bus system, while promoting the walkable city.
Project Type: Educational/ Laboratory
Location: San Diego, California (East Village)
Status: Unbuilt - Academic Work
Date: Summer 2015
Design Proposal:
Project Type: Educational
Location: San Diego (Normal Heights/ Kensington)
Status: Unbuilt - Academic Work
Date: Spring 2014
Design Proposal: The public’s relation to the library typology is defined by engagement. The community’s connection is based on the importance of public libraries in their lives, and how they utilize it. The Kensington-Normal Heights Library is a functional and important fixture of the local community. Not only does it provide traditional books, it provides computer access, and social programs.
The current Library structure sits between a comical and residential area. The Temper Library Projects is defined by using the idea that time is always passing, and changing is always occurring. While respecting the historic trees, the intervention will create a space that is affected by time. By expressing the idea of incremental solid to a sheer screen system, the transition from 'old to new' will be realized. This project will allow for individual interaction by the design of light and shadow. A facility that provides a place for knowledge and community, creates deeper roots in Kensington-Normal Heights.
