Download - research + design + build
Table of Contents
3Table of Contents
1.0 FO R E WA R D
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2.0 RE S U M E
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3.0 RE S E A R C H
4.0 DE S I G N
5.0 BU I L D
4 drl| research + design + build
street view - Cite Soleil in Port-au-Prince, Haitiphoto: David Lopez
Foreword
My design interests revolve around three related, but necessary aspects of PROCESS:
Research.
Design.
Build.
The integrated process, where all three components begin working together in a singular eff ort, have demonstrated the most success, and therefore have become the most rewarding eff orts of my design career.
I see each component as having a critical relation to the other two: one cannot build without understanding critical cultural components, rituals, local means and methods, and other key site components that allow for implementation. And likewise, one cannot design without having a generic understanding regarding the means and methods with which a building is to be constructed. Research tends to be the most overlooked component of the process. However, knowledge of the intricacies of the site, the users, the local citizens impacted by a project’s evolution, or the customs and materials available to construct with… these things often provide the variety with which high design can be empowered. It is the most vibrant condition in a design process – accepting local conditions to a degree that a building actually becomes “place-specifi c”, meaning it can be here and nowhere else.
Empowerment in design is of high value. I like projects that elevate a particular condition or circumstance.
Green design is an ideal that is currently overvalued – if a process is implemented where local social conditions, economic conditions, resource availability, customs and materials are considered within the dialogue of design, the outcome will innately be tied to site, region and people.
This document is about a personal evolution, learning this process as I go. Many of the projects are missing some of the components – it is rare that a designer gets to develop a research guideline to approach both the design and its implementation… and rarer still that such a designer would get the opportunity to build the outcome.
However, as an architect, I have tried to push for this integrated process more and more.
And as a teacher, I have developed a design build program at the Maryland Institute, College of Art that is using this process with demonstrated success.
It is not necessary to always build as a designer. But I think it is critical for designers to be integrated into the build process in uncommon ways, with the ability to infl uence decisions and outcomes. We are entering an era of digital fabrication techniques, and prolifi c methodologies based on integrated approaches to constructed outcomes.
The built environment will undoubtedly change as a result.
5Foreword
6 drl| research + design + build
EDUCATION1996-1999 University of Washington, Department of Architecture, Seattle, Washington Master of Architecture
1990-1994 University of Maryland, School of Architecture, College Park, Maryland Bachelor of Science in Architecture
AWARDS AND PUBLICATIONSNovember 2011 The Signal – interview by Aaron Henkin on WYPR – November 4-5 By Aaron Henkin
Our design build class is interviewed by WYPR to discuss our shelter project.
November 2011 Lost and Found in Japan: The Futurist Magazine – 11/12-2011 By Patrick Tucker
In a personal refl ection on the state of a post-tsunami Japan, Mr. Tucker mentions the work of the MICA Design|Build class who he visited with in the Spring of 2011.
May 2011 Transitional Shelter Design Study by MICA on archdaily.com By Kelly Minner of archdaily.com
www.archdaily.com/133421/transitional-shelter-design-study-in-haiti-by-micaA web blog entry focused on interactions we had while visiting Haiti in March 2011.
April 2010 Mobile Hospital / Hord Coplan Macht + Spevco on archdaily.com By Karen Cilento of archdaily.com
www.archdaily.com/54890/mobile-hospital-hord-coplan-macht-spevcoA web blog feature entry on a concept for a fully programmed, 48-bed hospital on wheels.
September 2009 AIA Maryland Chapter Design Award – Honor Award (Unbuilt Category) up_GRADE – Open Architecture School Design Competition
September 2008 AIA Maryland Chapter Design Award - Honor Award (Unbuilt Category) denCITY - High Density on the High Ground - New Orleans Housing
September 2008 AIA Maryland Chapter Design Award - Honor Award (Unbuilt Category) The Lotus and the Rain - New Orleans Sustainable Community Housing
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2.0RESUME
Resume
April 2008 The Modular MRI Suite; Healthcare Design Magazine by Todd Hutlock, Managing Editor
An article on our investigative work on the future of modular healthcare, designed with fl exibility to meet the ever-demanding changes in healthcare technology.
March 2007 No Child Left Outside; The Urbanite Magazine by Mary K. Zajac
A local publication sponsors our eff orts to update the modular classroom.
September 2006 AIA Baltimore Chapter Design Award - Honorable Mention (Unbuilt Category) MODuLE - Modular Classroom
October 2006 Rethinking Emergency Housing; The Futurist-11/12-06 By Patrick Turner
Our concept for the future of emergency housing developed in the fi rst New Orleans competition was high-lighted in this article on the development of new concepts in disaster emergency responses.
8 drl| research + design + build
September 2006 Learning From the Palace Rethinking Sustainable Construction Conference Proceedings
This paper was presented at the 2006 Rethinking Sustainable Construction conference in Sarasota, Florida, and published in the proceedings. The paper dealt with learning from third world building techniques, means and methods.
August 2006 Global Green.org Sustainable New Orleans Competition Sponsored by globalgreen.org and Brad Pitt
Awarded semi-fi nalist for sustainable community development.
July 2006 Green Classrooms To Go; Building Design & Construction-07-06 By Hannah Schroder, Editorial Intern
Article on the future of sustainable developments in modular classroom construction. Our competition entry was high-lighted.
June 2006 Montgomery County Sustainable Classrooms Competition Sponsored by the Montgomery County School Board
Received honorable mention for a portable classroom concept.
March 2006 High Density On The High Ground Competition Sponsored by Architectural Record
Received honorable mention in this competition on rebuilding New Orleans.
EXPERIENCEAugust 2008- Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)Present Baltimore, MD Adjunct Faculty Member (part-time instructor)
I began teaching various level studios in the Environmental Design Department (sophomores and juniors), as well as support classes. I have also developed a Design-Build studio that has designed and constructed a couple of socially responsible installations. The Design-Build studio is currently in the midst of a two semester eff ort to analyze the disaster relief shelter in the hopes of coming up with a better, more aff ordable solution to the complex problem of housing those displaced by catastrophe.
Resume
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January 2005- Hord Coplan Macht, Inc.Present Baltimore, MD Architect
I worked as a project architect/project manager/construction administrator on projects ranging from Multi-family Housing to Healthcare and Education. Most notably, I headed a small ‘competition studio’ that promoted forward thinking endeavors within our offi ce that resulted in several honors and publications.
July 2003- Bellan Construction, Inc.January 2005 Seattle, WA Service Division Manager/Shop Manager
I returned to manage two new sub-divisions for the company, including the new service division and the new cabinet shop. Duties in the service division include client meetings, layout and design of client agenda (including architectural design), scheduling, budgeting, and billing. As manager of the cabinet shop, my duties include layout of cabinets, design, fabrication and detail design, providing cut-lists, ordering materials, scheduling and budgeting.
April 2002- Anthony De Jesus ArchitectureJuly 2003 Kapaa, Hawaii Intern Architect
Served as an intern architect with a high-end residential architect on the island of Kauai. My duties included drafting on AutoCAD, putting together construction documents, including construction sets, permit sets, design development, and schematic design. I also was responsible for visits to several building and permit departments to research requirements for our various clients.
June 1999- Bellan Construction, Inc.April 2002 Seattle, WA Project Manager/Carpentry
This fi rst employment with the company began with providing design input, research, and development for a speculative house for the owner of the company. As an employee of the construction company, I worked on site of several of our projects as an apprentice carpenter two days a week, and eventually worked on and completed the construction of the speculative house.
SKILLSGeneral drafting and presentation skills, including 3-d computer modeling and BIM software are numerous, and can be discussed further upon request. I also have construction, carpentry and furniture building skills based on several years employment with a general contracting company.
Resume
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3.0RESEARCH
Research
In 2005, I began working with a group of designers at Hord Coplan Macht on satellite projects that focused on
alternative methods for product delivery.
Essentially functioning as a “think-tank”, our group tested the bounderies of off -site production methodologies to implement on-site space-making strategies. Several of
these projects were the result of competition eff orts. Many received recognition.
However, the most recognizable impact of these eff orts are in the alternative mode of thinking about building and
design.
There are technologies available to designers that should consistently be considered, and often times utilized in
fabrication.
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Projects
This was an attempt to update the everyday site construction trailer into the sustainable discussion. A standard offi ce
trailer was used as the framework, then retro-fi tted with several sustainable components to enhance daylighting and energy use, as well as promote the use of digital drawings in
lieu of paper drawings.
FIELD OFFICE - CONSTRUCTION TRAILER
Research01 _ concept trailer
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Projects
This project expanded on the single Construction Trailer, to create a Village. Used for large construction projects, this
product benefi ts from a shared systems approach. Modualar construction techniques yeild effi cient installation and
removal, as well as a multitude of layout options. Exterior Skin and Signage opportunities allow customization and
branding for the various construction trades.
FIELD OFFICE - CONSTRUCTION VILLAGE
Research01 _ exterior view
02 _ exterior view
Projects
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The MODuLE classroom project is a vision for the future of modular classrooms.
Utilizing the benefi t of off -site building techniques and simple crank systems, the design calls for expanding components
that generate clear ceiling heights of 12 feet – unheard of in the current model for modular classrooms. The expanding
components function on several levels. Shipping costs can be reduced by packaging the classroom into a single unit delivery.
The expanding ceiling cavity off ers clerestory day-lighting, and provides a system for air movement for a more conducive
learning environment for teachers and children.
MODULAR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Research01 _ exterior view
02 _ interior view
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Projects
Our investigation of alternative product delivery methodologies coincided with Hurricane Katrina. This
project was an early eff ort at providing a multi-family housing model for the city in recovery. The project employed a steel
superstructure as the framework for portable plug-and-play living modules.
The living modules could then be removed and delivered to property addresses as supplementary living environments for
those who managed to recover their properties and living conditions.
DENCITY: MODULAR VILLAGE FOR THE DISPLACED
Research01 _ exterior view
02 _ exterior view
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Projects
This design eff ort began to look at a sustainable model for rebuilding New Orleans, block by block. We engaged the
concept of ‘buoyancy’ by proposing to take as many of the systems for living off -the-grid as we could.
The design implements solar energy, and a water reclamation program that supported a working farm. The whole system supported living conditions for 18 families, who could grow
food to supplement their own diets while having bonus food for bartering with others for needed services.
BOUYANT LIVING SYSTEMS: A NEW ORLEANS BLOCK
Research01 _ exterior view
02 _ exterior view
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4.0DESIGN
Design
Research has infl uenced design.
Now, the approach to design consistently gives consideration to implementation.
The following projects all consider spatial contexts through materiality, tectonic relationships, and means and
methods - with varying degrees of success.
These considerations are critical to the success of design in the process of construction. The tools we use to verify
design therefore become a critical component of the process.
Using 3D software to provide renderings is no longer a suitable use for that tool. Instead, we use 3D visualization
as an enabler to design outcome - improving design and construction methods.
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Projects
In 2007, Hord Coplan Macht asked me to work at a remote location, performing Construction Administration duties on
site at the fi rm’s biggest project in their 35 year history.
The project was a new 255 patient bed hospital in Cumberland, Maryland. I rented a house with another
member of the design team, and lived on site 4 days out of every week for the better part of two years during
construction.
I was limited in my involvement with the design of the project, so over-sight of the construction was a challenge, as I had to
quickly learn about design intent for the 7-story, 598,000 square foot project.
The punch-list for the project took 6 months to complete. I lost 30 pounds simply walking through the building.
WESTERN MARYLAND HEALTH SYSTEM
2007-2009
Design01 _ entry courtyard
38 drl| research + design + build
02 _ nighttime rendering pre-construction
03 _ the hospital at dusk
40 drl| research + design + build
05 _ 4th floor mechanical level 06 _ 4th floor mechanical level
07 _ “history hall”
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Projects
The healthcare industry is moving toward concepts in “hospitality”. Consideration is being given more and more to
the members of the family beyond the patient. Environments are being constructed to off er comfort and convenience for
patients, doctors and the general public as well.
These spaces are considered part of the “healing environment”.
At Sinai, we enclosed a previously outdoor space to capture an interior 6-story atrium covered with a skylight.
The space was wrapped on 3 sides with a 7-story link that connected two wings of the hospital, creating a 5-sided
geometry that was complex.
3D visualization was used to demonstrate the design.
SINAI HOSPITAL ATRIUM - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
2007-2008
Design01 _ interior rendering
02 _ panoramic view rendered flat
44 drl| research + design + build
03 _ acoustic wall paneling installation
04 _ water feature rendering 06 _ atrium floor plan
05 _ upper floor plan
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Projects
Mobile Nomadic Architecture .
(MoNArch) is a concept for providing mobilized healthcare in several modalities. Ideally suited for disaster relief, the
concept is also being reviewed as an outreach model for site built hubs.
Transportable chassis with expanding sides provide the framework for the concept. We then implement space
program aligned with the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities to ensure the highest
quality of healthcare can be delivered.
We began this project by starting a relationship with a vehicle manufacturer in North Carolina. It has led to several
discussions abroad regarding possible development projects.
MOBILE NOMADIC ARCHITECTURE
MONARCH SYSTEMS MOBILE HOSPITAL
2009
Design01 _ hospital rendering
02 _ branding development - logo
09 _ interior renderings - public spacestop: main lobbymid:semi-sterile corridorbot: nurse station
54 drl| research + design + build
10 _ interior renderings - patient caretop: mammography room
mid:operating roombot: in-patient wing
55Design
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5.0BUILD
Build
The fi nal component is the process of construction.
Designers have tools at their disposal today that enable direct communication with the machines that cut and make the
components of a design through digital fabrication. Thus, it is critical for designers to have an innate sensibility to the
building process.
I began working for a contractor directly out of graduate school. The company also did small-scale, single family
property development - so I was used as a designer as well as a builder early in my career. Understanding the intracacies of
the construction process is critical to detailing a design properly, as I quickly learned.
Today, I teach others how to build thier designs. The dialogue is consistent - the detail is still the critical consideration.
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Projects
If there is one project that sums up the way I like to work, it is this project. It began with a question - could we build a better
disaster relief shelter?
Because of the scale of the project, I thought it would be a suitable exploration for the Design-Build studio I teach at the
Maryland Institute College of Art.
I split the project into two semesters - research and design in the Spring, then prototyping and construction in the Fall.
The project became a complete design problem - we didn’t have funding for a build eff ort so we needed to generate
sponsorship for our idea. Thus, everything was incorporated: research and design, outreach and communication, graphics
and media, fundraising, web design, and eventually construction (which is still ongoing...).
THE MICA SHELTER PROJECT
2011
Build
01 _ Cite Soleil - Port-au-Prince, Haitiphoto: David Lopez
02 _ Red Cross Transitional Shelter Campphoto: Tessa Tripodi
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Projects
Build
03 _ case study researchfrom the class research publication
05 _ study models and dialoguethe basis of the class design effort
78 drl| research + design + build
making sandals from tires - Port-au-Prince, Haitiphoto: David Lopez
In Closing
My expectations are that the way we design is about to change – dramatically.
The materials and products we use all have an ecological footprint. This will begin to weigh heavily on the minds of designers. There must be an emphasis put on the way we design as a component of means and methods, and product delivery. Thus, the design phase and the building phase will begin to collapse upon each other, as the tools we use to design begin to communicate with the tools we use to build. This opens up an entirely new world of creative capacity.
And as we continue to monitor this environmental circumstance, it will become critical for people to open dialogues across boundaries to ensure there is investment in developmental solutions. The third world is about to become an extremely important member of this dialogue… and I can imagine a world where technology begins to benefi t those with little access to it as a result.
Oil and water are at a point of crisis. Every decision made by the next generation of designers will need to be accurate and effi cient in relation to how these two resources are used in manufacturing processes, and in product development.
But there is no reason the rest of us can’t start engaging in this dialogue now.
I hope that I continue to think about these things… and I hope that I will fi nd ways to collaborate across disciplines in the future, in an eff ort to continually test the boundaries of what is possible.
Through Research.
Through Design.
And through Building.
79Conclusion