undergraduate portfolio

architecture [ahr-ki-tek-cher](Latin architectura, from the Greek arkhitekton, from- chief and builder, carpenter)

d e s i g n a r y b y :

2007-2010

VERONICA A C O S T AMa

ria

e x l i n k s i o n24-27

h a r p t i a l28-33

v e r d @ x i s4-15

g r o w a k e n e r16-23

e m e r c t i o n 56-75

l i n e f i e d 34-41

2-3

j o u r n i e n c e 42-55


ria

designary [dih-zahyn-ar-ee]

a book that explains the language of design in a specific order and gives the purpose, planning, or intention that exists behind the action, fact, or material object in a visual manner.

ORIGIN English : design + dictionary

noun

desig

nary

1

What attracts me to the architecture profession is our ability and responsibility as human beings to make positive changes in the lives of people around the world. I was born in the capital of Paraguay, moved to rural South Carolina, travelled around Europe, and spent a summer in New York City. Something that became a constant theme in all the places I lived and experienced were the people, the culture, and the way architecture reflected the lifestyle of the people there. Architecture has an origin, it evolves, adapts, and records history. My ambition is to be a major part of that process. I am drawn to rediscovery, innovation, and responsible action through architecture. Architecture is the ultimate universal language. It is everywhere and everyone interacts with it. This portfolio explains my personal architectural language.


ria

v e r o n i c a a c o s t a [vuh-ron-i-kuh] [ah-KOS-tuh]

a female human being (full name: Maria Veronica Acosta Lesme) born in Asuncion, Paraguay, on April 10, 1989, who craves engaging with the world through proactive innovation.

ORIGIN Spanish : veronica (biblical name) + acosta (meaning by the coast)

noun vero

nica

aco

sta3

verd@xis

1. Proposed Site

2. Discontinuity to Street

3. Topography Control

v e r d @ x i s [vrd-at-sis]

a new ecology for the 21st century Barcelona Eixample through surgical interventions for an urban transformation, with emphasis on open public space. Designed by Maria Veronica Acosta and Kevin Miller in 2009 under the guidance of Tony Montes and Santi Ibarras. Clemson University-Barcelona study abroad program.

ORIGIN Spanish : verde (meaning green) + English : axis

noun

4. Building Footrpint

5. Building Floors

Public Office

Retail

Academic

Warehouse

Housing

Private Office

15.000 sqm7.000 sqm

6.000 sqm

8.000 sqm

4.000 sqm20.000 sqm

Private oce

Housing

Warehouse

Academic

Retail

Public oce

Park 12.000 sqm

verd

@xis

5

6. Building Program

barcelona, spaineixample grid

by veronica acostafall 2009

7ve

rd@

xis

Function:Shading large area.Hackberry_tall, wide crown, shady (decidous species)10-20 m tall_crown 6-8 m wideit has smooth, grey barkblooms at the beginning of summerits fruit appear at the beginning of autumn

Function:Visual boundary but seethrough.Chinese Parasol Tree_tall, small crown, seethrough (decidous species) 10-15 m tall_crown 4-6 m widesmooth. gree-grey bark

Function:Shade in more intimate spaces.Ashleaf Maple_short, small crown, small spaces (decidous species)8-10 m tall_crown 4-6 m widebark is grey-brown with vertical ridgesit blooms in March and April whith yellow-green flowersfruit appears at the beginning of autumn and remain for 6 months

Function:Shading large area.Tipu Tree_tall, wide crown, lots of shade (decidous species)10-25 m tall_crown 6-10 m widebrown-grey, lightly fissured barkblooms in June and July with bright flowers growing clusters 30 cm long

Function:Physical boundary separating spaces.Chinese Privet_tall bush, physical boundary (large evergreen or small tree)3-10 m tall_crown 3-5m widesmooth and delicate dark grey barkblooms in July and August

Function:Visual boundary.Lombardy Poplar_tall, small crown, visual boundary (decidous species)20-30 m tall_crown approximately 2 m widesmooth grey-greeen irregularly furrowed barkdark green leaves turn to brown in autumnblooms at the beginning of spring

verd

@xis

9

M a n i p u l a t i n g topography to restrict people from occupying certain areas, while making other areas inviting for activity and circulation.

12% slope is unoccupiable and thus a disruption of the topography.

Between 8% and 12% slope is uccupiable but not recommended for heavy circulation but rather a place to rest.

8% is uccupiable and t for circulation.







below 8% yes

between 8-12% maybe

above12%no

verd

@xis

11

The intent of the double skin facade is to serve as a type of natural ventilation system for the buildings to enhance the idea of a new urban park. The distance between inner and outer skin is increased or decreased to allow for activity in certain spaces depending on program. For example, in residential spaces the distance between skins is much larger to take advantage of the oppurtunity of a terrace space which is so very important to residents living within the eixample.

Facades with the most sun exposure were given a high ratio of opaque materials to increase the amount of natural shading throughout the day.

Facades with low sun exposures were given a high ratio of transparent materials to allow for maximum sunlight throughout the day.The ratio of facade materials to one another is dependant upon the orientation of the facade to the sun and the amount of sunlight it would recieve throughout the day.

verd

@xis

N, NW, NE1. Open2. Glass3. Transluscent4. Wire Mesh

W, E1. Glass2. Translucent3. Open4. Wire Mesh

SW, SE1. Translucent2. Glass3. Open4. Wire Mesh

S1. Wire Mesh2. Translucent3. Glass4. Open

13

In response to the growing need for open public space in an urban environment, the design of the verd@xis urban park is intended to break the formality of the typical eixample interior public space while maintaining the continuity of the eixample grid.

This was achieved by elevating the park from the street and surrounding it with program to mimic a typical eixample block. As a result from inside the park the space remains intimate while the city moves around its borders.

verd

@xis

15

growakener

g r o w a k e n e r [groh-weyk-ner]

an instrument through which to experience the grace of God in nature. This chapel is located in Anderson, SC, on the highest point of Anderson Universitys natural campus, overlooking their 64 acre natural forest, a 15 minute walk from the main campus. Designed in 2010 under the guidance of Professor Harry Harritos.

ORIGIN English : grow + awaken

noun

gowa

kene

r17

The exterior walls range from opaque to translucent. Behind the opaquewalls of the chapel the entrance, the office and restrooms are located. As the distance between the floor and the ceiling increases, so does the translucency. Glass panels with different opacities form a broken grid that slowly start to disappear to reveal nature.

grow

aken

er19

grow

aken

er21

A building that opens to nature. Floor slabs follow the existing topography. People descend down as they make their procession to the main altar. Nature becomes the backdrop to the main sanctuary, cleansing one from the distractions of everyday life to concentrate on ones spiritual life. The ceiling elements bring in light and get higher as they approach the main altar.

grow

aken

er23

exlinksion

e x l i n k s i o n [iks-lingk-shuhn]

an instrument for more direct circulation. It becomes the link uniting two architectural studio spaces to the center courtyard as well as each other. The tensile structure was designed in 2008 under the guidance of Lauren Mitchell.

ORIGIN English : extend + link

noun

exlin

ksio

n25

exlin

ksio

n27

harptial

h a r p t i a l [hrp-shuhl]

a space inspired by the sounds and structure of the harp. This object takes the spatial quality of the harp and turns it into a place people can experience, at different heights and different enclosures. The intertwining structure was designed in 2008 under the guidance of Lauren Mitchell.

ORIGIN English : harp + spatial

noun

harp

tial

29

Exposed joints help to better understand how the structure is assembled. Similar to the structure of the harp, Harptial has a main body structure that holds all other elements.

The verticality creates different levels and generates the need for the master stairs that bring one to the look-out window. The entrance is opened by the separation of the main vertical body slab into two broken elements.

harp

tial

31

The Harptial project is about three main spatial experiences: door window staircommon spaces that are many times taken for granted. This project studies the opportunities that those elements provide.

The verticality of the main structure mimics the the main structure of the harp.

harp

tial

33

liniefied

l i n e f i e d [lahyn-fahyd]

to make a drawing with many lines. Hundreds of layers overlap to make the final composition of a drawing. Different line weights, yet one color. Depth and texture become enhanced with each coat of fresh new lines. This is the result of weeks of line layers overlapping. This drawing was liniefied in 2009 under the guidance of Harry Harritos.

ORIGIN English : lines + -fied

verb

linefi

ed35

sket

ch37

linefi

ed

39lin

efied

black and white inkdrawing composition

22x30 in.by veronica acosta

spring 2010

journience

clemson house

tillman

stadium

little john

water tower

site

smoke stack

C LE MSON

j o u r n i e n c e [jur-nee-uhns]

noun

jour

nien

ce

the new Clemson University Preforming Arts Center. Located on the highest, most western side of the campus. It is an addition to the large scale, visual journey, through the landmarks that give identity to the university. A theater nestled on the highest point of a natural forest. Protected from external distractions, yet just a 10 minute walk from the main campus. Designed in 2010 by Maria Veronica Acosta, Katherin Harris, and Rachel Randall, under the guidence of Robert Bruhns.

ORIGIN English : journey + experience

43

clemson house

tillman

stadium

little john

water tower

site

smoke stack

C LE MSON

45jo

urni

ence

clemson, sc. over the water. by veronica acosta. fall 2010

lobby

Black Box

Gallery

Rehearsal

DressingRoom

DressingRoom

Level Plan1st

shop

1:32

Level Plan2nd 1:32

lobby

Black Box

Gallery

Classrooms

Office

Office

shop

GreenRoof

VENTURE3:32

clemson house

tillman

stadium

little john

water tower

site

smoke stack

C LE MSON

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

660

656

710

722

795

805

C LE MSON

Performing

ARTSj o u r n - i e n c e

VIEW FROM SOUTH

VIEW FROM COURTYARD

VIEW FROM LOBBY ENTRANCE

ACCESS

ELEVATION HEIGHTS

oUR SITE EXTENDS CLEMSONS CAMPUS 1 MILE TO THE WEST PROVIDING OPTIMAL VIEWS OF LAKE HARTWELL.

USING EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE, OUR DESIGN MAINTAINS THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE AREA BY PROVIDING A JOURNEY THAT ENGAGES THE PATRON WITH THE SURROUNDINGS AND THE THEATER.

eVERY LANDMARK ON CAMPUS LIES ON THE HIGHEST SURROUNDING ELEVATION POINTS. OUR SITE, ALSO ON ONE OF THE HIGHEST ELEVATION POINTS, ACTS AS AN ADDITIONAL IDENTITY TO THE CAMPUS SKYLINE.

THE ENTRANCE TO THE LOBBY IS HIDDEN TO ALLOW FOR A PATHWAY AROUND THE BUILDING FOR THE PATRON TO EXPERIENCE THE JOURNEY THROUGHOUT OUR SITE.

tHE LOBBY/GALLERY SPACE FOR ART STUDENTS TO DISPLAY THEIR WORK ACTS SEPARATELY FROM THE BLACK BOX THEATER TO FURTHER THE JOURNEY OF OUR DESIGN.

The black box allows for students to shape their own experience through a flexible space.

Black Box

Journey Set of images exploring the experiential quality as you move throughout the design. Nature+architecture+views

exterior skin serves as a barrier that mimics the structures in nature, specifically the leaf. Different densities frame views to the exterior

transparency

structure

load bearing

veronica acosta Kathryn Harris Rachell Randall

Lake Hartwell

HWY 93

SITE

To CAMPUS

Service Access

Patron Access

Parking

HWY 93

lobby

Black Box

Gallery

Rehearsal

DressingRoom

DressingRoom

Level Plan1st

shop

1:32

Level Plan2nd 1:32

lobby

Black Box

Gallery

Classrooms

Office

Office

shop

GreenRoof

VENTURE3:32

clemson house

tillman

stadium

little john

water tower

site

smoke stack

C LE MSON

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

660

656

710

722

795

805

C LE MSON

Performing

ARTSj o u r n - i e n c e

VIEW FROM SOUTH

VIEW FROM COURTYARD

VIEW FROM LOBBY ENTRANCE

ACCESS

ELEVATION HEIGHTS

oUR SITE EXTENDS CLEMSONS CAMPUS 1 MILE TO THE WEST PROVIDING OPTIMAL VIEWS OF LAKE HARTWELL.

USING EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE, OUR DESIGN MAINTAINS THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE AREA BY PROVIDING A JOURNEY THAT ENGAGES THE PATRON WITH THE SURROUNDINGS AND THE THEATER.

eVERY LANDMARK ON CAMPUS LIES ON THE HIGHEST SURROUNDING ELEVATION POINTS. OUR SITE, ALSO ON ONE OF THE HIGHEST ELEVATION POINTS, ACTS AS AN ADDITIONAL IDENTITY TO THE CAMPUS SKYLINE.

THE ENTRANCE TO THE LOBBY IS HIDDEN TO ALLOW FOR A PATHWAY AROUND THE BUILDING FOR THE PATRON TO EXPERIENCE THE JOURNEY THROUGHOUT OUR SITE.

tHE LOBBY/GALLERY SPACE FOR ART STUDENTS TO DISPLAY THEIR WORK ACTS SEPARATELY FROM THE BLACK BOX THEATER TO FURTHER THE JOURNEY OF OUR DESIGN.

The black box allows for students to shape their own experience through a flexible space.

Black Box

Journey Set of images exploring the experiential quality as you move throughout the design. Nature+architecture+views

exterior skin serves as a barrier that mimics the structures in nature, specifically the leaf. Different densities frame views to the exterior

transparency

structure

load bearing

veronica acosta Kathryn Harris Rachell Randall

Lake Hartwell

HWY 93

SITE

To CAMPUS

Service Access

Patron Access

Parking

HWY 93

The small scale journey takes place through the site. Paths guide one from the parking lot, to the lobby building, then through the inner courtyard, with the black box theater as the final destination. The journey through the site is designed to be mysterious yet playful, revealing framed views of the lake, nature, and the architecture.

47jo

urni

ence

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

TCODEESTC

ESTCODE

660

656

710

722

795

805

C LE MSON

Performing

ARTS

jour

nien

ce49

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

ESTCODE

TCODEESTC

ESTCODE

660

656

710

722

795

805

C LE MSON

Performing

ARTS

jour

nien

ce51

jour

nien

ce53

The external wall skin was inspired by the organic structures of leaves and tree canopies. The skin patterns alter according to the program inside, revealing activity and views in more public areas like the lobby space, and providing privacy in areas like the dressing rooms The structure is exposed inside the building to display the assembly strategy.

lobby

Black Box

Gallery

Rehearsal

DressingRoom

DressingRoom

Level Plan1st

shop

1:32

Level Plan2nd 1:32

lobby

Black Box

Gallery

Classrooms

Office

Office

shop

GreenRoof

level 1

level 2

jour

nien

ce55

emerction

e m e r c t i o n [ih-murk-shuhn]

noun

emer

ctio

n

the tool displaying the past, present, and future of the Gowanus neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. This Environmental Science Park and Research Center houses the Gowanus museum, Gowanus Canal Community Development Coorporation offices and co-working spaces, as well as classrooms and research labs. Designed in 2010 under the guidence of professor David Lee. Clemson University - New York study abroad program.

ORIGIN English : emerge + connection

57

A walk through the streets of Gowanus, Brooklynexhibition - summer 2010by Veronica Acosta & John Oxenfeld

This collection of photographs was taken over the period of one week. Photographs were taken of both sides of each selected street every 20 steps. All the photographs were later merged to form a continuous street facade. This exhibition displayed the neighborhood fabric and character.

59em

erct

ion

3rd st.

carol st.

union st.

61em

erct

ion

gowa

nus c

anal

63em

erct

ion

the

site

emer

ctio

n

The Gowanus neighborhood, located in Brooklyn, NY, has been selected as a Superfund site by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Gowanus Canal itself has more than a centurys worth of noxious pollutants in its waters. That has been a factor pushing away commerce and even residents away from the area. The Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation, GCCDC, has been one of the driving forces to turning this neighborhood around. In order for the GCCDC to work successfully they need a place that can gather all the components they require to research and educate others about what is happening and what will be done about it to change the future of Gowanus.

65

emer

ctio

n67

Wom

en

Men

Men

Wom

en

greenhill

entrance to environmental science labs

ramp

lab 1

lab 2

start of green hill

GCCDC

MUSEUM

seminar room

ramp

entrance to

CLASSROOMS

entrance to

MUSEUM

entrance to

OFFICES

courtyard

elevator

restrooms

street level: 0 ft. above street level: +12 ft.

HUNTINGTON ST.SM

ITH

ST.

9TH ST.

restrooms

_

educational green roof

ramplab 3

co-working spaces

green roof

above street level: +26 ft. above street level: 41 ft.

restroom

elevator

above street level: 38 ft._

emer

ctio

n69

SMITH ST.H

UN

TIN

GTO

N S

T.

9TH

ST.

scale: 1/16

TRACKS

TRACKS

green hill

education welcome entrance

lab 1lab 2

lab 3educationalgreen roof

green roof

museum gccdc

co-working

seminar room

museum

lab 3

co-working

SMITH ST.

HU

NTI

NG

TON

ST.

9TH

ST.

scale: 1/16

TRACKS

TRACKS

green hill

education welcome entrance

lab 1lab 2

lab 3educationalgreen roof

green roof

museum gccdc

co-working

seminar room

museum

lab 3

co-working

emer

ctio

n

The building itself is shaped by the connection lines made by analyzing the site. This strategy provided the location of the entrances of each of the main programs and framed views around the site.

71

Learning from the past, assessing what is in the present, and planning for the future. GCCDC invitions the Gowanus neighborhood to blossom to its potential and become one of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn, to live, work, and play; setting an example for others.

emer

ctio

n73

The GCCDC Center will house the past, present, and future aspects of the neighborhood. A museum, to learn from the past and display information; offices, to work on the present issues; and labs and classrooms to research and teach the future leaders of the community, the children and neighbors about what can be done.

emer

ctio

n75

queens, ny. over the water. by veronica acosta. summer 2010

AIAS Freedom By Design Clemson UniversitySpring 2011 - Easley, SCProject Manager

New York, NY Architecture (Summer Semester 2010)

Chicago, IL Architecture (Fall Break 2010)

New Orleans, LA Architecture _ Dry-In House (Spring Break 2009)

VERONICA

Clemson University (Fall 2007-Spring 2011) BA in Architecture Minor in SpanishExpected graduation:May 2011GPA: 3.4 (4.0 scale)

Education

Recognition

Barcelona, Spain Architecture (Fall Semester 2009)

Prague, Czech Republic Civic Engagement(Spring Break 2010)

PSA CLEMSON COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP (4 yrs.)448 hrs. of community service_Civic Engagement Commitment($12,000)

SOUTH CAROLINA LIFE SCHOLARSHIP (4 yrs.)($20,000)

SUSAN & HARRY FRAMPTON SCHOLARSHIP (1 yr.)($4,000)

A C O S T AMaria

Spanish (Since1989)English (Since 2000)

Rhinoceros 3-D AutoCADCS4: PhotoshoplllustratorInDesignPhotography

SketchingDraftingModellingMS: WordPowerPoint

Skills

Leadership Ecumenical Service Committee LeaderArranged food and clothing drives for the homeless. Clemson Campus Ministers Association (Spring 2008-Spring 2011)

Spiritual Retreat LeaderOrganized spiritual retreats once a semester. Lead student parishioners throughout the event.Catholic Student Association (Spring 2010-Spring 2011)

Project ManagerManaged small scale design build and repair projects. Lead groups of student volunteers through execution.Freedom by Design (Fall 2010-Spring 2011)Rewigo Ministries(Spring 2010)Camp Collide _ paid (Summer 2009)

Sales AssociateManaged sales and personally sold over $15,000 worth of fine cutlery in 3 months.Vector Marketing _ paid (Summer 2008)


ria

undergraduate portfolio

Documents

i n e f i e d

e r c t i o n

s i o n24

e n e r16

j o u r n i e n c e

c o s t amaria v e r

carpenter d e s i g

c o s t amariae x