Michael |S| Marti University of South Florida | School of Architecture + Community Design

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Table of Contents. University of South Florida | School of Architecture + Community Design

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Urban Slots Design A | Prof. Nancy Sanders

| 6 |Twombly “Notes From Salah” Site Context View Analytical DiagramEast Site View

Mirrored Axo

Location:

St. Petersburg, FL Site Area:

.19 acres / .08 hectares

Size:

3,000 gross sq ft / 278 sq m

Program:

Museum + Gallery

Type:

Cultural Description:

The site for Urban Slot project is located in a thriving area of Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida between the intersection of 3rd + Central Ave. The location of the site is in the heart of an art district, close to both the Dali Museum + the Chihuly Collection. Because the site is situated in the in-between space of a city block, it allows for a unique set of design constraints. The area is charged with a high volume of pedestrian traffic, along with direct access to a commuter parking garage + local businesses. The project required a selection of two artists + two pieces of their work. I selected a series of paintings, “Notes From Salah” by Cy Twom-bly + a sculpture, “Trunk”,” Richard Serra.

Design |A| Prof. Nancy Sanders Spring 2011 | 4 Weeks

Section with Richard Serra Piece | Site Context

| 8 |Hybrid Perspective

The project not only serves as a connector between two busy streets but also as a small intimate gallery that deals with a linear stretch of space, but also the unique light conditions associated with its constricted nature. Each space in the design not only responds to each piece of art, but also creates a specific experience associated with the work. In response to the conditions of the site, specifically the overhead-parking garage located on the east side of the project, unique design restraints allow for a unique design plan. The project attaches itself to the bottom of the cantilevering portion of the garage, creating space suitable for the display of art. Light wells are punched into the interior of the garage allowing light to penetrate the space. The gallery then moves into a wider portion of the alley to Serra’s Trunk piece that was design specifically to fit a proportion of a building it originally stood in front of. This wider space allowed for the piece to have multiple viewing angles + paths around it. Analyzing both the piece + the building, I was able to translate it into a created space that reflected its history. A designed opening above the piece allows for light to penetrate into the interior of the sculpture reflecting light around its curvilinear shape as the sun changes positions. A secondary space above the Trunk allows for a new perspective above the piece. This second level also connected the parking garage to the gallery space as a primary entrance/exit utilizing an existing staircase in the alley. The gallery is designed to have two distinct circulation paths, one that is a more direct connection from street to street + and the other which is a slower progression through the gallery focusing on its art.

| 10 |Hybrid Perspective

Longitudinal Section

Level 1

Level 2

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Excavated Encounters Design A | Prof. Nancy Sanders

| 14 |East View Site ContextWest View

Location:

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg Site Area:

3.29 acres / 1.33 hectares

Size:

21,600 gross sq ft / 2,000 sq m

Program:

Museum, Gallery, Institutional, Cafe

Type:

Cultural Description:

This project began with the selection of an artist whose work + style could be trans-lated into a built space. After choosing the artist Cai Guo Qaing I selected a location that’s context/site was suitable. I choose a familiar place in the capitol city of Luxem-bourg. Centered in the Petruesse Valley + the heart of the capitol + previously used as a display for local art, I knew that this site carried the potential to be re-constructed in a manner that would bring the context of the city + art into harmony.

Design |A| Prof. Nancy Sanders Spring 2011 | 12 Weeks

Hanging Conceptual Site Model. Analysis of the site condi-tions + narrative of the site.

Site Diagram Building Diagram Cai Guo Qiang Work

Landscape Diagram: Focusing on natural valley conditions.

| 16 |Exploratory Drawdel

Immersing myself in the work of Cai Guo Qa-ing, I attempted to tap into his creative pro-cess, translating his method into architecture. Utilizing stencils, Qiang shapes gunpowder into works of art + then by combusting the gunpowder the work is transferred onto can-vas. This method of stenciling was present in the early phases of my design process where a series of “drawdels” explored the re-construction of the site with the museum of his work. Mapping the site into the stencil al-lowed for the construction of both the site + space in unison, creating a cohesive space.

The overall concept comes as a derivative of both Qaing’s process + site conditions as scarring is evident in both. The project uses a scar in the earth not only as its main design move but also as its main circulation path connecting the upper city to the lower valley. The scar also divides the galleries from Qiang’s private studio + demonstration area. Users can experience the scar visually + physically through the walls that have been excavated into the valley.

Preliminary Plan Design Draft Model

Preliminary Section Design

| 18 |Main gallery overlooking vertical circulation Main gallery overlooking valley.

The main galleries focus internally on Qiang’s work + externally on the context of the re-con-structed site by using layers of transparency + enclosure, getting less transparent as you move into the lower levels. Moments inside the gallery allow for recognition of the arrival into the space +the approaching departure out into the valley. A large two story atrium between the first + sec-ond level allow for the display of larger works that hang between the spaces. Continuing the theme of re-constructed green, the roof top of the gal-lery doubles as extra green space layered upon the original site promoting the use of open space.

An important component that makes up this project is its instructional aspect. To allow for the education of Qiang’s work, an entire wing of the museum is desig-nated as demonstration + studio space. Re-constructing the site also allows for the creation of an amphitheater out of the earth where individuals can observe Qiang in the process of composing his works. Extending out into forest Qiang’s private studio is submerged with a ceiling of natu-ral light below the trees to create a tranquil atmosphere.

South-East Elevation.

| 20 |Level 0

Level 1

Level 3

Section AA

Section BB

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Shown in these details are the green roof designed to continue the open space of the site. The details on the right show layers that went into constructing the green roof on top of the roof structure. Special attention was taken on roof + wall relationship to allow for cohesive transition from the constructed green space to the constructed wall.

Design Development Prof. John McKenna Summer 2011 | 12 Weeks

VegetationLightweight Engineered SoilFilter FabricDrainage LayerSheet BarrierWaterproof MembraneInsulationMembraneSteel DeckingConcreteLight Gague Steel Joists 8’ o.c.Concrete Parapet

Green RoofBase FlashingCurbCounter FlashingRain ScreenCoping

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Hotel Tampa Design B | Prof. Daniel Powers

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Location:

Downtown Tampa, FL Site Area:

1.35 acres/ .55 hectares

Size:

519,880 gross sq ft / 48298 sq m

Program:

Hospitality, retail, parking, event facilities

Type:

Hospitality Description:

The site for the Hotel Tampa Project is locat-ed in the heart of downtown Tampa, along the intersection of South Ashley + East Brorein Street on the east side of the Hill-sborough river. The site provides a pivotal connection between the future expansion of the Tampa Riverwalk + the downtown core. The site has direct views to downtown, Uni-versity of Tampa, + Davis Island and is with-in walking distance to many cultural centers: the Tampa Convention Center, Tampa Bay Time Forum, + the Tampa Museum of Art. The project aims to incorporate a variety of disciplines ranging from hospitality, retail, food service, + parking to create a positive impact on Tampa’s downtown.

Design |B| Prof. Daniel Powers Fall 2011 | 16 Weeks

South-East View North-West View

Context View Figure-Ground

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The project’s driving design concept was to use the program as a form generator where each form shapes and controls views throughout the tower focusing on the major features/interests in the Downtown landscape. The project can be broken down into four individual parts: the base of the tower, parking structure, ballroom, + tower. The base of the tower comprises of the main lobby, which connects the street level to the river walk, the back of house services, + retail space. The retail space consists of 3000 sq ft that fronts the Tampa Riverwalk to help activate it. The second part of the tower is the parking structure. It is lifted above ground level due to the tight site con-straints and to allow for the retail space + a covered guest drop off/pick up. Separating the tower from its base is the ballroom level which spans across the tower base and parking structure. The ballroom level focuses its views out towards the river and the University of Tampa with an ample amount of open + covered outdoor space. The final portion is the tower which clearly delineates the distinction between the public + private realm with an extensive open space in-between the ballroom and tower structure. The tower uses a module with varying room plans that respond to different functions and views of the downtown landscape. Together the individual parts of the tower work in conjunction with each other to compose a functioning tower in Tampa’s downtown.

East Elevation West Elevation

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Lower Pool Deck

Above the guestroom floors the tower is comprised of the pool deck + a four star restaurant which take advantage of the tower’s height + views. The pool area is made up of two levels, an upper + lower deck. The upper deck focuses on a more active environment, with an 800 sq ft pool, while the lower deck focuses on a more relaxed environment, creating a space for relaxation and fine dining.

Stree-side ViewRiver-side View

Roof-top Lounge Roof-top Pool

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Level 2Level 1 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5

Level 6 Level 7

Level 37 Restaurant Level 38 Restaurant Level 39 Pool

Typical Room Configurations

KingQueenHospitality SuitePresidential Suite

Site Plan

| 34 |Lobby Plan

Top left: The presidential suite is designed to take full advantage of the Hillsborough River. It features 1000 sq ft of living space. Top Right: Typical hotel floor plan includes 500 sq ft with a five fixture bathroom + outdoor space overlooking the water views. Bottom left: Enlarged lobby plan shows the direct access the hotel has from either the downtown street side + access directly off the Riverwalk. The lobby is designed to receive guests quickly + to handle the large amount of guests dispersing to the tower +/or ballroom. The main circulation designates three express elevators for the ballroom level + six to service the remaining areas of the tower. The design also incorporates two service elevators to facilitate all back of house functions.

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1. Presidential Suite2. Typical King Floorplan3. Check-in Counter4. Seating5. Concierge Station6. Assist. Manager Office7. Gift Shop8. Luggage Storage

North-East View South-West View

Interior Lobby Rendering

Section AA Section BB Section CC

South-West View

Interior Lobby Rendering

| 36 |Module: Exploded Axo

The project’s design incorporates the use of a module where public space is cre-ated in the in-between space allowing for a stronger sense of community in the resi-dential tower. The form is a modified pin-wheel, where the circulation is in the mid-dle of the tower to allow for unobstructed views in the guestrooms. In the interior of the module a public atrium allows for a more open + airy feeling. Each wing of guestroom varies depending on where it is oriented in relation to the sun, responding to Florida’s natural conditions.

Module View

Typical Guestroom FloorplanSection Perspective

Conceptual Diagram

| 38 |West Street View

South Riverwalk View South-East View Module View

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University City Design C | Profs. Vikas Metha +Trent Green

| 42 |Existing Park + Open Spaces Building Density Reconstructed Green Diagram Intensity Context Model

Location:

Tampa, FL Site Area:

20 sq miles/ 12,799 acresType:

Urban Design Master Plan

Group Members:

Mayre Perez + Daniel Alderman

Description:

The site for the group portion is located in Tampa, FL in an area surrounding the Uni-versity of South Florida. The project called for the creation + design of a USF Innova-tion Zone that would engender new ideas in technology, create new economic oppor-tunities, + foster engagement between the university with the community. The innova-tion zone is foreseen as a place with mul-tiple centers surrounding the university, with focuses on technology, medial, residences, cultural, + entertainment. The guidelines were to design a city, a district, a neighbor-hood, + places that are delightful, sustain-able, + just. Considerations were taken to keep in mind the public + private space, sustainable communities, + the neighbor-hood space. Above all, the design was to be a place of choice + to uses choices that offer opportunities to enhance culture.

Design |C| Profs. Vikas Metha + Trent Green Spring 2012 | 13 Weeks

Concept Axo

| 44 |USF Context Plan

The driving concept behind the design scheme was to create a network of green spaces using existing + reclaimed land to create a new method of moving throughout the new innovation zone + university. On the larger scale this net-work of green reconnects the natural land preserves of the north throughout the innovation area, creating a network of green that can function as one. On a smaller scale the green spaces act as connectors between spaces offering an alternative route than relying on the auto-mobile + brings a sense of community. The design also incorporates a new bus system that helps alleviate the traffic con-cerns in the area + offers a new layer of transportation. The project extends from I-275 in the west to I-75 in the east + Bearss Ave in the north to Busch Blvd in the south. As the project focuses in, it brings together research + innovation to the university + the surrounding com-munity. By bringing together a variety of uses + functions ranging from residential to research, the design is able to create a well-knit walkable area with a unique sense of place.

Re-constructed Green Profs. Vikas Metha + Trent Green

| 46 |Innovation Landuse

Innovation Figure Ground

Cultural Landuse

Cultural Figure Ground

Innovation Master Plan

Innovation Landscape Plan

Innovation Focus Area

| 48 |Detail Portion of Focus Innovation Area

Block + Building Typologies

Focus Areas + Nodes

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Pathway Diagram Bike Path Diagram Parking Diagram

| 50 |McKinely Elevation

Rowhouse Elevation

This detail model shows the city center along McKinely Ave where it has the highest intensity + activity levels. The reconstructed green becomes a new mode of circulation amongst the open spaces, allowing for building to building, building to open space, + open to open space connections to be made. This network of reconstructed green becomes a hinge + connects the community garden to city.

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The section below shows the density increase as it moves west to McKinely Dr and decreases in the east as it meets the valley condition + the community garden.

Focus Master Plan

The area of focus is to the south of Fowler + is the main innovation area. It was cho-sen for its potential to bring together a va-riety of uses + functions. This focus area is considered to be one of the city centers where research, business, + residential all come together. The main concept for this master plan was to create a strong con-nection between the focus area + the university to further develop the university into the community fabric. The extension of Leroy Collins Blvd as part of the recon-structed green network offers a direct con-nection to residential + commercial activi-ties. Individuals can live in close proximity to the University and/or their work. A val-ley condition is created down Leroy Col-lins to make a more appropriate human scale + to be an open walkable space that leads into a community garden + market. The high intensity/activity areas fall along McKinley Dr which has been reworked to be a commercial + research center. The reconstructed green can be seen in its network of parks + open spaces that connect the major areas in the focus area. Along the west edge of the focus area a large park + nature zone creates a natural buffer against industrial activity. This area together with all of its parts creates a con-ducive environment for individuals to live healthy, work, + interact.

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The section to the right shows the community gardens and its valley condition. The community gardens aid in fostering a better relationship between the com-munity + research institutions.

As you move from the public street inwards it progressively be-comes more private. One design concept includes green spaces inside the larger blocks to allow for sustainable buildings to take full advantage of more natural light + views. These spaces also serve as connectors in between buildings for secondary circula-tion off the street.

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Between Form + Use Design c | Profs. Vikas Metha + Trent Green

| 58 |Cypress Dome Mangroves Pathway

Location:

Tampa, FL Site Area:

18.8 acres / 17.6 hectaresType:

Urban Design Master Plan

Description:

The individual portion calls for the continual exploration of the focus area at more re-fined scale, paying special attention to the in-between spaces of the site. The project centers on the natural ecology, morphology, + public space to create a sense of place unique to the Tampa area. The process be-gan with an additional analysis of the existing conditions to further develop a detail vision followed by a detailed supporting plan. The project takes six blocks on McKinely Dr to further develop an urban design master plan.

Design |C| Profs. Vikas Metha + Trent Green Spring 2012 | 3 Weeks Individual Project

Park Diagram

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The scheme focuses on the connection of the in-between spaces + public open spaces. The secondary path of movement becomes a journey through the open spac-es that offer a more informal circulation than would the primary pathways. Along this journey the individual experiences Florida’s natural ecology in each open space. The open space works in conjunction with the innovation zone + institution to offer educa-tional opportunities about the natural Florida landscape. Each open space is tailored to respond + react to the adjacent buildings, public, + to allow for the transition from pub-lic to private to be minimal. The response to the buildings assists in shaping the open space so that they work together as one area. Along the journey the individual can gain an experience + knowledge that are as unique as Florida’s landscape itself.

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Figure Ground

Land Use

Landscape

Masterplan

The design focuses on pulling the private realm up and/or back to allow for the pub-lic realm to be the main focal point. This allows for a more community oriented city where the public open spaces are more accessible to public. The open spaces flow into each other to further aid in the progression through the Florida landscape. Each open space + its in-between space work in conjunction with the building forms. The open spaces allow for multiple layers of commercial activities where busi-ness can take advantage of the street side + the interior portions of the block. The landscape works with the reconstructed green concept to promote a healthy life-style + sustainable development.

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Wetland

Spring

Tidal

The project’s main open space is designed to create a wet-land that has the capability to expand + contract with the change in rain + water levels. The wetland naturally filters the storm water + runoff to give back to the landscape. This open space brings together a large block within the commu-nity, creating a space where people can relax on their lunch break + for community events.

Secondary to the wetland open space, the spring open space is about the vertical movement of people + water. This open space responds to a large commercial + research offices that move large amounts of people throughout the day. The open space connects the second floor of a large commercial build-ing to bring people up to into the building. Geared towards the professional the open space creates moments for pause + relaxation throughout the day. The movement of water cre-ates a tranquil environment + blocks out city noise.

The third major space public space is the tidal reflection pool. This space offers a more playful atmosphere that responds to a more relaxed environment with cafes + shops. Users can sit by the water or wade through it with its raised + lowered topography.

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Thinking + Making Summer 2011 | Prof. Levent Kara

| 68 |Film Images

Thinking + Making Prof. Levent Kara Summer 2011 | 6 Weeks

Location:

Copenhagen, Denmark

Program:

Museum, Gallery, Institutional

Type:

Cultural Description:

This course is centered on the relation of thinking + making as a process in design. The focus of this course was a speculative re-construction of the spatial qualities + or-ganization of the city of Copenhagen. The process began by mapping a 2003 Swed-ish film, “Reconstruction.” Analyzing the film allowed for the relationship between archi-tecture + film to be uncovered, opening a new way of understanding + constructing architecture.

Mapping + Construction of Copenhagen

| 70 |Matrix Reconstructing Copenhagen

After mapping the film + Copenhagen, the reconstruction began to develop and unfold through a multitude of scales + through the layering of space. Following the characters throughout the film led to the understanding the continuous play between darkness + light, translating into the idea of expansion + contraction. This expansion + contraction become evident in the newly reconstructed city grid where the non-linear aspect of the film is trans-lated into order of the city.

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Intervention View Intervention ViewFinal Context Model

In the reconstruction of Copenhagen a small portion was selected to hold an intervention. The selection elicited ideas of expansion + contraction along with the ideas of compression. The approach to the space is elongated + compresses as you advance towards the intervention. As you progress to toward the intervention it opens into a vast expansion of space. The idea of expansion + contraction is again applied to the special conditions of the intervention. Spaces constrict + ex-pand into each other, pulling the viewer into an experience of the film. Allowing for other experiential conditions, layers of transparency are applied to the skin of the intervention where the viewer could expe-rience the space through the film’s various lenses. To create these lenses, images of the reconstructed drawing + film are ap-plied to the intervention’s skin, focusing on the darkness to light + to filter the gal-leries light. The image on the left is the final reconstruction of Copenhagen with an overlay of film images.

Intervention View Intervention without Context

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USF Charratte Visual Clarity + Wayfinding in Architecture Fall 2011 | 3 Days

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1. Lobby2. Waiting Room3. Handicap Accessible Ramp4. Outdoor Waiting Space5. Main Circulation6. Reflection Pool

Location:

USF Eye Institute Tampa, FL

Size:

5,000 gross sq ft / 464 sq m Group Members:

Mayre Perez, Giancarlo Santillan + David Zowko Description:

The All-School Charrette focuses on renovating the Eye Institute at the University of South Florid by focusing on its visibility, wayfinding for patients, space enhancements, + façade renovation in order to give itself a renewed identity.

The design scheme works to resolve all of the facil-ity’s primary issues by first starting on the approach + entrance to the space. The new approach en-sures that patients are now greeted with an updated facade + porte cochere that leads you directly into the renovated lobby + patient waiting area. Previ-ously, patients were compressed by the awkward design of the lobby. Now a more open space, the lobby can better realize its function to greet guests + direct them to the appropriate areas of the facility. The waiting area has been made open + bright cre-ating a tranquil background. The waiting area links both portions of the facility + acts as a hinge. By relocating the waiting room it leaves a new space for circulation + can be easily understood spatially by the occupants. Circulation is now easier along this hallway with multiple connections to the exterior and new tranquil green space that buffers the parking lot. The relocation of the waiting room also allows for space to rest + wait peacefully instead of being in the direct circulation path. Only the main circulation hallway light is filtered at the two main intersections allowing it to better find its way into the space.

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