Form | Fall 2014

1 - Starting from a simple box, the envelope is unfolded then altered to generate new geometries.

These scaleless forms can be re-imagined as architectural forms and spaces

2 - The final geometry is measured and translated on to a 48" x 36" Strathmore sheet. Through the use of orthographic projection, the rest of the object is drawn. With these drawings, various section cuts are drawn then transferred onto trace paper.

3 - Twelve sections are then cut out by superimposing a 3" x 4.5" x 9" Polar rectangle with the final object. Using a zero sum method of construction, a positive and negative of the boolean operation is created.

Precedent | Fall 2015

1 - Precedent study of the Seattle Central Library facade system.

2 - The facade system was constructed using a multitude of layers to fulfill the formal and functional needs of the building.

1. Steel Member
2. Aluminum Extrusion + Gasket
3. Glass Panel
4. Steel Mesh
5. Glass Panel
6. Silicon Gasket
7. Aluminum Mullion Cap

3 - Using various methods of fabrication, a scale model of the facade system was assembled.

Fabricating the steel member proved to be the most difficult. At first, a brazing technique was used but did not yield the best result. Then, an investment casting technique was used but resulted in a very rough surface finish that would require a great amount of effort to correct. In the end, the welding technique was used, despite warping issues caused by the intense heat. Compared to the fabrication of the steel members, assembly of the aluminum mullion system was straight forward.

4 - Finished facade system

Collage | Fall 2014

1 - Through an extensive use of collage a 24" x 36" perspectival image was constructed. After extracting the original photograph's vanishing points, a Megalith was drawn over the collage to match the perspective.

2 - A photograph of the Loch Lyon Dam in Scotland served as the base image. Multiple copies of the photograph were made on 8.5" x 11" paper and carefully cut out to construct the final 24" x 36" collage.

3 - Preliminary collages were created prior to the large collage. These smaller collages explored the technique as well as a compositional narrative.

4 - A model encapsulating the ideas about the Megalith was constructed from clear acrylic panels and reflective plastic panels. The photograph was taken by shining a single light source on the model allowing an exaggerated shadow to be casted.

Museum | Fall 2015

1 - Photographs of a banal building were taken in order to analyse the characteristics of the building.

2 - Two detailed elevation drawings were produced from the photographs.

3 - Detail model derived from the drawings.

4 - From the elevation drawings a basic plan of the building was produced using measurement extrapolation and orthographic projection.

A dual grid system was produced to describe the irregular characteristics of the plan. Through iteration, a diagram of a new plan began to emerge.

5 - The orthogonal grid defines the column schedule while the angled grid defines the geometric shift of the floors.

6 - Elevation rendering

7 - Modulation of the previous photograph to convey the new building layout.

8 - An introduction of a ready-made into the project.

9 - The ready-made acts as the central circulation hub allowing people to access all floors through the ready-made structure.

10 - The full height, unobstructed exhibition space can display large sculptures and artwork. the secondary spaces adjacent to the main atrium displays the museum's more permanent works of art. All of these spaces are accessible through the ready-made structure. The roof terraces provides outdoor spaces for people to relax. Apertures are located above the secondary atrium space to provide ample amount of light.

Aquarium | Spring 2016

Housing | Fall 2016

1 - The Abandoned Tracks site is situated in between the two buildings on South Anderson Street and South Clarence Street. This narrow 17' x 325' site used to have a rail line running across it. The site is also situated perpendicular to the 6th street bridge.

These unique site parameters helped shape the program and design of the housing complex.

2 - Basic massing models were created based on the zoning FAR of 4.5.

3 - The design of the building was progressed by the extensive use of massing diagrams, circulation diagrams and program diagrams.

The building responds to the ground plane and new 6th street bridge. The building is lifted up on these two planes to be able to insert new programs. The ground level void provides a space for a farmers market while the void at the center of the building allows for a library. A farmers market and library are essential to the growth of the site. A lack of a grocery stores in this area can be mitigated by the farmers market. Educational/learning centers are few and far between in this neighborhood, making the library a perfect fit for the building. These two planes also represent the two opposing forces of gentrification from the arts district and the existing residents of Boyle Heights. This building sets a precedent for the area allowing both of these forces to coexist and remain exclusive from one another by acting as a threshold.

4 - Plan of a typical floor and plan of the library floor.

5 - Hybrid perspective section-elevation

6 - Model constructed from clear acrylic, white acrylic & museum board

Housing | Spring 2017

JSET Competition Entry
Team - Lucas Mok, Esteban Cerna, Ashni Patel

1 - 

Precedent | Fall 2016

1 - Precedent study of The Whale by de Architekten Cie. in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

2 - A typical courtyard typology that has been lifted up at the ends as a response to the site and context.

1. Secondary roadways lead into the larger roadway running parallel to The Whale.
2. By lifting up the skirt of the building, the secondary roadways can run length wise uninterrupted.

3 - The Whale takes context and circulation into account.

1. The Whale is situated next to Amsterdam's main waterway. (indicated on the map by an orange square)
2. The Whale is part of a greater collection of "Meteorite" typologies. The "Meteorites" are indicated as orange and typical canal houses are indicated in blue.
3. View-lines and circulation paths play a large role in the greater urban fabric of the site.

4 - Program diagram

1. Residential
2. Retail / Office
3. Parking
4. Garden

5 - Part to whole unit layout.

1. Units within the massing
2. Unit grouping
3. Units withing unit grouping