Friday, December 18, 2015

24 years of being an architect!

24 years ago on this day, I received my degree as an architect. It has been a long and challenging, yet fulfilling road to today. If I were to have to go back and choose my career path again, I wouldn't change a thing. As proud as I am of my architectural achievements, my accomplishments as a father are equally, if not more gratifying.

24 años atrás, me recibía de arquitecto. Fue un camino largo, por momentos complicado, pero siempre satisfactorio. Si volviera el tiempo atrás y tuviera a elegir volver a elegir, volvería a elegir el mismo camino. 
Estoy muy orgulloso de mis logros, y también de mi mayor logro, el de ser padre de 2 hermosos hij

os.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

4th St Construction Progress


A recent progress photo of a project on Jersey City's 4th St coming to life.  The architectural intent was to create a unique building that is representative of 2015, yet relate to its existing urban context in proportion and scale.  Once completed, it will provide Jersey City with 3 high-end residential units and green spaces for its residents in the backyard and on the roof.


Monday, January 26, 2015

Structural Expression in Architecture

A notable architectural movement that took hold in the 1970's is the use of structural expression.  As use of steel and concrete became more prevalent and practical, architects began using the structural components as a notable visual element in the design.  These buildings began to take on a machine-like aesthetic with their technical components and sometimes inner workings, revealed and accentuated in the design.

Norman Foster has been a recurring name with this architectural style.  From the HSBC Building in Hong Kong (1986) to his designs today for buildings like the Hearst Tower and the Leadenhall Building, he still often uses this approach today.








HSBC Building, Norman Foster

















Hearst Tower, Norman Foster













Here are some other examples:





Centre Pompidou, Richard Rogers








Hancock Center, SOM










In contrast:

One of the most exciting aspects of emerging technologies is the effect on what is possible for an architect.  Architects today have so many options at their disposal with rapid advancements in structural and building system technologies.  This allows for an antithesis to structural expression.

"The best engineer a few decades ago was someone who could create the most beautiful beam of structure; today it's to do a structure you cannot see or understand how it's done.  It disappears and you can talk only about color, symbols, and light.  It's an aesthetic of miracle."
-Jean Nouvel

This approach to architecture invigorates people's imagination and makes them wonder "what makes that stand up?"  This is in dramatic contrast to structural expression which reveals how it works to anyone who can see it and tells its own story with structure.  This approach nearly hides it and makes it a mystery.

Here are some notable examples:






Marina Bay Sands, Moshe Safdie













Barclays Center, SHoP Architects













Villa Kogelhof, Paul de Ruiter








As an architect, I find it interesting to see how structure can be such an integral part of the aesthetic in buildings or completely hidden in the design.  


Sunday, January 4, 2015

Holidays in the country with my family.

I was on vacation with my family for the holidays. It was nice to have some time off and enjoy family and friends. It was good that my phone didn't work and I didn't have access to my emails.
Well, now I have more than 500 emails to read...
In these pictures, with my 2 sons, Kael, who is 5 years  old and Kiano who is only 4 months old.