ROJO ARCHITECTURE1

ROJO ARCHITECTURE TAMPA, FL (USA)

CASE STUDY:

ROJO ARCHITECTURE2

CREATING WELCOMING SPACES FOR EVERYONE

For designers at ROJO Architecture, working in a space that’s suited for play provides just the right mental break to spark their next great idea. Their office sits inside of what was once a busy shopping mall until a recession forced commercial building owners to rethink the space. Cofounder and Principal Rob Glisson enthuses that while the spacious, 25-foot hallways are perfect for throwing footballs, the real benefit of the structure’s openness is how it facilitates collaboration. “Anytime you have something to offer to make a project better, you’re expected, and able, to do so,” he says.

It’s this drive to work cohesively that allows Glisson, along with Cofounder and Principal John Saldana and a team of seven other architects, to respond to the medical, religious, commercial, hospitality, and private-sector clients they serve. “We’re really working for our clients’ clients and responding to their needs and desires,” notes Saldana.

We don’t necessarily bring a style to the job as much as we let the job bring a style to us, and then we focus on doing that correctly.

ROJO ARCHITECTURE3

FROM RETAIL TO HEALING: A SPACE TRANSFORMED

One example of ROJO’s focus on end users is its conversion of a 27,550-square-foot bookstore into a space conducive to orthopedic care, education, and research for the Florida Orthopaedic Institute. Because the site was once a large, open space with little privacy and no natural light, ROJO was challenged to meet the functional needs of the medical facility, as well as transform the entryway into a welcoming destination.

The result of their efforts is a space that patients and employees are happy to enter because it replicates the vibe of an upscale hotel lobby. The experience begins with a glass wall, featuring a cascading waterfall behind the facility’s nameplate. This striking focal point wasn’t meant to be an interactive water feature, but people touch this playful design element every day, creating a memorable, if unintended, experience. From there, a winding path cuts through the space, using sophisticated gray and gold carpet that complements wood-lined walls with recessed shelving featuring artwork, as well as plush upholstered furniture with modern industrial lighting.

ROJO ARCHITECTURE4

As an early embracer of technology, ROJO has employed Vectorworks® Architect software as a Building Information Modeling (BIM) authoring tool for several of its projects, including the Florida Orthopaedic Institute. The firm modeled the design right in the software from the start, often adding far more detail than necessary for initial client signoff. This approach proved to be beneficial. “The better we can show our designs, the better we can sell them,” says Glisson. “And it works.” With fully developed presentations, he adds that their client meetings are 95 percent successful.

Saldana remarks that operating in a BIM workflow also reduces the firm’s backend work significantly, saving hundreds of hours. “Even though clients often look at 2D drawings, we have everything backed up in a 3D model. We know a lot more about their space than it appears.” ROJO also encourages its contractors to use BIM. “Precise quantities can save 10 percent on wasted materials,” says Glisson. “Passing these savings along to clients clinches more bids. It’s a win-win for all.”

DISPLAYDIS

PLA

Y

ART

DISPLAYVN-1

WC-1

WC-1WC-1PT-1

SS-2 SOLID SURFACE COUNTERTOP

BASE CABINETS WITH ADJUSTABLE SHELVES. PROVIDE KNOTCHED DOORS AS PULL HARDWARE IS NOT DESIRED AT THIS LOCATION.

DISPLAY CASES BY MILLWORK SUB-CONTRACTOR. FINISH - VN-1.TOP SHALL BE ACRYLIC REMOVABLE TOP. PROVIDE SHOP DWGS FOR REVIEW.

RECESSED DISPLAY AREAS COVERED WITH WC-1. WOOD VENEER (VN-1) AND REGLEGTS SHALL RETURN INTO DISPLAY AREA, TYP.

WATER FEATURE PROVIDED BYOWNER. COORDINATE PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS.

SOFFIT WITH VN-1 AND REGLETS ON BOTH SIDES. BOTTOM OF SOFFIT IN VN-1, TYP IN LOBBY AND HALLWAY #172. REFER TO REFLECTED CEILING PLAN FOR LOCATIONS.

1'-4

"3'

-0"

6'-4" 2'-6" 2'-6" 3'-8" 13'-9" 10'-0" 2'-4" 1'-8"

B

A

12

123

3

C

D

4

4

5

5

B

A

C

D

B

A

12

123

3

C

D

4

4

5

5

B

A

C

D

SEATING GROUP 1

SEATING GROUP 2

SEATING GROUP 3

SEATING GROUP 4SEATING GROUP 5

INDICATES AREAS WITH VN-1 W/ 1" REGLETS

12" DEEP BASE CABINETS WITH 14" DEEP SOLID SURFACE COUNTERTOP IN SS-2 FINISH.

(3) 22" X 24" X 36" DISPLAY CASES WTH ACRYLIC TOP PROVIDED BY MILLWORK SUB-CONTRACTOR.

3AA-9.1

2AA-9.1

4AA-9.1

1AA-9.1

5AA-9.1

ARTTV

VN-1

3/4" X 6" HIGH WOOD TRIM WITH VN-1.

WC-1

SS-2

SS-2 SS-2

VN-1

VN-1

VN-1

VN-1

TV

VN-1

VN-1

SS-2

SOFFIT WITH VN-1 AND REGLETS ON BOTH SIDES. BOTTOM OF SOFFIT IN VN-1, TYP IN LOBBY AND HALLWAY #172. REFER TO REFLECTED CEILING PLAN FOR LOCATIONS.

3'-1

"

7"1'

-11"

7"1'

-11"

7"1'

-11"

6"1"

2'-6

"2'

-6"

8'-1

"

1'-1

1"

ARTARTART

6"2'

-1"

6"7'

-0"

6"2'

-0"

6"

8'-1

"

VN-1

3/4" X 6" HIGH TRIM PIECE WITH VN-1 VENEER CLADDING.

VN-1

VN-1

VN-1

ART

8'-1

"10'-7

"

13'-1

"

8'-3

"

10'-0

"

VN-1SOFFIT WITH VN-1 AND REGLETS ON BOTH SIDES. BOTTOM OF SOFFIT IN VN-1, TYP IN LOBBY AND HALLWAY #172. REFER TO REFLECTED CEILING PLAN FOR LOCATIONS.

3/4" X 6" HIGH WOOD TRIM WITH VN-1.

VN-1

VN-1 VN-1

PT-1

RUBBER BASE AS SPECIFIED

FLOOR PLAN

ELEVATION D

ELEVATION A ELEVATION B ELEVATION C

ELEVATION E

ELEV

ATIO

N

A

ELEV

ATIO

N B

ELEVATION C

ELEVATION D

ELEV

ATIO

N

E

ROJO ARCHITECTURE5

ROJO recently oversaw another transformation with The Portland building, which represents a departure from the typical affordable housing block. This government-funded, 78,000-square-foot project features 12 stories with 68 units, all on a small lot in St. Petersburg, Florida. ROJO’s interpretation of Portland, Oregon’s seaside cliffs are displayed on the face of the building and its elevator tower, with striations and a peeling of the exterior to reveal rich blues and greens in the glass and metalwork. The tower draws the eye upward with diagonal lines that change the shape of the windows as they ascend. Inside, reclaimed barn wood laid horizontally on the walls, modern black and white leather furniture, and magenta and black spotted carpet set an upscale, modern tone. And in a nod to Portland’s claim to being the “City of Roses,” larger-than-life sculptural rose cutouts appear to climb the outer walls of the building, showing expansive ocean views. “We really concentrated on what every person’s experience was going to be. Most people are generally very surprised that it’s affordable housing,” Saldana says.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING MEETS HIP DESIGN

ROJO ARCHITECTURE6

One challenge ROJO faced during the project’s evolution was the lot’s small size. Exploring different scenarios in Vectorworks Architect software proved critical to optimally sizing the space, including its three levels of parking. “I don’t know how we would have done the vertical stacking without a tool like Vectorworks Architect,” Glisson says. “We needed to evaluate if certain geometries were going to be more conducive to the unit placement. The software confirmed our design decisions and saved us an incredible amount of time.”

Saldana also credits the software’s presentation capabilities for enabling the project’s smooth approval process by the State of Florida, the City of St. Petersburg, and a private developer. “We’re only as good as we can communicate to the client, and Vectorworks Architect helped us communicate our ideas effectively.”

B

A

12

123

3

C

D

4

4

5

5

B

A

C

D

C10 C11 C12 C13

C10 C11 C12 C13

C10 C11 C12 C13

C10 C11 C12 C13

C10 C11 C12 C13

C10 C11 C12 C13

C10 C11 C12 C13

C10 C11 C12 C13

C10 C11 C12 C13

TH IS IS A SYMBOL

TH IS IS A SYMBOL

TH IS IS A SYMBOL

TH IS IS A SYMBOL

TH IS IS A SYMBOL

TH IS IS A SYMBOL

TH IS IS A SYMBOL

TH IS IS A SYMBOL

TH IS IS A SYMBOL

T.O 4TH FL SLAB

EL. 29'-4"

T.O 3RD FL SLAB

EL. 19'-4"

T.O 2ND FL SLAB

EL. 10'-8"

T.O 1ST FL SLAB

EL. 0'-0"

T.O 5TH FL SLAB

EL. 38'-8"

T.O 6TH FL SLAB

EL. 48'-0"

T.O 7TH FL SLAB

EL. 57'-4"

T.O 8TH FL SLAB

EL. 66'-8"

T.O 9TH FL SLAB

EL. 76'-0"

T.O 10TH FL SLAB

EL. 85'-4"

T.O 11TH FL SLAB

EL. 94'-8"

T.O 12TH FL SLAB

EL. 104'-0"

T.O ROOF LANDING

EL. 114'0"

T.O STAIR TOWER SLAB

EL. 123'4"

C9

SECTIONScale: 1/8" = 1'-0"

5A

A-8.1

4A

A-9.1

4A

A-9.2

3

6

6

B

A

12

123

3

C

D

4

4

5

5

B

A

C

DC13

PROVIDE CARLISLE - CCW 5123 TRAFFIC COATING OVER BROOM FINISH CONCRETE AS PER MANUFACUTRER'S RECOMENDATIONS.

3'-6

"

GUARDRAIL SYSTEM (BASIS OF DESIGN IS WAGNER GLASSRAILS):- DRY SEAL SYSTEM W/ WELD BLOCK WITH STEEL SUBSTRATE GLASS GUARDRAIL OVER,- SIPLAST WATER PROOFING MEMBRANE OVER,- CONCRETE CURB.

7/8" STUCCO SYSTEM: .- STUCCO OVER,- SELF FURRING METAL LATHE OVER,- 15# FELT OVER,- COMMERCIAL BUILDING WRAP OVER,- 5/8" DENSGLASS SHEATHING OVER,- 2X4 STEEL STUDS

1/2" GAP W/ SEALANT: .- J-BEAD STUCCO TERM. STRIP- 1/2" GAP W/ SEALANT AND BACKER ROD

STUCCO FINISH WITH STUCCO REVEALS

CAR RESTRAINT CABLES: .- PER PARKING DESIGNER- VERIFY PLACEMENT AND TENSION OF CABLES PROHIBITS IMPACT WITH CURTAIN WALL SYSTEM UNDER LIGHT IMPACT

3"

WRAP ROOFING OVER TOP OF CONCRETE CURB AND 1 1/2" DOWN FRONT FACE

J-BEAD STUCCO TERMINATION STRIP .

REFER TO ELEVATIONS FOR MULLION LOCATIONS

T.O. 2ND FL SLAB

EL. 10'-8"

T.O. 4TH FL SLAB

EL. 29'-4"T.O. PATIO PAVERS

EL. 29'-3 1/2"

T.O. CAR RESTRAINT CABLES

EL. 3'0" AFF - TYP.B.O SOFFIT

EL. VARIES (REFER TO ELEVATIONS)

T.O. 3RD FL SLAB

EL. 19'-4"

T.O. 1ST FL SLAB

EL. 0'-0"

T.O. 8"x8" TUBE STEEL AT LOWEST POINT

EL. 13'-10"

FLOOR FINISH TO CURTAIN WALL TRANSITION:- FINISH PER SCHEDULE- FLOOR TRANSITION STRIP (COLOR MATCHED TO CURTAIN WALL)- 1/4" GAP W/ SEALANT AND BACKER ROD

EXPANSION JOINT BOARD W/ PEAL AWAY TOP SECTION. PROVIDE SEALANT AT FINISHED JOINT

SLOPE HARDSCAPE TO DRAIN .

CEILING SYSTEM @ CURTAIN WALL IN OFFICE:- 5/8 GYPSUM BOARD OVER- 3/4 RIGID INSULATION. R-11 MIN.- 7/8 HAT CHANNELS- TERMINATE AT CURTAIN WALL SYSTEM W/ J-BEAD ALIGNED W/ FACE OF CURTAIN WALL- FILL GAP W/ SEALANT AND BACKER ROD- REFER TO REFLECTED CEILING PLANS FOR FINISHED CEILING HEIGHTS ELSEWHERE

DECORATIVE METAL COLUMN.- PAINT TO MATCH CURTAIN WALL MULLIONS.- SEE STRUCTURAL FOR DETAILS.

WHEEL STOP. SEE CIVIL. TYP. .

8" DIA. BOLLARD. SEE STRUCTURAL. .

5/8" STUCCO OVER CMU WALL:- PAINT (PER SPECIFICATIONS) OVER,- STUCCO OVER,- CMU BLOCK WALL

5/8" GYPSUM BOARD CEILING- DRYWALL SUSPENSION SYSTEM- R-11 MIN. BATT INSULATION.- REFER TO REFLECTED CEILING PLANS FOR FINISHED CEILING HEIGHTS ELSEWHERE

5/8" STUCCO OVER 2HR RATED CMU WALL:- PAINT (PER SPECIFICATIONS) OVER,- STUCCO OVER,- CMU BLOCK WALL OVER,- METAL FURRING CHANELS OVER,- GYPSUM BOARD- FLUID APPLIED WATERPROOFING OVER CMU AND BLOCKING AT WALL PENETRATIONS

P.T. SLAB. SEE STRUCTURAL TYP. .

CONCRETE BEAM. SEE STRUCTURAL .

SPRAY APPLIED INSULATION. R-11 MIN.

1/4" MAX. WITHOUT EDGE TREATMENT PER ADA ACCESSIBILITY CODE.

EXTERIOR DOOR BY DELTA DOORS (DH 350 SERISE ALUMINUM).- COLOR TO MATCH CURTAIN WALL MULLIONS.

STUCCO CONTROL JOINT. TYP.

CURTAIN WALL SYSTEM.

BREAK METAL.

SLOPE: 1/4" = 1'-0" SLOPE: 1/4" = 1'-0"

DECORATIVE METAL COLUMN.- PAINT TO MATCH CURTAIN WALL MULLIONS.- SEE STRUCTURAL FOR DETAILS.

SLOPE: 1/4" = 1'-0"

WS: TYP CURTAIN WALL @ ELEVATOR LOBBYScale: 3/4" = 1'-0"

3A

A-9.1

REMAINDER OF WALL SECTION CONTINUES @ 3A / A-9.2

PROVIDE CARLISLE - CCW 5123 TRAFFIC COATING OVER BROOM FINISH CONCRETE AS PER MANUFACUTRER'S RECOMENDATIONS.

TUBE STEEL BEAM. SEE STRUCTURAL.- INTUMESCENT COATING SHALL BE APPLIED TO ACHIEVE 2HR RATING PRIOR TO INSTALLING CURTAIN WALL AND BREAK METAL.- SEE WALL LEGEND FOR UL RATING. - ALUM BREAK METAL @ ALL EXPOSED SURFACES (COLOR AND FINISH TO MATCH CURTAIN WALL)-SEPARATE DISSIMILAR METALS WITH BITUMINUS COATING.

7/8" STUCCO SYSTEM OVER 2X4 STEEL STUDS .

ALUMINUM PANEL SYSTEM BEYOND .

STUCCO TO BREAK METAL TRANSITION:- TERMINATE STUCCO 1/2" FROM BREAK METAL WITH A J-BEAD TERMINATION STRIP- PROVIDE SEALANT AND BACKER ROD WITHIN GAP

WALL SECTION @ ENTRANCE / OFFICEScale: 1/2" = 1'-0"

4A

A-9.1

3

6

6

ROJO ARCHITECTURE7

Looking ahead, ROJO’s founders envision BIM playing an increasingly larger role in streamlining their workflows. For example, Glisson asserts that as subcontractors develop BIM models for their millwork, HVAC, and other products, construction details are rendered moot. Architecture firms like his can therefore work with the subcontractors and contractors directly. “We don’t need to create a BIM model and then have them BIM again,” he says. “The subcontractors can just BIM their work first and bring it back into our model. That’s going to be a lot of fun to work with.” How soon can everyone get there? Glisson and his team hope to leverage their experience with BIM to help the contractors they work with make process improvements within five years.

A BRIGHT FUTURE WITH BIM

Saldana also sees huge timesaving opportunities with more prevalent BIM. “Contractors can input our model into their shop drawings. Then, we can put 100 percent of our time into the design, rather than documenting and drafting, and provide more accurate bidding.” That sounds like progress for everyone.

B

A

12

123

3

C

D

4

4

5

5

B

A

C

D

1ST FLOOR0"

2ND FLOOR10'8"

3RD FLOOR

19'4"

4TH FLOOR29'4"

5TH FLOOR38'8"

6TH FLOOR48'0"

7TH FLOOR57'4"

8TH FLOOR66'8"

9TH FLOOR76'0"

10TH FLOOR85'4"

11TH FLOOR94'8"

12TH FLOOR104'0"

ROOF DECK

114'0"

T.O. ROOF

123'4"

T.O. PARAPET126'8"T.O. PARAPET

124'8"

T.O. PARAPET

130'6"

E K.9 N Q U WA

1

5

3

1 231 110

1

1

10

10

6

2

85.00°4'

-6"

G-A9

ALIGN TOP OF CONTROL JOINTS AND RECESSED REVEALS WITH TOP OF SLAB ON ALL LOCATIONS U.O.N.

ALIGN TOP OF RECESSED REVEAL WITH TOP OF SLAB

5

9

3

G-A8

G-A6

G-A5G-A4G-A3G-A2G-A1 G-A7

121.5

120.7 12

13

5

9

5

4

4

1

12

8

7 SP

AC

ES @

1'4

"6

SPA

CES

@ 1

'4"

INFILL EXPOSED AREA W/ BREAK METAL TO MATCH CURTAINWALL FINISH

6'-8

"

5'-6"

5'-6"

9'-2" 4'-0"

13'-2"

9'-2"

13'-2"

3"

9'-1"

10'-1"

10'-1"

3"

4"

4'-0"1'-10"

10'-1"

4"

4"

4'-0"

11 S

PAC

ES @

1'4

"

2

ELEVATION NOTES:

1 CEMENT PLASTER - COLOR E1 AS SELECTED BY ARCHITECT

2

3

ALUMINUM PARAPET CAP, FINISH AS SELECTED BY ARCHITECT

4

ALUMINUM WINDOW, SEE FLOOR PLANS

5

ALUMINUM / GLASS RAIL - CLEAR GLASS

6

ALUMINUM RAIL, FINISH AS SELECTED BY ARCHITECT

7

8 1-1/2" PLASTER RECESSED REVEAL, PAINTED TO MATCH FIELD COLOR

9

10 STEEL CABLE GUADRAILS

11 STEEL CHARACTERS, FINISH AS SELECTED BY ARCHITECT

12 STUCCO CONTROL JOINT

13

CEMENT PLASTER W/ 1-1/2" PLASTER RECESSED REVEALS @ 1'4" 0.C.COLOR E2 AS SELECTED BY ARCHITECT

CEMENT PLASTER - COLOR E3 AS SELECTED BY ARCHITECT

EXHAUST FAN GRILLES, PAINTED TO MATCH FIELD COLOR

STEEL PIPE COLUMN, FINISH AS SELECTED BY ARCHITECT

ROJO ARCHITECTURE8

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

BE INSPIRED

Profiled FirmROJO Architecture5701 East Hillsborough Avenue, #1130Tampa, FL 33610813.630.5508www.rojoarchitecture.com

ImagesImages courtesy of ROJO Architecture. The Portland photos courtesy of Mark Borosch Photography.

Original Text and PublicationVectorworks, Inc.7150 Riverwood DriveColumbia, MD 21046 USA410-290-5114casestudy@vectorworks.netwww.vectorworks.net

Find Your DistributorFor sales information and to identify your local distributor,visit www.vectorworks.net/international.

Thou shall not nudge.Love thy project as thyself. If you don’t knoweth, asketh.Know and love thy grid.Know thy class structure.Understand thy upgrade, upgrades are good. Your drawing files reflect on you.Hold thyself accountable.Treat .dwg users as you would wish to be treated. Live according to your faith.

© 2016 Vectorworks, Inc.Vectorworks is a registered trademark of Vectorworks, Inc.

Read about more designers who transform the world with Vectorworks software at vectorworks.net/success-stories.

ROJO’S DESIGN COMMANDMENTS