Erling cruz | portfolio

Index

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3231

9 - 10

5 - 63 - 4 7 - 8

11 -17 18 - 26

Law St. Place

Performance Hall

Kubos Restaurant

Jubilee Church Rest Stop Student Housing Community Center Hotel Nueva York

Birdwatch TowersAIA Awards

Renderings

34

27 - 28

30 33

Flushear Plaza

Design Built

Bethany Insurance Cougar Den

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C.C.M.H.

JUBILEE CHURCHRichard Meier / Rome, Italy / Academic / Fall 2008 / Prof. John Tsai

The objective of this project was to introduce students to model making and ink drawing techniques, that will prepare each individual for the necessary skills needed as an architectural student.

SCALE MODEL

1

SITE PLAN

REST STOPHouston, TX / Academic / Spring 2009Prof. John Tsai

The objective of this project was to explore the possibilities of the incorporation of the outdoor environment with the indoor space in a coherent way. .

SCALE MODEL

2

S T U D E N T HOUSINGHouston, TX / Academic / Spring 2010 / Prof. Robert Griffin

The Student Housing project proposed an additional structure to the Gerald D. Hines college of Architecture at the University of Houston. The proposed new building was to provide temporary living space to architecture students that spend the night working on their projects at school.

SITE PLAN

SECTION

SCALE MODEL

3

SITE PLAN

WEST ELEVATION 4

HIGH LINE CENTERNew York, NY / Academic / Spring 2011 Prof. Gary Machicek

The High Line Community Center was a response to the growing population of New York City. The project was designed to be a place where parents and their children

can gather and engage in extracurricular activities. The lower level is dedicated to the parents, fitted with a gym, restaurants, shops, bike rental, art gallery and an extension community garden that becomes a bridge to the High Line park. The upper levels serve as classrooms where children can be enrolled in art, music and theater

classes. The rooftop becomes an outdoor movie theater where kids and parents can come together and enjoy a movie as a family at the end of the day.

5

SCALE MODEL

6

Long

itude

= 7

4 0

0

Latitude = 40 44

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

-1

29 7

80 9

139 11

272 7

- 20 0

- 55 1

227 5

15 30 45 600

HOTEL NUEVA YORKNew York, NY / Academic / Fall 2011 / Prof. Peter Zweig

The proximity of the site to the High Line Park challenged the design to respond to its surroundings. The park and its environment were the two major factors on which the project evolved. Outdoor gardens were placed in different levels of the hotel to create a continuity of the park into the building. Each garden represents a season of the year and utilizes natural ventilation and lighting strategies to recreate the environmental condition of each season.

SITE PLAN

LOCATION DESIGN PROCESS

SECTION

FLOOR PLANS7

29 7

80 9

139 11

272 7

- 20 0

- 55 1

227 5

15 30 45 600

29 7

80 9

139 11

272 7

- 20 0

- 55 1

227 5

15 30 45 600

29 7

80 9

139 11

272 7

- 20 0

- 55 1

227 5

15 30 45 600

29 7

80 9

139 11

272 7

- 20 0

- 55 1

227 5

15 30 45 600

TYPICAL ROOM LOBBY

NATURAL VENTILATION - SPRING NATURAL LIGHTING - SUMMER

OUTDOOR GARDEN - AUTUMN THERMAL BARRIERS - WINTER 8

0 10 30 60 100

SOUND BARRIER

SOUND BARRIER

SOUND BARRIER

SOUND

DES

IGN

BAR

RIER

DESIGN BARRIER

DES

IGN

BAR

RIER

DESIGN BARRIER

010

3060

100

010

3060

100

010

3060

100

010

3060

100

010

3060

100

HOUSTON PERFORMANCE HALLHouston, TX / Academic / Spring 2012 / Prof. Kevin Story

The Houston Performance Hall was designed based on the concept of sound reverberation in a room. The goal was to integrate music into every aspect of the design to the point where the building became a musical instrument in itself. This was achieved by incorporating operable walls in the interior capable of tunning the reverberation time appropriate for any type of performances in the theater.

SECTION

SOUND BARRIERS SITE BARRIERS DESIGN CONCEPT FLOOR PLANS

OPERABLE WALLS

-1

1

2

3

4

9

010

3060

1000

1030

60100

010

3060

1000

1030

60100

010

3060

100

SCALE MODELS: SITE MODEL / SECTION MODEL

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HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL

GULF OF MEXICO

TRINITY BAY

EAST BAY

GALVESTON BAY

87

108

65

124

124

73

61

563

562

2936

1965

562

61

6

2

1

3

5

4

PORT BOLIVAR

GALVESTON

BOLIVAR PENINSULA

HIGH ISLAND

SMITH POINT

ANAHUAC

CRYSTAL BEACH

WALLISVILLE

COVE

BEACH CITY

OAK ISLAND

TRINITY RIVER

10 mi1 4011

OAK ISLAND

HIGH ISLAND

WALLISVILLE

BOLIVAR PENINSULA

SMITH POINT

TRINITY RIVER1

2

3

4

5

6

BIRDWATCH TOWERS COASTAL NETWORKGerald D. Hines College of Architecture Design Award / AIA Fort Worth Design Award / AIA Houston Gulf Coast Green Awards / New York Publication by Sketch d3 / Chambers County, TX / Academic / Fall 2012 / Prof. Thomas Colbert

Birdwatch Towers is a series of high-profile birding and observation towers that create a network of recognizable destinations within the proposed Lone

Star Coastal National Recreation Area. The towers enhance bird sanctuaries and promote eco-tourism into the Texas Gulf Coast.

TRINITY BAY

87

108

65

124

124

73

61

563

562

2936

1965

562

61

LAKE ANAHUAC

DUTTON LAKE

WILLIS LAKE

LAKE SURPRISE

LAKE STEPHENSON ROBINSON LAKE

GORDY MARSH

5

+25

0

5

20

25

10 CITIES AT RISK50,000 PEOPLE AT RISK

WATER DEPTH CONTOUR LINES

POPULATION

EVACUATION ROUTES

10 mi1 40

GULF OF MEXICO

EAST BAY

GALVESTON BAY

PORT BOLIVAR

GALVESTON

BOLIVAR PENINSULA

HIGH ISLAND

SMITH POINT

ANAHUAC

WINNIE

STOWELL

CRYSTAL BEACH

WALLISVILLE

COVE

BEACHCITY

OAK ISLAND

87

108

65

124

124

73

61

563

562

2936

1965

562

61

10 1 40

DEBRIS ACCUMULATION

+

-

5

HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL

GULF OF MEXICO

TRINITY BAY

EAST BAY

GALVESTON BAY

PORT BOLIVAR

GALVESTON

BOLIVAR PENINSULA

HIGH ISLAND

SMITH POINT

ANAHUAC

WINNIE

STOWELL

CRYSTAL BEACH

TRINITY RIVER

COVE

BEACH CITY

OAK ISLAND

WALLISVILLE

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SITE STUDY: HUMAN HEALTH IMPACTThe map on the left illustrates the vulnerability of the chosen sites to flooding when a hurricane passes through the area. After a hurricane strikes one of the major problems coastal regions face is the debris left by destroyed structures. The map below shows areas most affected by the debris accumulation in Chambers County after Hurricane Ike. While the

structure of these towers was designed to resist hurricane related tidal surge, some parts, such as shading panels that are below base flood elevation and wooden steps are made of biodegradable materials in case they are torn away from the main structure. If torn free they will degrade and return to the land from which they were originally harvested.

GLA

SS

GLA

SS

SCR

EEN

+

20 T

O 4

0

BIRD SCREEN 2x4 RULEANGLE GLASS

BIR

D S

CR

EEN

AN

GLE

GLA

SS

WH

AT W

E SE

E

WH

AT B

IRD

S SE

E

ULTRAVIOLET PATTERNS - ORNILUX GLASS COMBINING SOLUTIONS

OVERHANG

REFLECTION

SPEED RANGE: 24 - 242 mph

VEGETATION FRIT CERAMIC PATTERNS

TAPE

GLA

SS

PLA

NTS

+

FRIT

PAT

TER

NS

TAPE

ON

GLA

SS

LOUVERS

2X4

RU

LE

+

DAYTIME COLLISION ZONE

SONGBIRDS & RAPTORS

SHORE BIRDS

WATERFOWL

50

250

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

UV

VISI

BLE

Dierences in human and avian vision have inspired one type of bird-visible glass - Ornilux Glass - and much ongoing research.

300 nm

400 nm

500 nm

600 nm

700 nm

WAVELENGTH

Bird Migration Routes Pacific Flyway Central Flyway Mississippi Flyway Atlantic Flyway

PROBLEM

One out of every two bird strikes on glass results in a fatality. The population of birds in the US alone is estimated to be around 20 billion. Annual bird fatalities are estimated to be 0.5 to 5 percent of the yearly population. The

skin system of the towers was designed to prevent birds from striking the towers while flying close by the structure. Visual noise was found to be the most effective way to address the problem.

BIRD MIGRATION ROUTESBIRDS AND BUILDINGS

BIRD STUDY: FORM FOLLOWS FEATHERS

13 SOLUTIONS: VISUAL NOISE

GULF OF MEXICO

MATAGORDA BAY

SAN LEON

CLEAR LAKE

HIGHISLAND

GALVESTON

FREEPORT

TEXAS CITY

La MARQUE

LAKE JACKSON

GALVESTON BAY

KEMAH

ANAHUAC

SARGENT

MATAGORDA

PALACIOS

WILLISVILLE

BOLIVAR PENINSULA

SMITH POINT

HOUSTON

LeveesStudy Area

National Recreation Area Proposal

a focus on the regional context of this study area reveals key acupuncture points like smith point, high island, and the bolivar peninsula. These particular areas of interest are distinguished for their distinctive topographical qualities, ranging from coastal landscapes with beach access to coastal prairies used for ranching and agricultural purposes.

UPPER TEXAS GULF COAST - DISTRICT CDISTRICT C LOCATION MAP

DESIGN PROCESS STRUCTURE CIRCULATION INTEGRATION 4 HIGH ISLAND 14

PROPOSED LONE STAR NATIONAL PARK

JUNCTION CONNECTION DETAIL CAST STEEL CORNER BRACING

ASSEMBLY DETAIL

STRUCTURE SYSTEMChambers County, TX / Academic / Fall 2013 Prof. Donna Kacmar

Perhaps more important than choosing biodegradable materials that would not harm the environment is the development of a structure system that will withstand hurricane winds and flooding. This was achieved by reconfiguring standard truss systems into a network of trusses that come together to create a rigid space-frame-like structural system. Galvanized steel primary structural members are joined together by cast steel brackets, each custom designed to meet the geometries and structural loads at specific points in the tower.

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BOLTS

STEEL BRACING

PERFORATED PANELS

PANELS FAME

STRUCTURAL BRACING

EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC

Concrete Pier

Concrete Footing

All-thread

Steel Bracket

Bolted Steel Angle

Square Beam

Steel Shims

Perforated Panels

Perforated Metal Panels

Square Steel Beams

Cast Steel Bracing

Ornilux Glass

Wood Planks

Steel Substructure

DRAWINGSThe towers will protect the natural environment and encourage involvement in healthful outdoor activities. The towers are strategically located in unique ecological environments: the beach, salt

water marches, fresh water marshes and wooded areas within bird sanctuaries. Together they represent and help explain the surprisingly diverse environmental and land features of the upper Texas Gulf Coast.

Each tower is also designed in response to local vulnerability to tidal surge. They were designed with the assistance of a structural engineer to resist the worst possible tidal surge.

SECTION DETAIL

PIER FOUNDATION DETAILEAST SECTION WEST SECTION

EAST ELEVATION NORTH ELEVATION WEST ELEVATION SOUTH ELEVATION 360 PANORAMA - PLAN VIEW 16

74

25

56

65

Blown Up Sections

Tidal Surge

The water is moved by solar powered water pumps.

Rainwater is collected to be processed for reuse.

Reverse osmosis naturally purifies the water, enhances air quality and lowers ambient temperatures by evaporation.

Trash and debris are filtered from the water using a sand filter.

The water is then collected into an underground cistern where it goes through an additional UV treatment for later use as drinkable water and to supply the mist cooling system.

After purification the water is available for visitors to drink. The mist system is employed along the walkway to cool visitors as they walk up the tower. The mist system enhances air quality and lowers ambient temperatures by evaporation.

Solar panels are placed on the southwest side of the tower to harvest energy and to shade viewing areas. These panels supply energy to recharge batteries for early morning and late afternoon energy supply.

Another use of water is for kayaking and boating. "Birdwatch Towers" are attached to inland and hiking and canoeing paths and bayside boat launch sites.

WATER & ENERGY USE

17

VIEW FROM INSIDE THE HIGH ISLAND TOWER 18

19 VIEW FROM TRINITY RIVER TOWER TO DOWNTOWN

20VIEW FROM SMITH POINT TOWER TO GALVESTON

7 SMITH POINT21

1 TRINITY RIVER 22

6 OAK ISLAND23

5 WALLISVILLE 24

263 BOLIVAR PENINSULA

PULL / PUSHWEAVE SLIDE

DESIGN BUILTHouston, TX / Academic / Spring 2013 / Prof. Donna Kacmar

Design built was a collaboration between my spring 2013 architectural design studio and an industrial design studio to replace a previews students project in the second floor of the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture. For this project we were asked to only used donated materials (homasote, plastic laminate, teak wood and carpet) to create a multi-functional space for the students, staff and faculty of the college. We decided to design an interactive pinup space / launch area / meeting space / classroom space that would serve as a congregation spot at anytime of the day. After agreeing on a design layout, the class was split in small teams to handle the workload and finish the project right on time for Easter.

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SIMPLE RULES

PINUP SPACE

MEETING SPACE CLASSROOM SPACELAUNCH AREA

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BEFORE

AFTER

CHRISTIAN CENTER MOUNT HERMONHouston, TX / Non-profit / Fall 2012 / Pr. Francisco Machuca / Proposal

C.C.M.H. is perhaps one of the most significant project I have in my portfolio. I was asked by my pastor to proposed a new facade for the building the church is currently renting and planning to buy. The design was meant to encourage the congregation to participate in raising the necessary funds to buy the property. The plan was a success. The church recently announced that had raised almost half a million dollars for the down-payment of the entire shopping center.

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BETHANY INSURANCEHouston, TX / Commercial / Fall 2012 / Estella HarperIn Progress

Located in the heart of a commercial district near the Galleria area, the Bethany Insurance building was a great learning experience. I had the opportunity to develop a simple design but elegant solution to the exterior and interior renovation of the old paint warehouse. The client wanted to create an inviting exterior facade with a limited budget without compromising the aesthetics. In the end, I proposed a simple covering piece in front of the building to provide protection from the west sunlight in the evenings. To address the vast empty space to the left of the entry, I advised the client to consider a set of green wall panels with the possibility of integrating a design with different type of plants.

30

KUBOSJT ARC Studio / Houston, TX / Commercial / Spring 2011 Completed

PROJECT TEAM:John Tsai, AIAErling Cruz

VIEWINGLIGHTINGSEATINGBENDINGPULLING

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The proposal was conceived as a unifying strategy for dining zones in Kubos restaurant renovation. An unifying plane is undulated to accommodate basic physical and

visual seating amenities in varying combinations to provide a renewed dining stage. Following a set of simple rules a complex shell-like structure was developed in the end.

LAW ST. PLACEJT ARC Studio / Houston, TX / Housing / Fall 2011 / In Progress

The articulation of floor plates and exterior walls are negotiated through a series of push and pulls to disrupt the definitive boundaries of the building edge, optimize sun shading, and distribute communal outdoor spaces throughout multiple levels of the building.


BR

EEZE

WAY

SC

OM

MU

NA

LPR

IVAT

ED

ENSI

TY

32PERSPECTIVE VIEW

WEST ELEVATION NORTH ELEVATION

JT ARC STUDIO

COUGAR DEN

COUGAR DENJT ARCH Studio / Houston, TX / Commercial / Fall 2013 In Progress

Cougar place is an interior renovation of a new building within the University of Houston campus. The client intended to create an energetic gathering space yet relaxing and intimate for students to have a great time with friends and meet new people from around campus. The demanding program calls for a evening bar to be intertwine with a launch study space and the annexation of an outdoor patio with a performing stage.


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FULSHEAR PLAZAJT ARC Studio / Fulshear, TX / Commercial / Fall 2013 / In Progress

Fulshear plaza presented many design challenges and constraints. The client was very conservative about the architecture style of the building and had a limited budget for the renovation of the existing structure. He was looking to upgrade the facade of the building to attract new tenants and to consider the possibility of raising the rent fee. Considering the limited budget, E.I.F.S. was the material of choice for the exterior cladding. This material saved the client a lot of money for its low price and flexibility to work with.


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Erling cruz | portfolio