Process Sketches and Plans

For the record, here are some sketches of my projects explorations. I have been studying the possibilty of opening the performance space to the outdoors at the back. I really want to have a connection with the music performance and the outdoors to take advantage of the tropical characteristics of the site. Another option I have been thinking is the possibility of having one enclosed main performance space and auxiliary outdoor space for impromptu performances.

Also here are some schematic plans for the building siting. The main difference between these two is the performance area location. One of them opens to the outside and one does not. My favorite option is the one that does not open, this is because of the ability to connect the two sides of the site with the middle bar. Whereas the other option blocks that connection, breaking the site in two different sections.

Site Model Pictures

These are some pictures of the site model. It is ready to start some mass studies for my building. Also don't be scared about the site area! I am planning on working with the natural hill side of the site. I built the model this way for ease of the study models. I decided to build it at 1"=50'-0" which made it a pain to build. I think it should be good enough for my study models since I'm planning on the long run building one in the computer.

Research Topic #3

Better Sections Through Site

Research Topic # 2

Building Siting Options

This past week as I was working on "this week assignment" I figured out that after I change my schedule I did not even followed! I totally messed up the order of my assignments, that's why my research topic was posted before my Building Siting Assignment. Anyways, here it is. These two building siting options came from different trials since week two and three of the semester, the two came from my favorite schemes. Now that I have further site information about the site I believe the next step for me is to explore the in 3-dimensions. One of the main challenges of the proposed building will be to respect Porta Coeli's prominent position on top of the hill and keep sight lines unobstructed.

Site Analysis Part II

This is the second part of my site analysis. This past week I finally received more information about the existing conditions of the site, this helped me understand more what is happening in terms of topography. I will keep trying to get more information as porssible to be able to build a model, which is my goal. Once I have that I will be able to play with the building massing and orientation.

Site Plan Diagram

Existing Conditions, Site Schematic Sections

Existing Conditions, Site Elevations

Research Topic # 1

Here is my Research Topic #1. After starting to work on it I didn't know what I was getting myself into. It was too much information to digest, so my assigment is like a summary of important facts of Puerto Rican music.