eVolo Skyscraper Competition Entry - TWISTER

On March 27th 2015, the eVolo magazine awarded it's first, second and third place prize winners, as well as honorable mentions for their yearly Skyscraper Competition. This is the 9th consecutive yearly competition, see winning entries here eVolo Winners 2015. Although not particularly interested in skyscrapers, I was curious enough and ready to try my hand at something different. My professional career is focused on housing, multi-housing, in specific the affordable kind. I haven't even been presented with the opportunity to explore skyscrapers in school. It was definitely a challenge, but mostly regarding time-management (meeting deadlines at work, as well as this competition), and trying to remember how to use 3D Studio Max (the pain and suffering of having to switch on a regular basis between Archicad on Mac, and 3D max on Microsoft, not to mention that I didn't touch 3D Max in over 3 years). Could the architecture have been further developed? Yes. Could the socio-economic platform have been better defined? Yes. Could the graphics have been sexier? Probably not. Anyway, here's my humble approach at the Vortex, an energy harnessing, tornado catcher slash global cooler. The idea came pretty fast, and it was further developed once a quick Google search led me to the Atmospheric Vortex Engine. In short, in abour 200 years, when climatic events will start to become extreme, unpredictable and catastrophic, these giant tornado catchers will create controlled tornadoes, and use them to #1 create clean energy, and #2 stabilize extreme temperatures, winds and atmospheric pressures, in attempts to avoid further worsening of the global climate. The way it works: hot temperatures are sucked in from lower heated earth or water levels, and pushed up to mix with cold temperatures at higher levels, this creates a pressurized vortex. The hot air is sucked through turbine chambers, and as the vortex intensifies, more rotations generate electricity/energy to be stored in giant batteries, accumulators. Here are my two boards, I was entry number 593. Please visit the eVolo site (link above) for mentioned entries.

This time, this year - Low income housing by VMWP

This year, another multi-family building rises amidst a very suburban context (East Bay). Thanks for the opportunity, VMWP.

Around this time last year - realistic interpretation of thesis

A physical representation at last - Suburban Gentrification calls for vertical circulation, increased density, and "ghost houses" - relics of the past - sturdy, contemporary public use follies replacing outdated single family homes.

Pedestrian walkway hub.

Layered walkways introduce vertical public circulation, in an otherwise flat context with little social interaction.

Public courtyard replaces former green belt, separating two suburban neighborhoods.

 Site Aerial of developed buildings on foreclosed suburban lots.

Ghost House - sturdy, contemporary public use follies replacing outdated single family homes.

Around this time in 2010 - studies for redevelopment of foreclosed suburban lots

Around this time four years ago, creativity was hard at work, producing sketches, ideas, drawings, conceptual development and growth plans. Thank you Academy of Art University for requiring I document this process. 

Same Single Family Home

Evolution from original design (2011) to approved drawings (2012). Previous post is one step in between. At least the plans remain. 

Single Family Residence_Pheonix AZ

The following project was designed by Corina S. Dumitrescu, for a family of four in Pheonix AZ. Corrugated metal, stucco and aluminum meet to create a modern take on the typical spanish-type inspired tract home. The home features a double height living area, large gourmet kitchen, office space, 2.75 baths, 4 bedrooms, a family room, and a terrace overlooking an outdoor lounge area and reflecting pool.

Considering the house's NS orientation, and geographical location, one main focus was planning according to passive solar design.

The large common areas facing north (living room, family room … etc ) open up to capture northern light and warm up the house in winter months. Here we use stained concrete flooring to absorb heat, and transfer it to 

the rest of the house.

    

The bedrooms are located in the S and SW to shelter the home from the hot summer sun. The 2^nd story is accessed by stairs in the living area, along the garage wall. The catwalk connecting the family room and bedrooms is strategically positioned against the curtain wall on the west elevation, to offer interior shade, and 

views both of the living area and the outdoor garden.

                 

Fun Fact: Giraffe as Gargoyle

For those of us who don't know, gargoyles are elaborate water spouts designed to convey water as far away as possible from the masonry structure. Most of them took the shape of grotesque imaginary creatures with long necks, meant to inspire fear and respect. To this day their effect of human psyche have featured them in legends, books, movies, even Disney animated movies such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Today we are presented with other options. If need be for long necks, why not a giraffe? Discuss ...

Gargoyle @ Notre Dame Cathedral (de Paris)

Giraffe as Gargoyle by cocoknots

Disney Animated Gargoyles in The Hunchback of Notre Dame