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increased density, and "ghost houses" - relics of the past - sturdy, contemporary public use follies replacing outdated single family homes.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Ghost House - sturdy, contemporary public use follies replacing outdated single family homes.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

Let it Snow Competition - Honorable Mention

January's Tesseract Competition revolved around the idea of homelessness in the the winter cold. Tesseract is a student organized effort, exposing innovative humanitarian design, and raisng funds for actual humanitarian projects. For more information on Tessearct please visit http://tesseractcompetitions.com/ I encourage you to enter the next competition, offer your innovative design solutions, and help those in need.

      http://tesseractcompetitions.com/past/let-it-snow/

Solutions such as jackets, tents or shelters are temporary bandages that cannot mend a deep wound in our society. The energy invested in these fast-fixes, most times turn out to be a waste of resources. That is why I am proposing a strategic use of funds to expose our neglected communities for what they really are, drawing continuous attention and funds toward the betterment of our society.  

Enjoy Reality TV? Your typical winter jacket receives a webcam, streaming real-time from your local homeless community. These cameras would imply extra security, and would transform the life and stories of the homeless into reality TV. This powerful media trend would in turn attract viewers from all over the world, raising a continuous flow of awareness and funds, the main two ingredients in the abolition of homelessness. 

In this proposal, the undeniable power of media would be used for good : giving homeless a voice, raising awareness, and even skyrocketing this segment of our demographics into fame.