Selected WorksMARA CASTRO

“I am a young enthusiastic designer with a passion for the art of architecture and community. I believe that great design has the ability to reshape and improve communities.”

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01 Re-Connect: A Healing Center University of Houston | Final Project

02 Cybernarium Texas A&M University | Studio Project Partner: Nick Uselton

03 Alessi Texas A&M University | Studio Project Partner: Lauren Cantrell

04 Petal Pavilion Texas A&M University | Studio Project

05 Passionate Texas A&M University | Studio Project

06 Study Abroad Sketches Texas A&M University | Cultural Studies

07 Architecture Center University of Houston | Studio Project

08 SubMerge Gensler | Summer Intern Project Group: Al Delialisi, Alex Zhu

09 Lights, Camera, Action: Setting the Stage for A New Urban Synergy University of Houston | ULI Hines Competition 2015 Group: Anna Kickingerender, Jezahel Cisneros

Contents04-09

10-13

14-15

16-17

18-19

20-21

22-27

28-31

32-37

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Re-Connect: A Healing Center

A transitional facility for victims of sex trafficking that will be catalyst for this cause in the United States. This project has three main goals: To promote healing, To create a community and to Re-Integrate these victims into society.

The segmented program represents different stages of healing that frame outdoor spaces, promoting a healthy com-munity. Located along the San Antonio River, the center offers a range of different spaces for gathering, formal and in-formal advice, therapy and interaction with a focus on the user’s comfort and well-being. Through simple and sensitive design architecture becomes healing. Using a residential scale, allows for focus on quality of light, open spaces, privacy, views and access to outdoors- nurturing spaces that allow for healing both physically and psychologically.

Main Entrance

JUVENILLE DETENTION CENTER

MARIPOSA CENTER

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The main human trafficking corridors which connect the county North and South, as well as, East and West, intersect at the City of San Antonio. It is located nationally at the center of IH-10 and at the intersection of IH35, which are the two main corridors which traffickers use to move around the nation.

Human traffickers are nomadic, and frequently move around the nation to avoid capture or prosecution.Out of the nearly 300,000 Americans who are victimized by hu-man trafficking, 20% of all trafficking occurs in Texas.

Site location for the new center for victims of sex trafficking was guided by the existing infrastructure of parks along the river which connects the parks to city’s urban core.

San Antonio River

San Antonio River

San Antonio River

San Antonio River

Massing Diagram

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Program Goals

Maximize River Views& Connectivity

Interaction withNature

Secure Perimeterwith some transparency

Centralized Courtyards

Cluster ofPlayful Spaces

San Antonio River

0 10 20 40 80

Site + Floor Plan

Program Goals

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Behavior Changes:Daily Activities

classroomscafeteria

counselingcommunnal room

excercise room

courtyards

dormitory

library

workshops

8a 9a 10a 11a 12p 1p 2p 3p 4p 5p 6p 7p 11p 12a 1a 2a 3a 4a 5a 6a 7a8p 9p 10p

Program Schedule Analysis

View from Site towards City

Section through dormitory courtyards

Section through private courtyard

Section through community courtyard

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Longitudinal Section through all courtyards

Community Courtyard

View of Dormitory Courtyards

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View of dormitory windowView of Private Courtyard

The Stages of Change

self-esteem

time

shock

disbelief

self-doubt

acceptance

experimentation

search for meaning

integration

View of towards San Antonio River

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Cybernarium is an educational building where the public is given access to learn about new technology. Located in downtown Bryan, Texas, where community events take place, it was important to design with the community in mind. Our approach to the design of this building was the idea of folding and shifting. The public is drawn into our building with the use of storefronts on the ground level, also creating public space on site. It is made up of two buildings which fold and reconnect on the third level. Determining the sun, wind and noise patterns on the site helped determine the placement of functions.

existing railroad tracksconstruction siteexisting building footprints

Cybernarium

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LEVEL 0lobby - media retail - digital library - classroom - reading lounges

LEVEL 2cafe - lounge/club - outdoor viewing patio

LEVEL 3auditorium - open computer lab - radio re-cording studio - recording studios - help desk - photography lab - offices

The design of the park located on the south of the building was de-signed with the intent to draw the public towards the cybernarium as well as to diffuse the sound of the train.

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west elevation

Making the building accesible to everybody was one of the main goals. The auditorium is designed on an ADA approved slope, that is also reflected in the ceilings above and below the auditorium.

west elevation

east elevation

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siliconbolt

steel platebolt

1” glass panesteel vertical fin

1” concrete column

1” tile

1” framing support

fastener to slab

9” concrete slab

grade beam

carton formcrushed stone

concept[1] Idea of having a form that folds and wraps around itself is derived.[2] The form is broken up on the ground level, allowing for the prevailing winds to cool the envelope of the building.[3] This invites pedestrian traffic through a shaded area underneath the second story of the building. [4] A secondary structural element is shifted and cantilievered off of the South facade overlooking the park.

fastenercounter flashing

flashing

anchorsteel platesteel plate

bolt

24” radius 8’ deep pile

Vertical fin to ceiling/ Roof Detail Foundation/Floor Section

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Located on the corner of two main avenues in Houston, Texas, this experimental design is intended to make a statement about design that is functional and enhances the community experience.The Alessi department store and gallery was a study of the skin of a building. The intention was to create a functional skin by integrating it with the program. Pedestri-ans transition into the building through a ramp that brings them into the gallery space. There is a water garden, a void in between the ground and the belly, located under the building creating a shaded public gathering space.

Alessi

concept[1] In this project the skin is used as the structure of the building, mim-icking architectural piloti.[2] The skin then wraps around the building serving as an “armature”. [3] Lift the building to create a pub-lic gathering space.[4] Pedestrian paths are recorded and a ramp that evolves into skin also penetrates into the building serving as a wayfinding device for the public into the building.

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section

showroom - storage room

gallery - offices

cafe - kitchen

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Our approach was to create an ad-dition that would transform the identity of the existing church. This innovative design, inspired by a blooming flower will create a connection between nature and architecture. We used thin con-crete shells to attain the delicate aesthetic of flower petals. We ar-ranged our spaces within these petals and created a moving sculpture through height changes that allow natural light into the pa-vilion, giving it a sense of openess.

Petal Pavilion

a

a

section a-a

1.1

1.2

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.8

1.9

1.1 indoor altar1.2 indoor seating 1.3 catering1.4 groom’s room1.5 bride’s room1.6 storage1.7 lounge1.8 mechanical room1.9 outdoor patio

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The following projects are interpretations of a word that describes my personality: passionate.

Passionate:adj. showing or caused by intense feelings; a powerful or compelling emotion or feeling

PASSIONATE

BLACK AND WHITEThis ink drawing is comprised of circles and squares on a varying grid. To express passion, flame-like objects that pierce eachother were created. These objects are confined with an invisible barrier creating tension.

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CUBEThe black and white is translated into a sculptural three-dimension-al cube: 10”x10”x10”. It is com-posed of large sharp objects that do not quite touch eachother, cre-ating a sense of tension. Passion is full of tension.

CUBE CONCEPTUALThis drawing is derived from the sculptural cube, it captures the es-sence of the cube. Using shading techniques to create depth in the drawing and free the forms from the confined space.

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Study Abroad- Sketches

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rp=RV

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The main goal for this design was to create a gateway for the public into the realm of architecture. By providing a shaded public plaza and versatile spaces, this new center for architecture is sure to be a timeless piece of art.

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750 sq.ft.750 sq.ft.80 sq.ft120 sq.ft.200 sq.ft.160 sq.ft.900 sq.ft.400 sq.ft.200 sq.ft.120 sq.ft.120 sq.ft.400 sq.ft

2500 sq.ft.1400 sq.ft.600 sq.ft120 sq.ft.600 sq.ft.

4500 sq.ft.600 sq.ft.450 sq.ft200 sq.ft.500 sq.ft.

level 3

level 2

level 1

Flexibility:The third floor is an adaptable open floor plan, this allows for multiple uses

Concept & DiagramsTo provide an engaging public space that is integrated with the program of the building and reflects the principles of the organization it houses.

N

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750 sq.ft.750 sq.ft.80 sq.ft120 sq.ft.200 sq.ft.160 sq.ft.900 sq.ft.400 sq.ft.200 sq.ft.120 sq.ft.120 sq.ft.400 sq.ft

2500 sq.ft.1400 sq.ft.600 sq.ft120 sq.ft.600 sq.ft.

4500 sq.ft.600 sq.ft.450 sq.ft200 sq.ft.500 sq.ft.

level 3

level 2

level 1

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FOR THIS LAB EXPERIMENT, I CHOSE TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PUBLIC INDOOR/OUTDOOR PLAZA OF MY BUILDING. THIS PUBLIC AREA IS LOCATED UNDERNEATH MY BUILDING AT THE GROUND LEVEL. IT WAS IMPORTANT TO SEE HOW THE AIR FLOW WOULD MOVE THROUGH THIS AREA SINCE IT IS INTENDED TO BE USED AS AN OUTDOOR PLAZA AT TIMES.

THROUGH THIS FLUID MAPPING SIMULATION OF THE AIR FLOW, IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT THE AIR FLOW, WHICH AT THIS LOCATION IS PREDOMINANTLY COMING FROM THE SOUTHEAST, IS CREAT-ING A HARMONIOUS PATTERN THROUGH THIS SITE. SINCE THERE ARE NO OBSTRUCTIONS IN ITS PATH, THE AIR IS ABLE TO KEEP A SMOOTH AIR FLOW MOVEMENT AT ALL TIMES. THIS IS THE PER-FECT CONDITION FOR A PUBLIC PLAZA BECAUSE THE AIR IS CONSTANTLY BEING CIRCULATED.

1 2 39AM 12PM3 PMMARCH 21/SEPTEMBER 21A MASS MODEL OF MY DESIGN WAS BUILT IN ORDER TO EXAMINE THE SUN AND SHADE PAT-TERNS IN WHICH THE NORTHWEST FACADE OF MY BUILDING WAS BEING EXPOSED TO.

THE 21ST OF MARCH AND SEPTEMBER, EQUINOX, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SPACES LOCAT-ED IN THIS AREA WILL RECEIVE INDIRECT SUNLIGHT FOR MOST OF THE HARSH HOURS OF THE DAY.

HOWEVER, IN THE LATE AFTERNOON, IT BEGINS TO BE EXPOSED TO SOME DIRECT SUNLIGHT, WHICH WILL CREATE MORE HEAT GAIN IN THE BUILDING AND AN UNCOMFORTABLE WORKING AREA AS WELL.

FOR THIS CASE, I PROPOSE THE SAME SOLUTION THAT WAS APPLIED TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE, WHICH IS LOCATED IN THIS AREA, TO INSTALL A SHADING DEVICE THAT WILL ALLOW FOR CUSTOM ADJUSTMENT AND WILL ALSO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT THAT ENTERS THE BUILDING IN THE AFTERNOON.

1 2 39AM1 2PM3 PMJUNE 21A MASS MODEL OF MY DESIGN WAS BUILT IN ORDER TO EXAMINE THE SUN AND SHADE PAT-TERNS IN WHICH THE NORTHWEST FACADE OF MY BUILDING WAS BEING EXPOSED TO.

DURING THE MONTH OF JUNE, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SPACES LOCATED IN THIS AREA WILL RECEIVE INDIRECT SUNLIGHT ONLY DURING THE MORNING.

IN THE LATE AFTERNOON, THESE AREAS BECOME VULNERABLE TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT AND HEAT GAIN LOADS.

1 2 39AM1 2PM3 PMDECEMBER 21A MASS MODEL OF MY DESIGN WAS BUILT IN ORDER TO EXAMINE THE SUN AND SHADE PAT-TERNS IN WHICH THE NORTHWEST FACADE OF MY BUILDING WAS BEING EXPOSED TO.

DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SPACES LOCATED IN THIS AREA WILL AGAIN BE IN SHADE DURING THE MORNING AND NOON TIME. IN THE LATE AFTER-NOON, THESE AREAS WILL BE EXPOSED TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT AND HEAT GAIN LOADS.

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10’-0” [TYP. BEAM SPACING]

Structural Foundation and Framing Plans:

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sub[MERGE]

The Buffalo Bayou flows through the city of Houston and was the founding point for the city. This project aims at rejuvinating an abandoned sewage treatment plant along the bayou. By sub-merging a series of connected glass tanks within the four pre-ex-isting steel clad tanks on the site, a new experience is created. By abandoning the high-low relation-ship between the individual and the bayou, a unique perspective shift is created that allows people to truly embrace the scope and power of water purification, while redeeming the bayou as a place of congregation.

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Water is drawn in, purified, and ul-timately brought into an interactive area where people can experience the water that flows through the heart of Houston. Through the solar paneled laden canopy system, the sun’s rays are not simply reflected, but harnessed to power the filtra-tion and pumping system that pulls the water though the site.

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Through the imagining of a dy-namic canopy structure that adapts to the weather and the sea-sons, while colliding with the pre-existing aeration tanks, a space with broad potential and allure is created. This versatile, multi-pur-pose space could potentially serve as a music venue, a non-traditional gathering place, s series of out-door classrooms, or a display of the countless functions the puri-fied bayou water could have to serve the greater community.

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTIONSETTING THE STAGE FOR A NEW URBAN SYNERGY

ZONING STRIPS

An iconic urban development, drawing on New Orleans’ unique history of music while integrating the growing film industry and enhancing thecultural and urban fabric of New Orleans. The development aims to connect the in-between spaces, improving existing conditions, and stitching communities together through a network of new sus-tainable infrastructure linking greenways and bicycle paths to local and re-gional destinations while addressing common flood issues. The site’sprevious use as a former train terminal resurfaces as a gateway into the new plaza from Louis Armstrong Park, the site of Jazz Fest, and the prominent French Quarter. Jazz Town begins at this point where the dedicated spaces for film and music industries unify the community and create asocio-economic synergy.

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EXISTING SCENARIO PROPOSED SCENARIO NEW CIRCULATION

Tourists, commuters, and locals come to Jazz Town to experi-ence the soul of New Orleans in an open urban environment. As the city’s first iconic indoor/outdoor ven-ue dedicated to the community, it encom-passes the skyrocket-ing film industry. The Jazz Town Amphitheater and Film Exhibition Hall are designed to provide spatial flex-ibility and adaptable urbanism.

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A LEED GOLDNEIGHBORHOOD

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SOLAR POWER CYCLE WATER CONSIDERATIONSNEW BIKE & PEDESTRIAN STREET

Seasonal flexibility is also accomplished by providing transformable spac-es - from winter ice skating to summertime splash zones and outdoor movie nights projected onto water screens. Furthermore, an observation tower will allow the public to see the city from above, gain a new perspective of the French Quarter, discover the attractions of the linear park, and make a vi-sual connection to the Mississippi River. Adjacent to the park is the new Southern Plaza, a gesture towards the historic Southern brewery , this pla-za is a quaint gathering area where the past comes back to life in the form of beer garden.

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