research + design + build

ddrl

research + design + buildDAVID R. LOPEZ

2 drl| research + design + build

Table of Contents

3Table of Contents

1.0 FO R E WA R D

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5

2.0 RE S U M E

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35

59

3.0 RE S E A R C H

4.0 DE S I G N

5.0 BU I L D


street view - Cite Soleil in Port-au-Prince, Haitiphoto: David Lopez

Foreword

My design interests revolve around three related, but necessary aspects of PROCESS:

Research.

Design.

Build.

The integrated process, where all three components begin working together in a singular eff ort, have demonstrated the most success, and therefore have become the most rewarding eff orts of my design career.

I see each component as having a critical relation to the other two: one cannot build without understanding critical cultural components, rituals, local means and methods, and other key site components that allow for implementation. And likewise, one cannot design without having a generic understanding regarding the means and methods with which a building is to be constructed. Research tends to be the most overlooked component of the process. However, knowledge of the intricacies of the site, the users, the local citizens impacted by a project’s evolution, or the customs and materials available to construct with… these things often provide the variety with which high design can be empowered. It is the most vibrant condition in a design process – accepting local conditions to a degree that a building actually becomes “place-specifi c”, meaning it can be here and nowhere else.

Empowerment in design is of high value. I like projects that elevate a particular condition or circumstance.

Green design is an ideal that is currently overvalued – if a process is implemented where local social conditions, economic conditions, resource availability, customs and materials are considered within the dialogue of design, the outcome will innately be tied to site, region and people.

This document is about a personal evolution, learning this process as I go. Many of the projects are missing some of the components – it is rare that a designer gets to develop a research guideline to approach both the design and its implementation… and rarer still that such a designer would get the opportunity to build the outcome.

However, as an architect, I have tried to push for this integrated process more and more.

And as a teacher, I have developed a design build program at the Maryland Institute, College of Art that is using this process with demonstrated success.

It is not necessary to always build as a designer. But I think it is critical for designers to be integrated into the build process in uncommon ways, with the ability to infl uence decisions and outcomes. We are entering an era of digital fabrication techniques, and prolifi c methodologies based on integrated approaches to constructed outcomes.

The built environment will undoubtedly change as a result.

5Foreword


EDUCATION1996-1999 University of Washington, Department of Architecture, Seattle, Washington Master of Architecture

1990-1994 University of Maryland, School of Architecture, College Park, Maryland Bachelor of Science in Architecture

AWARDS AND PUBLICATIONSNovember 2011 The Signal – interview by Aaron Henkin on WYPR – November 4-5 By Aaron Henkin

Our design build class is interviewed by WYPR to discuss our shelter project.

November 2011 Lost and Found in Japan: The Futurist Magazine – 11/12-2011 By Patrick Tucker

In a personal refl ection on the state of a post-tsunami Japan, Mr. Tucker mentions the work of the MICA Design|Build class who he visited with in the Spring of 2011.

May 2011 Transitional Shelter Design Study by MICA on archdaily.com By Kelly Minner of archdaily.com

www.archdaily.com/133421/transitional-shelter-design-study-in-haiti-by-micaA web blog entry focused on interactions we had while visiting Haiti in March 2011.

April 2010 Mobile Hospital / Hord Coplan Macht + Spevco on archdaily.com By Karen Cilento of archdaily.com

www.archdaily.com/54890/mobile-hospital-hord-coplan-macht-spevcoA web blog feature entry on a concept for a fully programmed, 48-bed hospital on wheels.

September 2009 AIA Maryland Chapter Design Award – Honor Award (Unbuilt Category) up_GRADE – Open Architecture School Design Competition

September 2008 AIA Maryland Chapter Design Award - Honor Award (Unbuilt Category) denCITY - High Density on the High Ground - New Orleans Housing

September 2008 AIA Maryland Chapter Design Award - Honor Award (Unbuilt Category) The Lotus and the Rain - New Orleans Sustainable Community Housing

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2.0RESUME

Resume

April 2008 The Modular MRI Suite; Healthcare Design Magazine by Todd Hutlock, Managing Editor

An article on our investigative work on the future of modular healthcare, designed with fl exibility to meet the ever-demanding changes in healthcare technology.

March 2007 No Child Left Outside; The Urbanite Magazine by Mary K. Zajac

A local publication sponsors our eff orts to update the modular classroom.

September 2006 AIA Baltimore Chapter Design Award - Honorable Mention (Unbuilt Category) MODuLE - Modular Classroom

October 2006 Rethinking Emergency Housing; The Futurist-11/12-06 By Patrick Turner

Our concept for the future of emergency housing developed in the fi rst New Orleans competition was high-lighted in this article on the development of new concepts in disaster emergency responses.


September 2006 Learning From the Palace Rethinking Sustainable Construction Conference Proceedings

This paper was presented at the 2006 Rethinking Sustainable Construction conference in Sarasota, Florida, and published in the proceedings. The paper dealt with learning from third world building techniques, means and methods.

August 2006 Global Green.org Sustainable New Orleans Competition Sponsored by globalgreen.org and Brad Pitt

Awarded semi-fi nalist for sustainable community development.

July 2006 Green Classrooms To Go; Building Design & Construction-07-06 By Hannah Schroder, Editorial Intern

Article on the future of sustainable developments in modular classroom construction. Our competition entry was high-lighted.

June 2006 Montgomery County Sustainable Classrooms Competition Sponsored by the Montgomery County School Board

Received honorable mention for a portable classroom concept.

March 2006 High Density On The High Ground Competition Sponsored by Architectural Record

Received honorable mention in this competition on rebuilding New Orleans.

EXPERIENCEAugust 2008- Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)Present Baltimore, MD Adjunct Faculty Member (part-time instructor)

I began teaching various level studios in the Environmental Design Department (sophomores and juniors), as well as support classes. I have also developed a Design-Build studio that has designed and constructed a couple of socially responsible installations. The Design-Build studio is currently in the midst of a two semester eff ort to analyze the disaster relief shelter in the hopes of coming up with a better, more aff ordable solution to the complex problem of housing those displaced by catastrophe.

Resume

9

January 2005- Hord Coplan Macht, Inc.Present Baltimore, MD Architect

I worked as a project architect/project manager/construction administrator on projects ranging from Multi-family Housing to Healthcare and Education. Most notably, I headed a small ‘competition studio’ that promoted forward thinking endeavors within our offi ce that resulted in several honors and publications.

July 2003- Bellan Construction, Inc.January 2005 Seattle, WA Service Division Manager/Shop Manager

I returned to manage two new sub-divisions for the company, including the new service division and the new cabinet shop. Duties in the service division include client meetings, layout and design of client agenda (including architectural design), scheduling, budgeting, and billing. As manager of the cabinet shop, my duties include layout of cabinets, design, fabrication and detail design, providing cut-lists, ordering materials, scheduling and budgeting.

April 2002- Anthony De Jesus ArchitectureJuly 2003 Kapaa, Hawaii Intern Architect

Served as an intern architect with a high-end residential architect on the island of Kauai. My duties included drafting on AutoCAD, putting together construction documents, including construction sets, permit sets, design development, and schematic design. I also was responsible for visits to several building and permit departments to research requirements for our various clients.

June 1999- Bellan Construction, Inc.April 2002 Seattle, WA Project Manager/Carpentry

This fi rst employment with the company began with providing design input, research, and development for a speculative house for the owner of the company. As an employee of the construction company, I worked on site of several of our projects as an apprentice carpenter two days a week, and eventually worked on and completed the construction of the speculative house.

SKILLSGeneral drafting and presentation skills, including 3-d computer modeling and BIM software are numerous, and can be discussed further upon request. I also have construction, carpentry and furniture building skills based on several years employment with a general contracting company.

Resume

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3.0RESEARCH

Research

In 2005, I began working with a group of designers at Hord Coplan Macht on satellite projects that focused on

alternative methods for product delivery.

Essentially functioning as a “think-tank”, our group tested the bounderies of off -site production methodologies to implement on-site space-making strategies. Several of

these projects were the result of competition eff orts. Many received recognition.

However, the most recognizable impact of these eff orts are in the alternative mode of thinking about building and

design.

There are technologies available to designers that should consistently be considered, and often times utilized in

fabrication.

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Projects

This was an attempt to update the everyday site construction trailer into the sustainable discussion. A standard offi ce

trailer was used as the framework, then retro-fi tted with several sustainable components to enhance daylighting and energy use, as well as promote the use of digital drawings in

lieu of paper drawings.

FIELD OFFICE - CONSTRUCTION TRAILER

Research01 _ concept trailer

15Research

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Projects

This project expanded on the single Construction Trailer, to create a Village. Used for large construction projects, this

product benefi ts from a shared systems approach. Modualar construction techniques yeild effi cient installation and

removal, as well as a multitude of layout options. Exterior Skin and Signage opportunities allow customization and

branding for the various construction trades.

FIELD OFFICE - CONSTRUCTION VILLAGE

Research01 _ exterior view

02 _ exterior view

Projects

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The MODuLE classroom project is a vision for the future of modular classrooms.

Utilizing the benefi t of off -site building techniques and simple crank systems, the design calls for expanding components

that generate clear ceiling heights of 12 feet – unheard of in the current model for modular classrooms. The expanding

components function on several levels. Shipping costs can be reduced by packaging the classroom into a single unit delivery.

The expanding ceiling cavity off ers clerestory day-lighting, and provides a system for air movement for a more conducive

learning environment for teachers and children.

MODULAR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT


02 _ interior view


03 _ furniture line

04 _ model prototypes

21Research

06 _ building section

07 _ structural analysis

23

Projects

Our investigation of alternative product delivery methodologies coincided with Hurricane Katrina. This

project was an early eff ort at providing a multi-family housing model for the city in recovery. The project employed a steel

superstructure as the framework for portable plug-and-play living modules.

The living modules could then be removed and delivered to property addresses as supplementary living environments for

those who managed to recover their properties and living conditions.

DENCITY: MODULAR VILLAGE FOR THE DISPLACED


02 _ exterior view


03 _ floor plans

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04 _ site plan

05 _ building section

Research


06 _ exterior views

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07 _ community strategy

08 _ site section

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Projects

This design eff ort began to look at a sustainable model for rebuilding New Orleans, block by block. We engaged the

concept of ‘buoyancy’ by proposing to take as many of the systems for living off -the-grid as we could.

The design implements solar energy, and a water reclamation program that supported a working farm. The whole system supported living conditions for 18 families, who could grow

food to supplement their own diets while having bonus food for bartering with others for needed services.

BOUYANT LIVING SYSTEMS: A NEW ORLEANS BLOCK


02 _ exterior view


03 _ site plan

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04 _ working systems diagram

Research


05 _ floor plans

06 _ exterior view

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4.0DESIGN

Design

Research has infl uenced design.

Now, the approach to design consistently gives consideration to implementation.

The following projects all consider spatial contexts through materiality, tectonic relationships, and means and

methods - with varying degrees of success.

These considerations are critical to the success of design in the process of construction. The tools we use to verify

design therefore become a critical component of the process.

Using 3D software to provide renderings is no longer a suitable use for that tool. Instead, we use 3D visualization

as an enabler to design outcome - improving design and construction methods.

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Projects

In 2007, Hord Coplan Macht asked me to work at a remote location, performing Construction Administration duties on

site at the fi rm’s biggest project in their 35 year history.

The project was a new 255 patient bed hospital in Cumberland, Maryland. I rented a house with another

member of the design team, and lived on site 4 days out of every week for the better part of two years during

construction.

I was limited in my involvement with the design of the project, so over-sight of the construction was a challenge, as I had to

quickly learn about design intent for the 7-story, 598,000 square foot project.

The punch-list for the project took 6 months to complete. I lost 30 pounds simply walking through the building.

WESTERN MARYLAND HEALTH SYSTEM

2007-2009

Design01 _ entry courtyard


02 _ nighttime rendering pre-construction

03 _ the hospital at dusk

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Projects

Design

04 _ floor plans


05 _ 4th floor mechanical level 06 _ 4th floor mechanical level

07 _ “history hall”

41

Projects

Design

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Projects

The healthcare industry is moving toward concepts in “hospitality”. Consideration is being given more and more to

the members of the family beyond the patient. Environments are being constructed to off er comfort and convenience for

patients, doctors and the general public as well.

These spaces are considered part of the “healing environment”.

At Sinai, we enclosed a previously outdoor space to capture an interior 6-story atrium covered with a skylight.

The space was wrapped on 3 sides with a 7-story link that connected two wings of the hospital, creating a 5-sided

geometry that was complex.

3D visualization was used to demonstrate the design.

SINAI HOSPITAL ATRIUM - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

2007-2008

Design01 _ interior rendering

02 _ panoramic view rendered flat


03 _ acoustic wall paneling installation

04 _ water feature rendering 06 _ atrium floor plan

05 _ upper floor plan

45

Projects

Design

07 _ light column construction details


08 _ completed atrium interior 09 _ completed atrium interior

47

Projects

Design

49

Projects

Mobile Nomadic Architecture .

(MoNArch) is a concept for providing mobilized healthcare in several modalities. Ideally suited for disaster relief, the

concept is also being reviewed as an outreach model for site built hubs.

Transportable chassis with expanding sides provide the framework for the concept. We then implement space

program aligned with the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities to ensure the highest

quality of healthcare can be delivered.

We began this project by starting a relationship with a vehicle manufacturer in North Carolina. It has led to several

discussions abroad regarding possible development projects.

MOBILE NOMADIC ARCHITECTURE

MONARCH SYSTEMS MOBILE HOSPITAL

2009

Design01 _ hospital rendering

02 _ branding development - logo


03 _ single unit delivery 04 _ single unit set-up

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05 _ delivery and set-up concept renderings

Design

06 _ concept rendering


07 _ linkage plan

08 _ hospital concept rendering

53Design

09 _ interior renderings - public spacestop: main lobbymid:semi-sterile corridorbot: nurse station


10 _ interior renderings - patient caretop: mammography room

mid:operating roombot: in-patient wing

55Design

11 _ hub and spoke concept - aerial


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5.0BUILD

Build

The fi nal component is the process of construction.

Designers have tools at their disposal today that enable direct communication with the machines that cut and make the

components of a design through digital fabrication. Thus, it is critical for designers to have an innate sensibility to the

building process.

I began working for a contractor directly out of graduate school. The company also did small-scale, single family

property development - so I was used as a designer as well as a builder early in my career. Understanding the intracacies of

the construction process is critical to detailing a design properly, as I quickly learned.

Today, I teach others how to build thier designs. The dialogue is consistent - the detail is still the critical consideration.

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Projects

If there is one project that sums up the way I like to work, it is this project. It began with a question - could we build a better

disaster relief shelter?

Because of the scale of the project, I thought it would be a suitable exploration for the Design-Build studio I teach at the

Maryland Institute College of Art.

I split the project into two semesters - research and design in the Spring, then prototyping and construction in the Fall.

The project became a complete design problem - we didn’t have funding for a build eff ort so we needed to generate

sponsorship for our idea. Thus, everything was incorporated: research and design, outreach and communication, graphics

and media, fundraising, web design, and eventually construction (which is still ongoing...).

THE MICA SHELTER PROJECT

2011

Build

01 _ Cite Soleil - Port-au-Prince, Haitiphoto: David Lopez

02 _ Red Cross Transitional Shelter Campphoto: Tessa Tripodi

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Projects

Build

03 _ case study researchfrom the class research publication


04 _ learning about materialsbuilding means and methods

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Projects

Build

03 _ case study researchfrom the class research publication

05 _ study models and dialoguethe basis of the class design effort


06 _ wall mock-upsmaterial evaluation

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Projects

Build

07 _ a possible building skinmaterial evaluation


08 _ shelter floor plans

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Projects

Build

08 _ shelter rendering


10 _ shelter rendering

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Projects

Build

11 _ interior rendering


12 _ building the floor

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Projects

Build

13 _ installing the metal frame


14 _ roof sheathing and wood framing

75

Projects

Build

15 _ wall paneling


16 _ wall paneling and building skin

77

Projects

Build


making sandals from tires - Port-au-Prince, Haitiphoto: David Lopez

In Closing

My expectations are that the way we design is about to change – dramatically.

The materials and products we use all have an ecological footprint. This will begin to weigh heavily on the minds of designers. There must be an emphasis put on the way we design as a component of means and methods, and product delivery. Thus, the design phase and the building phase will begin to collapse upon each other, as the tools we use to design begin to communicate with the tools we use to build. This opens up an entirely new world of creative capacity.

And as we continue to monitor this environmental circumstance, it will become critical for people to open dialogues across boundaries to ensure there is investment in developmental solutions. The third world is about to become an extremely important member of this dialogue… and I can imagine a world where technology begins to benefi t those with little access to it as a result.

Oil and water are at a point of crisis. Every decision made by the next generation of designers will need to be accurate and effi cient in relation to how these two resources are used in manufacturing processes, and in product development.

But there is no reason the rest of us can’t start engaging in this dialogue now.

I hope that I continue to think about these things… and I hope that I will fi nd ways to collaborate across disciplines in the future, in an eff ort to continually test the boundaries of what is possible.

Through Research.

Through Design.

And through Building.

79Conclusion

research + design + build

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