ARCH 4010 (4th year design studio)
The 4th year design project called for the design of a high density residential building. Placed in the area of Isla Verde, Carolina, the project was aimed towards a moderate to high income potential residents.
Existing views were restricted by other high-rise residential towers in the area, prompting a design strategy that sought out and maximized what views of the landscape were available for exploit and management.
El Yunque mountain range was the primary element to address when facing south. To the north was the coast, that even with other buildings blocking potential views, was a major attractive in the selection of target landscapes. Taking into consideration Sun movement and the shadows the building would cast (upon itself and immediate surroundings), the tower employed two center joined, mirror-image volumes that staggered in position and height. The resulting project layout gave way to recreational areas that made use of the sun-shadow relationship and selected panoramas.