portfolio : ANMartinez Spring08

T h e B O D Y a s M E A S U R E

U N C C h a r l o t t e C o AI n s t r u c t o r + A d v i s o r : N i c k A u l t

N o D a S T O R E . F A C A D E

N o D a S K E T C H P A R K

C H A R L O T T E . F I R E . S T A T I O N . N o 4 0

M I A M I s p r i n g b r e a k 2 0 0 8

N I G E R I A . S U M M E R 2 0 0 8

A n t o n i o N e v a d a M a r t i n e z

CoA North Facade, Modulor:Hybrid Ideology, Cabin:Jefferson NC

Precedent: 6 Facades, Initial Design Concepts, Final Design

AIAS Southquad Conference, Lincoln Road Pavillion, South Beach Firestation No. 1

AIACharlotte+CoA Traveling Fellowship Scholarship Aplication

Precedent: Charlotte Firestation No.2, Site: Inventory & Analysis, Theory, Lateral Investigation, Linear Design

Precedent:<1000sq ft, Site:Inventory & Analysis, Lateral Investigation, Linear Design

The Body as MeasureP R O J E C T : O N E

CoA NORTH FACE Day one, use the body to quantify the archi-tectural experience. The facade comes alive with human interaction and reveals the proportions and nature of the spaces within. Also, the standard system of measurement deals with human proportions and is ,therefore, the optimum system for architects.

I D E O L O G Y : H Y B R I D

By incorporating hand crafted elements into a digital system, one adds the human element to the presentation and depth to the abstraction. This is a difficult concept to master due to the contrasting nature of digital and artistic media. Practice reveals the reciprocating relationship between architecture, humanity, and technology.

C A B I N : J E F F E R S O N , N C

An independent case study in which we quantified the facade through experi-ence, and hybridized the abstraction from memory. Erica and I built the Sketchup model together, then applied the qualitative nature of own experi-ence, separately. I incorporated this facade in the final ideological manifesto because it was the setting for my understanding of this idea through applica-tion.

NoDa Clothing Store FacadeC H A R L O T T E , N C

P R O J E C T : T W O

C O N T E N T S

P r e c e d e n t S t u d y : 6 F a c a d e s

I n i t i a l D e s i g n C o n c e p t s

F i n a l D e s i g n

Dirty House + London Site:AdjayeFrietag Store:Spilman EchsleMuseum of Modern Lit:ChipperfieldSubstation No.125:The Trinium GroupGreen Wall + Solar Facade

Sketches + SketchUp ModelPoint of Diversion:Second Site Visit

Concept:Sketches + SketchupMaterials:Collage + Detail Sections

P R E C E D E N T S : 6 F a c a d e s

D a v i d A d j a y e

The Dirty House (London 2002) has its steel frame hidden by black brick, giving it a mono-lithic appearance. The interior is quite the opposite, light wood colored with open spaces and dynamic circulation. In a project for another house in London, Adjaye was inspired by the deconstructed remains that revealed intimate details about the context.

D a v i d C h i p p e r f i e l d

The Museum of Modern Literature (Germany 2006) is reminiscent of stripped classicism, while experientially, there is a Meisian flavor in the glass and steel interior. Local wood trim provides a sense of spatial heirarchy and rhythm.

F o r m a l

G r e e n + S o l a r F a c a d e

Our site is oriented to the southeast, which provides for ample sunlight. Photovoltaic potential must be recognized, as well as natural cooling, ventilation, and lighting. NoDa is a progressive area and would support sustainable design if given the chance.

T r i n i u m G r o u p

Substation Number 125 (Sydney 2002) has recycled zinc cladding, and would contrast in the Charlotte sky. Siding grain adds a suburban feel in an urban context.

S p i l l m a n + E c h s l e

Frietag Flagship Store (Berlin 2006)Recycled shipping containers are set in the industrial district and reinforced with local steel and stacked to maxi-mize the site. Frietag is a clothing com-pany that uses recycled fabric in their clothes.

M a t e r i a l

I n i t i a l D e s i g n C o n c e p t s

D e s i g n C o n c e p t O n e

Inspired by facades permanently burned in my memory from Chicago. The cylinder was to be glass block and house a shared staircase with CaboFishTaco next door. There was to be an activated roofscape, but the design was scrapped due to its insensitivity to its context.

D e s i g n C o n c e p t T w o

Local steel I-beams were to support 80% fly ash concrete to be cast on site. Facade protrusions were cantilevered over shallow pools of water to increase the ephemeral tension involved in struc-ture. Once again, design was scrapped due to lack of contextual relevance.

D e p a r t u r e P o i n t

After abandoning two designs, I revis-ited the site to inventory textures and materials used in the area. AT this juncture, I realized the importance of context when considering the facade. NoDa is an extinct industrial area turned arts district rich with diversity. Critiques of the second design were aimed at the lack of creativity, the im-practicality of the pools of water, and the structural integrity. Also, local fashionista Mauri Simone was in need of a boutique, so her cre-ative flavor was considered in the de-sign as a theoretical habitant.

F i n a l D e s i g n

S k e t c h e s + S k e t c h U p

P r o c e s s i o n A l o n g N . D a v i s o n

As one walks northeast along the sidewalk, a collapse in the rectilinear block attracts the periphery. Upon passing, the fountain can be through the small space between the two walls. After a pause, it appears as though the fountain is linking the two buildings, their brick pouring into each others embracing the water. This is a cool courtyard, the steel slab that separates the space form the sidewalk is hollow and insulated, ivy grows on the inside and peeks through the elliptical hole. The form is inviting, the space is welcoming.

F i n a l D e s i g n

D e t a i l e d S e c t i o n s

Tension cables and open web joists compose the structure designed for minimal dead load. Ras-tra concrete panels serve as the interior finish on walls and floors, while rigid insulation lines the space between the walls and the exterior recycled zinc cladding.

R e c y c l e d S t e e lL o c a l S t e e l F r a m eS o l a r b a n 3 0 G l a s sR e c y c l e d Z i n c C l a d d i n gL o c a l B r i c kP V P a n e l A r r a y

M a t e r i a l C o l l a g e

NoDa Sketch ParkC H A R L O T T E , N C

P R O J E C T : T H R E E

C O N T E N T S

P r e c e d e n t S t u d y : < 1 0 0 0 s q . f t .

S i t e : I n v e n t o r y + A n a l y s i s

L a t e r a l D e s i g n P r o c e s s

L i n e a r D e s i g n P r o c e s s

Chinese Pavillion : Frank StellaOnespace : David + Im Schaeffer

Macro + Meso Inventory : Maps + SketchesMicro Inventory : Photographs + SketchesDiagrammatic + Ephemeral Analysis

14 of 40 sketch modelsSketches

Concept:Sketches + DiagramsFinal DrawingsPhysical Model

P R E C E D E N T S : < 1 0 0 0 s q u a r e f e e t

Site I N V E N T O R Y

C H A R L O T T E , N C

35.22 degrees North

North Davidson St. and 36th Ave.

80.84 degrees West

Born of the last wave of the indus-trial revolution, this is a truly haptic environment. Structured by industry and clad with creativity. Music and art spends its days behind weathered brick, and fills the streets at night.

Temperate climate with an even blend of deciduous and coniferous hillsides. Uptown, tall bank build-ings admire their suburban handi-work sprawling arbitrarily for miles from the deliberate city core. The queen city is American capitalism manifested. There is a sculpture on the southeast corner of Trade +Tryon which accurately describes Charlotte.

N o D a A R T S D I S T R I C T

I N V E N T O R Y

A N A L Y S I S

D i a g r a m s

Top Left: Micro wind and massing.

Middle Left: Micro water drainage.

Top Middle: Ephemeral curve derived from the trees, wind, and water diagrams.

Bottom Left: Quantify, on site measurements using body as measure, location of giant wil-low oak, and other two trees to remain on the site. Also a sun path diagram in yellow, and noise and music in green. This diagram is rotated to the same angle as the ephemeral curve above it.

Bottom Right: The giant oak was recently removed, but for the sake of this project will remain forever planted, and the source of insiration for my design. Its trunk was 6 feet in diameter, and it covered the entire site.

Right: The original site photo which served as a reference for me during the design process.

Site

A N A L Y S I S

view lo

oking northwest

from th

e site

view from northwest looking into site

view from southeast looking into siteview looking southeast from the site

L a t e r a l D e s i g n P r o c e s s

F o u r t e e nof

F o r t y

Sketch models were made in one sitting, while using a photocollage as reference to the placement of the trees, which were the focus of all designs. Their roots were not to be disturbed.

L i n e a r D e s i g n P r o c e s s

T r e e O f L i f e

The giant tree is a willow oak. Its roots and branches cradle the entire site. Its roots grow similarly to its branches, so at 4’ deep, there should be little interference. In the spring and summer there will be little direct sunlight penetration, leaving only the hardy plants to flourish. Its trunk is 6’ in diameter, and the little tree to the west is 2’ in diameter. They, and the sapling s by the back fence will remain in tact, and alive as an integral part of the park.

I n f i n i t y

The original figure eight configuration that was explored in the lateral pro-cess has been modified to accompany the program. Two circles have been placed in a similar manner, to preserve the original idea and avoid destoying any of the roots on site. A contingent path exists between the two figures, which suggests an infinite circulation pattern: it could go on forever in the shape of infinity.

T r u e N o r t h

With the centers of the circles still loosely aligned to the tree trunks, the plan was shifted to align the foci along the 43 degree line pointing north. The openings now have their backs to each other so that the dynamic space between the two entities is fluid and attractive to bikers. This is to be, primarily, a bike storage facility with a rest room and maintenance shed.

S u n W o r s h i p

Now the focci of the circles are abso-lutely aligned with the north arrow. The openeings both face south to allow for daylighting. Its seems that the two entities no longer have a relationship with one another, and both are focused on gathering sunlight. This also mildly conflicts with the root patterns, and faces Yadkin Rd. in an awkward way.

S u n W o r s h i p I I

The southernmost circle was shifted away from the road, and the other was slid upward, away from the roots. Day lit spaces have been subtly linked by the addition of a fountain, which cir-culates the water above ground, using gravity to return the water to the main cistern, which is dugout and resembles a pond.

N i g h t L i g h t

LED floodlights will illuminate the interior spaces and the fountain. So-lar powered, of course, by a PV panel mounted high on the fountain support at a 45.5 degree tilt. The back fence has been supplemented by 2”x2” posts vertically aligned to support the wood fountain element that will carry water over the heads of inhabitants. By pass-ing under the fountain, people will be surrounded by the hydrologic cycle.

I n f i n i t y - G e o m e t r y

The original fluid curve is still present in the circulation occuring in the dynamic space between the two geometric shapes. By passing through the fountain threshhold, one steps under water flowing to the left, over water flowing to the right, and on one side water falls naturally, while on the other it rises manually. When this cycle is experienced, the original infinity idea is understood as an ephemeral entity within the de-sign. This cycle is intrinsic in all living things, as well as in my design. The fountain determines the hierarchy among the two units and integrates with the restrooms with the rainwater system.

L i n e a r D e s i g n P r o c e s s

W i n d

Winter winds from the northeas are indicated in Blue. Summer Breeze is indicated by Green.

W a t e r

Drainage is diverted to the space in between the circles, where the drains along the perimeter circulate rainwater into he fountain system

D i a g r a m s

N i g h t L i g h t

LED light pours from the interiors and reflects off of the back pool, inviting passers by.

S u n l i g h t

Summer rays indicated by red, and Winter rays indicated by blue. Primarily indirectly lit, the interior will be whitewashed wood, while the suothern unit will accept light throught the fountain element reflecting the water pattern thorughout the interior.

C i r c u l a t i o n

Cyclist will enter from Yadkin Rd., and their path is indicated by thin red lines. The wide red lines indicate the main paths of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Site Plan

F i n a l D r a w i n g s

Site Section

1/2”=1’

1/8”=1’

Structural Section

F i n a l M o d e l

S e c t i o n M o d e l

Due to the subterranean nature of the sketchpark, the model had to be able to show functional elemensts and maintain opacity. Charlotte Firestation No. 7 is represented by massing with the porch that will serve as a veiwpoint of the sketchpark.

Elevation from NE (right)

Section from NE (right)Section Closeup of unit with fountain and Restrooms

Bird’s-eye from E showing approach on Yadkin Rd.

S p r i n g B r e a k 0 8 : M I A M I

A I A S : S o u t h q u a d C o n f e r e n c e

M O R R I S . L A P I D U SL I N C O L N . R O A D . M A L L . P A V I L L I O N

M I A M I . B E A C H . F L O R I D A . 1 9 6 0

P R E C I D E N T

Located in the heart of the Miami Modern District, the fire station is saturated in the MiMo flavor ubiquitous in Miami Beach. This project has a unique balance of functionality and aesthetic characteristic of the modern movement as a whole. Modular elements appearing in the facade provide insight into the geometries defining the plan of the two story building.

M i a m i B e a c h F i r e S t a t i o n N o . 1

P R O J E C T : F O U R

Charlotte Fire Station No. 40

C O N T E N T S

P r e c e d e n t S t u d y : C h a r l o t t e F i r e S t a t i o n N o . 2

S i t e : I n v e n t o r y + A n a l y s i s

L a t e r a l D e s i g n P r o c e s s

D e s i g n R e f i n e m e n t

History Charlotte TodayFire Station Number 2Form + Function

Macro + Meso : Maps + SketchesMicro Inventory : Photographs + SketchesDiagrammatic + Ephemeral Analysis

30 Sketch ModelsIdeology + Intital Design ConceptsMidreview Layout

Concept: Sketches + 3D ModelFinal DrawingsPhysical Model

P R E C I D E N T

Charlotte Fire Station No. 2

1845 1909 1948 1982 2008

C h a r l o t t e T o d a y

F i r e S t a t i o n # 2

F o r m & F u n c t i o n

C O N T E N T S

The Charlotte Fire Department was formed in 1945 out of volunteers and those forgotten by the private firefighting companies. The city grew rapidly as the twentieth century approached. By 1901 there were just over 27,000 people living in the Charlotte area, which was separated into four wards. A borrough to the south, known as Dilworth, began to grow industrially and residentially, and by 1907, needed its own fire station. After two years of requsts,

The building was designed by the Charlotte based Wheeler, Gallaher, & Stern Architecture Firm, and looks exteremely similar to the station no. 1. Its heavy masonry walls, punched windows, and classical geometries are characteristic of the buildings in that era of Charlotte. The 3,214 square foot build-ing was to house three men, two horses, a steam engine, and a combo chemical wagon. The mechanization of firefighting aparatus in 1912 catalyzed the chain of events that rendered this staition obsolete. The city had outgrown the old methods by 1929. Station No. 2 was one of six stations that collec-tively housed the 117 firefighters and twelve trucks that composed the Charlotte Fire Department. By 1940, the little Dilworth station was no longerable to house the functions of modern firefighting, so the building was sold. It has since been historically registered by the state of North Carolina, and is currently used for office condominiums.

C H A R L O T T E . F I R E . S T A T I O N . N o . 2 was erected at 1212 South Boulevard.

1845 1947

1948 1984

By 1948, the Charlotte Fire Department had nine stations, more than twenty five trucks, and over two hundred fifty firemen. Since the institution of the two platoon system in 1929, fire stations have been designed to suit constant occupa-tion. The Dilworth area had become more densely populated, so there was also a need for more truck space. Trucks had become much larger in general, but the increase in tall buildings necessitated a need for ladder trucks, which are larger still.

right across the street, and has twice the square footage of its predecessor. The building has a structural steel frame that is reinforced with concrete on the facade and filled in with brick everywhere else. Characteristic of the era, this modern structure expresses its modular design on the facade and adheres to the then popular rectilinear shape, but maintains tied to the past by its punched windows. In 1982 the firement moved down the road one more time, to thier new station. In 1984, this building became the headquarters for the Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force, and is still operating as such to this day.

T H E . N E W . C H A R L O T T E . F I R E . S T A T I O N . N O . 2 was built in 1948,

3/19/08 6:03 PMDilworth, Charlotte, NC, USA - Google Maps

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Address Dilworth

Charlotte, NC

©2008 Google - Imagery ©2008 DigitalGlobe, Orbis Inc - Terms of Use

C H A R L O T T E , N C D I L W O R T H

The City of Charlotte has taken on a huge influx of people immigrating from all over the world to this mecca of American consumerism. The chaotic nature of its growth is revealed in the network of arbitrary roads sprawling aimlessly from the offset, but centralized grid of downtown. As of 2008, Charlotte has a P O P U L A T I O N o f 7 0 0 , 0 0 0 .

The CFD now employs distributed amongst 7 Battalions,39 Engine Companies, 14 Ladder Companies,2 Rescue Companies, 5 Haz-Mat Companies,7 ARFF Airport Companies, 5 Tankers, 5 Brush Trucks, 3 USAR Companies, 2 Dive Vehicles, and1 Decon Company.

1 3 0 0 F I R E F I G H T E R S

C H A R L O T T E . F I R E . S T A T I O N . N o . 2

C H A R L O T T E . F I R E . S T A T I O N . N o . 2

Currently serving the Dilworth area in south Charlotte, the new building is occupied ten firemen and two captains for 24 hours a day. The one story building, built in 1982, was desiged around the two central truck bays. The bay walls are recessed three feet to allow for apparatus storage. Areas that support idle and non-emergeny functions are within a few paces from the areas that support rapid activity and emergency functions. The interior walls and floors are lined with ceramic tile, which makes the building easy to clean. If things get out of hand, there is also a decontamination room.

D I A G R A M S

C i r c u l a t i o n P r o g r a m

C H A R L O T T E . F I R E . S T A T I O N . N o . 2

This building is defined by the same square module as both of its prede-cessors. It becomes evident in plan, and especially evident in the one module portruding from the south-east wall. The resulting form serves as a structural and formal revelation suggestive of spatial hierarchy, yet it is merely the excercise room. Wood-en trusses span the entire forty foot bay, supported by timber posts along the two wings. Ceramic tile on the interior walls suggest loadbearing masonry construction, but the bare interior of the excercise room proves otherwise. The organic curveature of the roof adds to the subtlety of the underlying geometry.

D I A G R A M S

G e o m e t r y S t r u c t u r e

D I A G R A M S

S u n P a t h

S u m m e r S o l s t i c e

E q u i n o x

W i n t e r S o l s t i c e

7 : 1 0 a . m .

6 : 1 0 a . m .8 : 4 1 p . m .

7 : 3 6 p . m .

5 : 1 6 p . m .7 : 2 8 a . m .

D I A G R A M S

S u m m e r B r e e z e&

W i n t e r W i n d

N

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S

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P R E C I D E N T S

Though the building no longer functions as a firehouse, it did win Zaha Hadid the Pritzger pize. I referenced the project for diagram and layout ideas. It is also an interesting example of approach-ing and involving the site into the design.

V i t r a F i r e S t a t i o n , W e i l A m R h e i n , G e r m a n y D e n t o n F i r e S t a t i o n N o 7 , D e n t o n , T X

Designed by Denton based Kirkptrick Architecture Studio, this is the first LEED gold building in the city. It consumes 35% less energy than the average facility, and has 20,000 gallons of rainwater storage used for irrigating the landscape.

C h a r l o t t e F i r e S t a t i o n # 4 0

C h a r l o t t e , N C

2 0 0 8

A N M

The process of reestablishing architecture’s role in the city is dependent upon the considerations of the issues on infrastructure, mobility, transience, and events. Temporarity has replaced permanence. Event has trancended place. Movement dominates stasis. The new city is based on temprorary connections and the fluid exchange of information and architecture must begin to reflect this.

-Chris Harris, Architecture’s Role in the City

Site M a c r o I n v e n t o r y

Charlotte FD total area is pictured above. For this project the Macro area will encompass the 4 MILE COVERAGE RADIUS of Fire Station 40.

Population Density Map of the Charlotte Metroplex, which exists within a 20 MILE RADIUS and includes Rock Hill, Monroe, Moorseville, Concord, and Gastonia.

C h a r l o t t e , N C

The exponential population growth of charlotte is illustrated by the diagrams below. Suburbia sprawls from the Queen City, and will soon encompass our site. Its density rate has been declining at a steady rate, and permanence fell extinct to rapid capitalism and the middle class.

2 0 0 8 2 0 6 0

M a c r o A n a l y s i s

D i a g r a m s

Left Top: Red represents area of considerable activity, thus, emergency potential. The outer circle is the 2.5 MILE DIRECT RESPONSE RADIUS standard in modern Charlotte Urban firestations. This is in direct response to the circulation problems ubiquitous in growing cities.

Left Bottom: Red represents the optimum response time, which does not correspond with the potential emergency zones. This condition worsens in weekday traffic, which is frequently gridlocked in front of the site. This is a byproduct of suburbia, which operates on urban time.

Right Bottom: The sun represents order in the chaotic nature of this site and the program, it regulates progress and is a ball of fire. The site has areas of vegetation for shade, and an elevated clearing optimal for photovoltaic energy.

5/10/08 7:02 PMCharlotte, N Carolina, USA - Google Maps

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Address Charlotte, N Carolina

M e s o I n v e n t o r y + A n a l y s i sSetting

D i a g r a m s

Top : Red represents traffic nodes in relation to their traffic flow. This also illustrates traffic emergency potential. By being near these, the firestation will be responsible for employing a RESCUE COMPANY and a HAZMAT COMPANY.

Bottom : Vegitation saturation within the 2.5 mile radius indictes potential for fire. Half coniferous half hard-wood, it would be unlikely, but the forest surviving the sprawl is much less likely.

M e s o E p h e m e r a l

P a n o p t i c a l O r d e r

M i c r o I n v e n t o r ySite

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s u m m e r . b r e e z e

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C h a r l o t t e F i r e S t a t i o n 4 0 : M i d r e v i e w

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Address North CarolinaTo see all the details that are visible on the screen,use the "Print" link

next to the map.

R h i n o P a r t i

D e s i g n R e f i n e m e n t

I d e o l o g y

C e d o n i a F i r e s t a t i o n # 1

S k e t c h e s

CharlotteFirestation#40

D e s i g n R e f i n e m e n t

F i n a l D r a w i n g s

D e s i g n R e f i n e m e n t

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D e s i g n R e f i n e m e n t

D a t u m F l o o r I n t e r i o r P e r s p e c t i v e

D e s i g n R e f i n e m e n t

R h i n o M o d e l

H y b r i d

D i g i t a l / P h y s i c a l M o d e l

D e s i g n R e f i n e m e n t

H y b r i dD i g i t a l / P h y s i c a l M o d e l

D e s i g n R e f i n e m e n t

H y b r i dD i g i t a l / P h y s i c a l M o d e l

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A N T O N I ON I G E R I A

M A R T I N E ZJ U N E 2 0 0 8

L A G O S . B E N I N C I T Y . I B A D A N

Nigeria is home to one seventh of all Africans, who each belong to one of over two hun-dred and fifty language groups. It is also home to a forty five year old government that is still very corrupt. The new nation struggles to unite in the face of extreme cultural and economic diversity. My purpose while traveling will be to actively study the architecture produced by such socioeconomic malfunction. What does mankind do to fulfill his most basic of needs in a situation that only allows for basic needs? I will address this problem by visiting three cities in the Yoruba speaking portion of Nigeria, all located within a hundred miles northwest of the Niger River Delta.

Oil extracted from the delta has served as the single profitable export of Nigeria since its discovery in the late sixties. Equally corrupted by greed, the government and the oil corpo-rations are dually responsible for the ecological destruction of the land, and the economical destruction of the people.

In spite of it all, the impoverished Nigerian populous continues to thrive, even grow. La-gos, a major port city and once the country’s capital, is growing at the rate of twenty one people per hour. In his book, Mutations, Rem Koolhaas predicts that Lagos will have the third highest population in the world in twelve years. He and the Harvard Project have been recording their exploration of the overpopulated city for five years. Koolhaas described a traffic jam there as an open market, a life form which has been born of the stagnant situation. The entire study maintains the same realistic perspective throughout. This is the outlook with which I will actively explore the adaptation of a people faced with all of the problems of developing countries in the twenty first century.

Anguish over the city’s shortcomings in traditional urban systems obscures the exuberant nature of megacities such as Lagos. -Rem Koolhaas

A N T O N I O . M A R T I N E ZN I G E R I A . 2 0 0 8

I D E O L O G Y

This is to be a journey that will indelibly enlighten my perspective as an architect.

L A G O S . I B A D A NB E N I N C I T Y

Each of the three cities that I visit will be examined under strict criterion which I have established based on derivatives of P. Cherlunik’s Model for Environmental-Behavioral Research and A.Rapaport’s House, Form ,and Culture . The climatic elements will be noted for their architectural potential as sustainable resources or problems. Economic factors will be compared within the extremely imbalanced spectrum that exists in Nigeria. Materials will be scaled according to their origin, physical properties, and overall efficiency. The majority of observation will be qualitative, and without regard to “traditional” architectural bias.

Quantitative information regarding the weather, prices, and physical measurements will be provided to establish a setting that place each city in the scope of civilization. It will be especially useful upon return the presentation of observations, and in further architectural research.

My first destination is Lagos, where I will begin recording observations at the airport. Along with other facets of life, means of transportation will each be scrutinized in their ability to cope with the extreme overpopulation of the city. Spatial “scavenging” will be noted for its ingenuity, and compared to the spatial ”abandonment” which takes place in similar American urban structures. It is in Lagos that I must develop a more complete and precise method of inquiry based off of the case studies developed by Koolhaas. Thus, information gathered will be ordered and compared systematically for the duration of my Nigerian experience. I have corresponded with Professor Salau at the University of Lagos, and arranged to visit their Civil and Environmental Engineering facilities, which will pro-vide me with a glimpse of the local students’ perspective.

M E T H O D

P R O C E S S

After establishing the method based upon my experience in Lagos, I will head north toward Ibadan. This seventy mile stretch of road will take me two days to navigate, due to the rich cultural diversity that inhabits it. Although the region is mostly Yoruba, there are two Igbo towns and scattered Fulani and Hausa villages along this particular road. Having recently studied these groups of people under Dr. Flint of the African Studies department at UNCC, I will be able to apply previous knowledge of their social constructs in the understanding of their architecture. These rural villages will broaden the scope of my study to include various examples of vernacular and primitive architecture.

Upon arrival in Ibadan, I will meet with Dr. Agbola of the Department of Urban and Re-gional Planning at the University of Ibadan. In the days that follow, I will immerse myself in the dynamic cultural resources that are exclusive to the city. Art and history museums, prevalent in Ibadan, will add insight into the origins of Nigerian cultural ideals. Since the city appears to be deliberately planned, at least half of one day will be spent flying an airplane procured from one of the four municipal airports in the vicinity. From the sky I will be able to observe my urban destinations, the rural area between them, and the nature of the transition occurring at the fringe.

The final leg of my journey is by far the longest. It is one hundred forty miles East to Benin City, but it is the most critical destination of all. Plagued with violence, oppression, and poverty, the people of the city face dismal circumstances on a daily basis. Despite it all, they must find comfort in shelter. There, the true nature of shelter will be discovered, along with a spectral extreme that is directly opposite of the museums and skyscrapers which represent my previous architectural focus.

After visiting the University of Benin, I will take the bus back to Lagos International Air-port, back to civilization. From there, forever changed, I will fly back to America to share the experience and wisdom gained.

A N T O N I O . M A R T I N E ZN I G E R I A . 2 0 0 8

I T I N E R A R Y5.30.085.31.086.01.086.02.086.03.086.04.086.05.086.06.086.07.086.08.086.09.086.10.086.11.086.12.086.13.086.14.086.15.086.16.086.17.086.18.086.19.086.20.086.21.08

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Flight (Charlotte, NC to Baltimore, MD to Paris, France)Flight (Paris, France to Lagos, Nigeria)- check into Golden House HostelExplore downtown Lagos on foot. Meet with Proff. Salau at University of Lagos. Visit with students, explore campus.Taxi to Tarkwa Bay Beach, National Museum, Murtala Muhammed Botanical GardenExplore downtown Lagos on foot, afternoon and evening with local family.Bus ( Lagos to Ikorodu to Shagamu). Evening in Shagamu with locals.Bus (Shagamu to Ibadan). Evening in Ibadan with locals.Meet with Dr. Agbola at University of Ibadan. Visit with students, explore campus.Explore downtown Ibadan on foot.Taxi to municipal airport, cruise at 3000 feet for approximately two hours, land. Taxi to Institute of African Studies, Olumu Rock, historic Oshogbo.Bus (Ibadan to Ijebu-Ode to Ore) Evening in Ore with locals.Bus (Ore to Ibango to Benin City) Check into Motel Benin Plaza.Explore Benin City on foot. Evening with Benin City locals.Explore Benin City on foot. Evening with Benin City locals.Walk to Oba’s Palace, Bini National Museum.Taxi to Udo tourist center. One last attraction.Explore Benin City on foot. Evening with Benin City locals.Bus (Benin City to Lagos). One last night with Lagos locals.Flight (Lagos, Nigeria to Paris, France) overnight in Paris with friendExplore Paris on footFlight (Paris, France to Baltimore, MD to Charlotte, NC)

One must find the ‘flavor’ of a culture’s true meaning and beliefs before one can begin to understand its architecture. -Amos Rapaport

L A G O S . I B A D A NB E N I N C I T Y

Ibadan

Lagos Benin City

S U P P L E M E N T

Though the documentation of this journey will be structured, the itinerary and budget are somewhat vague. This is due to the nature of my research, which will require an unusual balance between planning and improvisation. I intend to stay with locals on every night spent in Nigeria. As a precaution, I have made arrangements with hostels in Lagos, Ibadan, and Benin City for the first night in each city.

The observational flight out of Ibadan is dependent upon my obtaining an airplane. If rental is not an option, I will offer my services as mechanic. Before finding architecture, I worked as a mechanic on both single engine Cessnas while taking flying lessons for two years, and later on U.S. Air Force jets for four years.

B U D G E T

C O S T ( $ )

20.00197.00 797.00

1,060.0016.0053.0044.00

120.0080.00

157.00178.00250.00120.00

3,092.00

VA Hospital : Yellow Fever, Typhoid vaccinationsNigerian Embassy : VisaAmerican Airlines : Flight to/from Paris, France Iberia Airlines : Flight to/from Lagos, NigeriaGolden House Hostel : One nightMotel Benin Plaza : One nightGreensprings Hotel Ibadan : One nightBus fares : Estimated total for NigeriaTaxi Fares : Estimated total for NigeriaOregon Scientific Proffesional Wireless Weather StationCanon digital cameraSustenanceIbadan Municipal Airport : Cessna 152 rental/fuel for 2 hours

Total

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A n t o n i o N e v a d a M a r t i n e z

A r c h i t e c t u r e S t u d i o

U N C C : C o A

S p r i n g 2 0 0 8

I n s t r u c t o r : N i c k A u l t

A d v i c e + C r i t i q u e :

D a v i d T h a d d e u s , G r e g S n y d e r

E r i c S a u d a , C h r i s B j o r k r e m