On 14th December 2011, in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province in the Peoples’ Republic of China, Architect and Urban Planner Arturo Rodriguez spoke of his genesis as an urban planner. Rodriguez holds both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Andrews University in Michigan, in the United States of America.
Rodriguez has produced a major portfolio through his University studies, and this article covered each each section of that portfolio. At interview in Guangzhou China, Mr. Rodriguez was asked the following questions, and his answers to them were as follows.
Library & Tempietto
Suite101: How did you do your first anylitique?
Rodriguez: “My first encounter with architecture was quite a learning experience. I learned so much about what the profession of architecture requires. One of the most challenging tasks was making an anylitique. I had never done a project like this one. We went out to the site of our building and documented it. The Tempietto was my first taste of classical architecture. Drawing and painting it was very enjoyable. Since then, I have looked at classical architecture for precedence.”
Farm Set
Suite101: Can you speak about your experience designing a farm?
Rodriguez: “Designing a farm meant starting out from scratch, and learning the basics of design and planning. I learned to do everything with a reason, and planning with precision. Dealing with the sun, wind, and placement of trees and buildings had to be dealt with in this project. To me, it was very helpful to understand the mind set of how one would begin a settlement through a farm.”
Carriage House
Suite101: Discuss your penchant for freehand drawing with a pen.
Rodriguez: “Architecture as a Craft studio was a real wake up call. The way the studio was designed was to make one very efficient. The studio set the tone and work mode for the rest of my career as a student – as well as a professional. It was my first time designing an actual building. In this case a carriage house, and a house to full detail. The carriage house was to be done freehand and with a pen. The studio as a whole was a great learning experience.”
Masonry House
Suite101: When did you build your first wooden model?
Rodriguez: “The second half of this semester was great. Designing a home in Grand Rapids was designing to a very similar style of what I am used to. The experience of designing to the context was important in this project. A wooden model was required of us as well. Building the model helped us look at every angle of the building. It was interesting making the model from the plans I had made. One could really see the faults of one’s project once it was constructed. We were able to use pencil and straight edge in this final project of my second year.”
The Urban Church
Suite101: How did you go about designing a church?
Rodriguez: “This project was very unique to me, but at the same time very challenging. We had to design a church according to our personal religion. The project really made me explore my religion in depth. We designed our dream church in an urban context. It was challenging for me because I had to express my beliefs on behalf of a building. I understood there are many steps one must take to design a significant building for any client. There are many things to be considered.”
Corner Flex, Mid Block, Live-Work
Suite101: What is your feeling for background buildings?
Rodriguez: “Designing background buildings could have been the most enjoyable studio I have had. It was enjoyable because these projects could really be built. The whole class’s designs were really great. We had great leadership by our professors in these projects. Background buildings make one design in a humble but strong way. The building can be very beautiful, but not take away from a foreground building. These humble buildings are what makes a city beautiful.”
Auditorium & Library for Mariemont
Suite101: What did your European tour do for your design skills?
Rodriguez: “After travelling to Europe, there was a lot of precedent to begin this project in Mariemont. The most challenging aspect about this project was designing in the Tudor style to fit the context of the town square. It was a learning experience researching a style that isn’t used in contemporary society. The Mariemont project made me keep in mind that I am going to design for places that have a mind-set or plan for their community. I must the idea the city/town has in mind.”
Construction Documents on Foreground Buildings
Suite101: What are your views on interfacing with construction issues?
Rodriguez: “The second half of the year was exploring a more in-depth part of architecture. We usually did not pass the schematic design phase. Going into the construction document phases was very interesting. We had to learn every detail of our design. Planning for urban context, parking, HVAC systems, electrical, plumbing, and building a model were all part of the requirements. I believe that starting this process was only the tip of the iceberg. I looked forward to going through the process of designing, building and completing a building.”
Michigan City Transit Hub
Suite101: What public competition did you engage in?
Rodriguez: “This transit hub was designed for the CNU Award-Winning Project of 2007 for Michigan City. The hub would be located on one of the South Shore line stops between South Bend, IN, and Chicago, IL. It is an urban context and has a light footprint. The focus of the project was sustainability. The transit hub is equipped for trains, busses, bikes, cars and pedestrians. The building contains: concrete structure, window films, day lighting, permeable pavers and a green roof. We had to re-develop the context around and create adequate parking.”
Sandy Point Infill Project
Suite101: How did you finally meet up with urban design?
Rodriguez: “Sandy Point is a town in transition. This infill project was done to help boost the economy in Sandy Point. There are many venues for tourism that would draw revenue to create a strong economy. A network of streets, city squares, views and access to water were implemented in this plan. Sandy Point would share the amenities that Sands Cove would have to offer. There is a need of developing civic structures in and around Sandy Point. Developing this plan awoke a passion for urban design in me.”
Sands Cove Retrofit & Infill
Suite101: Can you discuss a retrofit where you had to consider other towns?
Rodriguez: “Sands Cove was developed by the Ministry of Housing to provide affordable housing. It is a conventional automobile-dominated suburb. Our purpose here was to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment and a more economically diverse plan. It was asked of us to develop a school in Sands Cove. Sands Cove has a relationship with Sandy Point and the nearby settlement of Rocky Point. All three towns would benefit from the amenities of Sands Cove. In retrofitting Sands Cove it was important to us to keep the views to the ocean open. We realized that the ocean is the single most important asset to the economy and culture.”
Hole In The Wall Eco-Settlement
Suite101: How have you dealt with strict government requirements?
Rodriguez: “This was a very interesting and yet a very necessary project to be done in southern Abaco. The project here is to create very small settlements in this remote area that has a very high environmental impact standards and landscape preservation requirements. These settlements are designed to produce their own water, wastewater treatment, limited food production, and electricity. All this was kept in mind to preserve the fragile ecology and wildlife in the area. Small eco-resorts would be in place of the large conventional resort.”
Marsh Harbor Infill and Retrofit
Suite101: Can you discuss a project to fix a poor-quality area?
Rodriguez: “Being the capital of Great Abaco Island, Marsh Harbor is in need of a make over. The experience of the town is not a memorable one. We starting out by reviving the waterfront drive – which is a staple in Bahamian culture. We converted the strip malls and vacant lots into desirable places to be in. many of the tourists arrive in Marsh Harbor just to leave to one of the nearby cays. These changes and renovations would create a higher volume of tourism that the city could highly profit from.”
The Mud Shanty Town
Suite101: How did you deal with a slum?
Rodriguez: “’The Mud’, as it is known has its increasing problems. Squatters, primarily from Haiti, have inhabited this land owned by the government. The mud has grown organically. There exists no proper plumbing, electricity, streets or building guidelines. We decided to integrate the mud with the retrofitting of Marsh Harbour. One of the main things we did was to create a public service centre to accommodate the people of the mud. A sanitation, fire and meeting court have been designed. All these have a FAST system to treat wastewater and sewage, a place to grow crops, dump trash and retain potable water. Each different court has its purpose in regards to what the people need. These courts will be scattered though the mud. Although there are many issues to deal with, this is a step in the right direction for the people who reside here to live a dignified life.”
Sources:
Personal Interview with Arturo Rodriguez, Guangzhou China, 14th December 2011.
Architecture and Urban Planning Portfolio of Arturo Rodriguez.
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