undergraduate studies

Natalia VaradaSelected Works

Undergraduate Studies

Studio II//Veer House

Studio III//The Palmenade

Studio I//Mountain Rift Elementary

Tech III//Condensed Fluff

Material Studies//Draped Tensions

Tech I//Wing Lock

Tech II//Soft to the Shell

Arch20B//Urban Dilution

Work Experience//Landscapes

AUD 123//StudioIII//Urban HabitationRoger ShermanSpring 2011//UCLA_Department of Architecture and Urban Design

skatepark and promenade

palmtrees

commercial

canal walk

Alley

North Venice

South Venice

Pacific

Site

Venice Beach, a city as colorful as its sunsets, has long been hailed one of the most eclectic regions of Southern California. The vibrant fusion of Venices many different neighborhoods and denizens creates the allure that Venice has long been known for.

The site, located at the boardwalk between N. and S. Venice Blvd. up un-til the onset of the first canal, provides a zone bordering many of Venices different neighborhoods and attractions. Here, a study in mat building was employed in order to explore multi-unit housing in a uniquely diverse urban setting.

The PalmenadeVenice Beach, CA

StudioIII_ShermanUCLA_Spring 2011

Local Extractions

SkateboardingPromenadePalm TreesCanal Walk

Using the hodgepodge of diversity that is found at each turn in Venice Beach as influence, this project aims connect the wide range of zones border-ing the site through a mat nexus. It seeks break away from monotony en masse by extracting elemental qualities from some of the differing spatial zones found adjacent to the sites large border and amalgamate them into a single unit capable of holding meaningful dialogue across the spectrum of the entire site.

In order to create diversity within a repetitive mat, the unit rep-resents a particular spatial pocket, or neighborhood, with a coherent, yet different relationship to the next. Each unit, or housing cluster, employs architectural qualities inspired by surrounding site conditions, including the iconic palm tree, the promenade, skateboarding, and the canal walk in order to mesh the many different adjacent neighboring zones into one. Each housing cluster is characterized by a cascading greenscape, reminiscent of swaying palm trees and the aerial torque of skateboards, where inhabitants can share public recreation and garden space. When the unit is spread across the entire site, strong axes and walkways are created on the ground level which fuses the connection between the promenade and the canals.

Site Plan Ground Plan

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Sections


Second Plan Third Plan

Circulation Spatial Organization

Loft Spaces

Singles

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Grand Canal Walk

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Site Plan


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Site Sections

Ground Plan Second Plan


Third Plan

Strong axial views created from below.

Shifting views from above create a sense of being in the treetops.

In order to create a coherent relationship between project and context, el-ements of the surrounding landscape are lifted into the site which in turn opens the site to its surroundings.

View looking toward S. Venice


Circulatory Patterns

View looking toward N. Venice

Emerging FieldIndividual Landscape


View A

Sun Patterns

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4pm

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View B

AUD 142//TechII//Construction and DetailsStephen DetersWinter 2011//UCLA_Department of Architecture and Urban Design

Soft to the Shell

Group Members: Johnny Thanphachanh and Jennifer Thou

This class explored the fabrication of a full scale box and sought to bring a sense of product design into architectural studies. Initially, the class was asked to imagine seven objects. These objects then became the cen-ter around which a zinc box was to be designed and the class was broken into small groups of 3 in or-der to examine the design challenge as a team.

This project was assigned to allow flexible experimentation in the fabrication of full scale object construction as well as exercise the aid of representative techniques and technology. Not only was the box designed and represented using digital tools, it was then continuously tested through a series of mock ups and experiments with the final materials giving the class experience in designing with the incorporation of real world technology and design methods.

Influencing the groups design were the con-cepts of petals, hard shells, soft interiors, cub-by holes, and sponge-like texturing.

digital//representational//fabrication_techniques

TechII_DetersUCLA_Winter 2011

Zinc was the only material specified by the assignment. All other materials were up to each group to determine. Our group decided on a 1/4felt to line our zinc shell and a very stretchy silicon to create an even softer layer of web-like storage pockets. We were interested in exploring the layering of hardest to softest. Our group also employed a similar method of layering in the ac-tual construction of the shell using a technique of layering the different parts and then riveting them together.

When working with the silicon, we used a series of beans as a mold in or-der to create the spongy texture of the softest lining.

Before we began to work exclusive-ly with positive bean molds, we explored negative bean and rice molds.

Sections

Hardware Studies

A handle was designed to be placed on the box for aid in carrying. In studying the ways in which to fabricate this handle, a 3-D print was made for potential injection mold making.

TechII_DetersUCLA_Winter 2011

Interior Pockets

Open v. Closed Shell

AUD 122//StudioII//Tectonics and DomesticityHeather RobergeFall 2010//UCLA_Department of Architecture and Urban Design

Veer House

In using UN Studios Villa NM as a precedent case study a system of folding and opening of spaces along a circulatory and spatial sequence specific to the site morphology was extracted. This method-ology results in a home where program, occupant, circulation, and space blend together smoothly.

Located in a densely zoned Santa Monica, CA, neighborhood, the site is situated along a sloping hill and has a fairly steep (8) change in grade. Adding to the challenge of a sloping site are the tight restrictions created by the narrow and elon-gated nature of the lot and the close proximity of neighboring homes.

With these parameters as a beginning point, this house explores the ways in which architectural language can begin to merge site generated elements with the functions and needs of the occupant. By mimicking the shift in topography of the natural site, a system of blended walls and ceiling planes aids the continuous shift of space and experience. Expanding on this connectivity between architec-ture and space, the blurred wall and ceiling planes create opportunity for diaphanous moments of aper-ture.

Spatially, the house is broken into either open (exposed) interior spac-es with complementing private exterior space or more intimate space with more open, public, views. The front of the house leads to a small guest bathroom, closet and living area which then either thrusts open, either upward into the private living space or downward into the very open kitchen and back-yard. By entering through the driveway, the occupant moves through the house in a reverse spatial sequence, starting witch the open moving upward into a more into the more intimate sections of the house. Because the bedrooms are a level above the ground, they each welcome their own view out.

653 Raymond Ave//Santa Monica, Ca

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Topographic Qualities

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Spatial Response

StudioII_RobergeUCLA_Fall 2010

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First Floor Plan Second Floor Plan

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Sun and Natural Light

public to privateViews Spatial Shifts

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Public Entry

Private Entry

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street

yard

hillside

Spatial Relationships Accessibility


Shifting planes create moments of transition from wall to ceiling as well as create op-portunities for aperture and terraced landscaping.

Public_Private Gradient

Open/Public

Enclosed/Private

Circulation and Activity

Elevation Views

wall

ceiling

Walls shift into ceiling planes in order to create new space.

Apertures, which follow a similar logistic of horizontal to vertical, are applied during mo-ments where walls and ceiling converge.

This creates and even distribution of load from ceiling to ground.

horizontal load//primary structure

vertical load//secondary structure

shifting load//tirtiary structure

walls shift in order to transition into new spatial

walls shift into ceiling planes open bedrooms to outside


Shifting Walls and Space

AUD 143//TechIII//Digital TechnologyGeorgina HuljichSpring 2010//UCLA_Department of Architecture and Urban Design

Condensed Clouddigital//representational//fabrication_techniques

TechIII_HulijkUCLA_Spring 2010

In order to build a solid foundation in digital modeling, drawing and fabrication, this project was divided into two parts which included the building and representation of a human leg digitally and the further explora-tion of those digital techniques to design a completely new tangible object. The first part of the project included modeling the leg at a macro level as well as a micro scale surface detailing. By using the techniques of tiling (micro) and folding (macro), the second part of the project went into the study of applying those methods to give life to seemingly bland mylar sheets.

After the leg had been modeled and documented in the first part of the assignment, the second part of the class was spent researching the material qualities of mylar and the technological technique of laser cutting as an aid in fabrication.

The result was a bulb like module which was then clustered into a cloud like form to be hung for display at the Rumble exhibition in 2010.

outter parts

inner parts

Kit of Parts Seams and Folds

To study the leg further, a series of drawings examines the ways in which the leg is constructed and dismantled.

Sections Contours


extracted particular muscles of the region

unseamed the muscle to create an outline

perforate and fold to create flexibility and strength

cluster and distort for variation

fold and tuck to 3 dimensionalize and add strength

cluster again and reconfigureinto new object

Condensing the Cloud

Section

Plan Elevation

Using ideas gained from the first part of the project, experiments with mylar led to a flower like module which was assembled to emulate a cloud.

AUD 121//StudioI//Skin and SurfaceJudith MusselWinter 2010//UCLA_Department of Architecture and Urban Design

Mountain Rift Elementary

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Counter Culture Classic

Free hand sketch to Ratatat

How to integrate older and younger kids?

Integrate both together through central hub of

shared public programming

Palmdale, CA

This studio involved the in depth analy-sis of landscape and events through the use of programmatic relationships. To begin, the class was asked to develop three programmatic schemes for a potential elementary in Palmdale, CA. Each scheme was influenced by a different system of arrangement, including the fluidity of freehand sketching to music (counter culture classic meth-od), the rhythmic system of layered grids, and a loosely scattered arrangement inspired by Sou Fujimoto. Ultimately one of these organizational methods was selected and then developed further into an elementary school.

Lending to the idea of programmatic flu-idity was the counter culture classic method of free hand drawing. The song played was Ra-tatats, wildcat and the drawing that emerged on the site generated the idea of creating a more direct integration of younger and older children through the use of shared functional and educa-tional spaces.

Because of the sites sweeping views of the city below it, the initial study of grid systems also stimulated inspiration. Using the strong visual pull of the city grid, the schools skin and surface system starts to pull/peel away from the mountainous site and encourages moments of programmatic activity.

Physical Model and Composite Perspective

view looking over Palmdale

urban grid

topographical grid

new tensile grid

1_project city grid on site

2_pull grid toward topo grid

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2

Site and Surface Reaction

nurture

explore

grow

StudioI_MusselUCLA_Winter 2010

Overlooking view of Palmdale

1_Pull in city grid2_Spread grid according topographical pull

Program Parti

sociallibrarygrade

technology

interactivity between classes, educational program, and social

activity

K-1

2-3

4-5

cafe

lab library

sports

sports

views

hillside

Programmatic Relations

Section a

Ground Plan a

Cut plane along urban grid

Pull grid toward topography

Surface created which lays over program

Opportunities for events occur in negative space

Surface Systems


Site Plan

Physical Model and Composite Perspective

social eventscafe//terracebathrooms

k-1st//special ed.2nd-4th 5th-6th

librarycomputer labscafeteria

administration

Circulation and Access

Program and Events

West Elevation

Social Zones


AUD 141//TechI//Techniques Kelly BairFall 2009//UCLA_Department of Architecture and Urban Design

Forms of Operation

1_Cut strips2_Score strips on a diagonal at center3_Cut latches into strips4_Interlock two strips into diamond5_Interlock diamond A with diamond B

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B

Wing Lock

This class focused on the foundational aspects in architectural representation by applying real design techniques to create an object and then document it using hand drawing methods. For the project we se-lected a word from a list of different operative methods and designed a small object for representational study. The final result was a light-weight skeleton made from museum board which connects and interlocks with itself for maximum strength and minimum bulk.

Lastly, we were asked to represent our object and the method used to derive it through a hybridized orthographic and diagrammatic drawing.

TechI_BairUCLA_Fall 2009

An introduction to representative techniques

Arch14//Materials and Processes of ConstructionColeman Griffith and Dionicio ValdezSpring 2009//Pasadena City College

Project Specifications The class was first asked to select a material that is readily available with the potential for structural integrity. Through experimentation and a group analysis of the materials inherent properties, a strategy was defined to create a structural composition at the human scale. With our investiga-tion of the intrinsic possibilities found in rope, we explored the results of different knotting techniques, the effects of tension, and capturing these specific tensile moments through the application of a fiberglass resin.

Group Members_Melissa Peter, Corina Rodriguez, Natalia Varada, Fionna Wu

Initial Research_Sailors Knot, Gaudi and Marcel Wanders Knot Chair

Draped Tensions

Experiments with Rope

ONE_research and selection of prospective knot and mod-ulation

TWO_studies in tension, con-trol grids, resin, and di-mension

FOUR_draping the knotted rope mod-ules from the con-trol points

FIVE_application of resin stabilizing the distinct study in place

SIX_while wet ap-plication of ten-sion through wire strands

SEVEN_once sufficient resin coats dry flip and repeat

EIGHT_two resulting modules connected by a second system of rope and resin

Three_development of cube shaped jig maintaining 8 control points

Arch24B_ValdezPCC_Spring 2009

module1_catenary moments

module2_cantenary tension

preliminary study model_tensile ropie

After group experimentation of knotting technique sand rope options through our initial study model, a finer tuned method was taken to create a final form. The second model, incorporated the techniques learned from the first and also used a cube shaped jig which allocated 4 controls points to help give dimension to the typically limp rope. The addition of a three-dimensional cube shaped control grid allowed for two knotted sheets to hang in moments of catenary tension, which were then captured with a thick resin coating. When dry, we removed the frozen catenary and repeated the process. Once we had two catenary forms, we then fused them together with a rope resin column. Having adapted this strategy for the final, the group broke into two teams of 2 and completed 2 more rope studies based on different draping and connective techniques.

Final Display

module4_triangulated weaving

module3_tensile moments

Arch24B_ValdezPCC_Spring 2009

Arch20B//Urban DilutionColeman Griffith Spring 2009//Pasadena City College

Green v Concrete in the Los Angeles basin

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Urban Expressions

Zoning

Population DensityCirulationGreen v Concrete Site Relationship

Before

Present

Urbanitys Impact// water+flow

Arch20B_GriffithPCC_Spring 2009

Urban Dilutionproject description_design a more efficient method of water reclamation de-spite the dense urban condition of the site and its surrounding context.

Currently Los Angeles relies purely on a man-made system of water rec-lamation. One of the most extreme examples of urban sprawl, with nearly every square inch lined in concrete, Los Angeles relationship with the natural patterns of rain flow and drainage have been severely altered. In order to take control of these irregular water patterns and provide order over the physical environment, the regions natural network of tributaries has been heavily transformed into a synthetic river system capable of rapidly deploy-ing water through the city back into the Pacific. Although this synthetic system of water channels has allowed the city to develop land in new ways, it also depletes the region of its natural qualities as a riparian zone leav-ing many areas along the river devoid of any of their natural landscape and essence.

The city, which acquires its water from up north, currently processes all of its waste water at multiple facilities across the city. Water at these facilities is processed so that it can be released safely back into the wa-ter table. In order to reintroduce a more natural relationship to the heav-ily regulated water system of now, an organic node along the cities drainage channels can serve to function as a more localized tributary, serving a more communal function. In order to explore this idea on its largest scale, a site situated along the most urban and industrial corridor of the water systems main channel, the LA river in downtown, was studied. Between 1st and 4th Street, on the east side of Alameda, there is a large plot of open land which functions as a space for train lay ups. This patch of the LA river is one of the most extreme examples of the rivers transforma-tion into a barren urban canyon, where the sediments that create the walls, are layers of graffiti which reflect the surrounding context of worn out industrial back lots and underpasses.

With such an extremely dramatic industrial setting, a study in recon-necting the urban with the natural emerged and the idea of a more localized water treatment facility which would serve the surrounding area while cre-ating a more natural relationship with the city, natural environment, and water reclamation system developed. This project aims to create a relation-ship between the urban and natural with a proposed water treatment facil-ity which would also function as a large public park with living systems of water reclamation using local grey water and runoff as irrigation for the reintroduction of riparian elements back into downtown.

Water and Regional Analysis

Urban Section_Downtown Los Angeles

Master Plan of Region

Tributaries Neighborhoods

storage tank

primary tank

reclaimed water

Riparianization of the Urban


Living Corridor Expanded Currents Irregation

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Site and Site Plan

Building Section

Transit

Riparian-Scape Treatment Phases

LOBBY

RIVER EDUCATION

LIVING MACHINE

CONTROL ROOM

RIVER EDUCATION

MECHANICAL/DISINFECTION

LABORATORY

RIVER WALK

WATER STORAGE

LABORATORY

CAFE

OFFICE

CONFERENCE

TERRACE

TERRACE

METRO LINK

LIVING MACINE


Ground Floor Plan First Floor Plan

Work Experience//LandscapesBarbara Kennedy Design2012

A. Muhlenbergia Capillaris No Mow Fine Fescue Blend 1000 sq. ft. Kalanchoe Manginii Pea Gravel 240 sq. ft. 18x36 Concrete Pavers 6

Raised Beds1. 12x2.5x22. 8x2.5x23. 5x2.5x2

stacked concrete planter

play structureexisting hedgepressure treated

wood edging

existing Acer

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compost

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tubexistingbamboo

retaining wall

walkway

flagstone

retainingwall

flagstonepatiotree

down

house

porch

gravel

pamypebbles

Agave

pot

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composter

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N(M) Nepetaground cover

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existing trees/shrubs

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ground cover

A. Romneya CoulteriB. Ceanothus ProstratusC. Cistus X SkanbergiiD. Cistus LandaniferE. Salvia ClevelandiiF. Deandromecon HarfordiiG. PholomisH. Salvia Blue SpiresI. Salvia Coahuilensis J. Penstemon SpectabilisK. Penstemon HeterophyllaL. Bulbine Frutescens M. Nepeta x Faassenii N. Heuchera Maxima O. Philodendron SelloumP. Amaryllis BelladonnaQ. Salvia LeucanthaR. Bougainvillea Barbara KarstS. Lonicera Japonica

3424 LARISSA DRIVE n1/8=1 scaleLOS ANGELES, CA 90026

The Redcliff Residence

The Wattles Residence

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PATIO

POOL

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water wall

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spill over vessel or stone

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Water Lily

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water feature

water wall

Trees Container Quantity

A. Pinus thunbergii 36 box 1 Japanese black pine

B. Juniperus bonsai 24 box 1 * variety to be chosen by client

C. Acer palmatum Bloodgood 24 box 2 Japanese maple Bloodgood

D. Acer palmatum dissectum Ever Red 24 box 1

Shrubs

E. Camellia sasanqua White Doves 15 g 3 Camellia sasanqua White Semi-double

F. Nandina domestica Sienna Sunrise 15 g 4 Heavenly Bamboo

Grasses/Bamboo

G. Cyperus papyrus 15g 5 Papyrus

H. Bambusa olldhamii 15 g 24 Clumping giant timber bamboo

I. Hakonechloa macra Aureola 5 g 6 Veriegated Japanese forest grass

J. Opiopogon planiscapus Nigrescens Flat 26 Black mondo grass

K. Imperata cylindricia Red Baron 5 g 1 Japanese blood grass

Liriope spicata Silver Dragon 1 g 57 Lily turf

Perennials/Ground cover

L. Juniperus procumbens Nana 5g 3 Dwarf Japanese juniper

Aquatic

N. Myriophyllum aquaticum 1g 11 Parrots feather

O. Nymphae 1g 13 Water lily

Sod

St. Augustine 160 sq ft

Pavers/stone/boulders

Criba/Lentejas pebbles 395 sq ft

Verano pavers 4624 X 24

Boulders 7Three Rivers

Mexican beach pebbles 15 sq ft

property line

24x24 pavers w/ stone

retaining wall

GAS

The Fugier Residence

Work Experience_LandscapesBarbara Kennedy Design_2012

EducationUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELESSCHOOL OF THE ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE_Bachelor of Arts-Architectural Studies

4222 Brunswick Avenue//Los Angeles, California 90039//(323)-336-4330//[email protected]

LOS ANGELES, CAJUNE 2011

ObjectiveTo obtain a position in a creative field where I can utilize my skills on real projects in order to continue learning and developing as a young professional.

Experience

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY-LOS ANGELESVOLUNTEER // CORNERSTONE CONSTRUCTION CERTIFIED_training in basic construction procedures for habitat sites_framing, drywall and finishing _familiarity with power tools and construction methods

GARDENA, CAAUGUST 2011-PRESENT

TECHNICAL_the Adobe Suite CS4 and 5, Rhinoceros 4.0, autoCAD 2012, Maxwell, Microsoft Office _workshop machinery such as laser cutting and power tools _design drawings, diagrams, hybrid drawings, rendering_Mac and Windows friendly

COMMUNICATION_verbal_visual_written

BARBARA KENNEDY DESIGNASSISTANT_landscape drawings on multiple residential projects_as built drawings for design study_plant and material knowledge

EAGLE ROCK, CAJANUARY 2012-PRESENT

BALL-NOGUES STUDIOINTERN_3-D modeling and template making for full scale mock-ups_mock-ups and material research_competition boards_preparation and packing of fabricated parts for on site installation _on site installation_worked on projects including Cloud, Screen, Cradle, Lens, and Gravitys Loom

LOS ANGELES, CAJULY 2009-OCTOBER 2009

Useful Skills

LANGUAGE_English-fluency in reading, writing and speaking_Spanish-intermediate in reading, writing and speaking

BUILT INC.ASSISTANT_design drawings _maintaining contact with material suppliers_as built drawings_renders and 3d modeling_worked on the Pink Taco Sunset project and multiple residences

LOS ANGELES, CAOCTOBER 2011-JANUARY 2012

Natalia Varada

undergraduate studies

Documents

entire site

surrounding site conditions

venice studioiii

unit rep

multiunit housing

different relationship

housing cluster

differing spatial zones