portfolio julia almeida
DESCRIPTION
Julia Almeida is a Brazilian Architectural Assistant living in London. She recently finished the Master in Architecture & Urbanism programme Design Research Laboratory (DRL) at the Architectural Association. During her bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urbanism in São Paulo, Brazil, she spent one year as an Erasmus student in FAUP, Oporto, Portugal.TRANSCRIPT
2012portfolioJulia Almeida
2012portfolioJulia Almeida
[email protected]: +44(0) 7526 474 959home: +44(0) 1908 233 389
professional
academic
Bloom_24
PA Atelier_26
Jewellery_28
Natural Prosthesis_2
Plus Minimal_12
4 Soft_8
Fabrica de Cultura da Luz_16
Collective Housing_20
academic Natural Prosthesis_2
Plus Minimal_12
4 Soft_8
Fabrica de Cultura da Luz_16
Collective Housing_20
This research investigated the potentials of
architecture as a complex living organism
constantly negotiating with nature. Based in
an estuary, it explored the constantly changing
dynamics of its environment such as the water
flow and sedimentation.
Through agent-based systems, data from the
scenario informs the growth of the structure in
a bottom up approach. In a first moment the
position of the anchoring points is determined,
then evolves into the structure. Under the water,
the grass field structure is responsible for the
redistribution of water forces, sedimentation
enhancement and fish farming. Above the
water only a small percentage of the system
is developed for human use. The “inhabitable”
spaces are artificial topographies that can
evolve programmatically, thus enabling different
uses or events. From a visiting platform it can
evolve to research or educational centres or
ultimately, housing.
Wax Lake Delta_sedimentationReferences
Structure studies
Species enhancement_birds, fish and bivalves_biorock growth
1951 2005
Water flow analysis Structures impact in the water_water flow and sedimentation
Natural Prosthesis
AADRL Master Research
Architectural Association
2011-2012
London, UK
in collaboration with: Jose Cadilhe, Michail
Desyllas and Salih Topal
Tutors: Alisa Andrasek / Jose Sanchez
2
Water flow Agents rules_anchoring points definition Prototype
Grass Field
Inhabitable Space
Oyster Farming
Agents highlighting different potentials in the siteGrass Field_Oyster Farming_Inhabitable Spaces
Grass Field structure Oyster Farming structure Zoom of the Prototype
Structures impact in the water flow
3
In order to answer the non-linear dynamics
of the river, a series of experiments were
done with metal structures. Just like in the
mangroves, the models explored collective
behaviour and redundancy. The articulation
of metal fibres was done through weaving,
entanglement and rotation to achieve a system
with no need of a mechanical fix joint.
Metal fibres structure
Resistance increased by entanglement
4
Expandable foam was explored as a material
that can present very interesting opportunities to
design. Apart from its well know characteristics
such as lightweight, resilience, insulation and
flexibility, foam has an extraordinary ability to
self-organize and to emphasize its flow pattern.
Many study models were done to catalogue
foam behaviours when released through
fibres (pipes with holes) allowing an emergent
process to happen.
Foam Foam catalogue_pipes with different patterns of holes releasing foam
1:1 sweating pipes model
Foam as a translucent material
Detailsl
5
250 cm
250 cm
30 cm 30 cm
70 cm
30 cm 30 cm
100 cm
Fabrication
Sweating system_expandable foam with pipes Enclosed space definition
Foam cushion placement
Anchoring slab structure
Foundation anchoring
Anchoring System
Lightweight slab
Bended reebars
Grassfield Anchor
Biorock
Slab system_expandable foam and fabric
Slab system_reebar
Grass field_reebar
6
7
This workshop was developed using Maya Hair
Dynamics firstly exploring a 2d universe that
later on evolved into a 3d environment searching
for different configurations of line. Rings on faces
of simple volumes such as a cube or a pyramid
were used as a way to determine points in space
that afterwards would be connected with lines
according to specific rules. The images in the
right were generated with this logic.
Later on, this system evolved even more using
the Weaire-Phelan structure (composed by
dodecahedron and tetradecahedron assemblies)
to define a structure that could grow in different
directions.
The systems created had a big differentiation
in the nodes with a variety of configurations. In
response, the Soft Joints were created, capable
of responding to different organisations and
force distributions avoiding standard fix joints.
Rules
Structure generations
Generation I_a Generation I_b Generation II Generation III
4 Soft
AADRL Workshop II
Architectural Association
2010
London, UK
in collaboration with: Jose Cadilhe, Michail
Desyllas and Salih Topal
Tutor: Theodore Spyropoulos
8
Generation I_node analysis
Generation II Generation III
9
Generative process _linear organisationWeaire-Phelan structure and rules to define structure
Model I Model III
Model II
10
Nodes rules
Soft Joints generation
11
Minimal surface experiment with lycra Articulation between digital and physical experiments
Plus Minimal
AADRL Workshop I
Architectural Association
2010
London, UK
in collaboration with: Jose Cadilhe, Michail
Desyllas and Salih Topal
Tutor: Theodore Spyropoulos
Plus Minimal combined casting systems with
minimal surfaces by articulating material
properties, flow patterns, manufacturing and
structure. The main challenge was to find the
best combination of stitching pattern and fabric
elasticity to allow a homogeneous casting
system. 3d software such as Maya and Rhino
were used to test and simulate dynamics and to
assist in the physical experimentations.
The goal was to fill a structure with the minimum
amount of pouring points possible using only
gravity. The result was a unique radial flow
distribution only possible by a minimal surface
initial configuration.
12
Casted model
Casted model
Testing flow redistribution zone Redistribution zone Flow pattern
13
Upper partTripod wood frame
Midle part
Lower part
14
Stitching pattern and flow distribution
Lower part casted
pouring point
redistribution zone
radial pattern
15
IMPLANTAÇÃO COM TÉRREOesc. 1/1000
ESQUEMA ESTRUTURAL
PILARES DE CONCRETO NA PERIFERIADO EDIFÍCIO
TRELIÇAS LONGITUDINAIS APOIADAS NAS CAIXAS DE CIRCULAÇÃO VERTICAL.
GRELHA ESTRUTURAL DA COBERTUTA. TRELIÇAS TRANSVERSAIS
TIRANTES RESPONSÁVEIS POR ATIRANTAR A TRELIÇA LON-GITUDINAL O 1° E 2° PAVI-MENTO
CORTE TRANSVERSALESC. 1/500
ELEVAÇÃO NORTEESC. 1/500
ESQUEMA DOS PAVIMENTOS - USOS E ACESSOS
FOTOS DA REGIÃO ESTUDOS DE COBERTURAS MAQUETES DE ESTUDO
IMPLANTAÇÃO
COBERTURA FINAL
PERSPECTIVA CAFÉ E BIBLIOTECA PAVIMENTOS ATIRANTADOS
PERSPECTIVA ESCADA DE ACESSO AO 1° PAVIMENTO E SUA RELAÇÃO COM A GRANDE COBERTURA
PERSPECTIVA INTERNA DO MUSEU.ABERTURAS DA COBERTURA PERMITEM UMA PERMEABILDADE VISUAL ENTRE INTERIOR E EXTERIOR.
PERSPECTIVA NOTURNAS
In this project, the boundary between interior
and exterior is broken by a great cantilevered
structure that articulates different spaces in a
dialog with the city. Located in an important zone
of São Paulo, now degraded, but historically
recognised by its arts and fashion activities, this
cultural centre brings back to the area some of
the values and traditions lost. Ultimately it acts
as a catalyst for an urban reinvigoration of the
“Parque da Luz” and surroundings.
The cantilever roof projects a missing pedestrian
walkway that connects the closest tube station
to a park, therefore redistributing the circulation.
The cantilevered metal structure containing the
museum gives the visitors the opportunity to
have a direct contact with the outside space,
whilst at the same time allowing pedestrians
passing by to see part of the exhibition. The
most demanding challenge in this project was
the structure itself, where the big cantilever,
supported by a metal truss frame, was also
responsible for sustaining the storeys below it.
IMPLANTAÇÃO COM TÉRREOesc. 1/1000
ESQUEMA ESTRUTURAL
PILARES DE CONCRETO NA PERIFERIADO EDIFÍCIO
TRELIÇAS LONGITUDINAIS APOIADAS NAS CAIXAS DE CIRCULAÇÃO VERTICAL.
GRELHA ESTRUTURAL DA COBERTUTA. TRELIÇAS TRANSVERSAIS
TIRANTES RESPONSÁVEIS POR ATIRANTAR A TRELIÇA LON-GITUDINAL O 1° E 2° PAVI-MENTO
CORTE TRANSVERSALESC. 1/500
ELEVAÇÃO NORTEESC. 1/500
ESQUEMA DOS PAVIMENTOS - USOS E ACESSOS
FOTOS DA REGIÃO ESTUDOS DE COBERTURAS MAQUETES DE ESTUDO
IMPLANTAÇÃO
COBERTURA FINAL
PERSPECTIVA CAFÉ E BIBLIOTECA PAVIMENTOS ATIRANTADOS
PERSPECTIVA ESCADA DE ACESSO AO 1° PAVIMENTO E SUA RELAÇÃO COM A GRANDE COBERTURA
PERSPECTIVA INTERNA DO MUSEU.ABERTURAS DA COBERTURA PERMITEM UMA PERMEABILDADE VISUAL ENTRE INTERIOR E EXTERIOR.
PERSPECTIVA NOTURNAS
cover
programme
parking lotgroung floorpublic circulationservice circulationrestaurant / bar
administrationauditoriumlibrary
museumschool
IMPLANTAÇÃO COM TÉRREOesc. 1/1000
ESQUEMA ESTRUTURAL
PILARES DE CONCRETO NA PERIFERIADO EDIFÍCIO
TRELIÇAS LONGITUDINAIS APOIADAS NAS CAIXAS DE CIRCULAÇÃO VERTICAL.
GRELHA ESTRUTURAL DA COBERTUTA. TRELIÇAS TRANSVERSAIS
TIRANTES RESPONSÁVEIS POR ATIRANTAR A TRELIÇA LON-GITUDINAL O 1° E 2° PAVI-MENTO
CORTE TRANSVERSALESC. 1/500
ELEVAÇÃO NORTEESC. 1/500
ESQUEMA DOS PAVIMENTOS - USOS E ACESSOS
FOTOS DA REGIÃO ESTUDOS DE COBERTURAS MAQUETES DE ESTUDO
IMPLANTAÇÃO
COBERTURA FINAL
PERSPECTIVA CAFÉ E BIBLIOTECA PAVIMENTOS ATIRANTADOS
PERSPECTIVA ESCADA DE ACESSO AO 1° PAVIMENTO E SUA RELAÇÃO COM A GRANDE COBERTURA
PERSPECTIVA INTERNA DO MUSEU.ABERTURAS DA COBERTURA PERMITEM UMA PERMEABILDADE VISUAL ENTRE INTERIOR E EXTERIOR.
PERSPECTIVA NOTURNAS
access to the publicemergency exitrestrict access – authorized peoplerestrict access – employees vertical circulation
circulation
Elevation north
Study sketches of the cantilever roof
Study models of the cantilever roof openings _ relation museum and the city
Elevation south
Fabrica de Cultura da Luz
Undergraduate Final Year Project
Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie
2009
São Paulo, Brazil
Tutor: Guilherme Motta
16
13,5
13,5
Fourth floor_museum Composition sketches of museum openings
Third floor
Elevation west17
18
TRANSvERSAL METAL TRUSS FRAMECANTILEvER STRUCTURE_MUSEUM
LONGITUDINAL METAL TRUSS FRAME
METAL STRUCTURE
HIGTH TENSION CABLE STRUCTURE
CONCRETE PILLARS
DETAIL SECTION
Detail sectionArticulation between concrete and metal structure
Study modelsRelation between truss frame and museum
Structural diagram
Transversal section
19
Casa da Música, Rem Koolhaas
Casa da Música tube station, Eduardo Souto de Moura
officeopened street
commercecollective housing
Ground FloorTypical PlanSite Plan Sketch Site Plan
Sketch Section AASketch Section BB
Collective Housing
Erasmus programme
FAUP
2006
Oporto, Portugal
This project operates in two scales. In a first
moment, the surrounding areas of the “Casa
da Música” by architect Rem Koolhaas were
considered, especially the area between the
“Casa da Música” tube station by architect
Eduardo Souto de Moura and the music centre
itself. Circulation, accessibility and visual
contact were the key ingredients to the project
that consists of multiple mixed use buildings:
collective housing, office, commercial and public
space. Moreover, the magnitude of the proposed
development required new streets to be opened
to enhance the access and circulation by both
pedestrians and vehicles.
In a second moment and changing the scale,
a collective housing building was selected for
further development and detailing. Several types
of organisations and flat distributions were tested
until finally reaching a fine level of constructive
details and material research.
20
1
2
3
4 6
5 7
Typical residential Plan
Transversal section
1
2 4 6
5 7
8
3
Typical Section Detail
21
professional Bloom_24
PA Atelier_26
Jewellery_28
structural testing
pattern recognition
material behaviour_flexibility and resilience
Bloom
Bloom - the Game
2012
London, UK
The interactive pavilions were commissioned by
the Mayor of London as part of the “Incredible
Installations” programme for London during
the Olympic and Paralympic games. They were
allocated initially in victoria Park and the UCL
main quad and after migrated to the Cutty Sark.
Bloom was built out of thousands of recyclable
plastic components creating an urban garden, a
social game. Together with a team of designers,
we created structures, spaces and benches that
could be appropriated by people. Spare pieces
were available so the visitors could interact with
the installation assembling they own structures.
The result is an urban toy constantly negotiating
with its surrounding.
24
UCL main quad
Cutty Sark25
1
The PA Atelier was aimed as an environment of
multiple and flexible use comprised initially of
a ceramic workshop, store and pottery school.
The client wanted a very bright space with open
plan and the minimum amount of divisions. The
development was split up in two blocks divided
and at the same time connected by a small
garden. The front block has the store and office
whereas the back one provides the space for the
ceramic studio and its working areas. The blocks
are physically connected by a small footbridge
in the first level which highlights the interesting
game of volumes between both buildings.
The steel structure not just guaranteed a faster
construction but also created an interesting
connection between the roughness of the pottery
and a more high-tech design. The option of white
as a background works as a discreet scenario
allowing the ceramic pieces and sculptures to
emerge as the protagonists of the space.
Award:
PA atelier was selected to participate in the
Seventh International Architecture Biennal of
São Paulo, 2007.
1-Garage2-Store3-Basement
4-Toilet5-Kitchen6-Access
7-Stairs8-Kiln area9-Jewellery atelier
10-Ceramic workshop11-Ceramic workshop12-Garden
13-Reception14-Office15-Footbridge
16-Mezzanine17-Music studio
first floor
ground floor
lower floor
PA Atelier
2005-2006
São Paulo, Brazil
26
longitudinal section
27
As an Architect, my endeavor towards design,
materiality, manufacturing and details made me
start quite early working in parallel with jewellery.
The engagement with it took place initially in my
home country where the fundamental techniques
were acquired through apprenticeships that
eventually culminated into a solid formation in
Portugal, my second homeland.
My work generally incorporates architecture
features into small scale objects always
exploring material properties. The uniqueness
of each piece is achieved by different types
of finishing such as textures and patterns. The
introduction of gold in my pieces was done
through a technique called “Marriage of Metals”
that merges silver and gold, highlighting the
contrast between them.
Jewellery
Julia Almeida Jewellery
2007-today
São Paulo, Brazil / London, UK
28
29
The opportunity of taking the master Design
Research Laboratory at the Architectural
Association, London, put me in contact with
new design and manufacturing technologies.
Materials previously worked such as silver and
gold were temporarily put aside. Through avant-
garde processes, contemporary materials such
as MDF, walnut wood and acrylic were explored.
A recent trip to Milos, Greece, greatly inspired
me by its beautiful natural rock formations. The
horizontal patterns of layers found in the rocks
are key aspects of this collection as well as the
overlapping of colors.
30
31
Julia Almeida
[email protected]: +44(0) 7526 474 959home: +44(0) 1908 233 389