Biografía:

Nacido en Santurce, Puerto Rico, Heryk Tomassini obtiene un Bachillerato Profesional en Arquitectura de La Nueva Escuela de Arquitectura de la Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico. En el ámbito artístico, ha participado en diversas exhibiciones: 2010 The Substance of Abstraction, Agora Gallery, Chelsea New York; 2009 HOY! Exhibición Ex alumnos arqpoli, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, Santurce P.R.; 2008 Alquimia, Gala Anual del Museo de Ponce, San Juan, P.R.; 2008 Arquitectos Jóvenes en la Plástica, Gandía Arts & Framing Studio, Santurce, P.R.; 2007 Feria de Cultura Urbana, Hato Rey; Proyecto de la clase de diseño escenográfico de la Nueva Escuela de Arquitectura, Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico, bajo la dirección del profesor Jaime Suárez, Galería Botello, Hato Rey.

También participo en el evento internacional P.R. 02’ [En Ruta], organizado por M+M proyectos; El jardinero anarquista: conexiones entre Japón, Finlandia y Puerto Rico (en conjunto con los arquitectos finlandeses Casagrande & Rintala) y sometido además para la 2003 ACSA Internacional Conference. Recibe los premios Student Research Honor Award, 2004 AIAS Nationals Awards, New Orleans, U.S.A. y Premio Honor AIA, categoría estudiantes, 2003 AIA Award, Puerto Rico, ambos por el trabajo de investigación y análisis para la preservación de la Capilla del Cristo bajo la dirección de la profesora Beatriz Del Cueto.

 Declaración del Artista:

 Nacido y criado en una isla tropical/caribeña bautizada con el nombre de Puerto Rico y conocida como “La isla del encanto” mis pinturas no dejan de expresar la ubicación geográfica de donde provengo. Por medio de un lenguaje propio, pero sin descuidar las influencias del arte Abstracto Expresionista, intento proveerle al espectador un imaginario espacial tropicalizado por medio del color. Estas obras más que objetos son una especie de terrenos, paisajes o hallazgos arqueológicos de color y movimiento que pretenden sumergir a quien las observa en un espacio de imaginación y ficción. Más que cuadros son objetos coloridos habitables que obligan al observador a adentrarse en mundo lleno de huellas e imágenes memorables y reflexiones de identidad.

La Escuela de Arquitectura de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico se complace en presentar la conferencia titulada “Catalytic Formations”a cargo del reconocido arquitecto y diseñador Ali Rahim. La presentación , parte del ciclo de conferencias. El evento se llevara a cabo el viernes, 26 de marzo de 2010 a las 7:00 PM en el Aula Magna de la Escuela de Arquitectura. Le extendemos la más calurosa invitación para asistir a esta magnífica presentación, compartir con otros seguidores del diseño contemporáneo, y disfrutar del ambiente nocturno del Centro Histórico de Ponce. Adjunto encontraran el afiche oficial de la actividad, al igual que una breve biografía de la trayectoria de Ali Rahim tanto en el ámbito académico como profesional. Les esperamos!

Ali Rahim is an Architect, Director of Contemporary Architecture Practice and member of the University of Pennsylvania  architecture design faculty where he co-ordinates the final year of the Master of Architecture Design Program. Mr. Rahim has served as the Studio Hadid Visiting Architecture Professor at the University of Applied Arts [die Angewandte Kunst] Vienna, the Louis I Kahn Visiting Architecture Professor at Yale University and as a Visiting Architecture Professor at Harvard University.

DIALOGOS:

Entre lo académico y lo profesional, el ciclo de Diálogos de la Escuela de Arquitectura se concibe como foro de discusión entre invitados y estudiantes de nuestra Escuela. Cada dialogo pretende crear un ambiente intimo e informal de discusión bilateral, Nuestros dialogos buscan establecer vínculos mas sólidos a beneficio de nuestros futuros diseñadores. A su vez, se pretende que nuestros invitados reciban una perspectiva refrescante y sugestiva sobre sus propias posturas a los temas en mano.

Celina Nogueras Cuevas es Directora Artística de CIRCA. La también presidenta de MUUAAA,  cuenta con vasta experiencia y conocimientos en las tendencias del arte y la arquitectura contemporánea dentro y fuera del País. Es curadora, escritora, asesora en comunicación y profesora universitaria.

Completó una Maestría en Estética y Artes Visuales en el siglo XX de la Universidad de Essex, Inglaterra, y un bachillerato en Estudios Interdisciplinarios de la Universidad de Puerto Rico. Su carrera académica incorporó disciplinas como la Filosofía y la Historia del Arte con el afán de reforzar el enfoque pluridisciplinario que considera necesario para comunicar, mirar el arte y apreciar la arquitectura.

AULA MAGNA Escuela de Arquitectura

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Urban Scapes and Communities Experimental Unit

Roberto Alsina Miranda, Unit Director

The dynamics of transformation in cities and urban environments demand integral actions to make a sustainable economic and social model. The understanding of a city has been historically abducted by the disciplinary methodological approximations of the professions that traditionally has been responsible in presenting solutions and implementing projects and master plans. Given this situation, the development of social, political and economical knowledge on territories and cities happens isolately without a common transdisciplinary platform to be the catalyst of innovative approximations to the problematic prevailing.

The curricular structure of the Academy has been part of the problem. Cities and territories are complexities that resist ordinary categorization and isolation of problems to resolve. The Academy has the responsibility of gestate innovative methodologies, knowledge and professionals to confront the intricacies of the urban environment.

To develop a new generation of Urban Design professionals well aware, not only of how his surroundings and environment affect his designing and creation process, but also Social , economical and political forces that guide that process, as well as how the latter can be changed and modified to achieve the cities of the future.

Course Descriptions

ARAD 402 Contextual Design Studio II: Urban Scapes and Communities, 5 credits

The studio aims to introduce students to the political aspects of urban design (i.e. land use and environmental policy), as well as the key concepts for the analysis, development and design of urban realms, and the application of strategies that contextual equilibrium, pedestrian settings, cultural rituals, perception, density and organizational elements within the parameters of geography, public policy, ecology, infrastructure, cultural definition, character and social activity. 3 hours, 1 semester, 3 credits

ARUS 101 Theory and Principles of Urban Design, 3 credits

This course investigates the relationship between socio-cultural practices and the development and organization of contemporary built environments. Using theoretical orientations from landscape architecture, architecture, urban planning, geography, sociology, and cultural anthropology, the course will investigate how social structures are spatially embedded within historical and contemporary urban realms. 3 hours, 1 semester, 3 credits

ARUS 201 Territorial and Urban Public Policy in a Global Society, 3 credits

The course will provide a comparative analysis of the changing nature of cities, economic adjustment and political structures, placing special emphasis on issues of policy and planning at different scales, and on current reforms in systems of urban governance. 3 hours, 1 semester, 3 credits

ARUS 301 Territorial Planning Strategies on Infrastructures and Communities, 3 credits

This course aims to expand on the implementation of territorial planning based on the exploration of various models for promoting economic health, distributing capital, understanding poverty and revitalizing low and moderate income neighborhoods in economically distressed communities. 3 hours, 1 semester, 3 credits

ARUS 401 Studies on Emergent Urban Practices, 3 credits Elective

This course aims to expose students to the practice of urbanism towards creating new and innovative city fabrics. Case studies shall cover world-wide examples of innovative urban practices on both the conceptual (proposals) and implementation (constructed) levels. 3 hours, 1 semester, 3 credits

ARUS 501 Urban Economic and Financial Milieu, 3 credits Elective

This course aims to provide a platform for discourse on historical and current economic models as related to urban environments and communities, and more specifically, the impact of those models on urban sprawl, housing, transportation, zoning and land use. 3 hours, 1 semester, 3 credits

ARUS 601 Urban Sociology and the Cultures of Cities, 3 credits Elective

This course aims to provide the basis for an interdisciplinary research approach to the political, social and economic factors affecting the growth and development of cities in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Emphasis shall be placed on the major sociological theories of urbanism (from the classical formulations of Wirth and Simmel to contemporaries like Fischer), urban political & economical models, world-system theory, and the socio-economical impact of Globalization. 3 hours, 1 semester, 3 credits

Building Technology and Sustainability   Experimental Unit

Luis V. Badillo, Unit Director

The expression of technological achievement has been a key concern in the development of contemporary architecture. A critical aspect of the interaction between architecture and technology is the way in which they have continually redefined each other. Crucial to this approach is the communication of many previously semi-independent disciplines, such as structural engineering, materials, computer programming and ecological sciences.

The result of meshing of sustainable technologies within the architectural design process has transcended the supplementary era and become a complimentary, if not required, expression of a though process. Contemporary sustainable architecture is not as static as the finite lines and objects prevailing on historical buildings, but an indeterminate architecture containing both permanence and transformation. Performance systems are no longer machines that claim spaces on buildings, but an integral part of its intricacacy and the culture of the life within them.

Along the history of humanity, all Architectural Periods are the result of human beings responding to their current socioeconomical circumstances, by employing the available technology. The Building is no more than an adequate response to a design problem, a technological device, capable of addressing “multi-faceted” challenges. An architect, should be professional skillful in the application of the latest technologies, in the pursuit of attaining a harmonious solution.

Course Descriptions

ARAD 302, Experimental Design Studio II: Building Technology and Sustainability, 5 credits

The Design Studio aims to provide a fundamental understanding of mechanical, electrical, lighting, and fire protection systems within the built environment. This shall also give way to the integration of sustainable techniques to further enhance building efficiency.

ARST 101, Tectonics on Material Applications and Methods, 3 credits Theory

This course introduces students to building materials and methods as integral to building tectonics.  The students shall gain a better understanding of material and system selection, gaining awareness of the correlation between material specification and the tectonic in the architectural composition.

ARST 201, Introduction to Mechanical and Electrical Systems, 3 credits Theory

This course provides students with an understanding of the concepts a of environmental systems in buildings.  Students will be exposed to the basic principles in the design and integration of the electrical and mechanical systems.  Emphasis will be given to the impact these systems will have in the architecture.

ARST 301, Building Acoustics, Illumination, and Special Systems, 3 credits Implementation

This course focuses on the principles, design, application and performance of buildings as related to acoustics, lighting among other specialized systems.  The course must create awareness of the principles driving these phenomena and their successful integration within buildings.

ARST 401, Sustainable Building Design Philosophy and Practices, 3 credits Elective

This course will explore the philosophy, principles and application of sustainable technologies as feasible alternatives to traditional building technologies.  The course will focus on sustainability from the standpoint of performance, availability, feasibility, integration, and programmatic criteria within an architectural solution.

ARST 501, Aesthetics of Sustainable Building Design, 3 credits Elective

This course will expose the symbiotic relationship between sustainable building systems and architectural design within the context of design integrity.  It should provide students with the understanding that sustainable systems and building aesthetics can be complimentary.

ARST 601, Sustainable Design Rating Systems and Efficiency Standards, 3 credits Elective

This course aims to provide an awareness of the sustainable design rating systems used throughout the world, and an understanding of their methodology and criteria prior, during, and after the design process.  Special emphasis will be given to major certification organizations and their impact in current design strategies.

Structural Framework and Assemblages Experimental Unit

Jose Pagan Pares, Unit Director

The common definition of the word structure could be explained in terms of the organization or interrelation of all the parts of a whole. Structures exist almost everywhere, even on intangible things. From an engineering point of view, the structure of a building can be defined as the assemblage of those parts that exist for the purpose of maintaining shape and stability. In terms of architecture, the structure of a building is an inseparable part of the building form, moreso, even the generator of its morphology.

Used skillfully, the building structure can establish or reinforce orders and rhythms among the architectural volumes and surfaces. It can be visually dominant or recessive and can develop harmonies or conflicts. It can be both confining and emancipating, and unfortunately in some cases, it cannot be ignored. It is physical.

Experimental Unit Strategic Plan

I.             INTRODUCTION

The creation of the School of Architecture at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico provides a new venue for the discussion on the importance of structural assemblies as part of the architectural project. Through this venue, the Structural Framework and Assemblages Platform will have an important roll in preparing and guiding the architects of the future in understanding the importance of the basic concepts and methods of structural analysis, material properties, structural typologies, form and how they can contribute to the design process.  The Platform will not only help minimized the gap between structural engineers and architects in Puerto Rico, but also will establish itself as one of the referents in material and structural assemblies investigation in Puerto Rico.  This Platform is comprised within the Vision and Mission of the PCUPR, and will only be achieve through the development of a multi-disciplinary well rounded professional, an architect well aware not only about his surroundings and how it affects his design process, but the material, structural assemblies, and construction methods available for the materialization.

II.            VISION

To develop a new generation of architects well aware, not only of the political, economical, and social context in which the architectonic project takes place, but also of the structural assemblages, materials, dimensioning, calculations methods, codes, and technology available to construct the architectonic project, as well as using these tools as an integral part of the design process.

III.           MISSION

Provide the students with an extensive knowledge of the Structural Framework and Assemblages applicable to the architectonic project and of the logical, theoretical, and practical structural concepts that govern the architecture, in order to reinvent new Structural Framework and Assemblages that best fit their design intentions.

IV.          ACADEMIC PLATFORM DESCRIPTION

Mutualistic Symbiosis: Architecture and Structures

The Platform of Structural Assemblies and Frameworks will focused in The Mutualistic Symbiosis: Architecture and Structures. In biological science, a mutualistic symbiosis is a relationship between individuals of different species, in which both individuals benefit from the association.  The Mutualistic Simbiosis: Architecture and Structures, is a relationship between discipline, art and science, in which both disciplines benefit from the association. In other words, The Mutualistic Symbiosis: Architecture and Structure, is the coexistence of both, the poetics of the architectonic space and the rigorous of the structural assembly. This coexistence implies a relationship of codependence, in which if the Structure disappears there is no Architecture and vice versa.  The intention is for the structural assembly to become a key component in the design process of architecture, as it can contribute to the quality, poetics and phenomenology of the architectonic space. Often structures are relegated to the end of the design process, when the decisions involving the architectonic space have been decided. The Mutualistic Symbiosis: Architecture and Structure, will introduce structural concepts and assemblies from the beginning of the design process, so the structural assembly and architectonic space can evolve as one, during the design process.

The Mutualistic Symbiosis: Architecture and Structure, is subdivided in three main lines of investigation. They are: Structure Tectonics, Morphology of the Structural Assembly and Re-Adaptation of the Architectonic Space.  Structure Tectonics will emphasize in the study of materials as the essential component in the creation of architectonic structural assemblies. Structure Tectonics will be directly related the other two lines of investigation: Re-Adaptation of the Architectonic Space and Morphology of the Structural Assembly.

The Morphology of the Structural Assembly will focus itself in the design of new structural assemblies, that respond to the same requirements of space, program, context and users intended for the architectonic space. Biomimicry will play an important role in this line of investigation, given that is the best fusion between the poetics of nature (space) and the rigor of parametric design for its understanding (structure).

Re-Adaptation of the Architectonic Space will focus itself in the process for the intervention on existing and abandoned structural assemblies of the urban center of our cities and how the existing structural assembly and the required reinforcement adapts and fuse itself with the existing and new architectonic space.

As part of the Mutualistc Symbiosis: Architecture and Structure, CIMAS (Center for the Investigation of Materials and Architectonic Structures) will become the extracurricular center of investigation, capable of providing important feedback and sequence of study to the three main lines of curricular investigation (Structure Tectonics, Re-Adaptation of the Architectonic Space, and Morphology of the Structural Assembly).  Is intended for CIMAS to be at the center of these three main lines of investigation giving them academic support, as well as contribute to the Platform innovative approach towards the Symbiosis of structure and Architecture. The following diagram explains how the Platform functions and the hierarchy relationships between the different lines of investigation and components of the Platform.

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Legal and Administrative Consciousness Experimental Unit

Luis D. Muniz Martinez, Unit Director

Expermiental Unit Strategic Plan

Unit Statement

The Legal and Administrative Awareness Unit (ARLA) serves as the platform for the research, development and implementation of all legal and administrative function within the practice of architecture and urban design. The unit shall provide the tools necessary for student to understand that while architectural design yields a physical manifestation, the design process is bound by strict codes, regulations, boundaries and systems. The unit shall focus on the legality of the practice, from office management, project management, building codes, regulations, and responsibilities of all professionals involved in the design and construction process.   

I.             INTRODUCTION

The creation of the School of Architecture at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (“PCUPRA”) provides a new venue for the discussion of ideas and development of initiatives to propel the economic development and creation of wealth in Puerto Rico. Through this venue, Puerto Rico, and specifically the southern part of the island, will benefit of a steam of knowledge and professional discussion of how we believe and foresee our economic development and the construction and redevelopment of our cities and suburbs should be in the future. This re-conceptualization of our living environment will be managed through what we call a “Laboratory for Cities”. This Laboratory for Cities is comprised within the Vision and Mission of the PCUPRA, and will only be achieve through the development of a transdiscipline-well rounded professional, an architect well aware not only about his surroundings and how it affects his designing and creation process, but also the legal structure, regulations and ordinances that guide and influence that process.

 
Then, considering the abovementioned, the legal consciousness curriculum will provide the PCUPRA student the necessary tools to become, not only a multi-discipline professional, but also a person capable of creating and discuss how the shape of the future city shall be. The legal consciousness curriculum seeks two general objectives: provide the student a basic knowledge of the legal structure affecting and intervening with his profession, and, provoke and in depth analysis of how that interaction can be geared towards the creation of better cities and quality of life.

 II.            VISION

 To develop a new generation of multidiscipline professionals well aware, not only of how his surroundings and environment affect his designing and creation process, but also the legal structure, regulations and ordinances that guide that process, as well as how the latter can be changed and modified to achieve the cities of the future.

 III.           MISSION

Provide the student a basic knowledge of the legal structure affecting and intervening with his profession, and, provoke and in depth analysis of how that interaction can be geared towards the creation of better cities and improvement of the quality of life.

 IV.          ACADEMIC PLATFORM DESCRIPTION

ARAD 501,Developmental Design Studio I: Legal and Administrative Awareness, 5 credits

This course aims to provide practical experience applying the legal framework theory inherent to the design and construction of urban environments in the design process.

 ARLA 101, Introduction to Law, Contracts and Professional Liability, 3 credits

This course is intended to introduce students to the basic legal concepts, contracts and professional liability issues arising out of the design and development process.

ARLA 201, General Real Estate, and Administrative Law Principles, 3 credits

This course is for students to acquire a complete understanding of real estate law, legal ordinances affecting it and secure and structure of simple transactions.

 ARLA 401, Human Resources on Strategic Administration, 3 credits Elective

This course introduces students the basic principles of administrating a successful business and the human resources that comes with it.

ARLA 501, Development of Business Plans, 3 credits Elective

This course is to provide students the necessary skills to accomplish their self discovery by developing their first real life project.

 ARLA 601, Administrative Initiatives, 3 credits Elective

In this course students will study formal compensation arrangements and successful management of resources and employees.

V.            OBJECTIVES OF ACADEMIC PLATFORM

                A.            Academic Objectives

1. Introduce the students to the basic legal concepts, legal sources and issues that comprise the legal profession, the law of contracts and professional liability and its direct interaction and integration with the architect professional and working environment. 
2. Introduce the student to the basic concepts of real estate law, administrative law, and the jurisdiction of administrative agencies, construction law, permits, environmental law, and the effect of the legal structure in the development and design process.
3. Introduce the student to the concept of public private partnerships, its origins and history, the different types on PPP’s, and the advantage and disadvantages of such model in the construction and development of critical public infrastructure.
4. Open the facilities and professionals of the PCUPRA to the rest of the college community by adapting and modifying some courses for business administration students by offering the same as electives courses.
5. Provide a platform for the discussion of the effect of Puerto Rico’s legal framework in the development of our cities and the pragmatic application of design concepts.
6. Establish internship agreements with government agencies in charge of construction and development (i.e. P.R. Planning Board, P.R. Regulations and Permits Administration, and Autonomous Municipalities) in order to provide opportunities for the students to apply their knowledge and gain experience.
7. Promote, together with the Historic Architecture Platform, academic foreign exchanges in order to provide the students with hands on practice and experience on comparative architecture and the legal framework that shape it.

                B.            Research and Development Objectives

1. Create the Urban Re-Development Institute (URDI), to provide continuous assistance and advice, either direct or through internships programs, to the state government and the municipalities.
2. Analyze the applicable laws, regulations and ordinances of urban construction and development in order to provide suggestions for amendments, repeals, and new legislation.
3. Analyze the effect of the applicable laws, regulations and ordinances through history and how they had impacted a specific region, city or municipality.
4. Analyze and provide a comparative approach to the laws, regulations and ordinances that apply in other jurisdictions around the world, how they can be adopted in Puerto Rico, and how we can export knowledge to other regions.

            C.        Financial Objectives

1. Provide specialized consulting and advisory services to the state government, municipalities and other jurisdictions in the Caribbean through the URDI and charge for those services.
2. Create a cooperative internship program, with the private sector, where PCUPRA students could work and receive payment while studying.
3. Research, analyze and pursue opportunities for grants, in the federal, state, private or non profit sector level, to provide funds for the research and development of ideas and new projects.
4. Through a Continuing Education Center (the “CEC”) create a continuing professional education curriculum to provide seminars and lectures to professionals in different areas (i.e. architects, lawyers, planners), which fees will be deposited in an account on behalf of the legal consciousness platform.
5. Develop and create the “South Puerto Rico Economic Development Forum”, through which important players of the economic development arena in the world will come to Ponce, Puerto Rico to offer lectures and seminars regarding opportunities of the region as an economic engine.

             D.   Faculty Development Objectives

1. Professionalize the faculty in order to keep them up to date in all aspects regarding urban development in Puerto Rico.
2. Periodic evaluations of each professor.
3. Exchange of faculty professors with other Schools of Architecture as well as other faculties within the PCUPR.

            E.  Community Relations Objectives

1. Create an Urban Conservation and Development Clinic (the “UCDC”), in a joint venture with the PCUPRA School of Law and the College of Business Administration.
2. Through the UCDC provide assistance and advice to communities, for them to learn about their urban environment, their rights, duties and how they can conserve and improve their urban surroundings.
3. Through the UCDC, provide services and advice to low income people about construction and development, including, urban improvements, public utilities and infrastructure, and housing.
4. Through the UCDC provide assistance to low income communities in economic development, small and micro businesses and self starting job creation.

              F.    Industry Relations Objectives

1. Create and organize the CEC to provide advance courses to architects and other professionals related to the construction and development field.
2. Subscribe and participate as a member of international entities related to urban development.
3. Create the South Puerto Rico Construction Council (the “SPRCC”).
4. Sign a cooperation agreement with the Home Builders Association and the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association to assist and advice in legislation and development proposals.