https://www.andrea-baena.com/projects daily 1.0 2025-11-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1574805062471-ZX476JADUP3Q4S9PLB1R/2.jpg Projects - City within a city This project explores how the building interlaces with the urban infrastructure. The solid-void diagram representing public-private is challenged. The building integrates the streets into its interior, mixing hotel, office and retail into a continuoes space closely interlocked with public paths. The design defies infrastructure obstacles, they stop being obstacles and become motivations for the architecture to interlace. The project doesn't avoid infrastructure, nor does it completely rely on onfrastructure to create megatrusctures. It proposes something different where the new constructions are build on top of the city. Gross building floor area of 3,000,000 square feet. Additionally, there is to be 1,000,000 square feet, (23 acres or about 9.2 hectares) of park space underneath the buildings.This is a target density for the district (roughly equals an urban FAR of 1) and includes both existing and proposed buildings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1574808809647-ZQ6L3QN4XHXKXLEMAQHR/squigles2.png Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1574811445795-A62ZH0O8XWCTEMHWBS98/color_mr.jpg Projects - Woven House This project challenges the static state of residential designs. The house is a dynamic compositional network of pieces, interlaced into an uneven topography. One could therefore classify the house into a “weaved” typology. My main objective is to push design based on a network structure that will interconnect the changing parts, as opposed to the design of a perpetual singular object. The house is composed of a dispersed yet interconnected network of parts. The design seeks to achieve a three-dimensional interconnection and weave while maintaining orthogonal grid plans onto which organize space. The design emerged from a structure for the network of pieces that compose the house. Such structure consists of a three-dimensional wireframe derived from a pattern of interlaced L’s, from which diagrammatic ribbons were created. The massing design was developed from this diagram, in order to maintain a weaved sensation in the spaces. To enhance the reading of the house as a network, the façade is covered with layers of wires that come from the contours of the entire depth of the house. The apertures also reinforce the illusion of depth as they are derived from volumes that lie behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1574368455303-H06L3Q39RMTBISST5Q91/01.jpg Projects - Ruled Crossing The design of the crossings is integrated with the site strategy. The checkerboard site strategy produces a field from a diptych programming of spaces. These diptychs can engage the binary agents under consideration; male/female, regime/academia, public/refuge, citizen/noncitizen. In the field condition the intersection of the patterns becomes a point of interest. At the singularity two pairs of axis meet, producing an intersection of programs. These axis’ of division become volumetric through the accommodation of circulation, parking and the mediation of sightlines. The Ruled Crossing deploys crenellation and mud coursing to produce a crossing of two separated paths in the context of Saudi Arabia. Different variations of crossings can be created through the stepping of the coursing, and the crenellated profiles. Crenellated profiles are created by a wire-cutting technique emanating ruled surfaces, their form relates to the scale of different actions of the body on either side of the wall. Inspired in crenellation observed in the mud fortresses of Saudi Arabia. The project explores beyond ornamentation through crenellation, which is now freed from its militaristic purpose. Crenellation now allows for the the people to interact with the wall in diverse ways. Team: Noora Aljabi and Alexander Kobald https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1575882888273-DM9H0I87BL9R4Z7MC7OV/1.jpg Projects - Mud Wall A wall made up of mud, extracted from and shaped by the non-static ground. Removed material from the site is used as a design element to be coordinated with the wall design, materially resulting in a zero-sum game. The stitching between balanced sections along a figurative circulation path that closes onto itself to emphasize the differentiation between the inside and the outside. A more complex reading of this choreography between the wall and the anti-wall gives design the agency to provoke a game of encounters between the regime and the education. The ambition is to generate a provocative design in which the presentation from the outside is very different from the richer movements happening on the inside. From the side of the regime there is a sense of continuity that is given by the top line of the exterior wall. At some moments, the wall thickens and creates a perfect opportunity to hide forbidden books in the poché. Additionally, there is a play between different modes of representation and the transformation of a detailed colored drawing that is photocopied to conceal and reveal different appearances. The only subtle hint of the playfulness that is happening on the inside that can be perceived from the outside is the change of the layering strata in the wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1590418580991-MJCD1LC76Y0MV2UW2FL4/Khoai+Paths_ecosystems.jpg Projects - Khoai Paths The project’s objective is to increase the social value of the Khoai in a self-sufficient and environmentally sensitive way. Activating the Khoai as a public space creates awareness of the social value of its landscape and links to history increasing the community’s motivations to protect the public good, but at the same time it creates preservation challenges because more people are attracted by the programming and activities. What planning and design mechanism will lead to the conservation and enhancement of the Khoai, serving as a model for creation of social value, stakeholder coordination and inclusive economic development? How can we preserve the fragile ecosystem of the Khoai, when urban norms are ignored and the institutions don’t privide the necessary control (or when providing it is too costly)? MIT Workshop: Emerging Urban Patterns in India. Professors: Bish Sanyal and Arindam Dutta Group Project: James Addison, Marcela Angel, Ricardo Martinez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1621335446952-KDTBA2KZDHUY2M621O96/1_SOUTH%2BBORDER%2BPLAN.jpg Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1637445473857-2SEB68S27HDVVHN0CEZQ/Slide01.jpeg Projects - innCUBO Winning team for the MIT Covid 19 Challenge, “Latin America vs. Covid 19” innCUBO is a web App does 3 things: (1) make artists visible, (2) imprint a digital culture in artists and (3) connect consumers with these artists. Visit innCUBO’s instagram a here and prototype here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1644791313965-JDRVJ8XPMMJ9RUI64ESX/Screen+Shot+2022-02-13+at+5.03.10+PM.png Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1574805409387-8CR2PR88DD17U91505YV/Elevation_Back_hr.jpg Projects - Fuzzy Monolith Obama Presidential Library presents itself both as a monolith and as a fragmented negative open frame. It reveals itself in the shade of the near coherent mass. The library acts as a transition, between dense city landscape and an open park. A strong icon that could be seen as a barrier or as blending into the cityscape. The project offers a paradox; a Presidential Library that expresses power and portrays transparency. Our aim is to conciliate between a monumental impenetrable monolith and a porous public environment. Visitors enter the building and ascend through the architectural stair, experiencing compression and then release as they arrive into a porous open public space at the top. The third floor acts as a semi-dense transition where the auditorium, gift shop and inside-out cafe are located. The fourth floor is the most porous space with the open gallery highly articulated in the borders, with a dispersion of blocks that represent fragments of the monolith. The private space (storage and offices) is enclosed and solid, holding the building together and compressing the public entrance ascension. We are studying a design cycle that consists of transitions between context, image, geometry, program, and realism. The first shift from the city scape image into the dug-out shades within the mass, is achieved through the dissolution of the monolith. the agitation moves into the mass and into the interior to resolve program. Team: Sophia NK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1574810067352-TKZZMVU0SS3U9P3LTS82/Plan.jpg Projects - Look out, loop in LOOP is an integrative design intervention that weaves together opportunities and challenges through attention paid to environmental systems and their relation to risk. In particular, LOOP aims to mitigate water-related risks by leveraging environmental systems, thus fortifying resiliency from the [out]side [in]. Chitravad - a village in Gujarat, India - has a strategic location on a high-lying area with a ridge that crosses the village from north to south, two major water bodies to the east and the west, and settlements at the periphery of the village. Smart loop that integrates the village water management plan, widening at certain points to become places of community encounter. Team: Wan Chantavilasvong and Eric M VanDreason https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1697982640173-Q8TATM3TI9XHBL46VDGA/Happy+Streets+Drawing%404x.jpg Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1574813239621-9MJ0PIUU9C8SOZKYQPXG/161001_Plano+Metropolitano+copy.jpg Projects - Tejiendo Pescaito Competition submission. Team: Daniel Berdichevsky, Alvaro Pretel, Alejandra Salazar, Marinella Bolivar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1712106854805-DY125DP6JQX9XC0WHMIJ/Design+Guidelines.png Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1637324216782-02ZRWCPMYC5XZBAS14R7/Main+St_perspective-v2-01.jpg Projects - Imagine Nashua Imagine Nashua is the City’s comprehensive planning process - an initiative that will combine inclusive community engagement with major plans created in the past 20 years to craft an innovative vision for the future of Nashua. This master plan focuses on equity, resilience, and climate protection as core values guiding growth and development in the city. This project was developed by the Utile team in collaboration with the City of Nashua. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1712543092515-UNK84C41J7C6U22IJKFP/Building+types+matrix.png Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1574370722235-Y49BE44PMNPTEDLSYRZY/Baena%2C+Andrea_CopyrightAndyRyan_0674-L.jpg Projects - Artist Building A building that houses artists at affordable prices and at the same time is integrated with public space, offering a platform for interaction between the artist and the public. Located in the Boston harbor, an emerging artist district, at the intersection between the harbor walk and a new linear park that is planned by the city government. Public space permeates the building, becoming circulation space which is used as open exhibition and semi-open workshop space. Proposing a productive use of interstitial spaces, such as corridors, lobby, circulation. The project plays with thickening the border between domesticity and public space. Formally, the building is composed of an interplay between mat (public) and slab (residential) typologies that merge together. Public space that transverses building. Multi facades, different relationships with urban side, park and water. Interplay between slab and mat typologies, created with same formal logic. Exploring how they meet and interact. Formal logic- Boxes in bars https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1712020269189-T5Q7RXIE8XQXW9U5YLH0/downtown+phase+2.jpg Projects - Lowell Forward From Collective Vision to Strategic Direction Lowell Forward is a twenty-year roadmap that charts the city’s path toward more vibrant neighborhoods, resilient infrastructure, restored natural spaces, and an energized downtown. Built in close collaboration with residents, community leaders, and city staff, the plan reflects a shared vision for how Lowell can grow with intention. Our team developed a strategic framework to pinpoint high-leverage opportunities—small moves capable of generating meaningful, long-term change. The work integrated urban planning, brand storytelling, public engagement programming, and digital communication into a cohesive process that helped the community see its future and mobilize around it. Learn more about the plan in the Lowell Forward website or instagram. The Utile team worked with the City of Lowell to develop this plan. Project team: Matthew Littell, Taskina Tareen, Rahi Patel, Avery Robertson, Kevin Chong, Alessandro Ricciardi, Kyle Jonasen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1574367360818-IA1TRSE3M2VS8QNC5P8R/1_SOUTH+BORDER+PLAN.jpg Projects - Spaces of Arrival (MIT Thesis) Transforming a Border of Displacement Into a Space of Belonging Spaces of Arrival reimagines Cartagena’s Virgen Swamp as a fluid, shared threshold rather than a contested boundary. The project examines the tensions between informal settlement, ecological dynamics, and municipal interventions, and proposes a multi-scalar, incremental framework that supports community livelihoods while restoring ecological resilience. Advisors: Cristina Parreño and Roi Salgueiro Reader: Marie Law Adams https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1763563069541-KFQGIGN1HB8ZCVH7ENAL/Small.jpg Projects - ADU Guidebook Demystifying the Path to Building an ADU The ADU Guidebook began with a simple question: what do homeowners need to feel confident building an ADU? Through conversations with residents exploring ADUs for aging parents, rental income, or flexible space, we uncovered a mix of practical concerns and personal motivations. The guidebook responds to those stories. It breaks down complex regulations and processes into approachable guidance and offers examples that reflect the everyday realities of homeowners. The goal is to make ADUs a more accessible and meaningful housing option for people and families across the city. Find the full guidebook here. The Accessory Dwelling Unit Guidebook is the result of efforts by City of Boston staff and a team of consultants. All ADU designs were designed by Neighbor Architects. Outwith Studio provided urban planning support, and Other Tomorrows provided graphic design services. SLS Consultants provided input on the designs related to Building Code, Fire Code, and related life safety regulations. The City of Boston’s Planning Department oversaw the direction and development of the book, individual ADU designs, and additional content throughout. Additional support was provided by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and the Inspectional Services Department. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1712103657187-IPXSWIRBGZ8C9FFIQKKZ/210401_Photo-Overlay_Walk-up-House_1116-1122-Rosedale-Dr-NE-01-1400x1400.png Projects - Atlanta Pattern Analysis Grounding Policy in the City’s Lived Form As part of Atlanta’s citywide zoning rewrite, we analyzed how neighborhoods actually function on the ground—across city, district, block, and building scales. The work revealed patterns, gaps, and opportunities that are now informing a more flexible and responsive zoning framework. Watch this video to learn more. This project was developed with the Utile and TSW teams. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1590421448375-RAYUU6YG0J16G4VFNHSR/TP+JPG+1+Cultura_S.jpg Projects - Digital Toolbox Designing the City’s Digital Commons Digital Toolbox explores how cities can extend their physical infrastructure with flexible, human-centered digital experiences. The project prototypes a hybrid platform that supports learning, culture, work, and play—adapting to the needs of different generations and everyday urban life. By translating spatial logics into digital formats, Digital Toolbox proposes a digital layer for the city—one that strengthens community connections rather than replacing in-person interaction. The result is a framework for hybrid urban life that is accessible, adaptable, and designed for the rhythms of the 21st century. This project was developed with the Context Urbano team, including: Ana Maria Cadavid, Catalina Garcia, Camilo Gutierrez and Mateo Barrero. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1590422486839-LWOXU2IG1DUTFZXX8F5Q/6%2BAnd%25C3%25A9n.jpg Projects - Dynamic City Designing Adaptive Urban Solutions in a Time of Uncertainty Dynamic City applies systems thinking to Bogotá’s COVID-19 response, identifying high-leverage spatial interventions that support the city’s “smart quarantine” plan. Through a multidisciplinary analysis of mobility, land use, and social infrastructure, the project reveals where small, cost-efficient changes could have important impact. The result is a strategic, incremental roadmap for reopening in a rapidly evolving urban environment. This project was developed with the Context Urbano team including: Nora Aristizabal, Andrea Henao, Andrés Martinez, Felipe Cabezas, and Mateo Barrero https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1763562009432-XAG8DE7EWVPEGT4BPEHJ/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-11-21%2Bat%2B11.45.23%2BAM.png Projects - Contexto Urbano From Established to Innovative: A Firm’s Transformation This project supported an established architecture and urban planning firm in redefining its direction and positioning. Through strategic consulting, we developed external partnerships, launched a new design research capability, and reimagined the firm’s brand identity. The work strengthened the firm’s national reputation for innovation and expanded its capacity to tackle complex, multidisciplinary projects. By aligning strategy, design research, and marketing, we helped the firm transition from a traditional practice to a forward-thinking, growth-oriented organization. https://www.andrea-baena.com/blog daily 0.75 2024-04-08 https://www.andrea-baena.com/blog/strategic-design-consulting monthly 0.5 2023-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/4a68649b-a9c7-4b9e-a5cf-b21f7a5abfbe/IMG_6014.jpg Blog - Strategic Design Consulting - Make it stand out Design thinking internal workshops https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/394e0df8-c260-4e71-9fd3-addf2c5f419e/IMG_6019.jpg Blog - Strategic Design Consulting - Make it stand out New social media channel https://www.andrea-baena.com/blog/inncubo-winning-team-mit-covid-19-hackathon monthly 0.5 2021-11-19 https://www.andrea-baena.com/blog/dynamic-city monthly 0.5 2020-05-25 https://www.andrea-baena.com/blog/shaping-colombia monthly 0.5 2019-12-09 https://www.andrea-baena.com/blog/system-dynamics-course monthly 0.5 2023-10-23 https://www.andrea-baena.com/blog/2016/2/22/alveolar-glottis-kkc93 monthly 0.5 2019-12-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1575834260417-5443GAJHX7L4BWBMUZBJ/Workshop1.jpg Blog - Eco-parque Workshop Photos by James Addison https://www.andrea-baena.com/blog/consulting-valparaiso monthly 0.5 2020-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1585277686368-LI0FFTS5Z4K54Y26QLC1/Picture1.png Blog - Consulting Valparaiso Plan Cerro’s participatory design workshop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1585278713227-UKOHAWZER6SNGACV575Q/Valparaiso1.png Blog - Consulting Valparaiso Focus on root rather than symptoms https://www.andrea-baena.com/blog/e55jzfj84fkvbx3stzdl5c0b1a2j0f monthly 0.5 2019-12-08 https://www.andrea-baena.com/blog/quality-social-housing-in-colombia-towards-an-integral-solution monthly 0.5 2020-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1585276858437-T73MFAFNMNC7X3F4SWND/Screen+Shot+2020-03-26+at+9.38.11+PM.png Blog - Quality social housing Feedback loop diagram https://www.andrea-baena.com/about daily 0.75 2026-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5dd30b12bb1d4c0a6dfdebe2/1575832408326-JFRN17ZVJHEAXHTJ798S/AndreaBaena.jpg About