B.Arch graduate Jesus Montes-Herrera of Woodbury University explored the possibilities of designing a tower resilient enough to withstand a global pandemic at a structural and performative level. In his thesis, The Xenophilactic Tower, Herrera explains the structure "introduces the topic of interactive layering as a protective skin. Concentrating on the manipulation of a variety of scientific experiments as the technical processes for form-finding." The result, Herrera tells Archinect, is that "in the event of a worldwide pandemic the tower may become the genesis of civilization. The intent is "to find the relationship between Hypertrophy and entropic spaces" using techniques such 3D printing, layering, and casting.
Despite a turbulent year with many challenges facing students across the globe, Archinect connected with the recent grad to learn about his thesis project, job prospects, the misconceptions he had about the industry as it faced a global pandemic.
Archinect's Spotlight on 2020 Thesis Projects: 2020 has been an extraordinarily challenging year for architecture graduates. Students were displaced as schools shut down, academic communities had to adapt to a new virtual format, end-of-year celebrations were canceled or changed dramatically, and now these students are graduating into an extremely challenging employment market. To support the 2020 class we're launching a summer series of features highlighting the work of thesis students during this unique time of remote learning amid COVID-19. Be sure to follow our 2020 thesis tag to stay up to date as we release new project highlights.
The Xenophylactic tower introduces the topic of interactive layering as a protective skin. Concentrating on the manipulation of a variety of scientific experiments as the technical processes for form finding.
Briefly describe your thesis project.
The probability of a viral pandemic has become immanent. How architecture responds to this new spatial paradigm remains the question. The Xenophylactic tower introduces the topic of interactive layering as a protective skin. Concentrating on the manipulation of a variety of scientific experiments as the technical processes for form finding. The architectural fabric is interpreted as a Hypertrophyc-morphic typology that begins offering an adaptive layer of spaces, these layers then become conglomerate barriers, introducing the topic of a multi-protocol space as protection against pathogens. Symbolically the tower becomes an all in one system that performs in many stages. ETFE becomes the outer layer skin system sporadically changing its opacity, adding performative features maintaining intended spaces cold and dark.
The architectural fabric is interpreted as a Hypertrophyc-morphic typology that begins offering an adaptive layer of spaces, these layers then become conglomerate barriers, introducing the topic of a multi-protocol space as protection against pathogens.
Pneumatic pods in the inner portion of the tower are colored signifying the possibility of contamination within that space. These pods are then woven together with the celebrated mechanical systems that would traditionally be concealed. The underground portion houses a complete autonomous vaccine developing facility controlled by AI.
The futuristic intent is that in an event of a worldwide pandemic the tower may become the genesis of civilization. Techniques such as layering, 3D printing, and casting are explored with the intent to find the relationship between Hypertrophy and entropic spaces. Programmatically the tower serves as a emergency clinical space with isolated controlled environments and research spaces; and with artificial intelligence a full organism is comes together.
How did your project change as studios transitioned to remote learning?
The transition into remote learning became part of my ongoing research. I was attempting to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of spatial relationships in the build space; consequentially the remote learning environment helped me understand key aspects of spatial design.
Any tips for students as they continue to work on their thesis?
My advice for students is to make the best out of situations, as designers we are supposed to look at problematic situations with optimism. The result may challenge and even oppose the paradigm, but I believe that is the most impactful element in a thesis project.
Architecture is an integrative discipline. It has motivated me to learn different things.
As a recent graduate experiencing the direct effects of the pandemic, how do you feel about the architecture industry right now?
The pandemic has had an impact on all types of industries including architecture. As a 2020 graduate I had the misconception that the architecture industry would suffer the most. It turns out that although project availability is not at its maximum demand right now, there are still a wide variety of projects out there to be picked up.
What has helped prepare you for the workforce?
Architecture is an integrative discipline. It has motivated me to learn different things. One important aspect about attending Woodbury University is the requirement to participate in a summer internship before graduation. The internship position I held helped me answer a lot of questions I had about the workforce.
Katherine is an LA-based writer and editor. She was Archinect's former Editorial Manager and Advertising Manager from 2018 – January 2024. During her time at Archinect, she's conducted and written 100+ interviews and specialty features with architects, designers, academics, and industry ...
13 Comments
love this - "The architectural fabric is interpreted as a Hypertrophyc-morphic typology that begins offering an adaptive layer of spaces, these layers then become conglomerate barriers, introducing the topic of a
multi-protocol space as protection against pathogens."
I'd love to hear someone with a medical background's take on this.
or an architect in that market.
the base thesis language could easily become code language the way i read it.
I’d give the architecture jargon a pass just because it is utterly inconsequential. But every time someone claims their designs has an effect outside the realm of architecture ... ya gotta back it up buddy or you might as well “design” a time machine.
I see, not the smartest people we're dealing with here on architect. so let me put it in simple english: (family yelling at me...give me a day)
was distracted. you can take that sentence and the architecture and re-write it as building code. its a segregation of space based on biological conditions - the future probably.
"its a segregation of space based on biological conditions - the future probably."
Though, it's nothing new as far back as you can take modernist development. Bathrooms, kitchens, running water, bigger infrastructures like sewer systems, food plants, so on. It has been an increased pace for decades. These are the transition times. Good or bad it's taking a place. The section has patterns of freewheeling blobs of programmatic speculation, kind of like Corbusier done vertical.
Having done minor medical facilities and been exposed to major (surgery centers), what you note Orhan is already and will be much more intricate and elaborate in reality and as you further note the section has "programmatic speculation". The technical would be quite intense and a good MEP engineer would need to be on board. So the graphics of Neil Spiller (good point Random) and what is shown is more than adequate for student work.
i wonder if any architecture professors have seen a section through a real high rise. there's so much wasted brainpower on design that is completely divorced from reality
I like the Neil Spiller-esque aesthetics and lingo, makes me feel nostalgic!
"... architectural fabric is interpreted as a Hypertrophyc-morphic typology that begins offering an adaptive layer of spaces" ... cute ... most architects are still struggling to get contractors read the project manual or even pay attention to the notes on the drawing.
Really, what the fuck is this garbage? The "educator" for said garbage should have a misdemeanor filed against him/her for siphoning off the poor kids' money
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