Academic Portfolio
Masters Project
Florida International University
Masters Seminar Project -
Accelerated Masters Program in Architecture
PAVILIONS OF MUSIC. Melodic movement is built into a musical experience, and I wish to transport the user into an
environment that creates visceral moments, just like a sweet melody does. The many vibrations that the
human ear experiences is itself a fluid transition from space to space in the ear chamber, something I wish to translate into an architectural experience.
Langston Hughes Literary Center
Florida International University
Comprehensive Design Studio / Integrated Building Systems - Accelerated Masters Program in Architecture
Revealing the past, present, and future of African-American culture in Harlem through architectural transparency and the light of new knowledge. This multi-use literary center seeks to honor the great Harlem-based poet Langston Hughes by providing guests with art galleries and a double-heighted library space with poetry rooms. The facade design represents a typical Brownstone Facade that has been lifted off and punctured through as an abstraction of the typical facade window grid.
Little River Ecological Center, Miami, FL.
Florida International University
Design Studio 9 -
Accelerated Masters Program in Architecture
As climate change continues to affect coastal cities around the globe, sustainable design has become increasingly vital, particularly in combating rising sea levels. The town of Little River in North Miami is an ideal testing ground for such a design due to its close proximity to Biscayne Bay.
This multi-use facility provides affordable housing and amenities such as tennis courts and public green areas, as well as office buildings powered completely by solar energy. All buildings are elevated 10' above topsoil to mitigate flash flood damage.
Creative Portfolio
Lion King: Pride Rock Rescue!
Conceptual rollercoaster attraction (PERSONAL PROJECT)
Simba is in trouble! Those pesky hyenas Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed have kidnapped the young prince and it is up to Nala, Timon&Pumba (and us) to rescue Simba and restore peace to the Pridelands. Guest will navigate the Elephant Graveyard as they twist and turn into a thrilling finale on the iconic Pride Rock!
- Moderately-intense family coaster.
- Two rollercoaster trains, one mid-course break run.
- Multimedia screens at mid course break run.
- Highly dynamic animatronics.
- Highly detailed sets and scenery with an African savannah theme/Lion King iconograhy.
Spinal Installation
Conceptual pavilion design (PERSONAL PROJECT)
Experimented with "MASH" workflows in Autodesk Maya to create a conceptual mass inspired by the shape and grooves of the human spinal cord. Metaphorically, this form is also meant to reinforce the notion that community interaction is the backbone of any progressive society.
Contact
Let's discuss how my expertise can bring your themed attraction projects to life. Reach out to me at info@michaeltorresdesign.com or call 123-456-7890.