The Course & The Project
This Villa Verde study grew out of the Revit Architectural
course (31 hours) I completed through GoPillar Academy. While
my Master's thesis project allowed significant creative freedom
in designing spaces and selecting furnishings, this course took
a fundamentally different pedagogical approach.
course (31 hours) I completed through GoPillar Academy. While
my Master's thesis project allowed significant creative freedom
in designing spaces and selecting furnishings, this course took
a fundamentally different pedagogical approach.
THE COURSE OBJECTIVE:
The Revit Architectural program was designed as a technical
consolidation course, to solidify my foundational understanding of
Revit's architectural tools, workflows, and best practices. Rather
than creating original designs from scratch, the course emphasized
learning through disciplined analysis and precise modeling.
The Revit Architectural program was designed as a technical
consolidation course, to solidify my foundational understanding of
Revit's architectural tools, workflows, and best practices. Rather
than creating original designs from scratch, the course emphasized
learning through disciplined analysis and precise modeling.
MY APPROACH TO THE ASSIGNMENT:
Instead of treating this as a mere technical exercise, I recognized
an opportunity to deepen my understanding of contemporary
architecture and sustainable design principles. I chose Villa Verde
Housing, a seminal work by Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena,
as my case study project.
Instead of treating this as a mere technical exercise, I recognized
an opportunity to deepen my understanding of contemporary
architecture and sustainable design principles. I chose Villa Verde
Housing, a seminal work by Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena,
as my case study project.
WHY VILLA VERDE?
This choice was deliberate and strategic:
This choice was deliberate and strategic:
TECHNICAL RIGOR: Villa Verde's structural clarity and modular
organization make it ideal for learning Revit's architectural
capabilities. The project's gridded layout and repeating units
are pedagogically valuable.
organization make it ideal for learning Revit's architectural
capabilities. The project's gridded layout and repeating units
are pedagogically valuable.
DESIGN EXCELLENCE: Aravena's work represents contemporary
best practices in sustainable, socially conscious architecture
principles that align with my professional values.
best practices in sustainable, socially conscious architecture
principles that align with my professional values.
OPEN-SOURCE ACCESSIBILITY: Crucially, Aravena released Villa
Verde's design files as open source knowledge (as a 2016
Pritzker Prize winner). This enabled me to study the original
CAD files, understand the design logic, and reconstruct the
project in Revit with architectural integrity.
Verde's design files as open source knowledge (as a 2016
Pritzker Prize winner). This enabled me to study the original
CAD files, understand the design logic, and reconstruct the
project in Revit with architectural integrity.
LEARNING BY REVERSE-ENGINEERING: Working from the original
CAD files forced me to understand not just "what" the design is,
but "why" the spatial logic, structural strategy, and design
constraints that shaped Villa Verde.
CAD files forced me to understand not just "what" the design is,
but "why" the spatial logic, structural strategy, and design
constraints that shaped Villa Verde.
Understanding Aravena's Design Philosophy
To properly analyze Villa Verde, one must understand Alejandro
Aravena's architectural philosophy and the concept of
"incremental housing" that defines his practice.
Aravena's architectural philosophy and the concept of
"incremental housing" that defines his practice.
ALEJANDRO ARAVENA - THE ARCHITECT:
Alejandro Aravena, founder of the Chilean firm Elemental (2001),
became the first architect to win the Gothenburg Prize for
Sustainable Development (2017). He was awarded the Pritzker Prize
in 2016 architecture's highest honor, primarily for his innovative
work in social housing.
Alejandro Aravena, founder of the Chilean firm Elemental (2001),
became the first architect to win the Gothenburg Prize for
Sustainable Development (2017). He was awarded the Pritzker Prize
in 2016 architecture's highest honor, primarily for his innovative
work in social housing.
Unlike many architects who view social housing as a necessary but
unglamorous obligation, Aravena has made it the central focus of
his practice. His question is not "How can I create a prestigious
building?" but rather "How can design improve the lives of people
with limited resources?"
unglamorous obligation, Aravena has made it the central focus of
his practice. His question is not "How can I create a prestigious
building?" but rather "How can design improve the lives of people
with limited resources?"
THE INCREMENTAL HOUSING CONCEPT:
Aravena's defining innovation is "incremental housing" a
radically practical approach to affordable housing that works
within real economic constraints.
Aravena's defining innovation is "incremental housing" a
radically practical approach to affordable housing that works
within real economic constraints.
Traditional approach: Government builds 100% complete housing units
→ limits quantity, serves fewer families
→ limits quantity, serves fewer families
Aravena's approach: Government funds 50% of "a good house"
→ families receive a structurally complete, high quality core
→ residents expand their unit over time as finances allow
→ families receive a structurally complete, high quality core
→ residents expand their unit over time as finances allow
This isn't a compromise, it's an inversion of perspective. Rather
than viewing residents as passive recipients, Aravena sees them as
active participants in completing their homes. The architecture
must be designed so that resident led expansion improves the
neighborhood, not deteriorates it.
than viewing residents as passive recipients, Aravena sees them as
active participants in completing their homes. The architecture
must be designed so that resident led expansion improves the
neighborhood, not deteriorates it.
VILLA VERDE'S DESIGN STRATEGY:
Villa Verde Housing (Constitución, Chile, 2013) consists of 484
units for families who lost their homes in the 2010 earthquake.
The project exemplifies Aravena's incremental housing philosophy:
Villa Verde Housing (Constitución, Chile, 2013) consists of 484
units for families who lost their homes in the 2010 earthquake.
The project exemplifies Aravena's incremental housing philosophy:
• Initial unit area: 57 m² (basic, high quality core)
• Expandable to: 85+ m² (as residents construct additional walls
and slabs)
• Structure delivered nearly complete: shared party walls, pitched
roof, lower slab, beams for second floor slab
• Residents' responsibility: Build one slab and two outer walls
• Expandable to: 85+ m² (as residents construct additional walls
and slabs)
• Structure delivered nearly complete: shared party walls, pitched
roof, lower slab, beams for second floor slab
• Residents' responsibility: Build one slab and two outer walls
Locally sourced materials, modular design, and community centered
spatial organization create an environment where residents feel
ownership and agency.
spatial organization create an environment where residents feel
ownership and agency.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES AT PLAY:
CONSTRAINT AS CATALYST: Limited budget forces ingenious solutions
MODULARITY: Repeating units enable construction efficiency and
logical expansion patterns
SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE: Shared courtyards and communal spaces
foster community despite incremental expansion
STRUCTURAL HONESTY: Visible concrete frames, simple materials
beautiful in their directness
SUSTAINABILITY: Locally sourced timber, passive heating/cooling,
rainwater harvesting
CONSTRAINT AS CATALYST: Limited budget forces ingenious solutions
MODULARITY: Repeating units enable construction efficiency and
logical expansion patterns
SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE: Shared courtyards and communal spaces
foster community despite incremental expansion
STRUCTURAL HONESTY: Visible concrete frames, simple materials
beautiful in their directness
SUSTAINABILITY: Locally sourced timber, passive heating/cooling,
rainwater harvesting
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR MY PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE:
Studying Aravena's work fundamentally shifted my understanding
of architecture. It's not about creating pristine, finished objects,
it's about creating frameworks for human life. Design must be
humble, practical, and socially responsible.
Studying Aravena's work fundamentally shifted my understanding
of architecture. It's not about creating pristine, finished objects,
it's about creating frameworks for human life. Design must be
humble, practical, and socially responsible.
Metodology: Reverse-Engineering Design
When Aravena released Villa Verde's design files as open source
knowledge in 2016, he provided a precious resource: the original
architectural drawings and CAD files. My approach to this project
was methodologically rigorous:
knowledge in 2016, he provided a precious resource: the original
architectural drawings and CAD files. My approach to this project
was methodologically rigorous:
STEP 1: ANALYSIS OF ORIGINAL CAD FILES
I obtained Elemental's published CAD drawings and conducted a
detailed analysis:
• Studied floor plans, sections, elevations at full scale
• Understood the structural grid and dimensional system
• Analyzed the modular logic of residential units
• Identified key design constraints and decisions
• Documented the material specifications and finishes
I obtained Elemental's published CAD drawings and conducted a
detailed analysis:
• Studied floor plans, sections, elevations at full scale
• Understood the structural grid and dimensional system
• Analyzed the modular logic of residential units
• Identified key design constraints and decisions
• Documented the material specifications and finishes
This phase was crucial, it's one thing to see a finished building
in photographs; it's quite another to understand how every
dimension, every structural element, every spatial relationship
supports the design intent.
in photographs; it's quite another to understand how every
dimension, every structural element, every spatial relationship
supports the design intent.
STEP 2: ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH
I researched Aravena's design process for Villa Verde:
• Case study publications and architectural journals
• Aravena's interviews on social housing philosophy
• The specific context of Constitución, Chile post earthquake
• Implementation challenges and solutions
• Community feedback and project outcomes
I researched Aravena's design process for Villa Verde:
• Case study publications and architectural journals
• Aravena's interviews on social housing philosophy
• The specific context of Constitución, Chile post earthquake
• Implementation challenges and solutions
• Community feedback and project outcomes
Understanding the "why" behind design decisions is essential for
accurate, intelligent modeling.
accurate, intelligent modeling.
STEP 3: REVIT BIM MODELING
Using Revit Architectural, I reconstructed Villa Verde in full 3D:
• Modeled structural frame: concrete columns, beams, slabs
• Created residential unit types with parametric accuracy
• Developed detailed interior finishes and materials
• Created documentation: floor plans, sections, details
• Generated 3D visualizations from the architectural model
Using Revit Architectural, I reconstructed Villa Verde in full 3D:
• Modeled structural frame: concrete columns, beams, slabs
• Created residential unit types with parametric accuracy
• Developed detailed interior finishes and materials
• Created documentation: floor plans, sections, details
• Generated 3D visualizations from the architectural model
STEP 4: SPATIAL INTERPRETATION - FURNISHING & INTERIOR DESIGN
Here's where my approach diverged from merely reproducing CAD:
I interpreted Villa Verde's interior spaces and added furnishings,
finishes, and design details.
Here's where my approach diverged from merely reproducing CAD:
I interpreted Villa Verde's interior spaces and added furnishings,
finishes, and design details.
Why this addition?
• Aravena's original design shows the structural framework and
basic building envelope
• The actual lived experience includes furnishings, materials,
lighting, color
• As an interior designer, my role was to envision how residents
would occupy and personalize these spaces
• This required thoughtful interpretation of Aravena's modest,
functional aesthetic
• Aravena's original design shows the structural framework and
basic building envelope
• The actual lived experience includes furnishings, materials,
lighting, color
• As an interior designer, my role was to envision how residents
would occupy and personalize these spaces
• This required thoughtful interpretation of Aravena's modest,
functional aesthetic
THE BALANCE: RESPECT FOR ORIGINAL DESIGN
Unlike my Master's thesis,
this project required discipline. I needed to:
✓ Maintain fidelity to Aravena's structural and spatial logic
✓ Respect the material palette: concrete, wood, simple finishes
✓ Honor the project's social housing context
✓ Avoid over-designing or adding unnecessary luxury elements
Unlike my Master's thesis,
this project required discipline. I needed to:
✓ Maintain fidelity to Aravena's structural and spatial logic
✓ Respect the material palette: concrete, wood, simple finishes
✓ Honor the project's social housing context
✓ Avoid over-designing or adding unnecessary luxury elements
This balance between faithful reproduction and thoughtful
interpretation reflects real architectural practice, where
designers work within constraints and respect the vision of
architects before them.
interpretation reflects real architectural practice, where
designers work within constraints and respect the vision of
architects before them.
BIM Modeling Process
This project solidified my competency in Revit Architectural by
requiring me to:
requiring me to:
SPATIAL ORGANIZATION: Model the modular housing units with
precision, understanding how each space relates to others
precision, understanding how each space relates to others
PARAMETRIC THINKING: Create unit types that can be repeated
and modified, essential for social housing where standardization
ensures efficiency
and modified, essential for social housing where standardization
ensures efficiency
DOCUMENTATION: Extract clear, professional floor plans,
sections, and details directly from the BIM model
sections, and details directly from the BIM model
DETAILING: Model finishes, materials, and interior elements
that transform basic structure into livable space
that transform basic structure into livable space
Interior Design Reinterpretation
While Aravena's original designs focus on the structural framework
and building envelope, my contribution was to thoughtfully
interpret how residents would inhabit and furnish these spaces.
and building envelope, my contribution was to thoughtfully
interpret how residents would inhabit and furnish these spaces.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY FOR INTERIORS:
• AUTHENTICITY: Furnishings and materials appropriate for actual
residents' means, not luxury, but quality and dignity
• MODULARITY: Flexible arrangements that adapt as units expand
• FUNCTIONALITY: Every piece serves multiple purposes (common in
modest-income housing)
• COLOR & WARMTH: Subtle warm tones and natural wood to soften
the concrete structure
• AUTHENTICITY: Furnishings and materials appropriate for actual
residents' means, not luxury, but quality and dignity
• MODULARITY: Flexible arrangements that adapt as units expand
• FUNCTIONALITY: Every piece serves multiple purposes (common in
modest-income housing)
• COLOR & WARMTH: Subtle warm tones and natural wood to soften
the concrete structure
COLOR PALETTE:
• Base: Urban Tape (#C4BEB7), natural wood tones
• Accents: Warm Dark Oak (#55342B), green leaf (#526B2D)
• Textiles: Natural linens, simple weaves
• Base: Urban Tape (#C4BEB7), natural wood tones
• Accents: Warm Dark Oak (#55342B), green leaf (#526B2D)
• Textiles: Natural linens, simple weaves
MATERIAL SELECTIONS:
• Flooring: Natural wood parquet
• Walls: Exposed concrete (as per Aravena), painted plaster
• Furniture: Modest but well designed pieces, timeless forms
• Kitchen: Open shelving, stainless steel, practical layout
• Flooring: Natural wood parquet
• Walls: Exposed concrete (as per Aravena), painted plaster
• Furniture: Modest but well designed pieces, timeless forms
• Kitchen: Open shelving, stainless steel, practical layout
SPATIAL ORGANIZATION:
• Living/Kitchen: Open-plan to maximize perceived space
• Bathrooms: Functional efficiency
• Outdoor spaces: Connection to courtyards and shared areas
• Living/Kitchen: Open-plan to maximize perceived space
• Bathrooms: Functional efficiency
• Outdoor spaces: Connection to courtyards and shared areas
This reinterpretation demonstrates that Aravena's structural
framework, when furnished and finished thoughtfully, creates
dignified, pleasant living environments. The architecture succeeds
not just in its technical efficiency, but in its humanistic
qualities.
framework, when furnished and finished thoughtfully, creates
dignified, pleasant living environments. The architecture succeeds
not just in its technical efficiency, but in its humanistic
qualities.
Photorealistic Visualization
The final step in this case study was producing photorealistic
V-Ray renderings that bring the modeled spaces to life.
V-Ray renderings that bring the modeled spaces to life.
These visualizations serve multiple purposes:
DESIGN COMMUNICATION: Show how the bare structural framework
becomes a comfortable, attractive home
becomes a comfortable, attractive home
SPATIAL UNDERSTANDING: Reveal the spatial qualities, proportions,
light, material expression that Aravena's design achieves
light, material expression that Aravena's design achieves
MATERIAL REPRESENTATION: Demonstrate how humble materials
(concrete, wood, basic finishes) create dignified spaces
(concrete, wood, basic finishes) create dignified spaces
RENDERING COMPETENCY: Showcase my ability to produce
publication quality architectural visualizations
publication quality architectural visualizations
THE RENDERING APPROACH:
Each rendering was created with attention to:
• Realistic material textures and wear
• Natural and artificial lighting that reveals architectural intent
• Human scale with carefully composed interior viewpoints
• Atmospheric depth and environmental context
• Material hierarchy: highlighting structural elements while
keeping furnishings subordinate
Each rendering was created with attention to:
• Realistic material textures and wear
• Natural and artificial lighting that reveals architectural intent
• Human scale with carefully composed interior viewpoints
• Atmospheric depth and environmental context
• Material hierarchy: highlighting structural elements while
keeping furnishings subordinate
These images answer the question: "What would it actually feel
like to live in Villa Verde?"
like to live in Villa Verde?"
Learning & Professional Significance
Beyond the technical exercise of learning Revit Architectural,
this Villa Verde study profoundly shaped my understanding of
architecture and my professional aspirations.
this Villa Verde study profoundly shaped my understanding of
architecture and my professional aspirations.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES DEVELOPED:
✓ Structural modeling and spatial organization in Revit
✓ Creating parametrically organized residential units
✓ Extracting technical documentation from BIM models
✓ Understanding modular design principles
✓ Advanced visualization with V-Ray rendering
✓ Structural modeling and spatial organization in Revit
✓ Creating parametrically organized residential units
✓ Extracting technical documentation from BIM models
✓ Understanding modular design principles
✓ Advanced visualization with V-Ray rendering
ARCHITECTURAL PHILOSOPHY DEEPENED:
This project taught me that exceptional architecture isn't about
luxury, complexity, or formal gestures. It's about:
This project taught me that exceptional architecture isn't about
luxury, complexity, or formal gestures. It's about:
SOLVING REAL PROBLEMS: Villa Verde directly addresses the need
for dignified housing after natural disaster. Architecture that
serves actual human needs, not ego.
for dignified housing after natural disaster. Architecture that
serves actual human needs, not ego.
CONSTRAINT-DRIVEN INNOVATION: Aravena's genius emerges from
radical budget constraints. Working within limitations doesn't
stifle creativity, it focuses it.
radical budget constraints. Working within limitations doesn't
stifle creativity, it focuses it.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: As architects, we have an ethical
obligation to consider who benefits from our work. Design for
wealthy clients is one option; design that improves the lives
of vulnerable populations is another. I choose the latter.
obligation to consider who benefits from our work. Design for
wealthy clients is one option; design that improves the lives
of vulnerable populations is another. I choose the latter.
STRUCTURAL HONESTY: Exposed concrete, simple materials,
clear spatial logic, there's beauty in directness. No need for
false ornament or visual noise.
clear spatial logic, there's beauty in directness. No need for
false ornament or visual noise.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION: Architecture isn't something we impose;
it's a framework for human activity. Residents' participation
in completing their homes is not a limitation, it's the design's
greatest success.
it's a framework for human activity. Residents' participation
in completing their homes is not a limitation, it's the design's
greatest success.
PROFESSIONAL IMPLICATIONS:
This case study reveals the professional direction I'm committed to:
• Using BIM not just as a design tool, but as a framework for
social and environmental responsibility
• Seeking opportunities with architecture firms and social enterprises
focused on sustainable, socially conscious design
• Potentially developing computational design workflows that
address housing challenges globally
This case study reveals the professional direction I'm committed to:
• Using BIM not just as a design tool, but as a framework for
social and environmental responsibility
• Seeking opportunities with architecture firms and social enterprises
focused on sustainable, socially conscious design
• Potentially developing computational design workflows that
address housing challenges globally
FINAL REFLECTION:
If the first project (my Master's thesis) showed that I can create
beautiful interior spaces with complete creative freedom, this
project proves I can work within constraints, respect existing
design frameworks, and create meaningful work within them.
If the first project (my Master's thesis) showed that I can create
beautiful interior spaces with complete creative freedom, this
project proves I can work within constraints, respect existing
design frameworks, and create meaningful work within them.
Both skills creative independence and respectful collaboration, are
essential in professional architecture. This case study demonstrates
that I possess both.
essential in professional architecture. This case study demonstrates
that I possess both.