PROJECT
LITHOASIS
FALL 2025
FALL 2025
COMPREHENSIVE STUDIO
ARCH 500
An iconic design for an art gallery, memorable for its pointy roofs, Lithoasis acts as a intimate village of buildings far out in the middle of Joshua Tree. Taking inspiration from local plants and stone formations, it addresses the extreme conditions of the desert, provide large shade for visitors, while also utilizing natural light.
An iconic design for an art gallery, memorable for its pointy roofs, Lithoasis acts as a intimate village of buildings far out in the middle of Joshua Tree. Taking inspiration from local plants and stone formations, it addresses the extreme conditions of the desert, provide large shade for visitors, while also utilizing natural light.
PROMPT
A client requests to design an art museum in the middle of Joshua Tree. This venue would feature spaces for art to be displayed, a music venue for events, and a diner for visitors. It was mentioned that the atmosphere is almost extraterrestrial but respects the environment around it. With an extensive flat site with virtually nothing near it except the road, the sky was the limit.
PROMPT
A client requests to design an art museum in the middle of Joshua Tree. This venue would feature spaces for art to be displayed, a music venue for events, and a diner for visitors. It was mentioned that the atmosphere is almost extraterrestrial but respects the environment around it. With an extensive flat site with virtually nothing near it except the road, the sky was the limit.
CONCEPT
Upon a site visit, initial observations were that this site was among many great moments in nature. Joshua Tree featured unique rock formations and a wide variety of plants, two references that I pulled to create this design. I approached the design with a mid-century modern inspiration as many of the surrounding architecture was designed in this way. I also referenced the pointy nature of most of the plants found on site, specifically the Yucca plant, as my main direction.
CONCEPT
Upon a site visit, initial observations were that this site was among many great moments in nature. Joshua Tree featured unique rock formations and a wide variety of plants, two references that I pulled to create this design. I approached the design with a mid-century modern inspiration as many of the surrounding architecture was designed in this way. I also referenced the pointy nature of most of the plants found on site, specifically the Yucca plant, as my main direction.
AS A VILLAGE
The cluster of rocks and plants found spread around the Joshua Tree reminded me of a village in a way. Instead of creating one unified building with most of the amenities under one roof, I decided to arrange my buildings similar to clusters of rocks.
AS A VILLAGE
The cluster of rocks and plants found spread around the Joshua Tree reminded me of a village in a way. Instead of creating one unified building with most of the amenities under one roof, I decided to arrange my buildings similar to clusters of rocks.
AN IMMERSIVE ARRANGEMENT
Program was arranged in a way that outdoor gardens were positioned between indoor galleries. That way, circulation through the museum guarantees the user is exposed to the elements while also staying cool indoors.
The outdoor venue was positioned at the far end of the site as a way to encourage visitors to go through the galleries before hitting the venue. The orientation of the stage is also extended out in to the desert, allowing noise to travel outwards and extra space for seating if an event requires it.
AN IMMERSIVE ARRANGEMENT
Program was arranged in a way that outdoor gardens were positioned between indoor galleries. That way, circulation through the museum guarantees the user is exposed to the elements while also staying cool indoors.
The outdoor venue was positioned at the far end of the site as a way to encourage visitors to go through the galleries before hitting the venue. The orientation of the stage is also extended out in to the desert, allowing noise to travel outwards and extra space for seating if an event requires it.
THE POINTED ROOFS
The Yucca plant also made a main appearance in the roof shape. With desert heat and little to no shade, the roof shape doubles as massive canopies stretching between buildings, as well an iconic display that can be seen from far away.
THE POINTED ROOFS
The Yucca plant also made a main appearance in the roof shape. With desert heat and little to no shade, the roof shape doubles as massive canopies stretching between buildings, as well an iconic display that can be seen from far away.
OPEN FLOOR
Yes, that's right, all buildings are open floor spaces, allowing art to fully be enjoyed without columns getting in the way. Structures are designed in a way that allows weight to be distributed to a single truss and two shear walls.
All trusses are cantilevers at a 1/3 overhead the building perimeter, allowing the canopy roof to float a few feet away from the facade. This allows the interior to always remain shaded regardless of the time of day.
OPEN FLOOR
Yes, that's right, all buildings are open floor spaces, allowing art to fully be enjoyed without columns getting in the way. Structures are designed in a way that allows weight to be distributed to a single truss and two shear walls.
All trusses are cantilevers at a 1/3 overhead the building perimeter, allowing the canopy roof to float a few feet away from the facade. This allows the interior to always remain shaded regardless of the time of day.
OTHER PROJECTS
OTHER PROJECTS