Ramp Workshop

Ramp Workshop

Rojas AP conducted an instructive workshop during the 2023 group from Tools & Tiaras Inc., a Jamaicabased not-for-profit group with a primary emphasis on architectural inclusion and accessibility. This program provided a comprehensive introduction to the principles of ADA compliance, specifically focusing on constructing ramps that meet established building code requirements. The workshop was equipped with essential materials and step-by-step instructions thoughtfully provided by Rojas AP. Under the guidance of Rojas AP, the students embarked on a structured exploration of architecture, delving into the intricacies of ADA compliance and the significance of code-compliant ramps. Employing an array of architectural tools, the students meticulously crafted ramps, paying careful attention to nuances such as handrail post placements and assembly techniques while they followed a step-by-step guide. The workshop fostered the development of critical thinking and practical skills, as the participants systematically measured, cut, and assembled materials to create ramps adhering to ADA standards.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY

GIS and Housing

GIS and Housing

Deborah Rojas De Leon, a co-author of GIS and Housing: Principles and Practices, brings her expertise to the forefront by creating all the informative graphics within the book. This book tackles the complexities of the current housing crisis in the United States, proposing denser housing options as a solution to affordability issues, limited supply, and homelessness. GIS and Housing goes beyond theory, demonstrating how Geographic Information Science (GIS) can be a powerful tool to untangle these intricate housing challenges. The authors, with their diverse backgrounds in architecture, urban planning, community engagement, and GIS, offer a well-rounded exploration of housing issues, grounded in real-world experiences. The book starts with a historical perspective, then dives into the technical aspects of GIS management. This approach bridges the gap between housing professionals and GIS experts, fostering collaboration. Through this interdisciplinary teamwork, the book proposes solutions that not only address housing but also tackle climate change and income inequality. By advocating for a collaborative approach, the authors empower all stakeholders to confront the multifaceted housing crisis with a shared understanding and purpose. GIS and Housing doesn’t just illuminate the pressing issues; it serves as a roadmap towards a future where housing is equitable and accessible for all Americans.

Upper West Side Zoning Analysis

Upper West Side Zoning Analysis

Rojas AP was hired by the prospective owner of the building to determine the vertical extension potential of the existing property. The client’s intent was to obtain LPC staff-level approval that would allow him to build a new story for a music room. Given that it is a building in a historic district, in addition to the bulk regulations set forth by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) Rules, NYC Zoning Resolution would apply. Rojas AP cross-referenced its findings and was able to determine that although the maximum height was 125’, the allowable LPC envelope dimensions were less. The analysis included a PDF with the building location map, a schematic building section, and an interactive video animation of the 3D model showing building bulk capacity from all street view locations shown in the location map.

LOCATION
NEW YORK, NY

Permeable Paver Parking Lot

Permeable Paver Parking Lot

Rojas AP redesigned a parking lot for a multi-family residential complex. The parking lot is located adjacent to the B. 22nd Street beach in Far Rockaway. The site is a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), as categorized by the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The scope included parking lot design, grading, paving, and installing new light pole bases and conduits. In order to meet SFHA requirements and keep the lot draining properly in a storm event, a system of permeable pavers and drywells were designed. In order to keep drive lanes accessible for snow removal, we proposed a combined approach of traditional asphalt surfacing at circulation areas and Tru-Grid permeable pavers at the parking spots. This allowed us to keep the functionality of the parking lot for the client while meeting all DOB requirements for site rainwater storage.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY

Morris Heights Courtyard Renovation

Morris Heights Courtyard Renovation

Rojas AP designed a new courtyard for this multi-building residential complex. The previous courtyard had a set of stairs to enter the complex. The entrance location was shifted to take advantage of the natural slope and eliminated the need for the stairs. A new ADA accessible ramp was also added to provide barrier-free access to all five buildings. The scope included new exterior lighting and landscaping. Additionally, 3D renderings were provided for the client to inform tenants of the ongoing construction.

LOCATION
BRONX, NY

Long Island City Zoning Study

Long Island City Zoning Study

Rojas AP was engaged by a local high end residential design build company looking to move their offices into a recently purchased workshop in the Industrial Building Zone in Long Island City. Our first step was to create an as-of-right scenario of the potential build out. This allowed a bump up of Floor Area Ratio (FAR) due to the partial manufacturing use. Although the increase to the allowable FAR was welcome, we were further engaged to review additional options for expansion. Rojas AP coordinated with the NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) for insight into the Long Island City Study and potential means to increase the build-out potential of the property with a Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). We identified a minimum study area for a potential map change from M1-1 to M1-5, as recommended for the most success by DCP.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY

Community Engagement Expanding Activity Space

Community Engagement Expanding Activity Space

Expanding Activity Space was a research project that focused on visualizing mobility barriers of low income populations. The project was funded by the Federal Transportation Agency's Public Transportation Participation Pilot Program and was conducted by Hunter College. Data was collected in Newark, NJ in order to create a test project where the team could develop a complete picture of travel behavior and the context within which that occurs. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected and then visualized through a beta tool.

LOCATION
NEWARK, NJ

Programming Workshop

Programming Workshop

In the summer of 2022 Rojas AP taught a group from Tools & Tiaras Inc., a Jamaica based not for profit group during their summer camp. Rojas AP developed a STEM activity for school aged children from 6 - 14. The activity was designed to teach the basics of zoning restrictions and architectural planning to the participants. The process was developed with relatively inexpensive materials of colored popsicle sticks assembled into cubes with glue guns. The students began the activity with selecting a development scenario. In this case the girls chose to develop a new school in the neighborhood. Then they were presented with a map that indicated existing vacant or underused sites in the neighborhood, as well as the current zoning regulations. They selected a development site with a conforming zone. Once their site was selected they used a large scale map and colored cubes to identify the different program element that would need to be incorporated into a new school. The blocks were then stacked to develop massing models of the program. Ideas of stacking utilities, circulation, and adjacency were taught in this part of the exercise.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY