Nelson Agalaba - Selected Works 2023-2024

NELSON AGALABA

Agalaba.nelson@gmail.com

Linkedin.com/in/nelsonagalaba

Instagram.com/agalaba_architecture

HONORS AND AWARDS

Cooper Carry - 3 Minute Thesis Competition

2nd Prize

Spring 2025

NOMA - Barbara G. Laurie Design Competition

2nd Prize Fall 2024

HOK - Diversity X Design Scholarship

Summer 2024

KSU - Dean's List

2020 - 2025

State of GA - Zell Miller Scholarship

2020 - 2025

LEADERSHIP & INVOLVEMENT

AIAS

2022 - 2025

Treasurer ['24-'25]

Graphics Chair ['23-'24]

Organization Member ['22-'23]

NOMAS

2022 - 2025

Competition Team Member/ Presenter ['24-'25]

Organization Member ['22-'24]

KSU

2020 - 2025

Honors College Member

2022 - 2025

Invited on jury for many professors' studios

2023

Italy Study Abroad Program

EXPERIENCE

Goodwyn Mills Cawood

May 2024 - Dec 2024

Architectural Internship

Atlanta, GA

Artist - Self Employed

June 2021 - Present

SKILLS

Software

Revit

Rhino 3D

Autocad

Adobe Suite

Microsoft Office

Climate Consultant

Digital Visualization

Graphic Design

Twinmotion

Enscape

Traditional

Drafting/ Sketching

Model Making

Personal

Communication

Adaptability

Digital Marketing

LANGUAGES

ENGLISH

Native

SPANISH

Semi-Fluent

IGBO

Basic

ECOTONE DIALOGUES

10

INTERSTICE FACTORY

16 THE BACKYARD

ECOTONE DIALOGUES 01

An Ecotone (noun) is defined as a transitional region between two separate biomes. Ecotone Dialogues expands this concept to the boundary between the natural and man-made worlds. Its site, the Kennesaw State University Field Station, is a rural, 25-acre property nestled within a small forest along Interstate 75. It has been paved over "constructed" for an expansion to I-75, deconstructed, and reconstructed for KSU's growing field station activities over a 7 year time frame.

Architectural drawing and drawing-based models were used as a speculative tool in generating potential interventions on KSU’s ever-changing field station site to one: provide expanded research and living facilities, and two: encourage increased public engagement with the site.

This group project was created in collaboration with Sean Spencer. My contributions were: all drawings and models displayed here and significantly to the composite plan.

This model investigates how a gradual rolling and folding of the relatively flat field station landscape can define and differentiate unique zones.

Architectural Response - Study Model & Sketch

Architecture responding to the field station site's major axises

Idea of courtyards and landscape integration

Design Process

Enclose

Start with the bare site

Carve out circulation, "pull up" ground to create building form

Circulatory spaces are enclosed by a light ETFE structure overhead

INTERSTICE FACTORY

Hulsey Yard sits as an underutilized industrial lot which the Interstice Solar Panel Factory seeks to revitalize. It challenges the traditional factory typology by integrating the public into the complex process of photovoltaic manufacturing through the intentional layering of its distinct programs and circulation. A “social condenser” is created which generates moments of interaction and education between the public and the workers.

This relationship "demystifies" solar panel technology in the minds of the public, dispelling inaccurate narratives surrounding it and green energy as a whole. Ideally, this inspires a more honest conversation around the necessity of moving away from fossil fuels and the industries that propagate and propagandize their continued use.

This project was created in collaboration with: Eric Newman and Emmanuel Olasiyade. My contributions were: all drawings displayed here and concept development.

The Savannah and Brunswick port system are Georgia’s gateways to the world, connected to Atlanta through the CSX rail line.

Mapping the Interstice - Hulsey Yard, Atlanta Local Inspiration

Freight Line Krog Street Art Tunnel

Site Boundary

Hulsey yard is at the intersection of three major transport lines: The CSX freight railroad, the Inman Park Marta Transit Station, and the Beltline [The famed walk/ bike trail of Atlanta]

Trains pass safely underneath

Truck loading lot

Community art murals

Beltline extension trail

Photovoltaic sculpture park

Water fountain plaza

Photovoltaic pavilions

Multipurpose green

Two level parking

Placement

Site manufacture hall between rails for ease of transportation

Overlap

Community engagement spaces

Accessibility

Public program block placed outside of rail for public access

Bridge

Connect each side of the building complex

Connection

have view of manufacturing hall Natural Response Stagger volume to capture winds; Channel glass gives natural light

Extend Beltline trail beside the building to connect with context

03 THE BACKYARD

2ND PRIZE - Barbara G. Laurie Design Competition

The Backyard is a celebration of West Baltimore's black culture. For generations, it was a pioneer in the development of black: music, arts, and civil rights, as well as an example of a well-connected, self-sustaining community hosting: corner stores, locally owned businesses, and a tight-knit social support structure before the creation of the highway to nowhere fractured this. To recreate the success of these spaces, we focused on three core themes: Resilience, Recreation, and Expression

I was part of a group of 9 total students representing our NOMAS chapter, who included:

• Mayowa Odunjo

• Nicholas Grier

• Jonathan Rivers

• Joy Cherichel

• Andres Mendez

• Jesus Vielma

• Mayra Mendez

• Ethan Joel

My contributions were: concept development, the performance theater complex design, and the axonometric master plan. I also served as one of two presenters in Baltimore on both competition days.

RESILIENCE

Town Hall

Historic Ice Factory repurposed to house community town hall

RECREATION

Continued survival in the face of external challenges

Residents fought hwy to nowhere, stopping its completion

CLT Housing

Community land trust [CLT] development keeps rents low

Activity done for one's own or a group's own enjoyment

Black recreational culture: Cookout, sports, stoopsitting

Food Hall & Plaza The Stoop Amenities

Translate black cookout culture programmatically

Corner stores, recreation centers, courts, etc.

Informal gathering: the "neighborhood's stoop"

EXPRESSION

The sharing/ performance of one's creative talents

Art Gallery Performance Theater Complex

Build the next generation of artists and performers/ showcase their work

Legacy of Pennsylvania Avenue a.k.a the: "Broadway of Baltimore"

Showcase West Baltimore's local arts culture and history

Design iteration of the performance theater complex. Ideas of water collection, art and dance studios, and added park space between the complex and North Fulton Avenue.

Selected Works [Condensed] '23 - '24 NELSON AGALABA