portfolio.
ryan wargo
content.
Rendering and Design of AquaFoz Aquarium, Iguaçu, Brazil
Completed through COSESTUDI, 2022 - 2025
Re-purposing Transitional and Threshold Zones in Genoa Aquarium, Genoa, Italy
Completed through COSESTUDI, 2024 - 2025
Redesign for Penguin Exhibit at Lisbon Aquarium, Lisbon, Portugal
Completed through COSESTUDI, 2023 - 2024
Community Bike Center Design, Providence, RI, USA
Completed through RWU Cummings School of Architecture, 2023
Chapel and Integration Center Design in Piazza Ciompi, Florence, Italy
Completed through ISI Florence, 2022
Travel Sketches, Denmark, Norway, and Italy
Completed through September 2022 - March 2025
experience.
Rendering and Design of AquaFoz Aquarium, Iguaçu, Brazil
Completed through COSESTUDI, 2022 - 2025
I was tasked with designing and rendering an aquarium in Iguaçu, Brazil. Each rendering is evocative of the natural landscapes both within and outside the aquarium. Because the proposal of this project is based right outside the Atlantic Forest, biodiversity is crucial. The exterior gives the impression that the architecture is hidden in a vast, overgrowing forest. While the interior focuses on the aquarium’s more intimate spaces. Each rendering carries its own story with intention. But they also complement one another, sharing the story of the project as a whole. In addition to these renderings, I played a part in the overall design and digital construction of the aquarium. The concept of this project was driven by native biodiversity, as well as environmental conservation and education. Every detail in the design process was reflective of the visitor experience and its connection with nature. The design phase improved my analytical skills as an architectural designer, while also allowing me to learn more about the ecology in Brazil through practice in landscape and exhibit design.
Construction of AquaFoz started in 2023 and finished in 2025.
Section (A) - AquaFoz Aquarium
SECTION A
SECTION B
Exploded Isometric Diagram of Floor Levels & Isometric Rendering - AquaFoz Aquarium
North-West Facing Elevation (Top); South-East Facing Elevation (Middle) ; South-West Facing Elevation (Bottom Left); North-East Facing Elevation (Bottom Right) - AquaFoz Aquarium
Redesign for Penguin Exhibit at Lisbon Aquarium, Lisbon,
Portugal
Completed through COSESTUDI, 2023 - 2024
Part of my role in this redesign process was to familiarize myself with the existing conditions for the Lisbon Aquarium. This meant going through old plans, sections, elevations, and photographs of the building. I was then tasked with creating a 3D model of the penguin exhibit. Using this base model, we created plans and sections for redesigning the exhibit space. In addition to the 3D model, I helped in the construction of a physical base model, using clay to manipulate the rockwork. This gave us a better sense of how we wanted to distribute the habitat zones in this exhibit space: transitioning from dense planting, to mudbanks, and finally, to ice and snow.
This was a small project, but it had a big impact on my architectural career. Not only did I obtain skills with detailed modeling and exhibit design work, but I also took part in meetings with the board members from Portugal. I learned more about the culture and also the story behind the drive of this project.
Exhibit Model Pictures - Lisbon Aquarium
Lower Level Habitat Plan of Southern Ocean (Left); Upper Level Habitat Plan of Southern Ocean (Right) - Lisbon Aquarium
ZONE OF ICE, ICICLES AND SNOW
ZONE OF SHRUBS, PLANTS, AND ROCKWORK
Habitat Section A of Southern Ocean - Lisbon Aquarium
Chapel and Integration Center Design in Piazza Ciompi
Florence, Italy
Completed through ISI Florence, 2022
Advanced Topical Design Studio (Urban) - Carlo Achilli
The proposal for this design comes from a strong understanding of the existing site conditions. Centered right in the heart of Florence, Piazza Ciompi was an ideal location for a contemporary design of a community center and chapel. This project focuses on maintaining the rich history of Florence through design, but also contributing to more contemporary methods and functioning spaces. There is a strong orthogonal relationship between the design and the site. And there is also an introduction to greenery, which is mostly absent in other piazza spaces. I incorporated terraced balconies above the community center, allowing the public to engage with the beautiful view of the Duomo. The foundation of this project came from the desire to understand and respect the culture of Florence, while also designing in an innovative and progressive way.
Conceptual Diagram Series - Chapel and Integration Center
Section Perspective Diagram (Top) and South Facing Elevation (Bottom) - Chapel and Integration Center
Travel Sketches, Denmark, Norway, and Italy.
Completed through September 2022 - March 2025
Whenever I travel, I always bring along a sketchbook. I find a bench in the city and spend a couple of hours hand-sketching a building, a landscape, or some other architectural monument that challenges my artistic skills. Sketching allows me to understand the beauty of an architectural construction or natural landscape. And it also helps me better understand the culture of the place I am visiting. As I prepare to start my graduate studies, I will make it a priority to always find time to sketch. To observe, to learn, and ultimately, to be present in the moment.
Church of Our Saviour - Copenhagen, Denmark
Rosenborg Castle (Left), National Theater (Top Right), and Norwegian Parliament (Bottom Right) - Copenhagen, Denmark and Oslo, Norway
Villa Demidoff (Top Left), Apennine Colossus (Bottom Left), Villa Stibbert (Top Right), and Palazzo Rucellai (Bottom Right) - Florence, Italy