Houston Christian University Entryway
This new entrance cultivates the relationship of Houston Christian University (then known as Houston Baptist University) to Houston and the world. The goals of the symbolic doorway are to extend a significant presence of the campus along Highway 59 and its 275,000+ daily commuters, create an entry threshold to the campus, develop a processional boulevard and better unit the campus and city with Belin Tower as its epicenter.
The vision for the landscape supports an active and engaged student body while also creating a more lush, leafy green campus. The main entry boulevard is expanded into a pedestrian-friendly walking route. Mature shade trees create a comfortable microclimate in areas for students to gather, eat lunch, rest, and maybe read a book or check email. The gathering areas along the main entry boulevard provide seating, lighting, and places to relax so that students can enjoy time outdoors and connect with each other.
Location
Houston, Texas
Collaboration
Falon Land Studio
Design Team
Kevin Barden, Joe Rivers and Hung Nguyen
Renderings
Rivers Barden Architects
Typology
Commercial
Date
2020
Process
Explore
Bahama Beach House
Rockport, Texas
Residential
Located in a community along the Gulf Coast, this new single-family residence creates a place of rest and relaxation through offering expansive views and ample room for outdoor living.
Carlos Pozo
Architecture, Screen Printer, & Musician
Art and Design
In this episode our resident architects Joe Rivers and Kevin Barden visit with Carlos Pozo, a screen printer and musician who works in architecture. Carlos Pozo is an architectural associate from Houston, Texas. Though he spends his days working in an architecture firm, much of his free time is spent immersed in creative endeavors outside of architecture, namely screen printing and music. Kevin and Joe sat down with Carlos to discuss the influences behind his screen printing, his journey from music critic to musician, and taking action in creative pursuits.
The Elegance of Elevation
Joe Rivers
Writing
While the economic appeal of slab-on-grade construction may be tempting for developers and builders, the long-term benefits of elevated foundations far outweigh the initial cost considerations for homeowners. In this exploration, we will delve into the significance of raised foundations in the context of Houston and the Gulf Coast, unraveling the advantages and acknowledging the challenges that come with this architectural choice.