THE COMPLETE
PORTFOLIO
Hi! My name is Janna De Vera, a fifth-year undergraduate student majoring in architecture at the University of Southern California. My journey into the realm of architecture began with building legos as a child, and has evolved into the creation of sophisticated models throughout my collegiate experience.
Committed to a pursuit of excellence in education and hands-on learning, I am driven to cultivate a profound understanding of design, technology, and human behavior. My academic journey has not only equipped me with a strong foundation but has instilled in me a resolute commitment to continuous improvement. As I embark on the transition to the professional realm, I am eager to apply my existing skills while actively seeking opportunities to acquire new competencies that will contribute to the dynamic field of architecture.
I am enthusiastic about the prospect of leveraging my knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributes in the workforce as well as the built environment. Welcome to my portfolio, cataloguing all my work from the past four years, I hope you enjoy.
Email: jannadevera23@gmail.com
Phone: 213 434 2826
Let’s Connect! : Linked
in
01 THE LISTENING BENCH
The design was inspired by the need for additional seating in my room and a dedicated storage solution for my records. Previously, my record player and records were tucked away in a neglected corner, and I often found myself too lazy to get out of bed to change them. Drawing from vintage gossip benches, I reinterpreted their design elements to create a functional yet visually cohesive piece. I aimed for a clean, seamless aesthetic, where simple forms fit effortlessly together. The circular cutouts serve as a playful nod to the shape of records and the record player. Using 1.5 sheets of Baltic Birch and the campus CNC machine, I was able to bring this design to life.
Read moreFALL 2024
ARCH481
R. Scott Mitchell
02 VENICE TECH HUB
Venice Beach, now known as Silicon Beach, has transformed into a hub for high-tech companies like Snapchat. In response to this shift, my partner, Qian Long, and I designed an open-access tech hub that bridges the existing community with the emerging technological future. Tasked with reimagining neglected urban spaces, we drew inspiration from the site’s diverse textures and utilized AI tools like Midjourney to explore forms, textures, and experiences. By integrating materiality and facade design, we used three types of terracotta bricks to create a dynamic, breathable exterior, enhancing the user experience through texture and tactility. Located at the intersection of Abbot Kinney Blvd and Washington Way, the project revitalizes the area as a space for accessibility, innovation, and collaboration.
Read moreSPRING 2024
ARCH402b
Larry Scarpa Studio
03 TRANSPARENT CURVED SPACES
During my time studying abroad in various Asian cities, with a specific focus on Hong Kong, I delved into the tong lau, or shophouse, typology, deeply rooted in Chinese and Asian historical and cultural contexts. Collaborating closely, my partner and I reimagined and regenerated the shophouse by employing spherical and curved boolean techniques to depart from its conventional rectangular shape. This project transcends mere architectural juxtaposition, fostering a dynamic conversation between the new and the old, resulting in a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
Read moreFALL 2023
ARCH402a
Gary Paige Studio
04 USC AALU PROGRAM: DOCUMENTATION
During my travels abroad, I utilized analytical drawing and photography to meticulously document diverse buildings and spaces, aiming to offer nuanced perspectives beyond conventional visual narratives. This journey, spanning four Asian countries as an architecture student, allowed me to immerse myself in every structure, street corner, and open space, observing, interpreting, and expressing their unique essence through hand sketches and photography, inviting viewers to engage with the built environment in a fresh and contemplative way.
Read more
FALL 2023
ARCH406
Gary Paige
Eui-Sung Yi
05 ZENCITY COMMUNITY CENTER
The Zencity Community Center, situated atop the Broadway Trade Center in Downtown Los Angeles, is an innovative adaptive reuse project designed to provide a tranquil haven for urban dwellers seeking respite. With a focus on catering to diverse needs, the center offers a variety of spaces for relaxation and meditation, categorized by auditory, visual, and experiential elements. Its distinctive curved rooftop not only reflects the fluidity of the interior but also facilitates seamless transitions between different program areas, enhancing the overall sense of harmony and circulation within the center.
Read moreSPRING 2023
ARCH302b
Scott Uriu Studio
06 THE FOOD CO-OP
Tasked with designing cooperative housing in South Central LA, this Food Co-op serves as a nonprofit development tackling the prevalent food desert issue. It emphasizes educational spaces for food and nutrition, garden areas, and open-air markets to foster a community centered on food health. Site C particularly focuses on food education with facilities like a test kitchen, culinary library, marketplace, classroom, and lecture hall. Together, these components aim to offer a holistic solution, addressing immediate food challenges while promoting a community dedicated to well-being.
Read moreFALL 2022
ARCH302a
Charles Lagreco Studio
07 L.A. STATE HISTORIC PARK READING ROOM & BRANCH LIBRARY
The project, located in the Los Angeles State Historic Park, began with the concept of a 12x12 reading room blending indoor and outdoor dynamics with adaptable features like pull-down tables and revolving doors. Rotating doors became a pivotal element, enhancing circulation control and interaction with courtyards, showcasing the exploration of apertures to shape spatial experiences. This cohesive integration demonstrates a thoughtful approach to blending form and function within the historic park's context.
Read moreSPRING 2022
ARCH202b
Rob Berry Studio
08 THE SUPERSECTION: THE UNCONVENTIONAL TREETOP
Informed by context, street, and building typology analysis, our studio produced a Super Plan for the city of Pasadena, redefining its future form and behavior. Inspired by characteristics like verticality, approachability, and interconnectedness, “Ecodena” proposes integrating aspects of diverse ecosystems into urban development, drawing from the Arroyo Seco in Pasadena. Building on these ideas, the Unconventional Tree Top, addresses the need for communal space in densely populated areas like Pasadena by utilizing terraces and rooftops for gathering on multiple levels, promoting experiential equity.
Read moreFALL 2021
ARCH202a
Myrna Ayoub Studio
09 REDEFINING THE VISUAL ARTS EXPERIENCE
Exploring the translation of analysis drawings into three-dimensional architectural space,
the interest driving the design was the idea that process holds equal importance to the final product. Spaces were crafted to accommodate both the creation and viewing of art, alongside a traditional gallery setting. Formally, these spaces were structured around three elements: a step condition, an angled condition, and a thin planar condition. The aim of the project was to transform the viewing of art into an interactive experience, acknowledging the depth of the creative process and enriching the perception of 2D art.
Read moreSPRING 2021
ARCH102b
Erin Cuevas Studio
10 THE BLOCK HOUSE – A COLLABORATIVE LIVING PROJECT
Heavily inspired by Ryue Nishizawa’s Moriyama House (2005),
my partner and I designed a playful dwelling for collaborative
living. In addition to the Moriyama House, we took inspiration from
children’s blocks and playgrounds to create a playful environment
for its tenants. It’s targeted for young artists in hopes of sparking
creativity in all aspects through unconventional design elements
like playful amenities such as a slide into a ball pit, a cloud-shaped
pool, and colorful, funky outdoor furniture. The design exemplifies
the contrast between orthogonality and haphazardness through
module shaping and placement, facade design, and landscaping.
Read moreFALL 2020
ARCH102a
Andrew Kovacs Studio
11 THE STUDIO CUBE: THE SKELETON CUBICLE
Drawing structural inspiration from Frida Escobedo’s Copper Chair, the design for the cubicle emphasizes how the infrastructure divides the space for various daily activities. For instance, the desk/work area is delineated by posts and horizontal pieces, fostering a clear connection with the structural elements. Similar to the chair's singular materiality, the cubicle aims for coherence. Prioritizing the chair's asymmetrical design, walls and enclosed spaces are minimized to ensure smooth transitions between areas and inside to outside.
Read moreFALL 2020
ARCH102a
Andrew Kovacs Studio