Ecological Cookbook: Gabriel Garcia ‘26 B.Arch
Take a look at Gabriel Garcia’s work in ARC410F (Abiotic Studio) taught by School of Architecture Adjunct Lecturer Chris Tucker. In taking on this project, Garcia broadened his horizons and learned how to incorporate the needs of a desert species into his design.
1. Why did you choose CAPLA?
I picked CAPLA because the program really dives into both artistic form and structural planning. The staff’s diverse backgrounds seemed like a great way to learn and grow, plus the materials lab is huge and helps me get a better grasp on design and its limits.
2. What are your career aspirations?
Architecture has so many different paths to explore, and I’m excited to learn as much as I can. My goal is to build a solid set of skills that will help me adapt and do my best on any project I work on, whether for myself or a firm.
3. Please briefly summarize what your assignment was.
This project explores the Sonoran Desert’s ecosystem through research, mapping and observations. Chris Tucker had us create an ecological “cookbook,” documenting species, processes and the area’s cultural significance. These insights will guide the design of architecture and landscapes rooted in the environment.
4. Can you describe what you submitted and what the process of creating it was like? What was your inspiration?
I created a “cookbook” that explores the ecosystem and life cycle of the spadefoot toad. Through detailed diagrams, drawings and extensive research, I gained a deeper understanding of the toad’s habits and needs. This research not only expanded my knowledge of the species but also guided my approach to designing a suitable habitat for it.
I was mostly inspired by how the toad’s specific requirements, like its connection to loose soils, influences the design. The large wash walls along the Rillito River create a barrier, which added an interesting layer to the project, highlighting the need to explore breaking down the barrier to blend the landscapes together.
5. What did you find challenging about this project?
The past four years have focused primarily on learning form, construction and the fundamentals of architecture. The challenging part was shifting my perspective and design process to start with researching a species and aiming to understand the environment first, rather than human needs.
6. What lessons did you learn from this project?
A key lesson I learned is that species like the desert toad have a more intuitive understanding of their environment than humans, relying entirely on what the ecosystem provides rather than altering it. This perspective shifts the focus from creating something new to fully utilizing the site, encouraging us to design for other living beings and better understand how to adapt to the environment.
Gabriel Garcia ARC410F Project
This project explores the integration of the spadefoot toad’s behavior and ecology into architectural design, focusing on the relationship between the toad, its environment and the site. The toad’s ability to burrow into sandy soil for shelter and its nocturnal activity inspired a design process rooted in understanding how architecture can respond to the conditions of the Sonoran Desert. The project involves modeling the toad’s habitat, studying its movement and examining how its burrowing and behavioral patterns inform spatial organization. By considering the toad’s need for moisture, shelter and protection from extreme temperatures, the design creates a built environment that interacts naturally with the surrounding site, using sustainable materials and techniques to respond to the desert’s harsh conditions while providing a habitat for both human and wildlife.
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