Stephanie Insignares

Advisor: Eduardo Aquino 

The collage blends urban and natural scenes, including a park walkway, snowy landscape, river with a ferryboat, and community spaces alongside architectural sketches. A faint map with rivers and urban markers overlays the composition.
A research panel, "Rivers of Resilience," showcases Winnipeg riverfront maps, adaptive design sketches, and site proposals. It explores park, transit, and ecological links to tackle climate change.
Research Panel 
A collage of hand-drawn sketches on faded photos showcases riverfront design ideas like pathways, greenery, seating, and water features. A bold black line divides the sketches, emphasizing the iterative design process.
Brainstorming sketch process
A site analysis map of The Forks highlights underutilized riverfront structures, including a small port, amphitheater, and sloped viewpoints, with color-coded paths and supporting photos.
Analysis of Existing Underutilized Structures along the River.  
Map overview of a park proposal, showing pathways, parking, viewpoints, and a floating pavilion along a river. Includes commercial spaces, picnic areas, and green spaces.
Architectural Multi-program Proposal  
Aerial view showing a designated work area and structure near the shoreline, marked with red and yellow outlines. Dense urban surroundings are visible. Includes a location inset map
Case Study: Garagem de Barcos – Santa Paula late Clube / Vilanova Artigas 
A map of the "Garagem de Barcos" case study highlights key features like a port, cultural spaces, swimming pools, and commercial areas, using color-coded markers. The urban context forms the background.
Case Study: Garagem de Barcos – Santa Paula late Clube / Vilanova Artigas Design Proposal 
A collage combines natural and cultural elements like a river, willow trees, animals, daisies, and an Indigenous art motif with architectural sketches and a child playing. It symbolizes harmony between nature and community.
Embracing Nature: Integrating Existing Natural Elements into the Thesis Project. https://www.archdaily.com.br/br/01-142684/classicos-da-arquitetura-santa-paula-iate-clube-slash-vilanova-artigas 

RIVERS OF RESILENCE

Adaptative architectural strategies for Winnipeg changing climate 

The Rivers of Resilience project explores innovative architectural and urban design solutions to reimagine Winnipeg's riverfronts by addressing three primary challenges: the disconnection between people and the river, the underutilization of existing structures, and the impact of environmental changes throughout the different seasons in Winnipeg. This thesis focuses on transforming monoprogrammed riverfront spaces into vibrant, multipurpose environments that foster public engagement while also ensuring resilience against rising water levels through the introduction of floating platforms and adaptive design solutions. The research begins with a comprehensive analysis of Winnipeg's riverfront challenges, emphasizing the lack of connectivity between urban life and the rivers, as well as the untapped potential of existing infrastructure. By studying historical data, site-specific conditions, and successful precedents in adaptive riverfront design, the project identifies strategies to reprogram existing structures and integrate resilient architectural interventions. The proposed design framework focuses on enhancing existing spaces with innovative materials, flexible construction techniques, and multi-functional programming. Floating platforms, capable of adapting to seasonal water fluctuations, play a central role in addressing flood challenges while providing new recreational and cultural opportunities. Additional design strategies include the incorporation of ecological restoration initiatives, green infrastructure, and interactive public spaces that invite year-round activity and engagement. Through these interventions, Rivers of Resilience envisions a riverfront that not only responds to environmental and urban pressures but also revitalizes the connection between Winnipeg's residents and its rivers. Ultimately, this project provides a scalable and adaptable model for riverfront design that can inspire similar interventions in urban contexts worldwide, fostering a sustainable and meaningful relationship between cities and their natural water systems.