1. George James Ducas
Architect - AIA – NCARB
FUTURIST & MODERN RESIDENCES
The following is a proposal for Ultra Modern Residences; a review
of a selective presentation of projects that I have been involved
with in my career history to date. The purpose of this portfolio is to
show the diversity of projects and professionals that I have been
associated with, but not limited to the project types presented.
2. Villa Noble of the Modern Era
Architect: George James Ducas
City: Dallas & Phoenix, USA
Client: Prototype Development 1988 – 2009
GJD 2
3. The design incorporates elements of
classical design interpreted into a modern
language. Also addressed the balance
between symmetry and asymmetry by
shifting the eye to 1/3rd of the elevation.
How do we incorporate asymmetry in
architecture in a meaningful way and how
does that relate to the symmetrical forms
we so much desire as a human
experience? How do you incorporate
symmetry and asymmetry in a meaningful
way and achieve a great composition? In
our visual analysis we tend to look for
symmetrical objects first. The first major
subdivision in human form and in our
perception is about 1/3Rd. And Hence this
rhythm in our perception can be used as a
rhythm of music. The first perception being
Villa Noble of the Modern Era symmetry and the first major subdivision
asymmetry. Therefore the classification of
form has structure similar or analogous to
Front Elevation and Entrance. The residence is raised on a piano music. This device, a modern one, whether
noble. The entrance is tall and lofty. The first experience is derived intuitively or intentionally can be
symmetry and the first major subdivision is asymmetry. This seen in the works of
device of point and counterpoint is similar to the departure and Corbusier, Pei, Saarinen, Niemeyer, and
return of poetry and music, a structure of rhythm that is familiar to others. There are a multitude of ways to
our perception and attitudes toward acceptable human harmonies. explore this relationship whether it is direct
or implied.
GJD 3
6. Prototype for a Low-Cost Housing System for the Department of Agriculture
This project involved the design of 1000 square feet of residential space. This was a modern home at an affordable price
of high quality. A low cost housing system provides efficient energy use, new materials, quality, durability, and
technology. Operational savings are in energy efficiency and prolonged life cycle costs of building materials. The system
is assembled on site. Fewer components are required for assembly reducing labor time. The system is
flexible, incorporating many new materials of the commercial construction market for utilization in any house design
configuration. The objective is to provide a high quality and flexible system while reducing dramatically the cost of
housing. The house focuses on energy, conservation, and house design. Building homes by improving the quality of
construction strives to ensure that these technically advanced homes are marketable and will meet the needs of the
people who live in them. The home makes advances in structures, weather
envelope, heating, cooling, power, appliances, glazing, affordability, economy, technology, efficiency, and livability to
provide at a low cost.
GJD 6
7. The progression of color and form presents a system of
partitions that form the basis of evolving space through the
project. This is an experimental exercise in
system, proportion, rhythm, and hierarchy. Such systems are an
analogy of similar processes in nature that adopt progressive
structures that represent the interaction of various forces and
motion according to the proportions of physical laws.
Color can be used as an identifier of progression system and
evolution of space. To the left is a model representing
progression systems in 2 dimensions.
The four plates articulate the abstract progression of space and
form. Two axonometric illustrate the progression in 2
dimensions. One plate refines the 2 progressions in floor
plan, and one plate illustrates the 2 progressions as a series of
progressing forms. Progression adopt
system, hierarchy, rhythm, proportion, and an underlying trend
that forms the basis of relationship between the elements of
form and space. As so, in a sense, architecture becomes
progressive, indentifying with the organic processes in
nature, which has forces acting in a trans dimensional manner
or multi dimensional manner. The plates present an idea that
can be explored ad infinitum. As in music, the possibilities are
endless, and represent the infinite nature of the human
mind, which also is analogy to the infinite nature of God.
Prototype for a Low – Cost housing System: Prototype 5 X 8 Progression
GJD 7
9. Villa Rotunda of the Modern Era
Architect: George James Ducas
City: Dallas & Phoenix, USA
Client: Prototype Development 1988 – 2009
GJD 9
10. The project is a reinterpretation of Palladio’s Villa rotunda. The
form is translated into 4 cubic layers. There is more closure on
the western façade and open up on the eastern façade. The
main building has three levels with the living area floating as a
diamond on the second level. The cube is penetrated from the 4
cardinal points and reveals an acrylic fireplace as an iconic
form.
The bedroom areas are a related as a diagonal arrangement
and form the rear entrance to the residence site. There are 2
structural systems, The first are load bearing shear walls, and
the second is a steal and beam moment connected structure
that could be trussed for additional support. All the living areas
have glass roofs.
Functional and living areas are created through the layers.
Ideally this project would be raised on a piano noble.
GJD 10
11. The residence views are both exterior and interior. Interior
views include the living area and one master bedroom.
VILLA ROTUNDA OF THE MODERN ERA
GJD 11
15. This project was conceived as a set of potential
apartment villas along a coastline. The interior
subdivision of space is made possible by furniture
applications that are built in, modular, multi-
functional, movable, and removable. The central cube
is multi-functional acting as a library, service
center, stairwell, skylight, recreation, storage, and
astronomy center.
The furniture is made from dark woods such as
mahogany and is used throughout to create the
bar, kitchen, partitions, movable walls, wine
racks, library area, chairs, table, living, and bedroom
assemblies.
Another version to this scheme was developed as a
crescent, with parking incorporated into each unit.
Bedrooms and a family area are on the second level.
The first level is public, however there is also a public
area on the roof balcony to the second level.
The fenestration presents a sleek horizontality that is
accented by the second levels forms that lead the eye
upward along the central tower.
The rear building is an office, retail center and sports
center.
Multi-Use Apartment Villas – International Style
GJD 15