MONICA BLASKO

INTERN ARCHITECT
M.ARCH / PRATT INSTITUTE
B.S. / UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
2012 PORTFOLIO
PRINTER1 PRINTER2
ACKMAN RESIDENCE

TSAO + MCKOWN
UPPER WEST SIDE, NYC
FALL 2008
OPPOSITE: completed living room
LEFT TOP: banquette + credenza drawings
LEFT BOTTOM: custom desk for master study
RIGHT TOP: completed dining + living areas
RIGHT BOTTOM: full-scale mock-up of desk
During my co-op at Tsao + McKown Architects, I
was involved in the FF&E phase of an apartment
on the Upper West Side of NYC. Working on a
team of two, I, along with my teammate, was
responsible for the development of several built-
in pieces including a credenza, banquettes, and
a desk, which was built at full scale to test the
functionality and ergonomics.
Additionally, I extensively worked on the lighting
design- building full scale models to study the
fxtures aesthetics, materials, and functionality
for maintenance. I worked with vendors and
visited showrooms to determine the fnal fnishes.
I was also involved in construction administration
with the completion of supplemental drawings,
site visits, and attending meetings with the
contractors.
The apartment was completed in the winter of
2009.
MIAMI HOTEL

TSAO + MCKOWN
MIAMI, FLORIDA
SPRING 2008
OPPOSITE: rendering of blue guest room (by other)
LEFT TOP: plan + elevations of blue guest room
LEFT BOTTOM: custom bed detail
RIGHT TOP: study of custom bed + lighting
RIGHT BOTTOM: on-site mock-up of blue guest room
Also during my co-op experience at Tsao +
McKown, I was deeply involved in the design and
execution of a boutique hotel in Miami, Florida.
The project involved the renovation of an existing
high-rise hotel and its transformation into an
affordable, yet chic, destination. The design was
meant to capture and exude the spirit of South
Beach through a play on minimalism and color.
By making full scale models of furnishings,
subsequently developing details, and reviewing
shop drawings, I participated in the design
process from schematics to fabrication.
hinged plywood door for
power through
3/4deep recessed trayfor
remotecontrol+ ipod
power trough
AQUATIC RESTORATION

RHEA ENGINEERS
PITTSBURGH, PA
SUMMER 2010
OPPOSITE: existing condition of the ravine
LEFT TOP: section details of riparian channel
BOTTOM: longitudinal section of riparian channel
RIGHT: existing condition of the water channel
Funded by the US Army Corps of Engineers and
located along Chartiers Creek just north of the
city of Pittsburgh, the project was to restore the
natural aquatic ecosystem in Sheraden Park.
Restoration efforts included the installation of
multiple step pools in the riparian ravine to reduce
erosion and sedimentation due to stormwater
exiting the combined sewer. I helped design a
rock lined channel that minimized soil erosion
and allowed the stormwater to fow through the
ravine and into the foodplain. I also worked on
preparing construction drawings, specifcations,
and cost estimates for the project.
PENNDOTR-3STONE TYP.
1-0MIN
2%SLOPE MIN
10WIDE ACCESS ROADAT
2%SLOPE TYP.
ANCHORTRENCH
2DEEP X 2WIDE
MINIMUM TYP.
NONWOVENGEOTEXTILE
FABRICPENNDOTCLASS
2,TYPE A
2-6MIN
PENNDOTR-5
STONE TYP.
DETAIL1
TYPICALCHANNELCROSSSECTION
DETAIL2
TYPICALROCK DAM DETAIL
PENNDOTR-5
STONE
PENNDOTR-6
STONE
2-0
MIN
2
1
2-0
3
1
3-0
WALL BATTER 14
ROSETTA OUTCROPPINGSTONE
OREQUAL APPROVEDBY
CONRACTINGOFFICER
FREE-DRAINING
STONE BACKFILL
1-0MIN
NONWOVENGEOTEXTILE
FABRICPENNDOTCLASS
2,TYPE A
CRUSHEDSTONE
LEVELINGPAD
2-0
MIN
EXISTING
HEADWALL
ROCK
APRON E
L
E
V
A
T
IO
N
S
TA
0
+
0
0
B
E
G
IN
R
IP
A
R
IA
N
R
A
V
IN
E
C
H
A
N
N
E
L
E
L
7
4
3
.7
2.5DROP
EXISTINGGROUND
S = -5.0%
2.5DROP S = -5.0%
S = -3.0%
R-6ROCKDAM TYP.
S = -3.0%
INVERTOF RIPARIAN
RAVINE CHANNEL
S = -3.0%
TUNNEL
RAILROAD
TRACKS
S
TA
3
+
5
2
.3
E
L
7
2
6
.0
S
TA
4
+
5
0

E
L
7
2
2
.0
S
TA
5
+
2
5
E
N
D
R
IP
A
R
IA
N
R
A
V
IN
E
C
H
A
N
N
E
L
E
L
7
2
0
LONGITUDINALSECTION
CANYON VISITOR CENTER

STUDIO AYATA / CAP TEAM PROJECT
PRATT INSTITUTE
SPRING 2011
OPPOSITE: south aerial showing courtyards + parapet overlooks (collaborative render)
LEFT TOP: level -1 foor plan (collaborative drawing)
LEFT BOTTOM: conceptual diagrams of loop circulation
RIGHT TOP: exit from main loop into glazed, cantilevered overlook (collaborative render)
RIGHT BOTTOM: view from gallery into courtyard (collaborative render)
This Comprehensive Architecture Project (CAP)
to design a visitor center at Grand Canyon
West was a collaboration between myself, Eric
Engdahl, and Luke Cunnington. Working with a
team of consultants including a facade architect,
structural engineer, mechanical engineer, and
landscape architect, we developed our design
proposal.
To better understand and experience the
geology and history of the site, our design strove
to be integrated into the landscape- pushing
the building into the rock and minimizing its
presence on the surface. In this way, the rock
becomes a part of the exhibit on both the interior
and exterior of the center. We imagined our
building as a main circulation loop carved into
the rock, with side exhibits that lead back to the
main loop.
As one descends into the building, the central
unexcavated rock island becomes the anchor.
Always exposed, this rock wall orients the visitor
as he walks through the space. As he continues,
the path narrows, darkens, and deepens until he
reaches the cliffs edge, where he then enters the
all-glazed, cantilevered overlooks.
After re-entering and viewing the remainder of
the exhibits, the visitor exits onto the central rock
island and further experiences the canyon by
walking onto the cantilevered overlooks- with the
glazed roof parapets acting as guardrails.
MONICA BLASKO / LUKE CUNNINGTON / ERIC ENGDAHL
DESIGN / Kutan Ayata
STRUCTURE / Radhi Majmudar
MECHANICAL / Benjamin Shepherd
ENCLOSURE / Karen Brandt
LANDSCAPING / Elliott Maltby
2011.05.02
N/A
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
004
CANYON VISITOR CENTER

STUDIO AYATA / CAP TEAM PROJECT
PRATT INSTITUTE
SPRING 2011
OPPOSITE: site plan showing varying opacity of glass roof (southern = more opague)
LEFT TOP: bulding section through double-height auditorium with rock seating (collaborative drawing)
LEFT BOTTOM 1: typical concrete paver to glass roof connection (collaborative drawing)
LEFT BOTTOM 2: typical glass wall to courtyard connection (collaborative drawing)
RIGHT TOP: view from carved auditorium towards eagle point (collaborative render)
RIGHT BOTTOM: aerial view of the visitor center (collaborative render)
SARDINIA OFFICE

STUDIO TRAMONTIN / PARTNER PROJECT
PRATT INSTITUTE
FALL 2011
OPPOSITE: view from the port
LEFT BOTTOM: conceptual programmatic foor plans
RIGHT TOP: view towards the port
RIGHT BOTTOM: site forces diagram
Based in the port of Cagliari, Sardinia, the goal of
this studio was to gain inspiration for a breathable
working environment based on material studies
at the start of the semester. I paired with my
classmate, Madeline Nero, for the project.
Through a series of experiments, we found
that Tyvek changes its porosity when exposed
to heat. As heat is added, dense areas shrink
and pull apart, leaving a network of translucent
branches between these dense areas.
This process creates a gradient of enclosure
and transparency in the material. We strove
to achieve this gradient of enclosure and
transparency in the interior spaces we designed.
Depending on the specifc program- whether
a space was an offce, auditorium, or virtual
meeting room- we used our research and rule
set to inform the quality of space. As a result,
a gradient of breathable spaces emerged
throughout the building.
SARDINIA OFFICE

STUDIO TRAMONTIN / PARTNER PROJECT
PRATT INSTITUTE
FALL 2011
OPPOSITE: tyvek heat experiments
LEFT COLUMN: tyvek experiment analysis
TOP: fber experiment and analysis
LEFT BOTTOM: 3D printed model interior
RIGHT BOTTOM: 3D printed model exterior
attractors form
where unit fibers
overlap

termination of fibers can
adapt to differing internal
+ external conditions
highest density of
fibers = most
volume + most
opaque

attractor points are movable to
allow for adaptation

trajectories emerge
as fibers subdivide
and layer
SURF AVENUE
S T I L L W
E L L A
V
E N
U
E
W
EST 8
TH
STR
EET
W
E S T 1
2
T H
S T R
E E T
N
CONEY ISLAND HOUSING

STUDIO GARRISON
PRATT INSTITUTE
FALL 2010
OPPOSITE: LED photovoltaic facade during day
LEFT TOP: transverse building section
LEFT BOTTOM: rearrangeable housing module foor plans
RIGHT TOP: physical model
RIGHT BOTTOM: coney island site plan: purple = retail, blue = amenities, green = housing
Situated between elevated subway tracks to
the north and an amusement park to the south,
this constricted site posed many challenges for
designing inter-generational housing. The given
program for the studio included street front retail,
parking, amenities for the residents, and 90
fexible living units.
I initiated the design process by developing
a rule set: each unit will have access to a 2
story outdoor space, each unit will be 2 or 3
stories in height to allow for sectional variation,
horizontal circulation will be on every other foor,
and multiple exposures will be maximized. To
achieve these goals, I developed bedroom,
common, studio, and outdoor modules that
could be rearranged horizontally and vertically.
In the end, I used 4 confgurations that allow for
multiple living situations- multiple generations,
renters, extended family, etc.
I explored green technologies in the facade with
solar powered LED panels of differing densities.
At night, programmed light shows would
complement the adjacent amusements.
bedroom
UP
bath
kitchen
living
DN
bath
master
bedroom
bedroom
study
bath
kitchen
living
outdoor space
corridor
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
BEDROOM MODULE
COMMON MODULE STUDIO MODULE
(short)
STUDIO MODULE
(extended)
bath
master
bedroom
bedroom
study
BEDROOM MODULE
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
STUDIO MODULE
(short)
kitchen
living
COMMON MODULE
open to
living area
open to
living area
BEDROOM MODULE
bath
master
bedroom
bedroom
study
open to
living area
outdoor space
COMMON MODULE STUDIO MODULE
(short)
STUDIO MODULE
(short)
kitchen
living
DN DN
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
outdoor space
corridor corridor
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
COMMON MODULE STUDIO MODULE
(short)
STUDIO MODULE
(short)
BEDROOM MODULE
bedroom
UP
bath
kitchen
living
STUDIO MODULE
(extended)
UP
kitchen
living
outdoor space
corridor
UP
bedroom
UP
bath
kitchen
living
DN
bath
master
bedroom
bedroom
study
bath
kitchen
living
outdoor space
corridor
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
BEDROOM MODULE
COMMON MODULE STUDIO MODULE
(short)
STUDIO MODULE
(extended)
bath
master
bedroom
bedroom
study
BEDROOM MODULE
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
STUDIO MODULE
(short)
kitchen
living
COMMON MODULE
open to
living area
open to
living area
BEDROOM MODULE
bath
master
bedroom
bedroom
study
open to
living area
outdoor space
COMMON MODULE STUDIO MODULE
(short)
STUDIO MODULE
(short)
kitchen
living
DN DN
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
outdoor space
corridor corridor
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
COMMON MODULE STUDIO MODULE
(short)
STUDIO MODULE
(short)
BEDROOM MODULE
bedroom
UP
bath
kitchen
living
STUDIO MODULE
(extended)
UP
kitchen
living
outdoor space
corridor
UP
bedroom
UP
bath
kitchen
living
DN
bath
master
bedroom
bedroom
study
bath
kitchen
living
outdoor space
corridor
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
BEDROOM MODULE
COMMON MODULE STUDIO MODULE
(short)
STUDIO MODULE
(extended)
bath
master
bedroom
bedroom
study
BEDROOM MODULE
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
STUDIO MODULE
(short)
kitchen
living
COMMON MODULE
open to
living area
open to
living area
BEDROOM MODULE
bath
master
bedroom
bedroom
study
open to
living area
outdoor space
COMMON MODULE STUDIO MODULE
(short)
STUDIO MODULE
(short)
kitchen
living
DN DN
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
outdoor space
corridor corridor
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
bath
bedroom
kitchen
+ living
COMMON MODULE STUDIO MODULE
(short)
STUDIO MODULE
(short)
BEDROOM MODULE
bedroom
UP
bath
kitchen
living
STUDIO MODULE
(extended)
UP
kitchen
living
outdoor space
corridor
UP
garden space
amenitites
amenities
parking
retail
common module
bedroom module
common module
bedroom module
garden space
common module
studio module
OPPOSITE: LED photovoltaic facade at night
BELOW: detailed wall section
C
O
N
E
Y
IS
L
A
N
D
IN
T
E
R
G
E
N
E
R
A
T
IO
N
A
L
H
O
U
S
IN
G
:
TITLE: SOUTHERN WALL
SECTION + DETAIL
DRAWING NUMBER:
A-301
SCALE: VARIES
DRAWN BY: MONICA BLASKO
COURSE: MATERIALS +
ASSEMBLIES
DATE: DECEMBER 17, 2010
g
re
e
n
p
ixe
liza
tio
n
SOUTH WALL SECTION: HOUSING + RETAIL BASE
1 SCALE: 1/2 = 1-0
2
SOUTH WALL SECTION: PV SKIN CONNECTION DETAIL
2 SCALE: 3 = 1-0
drain pipe
bentonite waterproofing
roof felt
compacted fill
ground plane
concrete pavers
gravel fill
concrete slab
bentonite waterproofing
4 rigid insulation
pedestal
3/4 plywood subflooring, typ.
6 tongue + groove wood flooring, typ.
mechanical plenum
column beyond, typ.
wood sleepers, typ.
wide flange beam, typ.
composite decking, typ.
gypsum sheathing, typ.
5 rigid insulation with vapor barrier
sloped towards drain beyond
roofing substrate, typ.
concrete topping, typ.
wood blocking with anchor bolt
metal capping with drip edge
glazing
perimeter landscaping + bed
extruded aluminum framing
steel framing beyond, typ.
photovoltaic sandwiched glass panels, typ.
vapor barrier + 5 insulation
3/4 gypsum
steel channel framing, typ.
3/4 plywood + gypsum
window sill cap
steel channel framing, typ.
vapor barrier + 5 insulation
fibercement panels, typ.
metal capping with drip edge, typ.
fiberglass board, typ.
fibercement panels, typ.
3/4 plywood subflooring, typ.
6 tongue + groove wood flooring, typ.
wood sleepers, typ.
window head with drip edge, typ.
window mullions, typ.
steel channel framing in stud wall, typ.
gypsum sheathing, typ.
fiberglass board, typ.
vapor barrier + 5 insulation, typ.
fibercement boards, typ.
steel framing beyond, typ. (see dwg 2/A-301)
photovoltaic sandwiched glass panels, typ. (see dwg 2/A-301)
operable window, typ.
metal capping with drip edge, typ.
steel channel framing, typ.
substrate layer, typ.
steel framing channels, typ.
wood sleepers, typ.
built up column beyond, typ.
fibercement panels, typ.
vapor barrier + 5 insulation, typ.
fiberglass board, typ
photovoltaic strip
sandwiched glass panel
continuous vertical aluminum
framing support beyond
steel z framing, typ.
bolt connection in nylon
sheathed drill hole
fiberglass panel, typ.
shim
fibercement panels, typ.
5 insulation
continuous vapor barrier
steel anchor to stud wall
steel channel framing, typ.
wide flange beam, typ.
composite decking, typ.
5 rigid insulation with vapor barrier, typ.
sloped towards drain beyond, typ.
roofing substrate, typ.
concrete topping, typ.
fiberglass board, typ.
fibercement panel, typ.
gypsum sheathing, typ.
wood sleepers, typ.
concrete footing with rebar
CONEY ISLAND HOUSING

STUDIO GARRISON
PRATT INSTITUTE
FALL 2010
DUMBO INCUBATOR

STUDIO LEITAO
PRATT INSTITUTE
SPRING 2010
The purpose of this studio was to design a
business incubator with space for start-up
businesses researching advanced materials
related to water. Because the small businesses
would only occupy the space for a max of 3
years and due to their shared common areas,
it was imperative the design adapt to the
changing program. Also, situated along the East
River in Brooklyn, the food plane was a major
consideration.
After studying the growth patterns of snowfakes,
a fractal approach was taken to the design.
The building is supported by a rocky beach of
anchored modules that flter water and move
with the rising food plane to allow for a constant
path through the site and to the incubator. As the
program becomes more private, more striation
occurs in the structure and glazing.
scenario 1
ground level
scenario 2
+ 3
scenario 3
+ 6
scenario 4
+ 10
scenario 5
+ 12
module type 3
most purifed
module type 2
semi-purifed
module type 1
least purifed
DESIGN STRATEGY: After studying the growth patterns of snowfakes, a fractal approach
was taken to the design. The building is supported by a rocky beach of modules that flter water
and move with the rising food plane to allow for a constant path through the site and to the
incubator. As the program becomes more private, more striation occurs in the structure and
glazing.
module types and east river food lines : longitudinal sections
OPPOSITE: rendered aerial perspective of phase changes with food levels
LEFT TOP: transverse building section and detail of scenarios
LEFT BOTTOM: fractal aggregation study
RIGHT TOP: physical model
RIGHT BOTTOM: fractal study model
CITICORP PLAZA PAVILION

STUDIO OKSHTEYN
PRATT INSTITUTE
FALL 2009
LEFT: form, structure, and skin study diagrams
RIGHT TOP: 3D printed model situated in the site
RIGHT BOTTOM: eva material study/unit aggregation model
During this design studio we were assigned
to select a material (eva foam) and the extract
the innate qualities from that material (fex,
stiff, transitive, convertible). From these found
behaviors, emerged a unit that could aggregate
in multiple directions without the use of fasteners.
The unit and aggregation were then analyzed
along with the given site (Citicorp Plaza).
After discovering the materials qualities, ideas for
circulation, structure, and skin developed, and
the resulting interior spatial qualities (openness,
sectional variation, fexibility, and integrated
ramping) were documented.
Considering the typical patrons and school
children of the plaza and the lack of healthy food
options in the area, the pavilion would stand
as a farmers market and education center.
Eventually, growing panels integrated into the
buildings skin would provide a portion of the
produce for the market.
manipulated
loft
original
loft
extracted
curve
original
unit
secondary
system
primary
system
integrated
system
100%
glazing
100%
skin
MONICA BLASKO
724.309.6746
monica.blasko@gmail.com
www.corofot.com/monica_blasko
THANKS FOR BROWSING!