Juan Ayala teaches urban design skills and the application of visual communication to the urban planning and design process. His skills in developing design solutions originate from an understanding of the traditions in hand drawing, modeling, photography, and image sequencing. In his classes, Juan helps students discover their ability to think critically using a sequence of generated drawings, technical site and context information, and a good sense of the social environment. Students are taught how to use drawings to see evidence about a places’ function, performance and opportunity, emerge. Students practice making sound decisions during analysis, information synthesis, and design. Under his leadership, students come together around real world projects to discover meaningful and impactful designs using logic, reasoning, science, and technology.
Juan’s research interests focus on the use of Computer Vision in the urban planning process. His research seeks to improve evidence-based analysis and understand what metrics can be used to make sound decision about design, its performance, and its relevance to a place and its context.
Juan is a co-founder and managing principal of GRID Design Studios LLC. He is a highly skilled design professional with national and international experience in managing and designing complex architectural, urban design, planning and community design projects. He has 27 years of experience in leading a wide range of projects from small towns and resorts to large mixed-use urban development/redevelopment projects. Juan is a registered candidate of the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB).
Research Interests
- Urban Design
- Community Participation & Visioning
- Expansion of the Semi Public Realm
- 3D Visualization & Image Sequencing
- Precedents
- Critical Thinking, Decision Making & Design
- Parametric Design Development in Planning
Undergraduate Courses
- Graphical Communication for Planners
- Physical Design and Site Planning
Graduate Courses
- Seminar in Urban Planning: Advanced Graphics
- Introduction to Site Planning and Design