Avela Swana - Architectural Portfolio.Feb 2025

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A P E T U R A

I N S T I T U T E

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

THIRD FLOOR

FIFTH FLOOR

FOURTH FLOOR

SIXTH FLOOR

Apetura Institue stands as a visionary multi-purpose highrise in the heart of Johannesburg’s CBD, designed to address the city’s pressing social challenges while offering a beacon of hope for the future The building’s striking steel shading panels, perforated with holes symbolizing cellular compounds, reflect the critical research and health-related functions that take place within its walls. These panels not only provide shade but also symbolize the porous nature of the space an open, transparent environment where activities flow freely yet safely

At its core, Apetura Institue is a response to the growing drug problem and associated deaths in the area The facility allows individuals to administer drugs safely under supervision, offering a controlled space that reduces harm and fosters rehabilitation Recreational areas provide a sense of normalcy and support for the community, promoting healthier lifestyles Research labs are housed on the upper floors, where scientists are constantly working to understand addiction and treatment

YOUTH CAMPUS

The Youth Economy Campus is a modern hub designed to address the intellectual and cultural needs of young people. Comprising diverse departments from agriculture to finance it serves as a dynamic space for students, graduates, and entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and create employment opportunities The design prioritizes student-centric environments while integrating professional spaces for industry engagement. Inspired by the South African flag, the architecture embodies diversity and unity, empowering youth through a vibrant, inclusive vision.

UTHULI LEZWI

This project centers around designing a language museum located near the historically significant Sterkfontein Caves, a site known for its rich archaeological history. The museum ’ s design draws inspiration from the broader historical and cultural relevance of the region, integrating the ideas of openness, connection, and the preservation of language as a cultural artifact. The split programming reflects the fragmented yet interconnected nature of language and communication, which is a core theme of the project.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

These drawings explore sustainable strategies for the Language Museum, focusing on solar energy optimization, material selection for thermal efficiency, and the integration of municipal utilities

The study identifies optimal solar panel placement, analyzes water and electricity systems, and evaluates building orientation to enhance sustainable performance. The goal is to create a thermally dynamic structure that harmonizes with its environment while minimizing energy consumption.

The bottom drawing is an iPad sketch/illustration that reimagines the Language Museum through my unique artistic lens Rooted in a playful, fantastical style inspired by animated series like Rick and Morty, the work embraces a whimsical, almost childlike approach I believe such imaginative worlds free from conventional constraints foster creativity and invite new perspectives, offering a vibrant reinterpretation of architectural possibilities

3D VISUALS

The above image is a SketchUp render of an animal enclosure designed for a chameleon The project explores functionality in compact spaces, integrating infrastructure that allows the animal’s natural behaviors to flourish. The design balances the needs of both humans and the reptile, offering a stained glass enclosure for the chameleon and a separate amphitheater for observation and education. This intentional separation fosters a respectful, private relationship between the species, ensuring harmony without intrusion.

The renders on the right explore small, functional spaces as part one of the project mentioned above This design for a drama rehearsal room delves into the animalistic expressions inherent in the dramatic arts sound, sight, space, light, and movement creating an environment where users can engage with these elements meaningfully The space is technical and dynamic, featuring movable CLT panel walls and rollable curtains that transform light and spatial divisions As scenes shift, so does the space, adapting fluidly to the needs of its users I believe this design successfully achieves its goal of fostering creativity and adaptability

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

The above project is a sequence of screenshots documenting the creation of a window section in SketchUp The process includes constructing the overhead lintel, integrating the DPC, and adding the aluminum frame These detailed explorations were pivotal in my architectural journey, offering insight into the intricate layering of elements that bring a 3D window to life I found great satisfaction in understanding and visualizing the technical precision required for such real-world applications

The project on the right is a sequence of screenshots showcasing the creation of a dog-leg staircase in SketchUp Like the previous project, this 3D model provided a deeper understanding of stair construction, emphasizing the correct sequence and scale of each element It served as a valuable visual reference, highlighting the precision and spatial awareness required in architectural detailing

pen work

The following pages showcase my penmanship, featuring a range of hand-drawn and digital illustrations. These sketches capture the abstract ideas, emotions, and spirituality tied to architecture, serving as both artistic expressions and analytical tools. I believe in the importance of mastering both traditional and digital mediums, as they expand my methods of creative and architectural exploration, enriching my design process

DIGITAL EXPLORATION

graphic design

Alongside architecture, I developed a passion for graphic design, venturing beyond traditional architectural conventions to create bold, unique, and impactful visuals Through mastering Adobe Photoshop, I expanded my creative toolkit, applying these skills to diverse projects such as album covers, event posters, and art This exploration has enriched my design perspective, blending architectural thinking with graphic innovation

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