Index 01 Curriculum Vitae Key qualifications Expertise Computer skills Education Professional experiences Researches and workshops Honors
02 Selected Projects QasIoun Urban Development
Syria
New Roumieh Village
Lebanon
Bolonga cultural space
Italy
Oran technopark
Algeria
WAT workshop atelier terrain
Canada
Damascus master plan
Syria
Badel block competition
Croatia
Ten cities Kurdistan
Iraq
Creative district
Kingdm Saudi
New mixed use project
kingdom Saudi
Elder accommodation
Syria
Music shell design
Syria
03 Renders & Visualization
“START WITH A QUESTION TO DISCOVER IF THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CREATIVITY” DAVE CRAWFORD - Principal Mechanical Engineer / Disney World
Curriculum Vitae
Name: Ahmad Almahairy Architect - Urban Designer
EDUCATION
2010: Bachelor Degree in Architecture -Damascus University - Architecture faculty 2010 - 2013: Master Degree in Urban Engneering and Sustainable Development from L’université Paris Est - Marne la Vallée in collaboration with Damascus University.
Date of Birth: 01 - 12 - 1987 Nationality: Syrian Marital status: single Membership in The Engineering Syndicate, Syria Language : Arabic, English, French
KEY QUALIFICATIONS Ahmad Almahairy is an architect and urban designer since 2008. He has several years of working experience coordinating with international and local clients and agencies. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Architecture from Damascus University and Master Degree in Urban Engneering and Sustainable Development from Université Paris Est - Marne la Vallée. He is currently working with Khatib & Alami CEC. Ahmad Almahairy participated in several international workshops, collaborations, summer internships and competitions in Syria, Canada, Lebanon and Croatia. He has acquired strong skills in developing all types of concepts (techno-parks, commercial centers, residential complexes, cultural and heritage projects, etc.) and using multiple techniques such as hand sketching, schematics and 3D modelling. His work shows a unique sense of creativity and professionalism combining his artistic background and innovative approach always aspiring at researching distinctive identities for all architectural and urban design projects. Ahmad is interested to extend his skills to new technologies, such as GIS and City Engine to stay up-to-date with new tools and hence always improve his contributions.
EXPERTISE
Urban Design - Architectural Design in addition to that a knowledge in Urban Planning Landscape Architecture - Sustainable Design - Interior Design - Research - Construction Drawings - Mixed use - Graphics
COMPUTER SKILLS
Windows office - Photoshop - Indesign - Illustrator - Auto CAD - 3d max- After effects Arc GIS - Sketch up- city Engine
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
KHATIB AND ALAMI 2012- 2013: K&A Khatib & Alami - Beirut - Architect - Urban Designer Developing the Old core of Arqua Neighborhood, Amana of Riyadh, KSA Role: Urban planning analysis on city scale and local scale. Managing map production process with graphic designers. Concept design development. Waqf AL Sharif Ghalib Master Plan , Mecca , KSA. Role: Urban planning analysis on city scale and local scale. Concept design development. Updating the Urban Design Guidelines for the Industrial Cities, MODON Riyadh, KSA. Role: Preparing urban design guidelines for general services of the Industrial Cities. Managing Maps and Drawings production with high quality visualization. Awdiat Mecca, Mecca, KSA(Proposal). Conceptual ideas for a proposal for the rehabilitation of two natural ‘Wadis’ bordering Mecca. Oran Techno Park Master Plan, Oran, Algeria(Proposal). Conceptual ideas for a proposal for master plan of the Techno park in Oran city. Role: Urban planning analysis on city scale and local scale. Concept design development of a master plan and Architectural design of the main core in the Techno Park. Managing maps- plans production process. Master Plans for 10 cities in, Kurdistan, Iraq. Role: Concepts development Maps - plans productions process. New Roumieh Village (80 ha), Metn, Lebanon. Role: Urban planning analysis Concept design development of master plan and Architectural design. 2011 - 2012: K&A Khatib & Alami - Damascus - Architect - Urban Designer New Master Plan for Damascus City and its vital Surrounding
The study area covers 57000 ha including Damascus area lying on 10 000 ha and its vital surrounding located within the administrative boundaries of Rif Damascus 47 000 ha. Role: Act as assistant to lead Urban Designer. Produce Urban design, landscape, housing Maps and Drawings. Prepare Urban design guidelines. www.khatibalami.com GENERAL COMPANY FOR ENGINEERING STUDYING 2011: Urban planning department - paid internship - Damascus - Architect - Urban designer www.gcec.sy EXTREME DESIGN ARCHITECTS 2011: Damascus - Freelance architect IFPO - INSTITUTE FRANCAIS DU PROCHE ORIENT 2011: Cultural participation for heritage regeneration project - Damascus Researcher designer www.ifporient.org CUBE TEAM ARCHITECTURE 2010 -2009: Damascus - Architect - Partner PAA PURE ARCHITECTURE & ART 2008- 2010 : Damascus - Architect - designer www.paa-sy.com
RESEARCHES AND WORKSHOPS WAT WORKSHOP ATELIER TERRAIN UNESCO 2011: Montreal - Canada - nominated from 25 master students in Damascus University. The purpose of this international activity was to produce 12 urban design visions for this iconic urban area of Montreal. The designs had been created by 48 students supervised by more than 12 experts and 12 Professors from eight countries representing five different geographic regions (North America, Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia). http://www.unesco-paysage.umontreal.ca/project/workshop-atelier-terrain-wat-unesco MUSIC SHELL DESIGN 2011: Damascus University , Echo Association ,and Goethe Institute ART AND HERITAGE 2010: Asile French Association - Damascus - Workshop organizer CULTURAL MARKETING 2010 : “Youth and Heritage”- Damascus by European union.
HMMAMED , STRENGTHENING OF MEDITERRANEAN CULTURAL HERITAGE 2010: Euromad Program - Damascus by IFPO , OKODDORM, and Liverpool University GREEN ROOFS IN OLD CITY 2010 - Damascus - GTZ - Damascus University BARADA RIVER URBAN DEVELOPMENT 2009 - Damascus- Damascus University , Syria –Hangover University, Germany SUMMER SCHOOL DAMASCUS 2008: Damascus University - Berlin Technical University, Germany - Henning Larsen Architects Aalborg University, Denmark Summer school for two weeks in August 2008 in Damascus, 26 students of architecture .
COMPETITIONS
SPACE TO CULTURE 2014: Bologna - italy URBAN-ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT DESIGN FOR THE BADEL SITE REDEVELOPMENT 2012 : Zagreb - Croatia MUSIC SHELL DESIGN 2011: Damascus - Syria - Special Award for Innovation ENGINEERING SYNDICATE 2010 : Damascus - Syria - Exhibited HOUSE FOR THE ELDERLY 2010 - Damascus - Syria - Second prize - Exhibited SHAM SPIRITUAL OASIS 2009: Damascus - Syria - Citation - Exhibited DESIGN THE FIRST SKYSCRAPER IN DAMASCUS 2009 - Damascus - Syria
TEACHING & TRAINING
FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE - DAMASCUS UNIVERSITY 2010 : Assistant teacher - Urban Design and Planning Department
HONORS AND AWARDS
ARCHITECTURE AWARD - MUSIC SHELL DESIGN 2011: Damascus ARCHITECTURE AWARD - DESIGN HOUSE FOR THE ELDERLY 2009: Damascus SCULPTURE AWARD 1997: Syria
“NO MATTER HOW BIG THE CHALLENGE OR HOW SMALL, OUR PROCESS IS THE SAME. WE APPLY CRITICAL THINKING, ASK BASIC QUESTIONS TO GET STARTED AND CHALLENGE OUR ASSUMPTIONS” KATY MANGUM - Executive Producer -Vice President / Disney World
Selected Projects
QASIOUN URBAN DEVELOPMENT GRADUATION PROJECT
Project Name : Qassuon Urban Develoment Type : planning- Urban Design - Architecture Area : 4000m2 Location :Damascus - Syria Date : 2010
AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
CITY SCALE ANALYSIS
THE CONCEPT ON THE SITE IN ABSTRACT WAY
NEW ROUMIEH VILLAGE
LEBANON
BOLOGNA
SPACE TO CULTURE
ITALY
YOUNG ARCHITECTS COMPETITION YAC
AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
Concept on macro level : City of Bologna has many cultural spaces that are either Designed (Deliberate) spaces, like museums and libraries...etc or Spontaneous spaces like the cultural heritage, old city center and the old markets. These spaces like museums, Libraries, exhibitions, theaters, cinemas, opera houses , city center and public spaces which host festivals ,concerts and events constitute a cultural network,seen as a unique mosaic which exhibit the identity of this city in many sectors. We aspire that the presence of our project as a cultural space in an area out side the city is to be seen as an extention of this network on the metropolitan level; hoping it would be a center of new cultural hub in the area of Quarto Inferiore which will be connected with the city and its rich city center by a futuristic cultural arcade reflecting the 7 elements (cities) of the city. And with the future headquarters of Bologna Football club to be built in the area , it will be a generator of a redeveloping movement of the surrounding area and an example of reactivation/ reuse of the industrial buildings. The project is to be a cultural land mark of the metropolitan Bologna.
THE CONCEPT Design Concept When we approached the building ,we were thinking of reflecting the new image of the city as a metropolitan city “city of 7 cities” on it, which accomodate the 7 elements and functions of the building. The building is constituting a unique part of the identity of the place and it’s holding its own mark on the city by its previous function as a factory of fashion tailoring and in the architectural form which was considered as an icon in th 70s. The successful cultural spaces normaly have 3 components: Sense of place - Activities - Built form. In our proposal, we kept the building to preserve the spirit and memory of the place resulting the maintaining and reshaping of its identity . Cultural activities are a set of experiences, opportunities and festivals that promote the knowledge and enjoyment of individuals who are related to the cultural, social, intellectual, or artistic work, so we tried to attract and incubate people through creativity, curiousity and engage them individually and collectively through the various activities of the buiding, for the 3rd component , we proposed to have a built form that is suitable for cultural activities; so to transform the building we had to search for the suitable way of intervening. Since we thought about the project sustainably in each aspect ,economical social - enviromental, so we have maintained the building trying to adapt it with its new function and set of activities . Our way of intervention originated from the building’s original function which was fashion tailoring. The building was a factory belonging to a top international firm with successful lines of fine clothing, evening dresses & swimming suits. we thought about the ‘transformation’ that we could perform on the building having in mind that the area is planned as a redeveloping area. The main idea for our building is : re-stitching the gray- old -rigid - monstrous & industrial mass into a colorful- new -interactive- light- cultural space. This transformation changed also the time of using and users of the building from a group of staff working in regular shifts to all kind of vistors and in all times.
CUL_STITECTURE = CULTURAL + STITCHING + ARCHITECTURE
To reflect the identity of the city of Bologna into the new image of the building , i.e. ‘the new stitched space’ which is represented by the 7 cities categorised by the uniqueness of each one of them based on ( History - Futur strategies - characteristics ) ;we wanted our building to be a unifying element for these 7 cities . We also found that art and culture are the portal for artistic knowledge & discovery, people across all kind of arts come together to learn ,connect & share. So art and culture are so connected ,complementing each other , and consisting 7 types implemented in our building . We tried to connect the 7 cities of Bologna keeping in mind the 7 types of art and culture that produced a mosaic of several identities of Bologna’s culture ( architecture -food- textile - nature - heritage - etc) which were reflected in the 7 elements that constitute the building which are: 1- Paths (the stitches - connectors of functions) 2- Roofs (observatory on the city)
AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
3- Mass of Amphitheatres (as a collective mass
for people) 4- Interactive elevations (attractors to vistors) 5- Open spaces (entrance - cafe - garden - music shell - cycle trail) 6- slabs ( original building) 7- Site (boundary- characteristics)
Mass concept: 1-We looked at the building as a simple mass (Cuboid) understanding its 3 dimensions. 2- We maintained the structural system (columns - slabs - stairs ). 3- We created a new skin (clothing) for the building responding to the ex function and the statue of the city as a large textile city back in history. The facade is interactive ,It performs as a self-sufficient organic system, storing solar energy by day and using it to illuminate the screen after dark. It is Powered using a self-sufficient photovoltaic system that captures twice as much energy as the façade uses. 3- We gave the building a welcoming entrance which attracts people to enter while raising its level creating a
series of stairs as a place for visitors to enjoy the events
and installations that will take place in front of the building. 4- We have 2 different structural systems in the building so we have seperated them, /cutting these 2 systems /creating 2 different masses, then we stitched them by creating a series of paths (ramps) stitches connecting the different functions and creating interactive spaces. 5- We benefited from the roof by creating an open air amphitheatres, so the building could be like an observatory on the city. 6- We created several open spaces with different functions (cycling trail - music shell- skating trail) 7- Thinking sustainably we took advantage of rain water using it for gardening, in addition of using the roofs as a platform to observe the city creating open air amphitheatres. that in addition of using zero energy Facades to light up the building.
The Process and Analysis Connections of functions
Paths/ stitches
Generation of x segments
Using the roofs
Investing roofs
Outdoor amphitheaters
Generation of y segments
2 Different masses and functions
Amphitheaters
Events and shows
Generation of z segments
Sepration of 2 structural systems
Interactive facades
Productive mass
Creation of a structural grid
Creation of open and active spaces
Open spaces
Out door activities
Creation of void in original building
Creation of welcoming spaces
Slabs
Different mode and activities
Entrance attracting people
Civic engagement and social interaction
Increasing used spaces $$$
Collecting rain water
Solar panels - zero energy facades
saving the trees and planting the roof
the sustainability and environment
AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
Site / Boundary
The users and spaces
Original building
Interact and connect
ď‚”
The seven elements of the cultural center
Original building
The Process and intervention
The old mass analysis
Simple volume
Natural lighting
Promoting walking cycling
Ground floor - Sections - Main Elevation
AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
ORAN TECHNOPARK ALGERIA The project It is a proposal to design a master plan for a new technopark in Oran city The Technopark is located on the outskirts of the city as an interface between it and the agricultural plain and natural areas that surround it. This location requires a genuine reflection on the future use of the park and its pivotal role between the city and its agricultural and natural areas.
The Role Analysing and developing urban design concept to ensure high architecture and spatial qualities by means of a continuous dialogue between architects,engineers and users. Producing urban design master plan and architecture design for main hub.
CITY SCALE ANALYSIS
CONCEPT
MASTER PLAN ANALYSIS
ARCHITECTURE CONCEPT
AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
WORKSHOP ATELIER TERRAIN
HOT SPOTS
Canada - Montreal
WORKSHOP_ATELIER/TERRAIN UNESCO MONTRÉAL (QUÉBEC) - CANADA
Actual situation around St-Pierre neighborhood
Railway Tracks and Train Stations
Existing Hot Spots
Actual artist locations
2011
Growth of the city
CONCEPT Along the main corridor of
the highway 20 that runs from Quebec City to Mexico City, there are many attractive areas that have a strong identity and interact with the linear infrastructure. We called these areas “Hot Spots”. Montreal is one of these “Hot Spots” and it is characterized as a creative city. Along the infrastructures, industries and urbanized areas have developed, showing that infrastructures can generate economy and lively urban areas, while a the same time they can bring environmental damages and create physical division to neighborhoods. The 17 km gateway corridor linking the Montreal-Trudeau Airport to downtown Montreal has important industrial areas, has caused a strong separation of the surrounding communities and has increased the deterioration of the landscape. The recent decay of the industries has left a large abandoned territory that needs to be revitalized and unified.
3
1
A 2 N
Micro design Scale : 1:3000
B
C 4
The project will create a new “Hot Spot”in this area that will be a major landscape infrastructure of metropolitan scale and that will transform this area into an attractive place for all the inhabitants. It will improve collective transportation, enhance connections between the surrounding neighborhoods and create a corridor landscape.There are many missing services in the communities surrounding the highway that the project will implement together with the creation of spaces for artists’ housing and exhibitions. The project reuses abandoned factories, builds communities, integrates natural and urban landscape, and highlights the identity of Montreal. The St-Pierre neighborhood will benefit from newly created links to the surrounding areas. This integrated iconic landscape – a linear park – will include a new train station, a sports facility, commercial spaces and public functions. At a local scale the project will improve streets connections, establish a big sports facilitredesign a bicycle path, reuse the industrial heritage for public activities and art exhibitions and create apartments for artists from recycled containers.
Hot Spot - Intermodal train station New commercial street extension of St-Jacques street New artist neiborhood Expositions spaces and housing Sports facilty
1 2 3 4
The project will create a new “Hot Spot”in this area that will be a major landscape infrastructure of metropolitan scale and that will transform this area into an attractive place for all the inhabitants. It will improve collective transportation, enhance connections between the surrounding neighborhoods and create a corridor landscape. There are many missing services in the communities surrounding the highway that the project will implement together with the creation of spaces for artists’ housing and exhibitions. The project reuses abandoned factories, builds communities, integrates natural and urban landscape, and highlights the identity of Montreal. The St-Pierre neighborhood will benefit from newly created links to the surrounding areas. This integrated iconic landscape – a linear park – will include a new train station, a sports facility, commercial spaces and public functions. At a local scale the project will improve streets connections, establish a big sports facilitredesign a bicycle path, reuse the industrial heritage for public activities and art exhibitions and create apartments for artists from recycled containers.
N
View from the canal to the artist area
Section CC
View under St-Pierre interchange to the station
View of the station park and the artist building
Claudio MURA, AAA, Italy Christine ROBITAILLE, UDM, Canada Bian XIAOZHE, TONGJI, China Ahmad ALMAHAIRY, DAMAS, Syrie
MASTER PLAN FOR DAMASCUS AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
The project
SYRIA
analysis;Base-map/Land-use map production ; socio-eco-
The purpose of the project was to update the master plan of Damascus Governorate. It includes
data collection/
nomic, demographic, urban morphology (character), and other urban studies of the existing status and the future forecast of the city. SKM are playing a vital role in supporting Khatib and Alami in the preparation of a new city-widemaster plan and urban regulations for the city for the period 2010 to 2030. Our work focusedon strategic planning at the city scale, defining new development parameters and guiding the future enhancement of buildings and spaces.
The Role Preparing and coordinating Damascus urban design guidelines to ensure high architecture and spatial qualities by means of a continuous dialogue between architects,engineers and users. Producing urban design neighborhood plans maps.
AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
COMPETITION AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
URBAN EXTENSION
KURDISTAN
AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
Master Plans for Ten cities in Kurdistan, Iraq. The Master Plans’ objective is to ensure a sustainable urban development of the cities for the coming two decades while taking into consideration social, economic, ecological and cultural aspects. The projects output shall include for each city the constitution of relevant planning data-base, the development of planning standards, the elaboration 20 years horizon Master Plan in addition to implementation strategies and capacity building.
AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
CREATIVE DISTRICT PROPOSAL
PUBLIC SPACE Recreation /Open Space • Diversity of primary and secondary land uses “ timing – density – users ” • Extent and variety of public – open spaces • Presence of festivals and events • Important meeting and gathering spaces • Sense of history and progress • Area identity and imagery
CREATIVE DISTRICT Energy/Food production • Diversity of primary and secondary land uses “Hierarchy of space privacy” • Extent and variety of cultural venues “agricultural lands” • Presence of an evening economy, including café culture “Bio café” • Small-business economy, including creative businesses in agriculture sectors. • Presence of festivals and events • Managed workspaces for agriculture – energy lab users. • Location of agriculture - energy development agencies and companies
COMMUNITY AGRICULTURE Live / work • Diversity of primary and secondary land uses “new type of housing - workspace” • Extent and variety of cultural venues • Presence of an evening economy, including café culture • Small-business economy, including creative businesses in the cultural sectors. • Access to vocational training providers • Presence of festivals and events • Managed workspaces for office and studio users • Location of arts development agencies and companies
NEW MIXED USE PROJECT KSA
ANALYSIS
CONCEPT
S
O
W
T
ELDER ACCOMMODATION Damascus - Syria Second prize AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
MUSIC SHELL DESIGN SYRIA
AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
“VISUAL SKILLS ARE A PART OF THE IMAGINATION’S ABILITY TO CREATIVELY COME UP WITH POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS” SUSAN ZAVALA - Visual Communication Representative / Disney World
Visualization and Render
AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
AHMAD ALMAHAIRY - ARCHITECT - URBAN DESIGNER
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up� Pablo Picasso
Ahmad Almahairy Architect - Urban designer Beirut - Lebanon 00961 76 48 97 35 ahmad.almahairy@gmail..com Skype name : a.almahairy 2014