Work Sample Kareem Cousar
contact Kareem J. Cousar 2901 S. King Drive Chicago, IL 60616 412.855.3428 kcousar@gmail.com kareemcousar.com
Work Experience University of Chicago, Facilities Services Planning+Design Chicago, IL 2013 Intern Architect Provide support on all planning, graphics, and project managementrelated activities. Assist in achieving schedule goals of assigned projects Advanced Technologies Group, Inc. Lombard, IL 2012 Project Associate/CAD Technician Utilized Auto CAD software to create and make revisions to as-built construction documents for health care facilities.
Urban Redevelopment Authority Pittsburgh, PA 2012 Planning & Urban Design Intern Schematic Design for community planning and implementation Assist with the creation of neighborhood planning and development guidelines Coordinated and conducted community planning meetings Research and documentation
Education
Skills
Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 2012 College of Architecture - Remaking Cities Institute UDream Post Graduate Fellowship
Computer:
Marshall Brown Projects Chicago, IL 2012 Model-maker Assisted with the building of a large scale site model of the Washington park neighborhood and park area in the city of Chicago, adjacent to the University of Chicago.
University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh,PA 2007 Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies minor in Studio Arts
Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL 2012 Master of Architecture
Denmark International Study Program Copenhagen, Denmark 2007 Seven week immersion program in Scandinavian Architecture and Design
MAC OS X, Windows 7, Windows XP, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Auto CAD, Revit Architecture, 3DS Studio Max, Sketch Up, IES, Ecotect, Climate Consultant, GIS, Processing Technical: collaborative design, drafting, model-making, free-hand drawing, site analysis, hands on fabrication
Titles and Honors 2011 INOMA Scholarship recipient NCARB registered NOMA member Associate AIA member
01 Master’s Project Spring 2012
below: site plan
Digital design has reduced the distinction between studio and classroom activities, so it is essential to create an environment where students can explore their ideas amongst themselves and on their own time. Most design education programs emphasize the importance of peer-to-peer learning which primarily occurs at informal learning spaces. This project will focus on creating an environment which will foster collaboration, creativity and exploration.
Clark St.
below: view from interior field/ lounge space
W. Taylor St.
50
100
150
0
below: development of landscape scheme
supportive collaborative space
collaborative space
habitable green roof
cafe
left: diagram of large collaborative space and green roof cafe right: approach south on clark st.
02
Phase 1: 1 year -Roads Modified -New Green Line stop built
Gateway Extension Fall 2011 Team: Xue Bai Kareem Cousar Jake Emery Billy Venia
Phase 2: 2-3 years -Network of paths established -Lower plaza constructed
A campus landscape in the neighborhood Decades of entropy within the Chicago neighborhood of Washington Park have resulted in large allotments of residual land. The scarcity of program imperative to a sustainable lifestyle, has manifested a disconnect in the site and degraded the relevance of Garfield Boulevard. These current conditions have resulted in a broken link in the relationship between the Chicago Transit Authority Green Line train, Washington Park and the University of Chicago.
above: view from platform toward exhibition space
Phase 3: 4-5 years -Final construction phase of project
below: view from bridge
44,375 ft
113,280 ft
Phase 4: 35 years -University of Chicago determines developable land
41,938 ft
63,830 ft
29,365 ft
Phase 5: 40+ years -University of Chicago builds on land, leaving center of design intact.
4.0
0.4 0.65
2.2
12.7
0.3 2.0 1.8 1.6
6.8 1.1 0.52 0.75 7.5
right: site plan A
B
C
D
C
below: section A section B
D
A
B
Site Section A
0
Site Section B
10 20 30
80
03 POD Hotel Spring 2011
view looking east on 31st st.
The primary focus a pod hotel is to maximize the use of space, but what is then sacrificed by this very distinction? One of the main objectives of my project was to figure out how to make a building where people occupy rooms that are tight and confined, and make that same space feel large and voluminous. People Occupying Dense Spaces now becomes People Occupying Distinguished Spaces.
A series of dynamic amenity spaces provide the user with a diversity of activities to partake in, from dining at the outdoor cafe to working out at one of the two fitness centers.
Suite level
The POD Hotel offers various amenities where guest can escape the hustle and bustle of New York city. Two fitness centers give guest the option to practice yoga, lift weights or even take a dip in the pool.
above: pool and spa area below: indoor workout space, outdoor yoga
Standard level
Efficiency level