Academic Portfolio | Boris Levin

Boris Levin

MARS

II:

LONDON NORTHGATE SPA COMPLEX page 44 + London,

page 46 + Quebec,

N2Y page 26 + New York, USA REFLECTIONS

Quebec, CA

MÜGELSEE REHABILITATION CENTER

page 48 + Berlin, DE

UNFOLDING DOMAINS page 50 + Berlin, DE

SUNPHI: BIOMIMICRY WORKSHOP

ACRE FISHERY PAVILION

page 52 + Haifa, IL

page 012 + Acre, IL

Absorption & The Urban

Pro-Active Studio 2018-19, 5th year

The Faculty of Architecture & Town Planning

The Technion

Haifa, Israel

Mentors:

Assoc. Prof. Gabriel

Schwarz

PhD Arch. Fatina

Abreek-Zubiedat

Arch. Tal Israeli

PhD Ronen Ben-Arie

Special thanks to:

Avi Cohen

Prof. Aaron Sprecher

Arch. Alon Sohar

Amir Tomashov

Sarah Amar-Kroin

Ziona Eisenstein

Tools:

Rhinoceros 3D

Grasshopper

VRay

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Indesign

Israel could be described as a country of immigrants. For over a century it has been populated, conquered, built and developed by them. Some were driven by the Zionist ideology of building a new country for the New Jew, most merely escaped from the contemporary political and economic situation.

Since the late 1960s, one of the expressions for the national mechanism of migrant assimilation in Israel was so-called “Absorption Centers”.

Originally initiated by the Jewish Agency and built with the aim of attracting immigrants from welfare states,

the centers constitute a unique institution that combines temporary housing with learning facilities for incoming immigrants over a period of 6-10 months. Partly representing national institutionalization processes from the previous century, Absorption Centers still operate in full capacity, providing their services mostly to young new immigrants doing orientation and Aliyah programs offered by the Jewish Agency.

In recent years, the concept of building the National has been replaced by the neoliberal paradigm of building the Global. Thus, the problems of Aliyah and Absorption became more complicated, even though they are as relevant as before.

This project examines the current practice of bringing young ‘olim’ (immigrants) to Israel and questions using the Center of Absorption as an obsolete model.

The concept proposed includes the integration of new citizens into the global urban context of Tel Aviv while encouraging them to mix with the local community and creating an environment which would enable positive interactions.

At the same time, the goal of the project is not only to offer the city to the migrants, but also to contribute to the renewal of one of its most central and popular districts – Carmel Market.

Nominated for Azrieli Prize 2019

“Migrants were always the major raw material for building the new country, equally to cement or concrete”

Rachel Kallush and Hubert Law-Yone

“The National Home & Personal Home: Social Housing and the Shaping of National Space in Israel”, Theory and Criticism vol. 16 The Van Leer Jerusalem Institute, 2000

“Becoming present, visible, to each other acter of powerlessness”

“Does the City Have Speech?”, Urban Challenges: Duke University Press, 2013

other can alter the char-

Saskia Sassen

Challenges: Essay

“A neighborhood or a city is an artificial ecosystem governed by rules similar to those of natural ecosystems. For example, the more different species exist and the more equality there is between them, the more balanced and consistent it will be”

Vincente Guallard

“Sociopolis: Project for a City of the Future”, Actar and Architekturzentrum, Wien, 2004

For the purposes of programmatic distribution four major agents were chosen in both urban and global scales: young immigrants, local students, Carmel Market and local community.

Defined main programs were devided into sub-programs which may serve multiple clients in an equal way or be intended for one group only, depending on a specific function.

In order to create a logical Space Syntax algorithm, possible interconnections between the functions were defined. Each shade of grey represents the degree of connectivity.

WEAVING THE URBAN FABRIC

While blocks in Kerem Ha’Teimanim are small and almost fully covered with low buildings (cov. 76%), Nachalat Binyamin is characterized by revatively low coverage (54%) and big block areas.

The intervention’s blueprint allows to connect between the streets on both sides. At the created junctions there are open pedestrian spaces left for better space orientation and for smoother transition between two districts.

MARKET ORGANIZATION

The market gets an extension by penetrating the blocks and creating an additional walking path through.

Carmel Street turns into a linear park, giving the city a green space and creating a niche to rest from the intensive commerce.

The delivery is proceeded from underground by a net of elevators distributed on the new market axis (up to 25m distance)

PROPORTIONS

Three-dimensional expression of the intervention on each side resembles the proportions and frequency of buildings on the according side.

The project height is under 17.5 m, defined for this strip by the city building plan (TABA 3888):

~ commercial facade (5.2m)

~ 2 storeys (3.5m)

~ the 3rd floor (2m step back)

BRIDGING

The core of the project is a system of bridges, which connects the districts in a spatial, visual and programmatic way.

These connections host public and communal functions while bringing agents from in- and outside the project.

MARKET STALLS

One of the major challenges for planning the sequence of new stalls was the design of market’s new infrastructure. Considering the fact, that the logistic center is going to be built in the southern part of Carmel Market, the idea is to create a new, technological type of stalls.

1) flexible shelves (30cm width), which can be rotated and fixed in order to fit a specific product’s display

2) the system of pneumatic garbage disposal ensures an easier cleaning process during the day

3) personal lockers for stall owners underneath the display

Here are some principles which led to the realization of the concept:

4) the system of water collection that supports the irrigation of the green area, created on Carmel St.

water collection

rotating shelves

personal lockers

garbage disposal

COOLING SYSTEM

PNEUMATIC GARBAGE DISPOSAL & PERSONAL LOCKERS

WATER COLLECTION SYSTEM

CROSS SECTION

Parametric Urbanism in hyper-dense context, NYC

The Faculty of Architecture & Town Planning

The Technion

Haifa, Israel

Mentor:

Arch. Gary Freedman

with:

Lev Zhitnik

Rotem Lewinsohn

Personal contribution: research, evaluation algorithms, urban grid aggregation, optimisation processes, graphic representation

Tools: Rhino 3D

Grasshopper

Adobe Illustrator numerous Gh add-ons

Manhattan received its distinct irregular form through its history of urban planning. The image of skyscrapers adjacent to lower story buildings is prevalent throughout its skyline.

The first stage of this project included a thorough research to explore a hyper dense area in Midtown Manhattan. Quantitative measurements were used to research the behavioral characteristics of the urban system of the area. Some of the phenomenon studied were: block parcellation, street hierarchy, the effects of zoning regulations and different block massing strategies. To study the effects of this urban situation, our group used different predefined parameters to evaluate the behavior of the area such as: walkability, open spaces and built areas.

A study of open spaces showed a common phenomenon occuring as a result of the urban system: around 39% (!) of open areas are locked spaces in inner block yards. These locked areas are unused, inaccessible to the public and inefficient.

The second stage of the project was the development of a parametric model that embodies

the urban behavior of the existing area in Manhattan and replicates its tendencies. Its purpose was to built an approximate urban envelope model, based on some zoning districts’ principles.

The last stage was focused on developing the algorithm which “distorts” the existing urban grid layout, bringing more of small green spaces to the urban fabric and enabling to improve some of other evaluation parameters. In order to compare the results properly, we preserved the same GFA (general floor area) for all the new configurations. Then, alternative city models were tested to offer improvements specifically to its residential areas and their accessibility to open spaces, suggesting the grid unification into “super blocks” similarly to a strategy implemented in Barcelona.

The chosen grid configurations show improvements to the evaluation parameters by incorporating open spaces and creating superblocks in residential areas. Thus, improving residential conditions and eliminating most of the locked spaces.

Parametric Urban Studio 2018, 4th year

STAGE 1 | Research

ZONING LAW DEVELOPMENT & URBAN BLOCK PARCELLATION

The original 1916 Manhattan parcellation was intended for houses built in juxtoposition, which caused issues such as dense urban blocks and locked open spaces (small inner ventilation yards). These planning decisions were made due to the zoning rules implemented in NYC.

6 m

30 m

single plot

~60 m block extension ~60-155 m

MANHATTAN URBAN BLOCK SCHEME: residential commercial

RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT RES. + LOCAL RETAIL NEEDS COMMERCIAL DISTRICT

The concentration of most of the green space in the city is defined by the bounds of the Central Park, which creates a dichotomous situation with little or no hierarchy of green spaces and intermediate states, in which the urban fabric could be more versitile and ‘green’ in general.

THE LACK OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACES

SKY EXPOSURE LINES

SKY EXPOSURE PLANE

THE RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE & LOCKED OPEN SPACES

The urban blocks with juxtoposing buildings compose a situation that defines only one ventilated side (the street side) and, subsequently, demands at least another one (towards a small inner yard). That, in turn, leaves the residents living circumscribed about roads.

~39% of open space area

~61% of open space area

APPROACHABLE OPEN SPACES LOCKED OPEN SPACES

WALKABILITY & URBAN GRID FLEXIBILITY

The orthogonal grid planning could be described as “coherent” - it guarantees a comprehensible space orientation; its repetitive parcellation is easy for the land division and from the planning point of view. However, this urban structure does not allow dynamic pedestrian routes and shortcuts.

SETBACK CONFIGURATIONS

57TH ST.

AVENUES

MAJOR CROSS-STREETS

STANDARD CROSS-STREETS

STAGE 2 | Existing State parametric model

After the research of high-density districts of Manhattan, our group was asked to use algorithmic tools to recreate the existing urban envelope model based on the 1916 urban grid and the principles of NYC Zoning Law.

The evaluation, based on numerical data, showed significant problems such as: the lack of open spaces in the urban fabric, plenty of locked inner yards, low walkability score (directness ratio) caused by the urban situation that does not enable pedestrian shortcuts.

FAR average

Directness ratio

Open space

Junctions (per km2)

GFA compensation

Locked open space

Pedestrian routes (per

PLAZA

COMMERCIAL

MIXED USE

STAGE 3 | Parametric planning and evaluation dashboard

Urban green space (Central Park)

Superblocks

GFA (general floor area) compensation

If the resulting GFA is bigger than the original, the algorithm removes and rearranges the built mass in an urban block in a way, which ‘unlocks’ the inner yard spaces to the public.

13% OF ALL SURFACES

RAIN GARDEN WATER MANAGEMENT

STORMWATER CYCLE

TO SWALE TO SWALE INFILTRATION

OFFICES

URBAN PLAZA

RESIDENTIAL

STORMWATER EVAPORATION

COMMUNITY PROGRAM

RESIDENTIAL

PEDESTRIAN

STANDARD ST.

MIXED USE AVENUE

OPEN SPACES & WALKABILITY

OUTER OPEN SPACE

INNER OPEN SPACE

NEW PATH

EXISTING PATH

MARS II

Azrieli Global Studio

Extreme climate studio 2017, 3rd year

Sponsored by David Azrieli Foundation

The Faculty of Architecture & Town Planning

The Technion in collaboration with: McGill University, Montreal Tel Aviv University

Mentors: Prof. Aaron Sprecher PhD Arch Tom Shaked with: Sarah Amar-Kroin

Personal contribution: 3D-modeling, algorithmization, renderings

Tools:

Adobe Aftereffects

Rhinoceros 3D

Grasshopper

Vray

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Indesign

MARS II is located on Central Axel Heiberg Island, Nunavut, the Canadian High Arctic (approximately 79º26’N, 90º46’W). This area is characterized by cold and dry Arctic climate conditions which render the place extremely difficult to live in –the island is uninhabited except for the seasonal McGill Arctic Research Station (MARS) operated by McGill University.

The proposal represents a prototypical model capable of generating a symbiotic space for living, working, and leisure. The objective of this project is to produce such a synergy both at a functional and experiential level, given the extreme climate conditions at the site.

The project suggests the possibility of having a modular superstructure that functions as a hybrid of self-sufficient elements. These components aim to define multiple spatial orders capable of adapting to a universal context.

The structure is formed by two overlapping programmatic layers that define a spatial relation both externally and within the space itself. MARS II offers a unique condition by which multiple narratives act simultaneously instead of the conventional principles of zoning. Here, the architectural system is structured in a similar way as Aldo van Eyck’s principle of interlocked clusters that define the circulation system and a shared experience. The continuous circulatory streams along the building are accompanied by multifunctional open spaces with the objective of blurring the boundaries between collectiveness and individuality.

Winning: Faculty Dean Prize

In an effort to turn collaboration into action, its organization is defined by an inner artificial topography that replaces the partitions. This architectural strategy offers an interaction between technical and social aspects of architecture.

The remote location of the site and the technical complexity of the building system call for a strategy in terms of self-sufficiency. Thus, the building skin is equipped with photovoltaic cells that follow a formal definition in order to maximize solar exposure and wind energy provision.

The resulting formal expression of the system shapes the architectural identity of MARS II.

1. Bedroom

2. Kitchen

3. Leisure area

4. Large leisure area

5. WC

2. Laboratories

3. Computer lab

WIND TURBINES

Traditional wind turbines capture only 59.3 percent of the energy in wind, a value called the Betz limit.

FloDesign wind-turbine blades are surrounded with a shroud that directs air through the blades and speed it up, which increases power production. The new design generates as much power as a convential wind turbine with blades twice as big in diameter. The smaller blade size and other factors allow the turbines to be packed closer together than convential ones, increasing the amount of power that can be generated per acre of land.

“That is plausible that such a design could double or triple a turbine’s power output”, - Paul Sclavounos, professor of mechanical engeneering at MIT.

LONDON NORTHGATE SPA COMPLEX

The project proposes a spa complex for the residents of London Northgate mensions and includes a pool, a gym and a number of exercise rooms.

Located inside the urban block not far from St. John’s Wood tube station, the plot is surrounded by classic brick-made buildings,

typical for London mensions of this prestigious area.

The design of the complex’ facade respects its surroundings while giving it a unique modern look, which would fit the public program for the neighborhood.

Freelance work, 2019 Concept and primary planning

REFLECTIONS, AZRIELI GLOBAL STUDIO

After coming back from the tour to Quebec, Canada, Israeli students were asked to recreate their experience in a new and highly individual form using the infrastructure provided by VizLab (visualization laboratory).

As a part of the exercise, eight short movies were created and shown to the Technion‘s main teaching staff and to the

administration of the Technion’s Architecture Department. The topics of the movies represented different aspects of the trip, whether it was cultural familiarization and interchange or the “tourist” perspective, nature’s wealth and uniqueness, or urban development and industrialization trends.

“Atmospheric machines” is

a conceptual exercise which included learning new tools and prepared the ground for the studio project.

2017, 3rd academic year

Extreme climate studio, The Technion, led by Prof. Aaron Sprecher

With:

Sarah Amar-Kroin

Personal contribution:

concept, footage + video editing

MÜGELSEE REHABILITATION CENTER, BERLIN

The project is planned on the southern shore of Müggelspree river. The design is based on the gradation between public and private functions in a way, in which temporary visitors and outpatients can use according facilities close enough to the entrance and the forest vehicle road, while the inpatients can

enjoy their privacy on the shore of the river.

The building orientation is intended to create similar rights in terms of the daylight by avoiding purely northern or southern facades. The project’s facade is designed to be maximum transparent

where it is possible. Its rhythm changes from the southern to the northern sides according to the building orientation. Despite the low height of the designed rehabilitation center, the various space qualities were provided by the constant sequence of open, close and double spaces.

UNFOLDING DOMAINS, BERLIN

During an intensive CoLab workshop in TUB, students were asked to investigate foldable structures, their spatial configurations, their fabrication and overall efficiency, based on algorithm-based tests and represented by diagrams and technical drawings.

After the research and prototype fabrication, each group created a narrative, which would enable such structures to be implemented in real life.

Our group presented a comic book telling a story of an artist, whose work involves a deployable wall structure both as an instrument and as an art object.

2018, 4th academic year

Collaborative Design Laboratory, TU Berlin, led by Prof. Dr. Ignacio Borrego

With:

Aberto Calderon, Anna Manfredi, Patricia Bozyk

Personal contribution:

concept, parametric modeling, graphics

SUNPHI, BIOMIMICRY WORKSHOP

During the workshop, we studied different mechanisms and behaviors that can be found in nature in macro and nanoscale and are used in fields such as engineering, chemistry, optics, etc.

As a part of the course, for the first time we were presented with tools of parametric modeling.

Being quite enlightened with this new design approach, our group created a shading system over the Technion campus amphitheater, which was inspired by saucer trench beetle skin and by eucalyptus leafs. In addition, we optimized the system in order to get maximum sun light on the tribunes duringwinter and

maximum shading effect during summertime, when it is so much needed in the Technion.

2016, 3rd academic year, Biomimicry workshop led by PhD Guy Austern

With:

Lev Zhitnik and Farouk Karawani

SURFACE

OPTIMIZED: +

OPTIMIZATION

FACTORS:

1ST ROTATION ON SURFACE

2ND ROTATION ON SURFACE

SCALE ON SURFACE

1. POINTS’ LOCATIONS IN SPACE

2. PANELIZATION DENSITY

3. 1ST ROTATION DEGREE

4. 2ND ROTATION DEGREE

5. SCALE FACTOR

ACRE PAVILION

Acre Pavilion is a proposal for a temporary fishery museum, located on the medieval wall of the old city of Acre. The building is a side-spar cable-stayed structure which is designed as a fish-like shape and is lifted above the ground at one of the ends.

The loads were calculated with STRAP software and the skin was designed with Grasshopper3D.

2017, 3rd academic year

Construction course, The Technion, led by PhD Lazar Babich

With:

Sarah Amar-Kroin

Farouk Karawani

(Mid-review drawings)

EDUCATION & ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology | 2014-2019

5-year B.Arch program in the faculty of Architecture & Urban Planning | MAGNA CUM LAUDE (GPA: 91.2)

Technische Universität Berlin | Summer Semester 2018

M.Arch exchange program | led by Prof. Lars Steffensen

Azrieli Global Studio | Montreal, Canada | 2017

Collaborative extreme climate studio with Architecture Faculty of McGill Univerity, Montreal and Tel Aviv University | sponsored by Azrieli Foundation

Beit She’arim International Workshop | Spring 2017

“Three Layers of Beit She’arim” project feat. Sarah Amar Kroin, Yang Yang | in collab. with Politecnico de Milano

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

The Azrieli Prize Nominee | 2019

B.Arch diploma project “Interposed: Absorption & The Urban”, led by Assoc. Prof. Gabriel Schwarz

Urban studio 1st prize | 2015

“Layered Acre” project feat. Dor Menashe & Shaked Gil, led by Arch. Claudio Millul

Faculty dean prize | 2017

“MARS II” project feat. Sarah Amar Kroin, Azrieli Global Studio 2017, led by Assoc. Prof. Aaron Sprecher

The Technion President distinction

+ Summer semester 2015-2016

+ Summer semester 2016-2017

The Technion Faculty Dean distinction

+ Summer semester 2014-2015

+ Winter semester 2015-2016

+ Winter semester 2016-2017

+ Winter semester 2017-2018

HIAS Israel Distinction Grant

+ 2017-2018 academic year

+ 2018-2019 academic year

The Technion Alumni Distinction Grant

2017-2018 academic year

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Mann-Shinar Architects | Full-time architect | 2019-present

Working on a variety of large-scale projects including transport infrastructure, urban planning and office buildings in an intensive collaborative environment

ShaGa Studio | Computational urban designer, internship | 2018

Continuous participation in the development of a parametric tool for a city plan of Sirkin, Israel

SkyCon automation consultant and Grasshopper tutor | 2020-present

Script-writing, scheduling and automation consulting for complex-geometry buildings + tutoring in Grasshopper 3D