Christopher Briggs Architecture Portfolio 2023

Hello! I graduated from Norwich University of the Arts in June 2022 with a 1st class degree in BA (Hons) Architecture, With exemption from ARB examinations at Part I. I am currently working as a Part I Architectural Assistant at Buckley Gray Yeoman in London. The projects and other examples of my work in this portfolio were selected to show my style and vast skillset. To see further work, please visit my instagram page. Thank you for your time!

I am training to become an architect and as such I believe design principles need changing to give a greater focus to sustainability and wellbeing. I believe that biophilic architecture, which brings us closer to nature, can also bring us closer to sustainable design and architecture that promotes positivity.

Throughout the research of my degree I was introduced to various concepts, such as Orientalism and Decolonisation. I believe these perspectives are essential to apply and investigate within architecture today. I am interested in how these concepts have become relevant in a contemporary context with the shifting of the centre and the periphery and how they can feed

+44 07714168273

cj36manips@hotmail.co.uk

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@cbriggs_arch

CHRISTOPHER BRIGGS

EDUCATION

Norwich University of the Arts | Norwich

BA (Hons) Architecture - 1st class

2019 - 2022

Taradale High School | New Zealand

National Certificate of Education Level 3

English, Mathematics with Calculus & Statistics, Physics, Design & Visual Communication

2014 - 2018

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

• Teamwork

• Problem solving

Positive attitude

• Communication

• Attention to detail

Responding to feedback

• Presenting to customers & clients

Time management & Organisation

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Adobe Creative Suite

• Sketchup

Rhino

• AutoCAD

• Vectorworks

Twin motion

• Lumion

• V-Ray

COMPETITIONS

St Mary’s Church Extension Competition Winner | 2022

MAKE Architects Future Spaces Foundation

Commendation | 2021

Polysolar & Mid Norfolk Railway Commendation | 2021

Project : Unbuilt | A building’s Essence

Top 30 | 2021

WORK EXPERIENCE

Part I Architectural Assistant | Full Time

Buckley Gray Yeoman | London | 07/2022 -Present

Preparing presentations for and attending DTMs and client meetings. Creating Stage 3 visualisation and FFE package. Drawing GA plans and amending area schedules for coordination. Creating and delivering CPD workshops on architectural visualisation using SketchUp, Vray and Twinmotion while integrating a non-destructive workflow.

Projects worked on:

Truman Brewery Masterplan, London - Stage 1

151 Shaftesbury Avenue, London - Stage 1

Colmore Gate, Birmingham - Stage 1-2

1 Brindley Place, Birmingham - Stage 3

YY London - Stage 5

Student & Outreach Ambassador | Part Time

Norwich University of the Arts | Norwich | 09/2020 - 06/2022

Running open days, delivering presentations to local colleges, promoting NUA at university expos and UCAS fairs and making promotional videos and content for social channels. I also upgraded NUA’s website platform using WordPress.

Architectural Assistant | Temporary

Buckley Gray Yeoman | London | 08/2021 - 09/2021

Preparing presentations and making models which were successfully presented to clients. Amending digital models, creating visualisations for VE changes and setting out for a project. I also attended many site visits and took part in design workshops.

Projects involved with:

YY London - Stage 5

33 Cork Street, London - Stage 4

Manoteras/Skylight, Madrid - Stage 3

Construction Experience | Part Time

Self Employed | New Zealand | 12/2018 - 05/2019

Working for clients, building sheds and painting and decorating their homes for sale.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Dezeen Feature | NUA Grad-Fest Award Winner | 2022

My year 3 thesis project ‘El Poblenou Mosque and Al-Andalus Research Centre’ was featured in a Dezeen article and received an award in the university Grad-Fest 2022.

Architectural Futures Exhibition | Skippings Gallery | Great Yarmouth | 2021

My work was chosen to be exhibited at the exhibition ‘Architectural Futures: Great Yarmouth 2050-2060 and Contemporary Proposals’ to be viewed by members of the public and local council regarding the future of their town and rising sea levels.

Architecture Post Production & Creating Better Plans Courses | Learn Upstairs | 2021

Two online courses which I took to develop my workflow for post production and architectural drawing to improve my visualisation, representation and drawing skills.

CONTENTS

CHURCH HALL + ANCILLARY FACILITIES

PARISH CHURCH OF SAINT MARY THE VIRGIN

YEAR: 2022

TYPE: Competition

LOCATION: Kelling, Norfolk Group Project

Peaceful, serene, beautiful, lovely, quiet.

These are just a handful of the most common descriptions given to the Parish Church of Saint Mary the Virgin which has formed a loving community in Kelling.

Our proposal intends to build upon these existing characteristics while providing much needed facilities to serve and grow its community. It is of great importance to respect the existing fabric that’s known and loved.

Project Exhibited at The Future of St Mary’s Exhibition: 4 April 2022

LOCATION

PLAN | 1:1500

Colourful light bleeds out through the stained glass from behind the cross, creating an ethereal effect

CHURCH HALL SECTION B:B SCALE: 1:50

DESIGN INTENT OF CHURCH HALL

When designing the new church hall, we considered how to preserve the sanctity of a space while efficiently incorporating modern design principles.

The church hall was designed with versatility in mind so that it can foster a dynamic environment. The flexible open space allows for a variety of events to be held. Ample storage compartments allow the hall to

be transformed into a multitude of spaces.

Bi-fold doors open the interior to the lush church grounds and initiates an interaction with its neighbouring building.

Its sloping profile bows in respect to the existing church while also proudly raising its chin to the sky, allowing for light to flood into the airy interior.

CHURCH HALL AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES PLAN

SCALE: 1:100

ANCILLARY FACILITIES SECTION C:C

SCALE: 1:100

SCALE: 1:100

CHURCH HALL SECTION A:A

EL POBLENOU MOSQUE

AL-ANDALUS RESEARCH CENTRE

YEAR: 2022

TYPE: Unversity Thesis Project LOCATION: El Poblenou, Barcelona

Located in the bustling neighbourhood of El Poblenou in Barcelona, this project seeks to provide the large Muslim community with their first major sacred space in the city.

The ancient history of Al-Andalus and the industrial heritage of the site, was translated into a mosque that serves to promote dialogue between cultures, preserve the industrial heritage of El Poblenou and bring light to the cultural legacy of Al-Andalus by linking itself with the current construction of a diverse and respectful Catalan society.

In an attempt to find a new understanding of mosque

Project Featured on Dezeen: 15 June 2022

El Raval Mosque 2028

El Poblenou Mosque 2022

Mosque of Catalunya 2032

22@ DISTRICT SUPERBLOCK

PROPOSAL QIBLA AXIS

LLACUNA METRO

Bridging the boundary between 22@ and the residents of El Poblenou.

MASTERPLAN GIRALT FOUNDRY

2035 Network of Islamic Centres

The 2035 Masterplan seeks to create a network of Mosques and Islamic centres to cater for the cities rapidly growing Muslim population.

With the first mosque built in 2022, there will be a number of years to monitor the projects success before the proceeding mosque begins construction.

El Poblenou Mosque

Al Andalus Research Centre

The mosque focuses on dwelling and existing in the present. It is a place where you can stop and understand your stance in the world and present reality.

Although few remains of the AlAndalus period have been spared in Barcelona, the Catalan Government want to shed light on this heritage and ancient history.

Built: 1810

Protection Level: C

Ciutat de Granada 86 + Pallars 172-174

History of the Foundry Industrial Revolution

In 1840, its workshops were the most important in Barcelona and one of the most significant foundries in the region, creating textile machinery, steam engines and many hydraulic machines.

Now, all that remains is the foundry’s chimney which stands proudly at 25m tall amongst the ever growing city blocks.

MOST COMMON NATIONALITIES

From Muslim Population

1:15000 Gentrification Map

Gentrification Photos of gentrification in the neighbourhood of El Poblenou.

Hall 250

• Sahn 750

• Total 1,000+

/ Courtyard

Christopher Briggs

Portfolio 2023

• Prayer Hall 528m2

• Sahn 1,120m2

• Riwaq 378m2

• Ablution Space 228m2

• Journey 95m2

• Prayer Hall 528m2

• Education Building 86m2

• Research Centre 388m2

• Entrance 122m2

• Toilets 68m2

Adaptability & Re-Use

The durable structure and open spaces allow for the future re-use of the space if it’s purpose as a mosque is no longer needed.

CATALAN VAULT

SCALE: 1:50

MASHRABIYA DETAIL

SCALE: 1:20

PRAYER HALL OCULUS

SCALE: 1:50

Translation of the historic and material reference into the design of the architecture.

• Repeated vaulting to the riwaq around the courtyard.

• Bronze mashrabiya screen set into the openings of the Catalan vaults.

• The Islamic pattern of the oculus, casts it’s shadow onto the floor of the prayer hall. Raised up from the top of the dome, extraction fans induce stack ventilation for the prayer hall.

1:200 North West Elevation

MATERIAL SOURCING MAP

Locating the source of the materials to show locality and low carbon emission from transport to site.

MATERIAL USE & SURFACE

• Walls Lime Mortar

• Flooring Travertine

• Entrance Travertine

• Mashrabiya Bronze

• Vaults Catalan Brick

• Prayer Hall Floor Marble

• Ablution Towers Sandstone

• Dome Modern Catalan Brick

• LGF Walls & Floor Sandstone

Cantabria Tivoli Catalonia

The design draws on the grandeur of Moorish Architecture, providing a transcendent entrance to the sacred sphere.

MATERIAL SAMPLE BOX

Reducing embodied carbon in construction by using the most readily available durable

materials from the region. Only the travertine has to be sourced from outside of Spain.

PILGRIMAGE

TO THE MOSQUE

Journey to the site

Upon recognition of the call to prayer, patrons will begin their pilgrimage to the mosque. Whatever form of transport they use the first experience of the mosque is through observing.

This is where their journey through the mosque begins, with a silhouette, a familiar form. For those approaching via C de Pallars the lofty minaret, resembled by the historic chimney.

ABLUTION

SPIRITUAL CLEANSING

Rainwater collection

‘Rain’ will cascade down these curved walls creating a steady flow of water for wudu and disappearing through porous stones. When it is raining the actual rain will be used but when it’s dry, water will be pumped out at the top as if it were rain.

The used water will run through a purification system where it can be reused again. Water collected outside of prayer times will be used for the other facilities on site as well as being shared with the neighbouring proposals.

JOURNEY OF REVERENCE

THROUGH THE MOSQUE Reverence in Islam

The journey to the prayer hall takes the congregant through a strictly defined path recessed into the ground, giving a feeling of gradual separation from the outside world.

Reverence in Islam is a level of deep connection/relationship with god and oneself that is reached after going through a journey resulting in full trust in god and full trust that everything will be better.

PROSTRATION

QIBLA WALL

‘Dome’

Detail

Situated at the back of the prayer hall, showing the direction towards Mecca is the Mihrab. A series of catenary arches recede into a prayer niche that will project the voice of the Iman back into the hall.

The oculus in the roof and the opening towards mecca, ventilate the prayer hall as well as providing plenty of light.

PRACTICE

BUCKLEY GRAY YEOMAN

PART I ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT

YEAR: 2022/23

Preparing presentations for design team and client meetings. Making 3D models and creating visualisations for packages. Designing spaces, drawing

GA plans and more

Projects involved in:

YY London - Stage 5

Manoteras, Madrid - Stage 3

Colmore Gate, Birmingham - Stage 1

1 Brindley Place, Birmingham - Stage 3

151 Shaftesbury Avenue, London - Stage 1

+ many more

September 2021 + July 2022 - Present

Buckley Gray Yeoman

MANOTERAS MATERIAL SAMPLE BOXES

YY LONDON VISUALISATIONS

COLMORE GATE

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

SOLAR GAIN ANALYSIS

Buckley Gray Yeoman

1 BRINDLEY PLACE

KEY MOVES

RECEPTION VISUALISATION

Buckley Gray Yeoman

CYCLE STORE ELEVATIONS + VISUALISATION

COMPETITIONS

THE ESSENCE OF COLLABORATION

PROJECT : UNBUILT | 001 | A BUILDINGS ESSENCE

YEAR: 2021

TYPE: Competition

This post digital collage explores the essence of Villanova Artigas’ famous USP FAU. The projects key design concepts are; collaboration, conversation, Brazilian modernism and spatial continuity. The composition highlights the conjoining ramps as they show the linking of all levels to create one single plane of conversation and collaboration. This shot also shows the unique brutalist roof design of the USP FAU.

Top 30 in Project : Unbuilt Competition

YEAR: 2021

TYPE: Competition

Group Project II

Commendation

MAKE | FSF Competition

WELLBEING

MAKE | FUTURE SPACES FOUNDATION COMPETITION

Christopher Briggs Portfolio 2022

THE OASIS

ACTING ACADEMY AND HOTEL

YEAR: 2021

TYPE: University Project

LOCATION: Shoreditch, London

This actors academy and boutique hotel draws inspiration from the work of Alfred Hitchcock, creating architectural interpretations of some of the ways he creates suspense and anticipation in his films. The academy is a luxury venue for film crews and actors to stay while shooting or training for films based in or around London. New green and open space will give back to the community.

Following a set of design principles the project creates a choreographed experience of anticipation and suspense. Finding subtle ways to give the design a cinematic twist. A cavernous hallway leads from the main entrance to the grand atrium/reception, with perforated metal panels partially concealing the drama of the street beyond.

Christopher Briggs Portfolio 2022

Voyeurism - Blinds as an element of suspense

See without being seen. Blinds, in between space, border between two halves. Living skin.

Moebius Strip

You think there’s two characters but plot twist shows they’re one. Moebius strip cut in half is a plot twist.

Sight into a future space - Who’s looking, what is seen?

Manipulating without being seen.

Fragmentation

Gives the opportunity of exploring the matrix of light or material. A process. Events are separated but end up being in unity together.

Confrontation obstructed by architecture

Relationship between central and periphery: Small objects placed in a metropolitan context can take on different connotations.

The dilemma of doubt or uncertainty

Modern Architecture, in order to free itself from the load bearing wall, places itself in continuous doubt.

CREATING SUSPENSE IN ARCHITECTURE

Inspired by Borromini’s forced perspective, the entrance narrows from 8m tall to 3m. The colour and material create a feeling of wetness along with the contrast of the dark narrow corridor going out into the light open atrium creating Suspense.

CATERING COLLEGE

GREAT YARMOUTH

YEAR: 2021

TYPE: University Project LOCATION: Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

This college tackles the industries problem of new chefs lacking resilience and experience in a commercial kitchen. The pedagogy of the school is designed to accommodate and improve upon this. Students will receive plentiful work experience from the restaurant on site and internships home and abroad.

The design centres around collaboration as this is the key to success in the catering industry. Also containing many biophilic design elements.

Christopher Briggs Portfolio 2022

LOCATION MAP | SCALE: 1:10000

Elevating the main mass of the building by two stories creates a new public space at street level. This gives the opportunity to add vegetation and green space to a rather dull area.

The elevation of the building also allows for the segregation of the private college space above the public cafe on the street. The restaurant lies between these two spaces as it is public but exclusive.

Christopher Briggs Portfolio 2023

ELEVATOR SHAFT & HOLEDECK SYSTEM

Detail Section 1:20 1.

Key Section 27.

services 22. Insulated joint 23. Aluminium profile 24. Post-tension cables 25. Post-tension ties 26. Drip

21. HOLEDECK

Fire HOLEDECK complies with CTE-DBSI, Eurocode approved 2, of the European regulation. Its behaviour is similar to that of a two-way waffle slab of recoverable moulds.

HOLEDECK FLOOR SYSTEM

Christopher Briggs Portfolio 2022

FUTURESCAPE

GREAT YARMOUTH 2050-2060

YEAR: 2020

TYPE: University Project

LOCATION: Great Yarmouth, Norfolk Group Project

The Great Yarmouth Futurescape proposal is informed by an analysis of the towns issues, ambitions and potential, resulting in a realisation of its latent sustainable and radical visionary future. The proposal builds on the entities currently serving as the lifeblood of the community: the energy and offshore oil industries, and the town’s stagnating leisure and tourism industries.

To mitigate the effects of the impending rising sea levels and to extend the preservation of key heritage sites, a series of canals will be created along historical tram routes to divert the flow of water around high-risk heritage areas.

Project Exhibited at Architectural Futures: Great Yarmouth 2050-2060: 21-24 July 2021

GREAT YARMOUTH

THE UNTOLD LEGACY OF MIMAR SINAN THE 16th CENTURY BALKAN MOSQUE

YEAR: 2022

This report investigates the legacy left through the works of Mimar Sinan in the Balkans from the sixteenth century.

This report is significant because it investigates an unexplored area of Sinan’s legacy. Subject to prejudice by orientalist scholars for decades, the influence of his Balkan mosques has gone underappreciated.

Aiming to expose Sinan’s conscious dialogues with early Ottoman, Byzantine and Italian Renaissance architecture, three main case studies are carried out to lead the report. The Banya Bashi Mosque, Sofia, Bulgaria (1566), Muradie Mosque, Vlore, Albania (1537) and Karadoz Bey Mosque, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina (1557). Each displays regional influence on their design, unique from anything found in the former Ottoman capitals.

The results prove Machiel Kiel’s (1990) theory that Sinan’s Balkan mosques revolutionized Ottoman building practice, finding that in some cases, Sinan’s Balkan mosques don’t just match the grandeur of his monuments in the former Ottoman capitals but surpass