Architectural Portfolio by Eleni Kousouri

eleni kousouri ARCHITECTURAL PORTFOLIO

ELENI KOUSOURI

(born May 2, 1988)

I am a recently qualified architect from Athens, Greece. In 2013 I graduated from the National Technical University of Athens. My dissertation with focus on parametric design, explores the possibilities of transformable design tools and experimenting on their possible applications in different scales. My thesis project explores the development of design processes at the intersection of morpho足 genetic design computation, biomimetic engineering and computer aided manufacturing that enables a highly articulated built environment. My internship at Orproject, a studio with creative and innovative design, gave me a diverse experience: The opportunity to understand the importance of flexibility and collaboration, in many small scale projects. Working as a freelance architect the past 6 months, has allowed me design responsibility, the ability to meet deadlines and taking quick decisions, as well as understanding construction pro足cesses on site and coordinating work between all architects, engineers and contractors. I am particularly interested in exploring algorithmically derived and computationally generated forms, with the ambition to break down boundaries between the digital and physical worlds. I am interested in learning about cutting edge technologies, specifically novel digital fabrication methods.

CONTENTS

01 MORPH, (DISSERTATION PROJECT).........07 02 MARKET & STUDIOS

FOR YOUNG ARTISTS.........25

03 URBAN BENCH.........35 04 APARTMENT REFURBISHMENT.........41 05

ARTS AND CRAFTS SHELVING UNIT.........47

HONEYCOMB SHELTER.........51

07 PRIVATE RESIDENCE.........55 08

MUSEUM OF STREET ART.........61

PRIMARY SCHOOL.........65

ADAPTABLE SHIRT.........69

11 POP UP BOOK, KIRIGAMI STUDIES.........73 12 PAPER FOLDING, ORIGAMI STUDIES.........77

MORPH DISSERTATION PROJECT

Project Title: Site: Year: School/Company:

Morph, Dissertation Project - / Strefi Hill, Athens/ NTUA entrance, Athens 2012- 2013 National Technical University of Athens

Team:

Links:

http://issuu.com/eleni_kous/docs/_dissertation-architecture-ntua-2012

PART

Definition of a design tool

PART

Applications of the design tool i. dress ii. urban furniture iii. shelter

PART

DEFINING A DESIGN TOOL

Creating infinite possible combinations of folds, the fabric under the triangles “removes the memory” imposed by engraving at paper constructions. So depending on usage and condition that serves each case, the appropriate folds are used, while the rest remain untouched. Simplifying the geometry by chosing similar triangles, increases flexibility, endless experimenting and facili tates mass production. creating a “complexity engine”

1 3

1 defining the grid

2 6

2 edges behave like springs 3 create surfaces from lines 4 fixed points of the triangle 5 the information related to the force exerted on the edges springs

6 switch is turned on / off to operate the definition

Digital Representation of the system using a sequence that describes the process The geometry alters though the anchor points (lashing points, 4 ) that are set in specific spots and the force that is applied to the edges, (which behave like springs) in order to change the angle between the triangles.

PART

POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS

Multi-wear apparel

Using small magnets at specific points, fabric folds at predetermined locations, transforming each time the outline of the structure, and offering the possibility of an alternative use, that adapts to the female body. We propose four basic ways of wearing, two alternative dresses, a shirt, and a bag, but more ideas can emerge, folding in dif足 ferent points. The bag design has been developed further, creating two alternative sizes. The user can create the bag 1 or 2, using the small magnets placed in specific triangles, just by connecting similar numbers and letters together. Connecting numbers creates bag 1 and connecting letters creates bag two.

A puzzle, that includes all the necessary information to form two bags.

variable parameter: way of wearing

23 10

leather bag, magnet combination 1

leather bag, magnet combination 2 11

Urban observatory Platform

In this application we aimed to create a structure that could adapt to the groundscape conditions of the individual site. This way, integrating the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parameters into the design process before the fabrication, allows to create a custom made platform unique for each site. In this example, the structure is placed at the top of the hill, where all around the area there exist shafts, that contribute from differÂ ent access routes to the upper point, which for the moment remains unused. The design of the platform is developped integrating the hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current characteristics.

Variable parameter: groundscape conditions

13 18

Exploded Axonometric Section

iii

Dynamic shelter

In this application we aimed to create a shading installation that would react to the angle of the solar radiation. The site was the National Technical University of Athens’ School Entrance. Connecting to the sequence described, (generative modelling for rhino, grasshopper definition) with the variable parameter “position of the sun”, there is obtained for each hour an optimal location of the shelter to ensure maximum shading of the space it houses. To achieve this, the canopy roof panels attempt the most perpendicular possible, to the sun rays, at each hour.

variable parameter : sun’s position

Shelter Elevation

triangle connection details

MARKET & STUDIOS FOR YOUNG ARTISTS

Project Title: Site: Year: School/Company:

Market & Studios for Young Artists Patission Str, Omonoia, Athens 2010 National Technical University of Athens

Team:

Links:

Market and Studios for Young Artists

A proposal for the creation of a Market and an Artists’ Studios’ building, in the center of Athens city, near Omonoia square. The 6-floor-Studios are open and closed at the same time, secure from general public access, yet displaying their life, and the artists creativity, to the surrounding city streets, rather than hiding its functions away from view.

There is three groups of studios, addressing to both individuals, and also groups of artists. The double-height communal studios encourage a spatial flexibility with sharing areas and maintaining visual and verbal connec tions between the artists. This contributes significantly to the social coherence of this artists’ community.

On the ground floor, the aim is to create an extrovert market, with no boundaries or limits, (access from all around) a passage with intense movement and life, activating passersby.

Site area 24

Model 1:100 25

diagonal movement

market diagram

pedestriansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; movement

Concept sketches

private studio 1-2 artists, 20m2

group studio 8-10 artists, 60m2

communal studio 20-25 artists, 80m2 double height, for lectures, exhibitions, conferences

Model 1:50

A Patission Str

market containers

Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ground Floor Plan

tent

1st Floor Plan 28

Elevation, Patission Str

emergency exit stairs

Lecture Hall

Section A-Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 29

Section 30

Sketches 31

Physical and Digital Study Models

Μοdel 1:50

URBAN BENCH

Project Title: Site: Year: School/Company:

Urban Bench NTUA School of Architecture Garden 2009 National Technical University of Athens,

Team:

Links:

Urban bench

The design builds up from a simple architectural concept: a free-form bench, for the outdoor space of the Ntua School of Architecture, where the students will be able to sit, lie down and use as a desk. The project was executed with 3d Software .

Research into various materials suggested sheets of plywood, that would be cut using a CNC router. The digitally generated bench consists of 260 layers of 0.5cm plywood. Manufacturing Technique: CNC Router layering material: 0.5cm plywood

Bench Elevation

Bench Plan

model profiles

detail model 1:1

Profile Connection Detail

APARTMENT REFURBISHEMENT TILE DESIGN PROCESS

Project Title: Site: Year: School/Company:

Apartment Refurbishment 3 St Demetrios Sq, Kifisia, Athens 2013-On going Private Work

Team:

Links:

Apartment Refurbishment

Refurbishment of an existing apartment of the 1960s in the ground floor of a housing block in St. Demetrios Square, Kifissia. The work is still in progress, and includes demolition of intermediate wall in the office space, restoration and maintenance of stonewalls, renovation of kitchen, bathroom, flooring. While in the kitchen a variety of tiles is selected, across the wall, in the courtyard a custom tile is designed that creates a complex kaleidoscopic pattern when put together in a group of four.

storage

yard

kitchen

wc entrance hall

office space

kitchen space

bathroom

Pattern design

Custom made color divisor, matrix

Cement tile, final result 44

Cement tile, 1cm thickness 45

ARTS AND CRAFTS SHELVING UNIT

Project Title: Site: Year: School/Company:

Arts and Crafts Shelving Unit Museum of Architecture, London 2013 Orproject, London

Team:

Links:

46 47

Arts and Crafts Shelving Unit

A shelving unit, to store materials and tools. Ideal to organise paper rolls, fabric rolls, wools, pencils, pens, painting brushes. It can be created using cast concrete, plastic or corean. This digitally generated form is created, using a voronoi pattern, with curved edges, and using an attractor point according to which the cells size alter. Î¤he shelves are bigger on the top and becoming smaller on the level of 1.10m and below that are mostly used.

Manufacturing Technique: Casting Concrete

1 2

3 4

1 defining the points 2 create a voronoi from points 3 define an attractor point according to which the cells size change 4 set the distance from the attractor point (the cells closer to the attractor point are smaller) 5 extrude to create the shelvesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; thickness

SHELVES

DRAWERS

HEXAGONAL CANOPY & TRELLIS

Project Title: Site: Year: School/Company:

Hexagonal Canopy & Trellis 21 Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, London 2013 Orproject, London

Team:

Links:

Hexagonal Canopy & Trellis

An installation combining an entrance shelter and a garden trellis for the Orproject Studio of Architecture in Knightsbridge. The geometry consists of an algorithmically derived honeycomb in which each cell is unique in shape, size and depth allowing for changing cell densities and double curved global geometry. The geometry has involved using boundary conditions relating to overall shape, and individual cell morphology. Plants will grow in between the cells, covering the gaps and providing a dense shade, ideal for parking bikes under the shelter.

cell joint alternatives

Shelter Perspective

Shelter Plan

concept sketch

PRIVATE RESIDENCE

Project Title:

Private Residence

Site:

Montmartre, Paris

Year: School/Company:

2011 Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris La Villette

Team:

Links:

Private Residence

The project brief was to design a house inspired by a Rimbaud Poem, with title Le Mouvement, (the movement). The concept was to integrate the idea of movement to the concrete shell of the house. The continuous surface ‘folded’ in the appropriate points dictates the shape of the house and links the individual rooms. Τhe slatted timber shutters on the front elevation create privacy, while they let light flood the space. The double height glazed windows on the south side bring daylight into all the communal areas like the kitchen, dining room and living room. The movement A winding movement on the slope beside the rapids of the river. The abyss at the stern, The swiftness of the incline, The overwhelming passage of the tide, With extraordinary lights and chemical wonders. Lead on the travelers Through the wind spouts of the valley And the whirlpool. These are the conquerors of the world, Seeking their personal chemical fortune; Sport and comfort accompany them; They bring education for races, for classes, for animals Within this vessel, rest and vertigo. In diluvian light, In terrible evenings of study. For in this conversation in the midst of machines, Of blood, of flowers, of fire, of jewels, In busy calculations on this fugitive deck, Is their stock of studies visible, -Rolling like dike beyond The hydraulic propulsive road, Monstrous, endlessly lighting its way -Themselves driven into harmonic ecstasy And the heroism of discovery. Amid the most amazing accidents, Two youths stand out alone upon the ark, -Can one excuse past savagery? -And sing, upon their watch.

Topographical Plan

CONCRETE SHELL

FLAT ROOF

COURTYARD

BEDROOM WC KITCHEN

AI ST

DINNING ROOM

WC GUE

OM T RO

RAN

ENT

Section

Front Elevation 58

MUSEUM OF STREET ART

Project Title:

Museum of Street Art

Site:

Canal St Denis, Paris

Year: School/Company:

2011 Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris La Villette

Team:

Links:

“Imagine a city where graffiti wasn’t illegal, a city where everybody could draw whatever they liked. Where every street was awash with a million colours and little phrases. Where standing at a bus stop was never boring. A city that felt like a party where everyone was invited, not just the estate agents and barons of big business. Imagine a city like that and stop leaning against the wall - it’s wet.”

BANKSY

66 61

Museum of Street Art

A concept sketch for a museum of Street Art in Canal St Denis. The shell of the building is created by folding two straight strips in 3 parts, creating an unconventional roof, where visitors can walk on, sit, skate, paint. This is a Museum exposing the materials, the methods, and the means, that Street Art is created, but doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expose pieces of art themselves. It invites creators of all ages to practice and communicate their art.

e s c a l i expo

e r

expo expo-cafe

s c

expo

a l i

accueil-vente

e r wc Museum Map

bureaux

Museum Views

escaliers +4.00 expo

+4.00 escaliers

espace labo

Museum Plan

Section

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Project Title:

Primary School

Site:

Exarhia, Athens

Year: School/Company:

2009 National Technical University of Athens

Team:

Links:

Primary School

The site is located in the center of Athens, in Neapoli and the goal was to design a building that would function as a primary school during daytime, and would be open to adults during evening hours, for cultural seminars, lectures, and discussions for the citizens of Neapoli. The key idea that formed the development of this design has been the connection of the different entrances, and outdoor spaces of the school, creating an axis of movement in 45 degrees angle. The individual buildings are onganised to create a central com munal green area. With classrooms and other areas such as the library and canteen opening onto it, the courtyard is full of life and activities, an environment which encourages social interaction between different age groups. There are 6 classrooms for the 6 levels of the primary school, located in the southeast side, with natural light, a library on the 1st floor and views to both courts and the street either side, classrooms for foreign language lessons, a pc lab, a gymnasium /theatre that acts as a major public room in the school, a restaurant, a canteen, and a teachers’ offices.

orthogonal distribution of spaces

45 axis of movement

1 3

1 classromm 2 gym/theatre 3 foreign language classroom 4 teachers’ office 5 restaurant

6 library 7 pc lab

ADAPTABLE SHIRT

Project Title: Site: Year:

Adaptable Shirt 2011 Digital Med Workshop (Athens, Jan 2013)

School/Company:

Team:

Links:

Adaptable Shirt

The project was was to create a shirt that would adapt to the female body according to the temperature and humidity of the skin. This includes perforations in the shirt fabric, that would be able to open and close according to the humidity of the skin. At the same time, the shirtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thickness would alter according to the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temperature. (Lighter shirt when the temperature is high, and thicker when low).

A mapping of the female body temperature and sweat glands has been studied, and afterwards, a definition has been created, using Grasshopper Plug-in (generative modelling for rhinoceros) that would change the geometry of the shirt, according to the input (information) of the conditions of the female body. In this case, the input was collected from an image sampler, a diagram according to the colors of which, the holes distribution, was made, and the radius of the circles was selected.

Concept development

map of female body temperature 1

map of sweat glands on the human body

1 defining the surface (shirt) 2 map of sweat glands 3 size of holes in relation to skin humidity 4 circles applied according to the map 5 perforation

POP UP BOOK, KIRIGAMI STUDIES

Project Title: Site: Year: School/Company:

Pop up Book, Kirigami Studies2012-2014 Private Work

Team:

Links:

Pop up book, Kirigami Studies

A three dimensional book, using the art of kirigami to create a variety of geometries and experiment cutting and folding paper.

Kirigami is a variation of origami that includes cutting of the paper (from Japanese “kiru” = to cut, “kami” = paper).

Di-nest-ypop up card was shortlisted in the 2012 International Jubilee Card Design Competition

74 63

75 64

PAPER FOLDING, ORIGAMI STUDIES

Project Title: Site: Year: School/Company:

Paper Folding- Origami Studies 2012-2013 Private Work

Team:

Links:

http://issuu.com/eleni_kous/docs/origami_sketchbook-dissertation_ fold_experimenting

Paper Folding, Origami Studies A collection of paper models, aiming to experimenting on folding as a design medium. The models were made during the dissertation process with title ‘Morph, designing parametrically”, searching for transformable qualitites, and folding patterns that could become pop-up structures. An extensive research of folding patterns was attempted, starting with triangular, quadrilateral, square and hexagonal grids, exploring angular folds, symmetrical shapes and possible applications of those tools.

Quotes from the documentary: ‘Between the Folds’ “When you are putting a crease in a piece of paper, you are essentially changing the memory.“ Eric Demaine Much of the beauty that arises in art comes from the struggle an artist wages with his limited medium Henri matisse

paper folding models

triangular grid

square grid

hexagonal grid

quadrilateral grid

square grid

quadrilateral+triangular grid

alternately angular folds

pop up structure

triangular grid

folding bag

star shape

02 09

APPENDIX

01 Team: Eleni Kousouri, Vassiliki Babanioti Professors: Dimitris Papalexopoulos, Dimitris Sevastakis. Giorgos Gyparakis Dress model: Olga Ktena photographer: Theoklitos Triantafyllides

02 Team: Eleni Kousouri, Vassiliki Babanioti, Theoklitos Triantafyllides Professors: Dimitris Papalexopoulos, Ioannnis Kavalieratos, Eirini Efesiou

03 Professors: Georgios Parmenides, Ariadni Vozani

04 Private Work, on going

05 Orproject Studio Internship

06 Orproject Studio Internship.

07 Professors: Didier Henry, Pascal Hannequin, Luis Adrian Araneda

08 Team: Georgia Koutsogeorga, Eleni Kousouri Professors: Sofia Tsiraki

09 Professors: Didier Henry, Pascal Hannequin, Luis Adrian Araneda

10 Team: Athina Angelopoulou Digital Med Workshop, Tutor: Amleto Picerno Ceraso

11 Private Work

12 Private Work