Architecture Portfolio & CV Eleni Mertzidi

ARCHITECTURE P O R T F O L I O

E LENI M ERTZIDI

SELECTED

WORKS

i n f o

ELENI MERTZIDI MArch ARCHITECT ENGINEER D.U.TH.

EMAIL:

EMERTZIDI@GMAIL.COM

PHONE: +30 697901643 ADRESS: PERIKLEOUS 10A, 57500

THESSALONIKI, GREECE

LINKEDIN: Eleni ELENIMertzidi MERTZIDI

HTTPS://WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/IN/ELENI-MERTZIDI-518B6868/

*References available upon request*

*References available upon request*

CURRICULUMVITAE EDUCATION 2009 - 2016

BSc and MArch, Architectural Engineering

[300 ECTS]

Department of Architectural Engineering | Democritus University of Thrace, Greece Graduation April 2016, 8.69/10 Diploma Thesis | Aegean Sea Marine Mammal Center, Chalkidiki, Greece Research Thesis | Adapting to the Ground: A case study of Underground Structures

WORK EXPERIENCE Jun. 2016 May 2017

2014 - 2016

Junior Architect & Administration Assistant | MAKE Creative Spaces, Thessaloniki Taking part in Product Design and Manifacture projects, Producing 3D Modells and Drawings, Laser Cutting, Contacting Suppliers, Contacting Clients

Technical Drawing Instructor | Freelance, Xanthi Preparation for entrance examimnations in Department of Architectural Engineering

PARTICIPATIONS | CONFERENCES Feb.- Apr. 2017

Participating in “Kaira Looro | Sacred Architecture” International Architecture Competition Tanaf, Senegal, Africa

Oct. 2016

“Shaping European Cities” Debate

Arsenale Biennale di Venezia, Teatro Piccolo, Venice, Italy Dec. 2014

Jul. - Jul. 2012

“The History of Structural Buildings”, 2nd Interdisciplinary Conference Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi

Participating in “Thessaloniki x4” Architecture Competition, Thessaloniki

ELENI MERTZIDI

AWARDS | PUBLICATIONS Oct. 2016

Diploma Thesis | Nominated for Young Talent Architecture Award (YTAA) 2016 Fundacio Mies van der Rohe & Creative Europe Online Publication, Archive of the YTAA, Presented in the YTAA Exhibition at ETSAB Barcelona http://ytaa.miesbcn.com/work/259

Dec. 2016

Research Thesis | Publication on archstudies.gr

Dec. 2012

“THESSALONIKI x4” Architecture Competition,| Publication on greekarchitects.gr

http://www.archstudies.gr/2016/12/adapting-to-ground-case-study-of.html http://www.greekarchitects.gr/gr/διαγωνισµοι/θεσσαλονίκη-x-4-περιοχή-πατριάρχηγρηγορίου-ε΄-id6732l

2010 -2014

4 Projects | Annual Architecture Students Exhibition of DUTh Featured as Selected Best Projects of Architecture Students

SKILLS | LANGUAGES Mac OS X | Windows AutoCAD | Rhinoceros | Archicad | SketchUp | Vray Adobe Photoshop | Adobe Illustrator | Adobe InDesign Mirosoft Office 3D Modelling | Hand Drawing | Laser Cutter

Greek [Native]

English

Italian

[Full profes. proficiency]

[Elementary proficiency]

INTERESTS Ballet | Books | Travelling | Swimming | Baking | Sketching

Contents

Aegean Sea Marine Mammal Center | The Bow Tie Man | Kaira Looro |

Diploma Thesis

Professional Project

International Competition

C ONTENT S Regenerating Block

of

Sicilian Hill |

the

Flats |

Thermal Spa |

Academic Project

to the

Academic Project

Ground |

p.21

p.28

p.36

p.48

p.54

Academic Project

Urban Cafeteria | Adapting

Academic Project

p.8

Research Thesis

p.60

p.64

Aegean Sea Marine Mammal Center | The Bow Tie Figure | Kaira Looro | Regenerating Block

of

Professional Project

International Competition

Sicilian Hill |

the

Flats |

Thermal Spa |

Academic Project

Academic Project

to the

Academic Project

Ground |

p.8

p.21

p.30

p.38

p.50

p.56

Academic Project

Urban Cafeteria | Adapting

Diploma Thesis

Research Thesis

p.62

p.66

Aegean Sea Marine Mammal Center A Reasearch, Information and Rehabilitation Establishment for Marine Mammals

Project Type: Academic | Thesis Project Project Team: Eleni Mertzidi | Lydia Sideri Year: 2016 Location: Paliouri | Chalkidiki | Greece *Nominated

for

Young Talent Architecture Award 2016

9

Re.Think Aegean Chalkidiki holds 40% out of the 1500 totally recorded cases of marine animals found stranded on Greek coasts.

The appointed site facilitates interaction between three specific entities: the University of Thessaloniki, the Alonnisos National Marine Park and the Aegean Sea archipelago.

Protected by Natura 2000, as a Special Marine Conservation Area, and enclosing a leeward bay, it provides an ideal shelter for hospitalizing animals. Combined with the popular beach nearby, it provides the opportunity for alternative forms of leisure activities.

Thessaloniki

Paliouri

Alonnisos

National Marine Park

Project Site Views

10

General

view of the establisment from the sea

11

Design Concept The basic idea of the synthesis consists of two parts:

Conceptual Models [Real Scale 1:500]

• The organization of the establishment in three distinct functional units

Masonry Wall

Concept Diagram

12

• A meandering masonry wall which climbs uphill, delineates the establishments and regulates the relationship between the three units. It maintains and organizes the landscape topography, as well as defines a series of outdoor areas of varied character.

The main goal is a harmonious integration of the building into the landscape; more specifically, a design process focusing on the crucial relationship between people, architecture and the natural milieu. This epitomizes our intention in creating a “landmark” for the area which stimulates environmental awareness.

The Center is intended to carry out a 3-part mission: • Rescuing, nursing, rehabilitating and releasing stranded, sick or injured marine mammals • Fostering relevant scientific research • Promoting multiple informative activities that stimulate ecological awareness focusing on the crucial human-and-sea-life relationship

1. Rehabilitation Sector

2. Research Sector

3. Informative Sector

Basic Routes Staff [Reseach and Rehabilitation] Staff [Informative, Educational & Recreational Activitie] Visitors [Guided Routes] Randomn Visitors

13

Rehabilitation Sector

View

14

of the

Outdoor Rehabilitation Pools

from the

Observation Deck

Stage 01 Rescue

Research

Stage 02_ Rehabilitation | Autopsy

and

Section Rehabilitation Facilities

Surgeries Outdoor rehabilitation pools Indoor rehabilitation pools

Stage 03_ Reslease

Visitor info point

Plan Level +1.00

15

Research Sector

Interior View From

16

the

Observation Deck

to the Informative sector

Rehabilitation Sector

and

Section Multipurpose Amphitheater

Multipurpose Amphitheater

Research Library Scientific Laboratories

Interion Observation Deck

Plan Level +6.00 17

Informative, Educational Activities Sector

and

Recreational

The concept is based on the underlying idea tha t the visitor should be able to tour the whole exhiition following a distinct route.

The exhibition department is to be used as a bridge between the educational purposes space and the visitor library. It is built on pilotis in a way that creates an open-air passage through the reception and the multipurpose amfitheater. The specific orientation of the upper level of the sector, provides an overall view to the gulf.

Educational Programs Multipurpose Amfitheater Exhibition Ramps Volunteers Working Space Reception

Longitudinal Section 18

Stairs

Research Library Scientific Laboratories

leading to the the

and

View

Courtyard Museum Entrance

of the central

Visitor Library

Cafeteria

Research Library

19

Oper Air Amfitheater Outdoor Exhibition Space

Central Courtyard

Exhibition Ramps

Visitor Library

Plan Level +13.50

20

3D Model [Real Scale 1:200] View from the Outdoor Amfitheater

21

22

3D Model [Real Scale 1:200]

23

The Bow Tie Figure Bow tie display stand design or Nikos Dallas Sartoria

Project Type: Professional | Product Design Project Team: Eleni Mertzidi Make Creative Spaces Year: 2017 Location: Thessaloniki | Greece

24

25

Design Concept The challenge of the project was to design a unique and intriguing stand in order to present the product, promote the brand itself and finally be able to adapt to various displays and stores.

The concept is based on a minimalistic masculine figure used in variable sizes. The use of black, unprocessed, 4mm metal sheet as the building material, in combination with the subtractive design, aims to make the stand a “frame� and bring the product into the spotlight.

The structure consists of four figures and one base and can be easily assembled according to the requirements. In addition, each figure can be rotated on the base, providing alternative solutions, thus making the stand even more customizable.

Engraved plywood, used as label of the brand 1.75m

Black, unprocessed, 4mm metal sheet.

Lasercut

90o bending Creating a surface in order to screw each figure to the main base and give the ability of rotation

26

3D Model, PLywood

27

Fixed skews Moveable skews

The design comprises two screws for each figure.

The one is fixed at a point while the other one is moveable along an arc-shaped route. This way, the rotation of the figures is adjustable matching the needs of different cases.

28

Details

of the

Construction

29

Kaira Looro Architecture for Peace Sacred Architecture

Project Type: International Architecture Competition Project Team: Eleni Mertzidi | Lydia Sideri | Eleana Foti Year: 2017 Location: Tanaf | Senegal | Africa

31

Kaira Saloo | Praying

in

Peace

Design Concept Kaira Saloo is a sacred space where people can spiritually communicate. Our goal is to have a space where 4 or more different religions can interact and pray at the same time. We strongly believe that giving a name to the structure can easily make it a more approachable space for the community. Kaira Saloo means “praying in peace�, which supports our idea for collectivity in praying. One of our main goals is the holistic interpretation and integration of the structure in the existing landscape, while at the same time enabling community participation and sustainability.

We propose the design of a place that calls for a meeting between heaven and earth, divine and human. Despite the challenge of designing for different religions, our conceptual idea is based on the belief that faith, in any form, should ultimately unify people.

32

Sloped Roof palm wood

Rain Collector

palm leaves

landmark

Rain Collector LANDMARK

Roman Catholic Animism CONCREGATION

Muslims

Central Courtyard

Other Religions

Exterior Walls Removable Partisions

33

Axonometric Layout

34

hyperbolic paraboloid

ROOF palm leaves

palm wood

Removable PARTITIONS

The basic principles of our synthesis consist of a central courtyard-atrium where people can gather and interact with one another, while dividing each religion to its certain space, and the east orientation of the structure. The hyperbolic paraboloid roof, made of palm wood and leaves, invites people to a spiritual journey. Its distinct shape, along with the centrally located rain collector, serve as a landmark for the region and the village community. The sloped roof collects water during the rain season, in its two lower sides, while the cylindrical element, inspired by the baobab tree in its dimensions and shape, brings water to the courtyard and stores it underground in three water tanks, where later phytopurification takes place, providing an important water resource to the community.

The building filters light in various ways, especially by the perforations made on the exterior brick walls, where focused light is entering the inside enhancing the spirituality of the design.

The sunbeams that enter the sacred space indicate either a passage or the coordination of the prayer.

Considering the economic and social sustainability, the local adobe technique, used for the exterior spaced brick walls, along with the gap between the walls and the roof, provide good ventilation and reduce the internal temperature. In case of environmental emergencies or special occasions, the interior wooden partitions can be removed, so as to rearrange the space according to the needs of the village.

wooden panels

wooden sun-shades

Interior View Central Courtyard

palm wood pillars

Exterior WALLS spaced adobe-mud brick walls

35

Longitudinal Section

Cross Section

36

Interior View Central Courtyard

37

Regenerating

the

Sicilian Hill

Regeneration of the northen gate of the municipality of Kallithea in the Era of the Memorandum

Project Type: Academic | Multi Function | Urban Design Project Team: Eleni Mertzidi | Lydia Sideri | Stella Tolmidou | Nasia Eleutheriadou Year: 2013 - 2014 Location: Athens, Greece

39

40

The Location The area occupied currently by the Municipality of Kallithea has always been advantageous. Within a short distance from center of Athens, Kallithea boasted until the beginning of the 20th century, a quite picturesque landscape featuring cultivable fields and gardens. In 1884, the new suburb named ‘Kallithea’ (=beautiful view), after the marvellous sea-view it provided was established by the Euthymios Kehagias’ Building Company S.A. The first house-plans were designed by the famous German architect Ernst Ziller.

At the beginning of the 20th century Kallithea included many neoclassic mansions that were mainly used as summer-houses.

Kallithea’s organic inclusion in the Athenian architectural plan in combination with an increase in its population associated the new suburb with the revival of the Olympic Games. The arrival of numerous refugees from Asia Minor and Pontos changed drastically Kallithea’s character. Gradually, it was transformed into an important industrial and trading centre.

Contemporary Kallithea was created to a large degree during the first postwar decades; this is when systematic construction of block of flats altered significantly the capital’s architectural face. Kallithea is currently densely inhabited with an intense cultural and commercial life. Kallithea is a region with a long history and interesting traditions, a society characterised by solidarity, an urban centre with the ability to overcome its problems.

41

Design Concept residential and recreation

The most important aim is to convert the area to a centerpiece for its residents. This is implemented by highlighting the Sicilian Hill as a distinct natural feature; by creating open public spaces, parks and an entrance-plaza, as well as combining the two different identities of the area via setting up the building program.

zone

The northern part of the site is transformed into a commercial and cultural district, while the part closer to the hill is transformed into a residential and recreation zone. Housing units are allotted to University students, forming an “L� shape attached to the hill’s slope, in order to form a public spacepark that is cradled by the hill and the building.

Due to the inability to pedestrianise Gr. Lambraki Street, the two city blocks are connected through an elevated platform over the street, thus enabling the connection between the commercial district and the public open spaces.

commercial and cultural district

42

Section Diagrams Housing

Cultural Workshops

Retail Shops

Library | Student Union

Restaurant | Cafe

Reading Room | Cafe

Offices | Municipality Services

Auditorium Hall | Amfitheater

Student Union Library Reading Room | Cafe Auditorium Hall

Office Building Restaurant | Cafe Cultural Workshops

Sicilian Hill Outdoor Amphitheater

Commercial District Retail shops

3D Model [Real Scale 1:500]

43

Commercial District The Cube Concept

44

The basic idea is designing a contemporary steell roof, as a reference to an existing but abandonded shed standing there.

The roof covers the whole market as a unifying element in the synthesis. Large area, mild slope, south orientated as well as smaller, steeper and north-orientated inclinations were used in this design. While the slopes do not follow the constuction grid of the retail stores, those two elements are combined via the bearing system.

Regarding the retail shops, 3 different types of units developing in three levels, creating a variety of geometries. A steel route, covered with wood planks, ensures the access to each of the stores in the third level.

Ground Floor 1st Floor 2nd Floor

Layout

of the

Hand Drawing

Retail Shops

45

Front Elevation

Back Elevation

Longitudinal Section 46

Commercial District | Upper Level

47

Second Floor Plan

3D Model _ 48

real scale

[1:100]

49

Block

of

Flats

Apartment buildings in front of Alimos Avenue

Project Type: Academic | Habitation Project Team: Eleni Mertzidi | Lydia Sideri | Giorgos Kapraras Year: 2012 - 2013 Location: Athens | Greece

51

The main idea was to design two building volumes to the southern and the northern boundary of the appointed site, trying to keep up with the urban character of the region. At the same time we create a central courtyard, protected from the noise.

An additional steel structure provides variability and shading to the facades of the buildings and at the same time creates a balcony for each apartment.

Transformable Facade Single Bedroom Appartment _ 60

Shared Terrace

m2

Staircase

Staircase

Single Bedroom Appartment With Loft _ 66 m2 3 Bedrooms Appartment _ 134

m2

3 Bedrooms Appartment Two -Storey_ 136 m2 Retail Stores

Parking Lot

Plan Level +7.70

52

Plan Level +10.50

Plan Level +14.00

North Elevation

Longitudinal Section E - E

South Elevation 53

Cross Section

3D Model _ South View

54

real scale

[1:100]

Interior Views

of the

Southern Lofts

3D Model_

[1:100] North View

real scale

55

Thermal Spa Thermal Spa, Accomodation and Ancillary Facilities

Project Type: Academic | Multi Function | Landscape Project Team: Eleni Mertzidi | Lydia Sideri | Sofia MItsigkola | Stella Tolmidou | Nasia Eleutheriadou Year: 2012 - 2013 Location: Thermes | Xanthi | Greece

3D Model [Real Scale 1:200] 57

The design concept starts with a route that incorporates all the appropriate facilities along the way, giving the opportunity to the visitors to have an overall view of the establishment. The two outdoor swimming pools are centrally located, with wooden decks and concrete pavement that form the passages and outdoor resting areas.

As the guests enter the establishment, they encounter the Entrance building where the reception hall, the restaurant and the cafeteria are located. Moving further along the route they find the Thermal Spa Facilities. One storey down is where the individuals pools and private facilities are, offering a view of the surrounding landscape over the river.

Entrance Level Reception CafĂŠ

The accommodation facilities are situated farther from the public pools, on a parallel axis to the walkway. At the end of the vertical passage to the main axis of the establishment is the observatory, which provides a secluded and peaceful place for meditation and relaxation.

Thermal Spa Facilities

Outdoor Swimming Pools Restaurant

Obsrvatory Accommodation Facilities

58

Plan Level -3.00

Plan Level +0.00 59

Views of the Outdoor Swimming Pools 60

Aerial View

of the

Establishment

61

Urban Cafeteria A cafeteria and reading room at a multipurpose community center in the city of Xanthi

Project Type: Academic | Interior Design Project Team: Eleni Mertzidi | Lydia Sideri Year: 2012 Location: Xanthi | Greece *Featured

in the

Annual Architecture Students Exhibition

of

DUTh

3D Model Section [real Scale 1:50]

63

Located in a multipurpose community center in the heart of the city of Xanthi, it provides a relaxing and reading point for its residents and especially University students. On the ground floor of the cafeteria, there is a small dining area, the bar and the kitchen. There is also auxiliary and rest rooms in the basement.

The first floor is developed with a cantilevered system surrouding the ground floor space, supported by beams and columns of reinforced concrete. The walls, made of concrete and bricks, the metal window frames and the custom interior design bring an industrial character to the cafĂŠ.

Bar Detail Section [real Scale 1:20]

64

3D Model Section [real Scale 1:50]

Firtst Floor Plan

Ground Plan

65

Adapting

to the

Ground

A case study of Underground Structures

Project Type: Academic | Research Thesis Project Team: Eleni Mertzidi | Lydia Sideri Year: 2016 Publication: Architecture site archstudies.gr 66

Absract How do we define the adaptation of a structure in the ground?

In what ways is that possible?

What are the criteria that verify this adaptation?

These questions seek answers and at the same time stimuli for further discussion.

Through research, constant searches and particularly examples, from a wide range of time and space, we try to dig deeper into those questions that exist in our thoughts.

Anonymous, underground structures that are lost in time, not designed by an architect but by admirable builders, cause awe and wonder, and will continue to do so. The foundations of our research were those structures that reflect the essence of the adaptation, without blindly seeking it, but by creating it themselves according to wisdom and frugality. We focus on the part where the building and the ground interact in a way that they are ultimately perceived as one. Underground structures.

As we try to keep in mind the present situation, we are searching for the appropriate vocabulary that will translate in today’s terms the knowledge of the past, so that fundamental values are incorporated in contemporary architecture. What really concerns us is if the underground buildings of today can automatically be identified as adapted into the ground, not just morphologically but substantially. We discover the needs and the desires that lead architects to this choice. How similar or different are they to those of the anonymous builders?

Underground structures could easily be characterized, in many cases, as the epitome of adjustment. Although, a more careful interpretation of the reasons and the ways that are used, is always required. Today, it is perhaps up to the architects to justify their choices. After all is said and done, only time can verify or disprove their success. *The Buddhist Monastery “Phugtal”

in

Northen India

67

Typology based on

of

Underground Structures

Section Plans

Cliff Digging

Removing Ground creating a Central Patio

Removing Ground creating a Central Building Mass

Anonymous Underground Architecture

Ajanta Caves, India Settlements Turkey

in

Cappadocia,

Necropolis

of

Pantalica, Sicily

House

in

Dwellings

in

Tynisia

Dwellings

in

China

Monolithic Churches Ethiopia

in

Santorini, Greece

Contemporary Underground Architecture Villa Vals, Switzerland Conference Center of the Olympics Commitee, Olympia, Greece

New University Library, Greece Ecology House, USA Aloni, Antiparos, Greece

68

National Maritime Museum, Dennmark Temppeliaukio Church, Finland

Lalibela Church, Ethiopia

Danish National Maritime Museum

by BIG Architects, Denmark

Ajanta Caves, India

Villa Vals, Switzerland

Matmata Dwellings, Tynisia

69