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480.797.6003
linkedin.com/in/hanna-hissa Portfolio | issuu.com/hhissa
EDUCATION
2020 - 2025
2016 - 2020
PROFESSIONAL
June 2024 - Dec. 2024
Dec. 2022 - Jan. 2023 May - August 2023
HONORS
2024 2023
2022, 2023
2020 - Present
2022 - Present
2020 - 2024
2020 - 2024
ACTIVITIES
2023 - 2024
2023 - Present Fall 2022
2022 - Present 2019
2007 - Present
SKILLS
REFERENCES
The University of Kansas | Lawrence, Kansas | GPA 4.0
Master of Architecture
Graduate Certificate in Urban Design
Barrington High School | Barrington, Illinois | GPA 4.625
National Honors & National Latin Honors Society
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) Chicago, IL | Urban Design Intern
Developed city guidelines and spatial framework plans for the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia and in the UAE. Early proposal work for new CASL center in Chicago.
DLR Group Chicago, IL | Architectural Design Intern
Designed student housing and developed K-12 Health Life and Safety plans. Instructed over 3D Printing for the office, and analyzed AI rendering software.
AIA Kansas Design Excellence Award | U.S. Embassy in Tokyo Project
American Galvanizer’s Association Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Award
Civic Contribution category for Fall 2022 Pollinator Pavilion Design-Build
KU Architecture Student Portfolio Awards | 3rd + 4th Year Recipient
School of Architecture Dean’s List | GPA above 3.75
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society | Member
KU Excellence Scholarship | Recipient
2020 Gygi and von Wyss Foundation Scholarship | Recipent
Faculty Search Committee | Undergraduate Student Body Representative Mentorship Collaborative | First, Second, & Third-Year Studio Mentor
Design Build Pavilion | Kansas Children’s Discovery Center
Topeka, Kansas | Designer, site coordinator, and construction team member.
AIAS | Active member
Habitat For Humanity | Women Build Project, Lake County, IL
Construction team member
Girl Scouts of the United States of America | Lifetime member
Silver and Bronze Award Recipient
3D Modeling | Rhino, SketchUp, Revit, Physical modeling
2D Drafting | AutoCAD, Hand drafting. ArcGISPro
3D Printing | Cura, Ultimaker machines
Rendering | VRay, Lumion, Enscape, Veras, LookX Graphics | Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign
Jae D. Chang, PhD | Professor, Associate Chair of Architecture
The University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design jdchang@ku.edu
Kapila D. Silva, PhD, AIA(SL) | Professor, Associate Dean for Community Excellence
The University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design kapilads@ku.edu | 785.864.1150
Keith Van de Riet, PhD, NCARB | Interim Chair | Professor of Architecture
The University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design kvdr@ku.edu | 917.202.5413
U.S. EMBASSY IN TOKYO, JAPAN Consular, Main Chancery, and Secure Grounds design
CULINARY ARTS COMMUNITY
Mixed-Use Dwelling and Academy
KANSAS CITY DESIGN EDUCATION CENTER
Student and Public AEC Center
POP-UP BOOTH
Vinyl, CD, and Cassette Shop
CONTEMPLATION CHAPEL
Non-Denominational Chapel
PERSONAL WORK
DSLR Photography POLLINATOR PAVILION Design Build | Built Work
UNITED STATES EMBASSY IN TOKYO, JAPAN
SPRING 2024 | CIVIC
Partner: David Tauser Professor Kapila Silva Tokyo. Japan
400,000 sq. ft.
Situated off the shores of the Tokyo Bay, this embassy achieves safety for workers, visitors, and ambassadors alike.
In recent history, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) has dedicated itself to designing, renovating, and establishing U.S. Embassies worldwide that are more than a standard office. The design process aims to create a building that demonstrates the United States’ technological advancement and respect to the host country.
Render by: David Tauser
EXISTING EMBASSY
THE GREATER CONTEXT
The site is situated off the mainland of Greater Tokyo in accordance with OBO’s goal of shifting future U.S. Embassies away from city centers. The new site is also largely popular with tourists coming to the city via cruise ship, and those staying for the Olympics. It offers a tremendous view of the skyline to the north, and Mt. Fuji to the west.
Site Boundary
20-foot No Vegetation Zone
100-foot No Occupied Build Zone
15-foot-tall Anti-Climb Base Floor
Main Controlled Access Compound (MCAC)
Consular Controlled Access Compound (CCAC)
Service Controlled Access Compound (SCAC)
SITE PLANNING FOR SECURITY
U.S. Embassies are required to meet the following security measures: a no-tall-vegetation zone within 20’ of the perimeter wall with width for guard walks, a separate public, ambassador, and service entry checkpoint, a 100’ no-occupied-building zone from the wall, an Anti-Climb design for the first 15’ of the structure, and a strict control of the public path once past the CCAC.
designed to mimic the venacular architecture
designed to mimic the venacular architecture
Seismically Isolated Foundation
Building Up Existing Public Infrastructure
Highlight Views Towards Greater Tokyo
Southern-Oriented Solar Panels and Sun Path
Storm Surge + Tsunami Water Collection Area Utilized as Perimeter Wall
CONCEPTS FROM CONTEXT
A majority of the design solutions are a result of the challenges presented by the site. Low buildings typically perform better under seismic activity, and in the event of a tsunami or storm surge off of the bay, the Moat is designed as a catch-all “ha-ha” style wall. This ensures any major water influxes will be captured and networked into the city’s underground flood system.
Modern embassy design strives to demonstrate an efficient and environmental design, hence the systems that work together to make this building overall Net Zero.
The Main Controlled Access Center (MCAC) is where VIPs and Ambassadors enter into the compound. Their procession is grand and allows for direct access to the Chancery Building from a vehicle. The Consular Controlled Access Center (CCAC) is the public entrance. It is separated by a distinguished gate that is accessible via the park and Equinox Promenade, away from vehicular traffic as a means of creating a safe and pleasant pedestrian arrival sequence.
DETAIL A 3/16” = 1’-0”
DETAIL C 3/16” = 1’-0”
10” x 6” x1” HSS with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
Gusset Plate and Bolts Connected to Round HSS HSS to Gusset Plate Bracing Member Round HSS Bolted End Plate Connection
Round HSS 8.000 x 1.000 with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
W12x40 Wide Flange Beam with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
M13-1.5 x 66 mm Steel Bolt
5/8” Steel Plate with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
1” Custom Steel Plate Stiffener with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
1 5/8” Lateral Steel Plate with EonCoat Corrosion Protection Steel Plate Stiffener with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
Gusset Plate Bracing Cleat
Gusset plate Splice Hinge
Square HSS
5” x 5” x 1/2” with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
DETAIL B 3/16” = 1’-0”
DETAIL D 3/16” = 1’-0”
DETAIL E 3/16” = 1’-0”
W12x40 Wide Flange Beam w/ Corrosion Protection
Gusset Plate and Bolts Connected to Round HSS
Round HSS 8.000 x 1.000 with EonCoat Corrosion Protection Round HSS Bolted End Plate Connection
HSS to Gusset Plate Bracing Member w/ Corrosion Protection
M13-1.5 x 66 mm Steel Bolt with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
Parapet Drip Flashing
Thermal Break Pad Insulation
12” x 12” x 1” Steel Plate with EonCoat Corrosion Protection
Vapor Barrier
Stainless Steel Cladding
2” EPX Rigid Insulation
Vapor Barrier
2’ x 15’ x 1/8”
Japan, known for its vigorous earthquakes, has unique requirements for construction. In order to maintain the safety factor of the embassy, blast-resistant, self healing concrete is the main structural material. The footings are responsible for seismically isolating the building during an earthquake, and act as large shock absorbers at the foot of each column. The grid is a bit smaller and shorter than conventional construction due to higher structural efficiency during seismic activity as well.
The perimeter of the building is surrounded by an open cavity that accounts for any above-grade swaying that occurs during an earthquake. Seen below is a detail of the grate that covers these openings for pedestrians. When there is an earthquake, the grates “pop” upwards and fall back into place because of the spring tension. This minimizes damage to the stone, and provides a catch for the water filling the moat as well.
INTERSTITIAL SPACES
Using historic Japanese gardens as inspiration, the interior courtyards are designed to give workers respite and provide a moment of Zen in the workplace. These gardens line prominent and main walkways, as well as being visible from most vantage points in the building. The circulation pattern around them ensures a stroll that is a pleasant and secure way to take a break.
Ha-Ha walls are intended to be “invisible” from an average vantage point, and in this case the water eliminates the need for the 10-foot perimeter wall because it acts as a moat. This moat, however, is also a catchall for surge caused by tsunamis, because the site is situated on the Tokyo Bay. This solution is the least disruptive in terms of views, and a less hostile-looking approach.
Historic Japanese floor plans follow a very rigid hierarchy in order of rank. The most remote areas are the least accessible and far more difficult to get to as a visitor. We translated these principles into an orientation that applied to our floor plan, and moved all historically exterior circulation patterns to the inside, for security of staff.
INTERIOR SPACES REFLECTING CULTURE OF THE PLACE
It is important that the interior spaces reflect as much of the respect and homage to the host city as possible. In order to achieve this, a selection of stone, wood, plaster, and shoji paper was used. A careful balance of traditional and contemporary gives the feeling of Japanese design, while upholding U.S. standards for embassy design.
The main shared spaces circulate the interior gardens and offer spaces for respite. The garden instills a sense of calm and function as the focal point from all buildings within the Chancery. The cafeteria and conference rooms offer a curated garden view to enhance the quality of the interior space. KEY SHARED SPACES
Thanks to Prof. Kapila D. Silva, The U.S. Overseas Bureau of Operations , BNIM, Burns & Mcdonell, DLR Group, and AirFixture, my partner David Tauser and I were awarded the 2024 AIA Kansas Design Excellence Award for our embassy. It would not have been possible without the guidance and care from those who took the time to help us through this design challenge and allowed us to create a diplomatic, sustainable response to the program.
BRIGHTWATER EAST CULINARY ARTS COMMUNITY
FALL 2023 | MIXED-USE URBAN DWELLING
Professor Andrew Modrell Bentonville, Arkansas
121,000 sq. ft.
Mixed-Use Culinary Arts School, Test Kitchen Restauarant, and Urban Dwelling for Locals and Students
This project aims to invigorate the urban fabric of Bentonville by combining a culinary arts school and test kitchen restaurant with dwellings. The goal is to foster memorable shared experiences by creating a program centered around food and give Bentonville a new destination location for both locals and tourists.
Access
PARCEL 1
8th
PARCEL 2
PARCEL 6
PARKING KEY
Parking Lot/Entrance
Adjacent
Under-Greenway Roads
The larger greenway plan was originally drafted by a team of three: Hanna Hissa, Isaac Decker, and Ashlyn Caldwell. After designing the overall infrastructure, it was divided into seven plots of land for studio members to select as their designated building site. All parcels connect to the overarching infrastructure in unique manners and each plot presents their own benefits.
Elevated Greenway
Adjacent Parks
Creek + Retention Pond
In order for this infrastructure to be successful, it had to become an appealing amenity for the user groups we focused on. In doing so, we aimed to create third spaces and smaller gathering spaces within the larger plan to harbor community events while maintaining an eco-friendly approach that used greenspace both as a tool and as an aesthetic decision. FRAMEWORK GOALS + VISION
INFORMED FORM DECISIONS
During the iterative stage of form-making, I went through thirty variations based on three broad, explorative versions. The first made use of “letter” buildings in the shape I and C, the second explored linking different programmatic buildings through bridges, and the third explored stepped forms that could create unique outdoor conditions.
“I” and “C” Forms
Linked Forms
Stepped Forms
High-Visibility Learning Environment Destination Test Kitchen Restaurant
Uniting Demographics Through Food
Shared Spaces to Blur the Social Boundaries
Below Greenway Parkiing
On-Site Greenspace
Circulation
Transparency/Views
Shaded Transparency
Mixed Use
GOAL INFLUENCES
While creating these iterations, each form took into consideration to initial goals mentioned to the left. It was important that the forms responded to these and fostered environments that were condusive to creating spaces that fit the user needs. In doing so, they also had to respond to the larger framework goals and ensure that the greenway access point was welcoming and inviting.
DESIGNING IN BENTONVILLE, AR
The area of Bentonville, Arkansas is a highly active and outdoor community. In order to activate the site, which currently stands as an empty lot adjacent to the new Walmart World Headquarters, the initial design of the framework incorporates a pedestrian-centric greenway. This gives people arriving off of trails or dweilling in the surrounding buildings the chance to experience the outdoor culture Bentonville is known for.
The design of a culinary arts school, destination restaurant, and apartment-style living aim to act as a destination for visiting tourists as well as for locals. The goal is to tie this district to the historic downtown area and encourage dense, urban growth that shows how exciting and beneficial it can be to move away from the single family home model that currently dominates the Bentonville area.
ACTIVATING THE GREENWAY
The greenway is a unique infrastructure that allows for anything service, parking, or car related to take place underneath the pedestrian areas. This not only minimizes unsightly parking lots, but also minimizes the exposed impervious surfaces that would otherwise create runoff and stormwater retention problems.
The activity along the greenway aims to invite visitors to explore the buildings and their mixed uses in the area. It also aims to connect to the outdoor trails, adjacent museums, and concert venue space. This creates a hub of activity for the people in Bentonville to explore and have communal experiences with one another.
As seen in this section, the upper block that spans across the two lower ones is where the culinary facility is housed. The restaurant on the top floor allows the public to have a culinary experience like no other in Bentonville. Originally, this was home to the residences, but it felt isolated formatted like a hotel. By placing the residences on the lower blocks, it grounds the units and gives them access to the outdoors and neighbors through shared spaces.
The lower blocks are dedicated to housing mechanical and parking, as well as the dwelling components. The public-facing elements on the ground level aim to activate the greenway and invite the public to explore the space.
LEVEL 00 | BASEMENT + PARKING
1: Bike Storage
2: Staff Lockers
3: Storage Lockers
4: Staff Parking
5: Cold Storage
6: Dry Storage
7: Solar + Geothermal Room
8: Water + MEP
9: Electricity Room
10: Loading BOH
LEVEL 01 | GREENWAY
1: Public Cooking Classes
2: Cafe & Bakery
3: Resident Mail
4: Apartment Admin
5: Studio Apartment
One Bed Apartment
Two Bed Apartment
Three Bed Apartment
Outdoor Seating + Grill
LEVEL 02 |
RESIDENTIAL FLOOR
1: Studio Apartment
One Bed Apartment
Two Bed Apartment
Three Bed Apartment
Commons
These floors are where the culinary school lives. One of the goals was to create a learning environment that is highly visible, so that people who are passing by are a part of the learning experience as well. In order to respond to this, the layouts flow around central rooms that have glass walls looking into the cooking and demonstration spaces. The top floor is home to the test kitchen restaurant “Alchemy,” where guests walk past the kitchen on the way to the dining area and become a part of the process. The external shading fins open to the north and grow the higher up the occupant gets in order to highlight the views and daylighting in the space.
PLAN KEY
1. Reception
2. Culinary Kitchen
3. Demo Class
4. Seasonal Kitchen
5. Admin
6. Resource Library
7. Bake Shop
8. Student Commons + Urban Spice Garden
9. Electrical + MEP Access
10. Bar
11. Production Kitchen
12. Restaurant Dining Room
13. Private Chef Rooms
STRUCTURAL DIAGRAM
Due to complicated code-related issues within the culinary school, the upper block is made of one large steel truss. The lower forms are mass timber in order to provide a more homely environment for those living within the apartments. The greenway functions as one large intrinsic green roof, and therefore is cased in concrete. This applies to the parking levels as well.
ECOLOGICAL DIAGRAMS
The major ecological decision of the project is rooted in the upper block’s facade system. The north-opening fins allow for consistent, year-round daylighting as well as solar harvesing to power the building. The rainwater collection system takes advantage of the fin shapes and siphons it down into cisterns for greywater recycling. The blue roof systems ensure the flat roofs of the lower block do not become large heat sinks too.
6:00 PM December 21
6:00 PM June 21
12:00 PM June 21
12:00 PM December 21
6:00 AM December 21
6:00 AM June 21
Photovoltaic glass integrated into roof fins and angled for optimal seamless solar harvesting
Solar heat gain prevention through blue roof system
Lifted “block” to allow East - West crossbreeze to cool building
sloped towards roof drains
Blue Roof system collects and holds stormwater
On-Site water cisterns retain stormwater and recycle into building as greywater
