Light ensemble
MARCH | Diploma project
Social housing complex in Abovyan Professional practice | Residential
Dilijan houses Professional practice | Private houses
Synesthesia MARCH | BA2 project
Anatomy of structures MARCH x Werner Sobek | Workshop
Appendix
The diploma project “Light Spot” is a result of the one-year long research related to the roadside architecture. Studio VIA VIA studied the space of the road, comprehending the sensations and reflections connected with it, and analyzed the landscapes and objects that define it. During the field trip, the main documented observations and experiences were related to the M2 highway’s lighting conditions (Moscow region). This involved capturing photographs, noting the spatial distribution of light, and recording how different lighting scenarios affected perceptions of safety and visibility ( for the road folly concept see p.40)
Full Lighting (I): This category represents areas where the road and surrounding objects are illuminated uniformly. Here, the lighting is intense and consistent, allowing for clear visibility of objects and their forms. This type of lighting provides a sense of security and clarity, making it ideal for high-traffic zones where visibility is paramount.
Partial Lighting (II): In these areas, lighting is uneven, casting light on certain parts of objects while leaving others in shadow. This creates a more fragmented view of the road environment, where forms and silhouettes are partially revealed. This type of lighting can contribute to a dramatic effect but may also lead to reduced visibility and a sense of uncertainty, especially in less frequented areas.
Light Spots (III): These are isolated areas where light is concentrated in specific spots, creating localized illumination. The surrounding spaces remain dark, leading to high contrast between lighted and unlighted areas. Light spots can highlight particular features or landmarks but may also create navigational challenges and a lack of overall visibility.
The goal was to understand how various types of lighting influenced the road environment and user experience, which played crucial role in diploma project architectural solutions, as mentioned lighting types were used to emphasise diverse functional spaces of the ensemble.
The core concept of the Light Spot is to address the area’s deficit in lighting while providing a functional and engaging roadside facility. The design features a striking pyramid-shaped block that houses the reception area and bar, designed to be both a visual landmark and a beacon of light. This central pyramid, with its soft, spread lighting, aims to create a welcoming atmosphere for travelers.
The ensemble is designed with a strong emphasis on vehicular flow and accessibility. The main feature is a drive-through lobby that allows visitors to check in without leaving their cars, enhancing convenience for those on the go. This design also includes a drive-in cinema located on the opposite side of the pyramid, providing a unique leisure experience for travelers.
The residential block, consisting of two floors, offers 24 rooms with a total capacity up to 60-70 guests. The rooms are divided into two types: double rooms and rooms with additional beds on the second tier. The hotel’s layout ensures a comfortable and efficient accommodation experience, while the overall design maintains a permeable first floor to facilitate seamless vehicle movement and access.
IN COLLABORATION WITH SNKH STUDIO , CONCEPT, 2021
Context | The project is a forward-thinking social housing development located in Abovyan city, Armenia. Situated 16 km from Yerevan, Abovyan is undergoing significant transformation with the introduction of a new industrial zone, positioning it as a burgeoning regional center. This project aims to contribute to the city’s growth by repurposing an existing boiler house into a modern, multi-programmatic residential complex.
Concept | The design concept embraces the principles of the city’s new master plan while enhancing the existing urban fabric. The project focuses on reusing the historic boiler house structure and integrating it into a comprehensive residential scheme that caters to diverse housing needs. The design emphasizes simplicity and functionality, utilizing a standard reinforced concrete framework with dimensions of 6.6m x 6.6m to ensure ease of construction and adaptability.
The residential complex features a single, elongated building with a dynamic roofline that slopes from south to north. The structure varies in height, reaching up to nine stories at its highest point and tapering down to five stories at the lowest. This form optimizes the use of natural light and views while responding to the site’s topography.
Spaces | The building is designed to house a range of apartment types, catering to different needs and preferences. It includes: Studios: Compact living spaces ideal for individuals or couples. Duplexes: Multi-level units offering more space and privacy. Townhouses: Larger, more private homes with direct access to the street.
Context | The project consists of four private residences located in the picturesque city of Dilijan, Armenia. Nestled in a region renowned for its stunning landscapes, each house is thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings while providing modern, comfortable living spaces.
Concept | The design of the four private houses emphasizes harmony with the natural topography of Dilijan. Each home features a distinctive roof shape that follows the contour of the landscape, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and functional integration with the environment. The design prioritizes panoramic views and outdoor living, with each house oriented to capture the most fascinating views of the Dilijan landscapes. Four houses have different materials: concrete, travertine, slate stone and white plaster.
Spaces | Each residence spans 180 square meters and is organized over two levels plus a basement. The layout ensures privacy while maintaining a cohesive architectural theme.
The first floor (p.27) features an open-plan kitchen and living room, designed to foster a sense of openness and connectivity. A central fireplace serves as both a functional heating element and a focal point, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.The master bedrooms are situated on the second floor, offering privacy and elevated views of the surrounding landscape. The design ensures that the bedrooms are well-lit and comfortable, with strategic window placements to maximize natural light and scenic views. Each house includes a basement that provides additional space for storage, utility rooms, or potential recreational areas. Each residence is equipped with its own terrace and garden area.
Synesthesia is a perceptual phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensor y or cognitive pathway leads to involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway.
Concept | The project explores the intersection of sensory experiences and spatial design through the creation of a multifunctional underground facility in Tsaritsyno Park, Moscow. The project transforms three distinct plots into an immersive, multi-sensory environment that caters to theatre, musical performance, and stargazing. The project aims to create a seamless flow between different functional areas, enhancing the overall immersion and engagement of users. The theatre is accessed via a long, winding entrance that heightens the sense of immersion as visitors transition from the park to the performative space. This approach creates a dramatic entry experience and prepares visitors for the sensory journey ahead.The theatre features a flexible performance area designed to accommodate various types of productions, including theatrical plays and musical performances. The space is designed to enhance acoustics and sightlines, ensuring an optimal experience for both performers and audiences.
Spaces | Adjacent to the main theatre, several rehearsal rooms are dedicated to musical practice. These spaces are acoustically optimized and designed to facilitate smooth transitions between classroom learning and rehearsal activities. The layout ensures efficient flow between classrooms, rehearsal areas, and the main stage, promoting a functional and intuitive movement through the facility. A dedicated recreational area for musicians provides a space for relaxation and social interaction. The visible part of the building features a stargazing platform that transforms the space into an observational area at night. The platform is designed to offer unobstructed views of the night sky, providing a serene escape from the urban environment of Moscow. MARCH, BA2 PROJECT ,
This workshop delves into the architectural significance of V.G. Shukhov’s Double Curvature Steel Lattice Shell located in Vyksa. The focus is on analyzing and understanding Shukhov’s innovative approach to structural design.
The structure features a steel envelope composed of five lattice shell units, each measuring 14.6 x 38.4 meters, which collectively form a continuous workshop space. The primary load-bearing components include three-hinged metal arched trusses with a span of 38.4 meters. These trusses are structured with an upper belt, a lower belt, and connecting braces, which support the lattice shell framework. The lattice itself is constructed from intersecting Z-shaped profiles (80 x 40 mm), which are curved to form circular arch segments. The lattice is anchored to the trusses using gussets, thereby creating a rigid spatial structure. Purlins are placed on the lattice profiles to support the roof covering made of sheet iron (partially preserved).
The ties within the structure, fixed transversely between adjacent main trusses, are essential in counteracting the thrust from the lattice envelope. These ties exemplify the principles of lightweight structural engineering by illustrating the closure of forces within the framework.
Tutors: Daria Kovaleva, Vadim Veremchuk, Ivan Tomovic Team: Sofya Balykina, Kristina Stepanyan, Asia Zaslavskaya, Tatiana Stratu, Sayan Tsydenov
The focus is on a physical model of the Plate Rolling Workshop, specifically representing three sections of the structure. The model, built to a scale of 1:50, is meticulously crafted from sheet brass and brass profiles with dimensions of 2 x 4 mm and 4 x 6 mm. The model’s production process involves four key stages:
3D Model Preparation: The initial stage involves laying out the 3D model into discrete elements suitable for laser cutting.
Laser Cutting and Profile Preparation: Following the layout, elements are precision-cut using laser technology. Simultaneously, the brass profiles are prepared for assembly.
Model Assembly: The model is assembled through the soldering of individual components, ensuring accurate representation of the structural details.
Patination: The final stage includes patinating the entire structure to achieve the desired aesthetic finish and to simulate the appearance of the original materials.
The City of Events is a theoretical project created by vol’naya within the BA1 studio of the architectural school MARSH in the 2018-2019 academic year.
The City of Events is based on the events that took place in the vicinity of the Yauza River. The structure of the city is free from the traditional principles of urban planning. It is composed of a system of routes built on the links and intersections between events transformed into architectural stories, where the role of buildings, streets and squares is performed by the objects themselves.
Located on a dividing strip where the roadside space lacks illumination, the sculpture serves a primary function of light dispersion. It acts as a dynamic light source, interacting with the vehicle headlights that cast across its surface. The sculpture’s surface is varied: rough areas on both the exterior and interior are evenly illuminated, while the convex surfaces remain smooth. This interplay of textures and light enhances the sculpture’s form, which is influenced by its physical properties and the perspective from passing vehicles. The model is scaled at 1:25, constructed from clay, and finished with a spray coating.
Kristina Stepanyan step.krstep@gmail.com +374 77-96-94-36
Portfolio of selected architectural works © 2024