Mansoor Eqrar Architecture Portfolio

EDUCATION

University of Oklahoma, 2017-2019

Master of Architecture ( M.Arch )

American University of Afghanistan (AUAF), 2015-2016

Diploma, English Language and Literature, General

Kabul University, 2008-2013

Bachelor of Architecture

Centre d’Enseignement Français en Afghanistan, 2004-2007

Diploma, French Language and Literature

OKLAHOMA CULTURAL CENTRE

The current situation in south campus is exacerbated by the isolation from main campus, along with not having enough public spaces. As the proposed master plan continues, these issues needs to be addressed by proposed projects. Part of the solution to this problem lies in promoting positive public discourse and cross-cultural understanding. Cross-cultural understanding and awareness can contribute to the broader goals of respecting each other cultures, and economic development in Norman. The Oklahoma Cultural Centre will focus on promoting cultural awareness among different ethnic groups in Norman. The Centre will not only function as a facility to unify, represent and study cultures, but also as a space to exchange ideas, congregate and establish a vibrant community for the future.

PROBLEM

Existing Cultural Centres in Norman Oklahoma

• Lack of place to gather,to communicate and to perform

• New horizon for local Norman resident

• Lack of public spaces for civil society

• Lack of awareness about different ethnicities in Norman

Henderson Tolson Cultural Centre

Jim Thorpe Cultural Centre

Fred Jones Jr.Museum of Art

Topological Play

Section/East

2.Longitudinal Section/East to West

3.1- Building and context

4.1- Building and context

3.1- Building and context

4.2- Building and context/Outside in

3.1- Building and context

4.2- Building and context/Outside in

3.Horizontal Section/North to South

4.Horizontal Section/North to South

OKLAHOMA CULTURAL CENTRE

Building and context - Outside In

Building and context - Spatial experiences

Building and context - Transparancy and sense of security

Precedent

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

OKLAHOMA CULTURAL CENTRE

Ground FLoor Plan

Plinth Level Plan

Physical Models

OKLAHOMA CULTURAL CENTRE

Perspective from Public plaza/ Sustainble site/ Playground for kids/ Performance

Perpective from ramp/ Exploration

Perspective from courtyard/ Difference of Material- defines circulation and sitting area

Oklahoma performing Arts centre 02

The design concept for Oklahoma Performing Art Center (OPAC) based on the values of critical regionalism. This project strives to counter the placelessness and lack of identity of the international style, but also rejects the whimsical individualism and ornamentation of postmodern architecture. The styling of this project seek to provide an architecture rooted in the modern traditional, but tied to geographical and cultural context.

Oklahoma performing Arts centre

Oklahoma performing Arts centre

Bird’s Eye view - Public Engagement

Second Floor Plan

Lobby Interior Auditorium Structure

Split Section

Contemporary

design, a

style of architecture

that is shared by all those who practice it: the desire and the will to design and build things that are different from what was done in the past and what is usually done today. This design aims to break away from the processes and ways of thinking that have become standard.

BAMIYAN CULTURAL CENTRE 04

National Museum of Afghanistan

“A nation stays alive when its culture stays alive”

BAMIYAN CULTURAL CENTRE 04

Urban Plan of Bamiyan City

Site

UNESCO World Heritage Property Buffer Zone

UNESCO World Heritage Core Zone

Typologies

Carved Spaces / Cave plan at Buddha cliff Wood framed skylight

Baked brick & mud brick

BAMIYAN CULTURAL CENTRE

EVOLUTION

CONCEPT:

Cultural centre should be a bridge between past and future generation to carry the memories and heritage of one to another. What do you think when you hear Bamiyan? the answer is surely the Buddha cliff with the caves arranged in an organic way in south side of it. Bamiyan cliff has a horizontal dynamic shape with arrangement of the caves helping it to further show the flow. I wanted to project this dominant elements of Bamiyan heritage and its characteristic in the building. The exhibition space in the building works as a bridge that connects the upper part ( performance+lobby+tea house) to the lower part ( class rooms+admin).

Upper

Lower

OU SOUTH CAMPUS 05

The University of Oklahoma’s research campus is touted to be a place of collaboration, innovation, and inspiration. However, going to the site reveals there is a serious disconnect between the vision and reality. It is devoid of the human interaction it seeks to promote. There is no connection within itself or to the greater campus and community. Identifying this gap led to this proposal: a re-imagination of the research campus to espouse the values originally intended for the site. The research campus at the University of Oklahoma has been transformed into a lively multipurpose development that provides all of the amenities to live well. A set of values was developed for this project: community, connection, and wellness. Through much iteration, a prevailing pattern emerged, focusing on the concept of an urban canyon and ravine. These conceptual vessels stitch together the users of the campus. The canyon runs east to west and is a densely urbanized area with restaurants, retail, hotels, businesses, and housing.

Mixed Use Arts District

Research District

Proposed Buildings

Existing Buildings Canyon/Ravine Streets

Recreation Plaza Vignette

Canyon Vignette

Canyon Vignette

Canyon Vignette

Research Buildings

• Houses research centric uses with a semi-private ground floor

• Ties into the Ravine system for connectivity improvement

• Establishes a presence along Jenkins that builds the Research Campus image

Ravine Buildings

• Network of plaza/park space stitches campus together

• Buildings along Ravine greet this space with transparency and public program

• Connectivity with all major community functions and districts

Canyon Buildings

• Transparent public programming at base

• Office/Art Studios/Residences on upper floors

• Balconies, terraces, overhangs, and other semiprivate activity space makes up the canyon face

• Stepping of balconies and overhangs reinforces the sense of the Canyon walls

Arts District

• Provides support for new arts research functions

• Artist residencies and gallery spaces

• Incorporation of other public functions for maximum visibility

• Education outreach components for enrichment of student experience

• Opportunities to tie into existing arts development and investment

25% Ages 15-24

Entrepreneurs

Seth operates his marketing imagcompany from the rentable workspaces in the canyon. Every day he jogs the paths around the research campus, often stopping at the spiritual center for a moment of reflection.

Student Athletes

Sarah, Jill, and Mike are student athletes that live and get experimented on in the rec center. All of them receive “treatment” to enhance their athletic performance.

Families

This family lives in the multi-purpose development. Tracy works at the NEST. Jonah works in Oklahoma City and travels via the transportation hub public transit. Gavin, Zoe, and Tristana all attend the school located on site. They love to spend time at family entertainment center and artist colony.

Student Researchers

Claire is a doctoral candidate in thermodynamics with an emphasis in solar energy. She works at the energy research center and lives in the mixed use accommodations. Claire frequents the canyon for its vibrant night life.

Medical Professionals

Savannah and Greg are doctors working at the veteran’s health center. Both live in Oklahoma City and commute to the research campus via the transportation hub public transit.

Academic Researchers

Ernest has been a long time researcher at the weather center. Soon he will move into the mixed-use housing supplied by the research campus. He’s excited to live in a community driven place with a rich diversity of activities and amenities.

OU STUDENT HOUSING

Computer Model/Render

Constructed Project

Constructed Project

Constructed Project

PHOTOGRAPHYAPHY

CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

TORONTO, CANADA ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

RYERSON UNIVERSITY STUDENT CENTRE

Mansoor Eqrar