Tulane University Alum | Class of 2024 (504) 931- 5791 marhabanigarnov@gmail.com
Step into my world of architectural creativity and sustainability. I’m Marhaba Nigar, an architect passionate about shaping the future of design. Explore my portfolio, where each project tells a story of innovation and purpose. Join me on a journey through transformative spaces that redefine the boundaries of architecture.
Marhaba Nigar
Experience
Mathes Briere Architects
New Orleans, LA
Architecture Associate II June 2024 – Present
Holly & Smith Architects
New Orleans, LA
Intern Architect June 2023 – May 2024
Design & Construct.in Bangalore, KA, IN
Executive Architect Feb. 2022 - May 2022
Junior Architect Nov. 2021- Jan. 2022
RHA Praxis Initiative
Raipur, CG, IN
Junior Architect Nov 2020 - June 2021
Education
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA Masters of Architecture 2022 - 2024
Amity University
Raipur, CG, IN Bachelors of Architecture 2015 - 2020
Problem Solving Attention to detail Rendering Sketching
Project Management
Construction Schematic Design Design Development
Undergraduate Thesis, Raipur, CG, India
PROJECT 01
URBAN HOSTEL
Year: 2023
Spring Semester
Integrated Architecture Studio
The Integrated Studio Project in designing an Urban Hostel in New Orleans represents a comprehensive exploration of architecture, addressing various facets such as site relationships, historic context, structural considerations, systems integration, materiality, and adherence to building codes. In alignment with NAAB accreditation standards, the studio emphasizes “integration” as an ongoing dialogue between conceptual intent and material realization. This extends beyond mere coordination of building systems to encompass a nuanced interplay among intent, form, system, material, and technology. The reciprocal feedback loop ensures a dynamic calibration of these elements, fostering a design approach where relationships are not unidirectional but rather harbor inherent potentials and unanticipated possibilities. By intricately weaving together the contextual nuances of New Orleans, architectural principles, and regulatory requirements, the project exemplifies a holistic and forward-thinking endeavor in architectural education, preparing students for the multifaceted challenges of realworld design.
Software Used: Rhino, Lumion, Sketchup
ConCept
The idea for the Urban Hostel drew inspiration from Mardi Gras, particularly the “Societe Des Champs Elysee Streetcar Ride” and “Krewe of Zulu Parade” routes. The chosen site for the hostel is strategically positioned along these Mardi Gras routes. Given the urban nature of the hostel, the design incorporated balconies on each side of the building, providing spaces for people to enjoy the parades even if their rooms didn’t directly face the exterior. Additionally, a courtyard was included to ensure proper ventilation for rooms that might not have outward-facing views.
Once the initial massing was completed, further planning involved experimenting with the layout of cubes in the floor plan. The use of bricks in the construction was intentional, serving to maintain and emphasize the concept of cubes throughout the design.
First, Extruding the Rectangular Site.
Then, Removing the Center Piece for Courtyard and removing the offset from neighbours
Then, Playing with the Volume inorder for light and entrances.
Formation of Final massing
Entrance Porch
Entrance Porch
Detail C
Detail B
Detail A
4 Bunk Bed Room
6 Bunk Bed Room
Terrace
6 Bunk Bed Room
Interior Finish
Dry Wall
6” Bat Insulation
5/8” Gypsum Board
2” Rigid Insulation
2” Air Space
Brick Veneer
Aluminum Flashing w Drip
Oak Strip Flooring
Steel Angle
Heating Pad
2” Rigid Insulation
9”Post Tension Slab
2”Rigid Insulation
2” Air Space
Stucco
Oak Strip Flooring
Heating Pad
2”Insulation
6”Post Tension Slab
Metal Stud
Interior Finish
Dry Wall
6”Bat Insulation
5/8” Gypsum Board
2” Rigid Insulation
2”Air Space
Stucco
Aluminum Frame
Aluminum Glass Door
Concrete top
6”Bat Insulation
Gypsum Board
2”Rigid Insulation
2” Air Space
5/8”Gypsum Board
Roofing Member
Water Proofing
Terrace Deck
Stucco
Rigid Insulation
9”Post Tension Slab
Detail A Detail B Detail C
PROJECT 02 MOTOWN MUSEUM
Year: 2022
Fall Semester Research Studio
“Hitsville U.S.A.,” Motown’s inaugural headquarters and recording studio, holds an iconic status within the music industry. Nestled at 2648 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, near the city’s New Center area, it stands as a testament to the birthplace of the Motown sound. Acquired by Motown founder Berry Gordy in 1959, the studio became a creative hub where legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Temptations recorded timeless hits. The proposed Motown Museum Studio seeks to emulate the spirit of Hitsville U.S.A., delving into Motown’s rich history and enduring legacy. By studying the roots of Motown Records, the design aims to pay homage to this cultural landmark. It aspires to be more than a physical space, fostering an environment that reveres the artistic innovation and cultural impact of Motown, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the magic that once emanated from Hitsville U.S.A.
Software Used: Rhino, Illustrator
History and ConCept
Motown records was a label that together rhythm-and-blues, gospel, and pop influence as its ought to "crossover" to reach awide audience- "Sound of Young America". They also featured strong rhythm, layered instrumental sound, thumping back beat, and memorablehooks, utilizing large bands, strings, brass, and organs. They produced a lot of great music as well as some of the best groups were brorn in Motown Label.
The concept of this Museum hence draws inspiration from the music, specifically from the Music of the Four Tops, a band under Motown Label.
The massing was developed using the flows of notes in the music sheet.
The flow of notes highlighted as green while the sheet lines as grey
Forming the 1st and 2nd level, Rotating the block above to increase the sun exposure
Adjusting Height of the Blocks.
Exterior View
W Grand Blvd.
Pedestrian Pathway Hitsville USA
Aerial View
Motown Museum Proposed
Pathway
Pedestrian Pathway
Ferry Park Ave
Reception View
Exhibition Area View
PROJECT 03
FLOATING THEATER
Year: 2020 Spring Semester Undergraduate Thesis
“Redefining Cinematic Experience by Designing a Floating Theater” was my undergraduate thesis project. It began with my interest in floating architecture, explored in a dissertation the previous semester. I aimed to create a design that interacts harmoniously with water and functions independently of land for power, drainage, and sewage. A site in Raipur was chosen to ensure active use and to help clean and maintain the natural ecosystem.
The Floating Theater offers a new way to watch movies, providing an immersive experience that floats on water. This innovative project reimagines the cinematic experience while emphasizing sustainability and a strong connection to the water ecosystem. It stands as a testament to the potential of floating architecture, merging creativity and environmental consciousness.
The concept of a Floating Theater is inspired by the natural patterns formed when raindrops hit the water surface, creating concentric circles that ripple outward. These circles serve as the foundational imagery for the theater’s design. By segmenting the circles with radial lines, a structured geometric framework emerges. This framework is then used to develop the theater’s planform, resulting in a design that echoes the harmonious and dynamic nature of water. The final planform reflects the fluidity and elegance of water, seamlessly integrating natural inspiration with architectural innovation.
Inspiration: Rain drop hitting water body surface, forming concentric
design elements
For a structure to float above water irrespective of the level of water, hollow concrete pontoons is used alongisde wood construction is used to design Floating theater
Floating Wetlands
Floating wetlands, are floating vegetative lands that cleanse the water through natural process. Therefore this is used to cover the surrounding of the Floating Theater, to keep the water clean.
