Architecture Portfolio 2022 - Maria Chiara Deiana

DESCRIPTION

Before the last five centuries, architecture and agriculture had always been linked to each other complementarily. However, the end of agriculture as the dominant economic activity changed human lifestyle profoundly, and generate a new economic order, which has been creating more distance between architecture and agriculture, day by day. The industrialization process has driven cities to enlarge their spaces to new interests and needs, pushing agricultural activities further away from people. As the demographic process goes on, cities tend to expand more in the suburbs, and with the gentrification and de-industrialization of many areas, lots of buildings and lands have fallen into neglect. The actual industrial food systems are intensive in terms of energy consumption, and their unsustainable carbon footprint contributes significantly to the climate change process. On the other hand, the crops growing in monocultural fields are not resilient to climatic disasters. These constitute a threat to global food security. To protect it it’s necessary to move towards more sustainable farming, focusing on reconnecting the food producer and consumer to develop more self-reliant and resilient food networks.

Through the use of new agricultural technologies linked with architectural matters, we can decrease drastically the use of land, re-activate the vacant lands that have been abandoned for a long time, reclaiming agriculture.

REMEDIATION OF THE TERRITORY BY ELEVATION FROM THE GROUND

Following the raised discussion about the major distance of agricultural and production facilities from the cities, it is important to try to decrease the problems generated by that. Therefore, to address the urgent need of cities for greenery and biodiversity of landscape, this typology suggests to be designed above the ground level, and to dedicate the soil for green intervention. By doing so, the goal of further development of the city and greenery will be met at the same time.

INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AS A MONUMENTAL SCALE

One of the challenging aspects of placement of and industrial building in the urban fabric, is related to its massive scale. However, the scale is not homogeneous with the urban scale, it can be considered as an advantage that creates monumentality in the city – if designed properly -, and can grab the attention of the public. Also, by exposing the industry and the production process to the public, the knowledge of people in this regard will be increased gradually.

INTEGRATION WITH PUBLIC AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

As a proposal, additional functions can be injected in the humanized part of the building. Moreover, the strong incorporation of the building with the landscape, will help to create a ‘sense of place’ around the building. Consequently, it consolidates the idea that landscape biodiversity and industry can be gathered together in the same space. Consequently, it creates more flexibility in the urban spaces for industrial interventions.

JUXTAPOSITION OF FUNCTIONALITY AND CONTEXTUALITY

The humanized part of the typology, creates a dual aspect which embraces the reconnection to the city values. Through the use of an architectural capriccio it is possible to feature the characteristics of the local architecture, recognizing them from an analysis of shapes, typologies and construction techniques. The abstract representation delivers an image of a building out of context, in which the grid plan of Cerdà can be recognized, together with industrial icons of the considered zone.

shed roof structure providing light

bracing facade system

hanging structure from the block

vertical connectors (stairs + elevators)

forest of columns composite platform with concrete encased steel beams

vertical connectors (stairs + elevators)

V - shaped supports suspended linear path

1.Farm

The main space dedicated to the vertical farm occupies the west side of the building and it’s developed as a long hallway. In it are present auto-seeders and a variety of vegetables that grows in hydroponic and aeroponic shelf systems.

3.Disinfection 2.Reasearch Lab

Inside the facility are present numerous spaces devoted to the research in the field of new agricultural technologies. These spaces are located in the east part of the building, dividing the human activities from the automated ones.

Air filtering and distribution system ensures an ideal environment for the plants. It purifies the air and maintains the ideal temperature and humidity levels. So to be able to work inside the farm’s spaces is necessary to follow a process of disinfection, allowing the space to remain sterile.

4.Packaging area

After the harvesting procedure carried forward by the automated machines the products, after being inspected, are packed and ready for the delivery.

5.Seed bank

The Seed bank is a deposit that has the aim of conserve a big variety of seeds, preserving our agricultural heritage. The space is developed in three levels but is accessible just from a sterile atmosphere.

6.Reception

Module dedicated to the reception service and supervision of the entrance space. It can work also as InfoPoint for the visitors.

7.Connectors

Three blocks of cylindrical vertical connections - A, B and C -guarantee the entrance to Farm Up. The east side of the building is developed in three floors, each one of which is directly or indirectly in contact with the west space the farm.

8.Administration

It’s necessary to dedicate some spaces for the administration of the farm, in order to control the system and manage the deliveries.

Vertical farm

West facade

East facade

Milan, Lombardy, Italy

2020

Urban requalification / Cultural space + residential

DESCRIPTION

The project is located in the south of Milan, at the corner between Viale Toscana and Via Ripamonti, a straight street long almost six kilometres that connects the centre of Milan to the border of the municipality.

The location is full of potentialities since it faces Porta Romana’s abandoned yard, a district that is interested in the new requalification masterplan developed through the “Scali Milano” consultation. The intervention aims at identifying the reactions of the architecture objects to the already defined urban morphology.

It is composed by an ensemble of two different buildings: a linear residential complex facing Via Ripamonti and a Schaulager. The Schaulager is neither a museum, nor a traditional warehouse, but a new typology of space for art.

The composition of the plot is leaded by alignments, heights, setbacks and inner courtyards that defines three new public spaces. Another important element that defines the project is the bordering rail track that creates a limit to the south elevation, but also allows to open up the space. Furthermore, the railway creates a difference in altitude that characterized the design process through different levels.

The Schaulager represents the core of the plot and it develops itself through a simple grid of 10 x 10 meters that supports the roof structure. This one is characterized by a coffered roof that hosts modular flowerbeds for greenery and allows the collection of water to an underground water tank.

The leftover space is defining three courtyards with different characteristics. The norther one is totally public and it develops itself along the main facade of the Schaulagher, working as an attractor for the visitors. The second space is contended between the two volumes and it's defined as semi-public space, working both for the entrance to the residence and the activities of the Schaulagher. The last space in the south is private and dedicated to the users of the archives.

Groundfloor plan - Schaulager + Residencial complex

The entrance to the Schaulagher happens from the north. The ground floor is defined by a large open space dedicated to the exposition and along this space a ribbon of activities is attached, allowing the visitors to reach the shop, the café and the bistrot both from the inside or the outside of the complex. At the beginning of the ribbon all the main vertical connectors and services are located.

The underground of the Schaulagher is the main deposit space, visitable from the public and open to researchers. The central corridor is defined by a system of sliding stands for the paintings. All around the remaining activities are organized: logistic, study, reunion and restoration rooms, offices, and archives.

Underground plan - Schaulager

Section of the Schaulagher

West facade of the residential complex

Section along the railway

North facade of the Schaulagher

East facade of the Schaulagher

Water flow scheme

Green roof + Solar panel system

Entrance to the Schaulager

Private backyard

View from the bridge Via Ripamonti point of view

Grotte di Catullo, Italy

Archeological site / Interior design

DESCRIPTION

The projectis consists of a villa and a private thermal bath connected with a distribution corridor and intended for an art collector. The new building located in continuity with the Grottoes of Catullus, a roman ruin located in the northern pensinsula of Sirmione, becomes part of the landscape.

Since the project development is working with opposite approaches the title of the project is inspired by the incipit of the famous Carme of Catullo called “Odi et Amo”, meaning “Love and Hate”, as the latin poet describes opposite feelings that lives togheter in this place.

The design follows the already existing axes dictated by the ruins, extending the construction to the lower level and withdrawing from any intent of hiding the roman villa.

While the complex of the thermal bath is very linear and massive, the design of the villa is born with the fusion of two different concepts: the first one is the subdivision of the spaces through the existing axes in eight volumes, characterised by individual functions; the second one is more fluid and free and is creating circular spaces. The adoption of this concentric system allows the hierarchy of spaces, giving to each one a different character and a centre for the positioning of the sculptures.

The art collection declines the passage of time in different variations and it can be find as metaphysical, kinetic, classical and futuristic sculptures.

When approaching the project site thought the visit of the ruins it is possible to notice one of the main characteristic of this building, the system of skylights designed to provide light to the spaces that are mainly looking towards north.

In a first approach the design bounds to the context of the ruins following the vertical axis coming from the northern part of the grid. In this way is possible to divide the villa in eight main volumes. The volumes needed to be connected with each other without creating a static and dark corridor.

To be more dynamic the approach blends with a contrasting language, both for what concern the shape and the quality of the space that was creating. Each of the volumes contains a function and the adoption of this concentric system allows to hierarchize the space and give to each one a different character.

The thermae complex, partially hypogeum, follows an introverted approach in contrast with the nearby villa. The plan is characterized by a modular and free grid, that also goes along with the articulation of the ruins grid. The main space reminds of the Roman court and it coincide with the biggest pool.

Due to this the main sources of light are designed in specific points of the roof and allows to illuminate the main thermal spaces. The water collection of the thermae complex is designed to direct the flows to the main pool, while for the villa a series of pools are spread to help the thermal insulation.

Analysis of the flow in the entire project. In particular is evident how the flexibility of the spaces is influenced by the geometries of the Villa and Spa that are speaking two different languages.

THERMAL COMPLEX

groundfloor plan Activities

Relax (sauna, pools, showers)

Events (hall with open bar)

Services (changing rooms, gym)

-1 plan

-2 plan

Activities

Day (kitchen, dining, library)

Night (bedrooms)

Outdoor (patios)

Longitudinal section of the villa

Transversal section

West facade

Living

Bedrooms

Thermal activities

HOUSE OF EQUALITY

LOCATION YEAR TYPE

Baghere village, Senegal

2021

Public / Administrative Architecture

DESCRIPTION

The Women’s house aims at the creation of a humanitarian structure, a safe environment as fundamental necessity to improve gender equality for the women of Baghere Village. For this reason, the design path began from a simple and immediately recognizable shape: a squared volume with a central courtyard. The final result is the creation of a participatory building within the village, which offers protection and allows women to meet, work and learn.

The ultimate aim of the pavilion is to liberate, empower, and encourage the development of women in the neighbouring community. This is manifested through an independent semipermanent and adaptable roof structure which shelters the site. In turn, this structure serves as a metaphor which allows these women to expand their abilities through self-learning and shared experiences.

The Women’s house is entered through a central courtyard, a public space which assumes specific features of the house, allowing the socialization in a closed and protected area for the gathering of women. While the centre of the building is the most public space, the ends are the most private ones. The courtyard connects four independent closed spaces, each accompanied by an intimate outdoor space for the expansion of the room function in a protected exterior space. Apart from being areas for leisure and rest, these side gardens are designed and furnished to enhance the program of the adjacent spaces.

The final goal is to promote a sustainable economy, maximising the use of local and natural materials, as well as creating a strong collaboration with local craftswomen and craftsmen.

Bamboo secondary beams

Bamboo Trusswork

Wooden planks substructure

Masonry walls

Flooring system

Foundation and flooring detail

Bamboo beam-to-coloum junction

PIRANESI PRIX DE ROME

LOCATION

YEAR

TYPE

Hadrian’s

2020

Villa, Tivoli, Italy

Archeological site / Masterplan

DESCRIPTION

The archaeological heritage on Italian soil is in danger. It is necessary to act in time and with competence. The workshop took place in the extraordinary context of the monumental residence willed by the emperor Hadrian and constructed between 117 and 138 A.D. near the city of Tivoli.

The urban scale intervention integrates a new and exclusive entrance to the archaeological complex, indicated by a pavilion that overlooks the nearest provincial road and it is able to attract the attention of tourists. Within the complex of the villa, after a careful and necessary analysis of the architectural language and composition of the architect’s genious, two pavilions have been inserted.

Studies of composition and pivotal points of villa Adriana

The pavilion A is positioned next to the old Antinoeion, of which we are only aware since 2003, evidence of how the complex is still partly to be discovered. This position once represented the noble entrance to the entire complex. This pavilion reflects the proportions of the nearby temple and it is divided symmetrically into spaces with a massive appearance that direct the focal cuts towards the pivotal

Transversal section

Longitudinal section

Plan

points of the villa’s composition. The pyramidal volumes, reminiscent of Hadrian’s love for Egypt, are cut at the vertix to allow the light to enter from above. At the center of the pavilion is positioned a copy of the obelisk once existent in the Antinoeion.

The second pavilion is located at the highest point of the complex, facing the so called “Grand Therme”.

East elevation

Plan

ARENA SANTA GIULIA

Milan, Lombrady, Italy

2020

Sport facility / Public architecture

DESCRIPTION

Milano Santa Giulia is located between the districts of Rogoredo and Taliedo, an area that was known for its industrial character since the late 19th Century. The new Pala Italia in the Santa Giulia area of Milan will be the main ice hockey arena for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

The design underlying principle is to deny the monumentality and centrality of the sports complex. Therefore, a large suspended roof is considered to embrace the arena. This is mainly creating a strong connection between the arena and the surrounding. The Complex is comprised of two articulated parts, one is the canopy supported by freestanding columns and the other is the arena that is structurally autonomous and offers a capacity for 10000 spectators. Due to the flux of people during the Olympic period, functions as restaurants, cafeteria, and shops are considered in a close proximity to the arena while at the intersection of the complex the information box is located to distribute and guide the spectators.

The arena can be approached by all sides and all the covered space is creating a so-called buffer zone for the spectators to bide their time before the competitions. On the ground floor level, the main gates on 4 corners lead the public to the secondary zone which an external ring on the perimeter of the arena. This space consists of the main hall, service area, athlete’s entrances, press, and the main tunnels to the rink. Half of the arena is subterranean and the main tunnels lead the spectators to enter the arena from the middle. This kind of distribution contributes to better circulation. On the other hand, the reduction of the overall height of the arena helps to better organize the skyline.

Design area border, ice hockey Arena.

The subtracted volume integrates two main public pizzas to create an articulated public space in front of the complex to host the numerous spectators

The arena is placed on the axis of Hollywood boulevard which is the main public stream to the building.

The functions beneath the canopy are rotated to be parallel with the highway passing by the area in the east side.

The edeges and the planes in the complex design in a smooth way to create a fluid space.

Sorrounding exterior space

Floor levels

2.Cover

Buffer zone / entrances

ARENA