Subterranean Aquaponic Farming Feeding The Future - Year 3 Project Adaptation To Extreme Precipitation
Levenshulme Arts Centre Arts School & Gallery - Year 2 Project
Professional Work Housing & Urban Design
Marius Adrian Popa Sketches & Paintings
Architecture Portfolio
Subterranean Aquaponic Farming - Feeding the Future Stockport, Manchester, UK Individual Graduation Project (Academic) Author All Work - Marius Popa Year 3 Semester 2 & 3 (2014 - 2015) Tutor: Laura Coucill (L.Coucill@mmu.ac.uk)
Water Retention
Modular Housing
Underground Farming
Programme & Location
Climate Change: Risk of flood due to extreme precipitation increases by 40% in 2050.
Economic Districts developing - More paved impermeable surfaces
Social Division: Increase in gap between higher classes & less qualified working classes. Social Divison (Discrimination)
Unemployement
Skilled Working Class
Lower topographical zones become flood plains due to more rain & water surface run-off from peaks.
Lower topographical zones become flood plains due to more rain & water surface run-off from peaks.
By 2050 world food and water are becoming more scarce due to increasing population.
2050 Food Production Price Increase Stockport thriving economically becoming destination for skilled & highly educated employees.
50% increase
15% increase
Perception
Crime
High & Middle Class
Rich
Unemployment of social housing inhabitants (lower class society which are not as fortunate)
Cannot afford housing & living standards.
Fossil fuel resources are becoming very scarce, additionally its the main cause of high levels of polusion.
Lower Class
Rain Water Harvesting
Flood plains become less expensive to live on. Council estates re-locate to flood plains.
Internal food production required by lower classed inhabitants.
Renewable Source of Energy
Location Plan - Original Scale 1:1250 Site Flood Plain Zone
Council Estates
My personal interest for the programme is the social division in Stockport between the high class and the council estates generated by the flourishing economy, focusing on re-integration into society for the young families providing opportunities through a private residential farming scheme. These themes have been chosen after in depth research into climate, economy, infrastructure and socio-culture within Stockport. 2050 was selected as the year of my programme development due to the aggravation of extreme precipitation resulting to an increase in the frequency of flash floods. My agenda also focuses on the connection between the world problems every country will face in 2050 and responding to the extreme precipitation climate change while reducing the gaps between seasons where winters become much wetter and summers much drier.
High Class Residential Estates
Chosen Location
2015 Council estate residents high ground - world problems not felt fully. Estates are being refurbished attracting various potential qualified workforce. Shopping Facilities (Transition Zone)
Shopping Facilities
Derelict areas & Flood plains
2025 Stockport economy growing rapidly in qualified sectors attracting wide range of high class people requiring accommodation facilities.
2050 Council estate residents cannot afford living costs migrating to much cheaper flood plains where new developments are taking place. New Council Estates
Solar Intake Farm - North side is 1 floor higher to reflect south light towards underground farm
Building moulded over topography with modular flats elevated above dangerous flood prediction level.
Primary Structure Beams 5m 2m
Water surface run-off from gigher topographical zones cause area to become an endangered flood plain Sun path diagram of the winter and summer projection. Rising in the east and setting in the south, with the south providing the most daylight.
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Site Analysis & Development Strategy
Axis - The axis of existing neighbouring and original industrial buildings (now demolished), breaks up the building into residential and leisure zones.
Derelict, missused site left unhabituated caused wild vegetation to develop causing hidden spaces, commonly used by drug
Applying System and Order - Massing re-organisation of spaces on structural grid creating an order to the design and allowing for extra possibilities. 9m The busy motorway gives off noise, pollution and vibrations to the surrounding landscape
North
North
North
South
South
South
Wind analysis predicts where the strongest winds will hit from making the design adapted to wind loads and possibly ways of breaking up strong winds.
Sunpath Analysis predicts the change in height (angle) of the sun based on monthly changes. This allows to predict the best orientation.
Best Orientation on site to maximise sunlight intake, protect against under-heated and overheated periods is SSE (South East) 165o.
Massing Model - Building has been split into 4 sections to create a balanced and open living space. Two large atrium’s carve the sun path to the underground 3 storey inverted pyramid farm. Staggered flats slow down wind and break up noise.
Masterplan & Adaptation Strategy
1. Council Building Roof Top 2. Earth Tubes (Ventilation) 3. Water Collection Square 4. Underground Parking (Blue Roof) 5. Sports Field 6. Promenade Walkway (Permeable Paving) 7. Habitat Forest 8. Bio-fuel Station 9. M60 Motorway 10. Main Street 11. Water Collection Gutter System 12. Tesco Supermarket 13. Undeveloped Space 14. River
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Water Retention Landscape Objects 12
Permeable Pavement 1. Priora Concrete Block Paving
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3. Washed 20mm graded aggregate depth 250mm
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4. Capping Layer 20mm
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2. Washed 6mm aggregate 50mm depth
5. Soil
Water perforates porous pavement concrete and is absorbed by the soil.
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Water Tree 1. Tensile Waterproof Fabric fabric collects rain, merging depending on the weight of amount collected.
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2. Inverted Cone Structure structure is made of light aluminium bars and PVC panels in between spaces. Double skin component acts as sun shading.
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3. Water Filtration System - rain is filtered allowing water to be potable .
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4. Clean Water Tank 5. Water Tap
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Water Bench
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1. Water Collection Points
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2. Timber Strips to Sit On Slightly Slanted To collect Water
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3. Water Storage Tank (Aluminium)
Adaptation to Extreme Precipitation
Flood Defence Barriers Incoming flood
Main Rail Structure
Ground infiltration
Flood Barrier
Damp Proof Membrane Protects Against Water
Vulnerable Zone
Steel barriers active -(25mm) have a wooden frame layer added to surface bringing in context. The farm is protected from infiltrated water by damp proof membranes which coat the outside of the farm concrete walls.
Modular Housing
Flood Defence Barrier
Pile Foundation
Subterranean Aquaponic Farm
Surge barrier is located in between the living spaces and the farm. It aims at protecting vulnerable zone above farm and avoid the blockage of light for farm. Steel barriers rise up to 2.25 metres when activated, moving on a rail system with hydraulics pushing the plates up into a pyramid position.
Water Retention & Filtration
Original Scale 1:200 Longitudinal Section
Water Catchment & Location Of Storage Points
Underground Purification Station
Rooftop water dispenser to gutter system
Sloped M60 Water run-off
Surface water run-off Sloping Surfaces
Permeable surface allowing run-off from water chamber envelope.
Rainwater retaining zones Uncollected surface run-off (drainage)
Rooftop Rainwater
Maximum Water Level 2.20 m
Water from gutters filtered and collected in water chamber
Collected surface run-off Gutters collecting water & disposing of it in allocated areas Water Filtration System
Water can be used for residential or for aquaponics farm.
Water is retained for 24 hours and it can either be released in the sewage system or be used by the residential building.
Water is filtered through different sedimentation tanks. Water is treated with chemicals and becomes potable.
Skin Development
Timber Rainscreen Cladding - replicating brick buildings in close proximity, using renewable materials.
Concrete Structure & Aluminium Cast Facade Panels - similar materials to M60 pre-cast concrete bridge motorway.
Vegetation Panels & Green Wall (South Elevation)/ Green Roof natural insulator merging with the dense woodland in close proximity to the river on either side.
Application of brick shape & texture in different arrangements. Application of plates onto metal structure.
3D visualisation of panels in the shape of the facade of a flat.
External Perspective - showing choice of materials within site context.
East Green Wall Elevation Original Scale 1:200
Materiality & Spatiality
Elevation AA Section BB
Original Scale 1:200 North Elevation (AA)
Original Scale 1:200 Farms Section Cut (AA)
Structure Breakdown
Exploded Axonometric - Spaces Breakdown
Green Roof - curved in the shape of the hills in close proximity
Roof Structure - curved space trusses span lengthways while cross bracing reinforces the structural element.
Refrigerator Spaces - farm organic fruit and vegetables stored in a cool room. There are 6 large rooms with three on second level and 3 on ground floor.
Original Scale 1:200 Ground Floor
Social Floor - located between First and Third floor with a bar, gym and sitting zones.
Refrigerator Spaces
Subterranean Farm located under the building. There are 3 main floors of growing crops and 1 floor fish tank.
Original Scale 1:200 First Floor
Housin Units Breakdown
Housing Typology 1 - Two Person Flat
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Original Scale 1:200 Third Floor
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Entrance Space
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Open Plan Living Space
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Kitchen & Dinning Space
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WC & Shower
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Master Bedroom
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Storage Space
Housing Typology 2 - Four Person Flat (Family) 3
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Original Scale 1:200 Fourth Floor
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Entrance Space
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Open Plan Living Space
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Kitchen & Dinning Space
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Cloakroom
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Guest Single Bedroom
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Door To Roof-top Garden
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Storage Space
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Master Bedroom
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Double Bedroom
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Bathroom
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Two Floor Atrium
Summer & Winter Ventilation Strategy Green roof acts a natural insulator protecting against heat loss or gain
Hot air escapes through louvres in the roof.
through roof surface. Curved green roof sitting on a space truss structure supported on the steel beams of the building and reinforced with cross bracing Space used for ventilation and ductwork within the edifice. Hot air rises and leaves through the semi-permeable wall.
Warm, oxygenated air is brought up from the farm through the structure and released into the atrium space creating a constant
Fresh air channelling through the opened louvres cooling down the large atrium. (cross ventilation)
Earth tubes bring in fresh air from the south-east.
Internal modular home floor structure is constructed with horizontal timber battens which lay on the firm steel casing of the building.
Fresh air is heated up by the natural inverted pyramid acting as a radiator for the farm.
Sunlight Intake Strategy
Walls are constructed from pre-cast concrete sandwich panels. Rain-screen facade is attached to panel with aluminium rails.
Floor structure is in-situ concrete cast over a corrugated metal sheeting. Water Pipes run through insulation layer cooling down floors and surroundings.
In-situ concrete ground frame structure set on a pile foundation directs building loads to ground.
Summer Ventilation
Winter Ventilation
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Structure, Ventilation & Sunlight
Adaptable facade opens/closes depending on the humidity levels in order to catch as much rainwater as possible before it hits the ground.
Water from the Tame river is pumped through the structure of the building cooling down a large part of the slabs.
W (Janu inter Sea so ary) S un an n gle 1 o 4
South Light - penetrates the building through the top and reflects into the farm through the angled glass panels within reflective curtain.
Underground aquaponics farm pierced by a large inverted pyramid channelling light equally to the perimeter
Honeycomb curtain has a highly reflective layer of tinted glass. The glass is angled to the winter axis to reflect the maximum light towards the underground farm.
Equal amount of light directed to perimeter of prism
30m Light void channelling light to underground farm. The roof is oblique channelling south light into large atrium.
Reactive Facade
Reactive Facade - Dry 1. Lightweight Concrete Slab Finish (60mm) 2. Batt Insulation (150mm) 8
3. Steel I-Beam (225mm x 350mm) 4. Copper Pipes (60mm diameter) - Thermally Activated Slab
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5. Reinforced Concrete Bars (1.5mm Diameter) 6. In-Situ Concrete Slab (150mm) 7. Metal Decking
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8. Plasterboard (50mm) 9. Timber Battens
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10. Pre-Cast Concrete Sandwich Panel (325mm - 105mm Insulation)
Vegetation Panels
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11. Damp proof Membrane (30mm) 12. Cedar Timber Rain-screen (80mm) 13. Aluminium Frame
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14. Steel Wire (5mm diameter)
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15. Movable Aluminium Panel (30mm)
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16. Stationary Aluminium Cast Panels (30mm) 17. Green Matt + Plant (125 mm)
Secondary Facade acts as a visual translation between context and building with different shades of grey aluminium panels and occasional green plants.
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18. Polycarbonate Panel (20mm)
Reactive Facade - Humid
19. Polycarbonate Gutter
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20. Aluminium Frame (Cladding Rain-screen)
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21. Deflection Head 22. Mineral Wool Packing (80mm)
Humidity Sensors in motionless panels.
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23. Flanking Strip (5mm)
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22 23 Gutter
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Original Scale 1:20 Wall-Floor-Facade Detail
Humidity reactive facade - Aluminium panels flip open to collect as much water as possible before it reaches the ground to counteract the possible flood. Rain slides of the inside of the panel into a gutter system behind the facade. Water is stored in one of the 2 storage zones around the landscape.
Farm Model & Programme
Domino Tripod Rack System
Dirty Fish Water Full of Nitrates
Additional Nitrates added to water.
Fruits/ Vegetables Main Pipe Flowing Back to Farm
-1 Vegetable Level
-2 Fruits Level
Cleansed Water
Water flows through domino rack tubes, feeding the plants , cleaning the water from residue. Water is recirculated to the fish farm.
-3 Leafy Greens Level
-4 Fish Farm Level
Sectional Perspective cutting through secondary subterranean farm showing habitation and use of aquaponic rack systems used to grow fruit and vegetables. The surface also shows outdoor space protected by surge barriers in case of a flood.
Interior perspective of cutaway showing circulation around hollow glass prism.
Exterior space under building enclosed by surge barriers.
Perspective showing all 3 floors used for planting.
Flood & Day After
Section CC
Elevation DD
River Level Begining to Rise
Scale 1:200 Elevation South (DD)
Steel surge barrier elevates from ground level to a 45 degree angle creating a 2.5 metre barrier. Hydro-gel fills the gaps between timber planks, absorbing water and expanding to provide a seal.
Curved farm roof rests on a tension cable structure. Glazing disperses light throughout farm evenly.
Cantilever retaining wall foundation resisting ground inner pressure. Foundation is waterproofed against groundwater from the outside and inside.
Tilted curtain wall system creating the inverted prism shape. Glazing is supported by load-bearing columns.
Reinforced concrete slab.
Original Scale 1:50 Section Cut (CC) Farm Detail
Fish Farm walls have been waterproofed from the inside to retain water.
Farm Compartment Detail
1. In-Situ Concrete Slab (100mm) 2. Vapour Membrane (30mm) 3. Mineral Wool Insulation (100mm) 4. Steel I-Beam (120mm x 180mm) 5. Residue Water PVC Profile (400mm diameter) 6. PVC Nitrate Tanks 7. In-Situ Concrete Column (150 mm diameter) 8. PVC Profile Pipe (20mm diameter) 9. Plant Domino Rack 10. Curtain Wall System (Tilted 80mm) 11. Floor Finish Concrete Lightweight (40mm) 12. Batt Insulation (Rigid 100mm) 13. Damp Proof Membrane (40mm) 14. PVC Profile Pipe (Cleansed Water 300mm) 15. Plasterboard White Finish (40mm)
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16. Timber Battens 17. Batt Insulation (Rigid 170mm) 18. Vapour Membrane (30mm) 19. Welded Fabric Controlling Cracks Shrinkage
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20. Reinforced Steel Bars (20mm)
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21. In-Situ Concrete Cantilever Retaining Wall
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(700mm base x 300 peak) 22. Damp Proof Membrane (40mm) 23. Hydraulics Surge Barrier System
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24. Rail System Surge Barrier 18 9
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Atrium Usage
Levenshulme Arts Centre Levenshulme, Manchester, UK Individual Project (Academic) Author All Work - Marius Popa Year 2 Semester 3 (2013 - 2014) Tutor: George Epolito (G.Epolito@mmu.ac.uk) & Urun Kilic (architect@urunkilic.com)
Modular Housing
Underground Farming
Site Analysis & Development Strategy
Level -1/2 Arts Gallery & Library
Roof Plan & Context Original scale 1:200
Level 1/2 - Large Mezzanine Studio
Geometry Outdoor Space- the geometry of the outdoor space follows a similar approach to the one of the Arts Centre & existing road which has been pedestrianised with shared surface. The brown axis focuses on the main circulation to the arts centre while the green axis replicates the half level play within the proposed building.
Level 1 - Large & Small studios
Structure Development
Initial Cantilever Sketch
Post & Beam Structure Model
Understanding post & beam structure
Breakdown of post & beam structure
Post & beam model planning
Initial Cantilever Mass-
Modelmaking was the approach chosen to develop structural frames and post and beam system. Initially the development started by sketching out structural system and breaking down key parts. The cantilever frame structure was used to understand possible connections and capabilities, which later helped develop layout strategies taking into account constraints discovered.
Experimenting floor plate and layout strategy on physical model.
Structure & Circulation
Skylight created by frame structure
Primary Cantilever Structure
Double skin reactive facade
Floor plate showing mix of large and small art studios. Interior perspective revealing material treatment and light qualities within the space.
Exploded axonometric - unveiling the primary, secondary and tertiary structure. Floor plates are exploded revealing the mezzanine studios and centralised circulation. The cantilever structure creates large roof lights lighting the main atrium.
Original Scale 1:100
Programme Breakdown
Main Studio
Canopy extending over pavement providing shelter for passers by.
Small Studio
Art Gallery
Gallery & Modular Spaces Original Scale 1:100
Interior perspective revealing wide-span space which accommodates the art gallery, enclosed by heavy slate wall construction
Large studio interior expressing working atmosphere for primary school children and spacial qualities.
Environmental & Construction Strategy
Technical Section Through Modular Spaces Original Scale 1:50
Air Pocket Entrance - pocket of air is trapped in between the outer door space and the inner space creating a temperature transition maintaining a constant climate within the building.
Roof to curtain wall detail explaining the facade system and the connection to the structural beam.
Reactive Facade - rainwater is directed to the front facade where a waterfall feature is created in between the double skin, lighting up the water sensor planks. Water is collected and stored in an underground tank for lavatory system.
Earthtubes - collecting fresh air which is heated by heat exchanger, and distributed around the building for natural ventilation.
Interior Circulation Perspective - mezzanine level change and circulation around the arts centre.
Reactive Facade
Stockport Road Elevation Original Scale 1:100
LED Polyvinyl Chlorade - sensors light up coloured LED’s located on planks re-directing roof water to collection tank creating a playful facade reflecting on program within the building
Outdoor Space - inhabited by the Levenshulme community. Water fountain breaks the sound created by traffic on Stockport Road.
Entrance - is the only location where planks cannot be located since space is used as pocket air system.
Populated outdoor space designed to closely relate with art centre level play.
Stockport road perspective showing functioning facade system during rainy season.
Professional Work Planning application (London) Author: Maccrenor Lavington 2015 -2016 Contact: Kevin Logan (kl@maccreanorlavington.com) Team Work
Project Management
North Bank (London)
Parsons Green is part of the London redevelopment sites. The site currently accommodates 2 old abandoned train sheds and a 1930’s existing building. The new masterplan scheme which I was part of for over 2 months proposes to accommodate over 300 new homes as well as retail and office facilities.
Massing Strategy
Setback implemented at penthouse level to maintain low building profile
Level adjustment due to emerging context
Thorough the project I took part in 3D digital modelling, designing housing unit plans, elevation material treatment and urban design integrating scheme within the existing context while reflecting on affects on nearby residents. I was able to assist to all changes and new challenges the team faced learning new design strategies and legislation restrictions.
Gaps in between blocks implemented to lower the lighting and massing effect on nearby houses.
Masterplanning Scheme (North London)
Physical model created by me shows one of the many proposals. The model is very flexible, able to detach into 3 main pieces while the proposed options slot out leaving space for other future changes.
I am currently working on a masterplaning scheme in the north of London which will accommodate over 350 housing facilities, community centre and retail. The scheme includes over 20 typologies of flats, terraced houses and maisonettes. The scheme engages with the constraints such as the underground network which requires a certain distance offset which
Thorough the project I have assisted with division of blocks, physical modelling, sketches of proposal, housing unit planning, use diagramming and spreadsheet management. The scheme connects to the greenway therefore it will be a future key connection to the Plaistow neighbourhood.
Hobbies (Sketches & Paintings) Individual Project Author: Marius Popa From 2013 - 2016 Sketches & Paintings
Sketches
La Tourette (2014) - Le Corbusier
Ferminy (2014) - Le Corbusier
Portrait of old man - Hobby (2016)
La Tourette (2014) - Le Corbusier
Portrait Florin - Hobby (2015)
Manchester Royal Exchange Study (2015)
Paintings
Winter Melancholy
Tunnel of Colours
Amsterdam Sunrise (Working Progress)
Silent Beauty