Mohammad Zahidi | Architecture Portfolio

MOHAMMAD ZAHIDI

Coventry University

RIBA Part I 2024

Collection Of Selected Works.

MOHAMMAD ZAHIDI.

RIBA Part 1 Architect

Birmingham, United Kingdom

mazahidi98@gmail.com

+44 07517705245

A driven professional, I thrive in challenging environments, excelling in problem-solving. After graduating from Coventry University with a First Class BSc (Hons) degree and RIBA Bronze Medal nominated, I’m ready and excited to pursue the role of a Part 1 Architectural Assistant.

My passion for continuous improvement drives me to deliver exceptional results. I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to a dynamic team, aiming to make a positive impact and grow personally and professionally.

My work evolves around the traces of human movement and experience, that are carved into the landscape’s outline, through architectural sensibility. Although having a keen eye for architectural design and theory, I also take great care in my personal fine artwork which often influences my architectural projects.

2019 - 2023

EDUCATION

Coventry University

BSc Architecture • RIBA Part I

First Class

First Class Final Project

First Class Across All Academic Years

2021 - 2022

Coventry

2012 - 2019

Universidad Europea de Madrid Madrid

BSc Architecture • Study Abroad Erasmus+

Grade 10/10

Taller De Proyectos G6 Final Project

Heartlands Academy Birmingham

GCSE + A level Qualifications

• Secondary School

EXPERIENCE

2024 - Present

Midian Architecture

RIBA Part 1 Architectural Assistant

- Assist in the development and preparation of architectural drawings and plans.

- Collaborate with architects and designers to create schematic designs and presentations.

- Conduct site visits and assist in surveying and documenting existing conditions.

- Assist in researching materials, building codes, and regulations.

2023 - Present

2023 - 2023

2021 - 2023

Birmingham

- Support in the coordination of project documents and communication with consultants and contractors.

- Utilize software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Rhinoceros 3D/Sketchup for drafting and 3D modelling tasks.

- Contribute to the design process through brainstorming sessions and design reviews.

- Maintain organized project files and documentation to ensure efficient work flow.

Graphics Design

Freelance

Freelance work on diverse projects, including logo design, branding identity, social media, and marketing collateral.

ADOBE

Digital Edge

Ambassador

Promoting the Digital Edge Awards using strategic marketing techniques and spearheading the creative communities as a creativity leader.

Coventry Architecture Society

Graphic Design Manager

Providing graphics related material for events, workshops and talks for many prestigious offices, including MVRDV, EAA, DEWAN. Hosting software skills workshops.

Remote

Coventry

Coventry

ACHIEVEMENTS

Third Place Prize International Competition • Buildner Competition

RIBA Bronze Medal Nomination

RIBA • Coventry University

First Place Prize National Competition • Concrete Centre

CIOB Award Concrete Project

CIOB • Coventry University

3rd year ‘Year Prize’

Best Overall Performance

• Coventry University

Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop

Adobe

2nd year ‘Year Prize’ Best Overall Performance & Project • Coventry University

Young

DESIGN SKILLS

Autocad

Revit

Rhinoceros 3D Sketchup

Vray Photoshop * Illustrator Indesign

Physical Modelling Sketching/ Drawing Hand Drafting

* Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop

LANGUAGES

Farsi/Dari/Hazaragi Native

Spanish Elementary Level

• SETTING

Once upon an industrial era of smoke and soot; to the present day, of its hidden gems shrouded and mute. Fear its future, for the problems it brings. An era of tech driven depression/ internet pollution and capitalism reign kings.

ABBIT HOLE •

The current world is driven by a capitalistic direction, internet pollution and tech-driven depression, but there is a place of impermanent nature and creative wonder that can escape this. It encourages adventure and exploration and reminds society of the importance of dwelling as a form of counter-culture. But, what exactly does it mean to ‘dwell’?

To dwell is curiosity.

To dwell is human.

Economic expansion and mass manufacturing were eventually the foundations upon which Digbeth’s architectural language was built. Unfortunately, Digbeth’s current creative communities lie hidden amongst the soot of its industrial past. This meant that there was no place for what Alice would eventually come to ask when she peeked inside the book her sister was reading. “What is the use of a book without images or conversations?” Alice wondered.

Digbeth is like that—a book of words, layered brick on brick with no room for illustrations or dialogue; a painful shift away from celebrating creative diversity and nuances.

This project brings light to this issue; by becoming the rabbit hole to enter Digbeth’s hidden wonderland. Exploring the little interactions between individuals, the timeless experience and happy accidents. Where do you dream your curiosity will take you?

HOW LONG IS FOREVER?

Sometimes, Just One Second

The Mad Hatter:

‘Have I gone mad?’

Alice:

‘I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret.

All the best people are’.

Form following function; stories of the users/community and the architecture to generate relationships and narratives. Such tales have special importance when they resonate back and forth between individual inspiration and the public narrative.

“I wanted to create a place that people could appropriate, that they could take over and it would not, in a sense, constrain them”,

“Much of the strategy was about letting people invent their own way to use the park.” - Bernard.

Parc de la Villette / Bernard Tschumi

Engaging with Digbeth’s vibrant community of creative social clusters. Digbeth has a rich mix of a range of creative and interactive interventions. Including many newly refurbished facilities that offer spaces for events, offices and other services, that can be reinforced in the project site as a initiation of innovative continuity.

Digbeth’s DNA is rooted in the industrial revolution, however there’s no doubt it has given way for a growing community of creative individuals that collaberate and share ideas.

CHARACTER PEOPLE Emerging Relationships CREATIVITY

Repetition of silhouettes and geometry of elements that define Digbeth’s built character.

From the visitors to artists, curators, workers and entrepreneurs.

Digbeth’s embracing energy towards innovation, with workshops and studios.

‘So, Curiosity Can Take Over Like A Parasite’

‘BUT WHY MODULARITY YOU SAY???’

• A Parasite •

Initial simple grid design didn’t follow along the curiosity narrative. Connections are important within the site as well as creating the interesting journey/ circulation across. We are always curious of what’s around every corner; A tetrahedral design brings spontaneity to this. However, extracting the honeycomb from the tetrahedral design; it offers both spontaneity and modularity.

Now, following along the honey-comb strategy, with hexagonal units split into several parts. Voids are carved across the solids to provide circulation. Finally, frames are scattered across to allow for modular growth and provide a playful character.

Intended to be adaptable inside a modular building system, with a multi-faceted approach that includes a range of possibilities for various growing scenarios, from single use to multi-purpose.

Just as stories are best told with everyone closely together, relationships embody this essence. The journey across the site becomes much more than a route.

We nurture by nature. Connect with one another, share our curiosity, listen to little voices carried by warm winds astir, create undying moments and foster timelessness within our own little worlds.

• THE ARTIST

• 1:200 GROUND FLOOR PLAN

relationships between the proximity of each spaces should

• Our Stories

Repetition of silhouettes and geometry of elements that define Digbeth’s built character. These elements are used to provide a subtle visual connection between the wall system design and to the site. The layer of curiosity and interest is evoked by its sense of impermanence and of a monumental structure standing on far-away land. Giving an ambiguous feel of nostalgia.

The units, which follow the model of prefabricated, flat-packed kits, are made to be disassembled for later reuse and recycling. The buildings’ sustainable and CO2-reducing construction method will also make use of glulam and CLT timber for its structural and environmental performance.

• Who Stole the Tarts? •

Character areas build up the narrative of the experiences; the Artist of its creative studios, the Botanist of its natural wonder and the Curious of its contagious connectivity.

Every turn of a every corner tells a tale, different but ever so subtly connected ... attracted.

The river breathes a powerful presence, nurtured among the botanical pavilions. A gaze into the distance, whose heavy hand you follow. Skip across, a disobedient heart, pursue the horizon, a little lost, a little more like Alice.

The child peaks the corner, awaiting happy accidents.

Architecture that fosters community and connection is a transformative force, weaving the fabric of society together. It goes beyond mere structures; it becomes a conduit for human interaction and shared experiences. Elements like communal gardens, inviting plazas, and shared facilities facilitate meaningful encounters, sparking conversations and friendships. By emphasizing human-centric design and inclusivity, this approach to architecture serves as a catalyst for a vibrant and tightly-knit community, where people feel connected to each other and to the spaces they inhabit.

Painting Studio

Botanical Arts & Crafts Studio River Bridge

Views of the site opens up as vertical and horizontal movement across the botanical pavilion provides continuously changing views out over the landscape.

• Alice’s Evidence

Bridge Botanical Pavilion

Such adventurous designs challenge conventions, pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and beckoning us to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration, both within and beyond ourselves. In this dynamic dance of architecture and adventure, we find a world united by creativity, where each building hosts a story of human ingenuity and the quest for boundless horizons.

Elevation view from High Street Deritend B4100. The main vehicular and pedestrian street towards the City Centre.

Tree Symbolism Of Community Gathering And Sharing Of Stories.

Fragmenting And Overlapping Leaf Elements For Cultural Interactions .

Arranging Intimate Spatial Engagement.

Shaping Voids And Varying Pocket Landscapes.

Introducing Vegetation.

Ethiopian Cultural Centre

+++ THIRD PLACE PRIZE +++

Addis Ababa , Ethiopia.

Context

Ethiopia - a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic country. A manifestation of socio-cultural differences of over eighty-two ethnic groups that inhabit the land for ages. Each of them manifests their own respective values, ideals, arts, rituals, songs, stories, literature, moral and spiritual wisdom.

Proposal

Ethiopian Cultural Centre is a proposal that aims to establish a community-driven cultural centre workplace focused on Ethiopian-themed visual arts across various fields. It seeks to organise enjoyable educational and entertainment events for people of all ages and backgrounds within the Ethiopian communities. Run by local individuals with the assistance of external organisation such as UNICEF.

Goal

Floor Plan Resolution.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

Buildner Competitions

The goal is to provide a re-imagined workplace for the mutual understanding among Ethiopian communities and their neighbours, fostering collaboration and showcasing positive aspects of their cultures. Instilling a sense of pride and community involvement among Ethiopians, facilitating their integration into the broader borough and mitigating feelings of isolation, loneliness, and low self-esteem.

Site

The site is located approximately 5km from the capital city, Addis Ababa, along the border of the Suba Menagesha Forest. An environment fit to enforce intimate community interactions and creative pursuit among its harmonious surrounding.

Some residents have never had the opportunity to utilize their creative and practical skills, such as sewing, pottery, weaving, batik making, cooking, musical talents, and more, even though they possess these abilities. This project will play a crucial role in bringing these skills to fruition, aiding in employability, and supporting individuals in establishing their small businesses, including participation in local arts and craft markets.

The Culture Workshops (01 & 02) serves as both a means of fundraising to support youth workshops and covering expenses like venue rentals, marketing, annual festivals, exhibitions, and the trade of Ethiopian arts and crafts. Ultimately, the initiative benefits anyone interested in learning about Ethiopian cultures and traditions.

Virtual collaboration spaces (03) designed to facilitate real-time collaboration among members of the community, regardless of their physical location. Creating a shared and interactive online workspace, fostering a sense of connection, teamwork, and productivity.

List Of Spaces:

Design + Sustainable Construction

The proposal seeks to embrace a climate-responsive design by considering local weather conditions, promoting natural ventilation, and utilizing shading techniques. Opt for locally sourced sustainable materials such as rammed earth and reclaimed wood to support the environment and local economies. Prioritizing energy efficiency with passive solar design and renewable energy sources like solar panels. Implementing water conservation measures, and waste reduction strategies for an overall eco-friendly approach.

The architecture seamlessly blends high-tech engineering principles with indigenous knowledge and locally available materials, showcasing a pragmatic approach that celebrates and complements the locality. By marrying new technology with traditional wisdom, the design creates an elegant and durable structure; a cross combination of timber beams and steel frame roof structure. Notably, the buildings utilize materials abundant in the region; rammed earth walls as a sustainable and cost-effective building solution that provides natural insulation, and aligns with cultural styles. Lightweight aluminium roofing offers an environmentally friendly solution for quick construction and high durability, minimizing maintenance through its sustainable, energyefficient, and recyclable properties.

1. 450mmx600mm Concrete Perimeter Foundation

2. 450mm Thick Rammed Earth, Concrete Raised By 150mm

3. 500mmx100mm Timber Top Plate, Tied Down To Rammed Earth

4. Timber Shading Panels

5. 50mmx300mm Timber Beam (X2), Angled at 15/20 Degrees

6. 50mmx50mm Steel Beam Cross Framework(X2)

7. Pigmented Corrugated Aluminium Roof Sheets

8. 200mm Concrete Floor Slab

9. 100mmx500mm Timber Ridge Beam

10. 50mmx150mm V-Shaped Timber Pillars (X2)

Underground Water Storage

Natural Ventilation

Rain Water Collection

Communal Kitchen

In the post-pandemic era, the workshop spaces are created for easy reconfiguration and tailoring for cultural preferences, events to promote inclusivity, collaboration, and a positive workplace experience for all members. Spaces are arranged at intimate proximity to one another, bordered between outdoor courtyards , offering alternating changes of pace between work and relaxation.

The Culture Workshop is split into two spaces; the making space and the sharing space. The making space involves cultural engagement, active learning and creative interaction between members. Whereas, the sharing space highlights the opportunity for activities that require active listening and attention, such as storytelling, exhibition and symposiums.

Courtyard

Courtyard Culture Workshop - Making Space

Crane’s Fen

+++ FIRST PLACE PRIZE +++

The Ouse Fen Nature Reserve, UK.

Brief

To design a sustainable concrete structure within a former quarry that allows both humans and wildlife to successfully share the same environment, providing a platform for biodiversity and opportunities for visitors to engage with and learn about the natural and geological environment. The setting for the structure is any publiclyaccessible location within the Ouse Fen Nature Reserve, near Cambridge.

Bio-diversity is nurtured by the water body elements of the site.

NATIONAL COMPETITION

The Concrete Centre

The architectural form captures the water’s essence through its combination of rhythmic fluidity and continuity of movement. Voids are present across the roof to embody the aspect of water droplets, providing visual connection to the sky and allowing light to filter through, whilst protecting from rain in areas of activity.

Cranes Fen is composed of a fluid path that integrates as a continuation of nature; engaging with the water bodies, providing various activities along the way.

The Cafe is a node of relaxation that provides a visual connection to the natural environment.

The scenic journey created between the cafe and the workshop allows for an atmospheric fluctuation between elements of light, wind and nature.

The Workshop hosts family friendly seasonal activities including: Feed the birds, build a bird box, pond dipping, up cycling nature, wild life surveys etc.

1. Neoadvance Igu Glazing, Sky Light

2. Roof Light Frame With Fixing Screw And Cover Trim

3. Steel Brackets Fixed To Concrete Structural Beam

4. Concrete Cladding Tiles, With 1:40 Gradient

5. Single Ply Fully Adhered Roof Membrane Over Insulation. Lapped With Vapour Control Layer. Gradient To Be Applied At 1:40

6. Hanson Fibrecrete Macro Mix Precast Roof Slab. 150mm

7. Vapour Membrane Hot Welded To Flashing Strip

8. Hanson Ecoplus Mix 7 Concrete Structural Beam, 150mm

9. Kingspan Tr26 Thermaroof, Flat Roof Insulation Board, 110mm

10. Direct Bearing Precast Screw Tie To Provide Lateral Restraint.

11. Hanson Ecoplus Mix 7 Structural Column. 120mm

12. Lkab Gypsol Xs Rustique Screed. 50mm

13. Prooftherm High Performance Insulating Screed With Pumice Aggregate At Required Thickness.

14. 2.5mm 1200 Gauge Permagard Damp Proof Membrane

15. Kingspan Thermafloor Tf70 High Performance Floor Insulation Board. Bes 6001 Certified. 150mm

16. 3max Mst-Bar Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer Concrete Reinforcing Bars. Precast Fixings. Aci 440 Compliant

17. Steel Bracket With Bolts

18. Glulam Beam

19. Timber Decking With Cross Battens

20. British Steel Recycled External Handrail

21.

Carabanchel Pavilion

+++ GRADE 10/10 +++

Carabanchel, Madrid, Spain.

Brief

The aim is to develop an information pavilion on the new forms and solutions for living, as aspects derived from the current and future pandemics, as a global architectural device.

It is therefore a question of influencing reflection on the way of life, which influences aspects such as, for example, apart from those raised, the new family configurations or the house as an extension of the world of work.

Playing with the aspects of modularity and a parametric design, using origami as a transitional medium to materialise the idea into an architectural piece.

The pavilion hosts a community workshop in which ties to the concept of the structure’s ability to grow in any desired direction due to its simple modular design of repeating units. The structure essentially transforms into an architectural parasite that can extend across, feeding in visitors and taking them to many other possible directions.

1. West Elevation

2. Ground Floor Plan

3. Interior

4. Exploration

5. South Elevation

SCAN TO READ FULL DISSERTATION

ABSTRACT

This paper examines narrative and identity to signify the Bamiyan Buddhas’ existence to the local people, the Hazara population in their struggle with generational persecution. Taliban iconoclasm severed connections between tangible cultural heritage and its stakeholders. Discussing the cultural sensitivity of reconstruction to the Hazara, the wider nation and the international community. However, restoration is seen to discredit the legitimacy of the preservation of cultural heritage. Considering the collective struggle of the Hazara as a defining source to empower the Buddhas’ niches as a void for imagination and memory. How individuals choose to relate and assign meaning and significance to the past is very diverse and difficult to anticipate.

Nonetheless, the fact that many existing stakeholders appear to be enthusiastic about the Buddha monuments indicates that there is a lot of momentum. This should help with identifying a direction for the post-conflict narrative. The assimilation of meaning is re-claimed by the presence of a void within the niches of the Buddha. Despite, the erasure of their culture and belittling of their identity, Hazaras are fierce in their pursuit of recognition and continue to play an active role in the future-making of the Buddhas’ legacy.

Undergraduate Dissertation

+++ FIRST CLASS +++

This module heavily relies on my own initiative to select a dissertation topic that sustains in-depth investigation, formulating a focused research question that piques my interest and drives research in the subject area.

Thus, I chose a subject area close to home.

‘ BEAUTY MYTH ’ 2022

An innocent expression contradicting the red-handed crime scene, a warning sign for gullible viewers who are too captivated by the essence of her beauty. The large influence from this “beauty myth” makes one wonder if it comes with a possessing personality.

‘ PROGRESSIVE THOUGHT ’ 2023

The beginning of a series that explores marking-making nature’s essence and exploring the intricate beauty of dried flora. Capturing the delicate remnants of plants, flowers, and foliage, revealing a subtle yet profound narrative of time, impermanence, and the relentless cycle of nature’s existence.

Unveiling new ways of perceiving and connecting with the ever-changing tapestry of nature’s delicate creations.

Thank you for reading! :)

This is Mohammad Zahidi, for further discussion please don’t hesitate to contact me.

mazahidi98@gmail.com

+44 07517705245

@zahidi.studio

www.linkedin.com/in/mazahidi