Architectural Portfolio by Melina Koutra

PORTFOLIO MELINA KOUTRA email: melina_koutra@yahoo.gr tel: +393913757169

SYNCRONICITY March 2019- September 2019 Susa Valley, Italy Final Thesis Project

In a rapidly evolving society where technology and telecommunications constitute its main components data centers are becoming a crucial part of the contemporary infrastructure. They are centralised locations where computing and networking equipment is concentrated for the purpose of collecting, storing, processing, distributing of allowing access to large amounts of data. Considering also the strategic position of Susa Valley between Italy and France, the upcoming construction of the high-speed railway network (TAV) and the international station that will serve it, the main concept of the project was conceived. A place of transit, where present and future can be combined with the introduction of a new urban environment to the existing framework.The purpose of the project is to connect the city of Susa with the new station in such a way to combine both the pedestrian and the vehicle access. During the design process, it was challenging to deal with the existing infrastructure and integrate it into the project.

A large data center is an industrial-scale operation that consumes as much electricity as a small town, but in the same way produces the same amount of heating energy. Taking this into account some extra facilities were added in order to take advantage of the excess of energy. An office building, a hotel and a conference center were the main additions. All of them are connected with a unique dynamic axis of a pedestrian promenade that rises from the ground and leads to the new International train station. The project aims to explore how the this excess of energy could be efficiently and sustainably used in favour of the contemporary society turning the data center from an obsolete hostile environment into a new technologically advanced working and living public space. The main ambition is to investigate how a particular construction like that can influence in an effective way not only the urban but also the human environment.

View from the the high speed road

View of the platform

View from the the high speed road

International station Kengo Kuma

city of Susa

A connection between the new International station and the center of the city of Susa, passing A connection between the new International over the obstacle of the infrustructural node. station and the center of the city of Susa, passing over the obstacle of the infrustructural node.

car entrance

A new vehicle entrance to the underground parking from the road-network of the new masterplan A new vehicle entrance to the underground was designed to bring the traffic flow from the city parking the road-network of the new and fromfrom the highway. masterplan was designed to bring the traffic flow from the city and from the highway.

Platform level floor plan

International station Kengo Kuma

pedestrian connection

car flow of the ground level car connection

- Vehicular access from the city of Susa - Pedestrian access from the International station - Vehicular access from the city of Susa of Susa.

- Pedestrian access from the International station of Susa.

The International station is placed on a higher level from the road and ground level. An horizontal International station is accessed placed on axis The is connecting the two points by a higher level from the road and ground level. vertical cores.

An horizontal axis is connecting the two points accessed by vertical cores.

Third floor plan

Section through data center

platform and platform and connection of connection the of the building building The pedestrian platform acts as a connection between the ground level and the internationThe pedestrian platform acts as a al station. It is a public promeconnection between the ground nade that connects the different buildings of the the international complex. level and station. It is a public promenade that connects the different buildings of the complex.

office building office building The office building, with various public services such as a cafe and a library, can host different The office building, with various companies or start-up. public services such as a cafe and a library, can host different companies or start-up.

datadata center towers center towers The driving force of the project is the data center, that is developed vertically with 3 autonThe driving force of the project is omous towers having different the data center, that is developed distances and connected to the office building. vertically with 3 autonomous towers having different distances and connected to the office building.

View of the offices lobby

commercial space

commercial spaces

Starting the promenade, the commercial building is the one closest to the station. It is a free Starting promenade, space that canthe be rented for the the future development of theisprocommercial building the one ject. closest to the station. It is a free

space that can be rented for the future development of the project.

temporary accomodation

conference center

temporary accomodation

conference center

The building that is used as a temporary accomodation includes hotel rooms and apartments depending building that is Itused as a onThe the needs of the users. is easily accessible by accomodation foot from the station temporary includes or hotel by car after leaving it in the underrooms and apartments ground parking. depending on the needs of the

users. It is easily accessible by foot from the station or by car after leaving it in the underground parking.

The conference center, which can be used by the offices or external companies, has a diThe entrance conference center, which can rect from the ground level, but by it the can offices also be acbe used or external cessed through companies, hasthea platform. direct entrance

from the ground level, but it can also be accessed through the platform.

Long perspective section through the office building

View from the the high speed road towards the offices

Level 4 apartments double height room offices

Level 3 double rooms restaurant outdoor terrace offices outdoor terrace

Level 2 commercial space changing rooms gym spa library & coworking offices

Level 1 commercial space reception offices reception library & coworking offices conference center

Exploded axonometric view

View of the hotel lobby

View of the hotel rooms

View of the data center

Physical model scale 1:200

Perspective section through the office building, hotel and conference center

Officeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building elevation

Hotel building elevation

THE URBAN VILLA November 2017- January 2018 Porto di Mare, Milan Group Project

Villa Wong is a building of contemporary architecture, which hosts co-working and co-living spaces. The main conception, on which the whole design process was based on, is a simply and light structure, composed of only four concrete walls as the vertical structural elements and a steel structure as the horizontal one. The idea behind this principal is the creation of light architecture and of a free standing building, which allows the user to live and function in it with comfort and without distractions. In order to define the functionality of every space, two different volumes were created. The first one, at the ground floor level, hosts the co-working spaces and the second one, which consists of two levels, is the co- living area. Concerning the vertical communication, the main circulation system is placed at the inner space which is defined by the four walls. The staircase reach successively every floor, until the terrace.The faรงade is constructed with thin perforated steel panels. The main concept was to create a closed surface with small openings in order to keep privacy but also to filter the sun light. For the last purpose, it is also why the elevated roof is created.

Concerning the demand of natural light at the atrium that is created in the middle of the building, the most efficient solution was to create a secondary element, which would allow the light to insert indirectly into the core of this building. Regarding the ground floor level and the working space, the leading idea was to create unified common areas in order to build up the collaboration, the contribution and the interplay between the users. As for the outer shell of this volume, the main material that is used is glass, in order to obtain a clear relationship with the environment, to enhance the contact between the human and nature and to let sun light insert directly in it. On the other hand, the second volume is more introverted. This is where the living zone is. Both of the two floors consist of individual rooms with separated bathrooms, common but also vital areas such as living room and kitchen, but also secondary spaces such as gym and play room. In order to determinate the common areas, open spaces with double height were created, where the only large openings to the walls are used. The circulation again is defined by the four structural walls.

Exterior view

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ground floor

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Ground floor plan

ground floor

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first floor

1-100

first School floor of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering

Professors: Alessandro Rocca, Enrico Molteni Tutors of Architecture: Maria Feller, Rossella Ferorelli, Yulia Filatova, Marta Geroldi, Federica Rasenti, Elisaveta Sudravskaya, Francesca Zanotto

Master of Science degree ARCHITECTURE - BUILT ENVIRONMENT INTERIORS (BEI) Academic Year 2017/2018

Students: Claudia Borri, Melina Koutra, Eleni Pegiadou

First floor plan

School of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering Master of Science degree ARCHITECTURE - BUILT ENVIRONMENT INTERIORS (BEI) Academic Year 2017/2018

Professors: Alessandro Rocca, Enrico Molteni Tutors of Architecture: Maria Feller, Rossella Ferorelli, Yulia Filatova, Marta Geroldi, Federica Rasenti, Elisaveta Sudravskaya, Francesca Zanotto

Students: Claudia Borri, Melina Koutra, Eleni Pegiadou

ground floor, first floor

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ground floor, first floor

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second floor

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Interior views of the co-working space

Second floor plan

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outdoor roof terrace

School of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering Master of Science degree ARCHITECTURE - BUILT ENVIRONMENT INTERIORS (BEI) Academic Year 2017/2018

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Professors: Alessandro Rocca, Enrico Molteni Tutors of Architecture: Maria Feller, Rossella Ferorelli, Yulia Filatova, Marta Geroldi, Federica Rasenti, Elisaveta Sudravskaya, Francesca Zanotto

Students: Claudia Borri, Melina Koutra, Eleni Pegiadou

second floor, roof plan

Exterior view

roof

glass box window

outdoor terrace

second floor

first floor

vertical distribution

ground floor

Exploded axonometric exploded axonometric

School of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering Master of Science degree ARCHITECTURE - BUILT ENVIRONMENT INTERIORS (BEI) Academic Year 2017/2018

Professors: Alessandro Rocca, Enrico Molteni Tutors of Architecture: Maria Feller, Rossella Ferorelli, Yulia Filatova, Marta Geroldi, Federica Rasenti, Elisaveta Sudravskaya, Francesca Zanotto

Students: Claudia Borri, Melina Koutra, Eleni Pegiadou

functions - cohousing, coworking

Final model scale 1:100

Perforated Panels

Opening Panels

Glass Facade

Structural Detail Technical detail section

Section

SAVUDRODRO COMMUNITY HALL August 2018- September 2018 Savudrodro, Vanua Levu, Fiji Volunteering Building Project, CAUKIN Studio

During the cyclone season every year, including Cyclone Winston in 2016, the excessive rain causes the Savudrodro Creek, running adjacent to Savudrodro Village, to flood. Occurring every year, this flooding compromises the old community hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s structure further and further. As a result, in 2018, CAUKIN Studio spent 8 weeks, relocating and constructing a new community hall in the village - raised off the ground to prevent future damage to the hall due to flooding. Villagers and international participants worked with the CAUKIN Team, in partnership with The Naqaqa Giving Foundation to build the hall, which will now host village meetings, local groups and events, community workshops, weddings and funerals; it is a place for the community to come together as one.

The design consists of large angular portal frames which create a unique and visually striking form. The angular facade to the rear allows a greater unimpeded floor space, lighting and ventilation as well as a floor-level, reclined, seating area. There is a large decking to the front of the building, functioning as a spill out space for the village as well as a place to stage choir performances and traditional Fijian mekesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (dances). This open external space allows the adults to sit and socialise or work on craft work as their young children play on the village green in front. Four large timber sliding doors connect the hall to the main village green whilst the angled rear facade fronts onto the rugby field behind. The building is clad in large treated plywood shingles, some of which open out to allow more light and air into the space, maintaining a cool and bright atmosphere inside.

Front view of the building

Costruction process

View of the interior main space

Back view of the building

AGRICOURTYARDS March 2019- April 2019 Benga, Malawi Competition (3rd prize), AOUMM + Monoatelier Architects

Inspired by the traditional compound, where rural communitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; live sharing resources, knowledge and simply daily life, courtyards are the key to create different â&#x20AC;&#x153;micro cosmosâ&#x20AC;? with different functions and atmospheres. The courtyards, composed by different classes and students of different ages, are thought to recreate the social dynamics of a rural community where young children spend time with older children have delegated responsibility to care for and supervise younger children. This will generate a participative spirit and child to child sociability. The entire project is planned to be built by local builders using local materials. This choice answer to the scarcity of resources and it should encourage the community to take part in maintaining the building. Buildings are placed on a basement, against humidity and flooding, and walls are made out of soil bricks.

These bricks beside from being cheap and easy to produce, it will also provide thermal protection. Perforated ceiling allows maximum ventilation, pulling cool air in from the windows and releasing hot air out through the holes. Shading for the buildings comes from metal shutters, and screens made out of eucalyptus sticks, which are placed on the sides most exposed to the sun. This will create an area where temperatures are lower than outside, and it will cool down the air flow into the classrooms. The entire project is based on a module that meets the dimension of a well-defined standard classroom, which has been used to respond to the entire program, with the exception of the multipurpose building. The multipurpose building, as well as the main courtyards, will be used by the students but, potentially, also from the local community for important events.

Interior classroom view

Masterplan

Scheme overview

Typical class module

View of the central outdoor space

REFURBISHMENT OF CHALET ON THE ALPES March 2018- June 2018 Ponte di Legno, Brescia, Italy Group Project

The project is located within a short distance from the town of Ponte di Legno, on the Alpes. After having studied the possible ways of approaching the site and the feasible uses that could be accommodated in the abandoned buildings it had been decided to use the group of buildings in order to host European Youth exchange programs. As a result, the proposed program suggested the restoration and transformation of the chalet in order to host the young participants. The aim was to use the space as efficiently as possible in order

to accommodate the maximum number of people and provide flexible rooms of different typologies to suit the different needs, while maintaining the character of the existing building and making the least amount of changes to the building fabric. Some furniture has been designed in detail in order to fit the spatial needs. The addition to the existing building is a flexible space which can be used either as a sleeping or sitting area. Energy performance calculations where performed in order to test the energy efficiency of the building.

View of the living room

View of the master bedroom

View of the extension multi-purpose room

Exploded axonometric

View of the kitchen-dinning space

85 210

Drawing details for furniture

LIVING ROOM 14 sqm h. 550

LAVATORY 6 sqm h. 222

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Drawing details for stairs

Drawing details for furniture

(0.00) DINING & KITCHEN 13 sqm h. 430

ENTRANCE h. 222

STORAGE 4.5 sqm h. 231

900 2100

MULTIPURPOSE ROOM 22 sqm h. 280

82 122

113 210

71 122

92 122

Second Floor Plan

Front elevation

Model scale 1:50

70 210

198 207

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LAVATORY 9.6 sqm h. 270

78 210

Drawing details for furniture

A MASTER BEDROOM 12 sqm h. 270

80 122

92 122

SHARED BEDROOM 13.3 sqm h. 270

71 122

80 210

(2.62)

First Floor Plan

Section A-A

Construction details

STUDENT HOUSING March 2018- June 2018 Porta Nuova, Milan Group Project

The project is a student accommodation in Milan, near Porta Garibaldi. The building sits at the border between a rapidly developing area and an area of historical interest. The aim of the proposal was to regenerate and bring life back to the area of the former naviglio. The student accomodation is part of a masterplan which transforms the current abandoned area in a park that can be used by the students and also the general public. The building consists of a library, study areas, common living areas and two types of rooms. The façade of the building is composed by extruded angled windows. The design aim behind these windows was to give some intensity and playfulness to the façade, create a place for sitting, studying and contemplation, and maximize the amount of light that enters each room. The orientation of the windows varied for each façade. The building is made out of brick and its structure is metal frame. As the project was part of the ‘Design and Construction Studio’ the technical details were carefully considered and resolved. The window is a prefabricated element which could be transported on site and immediately installed.

Model scale 1:100

Long Section

Ground Floor Plan

Third Floor Plan

View of the courtyard

Model scale 1:10

Interior view of the corridor

Detail section

BANGOR WHARF February 2017- April 2017 Camden, London, UK TM Architects

Bangor Wharf is a former electricity board depot on the Regents Canal in Camden Town. The site falls within theRegents Canal Conservation Area and is very constrained with the canal running along one side, a Victorian warehouse and existing houses overlooking the site, a Victorian sewer running beneath it and a bridge abutment with tunnel running beneath the south-east corner. A Camden Planning Policy Site Allocation for Bangor Wharf identifies it for mixed use â&#x20AC;&#x201C; employment and residential â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and requires any new development to maintain an open aspect to the canal, provide an active frontage to the street, enhance the setting to the Conservation Area and maintain good levels of daylight and privacy to neighbouring properties.

In response to policy and a study of context, the design starts with a courtyard which provides an open frontage to the canal, allowing sunlight and daylight to continue to reach the water and providing views in and out whilst maximising the opportunity for development. The ground floor is commercial, comprising a series of flexible B1 office spaces facing the street, courtyard and canal with active frontages to each. Apartments are arranged on the floors above so that all have views of the canal and almost all are dual aspect. The two main buildings front the canal and are designed to reference the architecture of traditional, Victorian warehouses. The resulting redevelopment proposals comprise a mixed use scheme to provide 886m2 of B1 commercial space and 40 new 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.

View from the main street

Model scale 1:200

View from the bridge

WATKINS HOUSE March 2017- April 2017 Harrow, London, UK Competion, TM Architects

A scheme for 78 new homes close to Harrow town centre. Harrow Council sought a proposal to redevelop an existing, out-dated sheltered housing scheme. The northern part of the new building provides 56 extra-care flats â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with communal facilities and support services to enable independent living â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and 2 homes with separate entrances, fully adapted for younger wheelchair users. The southern part provides an adjoining, but separately-accessed, building with 20 homes for shared ownership.

The building ranges from 3 to 5 storeys in response to the steeply sloping topography of the site, incorporates different entrance levels for the extra-care and shared ownership buildings, and provides four contrasting, landscaped communal gardens. The latter each have a different character, responding to the orientation and function of the different parts of the building. The design is contemporary but contextual, with brickwork detailing and decorative metal screens providing visual interest and variety.

View of the main courtyard

Level 1 floor plan

View of the entrance

METAMORPHOSIS October 2018- January 2019 Milan, Italy Group Project

Anamorphosis, comes from the Greek ana + morphi, which means creating again the form/shape. Inspired by this, our project is called metamorphosis (meta + morphi) which means transformation. Therefore, the project aim is to recreate the form of women represented in paintings of four different art movements: impressionism, fauvism, cubism and surrealism. This is represented by an installation of cardboard pieces hanging from the ceiling in a random order and through an anamorphic device, the user will have the opportunity by changing the pictures to see the pieces coming together and each different painting will be revealed.

Realised installation

+ Pieces hanging in the corridor

Image in the anamorphic device

Image which the person sees when looking through the anomorphic device