Architectural portfolio

Mila Garaeva

P O R T F O L I O

Selected architectural works 2016-2019

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ZHOUSHAN COMPLEX

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LANDSBANKINN

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HUMANHATTAN

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TIRANA THEATRE

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SPACE OF SILENCE

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THEATRE OF DREAMING

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URBAN NODE

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ACADEMIC DRAWINGS

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URBAN SKETCHES

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WORKSHOPS

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01 HEKLA OFFICE TOWER

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01 HEKLA OFFICE TOWER PARIS-LA DÉFENSE I joined the Hekla project team at the development stage and worked until its final submission. I was mainly in charge of image representations such as exterior views from different perspectives and various interior renderings. I also contributed a variety of proposals for the ceiling designs, material selections and color combinations for the main lobby, the bar, the corridors and the mezzanine, and my suggestions were used for the project.

I developed renders and the interior modelization both in Rhinoceros and Revit using Enscape for Revit. I worked on this project for three months for the documentation submission of the constructive stage. I also participated in all client meetings about the interior design. ## interior design, renderings, facade illumination, project documentation

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Ateliers Jean Nouvel / Paris 2018 status: under construction

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Hekla office tower

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| Hekla office tower

01. Axonometry of the lobby

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CONCEPT PROPOSAL

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Located in the Rose de Cherbourg district of La DĂŠfense, the Hekla Tower rises to 51 levels. The body of the building is in the first approach triangular.

The overall envelope of the tower covers an area of approximately 43,000 m². The tower is primarily intended for office use. Common and reception areas, restaurants and an auditorium are located at levels 0 to 7.

| Hekla office tower

02. Lobby interior, seen from the main entrance

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03. Bar at the ground level

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| Hekla office tower

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04. View of the southwest etrance

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| Hekla office tower

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02 ZHOUSHAN CULTURAL FINANCIAL COMPLEX The second project I participated in during my internship was a concept proposal for an island in China located near Zhoushan. The slim buildings emerge delicately from the ground, respecting the dramatic environment of natural habitats, mountains and a river. The project combines cultural, residential and commercial buildings and a marina. Among my responsibilities were the 3D modelization of the entire site and its context and the creation of the 3D printing data. I also developed the complete residential part. For the entire project, I created the facade designs and conceptual renders. ## 3D modeling, facade design, diagrams, 3D printing

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Ateliers Jean Nouvel / Paris 2018 status: concept proposal

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| Zhoushan complex

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| Zhoushan complex

01. Master plan 13

03 COMPETITION PROPOSAL FOR THE NEW LANDSBANKINN I participated in a competition in Iceland for the headquarters of the national bank Landsbankinn. It consists of an office building and various facilities like restaurants, commercial and public spaces. A green strip leads up the entire building, from the ground to the roof levels, serving as a walkable path for the public as well as terraces for the workers. I worked on the physical mass model studies (scale 1:1000), created diagrams explaining the design proposal (Illustrator & Photoshop) and 3D models of the context on Rhino. ## 3D modeling, model building, diagrams, image post-production

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BIG / Copenhagen 2017 status: competition entry

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| Landsbankinn

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| Landsbankinn

01. Master plan

SITE CONCEPT

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The building is located on an poignant square, adjacent to the commercial port of Reykjavik and the Harpa concert hall. By building the platforms, we fulfilled the height conditions of the area and at the same time created a conversation with Arnarhรณl and the surroundings.

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| Landsbankinn

DESIGN INTEGRATION

02. Stepping site envelope

03. Accessible roof

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04. Public realm

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| Landsbankinn

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05. Master plan

| Landsbankinn

06. Exterior view, seen from the plaza

07. The rooftop walkway BANK SLOPES

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By raising people up the hills to a roof, a new public space is created for the citizens and a new view of the city becomes available. Wildlife is beautiful and maintenance-friendly, but it is also possible to have a simple grass path.

The gardens serve staff in the building but the overall building refers to what can be learned from the past and can be brought to the future. In the design and form of the buildings, social responsibility combines with culture and encourages us to think carefully about the built-up space and the needs of the public.

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| Landsbankinn

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| Landsbankinn

08. Physical model Scale 1:200

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materials: foam, acrylic glass, painting

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04 HUMANHATTAN 2050 16th ARCHITECTURE BIENNALE For three months I worked on the BIG U Humanhattan 2050 project for the 16th Architecture Biennale in Venice. This project realizes plans for the fortification of the coastal line of Lower Manhattan to prepare for the climate changes due to global warming. In addition to the digital boards we created an ultra-large physical model (1:750) constructed in CNC milled hardwood and acrylic glass. I was the team leader for this physical model, managing seven people and reporting directly to the project leader. Among my responsibilities were: management of the team, realization of the 3D construction model in Rhino, quality management, laser machine cutting and robot CNC milling. The main materials used were acrylic glass, film, frosting spray, plywood, lime wood, color spray, plastic and resin. ## 3D modeling, team managment, model constructing: CNC milling, laser cutting

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BIG / Copenhagen 2018 status: completed

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| Humanhattan 2050

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| Humanhattan 2050

CONCEPT PROPOSAL The Big U is a protective system that encircles Manhattan, responding to the needs and concerns of the island’s diverse communities. Stretching from West 57th Street south to The Battery and up to East 42nd Street, the Big U protects ten continuous miles of low-lying geography.

The Big U not only shields the city against floods and storm water; it provides social and environmental benefits to the community, and fosters an improved public realm.

The proposal consists of separate but coordinated plans for three contiguous regions of the waterfront and associated communities.

Each region contains a physically separate flood-protection zone, isolated from flooding in the other zones, but each equally a field for integrated social and community planning.

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01. Masterplan

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02. Top view

| Humanhattan 2050

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03. Physical model / zoom into a designed lanscape

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05 TIRANA NATIONAL THEATRE ALBANIA Among my other projects was a design proposal for the national theatre in Tirana (Albania). The theatre is conceived as two buildings connected by the main auditorium: one for the audience and one for the performers. Underneath, the theatre arches up from the ground creating an entrance canopy for the audience as well as for the performers, while opening a gateway to the new urban arcade beyond. Above, the roof mirrors the archway, forming an open-air amphitheatre with a backdrop to the city’s skyline.

In this project I worked on several diagrams on Illustrator, physical model (scale 1:200), as well as renderings some images on Rhino (V-Ray) and further postproduction on Photoshop both interiors and exterior images. ## 3D modeling, interior design, model making, 3D printing, diagrams, image post-production

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BIG / Copenhagen 2017 status: competition winner

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| Tirana national theatre

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| Tirana national theatre

01. Functional diagram

02. Pinch

03. Plaza lift

04. Rooftop venue

The overall form can be optimized to the program requirements of the theatre, creating public plazas that face the ministry of the interior as well as the new mixed use development. Lifting at the building’s center-point, access is provided through the site,

where visitors can enjoy covered public space and music venues at street-level. A final pinch in the form creates a sloped rooftop venue that reflects the auditorium ceiling below, and offers an outdoor public space for the community.

CONCEPT PROPOSAL

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More than simply a flexible performance space, it is also a flexible performance building envelope. With open venues, one sheltered and one with a rooftop view, and enclosed venues that look out towards the city the theatre is both stage and actor in the city of Tirana.

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| Tirana national theatre

05. Rooftop view

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06. Rooftop cafe

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06 SPACE OF SILENCE. A CREMATORIUM COMPLEX This is my bachelor thesis project at Studio Tiarch of Kazan State University in Russia. I proposed a crematorium complex for my hometown Kazan. It includes not only the crematorium itself but also a memorial park, a columbarium, contemplation pavilions and a public park. The idea is not to separate the aspect of death from society, but to make it an accepted, respected part of the journey of life.

To this means, the complex also makes an urban gesture: via the extensive park, it becomes part of the city. It attaches to other green parts of the city and forms a continuous strip of urban greenery.

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Thesis project 2016 Kazan State University of Architecture Studio TIARCH

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| Space of silence

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| Space of silence

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Ecological issues of cemeteries

Attitude towards the burial process

Shortage of burial spots

| Space of silence

PROBLEM ANALYSIS Birth and death are natural stages in the life of every human being. But the emotional aspects of these two events are significantly different. The birth of a human is associated with excitement and optimism. Thoughts about death are usually scary and unpleasant.

People die every day, and architecture cannot change this. But architecture can influence the perceptions and emotions connected with death of a relative. This is the function for the new crematorium complex.

Cultural aspects of the burial process

The question of animal cemeteries

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01. Sketches of the city and the current issues

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| Space of silence

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| Space of silence

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02. Conceptual drawing of the cremtorium space

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| Space of silence

SPACE OF BALANCE A possible path towards emotional recovery from the trauma of loss is offered by different zones within the park, which reflect the stages in life. For instance, inception and infancy are active and thrilling stages of life. They are symbolized by a lively zone in the form of a courtyard offering opportunities for play.

SPACE OF INTERACTION Old age and death are somewhat tranquil emotional conditions. They are reflected by a space of meditation which allows the visitor to be undisturbed for personal thoughts.

A visit of this park offers the opportunity to think about the different phases of life, memorize certain moments.

SPATIAL FOREST This idea is organized around several space principles. The first is that the main spaces, two funeral halls are linked by a public space for visitors. This quiet public space serves as a waiting zone during the cremation. A circle in the middle of the foyer offers family and friends the opportunity for meditation.

SPACE OF RENEWAL

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The main idea of the meditation space is that the perception of nature helps in reflection about life. Relatives wait for the ashes in front of a circle, at a sitting area.

The cremation room is oriented to the north.

This is due to the prevalent direction of wind, which is an important aspect in the planning of a crematorium.

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| Space of silence

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03. Conceptual drawings of the cremtorium space

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| Space of silence

SPATIAL PRINCIPLES The spatial organization of the crematorium complex is divided into several areas. The main one is the ceremony hall, which is the most emotional space in the building ensemble. All other spaces flow into the main ceremony hall and link internal zones in between.

04. Urban development master plan

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05. Concept of the space organization

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| Space of silence

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06. Ground floor

07. Section 1-1

| Space of silence

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08. Axonometric view

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09. View, seen from the back northeast side

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10. South facade

11. Section 2-2

DESIGN METHODOLOGY Contrast between materials such as the glass faรงade and the concrete roof enhances the idea of lightness and fragility. However, the inner walls support the roof structure. The colour of the building is white in general which is associated with bright and positive memories and represents a hope for future.

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The architecture of the crematorium reflects the idea of life. The shape of the building can be seen as something light and floating above the ground. This is achieved by the glass faรงade covering the public zone. Due to that the roof part of the building seems to be lifted and remind us something ephemeral similar to our lives.

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| Space of silence

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| Space of silence

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12. Top view

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07 THE DRAMA THEATRE OF DREAMING This project explores and challenges the conventional organisation of a theatre. The main focus was to design not only a stage and auditorium spaces, but also to explore different representations of the main foyer and public spaces. The building itself represents a performance, starting from the entrance.

The theatre offers different spatial conditions which can also be discovered on the outside areas, such as the park and the public plaza.

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Bachelor project 2016 Kazan State University of Architecture Studio TIARCH

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| The Drama theatre of dreaming

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| The Drama theatre of dreaming

01. Perfomance poster “Through the space”

CONCEPT «DREAMING IN THE THEATRE» This project suggests a new kind of theatre experience. The idea is based on a fundamental function of the human mind: Dreams.

The phenomenon of sleep is caused by the activity of diverse structures inside the brain.

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Dreams are sequences of images which are formed during Non-REM sleep. Dreaming enables the mind to experience situations which are impossible in real life, to find solutions and to use acquired skills of selfexamination and self-awareness, assessing the reactions to situations of real life. During sleep it is also possible to change one’s perspective on the world. For instance, a person can change day to night or can move into a different space.

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02. Conceptual drawing “People’s feeling during dreams”

| The Drama theatre of dreaming

04. Existing building situation

05. Analysis of transport traffic

06. Analysis of visual connections

07. Analysis of pedestrian access

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03. Master plan

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| The Drama theatre of dreaming

08. Perspective view of the main entrance PROGRAM All dream processes can, in some way or other, also be found in a theatre play. This provides the idea to structure the theatre visit as a passage through four different spaces that symbolize the different sleep phases: The lobby of the theatre is analogous to the first dream stage, which is a short phase of 5 to 10 minutes between wakefulness and sleep.

Leaving the lobby, the visitor enters the waiting area, which is equal to the second sleep phase, which sends the human mind into deep sleep spindles.

The entrance area in front of the actual stage, formed as the third atrium, symbolizes the third sleep phase, of deep relaxation before the start of dreams.

10. Roof materials roofing lathing metal frame insulation

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09. Axonometric of the roof structure

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| The Drama theatre of dreaming

14. Main elements

15. Connection between elements

16. Space organization

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11. 12. 13. Physical model.

Materials: cardboard, paper, wood. Scale 1:200

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| The Drama theatre of dreaming

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| The Drama theatre of dreaming

17. Physical model Scale 1:200

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materials: cardboard, paper, wood

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| The Drama theatre of dreaming

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18. Ground floor

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| The Drama theatre of dreaming

Offices Cafeteria Auditorium Grand stage

Recording studio Administr. rooms Lobby Foyer Art gallery

19. Axonometric vertical section

20. Axonometric horizontal section DESIGN PRINCIPLES where the active brain slowly looses control over a straight line of thought or will. There are no rectangular spaces. Corridors are designed as complex curves which only give suggestions to use them as areas to stand, sit, lie or to move on. academic

The building is designed as a sequence of several atriums and corridors which are located on different levels. This gives the association of a three dimensional maze, quite similar to the situation of the slow movement into sleep

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| The Drama theatre of dreaming

21. Perspective section 56

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| The Drama theatre of dreaming

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| The Drama theatre of dreaming

22. South facade INTERIOR CONCEPT

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The interior concept reveals a variety of emotional perceptions in different rooms (entrance, cloakroom, restaurant, foyer, grand stage, art galery and etc. ). Each of them has its own ambiance, achived by different architectural design principles. For instance, the lobby is conceived as the most important space in the theatre ensemble.

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Therefore the lobby space is lively, with different levels, leading visitors to move between spaces, to meet with each other and to communicate. However, the restaurant is concieved as a more delicate and intimate space for gatherings of families and friends. There are also several atriums in the building which make a visual connection between spaces.

| The Drama theatre of dreaming

23. Interiors of the main foyer and the atrium

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The colors of the interior design form a contrast between warm and cold palettes, from light gold to dark silver. There is a wide range of finish materials such as stone, concrete, 3D panels and marble.

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08 THE URBAN NODE

The urban node is an experiment which explores new ways of urban organization. In this futuristic scenario, the city consists of independent, autonomous units which connect and interact with each other via an universal mechanism. The node - the base city unit - can be multiplied as needed and thus forms the city. The project also explores urban planning, functional mixes and architectural configuration.

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Bachelor project 2015 Kazan State University of Architecture Studio TIARCH dio TIARCH

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| The urban node

BIO-ORGANISM AS A CITY CONCEPT We can imagine the structure of a city as a bio-organism with components such as a nervous system, blood vessel and lungs. Each element plays an important role. For instance, green farms are the lungs of the city, located on the different levels in order to clean and renew the air.

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01. Conceptual section

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| The urban node

We can equate the road with veins that link all elements of the city. Additionally, the roads play an important role as a transportation system. Overall, the city is a living organism and works as an autonomous system. Each element is connected and has a link to the main structures.

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02. Conceptual axonometry

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| The urban node

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03. City section

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| The urban node

CONCEPT SECTION OF THE CITY NARRATIVE This section illustrates the main elements of the urban node. The crucial idea is a permeability of spaces in the city. Like in an organism, the individual levels are not separated, but breached by vertical structures that both fulfill own functionalities and serve as connecting paths.

There are vertical gardens that connect the highest to the lowest levels. A river is a water transport

structure and also serves for recreation, personal transport and water drainage. It forms the natural centre of a single node. Other elements, such as residential parts, are also not concentrated on their main level, but connect downwards and sideways. At certain points, individual elements connect and allow the inhabitants to switch from one functional space to the other.

04. Functional model

Residential Natural zone

Water distribution academic

Industrial

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| The urban node

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| The urban node

CITY MATRIX The urban node is a city unit. The city includes different repetitive elements that can be mixed up together or function seperately.

The city configuration is achived by systematisation of the elements represented on this page. It consists of residential, public, cultural, sport, educational as well as multifunctional units. ee on the water space.

05. Matrix of city elements

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06. Physical urban model Scale 1:1000 Materials: foam, paper, paint, cardboard

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| The urban node

08. Physical model Scale 1:500

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materials: foam, cardboard, metal, aluminium foil, paper

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| The urban node

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09 ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS During my bachelor studies I had four years of academic architectural drawing seminars. I learned various drawing techniques such as ink drawing, watercolor, pencil and coal. I also explored various perspective studies. For example, warm eye drawing, axonometric drawing, fish eye perspective, bird view. Besides that, I developed my spatial skiils by drawing exercises such as transforming plans into volume, or a volume into a city.

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Academic architectural drawing seminar Kazan State University of Architecture Tutor: Akhtiamov Ilnar

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| Architectural drawings

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| Architectural drawings

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03. Architecture fantasy. Industrial area under the water

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| Architectural drawings

04. Architecture fantasy. Continuous skyscaper

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Bird view drawing.

75 Russia, Kazan. Kremlevskaya street

| Architectural drawings

PARADOX OF ARCHITECTURE

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The illustration shows a post-apocalyptic city that lost the first level of its buildings to flooding. As a result, the city is being constructed with a new innovative technology based on the use of water. Houses are becoming independent to exist as autonomous systems. There are three dimential streets which combine diverse transitions between each other. Moreover, cars are replaced by water transport. Architecture receives a more functional view than esthetic because nowadays the main aim of inhabitants is existence on the water space.

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01. Architecture fantasy. Floating city, perspective 02. Architecture fantasy. Floating city, axonometry

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| Urban sketches

10 URBAN SKETCHES

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01. Sketches, Chinon, France 2017

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| Urban sketches

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| Urban sketches

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Travel sketches

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| Urban sketches

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| Kite / Flying structure

11 WORKSHOPS KITE / FLYING STRUCTURE In a team of four I designed and constructed the world’s oldest form of aircraft: the kite. Throught various experiments with struture, joints, fabric and weight we succeeded flying the kite at the Tempelhof Airfield in Berlin.

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01. Axonometric model

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02. Realized kite

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| Kite / Flying structure

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Image credits: 5-9, 11-13 - Ateliers Jean Nouvel

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15-21, 23-25, 27-29 - BIG | Bjarke Ingels Group

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More pictures of my architectural life on Instagram: www.insta.garaeva.net

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m@garaeva.net

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THANK YOU!