Portfolio May2016

architecture portfolio 2016

MOHAMED ALQARI master in architecture - heritage conservation & preservation - university of minnesota, USA. LEED Green Associate Fulbright Scholar 2014 +973 39332622 mohamed.alqari@gmail.com Bahrain 2016

Architect, preservationist, researcher, and a music enthusiast. I have shown a passion and an interest in design and arts since my childhood years. "Architecture is the mother of all arts." I strongly believe in this quote. Studying architecture at the University of Bahrain fulfilled my passion to art and design. Joining GHE right after graduating bolstered my passion of architecture. Working on heritage oriented projects at GHE and volunteering for BACA, I have developed a strong passion to architecture heritage. Thus, I joined the MS. Architecture - Heritage Conservation and Preservation Program at the University of Minnesota as a Fulbright Scholar. Working as an architect again after completing the MSHCP program, I am an architect with a strong sense of respect to the architecture of our ancestors. Yes I create unique designs by translating my innovative ideas with much respect to the cultural heritage.

professional work

Al Zayani Mosque, Galali.

Al Muharraq Youth Center, Muharraq.

Innovation Center, Um-Alhassam.

Al Tadamun Club, Al-Hamala.

Isa Town Club, Isa Town.

Diyar Al-Muharraq Mosque, Muharraq.

Al-Shabab Sports Hall, Jid-Hafs.

VIP Villa, Riffa.

Budaiya Sports Club, Budaiya.

Al-Najada Hotel and Bank, Doha.

Al-Warsan Majlis Complex, Abu-Dhabi.

Marafe' Sports City, Jaww.

Za'abeel Palace Majlis, Dubai.

Villas, various locations.

architecture school work

Peavey Plaza Restoration, MN, USA. Installation Design, Bahrain.

Skyscraper, Bahrain.

research

Venice Biennale.

Dwell Exhibit.

Documentation of Historic Buildings in Bahrain.

Documentation of Historic Dhows in Bahrain.

Master's Thesis.

professional work Al Zayani Mosque, Galali.

Al Muharraq Youth Center, Muharraq.

Innovation Center, Um-Alhassam.

Al Tadamun Club, Al-Hamala.

Isa Town Club, Isa Town.

Diyar Al-Muharraq Mosque, Muharraq.

Al-Shabab Sports Hall, Jid-Hafs.

VIP Villa, Riffa.

Budaiya Sports Club, Budaiya.

Al-Najada Hotel and Bank, Doha.

Al-Warsan Majlis Complex, Abu-Dhabi.

Marafe' Sports City, Jaww.

Za'abeel Palace Majlis, Dubai.

Villas, various locations.

Al Zayani Mosque, Galali. 2013.

The initial idea of this mosque's design was to revive the old Islamic spirit that used to be sensed in mosques of the golden Islamic era.

"Jame'" means a place for gathering. Thus, back in the day, a mosque or a "Jame'" used to be a gathering place for muslims. It offered a lot more than a place to pray. Some of the activities it used to host are souq, community center, cultural center, etc. This mosque will have a courtyard that can offer such facilities. This courtyard is surrounded by an elegant arcade decorated with Islamic patterns. The "pencil" minaret is inspired by the andalusian minarets. The massing of the building with the domes' composition bolstered the idea of the glorious mosques of the golden Islamic era.

The mosque was completed in May 2016. It recieved excellent reviews from architects as well as users from different backgrounds.

It is, today, amasterpiece that the entire country is proud of.

Al-Muharraq Youth Center, Bahrain.

2014.

This project, that is under construction, presents a unique design that will bring a vibrant life to its context. It is inspired by AlBusaiteen's youth community's openness, vibrance, and diversity.

The center comprises various facilities such as cultural hall, sports facilities, ladies center, and a library/ cafe, which is the first of its kind in the area.

Innovation Center, UmAlhassam. 2016.

A proposed hall to connect the two existing buildings at the current Innovation Center at Um-Alhassam.

The purpose of this hall is to create an open space for youth activities, which can host the 2030 Youth City and other similar events. By using fresh colors I aim to bring life back to the quiet site. The colors are used in the facades, skylights, and the interior.

The project comprises various components like administration, leaders center, media center, science center, arts center, cultural hall, library cafe, and sports facilities.

"Design, whether it's on your body or in your home, is the same thing.

It's mixing different colors, different textures, and unexpected patterns elements that you wouldn't often put together in an interesting way."

Blake Lively

Al Tadamun Club, Al-Hamala. 2013.

Simpicity is the key! This project characterizes by the simplicity of form. It comprises multiple masses brought together in an interesting way. It resembles the simplicity of the place in which it is located.

"In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Isa Town Club, Bahrain. 2014.

The architectural firm that worked on this project decided to remodel its facades at the final stage of the design development phase.

Luckily, I was assigned for it! I faced the challenge of redesigning the facades without modifying the floor plans. The project was completed in June 2015.

Inspired by Isa Town Gate.

Diyar Al-Muharraq Mosque Interior Design. Bahrain. 2012.

Islamic Architecture

Al Shabab Sports Hall, Jid-Hafs. 2013.

Exploring different design ideas for improving an existing design concept. These ideas characterize by simplicity in forms, and elegance of appearance. Besides utilizing the sun for generating solar power, it has been used to enhance the appearance of the building, by the patterns it creates when it casts shadow.

The design of the building was inspired by the existing buildings in the site. As an architect with respect to the context in which the project is located, I paid much attention not to superimpose my ideas to the existing buildings. The outcome is a harmonized design between the new sports hall and the existing club's buildings.

VIP Villa, Riffa. 2012.

This villa represents a luxurious presidential style in an authentic Andalusian setting. The use of arches along with arcades, terraces, courtyards, and palm trees bolstered the concept. The use of the conservatory that is opened to the courtyard creates an interesting indoor/outdoor garden that can be enjoyed all year long.

Al Bydaiya Sports Club, Budaiya. 2013.

Exploring different concepts for Al Budaiya Club's new headquarter overlooking the sea. The site plan's design maximizes the use of the sea. The project comprises various facilities such as playgrounds, administration building, gym, children facilities, and commercial facilities.

Al Najada Hotel and Bank, Qatar. 2011.

Creative translation of local architecture to embrace the history of the site and to design a contemporary mixed use hub that relates to the past but narrates the story of the future. The project comprises a linear organic souq that is facing Souq Waqif, L shape bank located at south-east side of the plot, and L shape hotel located at south-west side of the plot. In translating the project's vision and requirements, the design concept ensures an integration of buildings, landscapes and surroundings, and by orchestrating between the various architectural elements and forms.

Al-Warsan Majlis Complex, UAE. 2012.

The proposed design of the Majlis Complex allows for a creative and comprehensive architectural statement harmoniously orchestrating between the various elements and masses. The outcome is an identifiable landmark, where the ingredients of simplicity, identity and innovation are logically and naturally combined. Its true contribution lies in the setting of the standards and the inspirations for other projects. It is an architecture that appreciates culture, time, and physical context.

Marafe' Sports City, Jaww.

2016.

A ship finding its way to the sea and pearl divers hunting for their pearls. This is the scene we imagined while designing this project. From this scene and considering the nature of the project, using the ship (stadium) as a focal point with various masses expanding from it dynamically, we created Marafe' Olympic City. At the early design stage, we aimed to incorporate the oldest and sport and industry in the history of Bahrain, which is the pearling. Thus, the whole site was based upon this concept.

Most importantly, a pearl diving museum is a fundamental element of the site, and the first of its kind in the country.

2012

Za'abeel Palace Majlis, Dubai.

Za'abeel Palace Majlis is a prestigious Project in a prime location close to the existing Zabeel Palace and benefits from extensive views to the Sheikh Zayed Highway. The project’s main components are to be built on a raised platform, 6m higher that the natural ground level to extend existing views beyond the immediate surroundings.

The components of the project are arranged around a ceremonial court fronting the Main Hall that leads in turn to the Main Majlis and Main Dining. The size and needs of the ceremonial court were studied thoroughly.

The Project houses different components, main and secondary Majlis halls, main and secondary dining halls, main office suite and administration offices, conference facilities, etc. The arrangement of those components allows the main and secondary dining to share a small open court for external dining.

The Project also comprises a separate stand-alone holding majlis, a central utility complex, entrance gates and shaded arcades as well as relevant appropriate roads network, lush landscaping (including extensive water features) and external works in addition to all back of house facilities.

Villas, various locations.

Villas of various styles, located in different locations. I have explored numerous design possibilities to create unique spaces in one of the easiest and most complicated projects, a villa.

architecture school work Peavey Plaza Restoration, Minneapolis.

Installation Design, Manama.

Skyscraper, Sanabis.

Park Design, Muharraq.

Fantasy Land, Skheer.

Peavey Plaza, Minnesota, U.S.A. 2014.

Since the period of significance has been decided to be 1975, the design has to maintain all the character defining features of that period of time. In my proposal, I follow the secretary of interior’s standards. In other words, all the modifications I propose are mainly bolstering the main characters of the site rather than diminishing them. This concept is further discussed below:

Peavey Plaza in 1975.

Source: MPFP. Accessed November 23, 2014. http://www.mpfp.com/projects/urban_spaces/ peavy_plaza/02_05_01.jpg.

The concrete steps: in my design, I propose very minor changes to the concrete steps, such as removing the patina and the aging effects by cleaning them following the secretary of interior’s standards for “Repair.”

The cascading fountains: I propose some maintenance work for the cascading fountains. Also, in order to magnify them as an important character-defining feature, I propose enhancing them with aesthetic lights that will give nice motion effects on the falling water.

Vegetation: Since the original design of Friedberg included the Honey Locust trees, I decided to keep this type of trees all around the site. However, since these trees are considered deciduous, where they lose their leaves in the fall, I am considering the addition of some other evergreen small trees. These trees will not affect the visual integrity of the site, but will achieve the green and vibrant picture of the site throughout the year. One of these trees is Danica Arborvitae. The reason why I chose it is because of its shape, since the landscape design is a modernist, and characterizes by the rectilinear forms, this tree will not disturb that image.

The reflecting pool: Since it is one of the main character defining features of the site, it has to be carefully treated. Hence, I propose restoring and emphasizing its role as the heart of the site. In other words, I propose

brightening the basin concrete color and removing the aging effects, in order for the pool to stand out in the site. Moreover, I propose lining the edges of the pool by a slightly different color concrete, in order to strengthen the borders of the pool. Honestly, I haven’t experience the pool at night, since it is currently drained, but from the research I have conducted, I think that besides the vigorous role of the pool in the daytime, it has to stand out at night too. Hence, I propose adding indirect lighting fixtures at the edges of the pool, under the water.

Peavey Plaza in 2014. Taken by Mohamed Alqari.

Living room concept: The plaza used to be called as the living room, since it is a main gathering place for the busy workers at downtown Minneapolis. This idea has to be further expressed in the design.

In other words, we need to raise the question “What are the main components of a living room?� One would say a television at the first glance, and that might be the idea behind Friedberg’s proposal of the big screen. I, therefore, propose to install smaller screens at multiple locations, possibly on the retaining walls. These screens show historic images and stories of the downtown area in general, and the Peavey plaza in particular. This concept aims for the Peavey plaza to add significance to its surroundings and it bolster the attachment of the Peavey plaza as main part of the downtown area. Furthermore, a comfortable living room tends to have comfortable seating. Therefore, in my design I propose adding some comfortable durable cushions to the benches that will add the comfort factor in the site.

Installation Design at Bahrain National Museum, Manama. 2015.

This installation design hosts an imaginary exhibit. However, the exhibit content is a real project that is under process, and it is my Master’s final project. The exhibition covers the three main topics that I have discussed earlier, which are 1) General Overview of The Natural Springs, 2) The Cultural Dimension of the Natural springs, and 3) Pearling as a Testimony of Bahrain’s Economy. Each of these parts is expressed individually at the installation, yet, related to the other parts.

The installation design comprises a main path that links the two entrances of the exhibition hall. The path’s floor is covered with a turquoise pattern that gives the effect of water. This path, hence, resemble the "Jadwal," which is the water

channel. The water channels used to feed all the cultivated lands in Bahrain by the springs' fresh water. The treatment of the floor is also inspired by the existing permanent exhibition at the museum’s main hall in which the floor is covered by Bahrain’s map with locations of the most famous sites. This floor is made of vinyl. At each end of this path, where the visitors start their journey at the exhibition, there is a main introductory label that explains the general idea of the exhibition. After reading the introduction label, the visitors have two options; either keep following the path to explore the pearling section, or climb the 4 steps to proceed to the natural springs’ section.

If the visitors walk along the path, they would experience the pearling section first. This section discusses the importance of the pearling profession in Bahrain’s history.

This walkway is covered by a wooden structure that is full of circular openings of various sizes. These circular openings allow the existing ceiling light of the exhibition hall to penetrate them and add an interesting lighting effect on the sea-like floor. The concept behind these circular openings is to resemble the bright pearls that Bahrain’s economy once depended on. In addition to the circular openings, the wooden shade comprises some circular speakers that blend harmoniously with the other openings. This structure covers a cozy traditionally designed seating. This seating is made of the same material and texture as the surrounding wooden deck, but covered with turquoise cushions with traditional patterns. The seating with the shading imply a harmonious dialogue between modernity and tradition. Furthermore, the shaded part of the path houses some historic photographs that have been donated by special collectors in Bahrain.

These photographs are mainly related to the pearling in general. Some of these photographs are for old pearl fishers, traditional dhows, unique pearls, and many other related topics. The experience is vigorously enhanced by the traditional music accompanied by pearl fishers hymns, through the circular speakers in the ceiling.

After experiencing the pearling zone, the visitors would climb 4 steps, or use the ramp on the other side, to the springs’ section. The spring section consists of 3 booths on each side of the path. Each of these booths consists of a sunken ground that is 2 steps lower. These steps are used as seats for the visitors to sit and watch the interviews. These

interviews cover the cultural dimension of the natural springs. Each booth has a projector in its ceiling that projects short videos on the sunken grounds. These videos are interviews with people who witnessed the natural springs while they were thriving. So, they share their memories and cultural associations with these springs.

Furthermore, the curvy wall in each booth is used to exhibit a map of Bahrain with the springs’ locations, as well as enlarged maps of the springs that the videos were taped near. The curvy wall, also, comprises historic images of the designated springs. Clearly, when the visitors sit on the steps, watch the interviews, and look at the historic pictures and maps, they would get a holistic idea of the natural springs and their importance in Bahrain’s history.

Skyscraper Design, Sanabis. 2009.

What characterizes the design of this skyscraper is its unique strategy to avoid some issues that normally occure in such buildings such as exotic form, loss of identity, and segregation between indoor and outdoor environments. This design provides active spaces for living arranged in a way to create a vibrant environment.

Most importantly, each unit will have its own identity. In other words, each apartment will have its own front and backyard, which will solve the issue of loss of identity that occurs in residential towers and other mass housing projects.

research Venice Biennale Master's Thesis Dwell Exhibit Documentation of Historic Buildings in Bahrain Documentation of Historic Dhows in Bahrain

RECLAIM Research Team

Venice Biennale, Bahrain's National Participation, Golden Lion Award. 2010.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has been awarded the Golden Lion for the best national participation at the 12th Venice Architecture Biennale.

"RECLAIM," the first official national participation of a gulf state, is an investigation into the decline of the sea culture in the island. The pavilion, located at the central point within the Arsenale, was commissioned by her excellency Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, the President of Bahrain's Authority for Culture and Antiquities.

The full publication can be found here: http://www.reclaim.bh/publication.html

Sheikha Mai with the Golden Lion Award

Dwell Exhibit, by Ulafaa. 2013.

The exhibition’s idea revolves around memories of a grandmother, an attempt to release a rich past, yet the location was a very critical element to which will wrap several artistic work pieces of the members.

And through the alleys of dear old Muharraq the rumors of a traditional house is on the verge of being demolish, the Ulafa’a curator’s & team members/ artists rushed and approached the owners of the house to postponed turning the house in to ruins, asking to be given a chance to have their exhibition held there as those are the last couple of hours of the house’s life… an attempt to celebrate the past in a Farwell custom …

As time passes and as the world gets smaller, people through their journeys of life tend to travel light, letting go of things that once mattered to them the most, things that might have identified them.

It’s a resemblance of an old family house that has no destiny other than being brought to the ground, if you were to live that moment ... what would you snatch out of there? What would you risk your safety for?

In a parallel scenario this is taking place with our old Bahraini vocabs, sayings and inherited stories, stories that have so much meanings and emotions between chanted laugher and tears of grief. An approach to value these intangible treasures is through giving them physical structure that can be carried on to coming generations. ‘7achawy’ is an outcome of long storytelling sessions with an authentic grandma from Manama city, delivering to the public old memories combined with rich words that once have been cherished by our ancestors.

The concept shall be illustrated in the form of bookmarks with several stories printed on them; they shall be hanged by strings from a chaotic colorful form of web, ceiling the passage through which the visitors shall pass through getting to view other art works on the roof top of the house.

The bookmarks shall be in motion with the wind blowing on the roof top; where the installation is located.

It is a challenge to reflect stories being whisper in to the air as people pass through them..

Survey and Documentation of Historic Buildings in Bahrain, 2013.

A project commissioned by Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. A number of surveyors scanned different old parts of Bahrain, especially Manama and Muharraq, including all the historic buildings. The surveys resulted in more than a thousand historic buildings in Bahrain.

Survey and Documentation of Historic Dhows in Bahrain, 2013.

Bahrain's coastline houses numerous historic dhows of various types and sizes.

Unfortunately, these dhows are vulnerable, and many of which are being ruined by the harsh climate of Bahrain. This research was commissioned by Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. It included a study of all the existing dhows on the coastline of Bahrain including all the necessary details. At the end, a register of all the existing dhows was prepared and used for a proposal for a new Historic Dows Museum that can house some of the documented dhows.

Master's Plan B Final Project, MS. in Architecture - Heritage Conservation and Preservation.

2016.

How have the historic natural springs influenced people’s lives in Bahrain, and therefore contributed to the formation of its society and its old urban fabric? Bahrain is one of the countries that were vigorously influenced by the rapid architectural, industrial, and economical developments in the Arabian Gulf after the discovery of oil in the 1930s. These developments jeopardize its identity and cultural significance. On the one hand, historians have often pictured Bahrain throughout history as the paradise of Dilmun (one of the oldest civilizations according to the Epic of Gilgamesh), when it prospered by its profound natural sweet water springs that were influential culturally, socially and spatially. On the other hand, these natural springs are no longer prominent due to the intensive developments. In addition to the natural springs, Bahrain’s old urban fabric represents an authentic example of the urban growth before the establishment of urban planning rules, and when the natural resources that were needed for everyday life were the magnets that attracted early settlements. Politically speaking, the natural springs do not receive appreciation by Bahrain’s government in comparison to other historical sites such as the pearling project, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This negligence is due to the natural springs’ association with the low-income communities that do not represent an honorable image of the country. This research, hence, provides a study of the importance of the historic natural springs and their cultural and spatial influences on people’s lives, which affected the settlements that drew the old urban fabric of Bahrain. Additionally, it documents these natural springs with many cultural associations and stories that are affiliated with them. Particularly, this research is conducted through many qualitative research tactics such as interviews, archival research and examinations of orientalists’ writings and diaries. Finally, it concludes with recommendations for actions that governmental bodies as well as the community can take to preserve and conserve these springs as evidential vestiges of Bahrain’s history.

MOHAMED ALQARI master in architecture - heritage conservation & preservation - university of minnesota, USA. LEED Green Associate Fulbright Scholar 2014 +973 39332622 mohamed.alqari@gmail.com Bahrain 2016