Nawal Abdul | Waterloo Architecture Portfolio 2024
Ingenuity
Honesty
Passion
Curiosity
Exploration
HELLO!
I am a second-year undergraduate at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture, eager to enter the architectural design industry.
I’m an artist who’s detail-oriented and passionate about my craft, always seeking new and innovative ways of designing and telling narratives. Through my work in architecture, I aspire to create unique spatial connections between communities, thoughtfully integrating practicality, aesthetics, and culture in expressive gestures and mindful design.
I strive to continue challenging myself and refine my skills to learn more about the architectural design field, using my love and prowess for design to contribute to the success of your team.
My Pocket Sketchbook
Collecting CDs
Experimental/Rock Music
Creating Short Films
The Last of Us Video Game
LIKES LANGUAGES
English
French Urdu
CONTACT ME
CURRICULUM VITAE
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
+ Strong conceptual and design skills gained through a year of architectural study
+ Proficient in a variety of architectural softwares, including Rhino and Adobe Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign)
+ Excellent time-management and organization skills, successfully managing personal projects and school projects
+ Ability to excel in collaborative environment, promoting a positive work culture and actively contributing to group projects
EDUCATION
University of Waterloo, School of Architecture, 2023-present Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
+ Candidate for Bachelor’s of Architecture studies/Honours co-op
Tucked away between the bustling intersection of Dickson, Water, and Ainslie Street, Director’s Cut stands as a landmark on the site, grabbing passersby and encouraging circulation along the site, an area that is often overlooked. The unique, bold geometry of the library abstractly represents the site and establishes flow both around and within the library,
creating a hub for the intertwining paths found around Dickson Street.
Director’s Cut aims to celebrate film and cinematic arts within the community of Cambridge. With a collection of movies, books, film archives, and technology available for use, the library inspires creativity and curiosity in a medium of entertainment that connects all types of people.
1. Behind The Scenes Base form created by negative site context
3. Cut & Edit Edit form to create a more dynamic shape that encourages circulation both inside and out
2. Direct Skew base form in direction of circulation
Load bearing masonry walls built with concrete filled CMU gives the library the support needed to stand structurally.
Perforated brick walls are incorporated in the design to let in unique lighting and variation to the masonry walls.
Located at the core of the Bruce trail, the 17-meter-high Sherman Falls invites hikers and bicyclists along its scenic path. Kumiki Bridge, a quaint 8-meter pedestrian bridge, spans across Ancaster Creek, providing a tranquil connection to the water that beautifully frames views of Sherman Falls. ‘Kumiki’, Japanese for “to join wood together”, is the main principle of the bridge. The design is primarily timber, using locally sourced wood, and utilizes several wood joinery techniques to create a simple yet elegant path.
Horizontal wood slats are meticulously slid into the sides of the bridge, sparsing in density as the slats come closer to the creek, pushing the pedestrian’s view towards the waves and ripples of the water below. The design includes a primary lookout point, guiding people toward the climax of the journey - in front of Sherman Falls. Kumiki Bridge invites pedestrians along its simple yet meticulously crafted wood bridge to celebrate the resilience of water and traditional wood craftsmanship.
placement of wood slats on side push the passerby’s attention to the creek
views to river through sides
1. 1x2” timber slats
2. 4x4” wood roof joists
3. 4x4” wood header
4. 2x4” wood slat support posts
5. 1x2” wood slats
6. 4x4” vertical wood support posts
7. wood railing head
8. wood railing guard
9. wood deck
10. 4x4” wood joists
11. wood girder
12. concrete footing and foundation
Various japanese wood joinery methods are used throughout the material assembly of Kumiki bridge. Bridle joints are most notably used within the construction, wood dowels being added for extra strength (see railing wood connection detail). In locations where integretiy is crucial, hidden steel connections are carefully crafted within the wood beams and posts (see post to girder connection detail).
4x4” timber canopy joists
1x2” wood slats
Ø 10mm steel bolts
2x4” wood beams
1x2” wood slats
interior side and railing details
4x4” timber post
12mm x 12mm wood dowels
wood railing head
wood railing
railing wood connection detail
4x4” timber floor joist
4x4” wood post
12mm x 12mm wood dowels
wood girder
concealed steel beam hanger
LEOPOLD ARTISAN CABIN
Off-Grid Residence
Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA Rhino, Enscape, Photoshop, Illustrator Collaborator: Michelle Ling
Located a short distance away from the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center and Leopold Family Shack in Baraboo, Wisconsin, The Leopold Artisan Cabin is an artist and botanist studio and research residence. It models itself on the legacy center’s passive strategy design and follows examples of the Leopold family ethic.
As of spring 2023, the Leopold pines were due for a thinning. The surplus removed from the thinning would be milled and dried locally to be used in the artisan cabin’s construction. The shack also utilizes rapidly renewable local Baraboo materials, like sand and clay, in its landscaping.
The Cabin aims to be net zero in its operation and carbon neutral by generating its annual electricity needs through photovoltaic systems and making the most out of natural ventilation and daylighting.
second
longitudinal section - energy systems
Photovoltaic Energy System
Water Well & Septic System
Composting Toilet
Water-To-Water Heat Pump
Radiant Floor Slabs
Wall Assembly
12.7mm Interior Pinewood Panelling
Vapour Barrier
250mm Class 1 Fire Rated Structural Insulated Panel
Foil Radiant Air Barrier (to reduce summer heat gain)
25mm exterior pinewood siding
Floor Assembly
Top Mounted Joist Hanger Ledger
50mm x 150mm Top Plate
12.7mm Pinewood Flooring
12.7mm Subfloor Extended Over Top of Structural Insulated Wall Panels
38mm Hydraunic Radiant Floor Heating Space
Wood Joists With Blown-In Cellulose Batt Insulation
25mm x 76mm Wood Furring 400mm O.C. 12.7mm Gypsum Board
PERSONAL WORKS 04
Magazine
Traditional Artwork, Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Indesign
“Untitled 001” is an experimental zine that showcases traditional artworks on paper. This personal zine offers a view into my creative artwork, exploring themes of biophilia, emotional connection, nature, and technology.
Inside, you’ll find a collection of hand-drawn illustrations and sketches, personal reflections, anecdotes, and rambles.
Although the zine was made as a personal project, I hope that it sparks inspiration and encourages readers to pick up their pencil and start scribbling.
