Work Portfolio Nora Saleh.
2023
Design Film Research Architect Filmmaker Storyteller
Contents
Academic work Sports Center Skyscraper Design VI A Series of Figural Voids A Futuristic Dystopian Kuwait: Speculative Story De-familiarization Architecture Undergraduate Thesis Statement 5 30 38 Work Experience Beach House 123 A Renovation project 20 AROMA Cafe & Roastery A Commercial project 10 A Contemporary Vision for Kuwait A master plan proposal 06 Narrative VOICE 52 A Kuwaiti Short Film Childern Book Bu Driyah 62 AIAS Tefaseel Design Exhibition Participant Bea-ugly, Eye Candy 64
Statement
P. 4
Who are you?
I needed to find my spark, and I think I found it here! That’s what I felt on the night of my short film release.
This past year, I have been growing with a heart filled with curiosity, questions haunting me, questing for answers, and a journey filled with unlearning and relearning. I found who I want to be; therefore, I made the decision to become it.
Storytelling and world-building are two concepts that have always resonated deeply with me. Some may refer to this as passion or purpose, but for me, it is simply who I am. It has always been a part of me. My fascination with world-building began during my senior year in architecture, where my thesis was about speculation in storytelling and building my design on that story. It was my first encounter with the possibility of an architect being a storyteller and world-builder.
After graduation, I explored filmmaking as a form of storytelling. I had to teach myself and my friends how to tell a story, make a storyboard, set spaces and characters, direct it, shoot it, use VFX, build sound, and release it to an audience and critics. I embraced the learning process associated with a medium that was so unfamiliar to me. At the same time, I continued working as an architect.
For now, I got accepted in UCL trying to find mentors, knowledge, opportunities, and tools in London to become the person I need to be.
P. 5
Competition
A Contemporary Vision for Kuwait
-Master Plan -
Firm
AGi Architect
Location Kuwait Supervisor
Sarah Al-Rukayyes
Role
Assisting in designing the proposal
Collecting data and city analysis
Drawing the Master plan proposal
Preparing the document
Tools and Techniques
Photoshop, InDesign
January 2022
P. 7
Social Infrastructures
Design Brief
Due to the poor urban planning of the city, Kuwait City is becoming unliveable. The proposal aims to envision the Kuwait of tomorrow. It is time to imagine the possibilities of a gateway to a city that has excellent infrastructure, high-quality healthcare, ease of mobility, a sustainable and diversified economy, a living environment, and host green spaces for citizens to dream in and become the creative human capital that will bring unparalleled global positioning for Kuwait City.
The vision includes a place where citizens can reach their destinations within a short walk, on a bike, or by using a multitude of public services like buses and rentable scooters. It allows people to maneuver in the city by engaging with a regulated, sustainable infrastructure. Innovative urban
transportation models like water taxis and cable cars can be utilized on our unique waterfront, creating new connections to cross the city while also reconnecting to our past connection to the sea- refer to the master plan.
The strategy is to create a homogeneous social infrastructure that acts as a spatial transition for the city. The overall project will be realized in three phases, beginning with a pilot project in phase one.
The pilot project consists of elements that can be repeated for common problems, such as the lack of urban furniture, crosswalk shading devices, planting, etc. It becomes a prototype that can be reused and reshaped according to the specific problem at hand.
P. 8 Pages from the Booklet
Final Proposal
Project Timeline
Commercial project
AROMA
-Cafe and Roastery -
Firm
Studio Nama Location
Shuwaikh, Kuwait
Project Manager
Sarah Al-Sager
Role
Assisted in Designing the overall vision
Assisted in selecting materials,furnitures and lights. Created a full drawing set including specification schedules and FF&E.
Phase
Bidding
Opening Oct 2023
P. 11
Espresso Bar
Design Brief
Aroma Shuwaikh is a Kuwaiti-owned roastery and cafe situated in the newly built 225 Mall. Despite the surrounding industrial buildings and car repair shops, the mall itself features a variety of shops and restaurants.
The cafe is situated in a 78 sqm space with existing conditions that include a spiral staircase and a mezzanine. One of the design challenges was the excessive exposure of ductwork and small ceilings that needed to be addressed in the design.
The ground level of the project features a bar, a roasting room, a seating area, and a bathroom. Despite the limited space, Aroma provides a captivating environment for coffee enthusiasts. The cafe bar offers a cozy atmosphere where visitors can indulge in expertly brewed coffee. Adjacent to the bar, the roasting room allows visitors to witness the art of coffee roasting up close. The mezzanine level includes another bar and a cupping area.
P. 12
Existing photos
Existing Condition
P. 13 UP 1 A 4.1 1 A 4.2 1 A 4.0 9020 4205 1 A 4.3 585 4923 EXHAUST PIPE FOR ROASTER; ALIGNED WITH EXISTING CORE IN SLAB ABOVE 2820 1368 WATER FILTER AND ACCUMULATOR CLOSET 2130 590 250 1300 3800 2050 500 ESPRESSO BAR 101 ROASTING ROOM 102 SEATING 100 TOILET 103 CLEAR 800 1330 160 630 CLEAR 915 100 1660 1530 BROOM CLOSET 100 430 100 EXISTING STEEL STRUCTURE; TO BE PAINTED COLOR TBD ALIGN NEW WALL WITH STEEL COLUMN BUILD OUT WALL TO ALIGN WITH STEEL COLUMN; WALL FINISH CERAMIC TILE PER FINISH SCHEDULE. WIRE FOR LED STRIP LIGHT AT END OF WALL BUILD OUT WALL TO ALIGN WITH STEEL COLUMN; WALL FINISH CERAMIC TILE PER FINISH SCHEDULE. WIRE FOR LED STRIP LIGHT AT TOP OF WALL 100 LOOSE FURNITURE; WORK TABLE 1015 PRODUCT DISPLAY SHELVES BUILT IN BENCH SEATING WITH CUSHION AND BACK SUPPORT 475 BUILD OUT WALL +2.2 HEIGHT TO ALIGN WITH STEEL COLUMN EXISTING STAIRCASE; NEW CHROME HANDRAIL AND WOOD STAIRCASE FLOOR FINISH 704 1180 STAIRS 106 1530 600 840 880 OUTDOOR AREA 104 CLEAR 1355 840 5865 1155 E07 GYPSUM WALL +2.2 HIGH 420 BUILD OUT WALL +2.2 HEIGHT TO ALIGN WITH STEEL COLUMN 250 2800 Ground Floor Plan
Layout
The Storefront design concept incorporates the use of masses and voids. We incorporated columns as mass guidelines while employing glass as the void to create a framed view. Additionally, we extended the bar area outside to serve as a seamless transition between the interior and exterior. Also, the facade is shifted inward, creating a shaded area where customers can enjoy their coffee. This addition allows for outdoor seating during pleasant weather conditions.
P. 15 AROMA The Bar and Seating Area
Final Proposal
Storefront elevation
P. 16 E03 E02 P01 P03 E04 P01 P02 E05 P08 P10 E06 P04 P05 F01 F01 F01 F02 F03 F02 F06 E08 F06 P09 F07 F11 F10 F10 THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEW OF ALL PORTIONS OF CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO DETAILS, DIMENSIONS, PLANS, SPECIFIC AREA OR ITEM OF CONSTRUCTION PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF WORK. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL INCONSISTENIES, DISCREPANCIES OR OMISSIONS PRIOR ARCHITECT'S CLARIFICATION WHERE APPLICABLE. INCLUDING ALL TECHNICAL DRAWINGS, GRAPHICS AND MODELS THEREOF, ARE PROPRIETARY AND CANNOT BE COPIED OR COMMERCIALLY EXPLOTED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF STUDIO NAMA. THESE ARE AVAILABLE FOR LIMITED REVIEW AND EVALUTION BY CLIENTS, CONSULTANTS, OTHER PERSONNEL ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS COPYRIGHT © STUDIO NАMA 2022 Drawn by: Project Number: Sheet Issue Date: Checked by: Client: Project Address: SCALE 20 Aroma Roastery Shuwaikh, Kuwait ARC015 Ahmad Alhammad Author GROUND FF&E A 2.4 05/24/23 Checker Revision No.Revision Description Date 05/06/2023 Electrical Equipment Schedule Mark Model CommentsCount Giesen Coffee roaster BY OWNER 01 La Marzocco Espresso MachineBY OWNER 02 Espresso Grinder BY OWNER 03 Filter Coffee Grinder BY OWNER 04 Filter Coffee Grinder BY OWNER 05 Ratio Coffee filter BY OWNER 06 Giesen Coffee roaster BY OWNER 07 Dishwasher BY OWNER 08 Electric Kettle BY OWNER 09 La Marzocco Espresso MachineBY OWNER 10 Sampl Roaster BY OWNER Furniture Schedule Mark Model Location Count Manufacturer Supplier Togo 2 sea; Custom upholstered in leather La casa Shuwaikh or vBy G.C. By G.C. 01 Custom Low Chair in Oak wood Entry Level 3 By G.C. By G.C. 3 02 Custom Coffee Table, in MahoganyEntry Level 2 By G.C. By G.C. 2 03 Built-In Bench seating with leather Cushions and 6 pillows Entry Level 1 By G.C. By G.C. 04 04 Custom stainless steel metal and wood Product Display Shelf Entry Level 1 By G.C. By G.C. 05 h, OakEntry Level By G.C. By G.C. 06 High Stool Chair Roasting Room By G.C. 07 Roasting Room By G.C. By G.C. 08 By G.C. 6 09 Custom Dark stained wood table with wood base By G.C. By G.C. 10 10 Custom signle dose shelf 6 By G.C. By G.C. 6 11 11 Custom Low Coffee Table in Oak wood 1 By G.C. By G.C. 12 12 Togo 2 sea; Custom upholstered in leather La casa Shuwaikh or vBy G.C. By G.C. 13 13 Custom Coffee Table in Stain veneerMezzanine 1 By G.C. By G.C. Plumbing Fixture Schedule Mark Model Comments LevelCountManufacturer Comment 01 Rinser 3 By Owner 02 7365 Faucet Entry LeveL2 Moen CommercialBy G.C. 03 Sink Stainless Steel Sink, By. G.C. 04 Water Filter By Owner By Owner 06 D-Code Hand sink 450 mm - 070545 Sink Entry LeveL1 Duravit By G.C. 07 Wall mountedFacuet Entry LeveL1 By G.C. 08 Wall mountedToilet Entry LeveL1 Roca or similarBy G.C. 09 Tece Toilet tank Entry LeveL1 TECE, Hassan AbulBy G.C. 10 Spray- stainless steel Sanitary Spary Entry LeveL1 T.B.D By G.C. 11 single leverstainless steel Shower Mixer Entry LeveL1 Grohe By G.C. Ground Floor Finish EPOXY FLOOR S01 S01 EPOXY FLOOR S01 PLANTER BOX S02 S02 PARQUET FLOOR ROASTING ROOM 102 TOILET 103 SEATING 100 ESPRESSO BAR 101 OUTDOOR AREA 104 STAIRS THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEW OF ALL PORTIONS OF CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO DETAILS, DIMENSIONS, PLANS, SPECIFIC AREA OR ITEM OF CONSTRUCTION PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF WORK. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL INCONSISTENIES, DISCREPANCIES OR OMISSIONS PRIOR ARCHITECT'S CLARIFICATION WHERE APPLICABLE. INCLUDING ALL TECHNICAL DRAWINGS, GRAPHICS AND MODELS THEREOF, ARE PROPRIETARY AND CANNOT BE COPIED OR COMMERCIALLY EXPLOTED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF STUDIO NAMA. THESE ARE AVAILABLE FOR LIMITED REVIEW AND EVALUTION BY CLIENTS, CONSULTANTS, OTHER PERSONNEL ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS COPYRIGHT © STUDIO NАMA 2022 Drawn by: Project Number: Sheet Issue Date: Checked by: Client: Project Address: SCALE 20 Aroma Roastery Shuwaikh, Kuwait ARC015 Ahmad Alhammad Author GROUND FLOOR FINISH FLOOR PLAN A 2.2 05/24/23 Checker Revision No.Revision Description Date 05/06/2023 FLOOR FINISH LEGEND Tag Image Type SizeTOTAL Area Supplier S01 EPOXY FLOOR n/a 36 m² CMTC OR SIMILAR S02 BRICK FLOOR 25x513 m² NIC KUWAIT W01 PARQUET FLOOR 19X13022 m² HASSAN ABUL (ALLOWANCE 17KD) W02 WOOD FLOOR Cut to fit0 m² BY G.C. (MEASURE EXISTING STAIRCASE) FLOOR FINISH SCHEDULE TagFloor Area Tile Size Comments Entry LeveL 22 m²N/A 101ESPRESSO BAR S01 11 m²N/A EPOXY FLOOR 102ROASTING ROOM S02 10 m²25X5 TILES 104OUTDOOR AREA S01 3 m²N/A EPOXY FLOOR 106STAIRS W02 0 m²CUT TO SIZE PARQUET FLOOR 105Mezzanine W01 22 m²19X130 PARQUET FLOOR Specification
schedules FF&E Schedule Ground Floor
&
Specification & schedules
P. 17 F08 F08 F08 F08 F08 F08 F09 F12 F13 E09 P01 E10 THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEW OF ALL PORTIONS OF CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO DETAILS, DIMENSIONS, PLANS, SPECIFIC AREA OR ITEM OF CONSTRUCTION PRIOR TO NOTIFY THE ARCHITECT'S OFFICE IMMEDIATELY OF ANY INCONSISTENIES, DISCREPANCIES OR OMISSIONS PRIOR ARCHITECT'S CLARIFICATION WHERE APPLICABLE. INCLUDING ALL TECHNICAL DRAWINGS, GRAPHICS AND MODELS THEREOF, ARE PROPRIETARY AND CANNOT BE COPIED OR COMMERCIALLY EXPLOTED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF STUDIO NAMA. THESE ARE AVAILABLE FOR LIMITED REVIEW AND EVALUTION BY CLIENTS, CONSULTANTS, OTHER PERSONNEL ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS COPYRIGHT © STUDIO NАMA 2022 WWW.STUDIONAMA.COM Drawn by: Project Number: Sheet Issue Date: Checked by: Client: Project Address: SCALE 1 20 Aroma Roastery Shuwaikh, Kuwait ARC015 Ahmad Alhammad Author MEZZANINE FF&E A 2.5 05/24/23 Checker Revision No.Revision Description 05/06/2023 Electrical Equipment Schedule Mark Model CommentsCount Giesen Coffee roaster BY OWNER 1 01 La Marzocco Espresso MachineBY OWNER 1 02 Espresso Grinder BY OWNER 1 03 Filter Coffee Grinder BY OWNER 1 04 Filter Coffee Grinder BY OWNER 1 05 Ratio Coffee filter BY OWNER 1 06 Giesen Coffee roaster BY OWNER 1 07 Dishwasher BY OWNER 1 08 Electric Kettle BY OWNER 1 09 La Marzocco Espresso MachineBY OWNER 1 10 Sampl Roaster BY OWNER 1 Furniture Schedule Mark Model Location Count Manufacturer Supplier Togo 2 sea; Custom upholstered in leather La casa Shuwaikh or vBy G.C. By G.C. 01 01 Custom Low Chair in Oak wood Entry Level 3 By G.C. By G.C. 3 02 02 Custom Coffee Table, in MahoganyEntry Level 2 By G.C. By G.C. 2 03 03 Built-In Bench seating with leather Cushions and 6 pillows Entry Level By G.C. By G.C. 04 04 Custom stainless steel metal and wood Product Display Shelf Entry Level By G.C. By G.C. 05 05 Custom Coffee Table attached Bench, OakEntry Level By G.C. By G.C. 06 06 High Stool Chair Roasting Room Ikea By G.C. 07 07 Workstation Table Roasting Room By G.C. By G.C. 08 08 Modle 01 Warm brown birch By G.C. 6 09 wood base By G.C. By G.C. 10 10 Custom signle dose shelf 6 By G.C. By G.C. 6 11 11 Custom Low Coffee Table in Oak wood By G.C. By G.C. 12 12 Togo 2 sea; Custom upholstered in leather La casa Shuwaikh or vBy G.C. By G.C. 13 13 Custom Coffee Table in Stain veneerMezzanine By G.C. By G.C. Plumbing Fixture Schedule Mark Model Comments LevelCountManufacturer Comment 01 Rinser 3 By Owner 02 7365 Faucet Entry LeveL2 Moen CommercialBy G.C. 03 Sink Stainless Steel Sink, By. G.C. 04 Water Filter By Owner 05 Accumlator 60L By Owner 06 D-Code Hand sink 450 mm - 070545 Sink Entry LeveL1 Duravit By G.C. 07 Wall mountedFacuet Entry LeveL1 By G.C. Entry LeveL1 Roca or similarBy G.C. 09 Tece Toilet tank Entry LeveL1 TECE, Hassan AbulBy G.C. 10 Spray- stainless steel Sanitary Spary Entry LeveL1 T.B.D By G.C. 11 single leverstainless steel Shower Mixer Entry LeveL1 Grohe By G.C. Mezzanine Floor Finish PARQUET FLOOR PARQUET FLOOR W02 Mezzanine 105 BUT NOT LIMITED TO DETAILS, DIMENSIONS, PLANS, SPECIFIC AREA OR ITEM OF CONSTRUCTION PRIOR TO NOTIFY THE ARCHITECT'S OFFICE IMMEDIATELY OF ANY TO COMMENCEMENT OF ANY WORK AND AWAIT THE NOTES: THE DESIGNS SHOWN AND DESCRIBED HEREIN MODELS THEREOF, ARE PROPRIETARY AND CANNOT BE PART, WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF REVIEW AND EVALUTION BY CLIENTS, CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, VENDORS AND OTHER PERSONNEL ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS COPYRIGHT © STUDIO NАMA 2022 WWW.STUDIONAMA.COM Drawn by: Project Number: Sheet Issue Date: Checked by: Client: Project Address: SCALE 1 20 Aroma Roastery Shuwaikh, Kuwait ARC015 Ahmad Alhammad MEZZANINE FLOOR FINISH PLAN A 2.3 05/24/23 1CONSTRUCTION BID 05/06/2023 FLOOR FINISH LEGEND Tag Image Type SizeTOTAL Area Supplier S01 EPOXY FLOOR n/a 36 m² CMTC OR SIMILAR W01 PARQUET FLOOR 19X13022 m² HASSAN ABUL (ALLOWANCE 17KD) BY G.C. (MEASURE EXISTING STAIRCASE) FLOOR FINISH SCHEDULE RM.# Room Name TagFloor Area Tile Size Comments Entry LeveL 100SEATING S01 22 m²N/A EPOXY FLOOR 101ESPRESSO BAR S01 11 m²N/A EPOXY FLOOR 103TOILET S02 3 m²25X5 TILES 104OUTDOOR AREA S01 3 m²N/A EPOXY FLOOR 106STAIRS W02 0 m²CUT TO SIZE PARQUET FLOOR Mezzanine FF&E Schedule Mezzanine
P. 18 Final Proposal
Inspiration for mezzanine
The Mezzanine
Upon reaching the mezzanine level, a dedicated cupping area awaits, featuring an inviting bar and a large communal table that caters to customers during non-cupping sessions. The use of wood flooring, metal and natural tones creates a comforting and pleasant experience. The space also incorporates display shelves and a vintage togo sofa, all complemented by decorative floor lamp.
P. 19 Final Proposal
Residential project
Beach house 123
-Renovation project-
Firm
Studio Nama
Location
Dubaiya, Kuwait
Project Manager
Sarah Al-Sager
Role
Assisted in designing the overall vision
Collaborated with the project manager to ensure project adherence to timelines
Proactively follow up project revisions
Assisted in selecting lights.
Created a full drawing set including specification schedules. Phase Design Development
Jan 2024
P. 21
Dinning Room
Design Brief
The project involves the complete renovation of a beach house located in Dubaiya, a government-owned area known for its beach houses. The existing houses in this area were constructed around 20 years ago and are subject to certain restrictions, particularly regarding the facade.
In this project, the focus is on transforming the house to cater to the needs of the client, who is a grandmother wanting to create a welcoming space for her children and grandchildren to gather during weekends. The layout of the beach house has been significantly altered to accommodate the client's requirements.
The lower floor of the house now features a maid's room, a driver's room, and four master bedrooms for the rest of the family. Additionally, there is a spacious living room where family members can relax and spend quality time together.
On the upper floor, the main master bedroom, kitchen, and dining area have been designed to provide comfort and functionality. The aim was to create an intimate relationship between the kitchen, the dining and living rooms by eliminating boundaries between them so they are connecting.
P. 22
Existing
Condition
Top view
Existing Back Elevation
P. 23
Front Elevation Proposal
Existing Front Elevation
Back Elevation Proposal
Final Proposal
Interior Existing Condition
P. 24 LIVING ROOM RM.106 DINING AREA RM.107 MASTER BEDROOM RM.104 KITCHEN RM.105 5975 4245 4.0 1 7590 3490 3700 1095 14570 2290 14570 STORAGE CABINET GUEST POWDER RM.102 3920 1 MASTER BATHROOM RM.103 TERRACE RM.108 A 4.4 002 H CORRIDOR MAIN STAIR RM.101 1760 1195 FRIDGE EXISTING STAIRCASE NEW FLOOR FINISH FRIDGE J F DOOR BELOW 006 007 004 005 UNDER COUNTER FRIDGE J 2340 3145 4215 2650 G THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEW OF ALL PORTIONS OF CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO DETAILS, DIMENSIONS, PLANS, SPECIFIC AREA OR ITEM OF CONSTRUCTION PRIOR TO NOTIFY THE ARCHITECT'S OFFICE IMMEDIATELY OF ANY INCONSISTENIES, DISCREPANCIES OR OMISSIONS PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF ANY WORK AND AWAIT THE NOTES: THE DESIGNS SHOWN AND DESCRIBED HEREIN INCLUDING ALL TECHNICAL DRAWINGS, GRAPHICS AND MODELS THEREOF, ARE PROPRIETARY AND CANNOT BE COPIED OR COMMERCIALLY EXPLOTED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF REVIEW AND EVALUTION BY CLIENTS, CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, VENDORS AND OTHER PERSONNEL ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS COPYRIGHT © STUDIO NАMA 2022 Project Number: Sheet Issue Date: Checked by: Client: Project Address: SCALE 30 Beach House 123 Beach house 123DubaiyaKuwait. ARC014 Hala AlGhanim PROPOSED PLANUPPER LEVEL A 2.0 02/15/23 Revision No.Revision Description BEDROOM RM.007 DRIVER ROOM RM.003 BEDROOM 2 MASTER BEDROOM 2 RM.015 BATH RM.008 RM.009 STORAGE LIVING ROOM RM.014 BEDROOM 3 RM.013 RM.012 MAIDS BEDROOM W/D A 4.0 1 A 4.2 3390 3380 2301 2290 3000 2940 3615 2300 4950 11365 14570 STORAGE 2059 A 4.3 BATH4 1 A 4.4 008 016 015 014 017 019 018 014 CORRIDOR RM.001 STORAGE RM.002 RM.011 D D B B C B A B B 2450 1500 1000 E E A C 1500 013 2900 C 1200 1300 2185 DRIVER TOILET RM.004 RM.005 THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEW OF ALL PORTIONS OF CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO DETAILS, DIMENSIONS, PLANS, SPECIFIC AREA OR ITEM OF CONSTRUCTION PRIOR TO NOTIFY THE ARCHITECT'S OFFICE IMMEDIATELY OF ANY INCONSISTENIES, DISCREPANCIES OR OMISSIONS PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF ANY WORK AND AWAIT THE NOTES: THE DESIGNS SHOWN AND DESCRIBED HEREIN INCLUDING ALL TECHNICAL DRAWINGS, GRAPHICS AND MODELS THEREOF, ARE PROPRIETARY AND CANNOT BE COPIED OR COMMERCIALLY EXPLOTED, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF REVIEW AND EVALUTION BY CLIENTS, CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, VENDORS AND OTHER PERSONNEL ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS COPYRIGHT © STUDIO NАMA 2022 Drawn by: Project Number: Sheet Issue Date: Checked by: Client: Project Address: SCALE 30 Beach House 123 Beach house 123DubaiyaKuwait. ARC014 Hala AlGhanim Author PROPOSED PLANLOWER LEVEL A 2.1 02/15/23 Revision No.Revision Description Layout Upper Floor Plan Lower Floor Plan
P. 25 Final Proposal
Dining room
Kitchen
Upper Floor Corridor
small bedrooms
Unified Design Elements
In master bedroom, we designed the closet to be an open Closet, extending it to merge with the bathroom door, giving the appearance of one large closet. This design approach was replicated in every master room, creating a consistent and visually appealing element all around the house. Another challenge we faced was the ceiling design, particularly on the lower floor bathrooms. To accommodate this, we incorporated lighting differently, such as adding a short extension from the wall to create cove lighting on top of it. Additionally, the ceiling constraints influenced our choice of light sources, primarily relying on wall fixtures and decorative lighting, while incorporating a few architectural lights strategically.
P. 26 Final Proposal
Inspiration Typical Master Bathroom
Typical Master bedroom Closet
P. 28
Academic work
Sports Center Skyscraper Design VI
A Series of Figural Voids
A Futuristic Dystopian Kuwait: Speculative Story
P. 29
Undergraduate
28 36
De-familiarization Architecture
Thesis
Building in context
Architecture
Sports Center Skyscraper
- A Series of Figural Voids -
Studio
Kuwait University
Department of Architecture
Design VI
Location
Mirqab, Kuwait
Instructor
Jawad Altabtabai
In collaboration with Reham Alalwan
Teaching Assistants
Adel Albloushi
Tools and Techniques
Rhinoceros, V-ray, Photoshop
Spring 2019
P. 31
Design Brief
According to a 2015 GBD study. The percentage of obese men in Kuwait is 41%, while women are 49% . Kuwait city does not encourage healthy lifestyle or any kind of sport activities. The project aims to create a first-of-its kind sport center located in Mirqap, a plot next to Al Shaheed park. The location has been chosen to extent the healthy life style that Al Shaheed park is creating along the edge of the city into the heart of Kuwait City.
The program consists of Retail, Offices, a Mosque and a Sports Center including Basketball, Volleyball, Climbing, Martial Art. The building is uplifted from the ground, allowing it to introduce spaces that host sports and activities.
Form Generation Methods
This Design VI studio focuses on formal explorations. The project consists of a series of bars embedded into solids that come together to create the skyscraper form. The figures were generated via figural voids through analysis and encoding of different sport (courts) and (movements) as well as different (programs). For example, the bar including basketball courts was generated through the analysis of the movement of basketball players in the game, and the game program requirements.
P. 32
Statement
Location
Site
Program
A. B. C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
33
H.
P.
P. 34 Final Proposal Sectional Perspective A-A
P. 35 ELEVATIONS: NORTH WEST ELEVATION SCALE 1:300 NORTH EAST ELEVATION SCALE 1:300 Final Proposal North West Elevation Zoning
P. 36 Final Proposal Offices Plan Sport center Plan
P. 37 Final Proposal
Physical Model
Architecture
De-familiarization: A Futuristic Dystopian Kuwait
- Speculative Story, Kitbashing
Studio
Kuwait University
Department of Architecture
Architecture Undergraduate Thesis
Location
Mubarakiyah School, Kuwait Instructor
Meshari Ali
Teaching Assistants
Asaiel Alsaeed
Tools and Techniques
Rhinoceros, V-ray, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator
Award:
Nominee for RIBA silver Medal PartII
Fall 2019- Spring 2020
P. 39
The Fountain and Gate
Design Brief
Our perception of the world is shaped through dystopian films. In those films we always imagine alternative worlds as a way of understanding our own. Dystopian films are designed to evoke questions about reality. Therefore, by analyzing multiple dystopian films such as Blade Runner and Metropolis, I was intrigued by the concept of forecasting a future.
The project, De-familiarization, focuses on a speculative future story of Kuwait’s architecture. Kuwait has a long history of borrowing foreign forms and symbols all the while demolishing their own. It has become a country that has lost all sense of its own architectural identity. This pattern behavior raises the question as to what will become of the country’s architectural identity where any sense of the familiar becomes manipulated?
The project is set within a future, influenced by current events, where Kuwait & China have established strong ties. A future where cultural and formal symbols of the country’s architecture start to become de-familiarised through their merging.
Based in the heart of Souk Mubarakiya, the project re-appropriates a landmark building into its newfound image, challenging the familiarity of the old with the unfamiliarity of the new. The architecture plays on the balance of what we associate to our culture through formal exploration but also how Kuwait’s architecture evolves through formal inheritance.
P. 40
Statement Globalization Time-line
"What if one day those in the depths rise up against you?"
"Woman and men, let no one miss today! Death to the
What is it to be a human? Human
"All those memories will be lost like tears in the rain"
P. 41 Film Analysis
Utopia, Illusion The ground
Machines!!"
Hierarchy, No Identity, Slaves Underground 1:40:20 00:07:57 1:47:12 00:05:51 High technology 00:18:18 00:24:28 Headquarter, Surveillance 00:03:25 Global warming 00:07:37 High technology Mass Globalization, Heterogeneous society 00:17:01 Headquarter, Surveillance 1:45:47
Replicant 00:26:36 1:46:50
Vs
This a world where China has a global influence. Their signs and language took over Kuwait City. The city became a collage of unfamiliar forms and symbols. The familiar buildings were threatened to be demolished. The unfamiliarity continued to spread, taking over the most familiar sites in the city "Mubarakiya". A building in the heart of Mubarakiya is transformed by Chinese government to become Chinese embassy. You can trace the origin of building, yet new layers were added to it, making it in a state of De-familiarity.
P. 43
Storyboard
Concept
P. 44 Final Proposal
The exterior skin of the building is currently the most identifiable, thus, the final proposal focuses on making it de-familiar through shifting, removing, and manipulating some of its original elements. On the other hand, the nature of the internal courtyard is unfamiliar, so, this unfamiliarity has been embraced and exaggerated through kitbashing. Then, the inside is pulled out through a series of gates and vistas, creating a visual connection in between.
P. 45
Section A-A
Section B-B
Final Proposal
P. 46
Kit bashed lobby and foyer
Final Proposal
East Elevation
Kitbashing
A formal mechanism used to transform familiar objects into a state of Defamiliarity. It works through Scaling, Distorting, Rotating and Combining familiar forms to perceive and see them in a new way.
P. 47
Final Proposal
Kit-bashed Gate
Kit-bashed Fountain
P. 48 North Elevation West Elevation Final Proposal
P. 49
Perspective of The Gate
Final Proposal
Perspective of the Courtyard
Narrative VOICE 52 A Kuwaiti Short Film Childern Book Bu Driyah 62 AIAS Tefaseel Design Exhibition Participant Bea-ugly, Eye Candy 64
A Kuwaiti Short Film
VOICE
Experimental project about finding the self
Directed by Nora Saleh
Samaa Al Shammari
Videography
Samaa Al Shammari
Editor Nora Saleh
Cast
Safaa Rachid
Doha Al Shammari
Arwa Almansoori
Alzahraa Ashkanani
Fatmia Al Awadhi
Hashem Al Hashmi
Noura Al Nassar
Sarah Al Khamees
Special Thanks
Abdullah Al Shammari
Ahmad Al Mutawaa
Barrak Al Shammari
Fatmia Al Kanderi
Hala Al Mutairi
Hessa Mohammed
Musaed Al Qudifi
Watch Online
https://vimeo.com/698985659
2021-2022
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Film poster
No turning back
Realization
Symbol and key
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Opening scene
The clue
World set up
Society conflicts (People)
Theme stated
Catalyst
Fun and games
Break into act 2
Fear
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The protagonist set up
Self doubt Day 2 Society conflict ( Government ) All lost Mid point Finding the truth Transitional point Accepting the VOICE The ending scene
Revealing the protagonist
Dreams
The beginning
extended beyond me, questions haunted me, and the starvation for more were all leading me to find myself. In this film, I was exposed to all aspects of filmmaking, from telling a story, lighting a space, set design, and directing the camera and crew. It was a film made through a lens of an architect.
I needed to find my spark, and I think I found mine here.
VOICE is an abstract story, a poem, and a piece of art that somehow captured what I went through emotionally after graduation. This experimental project was a story that aligned with mine. It is a story about finding the self.
I certainly did not imagine my struggle of that time would transform into a short film. Neither did I think that phone call with my friend asking her if we could do a short film would grow into a career path. The curiosity
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Film
poster
Storyboard illustrations The Inspiration
Setting Up the Story
The story sets in a dystopian theme. The government warns people about the danger of following the VOICE. The protagonist will start feeling the VOICE in her dreams of the maze, the door, and the other world. Later the VOICE will appear to challenge her in the maze, and only when she trusts it, she will find the truth. She will find the door to the other world.
The message of the story?
It is a reminder for everyone, including me, that we are courageous and capable of creating what we can’t have. Once we trust ourselves, we can open the door to another world, other possibilities. It’s a message for everyone that we can own our world. I want you to hear the VOICE. I want to spark an idea in you that the voice is inside all of us.
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Clips from the film
Pre-Production
Setting Up the World
Location 01, Anwar Al-Sabah Complex
The location was selected to present the story’s city ground atmosphere and how dirty and dark it is. We wanted to show how some people are searching and calling for the VOICE while vandalizing the streets. The scene composition and lighting, camera movement, and the way these actors moved in the scene were all decisions made to add up to the mystery and theme of the story.
Location 02, Kuwait City
The scene started with a pan shot, revealing the wanting and warning papers on the wall. It was our answer to how to show to the audience the government’s point of view in the story. The protagonist takes one of these posters and reveals what’s written on it. “Do not follow the VOICE and run away if you hear the VOICE”. This message is what later the protagonist will face to choose between following the VOICE or not.
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Production
Location 03, Abandoned Building
The end of the maze, the key room is the portal to the other world. It is where the protagonist finally trusted the VOICE, and she will get rewarded for that.
This scene was the first thing we imagined in the story. We imagined the wind, the sound, VFX, and the candles to capture this magical feeling. The challenging part was the need to set up all lighting: filling, back, and key light. It was the most enjoyable setup we did in the film.
Location 04, Subiya
The ending scene can be interpreted differently. Is it another world? Or is it your own creation? Is it a world for everyone or just you? It is the liberating part of following the VOICE. It is the trust regardless of where it takes you. Somehow this location has always given me the feeling of being in another world, so I knew it should be the ending of my film. The scene has been photo-shopped and colored intentionally to evoke a visual feeling of a world differ from the protagonist’s world.
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Production
Location 05, Abandoned Warehouse
The maze, the fun and games part, is the core element of the story. It is where the VOICE challenges the protagonist to find the truth hidden between the maze’s walls. The use of symbolism was to create depth and navigation in the story. The book was a diary found in the maze to represent another character’s existence in the story. It was a hint that she was not the only one chosen by the VOICE .
The maze was the hardest yet the most enjoyable thing in the production process. It took us lots of trial and error and preparation. The main challenge was to create a maze out of one corridor and a few rooms and plan each shot perfectly to match the one before and after it. Also, shooting in pitch dark corridor and trying to light it up with low-budget light was another challenge that needed to be solved.
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Production The film Screening and Discussion
Post-Production
Children Storybook
Before the discovery of oil, Kuwaiti men used to go pearl diving in the Arabian Gulf water. It was a dangerous journey, but the only mean of living for many of them. However, it was not just the sea dangers that they ought to fear. The untold harsh concept of pearl diving is that the Nawkhedha* take men with him in his ship in exchange for money or their property’s ownership. If men failed to collect pearls, they’re in debt to him, having to give up their houses or find any other means to pay back the money. Because of that, many men have gone missing. This story depicts a past where this harsh truth was hidden by the invention of a sea monster called Bu Driyah. This mythological creature was believed to cause storms and steal men. The story unfolds to the realization that Bu Driyah was in fact no other than the evil Nawkhedha.
*Nwakhedha in Arabic translated to the Captain of the Ship
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N OURA S M S AFA ’ A M R Warm up project HOWEVER THE STORY OF OUR GRANDPARENTS WASN T AS BRIGHT AS IT MIGHT SEEM THE SEA WAS FULL OF DANGERS, AND STORIES OF MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES WHO LIVED IN THE DEPTH OF THE SEA WERE TOLD TO CHILDREN TO SCARE THEM FROM GOING NEAR THE SHORE AT NIGHT T THIS IS A STORY OF A STRONG MAN WHO WENT DIVING FOR PEARLS DESPITE THE DANGER AN EVIL NAWKHIDHA WHO DIDN T HELP HIS MEN, A SEA MONSTER CALLED BU DR YAH, AND A BOY WHO FOUGHT THAT MONESTER, AND LIVED TO TELL THE STORY OF OUR FORGOTTEN FOLKLORE TODAY Cover page
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Research
Bu Driyah story was written and illustrated by the author and Safa'a
Exhibition Theme: Utopia & Dystopia
Art Work Tittle: Bea-ugly
Concept: Utopia is translated through God creation: The human face and body! This art work seeks to challenge and distort the perfection of human's face and to transform it into a Dystopian form.
P. 64 AIAS Tefaseel Design Exhibition
Exhibition Theme: Transparency
Art Work Tittle: Eye Candy
Incollabration with: KASA; Sarah Alenezi
Concept: What do you remember from your childhood? Your favorite blanket wrapped around you? How different the world looked depending on the color of your Mackintosh candy wrapper?
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AIAS Tefaseel Design Exhibition