THESIS | Atelier Infrastructure.Space Master thesis project which explored technology’s ability to facilitate worldwide innovation with a focus on the Quantum computing’s ability to achieve balance in the environments of the future. Military stealth was used as primary design language, with biomimicry acting as an additional layer of complexity.
• Created and managed the Atelier’s Instagram account: instagram.com/infra_structure.space/https://www.
Rendering:
• Summer-long course teaching the administrative requirements in a practice.
• Part I Architectural Assistant; helped with a variety of architecture projects at different scales. Gained experience equivalent to RIBA Stage 1 and 2 in the UK architecture system.
OLIVIA MIHALE SW18, London | (+44) 7760378249 | olivia.mihale@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/oliviamihale 3D Designer EDUCATION BA(Hons)-Manchester School of Architecture M.Arch. with Distinction - MSA 2016 - 2019 Februrary - July 2020 Summer 2018 2020 - 2022 Summer 2020 Summer 2021 Summer 2021 2017 - 2019 2021 - 2022 2021 • Achieved a Second Class Honours, Upper division (2.1) •
EXTRACURRICULAR Adobe
• Liaised between the student body and faculty staff; attended bi-annual meetings which dealt with issues on bettering the architecture course’s structure and the overall student experience.
• Learnt about design requirements of resilient, future communities. Understood how Big Data, the IoT, simulation and systems theory can facilitate design at an urban scale.
photography Others: QGIS,
• MSA award for outstanding research into Post-War Infrastructure. Explored the life of the Ferrybridge power stations and the socio-political factors which resulted in their decommission through the Panarchy model.
• 1st hand experience working in a German architecture practice.
watercolour
digital painting
Atelier Representative Future Cities
PREP - organised by MSA
DISSERTATION | olivia.mihale/docs/dissertation_issuuhttps://issuu.com/
• Representative of the Infrastructure. Space Atelier for Year 6;
Blender/VR Course ACHIEVEMENTS SKILLS EXPERIENCE Research Methods Prize (Year 5) Internship at DM Constantin Intern at Pasucha-Klepzig Arhitekten
Suite
The Atelier’s focus on the themes of soft materials and textiles laid the foundation to create a sustainable, and research-driven design for a medium-sized silk factory. The project further fueled my interest in organic architecture, as well as in research as a design tool.
MSADU Co-Ordinator - in charge of organising and advertising tri-annual debates around relevant architectural themes. ASN Lead - student organisation dealing with social issues within the architectural education system. Organised UK-wide events and liaised between students and SCHOSA, ARB and RIBA. Exhibition Curation - principal curator. Took the initiative to curate, organise and advertise two exhibitions promoting final year students’ work outside university premises. Liaised with external partners who offered free printing, easels for the work’s showcase and spaces for displaying the work.
Researched into Actor Network Theory and Object-Oriented Ontology to gain a deeper understanding of architecture’s everchanging nature. Analysed a series of LiDAR scans from precedents to demonstrate the multilayered and complex character of architecture alongside the state of flux of the built environment. Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Procreate CAD/ 3D Modelling: Rhino, AutoCAD, Revit, Sketchup, Grasshopper Revit Blender, VRay, Enscape Video: Filmora, Premier Pro Artistic: drawing, painting , (Procreate & Photoshop), Web Design, Office MSSA - EdX Course (certificate) Space as Story -
• Leant notions of composition through experimentation with lighting, topology and sound. An efficient Blender-VR workflow was introduced.
• Exploration of digital architecture as an unfolding narrative. Learnt the benefits of the digital realm such as its rapid customisation and its capacity to transform experience into purpose.
BIM:
• Helped with a variety of projects – from private home design to the planning of a medium-sized warehouse for a tobacco company. Gained experience into dealing with clients through shadow work, as well as insight into site work.
• Direct engagement with a wide variety of projects. These ranged from the concept design of a cultural center to the re-use of a traditional Romanian house and technical drawings for the rehabilitation of the facade of a politically significant block of flats.
• Gained more insight into types of contracts, feasibility studies, working with clients and contractors and the complex nature of re-use projects (The Manchester Town Hall was used as precedent) by attending weekly talks given by architects in practice.
Sample Portfolio OLIVIA MIHALE 3D Designer
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THESIS PROJECT//Sep ’21-May 22
deep thought
deep thought 2.1 is a research station found in the middle of the North Sea in the year 2122. Classified as a “TOP SECRET“ facility, its existence is only known to the scientists working in and around it. The research base uses leading-edge technology (Quantum Computing) in order to gather and analyse future trajectories of the world. The facility’s mission is to compare all these possible trajectories and stop any potential disasters from happening - therefore ensuring worldwide balance.
deep thought 2.1
TOP SECRET Quantum Computing facility located in the North Sea Atelier: Infrastructure.Space
The deepConferenceSubmarinesDataSealSystemSuitCentresSpacethought2.1
Since deep thought 2.1 must stay undiscoverable, the entire system surrounding it is made up of different elements, designed using stealth and biomimicry techniques.
The name is self-explanatory, however the function of these is not clear. The Submarines represent the research areas of the facility, ready to flee in case a threat approaches.
At the core of the facility is the Conference Space, where the Quantum Computers are located and from where they operate. This space also acts as a conference area. A self-sufficient living quarter which offers spaces for study, access to the last books on Earth and spaces for contemplation, deep thought 2.1 is also the largest element of the system.
Situated at the bottom of the sea, they are an essential part of the system, gathering realtime Big Data which is then analysed through the power of Quantum Computing.
These titanium suits act as one-person submarines. They are used by the researchers accessing the facility to travel around the main building (deep thought 2.1), as well as reach the other parts of the system.
LEVEL 1 LEVEL Security & Meeting areas Bedrooms & Access in the main building can only be done through a door located on the roof. A thorough 3-layer security check is done before anyone enters the main building. On a lower level, one can access shared) as well as dedicated areas
deep thought 2.1 //THESIS PROJECT//Studio 3 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 Study areas Green House& Food area the bedrooms (either individual or for study and research. Level 3 presents a green area with access to an Aquaponics system (used for food harvest), as well as spaces for contemplation, designed with a biophilic mindset.
Satellite View
The roof of the Top-Secret facility was developed using a series of patterns inspired by the tones and textures of the sea. Initially, there was a lack of complexity in the design generated, but through several iterations, a series of 4 different patterns (shown on the right) were overlapped to create the 3D texture above. Additionally, a heightmap was developed, which helped with associating the right colour shades to the different levels in the roof. In this final render, one can appreciate the success in camouflaging the building.
As deep thought 2.1 must be untraceable, stealth techniques were used in its design, alongside biomimicry. The final iteration was created in such a manner that from different angles, the design of the roof successfully camouflages the entire facility.
ROOF DESIGN Final Iteration
deep thought 2.1 //THESIS PROJECT//Studio 3 Pattern #4
INFORMAL
The library is filled with some of books in the world. It provides fields of knowledge, beingfascination.both LIBRARY
It acts as an open space for discussing issues that are not confidential. It offers an open space with latest tech facilities, including enormous screens ready for any sort of presentation. MEETINGS
Interior Views The interior design of the facility was driven by creating a highly secure building while still being mindful of the users who would live within it for periods between two weeks to six months.
deep thought 2.1 //THESIS PROJECT//Studio 1 some of the last remaingin copies provides access to a variety of both an artefact and an area of fascination. LIBRARY The tranquility present in the Green House helps the scientists to contemplate on wider issues and potentially come up with solutions for them. GREEN HOUSE
THE LOCAL ANTHROPOCENE YEAR 5//January - April ‘21 Re-use Project of Grade II* Listed Tate & Lyle Sugar Silo Atelier: Infrastructure.Space
1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 87 Plato & ProgrammeVR & Re-useBoullée & Memory
Plato’s Cave Parable was used as a metaphor for creating the building’s programme. The entrance, a dark and gloomy space, signifies a lack of knowledge. As one travels further, he/she learns more about the building’s history, hence the path becomes better lit.
Boullée’s Cenotaph for Newton acted as a central precedent. Conceptually, it raised questions about remembrance and a building’s historic importance. Tectonically, it could compare in size, if only as a fictional space, with the silo. The creation of a VR/Digital Art exhibition in the silo was a softtouch intervention, which had the future in mind. Moreover, it was also a manifestation of Boullée’s thinking, who’s beliefs are similar to the concepts behind VR technology.
1. Infinity Mirror Installation 2. VR dedicated areas 3. WC 4. Cafe 5. Co-Working Spaces 6. Studio 7. Individual Offices 8. Plant Room Legend
Infinity Mirror Entrance Legend The main entrance was an infinity mirror room, which let the visitors become really self-aware and made them realise that involuntarily, they had been part of this creation - that of the silo, the exhibition or the entire world. 1. Infinity Mirror Installation 2. VR dedicated areas 3. Projection curtains 4. Transparent LED screen 5. Second level walkway 6. VR room 7. Shop 61 5 2 3 4
THE LOCAL ANTHROPOCENE //PROFESSIONAL STUDIES 2//Year 5 Digital Exhibition The digital exhibition area encompassed cutting-edge light mapping technology, alongside VR equipment, projectors and interactive screens – which showcased the history of the silo in an engaging manner. 7 6
8. foundation columns 1 . Spacetherme 9. concrete slab 2. walkway 10. structural cores 3. partitions 11. floor plenum 4. internal arches 12. internal columns 5. facades 13. insulation 6. concrete shell (ribs) 7. windows EXPLODED AXO Structural Layers 1 10 11 12 13 2 4 6 8 9 5 3 7 5
Legend 1:100 Detail Section 1. steel expansion bracket 2. insulation around column 3. insulation inside steel column/arch 4. 8mm floor finish 58mm screed 30mm heating/cooling system 20mm impact sound insulation 22mm access floor support plate 167mm ventilation void 50mm 5.concreteinsulationslabsteelplateconnection The detail section shows all the construction layers introduced through the re-use of the silo. Most notably, the parabolic shell was left nearly untouched, in order to retain as much of the existing built fabric as possible. 1:5 DETAIL Arch & Floor detail 1 3 2 5 4 THE LOCAL ANTHROPOCENE //PROFESSIONAL STUDIES 2//Year 5
RESEARCH PROJECTS YEAR 5&6//Sept. 2020-June 2022 Atelier: Infrastructure.Space
MYTHOL BEGINN
The starting point of my thesis project (deep thought 2.1) was cultural research of the North Sea territory. My group focused on the forgotten myths of the North Sea, which culminated with the creation of the North Sea Mythology Atlas, most of which was realised by myself.
The North Sea Mythology visual history of the Nordic mythological history. Geologically culturally ancient seeming, hundreds of artefacts,, document the idenity of Through studying the constituent depth we gain an overall the North Sea has been, where be as it swallows North Sea Atlas of Mythology
THE NORTH SEA
LOGY ATLAS NINGS Mythology map portrays a Nordic Sea through its rich Geologically young, yet seeming, the North Sea holds stories or ruins, which of the place as a whole. constituent places in more understanding of where where it is and where it will swallows the land.
VISIBILITYREDUCTIONINWWI
CAMOUFLAGELIGHTINGDIFFUSE TRANSPARENTAIRCRAFT HORTEN HO 229 INVENTIONOFRADAR INVENTIONCAMOUFLAGEOF 1STSUBMARINESTEALTHY
To get a holistic understanding of our undertaking, an overlapping timeline was developed. This takes a look at the relations that tie in all the existing and proposed power stations on the site of Ferrybridge. As one can see, each station is linked to events that either affected the previous ones or triggered the comissioning of a future one. What makes the relationships really interesting is that one timeline does not end when a new one begins, but they keep on developing new relationships through both space and time.
As part of my thesis project research, I investigated stealth techniques and their development. The most crucial moment was the invention of RADAR - which has been highlighted in this timeline by using a vector illustration instead of a collaged photograph.
THESIS PROJECT
Radio Detection And Ranging (RADAR) is invented to detect object at long distances (mostly aircraft and ships).
Soviet designers attempt to design a transparent aircraft as well. Horten Ho 229 one of the earliest by the Germans. It absorbed small radar cross section.
ESA = Electricity Supply Act EA = Electricity Act CEB = Central Electricity Board BEA = British Electricity Authority CEGB = Central Electricity Generating Board = Start of new cycle = Beginning of cycles FADED TEXT = Timeline overlaps/events are taking place while several Power Stations are still open PANARCHY TIMELINEPANARCHY TIMELINE Research Methods Ferrybridge Case Study Manchester School of Architecture 2020-2021 10 11 RESEARCH METHODS
Visibility was the only concern in WWI. Hence, German designers produced a “transparent“ airplane, fully covered in cellulose the basis of movie film. Other parts of the plane were painted in lgiht colours.
As part of a group research project, I developed a timeline showcasing the evolution of the three Ferrybridge Power Stations. The graphic representation of this is influenced by the Panarchy model, which perceives evolution as circular rather than linear.
The history of stealth begins before the 20th Century, the focus then being the visible spectrum. This was when camouflage started to emerge and when experiments with paint over clothing and weapons was on the rise. Apart form the invention of camouflage, and later, dazzle camouflage, the most significant moment in stealth history was represented by the invention of RADAR. This meant not only hiding on the visible spectrum, but also hiding from waves coming form Infra-red and radio spectrum as well. Ever since then, stealthy design implied heavy experimentation with a multitude of techniques and finding the right balance between the passivity of hiding and active approach of (Stealthattack. Technology... What is it?, n.d.)
STEALTH TECHNOLOGY History
Canadian Royal Navy tested diffused lighting camouflage.
1st stealth submarine, built by Germans, was launched during WWII. It used anechoic tile rubber coating (to absrobs soundwaves of active sonar or distort the return signal) to defeat Active Sonar Detection Project sonar. It also had RADAR absorbent rubber.
AVROBOMBERVULCAN HAVE PROGRAMMEBLUE IS CREATED USE OF F-117First top-sectre Blackbird series. It operated at high altitude and speed to avoid RADAR detection. First flight of Nighthawk - stealth ground-attack aircraft.Firstlarge-scaleuseofF-117NighthawkduringtheGulfWar&UScruisemissilesstealthtechnologycarriesnuclearorconventionalwarheads.
Americans & the British followed the developments of the germans with diffused lighting cammouflage. Later on, RADAR-absorbent paint containig iron was developed by the US earliest stealth aircrafts developed electromagnetic waves and had a
British Bomber with a remarkably small appearance on RADAR despite its large size. It sometimes went off RADAR completely. Stealth technology demonstrator - preceded the F-117
REPRESENTATIONAL MEDIA TIMELINE DISSERTATION
RESEARCH PROJECTS //Year 5&6
ABSORBENTRADAR-PAINT SR-71
Figure 2.13: Representational Media Timeline (Data from: Pinterest, no date; The National Museum of American History, no date; Lomography, no date; FARO, no date; The Atlantic, 2015; Le Jardinier, 1895; Better Photography, 2020; Science and Media Museum, no date; Britannica, 2021; Wide Walls, 2018; Open Culture, 2015; Saatchi & Saatchi, 2015; Edl, Mizerak, Trojan, 2018; Briggs and Burke, 2009)
My dissertation looked at ways in which architecture’s state of flux could be depicted more accurately through media - with a focus on LiDAR scanning. Below is a timeline depicting the evolution of representational media through the ages.
Nighthawk.SR-71developed & surpassed the Blackbird in altitude and spped. Other stealthy features that it surpassed included: canted vertical stabilisers, use of composite materials in key locations & finish in RADAR absorbing paint.
BLACKBIRDA-12 F-117FIRSTNIGHTHAWKFLIGHT
PERSONAL Jelly
I have always been curious about the mysterious nature of the ocean. My eagerness to design within the deep blue was probably evident with the first project of this portfolio to begin with. The present artwork is a digital painting I created during the 1st Lockdown. The style encapsulates my passion for the sea, my fascination with light and my infinite love for bold, bright colours. Media: digital painting Tools: Procreate Original Size: 27x21cm
PROJECTS DIGITAL PAINTING Quarantine
IDUAG
Up-Lifted Living Unit
Media: digital painting Tools: Procreate Original Size: 18.5x24.2cm
Project
As a continuation of the Up-Lifted project, I decided to draw a series of interior views of the main living unit, showing how the use of technology can make it a very flexible, yet personal space. Pictured is the study space of the unit, which is transformed from a quite area into space for small parties, with the help of ambient lighting and a voice assistant.
Media: digital painting Tools: Procreate Original Size: 29.7x21cm
As part of a personal project designing a research facility for developing jellyfish leather, this painting depicts a gallery space which heavily uses light design to generate an ethereal atmosphere.
