The concept behind Up-Lifted was to create a system that would deplete the highly congested M58 motorway, which was passing closely by the N-W border of the site. Hence, a Sefton-wide (Liverpool borough) master plan was developed, which introduced and hoped for the gradual expansion of a drone infrastructure. This would reduce freight related traffic through drone delivery services. The system would also branch out into a medical emergency line. The masterplan would be followed by a more detailed site intervention (highlighted in pink).
2020: existing highway is populated by frequent vehicles; no/limited areas for pedestrian walkways; pedestrian walkways are un-safe and clouded in vehicle emissions
2025: increase in drone usage means less vehicle dependency; pedestrian walkways widen for additional movement; dual lane traffic with cycle paths - encourage active travel.
2030: additional drone usage decreases vehicle dependency; single lane autonomous vehicles create safer streetscape; pedestrian boulevards encourage active travel and social cohesion
The overall site intervention was comprised of two parts: a socially productive space and a series of living units for transient users.
In order to create a “home-like” atmosphere, the massiveproduced designs of transitory living cannot provide the user with the ultimate experience - hence, despite this lack, I focused on how the gap can be closed.
By taking advantage of the hype-connectivity of our age, I create d a Smart Home environemtn which generates the feeling of beloning by using smart technologies to “trick” the senses.
An app would register one’s data from home and recreate the environement within the transient pod. Or one could pick one’s own specifications: adjusting lighting, sound, smell as well as having a go at repurposing the layout of the space.
View
The walkway acted as a “socially productive space “, an area where residents were coming to gain skills taught by incoming, transient users. The skill exchange would make the local businesses flourish and would ensure the development of the drone infrastructure. Moreover, the walkway also acted as a pedestrian link between the site and the port.
1. Glass railing
2. Concrete slab - part of the green roof construction
3. Spaceframe
4. Structural cores
5. Glass curtain wall
6. Concrete slab - part of the floor construction
7. Lateral steel bracing
8. Pad foundation - with structural columns transmitting the force to the ground
1. green roof layers
2. parapet clapping, 3mm aluminium, insulated
3. 60mmx60mm aluminium rail
4. 60mmx60mm aluminium post
5. 12mm laminated safety glass - 6mm cavity - 8mm toughened safety glass with low-E coating
6. steel flat bracket for fixing post and rail facade
7. vapour barrier
8. insulation
9. 150mm concrete slab - profile steel decking
10. steel girder
11. steel plate connector
12. spaceframe members
13. 450mm concrete column
The brief for this project asked for the design of a multi-purpose space that could be used for a variety of events. The final design is a modern take on the Romanian traditional house which incorporates flexible layouts with an open floorplan, easy road access and a fully equipped kitchen. The retention of the original façade displays the historic significance of the former residence, while the repetitive fenestration used in the intervention was a way to mirror the original trefoil arches, while maximising interior daylight.
Moreover, the detailed view of the plan shows compliance with European fire regulations – exemplified by using fire-resistant walls, doors and fire extinguishers, and the design of public toilets in accordance with the Disability Act.
1:20 Section
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK WORK//Feb-July Centre - Stelnica, RO Reimagining identity of place & its impact on the community ENTRANCE VIEW Retained facade of traditional Romanian house & main accessway1:5 Plan Detail
Sinaia,
The difficulty with this private residence was tp design it on a sloping site. This was resolved by placing the garage and basement areas at street level and building the living areas on top. The resulting design responds to the site restrictions beautifully, while providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The double-height living room is the centrepiece of the entire project, with enormous windows which maximise daylight and frame breathe-taking views. The second level was designed to accommodate a family with two kids, having two single bedrooms and one master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. The exterior area acts as both garden and the kids’ playground.
Below you can see all the floorplans – Basement, 1st Floor (living room & kitchen), 2nd floor (sleeping areas) and Roof plan at a scale of 1:50.
Basement
1st Floor
INTERIOR VIEW
Terrace & Garden as a playground
Living space - view toward the terrace
1:20 Main & Back Elevations
The two facades above depict the abundance of fenestration of the house, as well as highlight the wood panelling motive of the design, which is very popular in the mountain regions in Romania.
YEAR 5//January - April ‘21
Re-use Project of Grade II* Listed Tate & Lyle Sugar Silo Atelier: Infrastructure.Space
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.
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.
Plato
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 insulation concrete slab
5. steel plate connection
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.
TOP
the North Sea Atelier:
Research facility located
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.
dolorera
odi
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.
These titanium suits act as oneperson 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.
Situated at the bottom of the sea, they are an essential part of the system, gathering real-time Big Data which is then analysed through the power of Quantum Computing.
The name is selfexplanatory, 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.
5. deep thought 2.1
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.
Seal Suit
Considering the highly classified and specialised nature of the facility, its programme had to satisfy two essential criteria: ensuring access to bespoke tools and areas (dry and wet laboratories, study areas) alongside a top-tier security system. These requirements had a great influence on the volumetry of the building, which was intentionally designed to be symmetrical. Hence, its shape is successfully deceptive, as it hinders easy access into the building to any intruder. Furthermore, the entrance is guarded by a three-layer security system. The central core (the main access route to all areas of the building) was designed to reduce security breaches as well. Therefore, to access the four individual regions of each level, one must be authorised to do so (through security codes/access keys which allow entry in the main core and to other areas).
HVAC
fishing
The complex form of the roof required an equally complex structural system. This allows for large, open spaces with a minimised number of columns. Where columns are used their shape was informed by trees, a way in which biophilic design was integrated to compensate for the lack of access to nature the users have to face for extended periods of time. Considering the highly corrosive nature of seawater, non-corrosive steel was used in the overall structure, with bespoke steel beams designed to carry the bespoke roof design.
As mentioned before, security and bespoke areas were a prerequisite in the initial design. However, the wellbeing of users was also high on the priority list. Hence the interior design of the facility was influenced by biophilic design, with structural elements’ design being inspired by nature and access to natural light being achieved to a high degree (in spite of the harsh sea environment).
The library space had a more symbolic aim, as most research documents would have been digitised by then. It was a space destined to be filled with some of the last remaining copies of books in the world. It allows access to a variety of fields of knowledge, being both an artefact and an area of fascination. The curvaceous design draws you in, and at second level, one can truly appreciate the complex design of the stepped roof.
Level 1 floorplan (viewpoint to Informal Meeting)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.
Pattern #2
Pattern #3
Pattern #4
Pattern #1
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
Wacom Tablet (Photoshop) & IPad (Procreate)
I have been dreaming of pursuing architecture ever since I was 11, after I came second in a secondary school competition which involved an age-appropriate version of master planning.
As a prize, my Technology teacher at the time gifted me a book showcasing Gaudi’s works, after which I became completely entranced with his architecture. This hand drawing represents a tribute to the genius of the architect and his most famous building.
Media: digital painting Tools: Photosho & 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.
Media: digital painting Tools: Procreate
Original Size: 27x21cm