Portfolio
PARALLEL STUDIO 2017
ARALLEL STUDIO
PARALLEL STUDIO copyright c 2017 by parallel studio LTD Credit to the contributors of this project: Aysha Al Nafisi, Aziz Al Humaidhi, Ameen Fari, The Burrow team, Manuel Jimenez GarcĂa All rights reserved. No part of this portfolio should be reproduced, in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying or otherwise, without the written permission of parallel studio If you have any feedback, please do not hesitate to send it to info@para-llel.com instgram: @parallel_studio issuu: @parallel_studio pinterest: @parallel_studio
PARALLEL STUDIO Team
para-llel.co info@para-llel.com +965-97879031
Parallel Studio is a young design practice based in Kuwait with a multi cultural environment. Our team comes from a variety of backgrounds of architects, engineers, and artists. Yet we work in parallel; bringing together our ideas and expertise in designs that aim to inspire. The core of our practice is based on collaboration since design is an iterative process and therefore, calls for multiple interpretations. At Parallel Studio we think beyond the pragmatic function of space with ideas that aspire to challenge the norm. We treat every project as a journey. We appreciate the honesty of materials and celebrate every crack and texture.
There is no limitation. Only infinite exploration.
part of PARALLEL STIDIO office
Portfolio
PARALLEL STUDIO
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2017
para-llel.co info@para-llel.com +965-97879031
Mai Al Busairi is one of the two co-founders of Parallel Studio. She graduated from the Kuwait University - College of Architecture, where she received a Bachelor. Al Busairi is always looking forward to extend her knowledge and decided to improve her apprentice on an international scale. Indeed, she participated twice at LA BIENNALE di Venezia, International Architecture Exhibition, where she represented her country. Pursuing her passion fiercely, she collaborated for a visiting school, as Parallel Studio, with the Architecture Association School of Architecture in London and attended SCI-Arc Southern California Institute of Architecture summer program in Los Angeles.
Portfolio
PARALLEL STUDIO
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2017
Faisal Al hindi is on of the two co-founders of Parallel Studio, he comes from an artistic medium, Photography. Al Hindi graduated from the Australian College of Kuwait as a Civil engineer and was always interested in the design process. His mentra being “ from thoughts to reality�. Indeed, Light and raw m Materials are his main focus when flirting with ideas.
para-llel.co info@para-llel.com +965-97879031
Portfolio
PARALLEL STUDIO 2017
CONTENT Design + Built 2017 - SAN 6 2016 - KASHOUNAT ALBAYT 12 2016 - GOYA 20 2017 - HAMAD AL BAHAR 28 2015 - THE BURROW 42 2016 - THE BOWL 54
Conceptual Developments 2017 - SCIArc SUMMER PROGRAM
64
Design Managment / Curation 2017 - SOLITARY 76 2017 - AAVS II 83
location: Al Shaab Al Bahri, Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 140sqm
SAN is a Japanese inspired contemporary coffee hub that is located on the ground floor, in between two tall residential buildings. The design addresses issues, created by the immediate surrounding context. The first issue addressed was directing views. The local resident’s privacy, the client’s experience, and the activities which took place on the ground floor were conflicting factors that were the driving force behind the design. On the ground floor, The buildings’ attendant hangs his laundry out to dry while there are children playing football or riding their bikes. Meanwhile, customers who are looking for an urban coffee experience will be invited to observe these activities.
Design + Build
SAN
/6/
Coffee Bar/ pop up restaurant
SAN Design + Built
location: Al Shaab Al Bahri, Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 140sqm
The climate was another driving factor for the design. In fact, The careful placement of glazing also addresses the harsh Kuwaiti sun and energy consumption. The clerestory windows provide opportunities for light and for cross and stack ventilation.
The solution was to direct all views inward. Referencing classical Japanese housing typography, the cafe is designed around several courtyards. On the external walls, there is minimal glazing to address the resident’s privacy while the internal walls on the first and second floor are curtain walls that look onto a lush green courtyard.
exterior rendering showing the form
Design + Build
SAN
Coffee Bar/ pop up restaurant
location: Al Shaab Al Bahri, Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 140sqm
mezzanine floor interior rendering
The courtyard in the middle of the space is designed to give an outdoor feeling, yet maintaining the privacy of the neighborhood. Greenery is a huge part of the building to give it life, and essentially the stand alone tree in the mezzanine floor, that trigger the viewer passing by from the street to give it a look from the inside.
The staircase is a fundamental element that makes going upstairs a fun and enjoyable experience. SAN’s staircase is the buildings’ main protagonist and serves as a focal point for the entire project. With the landing extended to create a space for the DJ performances.
Design + Build
SAN
Coffee Bar/ pop up restaurant
type of space in the ground floor
section cut through the staircase
location: Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre, Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 270sqm
Kashonat Albayt is a local restaurant chain that was established 4 years ago in Kuwait. Within a few years, they have opened 4 branches and recently a fifth one in the Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Center in the heart of Kuwait City. Because of the upscale location, this branch was required to be unique than its predecessors. The client stressed the preservation of the essence of the previous locations while still showcasing an upscale dining experience. It was a tough challenge to create a fine dining experience while maintaining the grass root essence of the brand.
Design + Build
Kashonat Albayt
/12/
restaurant
Kashounat Albayt Design + Built
Design + Built
location: Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre, Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 270sqm
The walls, floors and some of the seating are composed of concrete while the ceiling is primarily brushed brass sheets. The south wall has hints of wood in the form of five wooden gates, which is another smaller art installation that refers to the Kuwait’s history.
The approach was inspired by traditional Kuwaiti design principles. We used the idea of the “hosh” (central courtyard) and the “liwan” (shaded walkway) to create a contemporary dining space. The materials were a mixture of elements from the other branches as well as the introduction of new materials.
Design + Build
Kashonat Albayt restaurant
DESERT
SAND DUNE
CEILING STRUCTURE
PLAN LAYOUT
URBAN FABRIC
CULTURE
concept generation diagram / top /
HOSH
LANDFORM
stretching lines towards the columns / bottom right /
location: Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre, Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 270sqm
The ceiling is the centerpiece of the design. It is a composition of an art installation that spans across the central 60m2 courtyard. The piece responds to the regional landscape by abstracting the topography lines of sand dune formations to create a unique ripple effect that diffuses light through the use of a linen fabric.
axonometric view of the space layers / right /
Design + Build
Kashonat Albayt restaurant
location: Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre, Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 270sqm
rendering showing the ceiling installation
Design + Build
Kashonat Albayt restaurant
location: Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia / 2016/ occupied space: 170sqm
GOYA is a coffee shop in Saudi Arabia, that serves both genders. Within the respect of all the governmental rules about segregation. We maintained the aesthetic and the functionality of the space. That was the trigger to a study of how we can combine both genders in one space. The design of the space is dictated around two grids that are intersected to create a language that governs the design of all that elements like the furniture, lighting, stairs, and special composition. The grids radiate outward from the pre-existing central column. We saw the column as an opportunity rather than a hindrance because it created limits that we had to work around.
Design + Build
GOYA
/20/
coffee shop
GOYA Design + Built
location: Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia / 2016/ occupied space: 170sqm
The restaurant is composed of a ground floor (Men area) which contains the kitchen and a seating area, and a mezzanine floor (women area). The staircase is designed in a way were women have their privacy to reach the mezzanine floor by different small size programmed openings out of the white brick.
Design + Build
GOYA
coffee shop
location: Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia / 2016/ occupied space: 170sqm
staircase under construction, parametrically laid down
Design + Build
GOYA
A
A
coffee shop
ground floor plan / top /
A
A
mezzanine floor plan / bottom /
location: Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia / 2016/ occupied space: 170sqm
space elements: radial shaped lighting that moves with the central staircase
Design + Build
GOYA
coffee shop
location: Shuwaikh residential area, Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 1000sqm
The site is located between two pre existing homes on the east and west. The south side of the plot is exposed to a main arterial, while the north side faces a quiet street adjacent to a neighborhood park. The residential tackles head on the brief of combining sculptural modern architecture with the everyday requirements of a good home, heat protection and livable space. The simplicity of the courtyard distills the experience of nature, garden and water.
Design + Build
Al Bahar
/28/
House
AL BAHAR Design + Built
location: Shuwaikh residential area, Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 1000sqm
The main driving factors behind the house’s design were the specific requirements set by the client. The first requirement was to have lots of open space and to keep building enclosure close to 50% of the total area on the ground floor. The second requirement was the separation of public and private spaces.
exterior rendering showing the parametric facade and the effect generated
Parallel Studio responded by creating two interlocking L’s shapes where one was primarily public space used for entertaining guests and housing all the services while the other L was private space.
Design + Build
Al Bahar House
location: Shuwaikh residential area, Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 1000sqm
Every interior space is connected to these exterior and landscape spaces. The layering of spaces from exterior to interior to courtyard collapses the boundaries between them and provides several layers of privacy.
form generation diagram / right /
Design + Build
Al Bahar House
location: Shuwaikh residential area, Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 1000sqm
The interlocking L’s shapes create a barrier from the outside bustle of the city, generating a serene refuge in the central courtyard with large windows and balconies looking onto the float pool and an opportunity for stack ventilation.
sunrays study for the interior/ outdoor courtyard / top /
The third requirement was to accommodate and protect his cars from exposure and having separate designated spaces.
Design + Build
Al Bahar House
Parallel’s input was to create two different garages where one was for his exotic cars that was more of a display space, while the other garage was less extravagant and used primarily by the household.
section cut through the courtyard showing different levels
outdoor stair-ramp that connects the garage to the ground floor level
location: Shuwaikh residential area, Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 1000sqm
Moreover, Kuwait’s harsh climate played an important role in the design of the house. Shading devices in the form of contemporary parametrically designed mishrabiyas adorn the north and south facades to shade and create privacy. Long slender windows are used on the east and west facades to minimize solar exposure.
foundation studies that led to the brick formation
Design + Build
Al Bahar House
NORTH
EL EM
EN
TS
FA CA
DE
PO
SI
TI
O N
X
Y
EAST
location: Shuwaikh residential area, Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 1000sqm
concept generation diagram for the parametric brick facade / top /
The interlocking L’s shapes create a barrier from the outside bustle of the city, creating a serene refuge in the central courtyard with large windows and balconies looking onto the float pool and an opportunity for stack ventilation.
The third requirement was to accommodate and protect his cars from exposure and having separate designated spaces for his exotic cars and the family cars.
Design + Build
Al Bahar House
materials: white cardboard three different opening sizes (brick) to control the solar exposure
location: Shuwaikh residential area, Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 1000sqm
main facade rendering shot showing the cohesive relation between both parametric walls
Design + Build
Al Bahar House
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 1000sqm
The project is a pre-existing high-end fitness facility where the client wanted to introduce the concept of “Alice in Wonderland� into the space to relate back to their original branding scheme.
Parallel’s aim was to create a serie of art installations that turns the place into wonderland, where reality is distorted and where the outside world is left behind as one travel down the rabbit hole.
Design + Build
The Burrow
/42/
gym
THE BURROW Design + Built
photos by the burrow’s team
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 1000sqm
moodboard mood-baord of all elements collided together
Design + Build
The Burrow
gym
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 1000sqm
When one walks into space, they enter a living room. This living room is the facility’s reception and where people are greeted. The idea of the living room refers back to the original concept of nonsense and the distortion of reality. There are low shelves held up by upside down tea cups, a tea table shattered into 3 pieces that form the facility’s logo when brought together, and mirrors all around to distort perception.
arial view shot showing the tea table that has the gym’s logo (rabbit)
Design + Build
The Burrow
gym
The first piece is a vintage living room chair attached to a high wheel bicycle. It plays upon the cycling classes which the facility provides while responding to the history of the story.
exploded diagram showing the elements of the bike, especially the chair that convert the bike into a furniture piece / top left /
The intervention that Parallel Studio designed is two window displays that capture the attention of people passing by. They were inspired by the 1870’s era when the story of Alice in Wonderland was first conceived.
another alice in wonderland inspired table with pots underneath the tables that perform as a structure
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 1000sqm
a shot showing the composition between all elements (bike, cups table)
Design + Build
The Burrow
gym
rowing machine inspired by the era of wonderland, acting like a side table
In addition, this same idea was used on another piece in the window display where vintage seats are attached to an antique rowing machine which is another piece of equipment that is available.
another alice in wonderland inspired table with the ptots as a structure
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 1000sqm
installation phase
As one leaves the living room and “goes down the rabbit hole” towards the locker rooms, they are greeted by two murals. The murals are a series of distorted grids that were inspired by the surrounding cladding that “suck” members into the void.
The murals were out off black matt stickers, CNC monitored.
Design + Build
The Burrow
gym
actual wall - male locker room
materials: black mat stickers
Two walls 10m (width) by 3m (height), with different grid illustrations and cards of king and queen is to designate the areas of men and women locker rooms.
pathway to the female locker room
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 1000sqm
1. FIXED GRID
Design + Build
The Burrow
gym
2.DISTORTED GRID
location: Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre, Kuwait / 2016/ occupied space: 105sqm
Design + Build
The Bowl
/54/
Restaurant
THE BOWL Design + Built
location: Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre, Kuwait / 2016/ occupied space: 105sqm
The project is inspired by the coexistence of the natural environment and human intervention. It is a harmonious collision between the artificial and the natural, the hard concrete and the encroaching greenery, the warm wood and the cold steel.
Design + Build
The Bowl
Restaurant
location: Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre, Kuwait / 2016/ occupied space: 105sqm
dining table projected from the wall
Design + Build
The Bowl
Restaurant
a section shows the main elements of the restaurant (parametric walls, greenery and gridded walls
The space is primarily composed of concrete, except for two 8-meterhigh green walls. The organic composition of the walls responds to the cold, structured language of the concrete that create a beautiful paradox.
choice of furniture (gridded metal chairs)
location: Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre, Kuwait / 2016/ occupied space: 105sqm
The wood installations nestled in between the green walls are inspired by shelf mushrooms that grow on the barks of trees. They are formed by a series of CNC milled wooden panels that are stacked and offset to create an encroaching effect that melds into the surrounding greenery.
photo of the interior showing the overall atmosphere
Design + Build
The Bowl
/ 23
Restaurant
location: Southern California Institute of Architecture, SCIArc / 2017/
Parallel Studio has recently attended and completed Making and Meaning summer program in Los Angeles instructed by the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCIAr)c. At Parallel Studio we understand that Architecture is constantly evolving with new technologies emerging and therefore, we make it our mission to constantly learn new softwares and techniques. Making and Meaning is a four week summer program at the Southern California Institute of Architecture that introduces the principle of architecture in a hands on exploration of spatial experimentations, design methodologies and creative processes.
Conceptual Developments
The Split
/64/
Education
The Split Conceptual Developments
location: Southern California Institute of Architecture, SCIArc / 2017/
section cuts that emphasize on the idea of dynamic fluidity
Stage 1 was a posture of a body “The Split� that focuses on 2 angles (45, 90 degree). Then continued to work with digital modeling to create section cuts that emphasize on the idea of dynamic fluidity by using a texture that relates to the soft movement of fabric and hair.
Conceptual Developments
The Split
Education
3d model of the posture, generated through rhino software and orinted b z-corp 3d printer
The aim of the texture mapping placement is to challenge the notion of spatial depth through design, by carefully articulating the relationship between surfaces. Central to this investigation, is the study of the ‘edge’ or line separating one surface from another.
texture to applied on the printed 3d model
location: Southern California Institute of Architecture, SCIArc / 2017/
Stage 2 was paper folding, contouring and coloring. The paper folding abstracts the inherent qualities of the posture, through the bitmap technique.
a4 paper folded, bitmapped and photoshopped / right /
Conceptual Developments
The Split
Education
location: Southern California Institute of Architecture, SCIArc / 2017/
Stage 3 was an introduction of volume, space and color. Turned the folded paper 2d model into a volumetric form. The aim of the texture mapping placement is to challenge the notion of spatial depth through design, by carefully articulating the relationship between surfaces.
preparation of a texture to be applied to the 3d physical model
Conceptual Developments
The Split
Education
a section shows the main elements of the restaurant (parametric walls, greenery and gridded walls
contoured physical model out of plexi
location: Southern California Institute of Architecture, SCIArc / 2017/
The Solid-Void white model was sent to a 6-Axis robotic arm to experiment with dynamic point of views. The light setting was controlled by an App
Conceptual Developments
The Split
Education
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 150sqm
The idea we have in mind is to combine art with the notion of raising awareness among the general public on topics that need to be addressed in a society where disability, mental illness,and retardation lead to affected individuals being marginalized. It is in human nature to label others and condemn certain people for the way they appear and/or behave. One reason for this is “fear of the unknown�. Parallel would like to showcase a piece it has designed that raises awareness on autism. Autism, a term that many people distance themselves from once they witness a person who is marginalized for being socially awkward. That person has difficulties, is socially awkward, faces the difficulty of expression, communication, and heightened senses. Those are only a few of the indications that a person is autistic.
Conceptual Development
Solitary
/76/
Art Exhibition
Solitary social responsibility
Collaborators Aysha Alnafisi, Amin Fari, Abdulaziz Al Humaidhi
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 150sqm
Solitary shows a child who from our perspective appears to be ‘withdrawn, socially awkward and different’. This child has been diagnosed with autism. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Yet many do not understand what autism means and therefore this child is immediately marginalized by the general public.
A new governmental survey issued by the State of Kuwait asked parents whom suggests that 1 in 45 children, ages 3 through 17, have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This high prevalence rate strongly suggests that society must change its attitude towards autism and advocate for full integration since these individuals are intelligent talented beings, homogeneous to society.
Conceptual Development
Solitary
Art Exhibition
As you move around solitary to come in direct contact with the child, you are left with an interactive field of reflective rods replacing any empathetic emotions with intrigue and curiosity.
actual instillation
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 150sqm
The main structure built around black colored maze entices the beholder’s sense of solitude and loss while dimmed purple/ pinkish color stroke of light in the maze pathways increases frustration, inhibition, emotional claustrophobia, emasculation, physical weakness given colors psychological properties.
Within the maze you will face some dead-end spaces, which will act as stations to exhibit autistic art work. As the visitor walks through a hallway to repeat the journey of the maze he experiences solitude and loss time after time similar to autistic people which starts with a moment of silence followed by the feeling of repeated frustration once again when he interacts with people.
Conceptual Development
Solitary
Art Exhibition
participant are directed by light through the maze
the entrance of the exhibition
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 150sqm
The purpose of designing narrow pathways is to enhance the fear of the unknown and the solitude. At the far end the exit of the maze faces the solitary art installation.
illustration of the maze / right /
Conceptual Development
Solitary
Art Exhibition
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 150sqm
“the moment space” as part of the maze, to further develop Alnafisi’s concept, with the use of certain materials and space orientation. The concept arises for the main purpose of emphasizing on the detail oriented, repetitive notion Autistic people enact, and that transcends the Autistic individual into a whimsical world of finding themselves in something that they love doing. This is when they are referred as being in a solitary state.
the moment room, a dettmonstration of the autistic creativity when he/she is alone / right /
AlNafisi would like to celebrate and highlight on how talented those individuals are and their ability to craft detailed work. This is showcased by taking images of the detailed work created by the autistic individual as a starting point and morphing it into what could be “the moment” where beautiful things are created. To further highlight that point AlNafisi embeds her own style of superimposing visuals into a space by using projections. This allows the visitor to plunge into this world where autistic individuals repeatedly find themselves in, a place with familiarity.
Conceptual Development
Solitary
Art Exhibition
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 150sqm
/1/ rod to string connection detail
metal hook expanding metal wire 1mm hole
/2/ base assembly
9mm MDF 4.5mm grooveglue join
/2/
base assembly
materials: 200 metal rods
/1/
/2/
Conceptual Development
Solitary
Art Exhibition
construction method was to unfold the 3d model into 2d slices, tracing all the rods to maintain the lengths was an essential part to master the accuracy of the art installation / top / a rendering showing the overall feel of the space / bottom right /
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 16sqm
Design Managment / Curation
AAVS II
/83/
1:1Pavilion
AAVS II Design Managment / Curation
photos by Manuel Jimenez Garacia
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 16sqm
The ‘PixelSpace Pavilion’ is a result of the ‘Emergent Constructions 2.0’ workshop; a program designed by the Architectural Association Visiting School- London and fabricated by Parallel studio which brings together students, academics, and professionals to investigate the material, cultural and social ecology that is unique to Kuwait. These ideas are contextualized and translated by means of the design and fabrication of the second pavilion.
Design Managment / Curation
AAVS II
1:1Pavilion
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 150sqm
The pavilion showcases a radical new approach towards the construction of digitally designed architecture, translating intelligently arranged building components into a system of discrete material components with integrated functionalities.
Conceptual Development
Solitary
Art Exhibition
detailed drawings of the 4 components (S,M,L and XL)
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 150sqm
“S” size sheet
ready 1,22 m by 2,44m sheets of the 4 components to be sent to the CNC. the sheet are 8mm aluminum
“M” size sheet
Conceptual Development
Solitary
Art Exhibition
“L” size sheet
“XL” size sheet
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 16sqm
The pavilion has a core that consists of a staircase and seating area to enjoy the solitude within the pavilion, the color of the interior facade is black to enhance the feeling. The seating area is directed towards an opening from the top that the pavilion forms, to get a peck of light
Design Managment / Curation
AAVS II
1:1Pavilion
modules are created through laser printing
CNC job took 4 days to cut 200 sheets of aluminum. Folding system is carefully computed to turn the 2d sheets into 3d folded forms.
stack of ready component to be folded
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 16sqm
final look of the pavilion
Design Managment / Curation
AAVS II
1:1Pavilion
folding process
4 different size components, where folded manually by the students to create a complete segment. The segment consists of variety of 4 sizes placed based on ratio and color
complete segment
location: Kuwait / 2017/ occupied space: 16sqm
Design Managment / Curation
AAVS II
1:1Pavilion