Rasha Aboodi Portfolio, 2014

RASHA ABOODI

2007-2014

PORTFOLIO

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INTRODUCTION:

I am a master student currently seeking to obtain a master’s degree in Landscape Architecture. I acquired most of my skills through training and learning from a variety of disciplines, such as Architecture, Urban Design, Arts and Graphic Design. My main carees goal is to gain additional knowledge on the fields of Landscape Architecture and the way it interracts with the built environment, as well as utilizing the acquired knowledge in creating innovative, functional and sustainable designs. The following is a summary of the academic and practical experiences i’ve gathered so far, as well as additional information on personal skills and professional background.

WORKSHOPS & COURSES:

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RASHA ABOODI 09/11/1984 TEL: +491779321100 E-MAIL: rashaaboodi@googlemail.com

EDUCATION:

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+OCTOBER 31ST, 2012- PRESENT Hochschule für Umwelt und Wirtschaft (Nürtingen- Geislingen) Nürtingen/ Germany IMLA: International Master of Landscape Architecture (Rating: Very Good) +NOVEMBER 1ST, 2011- JANUARY 28TH, 2012 Pioneers Academy Amman/ Jordan Graphic Design Course (Adobe Illustrator and Indesign) +OCTOBER 1ST, 2009- FEBRUARY 28TH, 2010 Fachhochschule Mainz Mainz/ Germany Exchange Semester at the Faculty of Architecture +SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2006- AUGUST 31TH, 2011 German Jordanian University Amman/ Jordan (B.S.) The School of Architecture and the Built Environment (Cummulative Average: 73%, Rating: Good) +SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2003- AUGUST 31ST, 2006 University of Jordan Amman/ Jordan (MD) Faculty of Medicine (Uncompleted) +JUNE 30TH, 2003 Al-Ittihad Schools Amman/ Jordan Jordanian Secondary Certificate (Tawjihi) Scientific Stream (Cummulative Average: 85,7% Rating: Very Good)

+AUGUST 5TH- AUGUST 31ST, 2014 The Spring Sessions Amman/ Jordan Research and artistic production through cultural practices workshop and exhibition (WEB: www.thespringsessions.com) +JULY 5TH- JULY 21ST, 2014 ERASMUS Intensive Programme Brussels/ Belgium Integrated planning and design for sustainable urban peripheries in Europe/ Urban landscapes from ERASMUS to Bruegel: Brussels 2014 (In collaboration with : +Ion Mincu University of Architecture & Urbanism- Bucharest/ Romania +HFWU Nürtingen - Geislingen, Nürtingen/ Germany, Faculty of Landscape Architecture, Environmental and Urban planning +HSWT Weihenstephan -Triesdorf, Faculty of Landscape Architecture +Université Libre de Bruxelles, Faculté d’Achitecture la Cambre Horta +Estonian University of Life Sciences, Department of Landscape Architecture) +NOVEMBER 9TH 2013- FEBRUARY 7TH, 2014 Tutoring Program Nürtingen/ Germany Das Tutor/innenprogramm der HfWU, Kompetenzzentrum Lehre (KoLe) +OCTOBER 10TH- OCTOBER 22ND, 2013 New Landscapes for Ostia: Landscape Layers - Landscape Patterns Rome & Ostia/ Italy Concepts for sustainable development of changing peri-urban landscapes in Italy (In collaboration with: +HFWU Nürtingen - Geislingen, Nürtingen/ Germany, Faculty of Landscape Architecture, Environmental and Urban planning

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

+OCTOBER 31ST, 2013- FEBRUARY 5TH, 2014 HFWU Nürtingen- Geislingen Nürtingen/ Germany Landscape Concepts Tutor Assistant (Full employment) Prof.: Kristin Faurest +SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2012- FEBRUARY 28TH 2013 SOCIALEYEZ Amman/ Jordan Social Media Research & Analysis (Full employment) +MARCH 1ST- SEPTEMBER 15TH, 2012 Project Manifesto Amman/ Jordan Project management, Event planning, research (Full employment) +AUGUST 1ST- AUGUST 31ST, 2011 Tasameem Amman/ Jordan Graphic Design (Freelance) +MARCH 8TH- AUGUST 31ST, 2010 Adler & Olesch Landschaftsarchitekten BDLA, Stadtplaner SRL und Ingenieure Mainz/ Germany Internship Exchange Semester (Affiliation and training) +MARCH 8TH- AUGUST 31ST, 2010 Turath: Architecture & Urban Design Consultants Amman/ Jordan Local Affiliation Program & Internship (Affiliation and training)

REFERENCES:

INTERNSHIP & EMPLOYMENT:

+La Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Landscape Architecture) +University College Ghent, Ghent/ Belgium +FEBRUARY 6TH- FEBRUARY 19TH, 2012 Design Road Amman/ Jordan Public Space Design - Maps of Extensive and Intensive Urban Public Space Workshop Prof.: Christoph Lueder +NOVEMBER 15TH- NOVEMBER 26TH, 2008 Urban Planning Workshop Damascus, Maaloula/ Syria (In collaboration with: +Birzeit University, West-Bank/Palestine, Faculty of Architecture +Technische Universität Dortmund, Dortmund/ Germany, Department of Spatial Planning, +Germany Jordanian University, Amman/ Jordan, Faculty of Architecture & the Built Environment +Arab International University, Damascus/ Syria, Faculty of Archtecture) +AUGUST 4TH- AUGUST 31ST, 2008 Language Course Universität des Saarlandes Saarbrücken/ Germany German Intensive Language Course (Level: C1, Oberstufe) +SEPTEMBER 1ST- SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2007 Language Course Universität des Saarlandes Saarbrücken/ Germany German Intensive Language Course (Level: B1)

+SOFWARE +Autodesk Autocad (Excellent) +Autodesk 3Ds Max (Good) +Google Sketchup (Very Good) +Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign - Excellent, Premiere, After Effects, Good) +Microsoft Office (Excellent) +LANGUAGES +Serbian (Mother Tongue, Reading & Writing) +Arabic (Excellent, Reading & Writing) +English (Excellent, Reading & Writing) +German (TestDAF: 15 points, Level: C1) +SOFT SKILLS Adaptable, attentive, competitive, cooprative, critical observer and thinker, innovative, work well under pressure, resourceful, flexible, and a great willingness to learn +PROF. RAMI F. DAHER Professor at the German Jordanian University C.E.O. of Turath: Architecture & Urban Design Consultants +E-MAIL: r.daher@turath.jo +STEFAN BITTER Head of Adler & Olesch Landschaftsarchitekten BDLA, Stadtplaner SRL und Ingenieure branch in Mainz +E-MAIL: stefan.bitter@adlerolesch.de +AMY HENDERSON Head of the political team of social media research at SOCIALEYEZ +E-MAIL: amy.henderson@social-eyez.com

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The project initially focused on the archeological site of Ostia, once considered the main harbor of ancient Rome, as it was once directly located on the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. However, due to the process of silting, the site today lies three Kilometers away from the sea, and has lost its value.

Therefore, our attentions were directly shifted towards modern Ostia, “Ostia Lido�. The name itself could directly be translated to the Beach of Ostia. Ostia Lido was founded in the 1920s, and it situated approximately three Kilometers away from the archeological site.

The highway and the railways lines from Rome to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport defined the site boundaries. The chosen scope of planning included the entire beach line, starting from the river mouth of Tiber, and extending east towards the natural reserve of Castel Fusano and Castel Porziano, offering a variety local flora and fauna and a genuinely diverse ecosystem.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE:

TRANSPORTATION:

valuable agriculture

freeway

common agriculture

arterial roads

semi-natural forests

collector roads

pinewood nature reserve/ NATURA 2000 site

planned railway existing railway

ANALYSIS:

INTRODUCTION:

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The initial analysis was focused along a broader area of Ostia, and included the archeological site, however the analysis was directed towards determining the connections and values of the coastine of Ostia Lido, and initially showed the importance of the coastal area. Scenic viewpoints and routes filled the

entire coastline, as well as a natural reserve, and recreational green spaces. The coastline is also quite connected through a series of freeways and arterial roads. The coastline is also home to a diverse green infrastructure and an interchanging urban pattern, ranging from dense urban areas to extensive land-use.

SOCIO-CULTURAL CONTEXT:

URBAN PATTERNS:

scenic viewpoint

extensively- used land

scenic route

semi-urban area

nature reserve

denser urban area

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT:

recreational green space tree avenue archeological heritage

residential center wetland park mixed-use

harbor sponge park

CONCEPT:

sub-center recreation

free beach free beach free beach & services

sub-center

tourism

natural beach free beach & services

private free beach free beach & services private beach

natural beach

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CONCEPT & MASTERPLAN:

MASTERPLAN: The core of the proposal consists of a promenade, linear park, cycle lane and nodes of interest along the path, starting from the river mouth, extending itself in a linear manner through urban, semi-urban zones, and finally ending at the natural forest landscape. The idea is to open the beach for public accessibility and use, as opposed to the current situation, where private services are distributed along the shoreline, creating both physical and visual barriers. Green infrastructure and pedestrian/cyclist-friendly routes are almost impossible due to frequent use of cars.

Therefore, the continuous corridor will provide more spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as create both vertical and horizontal visual connections between the different parts of the coastline. The new proposed zoning will be developed in a manner that would

distinguish different characteristics along the soreline; from touristic, urban, residential, recreational and ecological areas. Three main nodes of interest were proposed; the sponge park located at the river mouth area, a multi-functional urban square, and finally an eco-tourism center. The main function of the sponge park is to act as a floodplain with local amenities for recreational, cultural and educational purposes. The design would feature elevated platforms with openings for wetland vegetation to grow. The elevated platform would also reduce the impact of crating built structures on the ground, allowing the generation of a wetland eco-system. Services would also be introduced, as well as a museum exhibiting the history of transatlantic flights which historically used to take place on the site.

The urban square should provide spaces for social interaction and recreation, and its spatial composition could be repeated along other nodes of interest, so as to create a common visual language and connection. The new design would integrate the existing pier with the new linear park and promenade. More pockets for green spaces would be provided, as well as additional seating elements. Additionally, new landmarks would be introduced so as to revive the identity of Ostia, and would also function as viewing towers and sea-level measuring stations. The final element to be introduced would be an eco-center in an attempt to promote environmental-friendly forms of tourism and encourage nature learning, adventure and the sustainable use of resources, while alleviating the heavy impact of tourism at the urban center of Ostia.

1- Harbor

2- Semi3- Free beach/ 4- Linear Park 5- SemiUrban Urban Urban URBAN & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PATTERNS ACCORDING TO MASTERPLAN:

A new proposed metro line will be created, and will terminate at the eco-center, where an arrival square will be implemented, which could also be used for a variety of activities.

The planning and design approach focused on finding a fluid design language, which could establish a dialogue with different typologies and characteristics along the coastline. It would also reflecr a set of low impact interventions while maintaining a minimum maintenance cost. The design was created in an intent towards creating a potential for positive change within the entire coastline of Ostia.

TRAM STOP:

6- Natural reserve

7- Tourist area

ECO-CENTER:

8- Eco-center

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INTRODUCTION:

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This project was a result of a conceptual vision for creating a boutique hotel in the heart of Amman’s downtown. The chosen site is located in the core of a rich historic and archeological area. The hotel was first envisioned by the Greater Amman Municipality as part of a series of developments aimed at rehabilitating the downtown area, and creating further tourist attractions and facilities. The total area for the project was not to exceed 14,000 Squaremeters. The site itself is bounded by the Roman Amphitheater and the Nymphaeum to the east, the municipal library building to the north; constructed during the early 1950s, the poetry house to the south; also counted as a fine example of the architectural residential heritage from the early twentieth century. It also overlooks the Citadel, located on the opposing hill.

ORIGINAL SITE-PLAN:

SITE IN RELATION TO THE AMPHITHEATER:

PROJECT SITE:

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THE BOUTIQUE- SITE PLAN:

A B THE BOUTIQUE- SECOND FLOOR PLAN:

THE BOUTIQUE- FIFTH FLOOR PLAN:

SECTION A-A:

PROGRAM AND DESIGN:

SECTION B-B: The design offers a vast open area which connects both the hotel and the archeological sites together. The open space cosists of three main platforms varying in level, separated by a series of steps and ramps, providing pockets for mutlifunctional outter use for both the hotel visitors as well as tourists, and locals. A new drop off zone was also created, allowing public transportation to be utilized within the site. The hotel itself is situatied somewhat higher than the public plaza, providing privacy for its users, and an open terrace for enjoying the surrounding area. The open terrace faces the Citadel to the north.

The hotel itself consists of a main connector mass, utilized for hotel services, vertical circulation and storage facilities, as well as lobbies within different parts of the building.

The other masses form the rooms, and the total number of rooms is not more than sixty.

Each room is provided with a balcony overlooking a certain view into the Downtown area. The main two views are the Roman Amphitheater and the Nymphaeum to the east, and the Citadel to the north. Parking spaces are located underground, however are few in numbers in order to further encourage the utilization of public transportation.

3D SHOT:

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The Luminaerium project was a part of an urban design course, where the goal was to create a series of urban interventions in neglected pockets all over the city of Amman.

The site selection was based upon the variety of problematics a certain location faces. The location for the project site here was chosen due to the centrality of its location, as it is located in the midst of one of the busiest commercial hubs of the city. The site itself is located in front of a bank, and served no vital function during the opening hours of the bank.

At night the site was merely a passing point for pedestrians and ATM users. Another issue facing the site was the lack of lighting, rendering it dangerous during nighttime. The main concept was to create an intermediate resting point for pedestrians and bank visitors, therefore seating elements, trees for shade, as well as a kiosk were proposed.

3D SHOTS:

ORIGINAL SITE-PLAN: Pedestrian crossings and ramps were added, Spot lights were proposed for lighting the site, creating more lighting during night hours.

Corten steel was proposed as the main element for determining site boundaries, and adding a sense of enclosure within the pocket itself. Seatings would be formed of pre-cast concrete, shaped in organic forms.

FINAL DESIGN (DAY):

FINAL DESIGN (NIGHT):

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The site is originally located within a residential neighborhood in Amman. The main problems surrounding the location include the lack of pedestrianized zones, high car traffic, no speed bumps, as well as low visual connection from the site itself to its surroundings, therefore, residents rarely use the site during the day, and at night the site transforms into an area where tabboo activities are regularly held. Therefore, the main idea is to create a site that is welcoming to a variety of users, and also safe during all times of the day. The park itself also lacks vital services, such as playground equipment and seatings.

It also lacks proper lighting elements. Another problem facing the site is that it is managed by the Greater Amman Municipality, and therefore was rarely maintained, thus, most of the structures on site were already decaying.

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DESIGN:

INTRODUCTION:

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The main concept was to create a welcoming park that is utilized by the entire neighborhood at all times of the day. Therefore, a circulation scheme was devised along the borders of the site, in order to slow down car traffic, different paving patterns and speed bumps were introduced. Pedestrian crossings were also identified and connected the park with its surrounding through a number of entry points in and out of the park, with one major connecting a super market to a pharmacy, splitting the park in two zones. Additional elements

FINAL DESIGN: such as playground zones were introduced, with a mini football area for children between the ages of 9-12, and another area for younger children, where kids would be easy to monitor. An outdoor theater was created, connected to another zone equiped with a kiosk and proper seating for elderly residents.

Circulation throughout the park could be considered fluid, as each zone is directly accessible through a ramp. A small guard house was also designed, and located on the highest level of the site for a better visual connection.

SECTION A-A:

SECTION B-B:

3D SHOTS:

IS ES S TH ON S R TI OP TE TRA SH AS S K M LU R IL WO &

ABSTRACT & GENERAL INFO.:

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The master thesis is entitled as Physical Manifestations of Crowd Control Strategies in Urban Landscapes. The following is the abstract text: “During the past few years, due to political instability and a general call for justice, urban landscapes have become subjected to constant surveillance. Authorities are constantly devising new measures in an attempt to control the public, the term for such measures is called crowd control, and it can take on many forms; from camera surveillance, to road blockades, and even altering the design configuration of public space, thus creating dysfunctional public spaces. The reason for choosing this topic comes from the assump- tion that public space plays a key role in creating social and political change, thus main- taining social justice. The goal of this work is to provide a base for further

research into the matter, and to expose crowd control as an emerging phenomenon worldwide.

The first part of the thesis explores the work methodology; based on ethnographic data collection, and analyzed by cross-referencing behavior mapping with functionality design criteria, and provides a theoretical base for the topic. The second part revolves around examining crowd control strategies and their effect on public space functionality in Amman, Jordan, by exploring the origin of the phenomenon, and its development into a main design policy in Amman. The final part exhibits the research results; showing how crowd control measures affect daily activities in public spaces, as well as steps to coun- teract the phenomenon.�

The thesis went through a series of research phases, mainly focusing on arguments against crowd control and survaillance. The case studies in Amman were carefuly mapped and observed through analyzing archival footage of demonstrations held on the chosen sites.

Structural properties of both sites were also documented and mapped, as well as behavior patterns of both protesters and the police.

Another level of behavior mapping was added, as both sites underwent drastic transformations in order to prevent the general public from gathering on both locations, and both sites were structurally analyzed according to the new designs, and finally a design function assessment was carried out on both locations, in order to determine if both sites can sustain daily life activities after the latest transformations. The final chapter serves as an introduction into methods and strategies towards reclaiming public space, somewhat of a utopian wish towards re-establishing public control over public property.

MAPPING PROTEST LOCATIONS IN THE CITY OF AMMAN:

MAPPING THE STRUCTURAL AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR ROUNDABOUT:

W ERA O S RK M SH US O P

After completing the analysis, each group was tasked with creating four different scenarios.

The scenarios generated in our group include the following: No Humans Allowed; a reality where everything is robotized, The Rising Caliphate, where muslim population forms the majority of the city, Solar Storm, and finally Yummy Insects; an alternate reality where crops can no longer be grown. The chosen scenario for development was the Rising Caliphate.

RISING CALIPHATE:

CONCEPTUAL MASTERPLAN:

SCENARIOS:

INTRODUCTION:

The following project is the outcome of a scenario building workshop that was directed towards creating future scenarios for the urban periphery area of brussels. The initial phase of the workshop concentrated mainly on on-site analysis, directed mainly towards finding solutions to the challenges currently facing the city of Brussels. According to the recent regional sustainable development plan, the Brussels capital region is currently facing six main challenges: fast-paced demographic growth, the transition towards a more sustainable model of urban development, increasing poverty, a spatial divide between the eastern and western parts of the city, a rising unemployment rate as well as the implementation of a sustainable mobility and transportation system. The workshops’s aim was to address these challenges and create valid solutions.

The drivers for this scenario are the occupation of Europe by Muslim populations, and the declaring Brussels as the capital of the Muslim caliphate. Resulting pressures are declaring Islam as the official religion, and adopting Islamic cultural principles as a base for future development within the landscape. The impacts of this scenario might lead towards converting churches to mosques, fencing open fields to assert private property, and prohibiting the domestication of pigs.

BUILDING TYPOLOGY:

This scenario would manifest in various ways, such as the removal of human representations in public art, creating a direct link between London and Mecca as an official pilgrimage route, and finally, prohibiting the production of alcoholic beverages, resulting in an altered form of products from certain crops. Therefore elements such as building typology, crop selection and Islamic religious activities were further studied, in order to create a rather realistic visualization of the scenario.

3D SHOT:

M EX AP T P W S EN ING O PA SI RK C V SH E E O P PROJECT INFO.:

The following workshop was held in an attempt towards creating a better understanding of extensive space. An area was chosen surrounding the downtown of Amman, and a variety of aspects were carefully monitored and mapped throughout the entire process.

The following is a result of the entire workshop, where each group was focused on mapping a certain aspect within the chosen area, such as the relationship between positive attractions, open and enclosed space, and the pedestrian rhythm. Other aspects included the relationship between human behavior and physical polution found within the area, noise patterns were also mapped and analyzed through the pedestrian speed of movement by examining the density of people circulating throughout the chosen area, and the pace of their movements.

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PO THE END OF AN ORDINARY STREET:

Rasha Aboodi | Messages of neoliberalism to the one-dimensional society, Digital Print, 2013, 10.5cm x 14.8cm This postcard is meant as a trip into the past of an ordinary street, once a vibrant corridor for its residents, transformed by the process of gentrification. and is addressed to all Ammani’s with the ability to remember. The following cites some of the back text: “...The names of that diverse rainbow of families who managed perfectly well to co-exist, socialize, make real friendships, and prosper for a long period of time can still be heard; even today. Yet the street is not the same, loved ones had left the neighborhood and there goes with them the house that gathered cousins and hosted hundreds of friends and families, but most important of all was the physical foothold that serves as a personal reservoir of memory...”

MESSAGES OF NEOLIBERALISM TO THE ONE DIMENSIONAL SOCIETY:

Rasha Aboodi | Messages of neoliberalism to the one-dimensional society, Digital Print, 2013, 10.5cm x 14.8cm The following is a postcard designed as a commentary on real-estate development and increasing property values within a non-oppositional society. The following cites the text on the back: “Citizens all over the Middle east are bombarded and overwhelmed daily by the boom in real-estate development. Local newspapers, new emerging property magazines, TV advertisements, and city billboards all promote real-estate development in the form of exclusive business towers and high-end gated residential communities. It is very obvious that ‘property’ is the new consumer good par excellence in the Middle East and ‘real-estate development’ is its new religion. Still, what is really most unfortunate is that many of these banal and condescending messages, and most of the time, find an ignorant listening ear and a blinded excessively consumerist eye in the city. But then what do you really expect from the one-dimensional and non-oppositional society.”

DEATH CAMP:

Spring Sessions Art workshop postcard. “The exhibited artefact is a photograph taken a chamber in a death camp. The inscription on the wall represent the rants of a dying man.

Historically, death camps became key structures in death rituals all throughout the country, where one is required to reside in a solitary chamber within the grounds of the camp, and spend his remaining days reflecting upon his life and documenting his final thoughts.�

THE MISSING WAVE:

Rasha Aboodi | Death Camp, Digital Print, 2013, 10.5cm x 14.8cm

Rasha Aboodi | The Missing Wave, Digital Print, 2013, 42.0 x 59.4cm The above is a poster designed for an art short film, The Missing Wave. The film documents the final hours of a guerilla Palestinian rebel fighter in Jordan during the events of Black September.