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Application Post: Part II Architectural Assistant

ridwan naim

I firmly believe that the role of an architect goes beyond simply designing a space. It involves the ability to tackle and diminish social disparities by crafting customized and adaptable designs that serve a purpose. I have three years of handson experience in both residential and commercial projects, in addition to my skills in urban planning. I appreciate design narrative through layers of raw illustration to help generate soulful designs that spark emotional dialogue.

skills

High Proficiency Medium Proficiency

Basic Proficiency

education

+447876512300

ridwan173@gmail.com

2014 Diploma in Building Construction (CIOB) University Technology MARA, Malaysia

2018 BS.c Architecture RIBA I University Technology MARA, Malaysia

2021 MArch. Architecture RIBA II The University of Edinburgh, UK

work & experiences

2013

6 months 2016

months

Prinsptek Corporation Ltd

Site Supervisor, Malaysia

MRA Architects

Part I Internship, Malaysia

Sketchup

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe lightroom Microsoft Office Autodesk Autocad

Vray Adobe Indesign

Adobe Illustrator

Autodesk 3DSmax

Autodesk Revit (course in progress)

language

Malay Native

Thai Native English IELTS 8.0

Japanese JLPT N1 (C2)

Russian B1

days

2 months 2018 present

MRA Architects

Part I Assistant Architect, Malaysia

Asian Architecture Student Summer Workshop

Malaysia Representative, Japan

Live Design Discourse

Malaysia Representative, Malaysia

Sayembara Cultural & Art Centre Competition

Malaysia Representative, Indonesia

GDA Atelier (remote)

Personal Atelier - Freelance Designer

awards

2018 2018 2014 2013 2019

2014

Architecture Special Excellence Award Architecture Best Student Award Vice Chancellor Award Faculty Best Student Award

Best MBAM Scholar Award

Malaysia’s Public University Best Student Award

Main Title

Descriptions

Title

COLOUR CODING AND ICON LEGEND

Skp 3DS Lumion Cad PS AI Sketch Vray

Thesis Emphasizing background study and topic of discussion on sustainability and heritage, addressing the history, present and the future possibilities

Approach Focuses on specific methodologies and the architectural style of the project

Process Involves form exploration, illustration and design process

The framework of urban ecosophy is paramount in sustaining and developing a city across different timelines: the past, present, and possible future. A prominent example is a city situated near a main generator, in this case, the Sabarmati River, which serves as a vital water element, nourishing Ahmedabad’s territory and transforming it into fertile land. Over time, the river has silently witnessed a progressing transformation since India’s Mughal governance. The local community considers the river a holy natural occurrence, and it has played a significant role in shaping the terrestrial hierarchy of land use, allowing resilience to thrive despite political, industrial, and cultural influences.

Starting with the water body, the city began establishing a series of ecological equilibriums, as noted by Guattari, “...so that the process of singularization can rediscover their consistency.”This was achieved through the existence of various entities, such as architectural elements and farmland. Ahmedabad can trace its roots back to the Mughal Empire when functional and spiritual structures, particularly those related to water, came together to create a harmonious ecological circle. Examples of this can be seen in the presence of Stepwells, Ghats, and dwellings. During and after British colonization, the city

experienced some changes in its political landscape due to non-native ventures, especially in the cotton industry, which led to a slight expansion of its borders.

The Sabarmati River played a major role in sustaining the city’s industrial growth, as it served as a vital resource influenced by environmental events. In summer, the dry and fertile riverbed was used for farming, while in the monsoon season, it became a source of fresh water and transportation. However, uncontrolled growth led to environmental imbalances, resulting in reduced floodcarrying capacity and limited public access to the river.

To address these issues, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), responsible for the construction of the Sabarmati Riverfront, proposed a man-made riverbank in 1960. It was opened to the public in 2012, with the aim of combating land erosion and managing seasonal monsoons. It is pertinent to note that while modernization energizes human subjectivities, the transversal tool to establish the three ecologies may not always be infallible.

Alexander Humboldt once said, “The philosophical study of nature endeavours, in the vicissitudes of phenomena, to connect the present with the past.”

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

To redefine the possible fecundation across Sabarmati river, political map is omitted to allow the flexibility of verdure to grow across districts

Existing greeneries and parks

Empty lands

Mutually communicate forming a bold, emphasized connotation between a Well and a Wall, such features suggest an ability to indirectly provide the space “in between” cultivated by times. Although both stuctures have long tradition in Indian Community, a third element, “Water” has played an integral part in architectural and city planning. Divay Gupta suggested the Ahmedabad’s traditions in Stepwell were derived since the early civilization of Mahenjo Daro. He added, “the architecture and water is generally regarded as a connection between secular and sacred , between earth and heaven.”

Unique to Ahmedabad, the walls are regarded and interpreted widely to its exceptional typology where, culturally, economically embraced. located within the vicinity of Sabarmati River, a long stretch of old wall fort interacts decently to the Riverfront wall. As opposed to the temples the appreciation comes to the stepwell, as one goes further down reaching the “sacred element”. Such gesture has indirectly reignited to the new riverfront, acting as a well in Summer, retaining water for ecosophic reasons.

Mutually communicating and forming a bold, emphasized connotation between a well and a wall, such features suggest an ability to indirectly provide the space “in between” that is cultivated over time. Although both structures have a long tradition in the Indian community, a third element, water, has played an integral part in architectural and city planning. Divay Gupta suggested that Ahmedabad’s traditions in Stepwell were derived from the early civilization of Mohenjo Daro. He added, “The architecture and water are generally regarded as a connection between the secular and the sacred, between earth and heaven.”

Unique to Ahmedabad, the walls are widely regarded and interpreted for their exceptional typology, culturally and economically embraced. Located within the vicinity of the Sabarmati River, a long stretch of the old wall fort interacts gracefully with the Riverfront wall. Unlike the temples, the appreciation for the stepwell grows as one goes further down, reaching the “sacred element.” Such a gesture has indirectly reignited the new riverfront, acting as a well in summer and retaining water for ecosophic reasons.

While intervention forms spaces, narrative induces ambiance and mood to the design. Narrative Components conveys a story of experiences from the perspective of a human’s feeling uninterruted by external logical thinking.

A series of locations including Walls, Gates, Pols, and The New Walls. The Narrative begins when a human being is inflicted by the surroundings atmosphere and triggers the feeling. The experience driven by the feelings however accustomed by the series of historical and modern architecture in Ahmedabad

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

DHAROI DAM - SABARMATI RIVER FLOW

The illustration depicts the stretch of the Sabarmati River, which originates in the higher region near the Rajasthan-Gujarat border and flows towards the city of Ahmedabad. As the river progresses towards the Gulf of Khambat in the south, it becomes increasingly polluted and unsafe due to the accumulation of industrial and residential waste.

Upon entering Vasna, an existing canal designed for water treatment and irrigation purposes, the river is separated. The safer water flowing through the Vasna canal offers dual functions to the local community: a reliable water supply and a means of transportation for the foresters.

LEGEND:

Left vertical: Vasna Canal & Dam

Top left: Water feature fed by the pond

Top Right: House type 2 & a bridge

Bottom left: Water feature

Bottom right: A small quay for transportation

Extending the greeneries across Sabarmati River, Vasna plays a major role in cultivating the “existing” greenery areas. The interventions are treated to enhance the than creating a space to provide greeneries. The illustration depicts the stretch of the Sabarmati River, which originates in the higher region near the Rajasthan-Gujarat border and flows towards the city of Ahmedabad. As the river progresses towards the Gulf of Khambat in the south, it becomes increasingly polluted and unsafe due to the accumulation of industrial and residential waste.Upon entering Vasna, an existing canal designed for water treatment and irrigation purposes, the river is separated. The safer water flowing through the Vasna canal offers dual functions to the local community: a reliable water supply and a means of transportation for the foresters. ongoing farming activities.

The village is clustered into three groups; each cluster is provided with a communal house (Type 2) for the foresters to work and rest. However, the communal house is attached by a bridge to a representative individual house.

During the monsoon season between March and May, when farming is highly impossible, the foresters in each cluster gather at the communal house to engage in small economic activities to be sold in the main city or prepared for the summer. According to culture and tradition, a separate area is provided for female members to ensure their privacy (Type 2: #5). Other foresters gather at the main lounge, ready for daily farming activities (Type 2: #6). Symbolically, the cascading space reflects the “Pathway to Purification” of the Stepwell. The double roof is intended to improve natural lighting and ventilation (Type 1: #2).

The louvres, however, are movable to prevent cold winter air, while allowing lighter hot air to be released through the air well and louvres.

Individually, a type 1 house has a private attic, which is unique to Indian culture and used for minor activities.

Type 1 space section

Type 2 house with foresters communal working area

Natural

Clay Timber

Water Reed

Sandstone

Stone

Brick

Recycled

Used Brick

Used lumber

Ruined Sandstone

Prefabricated

Concrete block

Glass

Cement

Construction materials are crucial in determining the strength, longevity, and overall quality of buildings. Thatched roofs, traditionally crafted from water reed, provide a sustainable and insulating solution, lasting between 10 to 15 years. They regulate heat, keeping interiors cool in summer and warm in winter. Lightweight construction techniques have emerged as a practical choice, especially in rapidly growing communities, allowing for easy relocation or reconstruction to adapt to changing needs. Sandstone, with its durability and abundance, proves ideal for constructing landscape walls that withstand the test of time. Additionally, red bricks are employed to extend the architectural language of historical areas, ensuring cultural

continuity and visual coherence with the old city.

Surrounded by water bodies, the village benefits from passive regulatory elements such as trees and water bodies, which help regulate the temperature. The roof wall is designed to serve a dual purpose, allowing for natural ventilation and indirect sunlight indoors through timber louvers (ref drawing 1)

In preparation for the monsoon season, the bottom wall features movable louver windows (ref drawings 2 and 3). Section 3 highlights the elevated floor, which enhances airflow and helps lower temperatures during the summer months.

Drawing1: Roof connection Drawing 2: Wall to Floor connection

Drawing 3: Wall/floor to foundation

Detail B

Detail C

Port Dickson, Malaysia, is a picturesque coastal town with a rich historical past. It was formerly known for its charcoal production before the British developed it into a bustling port during the Strait Settlements period. It is only 500 metres from the beach.

Port Dickson has grown dramatically since 1990, becoming a thriving tourist destination as well as a hub for numerous business activity. Its advantageous location in the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest straits, has contributed considerably to its development as a thriving city.

While it remains a popular tourist destination, Port Dickson has emerged in recent years as a prominent commercial stop, strategically placed between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The city is currently a hub for enterprises and entrepreneurs wishing to build a presence in this thriving region.

In the midst of this bustling surroundings, the apartment complex stands out as a tranquil and hidden retreat. It provides a calm and private setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it a great escape for anyone seeking relaxation and renewal. Furthermore, the architectural design of the flats is a tribute to modernism and elegance, establishing a precedent for the development of the expanding coastal area.

The apartment complex employs the efficient Industrialized Building System (IBS) for construction. Its facade showcases a sleek aluminum cladding, while the main structure is built with precast concrete panel. The L-shaped layout of the apartments directs the front towards the garden, enhancing privacy among units. To further ensure privacy, vertical creeper plants are incorporated outside the lounge room, acting as a visual buffer from the outside. This combination of modern construction techniques, elegant facade, and thoughtful layout provides residents with a peaceful and private living space amidst the developing coastal area.

Type: Urban Planning

Location: Selangor State, Malaysia

Designing a master plan comprises:

1.Petroleum Deck

2. Container Terminal

3. Halal hub

4. University Campus

5. Residential Area

Involvement:

Conceptual master plan, specific design on the University Campus, Consulted clients on the design brief, Site visit

Marine City is a visionary project in Selangor State, Malaysia, aimed at creating a Halal Hub next to the bustling Malacca Strait. The project collaborates with China Port Company, focusing on technology, engineering, and safety measures. The city comprises five zones: Petroleum Deck, Halal Hub + Container Terminal, Government, Residential, and Educational Area. Notably, the city integrates with the surrounding rainforest, extending it up to 5 kilometers into the sea. This unique feature promotes environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation. Marine City represents an innovative approach to urban planning, combining economic development, technology, and environmental consciousness. With its strategic location, diverse zones, and sustainable design, this conceptual stage plan showcases the potential for a thriving and harmonious city in Selangor State.

Parks Water Body Commercial Area Buildings

Malacca Strait

Jugra Reserve land

Langat River

APARTMENT RENOVATION

Type: Renovation

Location: Ampang, Malaysia

Renovation of 2 units service apartments

Involvement: Strategic Definition, Preparation & Briefing, Design Concept, Technical Design, Construction and Handover

Type: 2-storey Kindergarten

Location: Putrajaya, Malaysia

The Putrajaya Municipal Council started the project to accommodate a large group of children, specifically aged 4 to 6. They incorporated earth materials to blend with the surroundings while maintaining on vibrant colors.

Involvement: Strategic Definition, Preparation & Briefing, Design Concept and Technical Design

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Picture 1,2,&3 : Series of pictures that received high votes from international magazine curator, residents, and architects

The Asian Architecture Students Summer Workshop in Sabae / Mihara 2017 Sabae Unit

THEME: “Pod Architecture” Hunting

Unit Master: Kazuya Morita / Kazuya Morita Architects Studio

Drawing 2: Adding potential components to the existing building