Architecture Portfolio - Safa Azmath

Portfolio.

1 ShadowBOX

Between darkness and light - A Shadow Puppet Theater

Site Location: University of Hartford. CT, USA

Fall 2021

Shadow puppetry has a long history throughout most of the world, but it is primarily associated with the East, particularly Bali. In this art form, puppets are manipulated behind a translucent screen by puppeteers, who move the puppets to tell a story through shadows. The actual puppets and the puppeteers are never seen by the audience. The design should express the overall aesthetic of shadow puppetry by making visitors aware of the presence and play of shadows in our daily lives, and the metaphor of shadows regarding earthly existence.

Created 2x2 m grid

Added more blocks to accommodate the program

Connected the volumes and created shaded plazas outdoor

Joined shaded structure to the building

Concept

Shadow Puppet Theater

Section

Structure

Roof

Post and beam structure

2 Dome of Unity

Embracing the sacred journey - A Mosque

Site Location: 16th Street, Washington DC, USA

Fall 2021

This project is an Islamic Center serves the Islamic faith community for Washington, D.C. It is a place that expresses the religious and cultural values of Islam. The Washington Islamic Center and Mosque is a religious building, but it also includes spaces that are not expressly for worship: classrooms, meeting rooms, spaces to gather in community and share meals, and a library and visitors center. The Islamic Center responds to the tenets of the Islamic faith, but it is also a place where nonMuslims can learn more about the religion and the activities of this congregation in the nation’s capital.

Placed rectangle block on site Introduced two spheres into the mass

Sized and merged them into the mass Created balcony and added atrium on second floor

Final form

Firsr Floor Plan 3D

Firsr Floor Plan 3D

Ladies prayer hall Central atrium

Exterior facade design

Pocket City

Instilling life in the city - A Mixed Use Development

Site Location: Homestead Ave., Hartford, Spring 2022

VISION: Re-envisioning the homestead ave block as a “pocket city”; a block that contains diverse uses that makes up a city.

GOALS: Striding towards a sustainable, prosperous Hartford by utilizing a technological and sustainable “prototype” as for what Hartford can become.

GROWTH: Seeking to attract new residents, students, and innovation by improving the quality of place.

Goals

Concept

Form generation

Site Goals

Lighting | Smart controlled lighting

Waste Divert 70% landfill

Site Drivers

Interlock + Embed Intersect Mass

Cycling | 25+ bike racks

Advanced power grid Supports data center

Walking | Instill healthy walking habits

Community Gateway of belonging to the place.

The solar panels have unique, and integrated mounting solutions. They are designed to maximize solar power generation, visual appeal, and longterm durability.

Site Plan

Lumos solar panels

Mesh (greenery)

Solid/void

4 House of Healing

Transforming lives through drug rehabilitation - A Drug Rehabilitation

Site Location: S 9th Ave., Phoenix, AZ, USA

This rehabilitation center provides a supportive and compassionate environment from drug addiction. With a team of experienced and dedicated professionals, this center offers comprehensive treatment programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Evidence-based therapies, including counseling, detoxification, and holistic approaches aim to address the physical, psychological, an emotional aspects of addiction. This center also prioritizes individualized care and promotes long term sobriety through personalized treatment plans and ongoing support.

Administration: 2 floors (each floor 6,795 SF)

Detoxification: 3 floors (each floor 3,265 SF)

In-patient housing: 4 floors (each floor 4,350 SF)

Reintegration: 2 floors (each floor 5,440 SF)

In-Patient Housing Atrium

Volumes are separated which accommodates circulation while defining each volume as a separate entity within the structure. This also provides individual spaces in the open spaces within the buildings.

This could create shading under each floor and enhance the open space by providing balconies. The functions are logically placed so the main entrance of the administration block is the closest to the street.

This shell represents the concept of “one nation, one body”. Bolder masses to match local architecture style. Under this roof houses all four functions, creating a solid and safe community. The roof also mimics the Arizona mountains with its curves which connects the users with the natural world.

Design Goals

To create a balance between mind, body and soul. Mind – learning programs and treatments, Body through physical activities and Soul through spirituality

Section: Sustainability features

To aid in the prevention of future addiction cases and spread awareness in the community.

To create an environment which will increase the satisfaction of patients with the treatment and reduce their stress levels

To change the stereotypical image of rehab centers and create a welcoming and comforting environment for its users

5 A Lady’s Veil

Experiencing a veil of shadows - A shaded installation

Site Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Fall 2019

This shaded structure is an exquisite architectural masterpiece in the United Arab Emirates, inspired by the traditional Middle Eastern veils, which gracefully envelops the structure, providing respite from the intense desert sun while adding a captivating and culturally significant element to the landscape. It could be used in leisure, a public space for people to interact with the space and shadows. The design of the parasol is generated using numerous curves that are deformed and smoothened to create a mesh like structure. This prototype model was made using mdf wood which was cut in laser cutting machine. The pieces were then joined by inserting into the grooves. The pavilion was created using rhinoceros and grasshopper.