Architectural Graduate Work

Encoding Matter INVESTIGATING HIERARCHIES

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Frist Year Graduate Program Roland Snooks

pAgents

ANT TRAILS

pAgents

DEFINING SURFACE GEOMETRY

HANCOCKGEOMETRY TOWER , Chicago DEFINING SURFACE

SURFACE ATTACHMENT

MARINA CITY , Chicago

MARINA CITY , Chicago

Encoding Matter INVESTIGATING HIERARCHIES

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Developing an understanding of agency and its role in the formation of complex structures is the main focus in this project. TheHANCOCK exploration challenged TOWER , Chicago the formation of order from the behavior and intent of the agent and explored this within a framework for design of a mixed use tower.

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ANT TRAILS

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NAGAKIN CAPSULE TOWER , ANT Japan TRAILS

NAGAKIN CAPSULE TOWER , Japan

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Cellular Automata

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NAGAKIN CAPSULE TOWER , Japan Align

GROWTH BY MITOSIS L - SYSYTEMS

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Cellular Automata

Automata C.Cellular Cellular Automata

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BY MITOSIS SYSYTEMS L - Systems B. Growth byL -Mitosis

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PROGRAM Mitosis and P R OCellular G R A M Automata are inspiration for the rules that drive the Program. The program keeps growing and there are different types of program, each behaving somewhat differently.

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GROWTH BY MITOSIS L - SYSYTEMS

A) Agent A starts generating more of itself and Agent B. agent A seeks each other to create continous spaces. B) Agent B generates Agent C. Agents B and C seek Agent A. C) All agents seek Structure agent. D) However, if agent A sperates from structure out of range of Vision and seeks Cellular Agent CAutomata it will transform into Agent D, which can be any kind of special program that is needed in the vicinity.

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GROWTH BY MITOSIS L - SYSYTEMS

D. Program Diagram

D. Surface

SURFACE Soup bubbles are inspiration for the rules that drive the Surface.

Much of the logic found in the project draws from an understanding of the micro-structure found C. Structure Diagram STRUCTURE in nature and biological systems. This abstract Ant Trails are inspiration for the rules that method of design was aided through thoughtdrive the structure. The trails are created PRECEDENTS RESEARCH based on phermones, food, obstacles on ful scripting of a formula that helped to imagthe journey. ine a more complex outcome of self-organizing A) The agents wander around and up. B) They Align , agents creating a non-linear methodology for Cohesion, and Seperate based on their Range of Vision.

C)The different Trails seek and some seperate based the design of structure, program, and surface. on their Range of Vision. D)The stronger they seek the

A) Each hand locates all other hands within the Range of Vision.

B) If multiple hands are in the Range of Vision, it will choose the closest hand. C)Arms rotate to meet each other using averaged vector and will extend for hands to meet. D) Once three hands SURFACE meet they do not move to meet any additional hands.Center of Agents attach to structure Trails. E) Agents hands attach to PRECEDENTS RESEARCHexterior limits of Program Agents.

SURFACE

thicker that part of the trail becomes. F) The parts of the trail that are not as concentrated evaoprate after certain amount of time.

import kGeom.*; //global variables ArrayList sPopulation; ArrayList PopPA; ArrayList PopPreA; ArrayList PopPB; ArrayList PopPC; ArrayList PopPD; ArrayList PopTemp; //ArrayList PopTemp2; ArrayList population; ArrayList trails; PeasyCam cam; float envSize = 200; float envSizeY = 200; float envSizeY2 = 600; //MovieMaker mm; //Declare MovieMaker objec void setup(){ import toxi.util.datatypes.*; import toxi.math.noise.*; import toxi.math.waves.*; import toxi.geom.*; import toxi.math.*; import toxi.math.conversion.*; import toxi.geom.util.*; import toxi.doap.*; import processing.opengl.*; import processing.video.*; import peasy.*; import kGeom.*; //global variables ArrayList sPopulation; ArrayList PopPA; ArrayList PopPreA; ArrayList PopPB; ArrayList PopPC;

sAgents

pAgents

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sAgents

DEFINING SURFACE GEOMETRY

SURFACE ATTACHMENT

MARINA CITY , Chicago

pAgents

Structure and Program System

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Cohesion Seperate

Wander Direct/UP Evap/Kill

PRECEDENTS RESEARCH

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PROGRAM

Seek Stable

Cellular Automata

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HANCOCK TOWER , Chicago

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An exploration of how normative tectonic hierarchies allowed for the re-imagining of alternative organization within a systematic non-linear logic.

NAGAKIN CAPSULE TOWER , Japan The local interactions of the individual agents give rise to global complex order rather than a design process operating on sequentially decreasing scales.

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import toxi.util.datatypes.*; import toxi.math.noise.*; import toxi.math.waves.*; import toxi.geom.*; import toxi.math.*; import toxi.math.conversion.*; import toxi.geom.util.*; import toxi.doap.*; import processing.opengl.*; import processing.video.*; import peasy.*; import kGeom.*; //global variables ArrayList sPopulation; ArrayList PopPA; ArrayList PopPreA; ArrayList PopPB; ArrayList PopPC; ArrayList PopPD; ArrayList PopTemp; //ArrayList PopTemp2; ArrayList population; ArrayList trails; PeasyCam cam; float envSize = 200; float envSizeY = 200; float envSizeY2 = 600; //MovieMaker mm; //Declare MovieMaker objec void setup(){ import toxi.util.datatypes.*; import toxi.math.noise.*; import toxi.math.waves.*; import toxi.geom.*; import toxi.math.*; import toxi.math.conversion.*; import toxi.geom.util.*; import toxi.doap.*; import processing.opengl.*; import processing.video.*; import peasy.*;

PROGRAM

SURFACE ATTACHMENT

HANCOCK TOWER , Chicago HANCOCK TOWER , Chicago

SURFACE

SURFACE ATTACHMENT Structure and Geometry System

DEFINING SURFACE GEOMETRY

Program and Geometry

MARINA CITY , Chicago ANT TRAILS

PROGRAM

HANCOCK TOWER , Chicago

PRECEDENTS RESEARCH sAgents

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pAgents

DEFINING SURFACE GEOMETRY

ANT TRAILS

MARINA CITY , Chicago HANCOCK TOWER , Chicago

NAGAKIN CAPSULE TOWER , Japan

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GROWTH BY MITOSIS L - SYSYTEMS

PROGRAM

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sAgents

pAgents

DEFINING SURFACE GEOMETRY

FIRST FLOOR PLAN LOBBY COMMUNITY ROOM

TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN

First Floor Plan

FLOOR PLANS

PopPD = new ArrayList(); PopTemp = new ArrayList(); trails = new ArrayList();

The mixed used tower consists of offices, lofts, and community rooms.

Program agents B & C seeking eachother while structure is seperating from them.

The floor plans are very open with a main elevator and service core that goes through the building.

Program agents A seeking structure.

Diagram plans show the variety in plans and change in the shape of building in every section .

Spider agents seeking structure.

Program agents A transforms agents C into agents D when further from structure.

SECTIONAL PERSPECTIVE VIEW

The open floor plans are held up by a spider structure that thickens and thinens based on load in each location. The main strucutre (columns/walls) attach more upward to help create the density needed. On the other hand, the exterior spider structure(surface) opens up more in each direction with less density.

Spider agents reach out seeking each others arms.

PROGRAMS

Agent B-Offices Agent C-Community Agent A-Services Agent D-Special

A.COHERENT SYSTEM

ArrayList PopPB; ArrayList PopPC; ArrayList PopPD; ArrayList PopTemp; //ArrayList PopTemp2; ArrayList population; ArrayList trails; PeasyCam cam; float envSize = 200; float envSizeY = 200; float envSizeY2 = 600; //MovieMaker mm; //Declare MovieMaker objec void setup(){ size(600,600,P3D,OPENGL); frameRate(30); smooth(); //mm = new MovieMaker (this, width, height, “Studio_c. mov”, 30, MovieMaker.

CINEPAK, MovieMaker.BEST); cam = new PeasyCam (this, 1200); //make new peasy cam at dist 600 hint(ENABLE_ OPENGL_4X_SMOOTH); // openGL setting cam.setMinimumDistance(10); isoSurfSetup(); // calls isosurf setup function population = new ArrayList(); sPopulation = new ArrayList(); PopPA = new ArrayList(); PopPreA = new ArrayList(); PopPB = new ArrayList(); PopPC = new ArrayList(); PopPD = new ArrayList(); PopTemp = new ArrayList(); trails = new ArrayList();

Diagram A explains how the 3 systems interacting together to create a coherent non-linear system. The rules applied to each system gives the resulting pieces in diagram B .

SYSTEM ITERATIONS

GLAZING MESH

Surface & Structure SURFACE AND STRUCTURE

Glazing Mesh GLAZING MESH

Floor Plates FLOOR PLATES

EXPLODED SYSTEM DIAGRAM

B.EXPLODED SYSTEM DIAGRAM

OFFICES

Diagram Plans

ArrayList PopPA; ArrayList PopPreA; ArrayList PopPB; ArrayList PopPC; ArrayList PopPD; ArrayList PopTemp; //ArrayList PopTemp2; ArrayList population; ArrayList trails; PeasyCam cam; float envSize = 200; float envSizeY = 200; float envSizeY2 = 600; //MovieMaker mm; //Declare MovieMaker objec void setup(){ size(600,600,P3D,OPENGL); frameRate(30); smooth(); //mm = new MovieMaker (this, width, height, “Studio_c. mov”, 30, MovieMaker.

CINEPAK, MovieMaker.BEST); cam = new PeasyCam (this, 1200); //make new peasy cam at dist 600 hint(ENABLE_ OPENGL_4X_SMOOTH); // openGL setting cam.setMinimumDistance(10); isoSurfSetup(); // calls isosurf setup function population = new ArrayList(); sPopulation = new ArrayList(); PopPA = new ArrayList(); PopPreA = new ArrayList(); PopPB = new ArrayList(); PopPC = new ArrayList();

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Typical Plan

ArrayList PopPreA; ArrayList PopPB; ArrayList PopPC; ArrayList PopPD; ArrayList PopTemp; //ArrayList PopTemp2; ArrayList population; ArrayList trails; PeasyCam cam; float envSize = 200; float envSizeY = 200; float envSizeY2 = 600; //MovieMaker mm; //Declare MovieMaker objec void setup(){ size(600,600,P3D,OPENGL); frameRate(30); smooth(); //mm = new MovieMaker (this, width, height, “Studio_c. mov”, 30, MovieMaker.

CINEPAK, MovieMaker.

BEST); cam = new PeasyCam (this, 1200); //make new peasy cam at dist 600 hint(ENABLE_ OPENGL_4X_SMOOTH); // openGL setting cam.setMinimumDistance(10); isoSurfSetup(); // calls isosurf setup function population = new ArrayList(); sPopulation = new ArrayList(); PopPA = new ArrayList(); PopPreA = new ArrayList(); 5rayList(); PopTemp = new ArrayList(); trails = new ArrayList();

The goal was to create a surface structure that not only holds the building up but works as one coherent elegant geometrical mesh.

In coding creation of such geometry proved to be some what challanging in the given short period of time.

Many geometrical articulations were explored in that time. The spider geometry seemed the best fit ad worked as the most efficient option while giving a special aestethic to the exterior and interior of the tower.

DETAILED WALL SECTION WALL SECTION This section conceptually describesDETAILED connection of the exterior structure, exterior glass walls, floor slabs, and the interior structure.

import toxi.util.datatypes.*; import toxi.math.noise.*; import toxi.math.waves.*; import toxi.geom.*; import toxi.math.*; import toxi.math.conversion.*; import toxi.geom.util.*; import toxi.doap.*; import processing.opengl.*; import processing.video.*; import peasy.*; import kGeom.*; //global variables ArrayList sPopulation; ArrayList PopPA; ArrayList PopPreA; ArrayList PopPB; ArrayList PopPC; ArrayList PopPD; ArrayList PopTemp; //ArrayList PopTemp2; ArrayList population; ArrayList trails; PeasyCam cam; float envSize = 200; float envSizeY = 200; float envSizeY2 = 600; //MovieMaker mm; //Declare MovieMaker objec void setup(){ size(600,600,P3D,OPENGL); frameRate(30); smooth(); //mm = new MovieMaker (this, width, height, “Studio_c. mov”, 30, MovieMaker.CINEPAK, MovieMaker.BEST); cam = new PeasyCam (this, 1200); //make new peasy cam at dist 600 hint(ENABLE_OPENGL_4X_ SMOOTH); //openGL setting cam.setMinimumDistance(10); isoSurfSetup(); // calls isosurf setup function population = new ArrayList(); sPopulation = new ArrayList(); PopPA = new ArrayList(); PopPreA = new ArrayList(); PopPB = new ArrayList();

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GEOMETRIC ARTICULATIONS

PARAMETRIC AFFECT continious triangulation

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SECOND Year Graduate Program DAVID GERBER

PARAMETRIC AFFECT continious triangulation Exploration of parametric design and prototyping an interior enveople/tiling system is the focus of this project. There is a great emphesis on creation of innovate design rules within a constraint space.

A 60’*20’*12’ bar as the constraint space chosen to formulate new design systems in this project.

The tiles connect to these points to create the existing shape of the tile system. Each tile is connected to 3 points on the surface to make a triangle.

G. Tile Iterations - change in parameters of the formulas creates multiple iterations.

A continuous tile system wraps all around creating the floor, the walls, the bar top, and the ceiling.

The triangular tile units change in shape, size, and orientation. Their orientation is based on the program and day light. Change in parameters of the system results in sometimes unexpected variations of the original design.

Extreme Variation of The Original Tile System Bar Interior View

The Driver is described in the specified 60’*20’*12’ bounding box. Each driver has 2 layers : a fixed lower layer and an upper layer. The driver is divided into 6 horizontal and 4 vertical control points. Each point can move up or down based on the numbers in the excel sheet and the formulas attached to it. 5 drivers contain the bounding box to create the preferred aesthetics.

A Surface is created from connection of all upper drivers. Change in each control point transforms the form of the room and the bar area.The surfaces is divided into a grid. A point is created at each connection.

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F. Panelized Parametric Tile with different parameters.

The triangular Tiles have different parameters that trasform the shape of each tile and the whole room as a whole. Height to length ratio was one of the formulas used. using The excel sheet helps easily make dramatic changes in the aesthetics of the bar.

C. A Surface transformation by control points.

B. 5 drivers contain the bounding box to create the preferred aesthetics.

D. Transformation of the surface.

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A.The 2 layered Driver described in the specified 60’*20’*12’ bounding box.

E. The grided surfaces with points of connection.

Original Tile System

Re-parameterizations: Eden Core Case & Design

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SECOND Year Graduate Program DAVID GERBER

Re-parameterizations: Eden Core Case & Design The lightweight spiral timber roof with spiky triangular shaped skylights and photovoltaic panels are one of the first features to catch attention, which is reminiscent of scales on a pinecone.

This was an exercise to explore the existing parameters of a present installation or building and reformulate it by reparameterizing it to achieve itterations of the original project.

The Eden Core Education Center is the project picked for this case study. The eden Core is an addition to an existing project in cornwall, United Kingdom built in 2005. Inspired by a tree, the shell of the building form is tree like. It is based on a logarithmic geometry in plants forming spirals on the roof. At the hollow core of the building there is a large scale sculptural piece symbolizing the seed, which designed by the artist, Peter Randall-Page.

Driver : The starting point Change of Radius changes the rest.

Instant: To achieve the pattern of spiral beams (known as as phyllotaxis pattern) the Fibonacci Formula was used. So the instant can change based on itself and the driver.

The challange was to create the original roof and parameterize it so that it transorms in size and shape.

Original Core Building Under Construction

The Fibonacci Rule for Spiral Beams

The spirals are given 3D dimensions once they are on the projected surface.

The instances copied 360 degrees around the driver.

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The driver acts as a 360 dial connector.

Eden Core Building

The phyllotaxis pattern was used to create this shape. The spiral beams are based on the rules of the Fibonacci.

The beam intances are projected on to the transparant dome to achieve that shape. The dome has 3 change point with length formula and connected to main driver

The Original Eden Core Roof Before Transformation

LOng Beach Senior Housing

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 2007-08 VTBS Architects

LOng Beach Senior Housing

FLOOR PLANS

Long Beach, CA Client: Menorah Housing Foundation Lot Size: .76 AC Building Area: 65,760 sf Total Units: 66 units Long Beach Senior Housing is a short walk to a Metro Blue Line station, shops and the neighborhood services. This infill project provides 66 independent-living apartments for very low income seniors with HUD and redevelopment agency funding assistance. The sloping corner site facilitates access to a partially submerged garage under half the building. The C-shape plan provides a wide south-facing courtyard.

A story-and-a-half lobby/lounge, entered from the courtyard, engages ground- and first floors, accessing social spaces including a multipurpose room facing both streets,

SITE PLAN

a library, computer room, kitchen, laundry, as well as offices and a manager’s apartment.

The landscaped courtyard and patio decks on each level encourage outdoor living and social interaction.

All units are 540sf one-bedrooms with balconies. They are disabled accessible and adaptable, with 10% adapted to UFAS standards. Also, Corridor colors aid way-finding.

INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE

NORTH ELEVATION

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VICINITY MAP

ENTRANCE PERSPECTIVE

BOWER COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL tOWERS

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 2007-08 VTBS Architects

BOWER COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL TOWERS Santa Clara, CA Client: Augustine Bowers Total Net Site: 300,000 SF Total parking: 6,586 spacees

Green monuments, different types of sculptures,water fountains and features, tree light wells and planters, an amphitheater, walking trails, outdoor meeting rooms, retail dining and gathering plaza are examples of features and programs outdoor created for comfort and pleasure.

Augustine Bower Tower is located in Santa Clara neighborhood o intersetion of Bower Avenue and Scott Blvd right by the 101 freeway. The development consists of 4 commercial towers, 4 retail building, an 4 parking structures. The design intet was to create transparant glass towers and open buildings that carve out engaging gathering spces,plazas,and green spaces for people passing through to enjoy.

The project is up to LEED green standards. Even the parking structures were designed to feel more open, green, and aestheticly enjoyable.

Moreover, different types of trees and plants were researched and selected for beautification of the site.

TOWER PERSPECTIVE SiITE PLAN

VICINITY MAP

TOWER 1 FLOOR PLAN

TOWER 1 ELEVATION

EAST

RETAIL ELEVATIONS

RETAIL FLOOR PLAN

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WEST

SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE RENOVATION

ARCHI Architects

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 2011

SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE RENOVATION

AFTER

BEFORE

Santa Monica, CA Client: Nikki Boloorchi Lot Size: 5800 SF Building Area: 660 sf This project is located on intersection of Wilshire and 11th street in the Santa Monica neighborhood. The house is walking distance to the Santa Monica beach an the Promanade. On the same lot there is another house that shares the backyard. This home was completely inoccupiable and in need of major renovation. I was hired as the architect to manage this project wwith the help of the contractor.

Simplicity, comfort, and privacy are crucial elements of the design.

The limited budget of 15,000.00$ is another important factor. The original program was reconfigured to create more privacy and comfort.

3. KITCHEN

2. BEDROOM

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BATHROOM Alley

(E) Main Entrance

(E) living Room

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MASTER BEDROOM

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(E) Kitchen

The main entrance on the west was moved to the east towards the alley to create a private entry with it’s own front yard closer to the existing garage.

4. LIVING ROOM

House

The interior walls were moved to enlarge the kitchen on the east and 2 larger bedrooms to the west.

The new kitchen opens up to the living room with it’s windows openning up to a beautiful garden.

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FLOOR PLAN

SITE PLAN

1. MASTER BEDROOM

The plumbing and electrical was completely redone as well as the floors, which were changed to hardwood. I also chose new art, furniture, and accessories to complete the design intent.

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LIVING ROOM

(E) Indoor Patio/Rooms

Thoughtfully chosen plants and flowers act as an extra layer of insulation for the house. Each room achieved illusion of spaciousness and warmth being reainted.

Pico Sepulveda Target Mixed use Development

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 2007-08 VTBS Architects

Pico Sepulveda Target Mixed use Development

There are four residential towers with green roof tops placed on top of the commercial area reminiscent of a courtyard podium scheme. The courtyard consists of a pool an community rooms.

Los Angeles, CA Client: Casden Properties Lot Size: 135,000 SF Residential Building units: 380 units

Each tower has six to eight floors of residential units.

There are three unit types designed for the project based on size and shape.

Pico Sepulveda mixed use development is located on Exposition Blvd and Sepulveda Blvd by the 405 freeway in Los Angeles neighborhood. The proposed MTA stops at this site transforming this project to a small hub.

The development consists of a Target, offices, and a market with residential towers above and three levels of parking.The commercial and residential complex each have a seperate plaza,entrance, and parking.

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PERSPECTIVE RENDERING

ELEVATION

VICINITY MAP

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

THIRD FLOOR PLAN

SECTION

TSHIRT DESIGN

PEACE IN IRAN

PERSIAN POETRY

PERSIAN POETRY 2

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BUSINESS CARD DESIGN

DESIGN + ARCHITECTURE

CLC LASER CENTER

ERAMTRONICS COMPUTER PROGRAM COMPANY

ERAMTRONICS 2

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