Architecture Portfolio Samuel Bonello
Experience: 06/2014 - 09/2014
Architecture Internship - Architecture Project, (AP). I assisted arch. Edward Cuschieri in a variety of jobs including surveying, documenting and preparing accurate digital 3D models for 3D printing, as well as conducting extensive historical studies about the Manoel Theatre. I was also assisting other members of the office with any tasks they would assign me to do.
Sept 2013
Workshop/Voluntary Work - Traditional stone masonry and carpentry workshop with Din l-Art Ħelwa and Rempart (France), at Château de Coucy, Picardy, France. A great unique opportunity in which apart from learning a craft which is slowly being forgotten, we experienced life with the locals, and visited a number of cities and important landmarks which would be somewhat difficult to reach unless you attend a similar workshop. (More on page 48)
06/2013 - 09/2013
Architecture Internship - Project Design & Implementation Department. Project House, Triq Francesco Buonamici, Floriana FRN1700, Malta
02/2013 - 07/2013
ERASMUS Experience, Politecnico di Milano - Living and studying in Milan helped me obtain invaluable life experience as well as expose me to foreign ways of thinking. The university was of the highest standards with lectures being highly stimulating and inspiring.
Sept 2012
Workshop/Voluntary Work - Stone restoration works, pointing and limewashing with Din l-Art Ħelwa at Santwarju tal-Madonna tal-Ħniena, Qrendi, Malta
06/2008 - 09/2008
Office clerk - Maintaining office database, registration of students, system, processing student entrance fees, and correspondence with Parents Foundation for Education, L-Imselliet, L/O Zebbiegh, Malta
Samuel Bonello
Year 1 M.Arch Architectural Science (post-graduate)
Address: Mobile: Email: Skype:
Date of Birth: Nationality:
10, Violets, Dr. N. Zammit Street Siggiewi, Malta +356 79791992 samuel.bonello@gmail.com samuel.bonello 9th December, 1992 Maltese
Projects Year 1
Volumetric Composition // 4
Year 2
House in a Field // 12 Cultivating Urban Space, Milan // 18
Year 3
Connecting Derelict Spaces, San Ġwann // 24 The Womb, Contemplation Space // 36 Invisible Cities // 40 Speranza - Roof Garden // 44
M.Arch
Interactive Maltese Language Center // 48
Other
Building Restoration Workshop in Coucy // 52
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Skills: Software
Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Rhinoceros 3D, Sketchbook Pro (proficient) AfterEffects, Grasshopper (basic)
Languages
Maltese, English (native) Italian (proficient) French (independent)
Education: 10/2014 10/2011 - 06/2014 02/2013 - 06/2013 10/2010 - 06/2011 10/2008 - 05/2010 10/1999 - 05/2008
University of Malta M.Arch Architectural Design University of Malta B.Sc (Hons) Built Environment Studies [2:1] Politecnico di Milano Erasmus Exchange B.Sc (Hons) Architectural Science University of Malta Diploma in Design Foundation Studies De La Salle College 6th Form, Birgu, Malta A levels: AQA Maths (C), Physics (B) I levels: Philosophy (C), Computer Studies (C), English (C), SOK (D) De La Salle College, Birgu, Malta O Levels: Maths (1), Physics (2), English Language (2), Maltese (2), Computer Studies (2), English Literature (3), Chemistry (3), French (3), Religion (3), Art (4), Biology (4)
Additional Info: I enjoy working in the field of design because I truly believe that it can provide innovative solutions to every day problems and improve on the quality of life of many. Most of all, I am fascinated by the way people interact and perceive architectural space. I believe that designers exist to help people solve daily problems and architecture is the combination of design and space-specific context. One of my favourite quotes is by Cameron Sinclair, which says “the most sustainable building in the world is the one that is loved.” I have nothing but admiration to architects with great attention to detail and socio-cultural context, such as Peter Zumthor and Wang Shu, who curate a space right for its place. Apart from architecture, art and design, music has a great importance in my life. I listen to music on a regular bas is as it helps me focus and refresh my thoughts. I consider myself as a multi-instrumentalist but mainly play the piano, guitar and synthesizer. I enjoy playing with friends as well as composing and occasionally recording. I am very passionate about all forms of art including film, literature, photography, and even gastronomy. I form part of Din l-Art Ħelwa youth group and occasionally volunteer in the conservation of heritage.
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Volumetric Composition
Music Hall and Public Facilities in Marsamxett Harbour, Valletta The scope of this project was to understand 3D composition and how it can influence a space. The site allocated was the existing water-polo pitch and its adjacent facilities in Marsamxett Harbour in Valletta. When designing the volumes, it was important to keep in mind the historical context of the site. The concept of the main largest volume, the music hall, was derived from the traditional Maltese fishing boat and the juxtaposition of the bastions themselves. The other smaller volumes were manipulations of the large volume itself - rotated and extruded from the ground. Some of these smaller volumes would act primarily as facilities for the Sliema Ferry, mainly as shelters and rest-rooms.
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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Shelters Diving Spot Sculptural elements Toilet Facilities Public Showers Water Polo Pitch Music Hall
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Roof Plan Scale 1:750 4
Existing Site
North West Elevation
Site Section A-A’ Scale 1:250
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Music Hall Plan Scale 1:100
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Music Hall Section B Scale 1:50
Music Hall Section A Scale 1:100
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Plan Public Rest-rooms Scale 1:100
Front Elevation Scale 1:100
Section BB’ Scale 1:100 8
Plan Public Rest-rooms Scale 1:100
Elevation AA’ Scale 1:100
Section BB’ Scale 1:100 9
House in a field for a Single Mother and Child A house inspired by the sketches of a child
The concept was based on the notion of simplicity - subtracting from the primary form until it is not possible to improve further upon. The idea behind the shape of the house was derived from the drawings of a little child. In general, children tend to draw houses having a pitched roof, randomly placed regular apertures and a nice garden. With the client being a single mother and her only child I wanted to create a space which would be compact and functional, to simplify the life of the mother as much as possible. At the same time it is easy for the child to relate to and identify the place as his loving home.
An internal courtyard in the entrance area acts as a buffer between the outside and the living area. The open plan in the ground floor area allows the space to be multi-functional, with the parent being able to multi task while at the same time being able to keep an eye on the child.
The layout is designed in such a way as to be as functional as possible, incorporating passive means of ventilation by using apertures at various heights, and a double height are in the living space, encouraging a better flow of air.
Scale model showing interior layout and furniture
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Concept Development
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Roof Plan Scale 1:200
Block Plan - Scale 1:100
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First floor Plan Scale 1:100
Ground floor Plan Scale 1:100
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Ground Floor Plan - Scale 1:50
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First Floor Plan - Scale 1:50
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Interior Digital Sketch
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Section AA Scale 1:50
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Section CC Scale 1:50
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Cultivating Urban Space
Urban Gardening Strategy in Piazza Leonardo, Milano Urban Space is a counterpart of development, a living area within the city where a social community can interact and function cohesively. This project was aimed at improving the quality of urban spaces by means of a cheap, temporary and sustainable solution which would take around a year to fully implement. The site consisted of a green park, located opposite the main administration building of the Politecnico di Milano, which was highly used in summer for recreation purposes, but seldomly used in winter apart from being a main path by which people crossed by foot or bicycle from one point, to the other, when it is not too muddy to do so. Having disused areas will attract delinquency. Being surrounded by the main campus of the Politecnico but especially to the elementary school and housing units, education was one of our main goals in this project. For this reason a number of elements were layed out purposely for the school area and for horticultural therapy.
1. Piazza Leonardo 2. Politecnico di Milano Administration Building & Faculty of Engineering 3. Faculty of Architecture
4. Elementary School 5. Housing Unit 6. Metro Stop “Piola�
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The Crate - the medium in which crops will grow, it is used in order not to plant directly in the ground, enhancing soil quality and Hygiene. Can be moved easily with the BOX which can fit 9 CRATES.
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Urban agriculture can be a way to tackle poverty alleviation and to socially integrate this part of the city which consists of a wide mix of individuals including immigrant without jobs, elderly people and people with disabilities. Participants will feel enriched by working constructively together building their community, producing organic food for their own consumption or sale.
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By conserving the green areas allowed the community to still make use of the turf for leisure purposes and this could attract more people into the space. The modules are intended as tools to make the urban gardening strategy successful and functional as possible. These can be easily constructed by the people themselves as part of the educational process and can be moved and organised around the piazza.
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The Modules 1. Compost Bin - an important concept in agriculture, will allow the to grow collection of compost. 5. Tool Box - a cart which will hold all the gardening tools and can be 2. Watering System - module to irrigate crops in a fun and interactive transported around the piazza way 6. Tool Cage - a light permeable structure which can easily store the 3. Leisure Seating - an important aspect of every public space, provides tool box when not in use. seating and shelter 7. Market Module - a module aimed at generating profit by selling 4. Serra Module - ideal for plants which need a warmer environment vegetables grown on site
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MASTER-PLAN of how the piazza might look like:
Education & Ortotherapy 40 boxes
Private Boxes 45 boxes
Community & Market “I Module” 165 boxes
Community & Market “T Module” 165 boxes
Community & Market “L Module” 165 boxes
AMOUNT OF BOXES: 250
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AMOUNT OF CRATES: 2250
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Connecting Derelict and Disused Spaces Urban regeneration of San Ġwann, Malta
The brief for this assignment was to look at the connection between DERELICT and DISUSED urban spaces. The approach taken was to try to join these seemingly ‘random’ sites into one connected network where the permeability and walk-ability of the spaces is more transparent.
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The exact area we wanted to tackle was chosen from the Lynch Analysis. It was determined that this area had the most potential and seemed like an interesting zone to analyse. San Ġwann is in itself, a diverse zone with varied age range of residents as well as social difference which would prove to be an important part in our analysis. The site is littered with derelict spaces, both as green areas as well as empty space. Historical sites relevant to Malta are also on site, with cart ruts and an underground flour mill all in close proximity. What emerged from the site analysis was that there was a large discrepancy between people and the community.
Curt Ruts
LIDL Boċċi Club
Foster Clark Products
San Ġwann Parish Church
This was brought about by boundaries, both physical as well as social. The design intervention will attempt to break down this divide by using physical elements as well as virtual measures. San Ġwann Lynch Analysis
SOCIAL
PHYSICAL DIFFERENT CLASSES
NO SENSE OF BELONGING
APATHY
BUILDING AESTHETICS
BOUNDARIES
AGAINST CHANGE
COMMUNITY?
LACK OF LIGHTING
LARGE ROADS
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QR-CODE concept
A camera reads the QR-Code by relating to the 3 squares at the corners using them as reference points. Consequently black modules are processed until the image is interpreted correctly. Now, imagine the QR - Code is the plan of a city. The 3 squares can be considered landmarks with which one may relate to, and the black patterns elements of the city which are allowing the city to organise itself in a metabolic way, achieving permeability. Just like this pattern leads you to a website, the dispersed pattern in the city will break the boundaries by merging architectural elements together.
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PERMEABILITY BETWEEN SITES DESTROYING BOUNDARIES AMALGAMATION OF ELEMENTS
PERMEABILITY BETWEEN SITES DESTROYING BOUNDARIES AMALGAMATION OF ELEMENTS 25
In order to further break the boundaries multifunctional poles with QR codes were designed allowing the user to connect to a network via a mobile app. Each pole would be linked to a person, enhancing a sense of belonging. The poles are colour coded, having different functions. This system offers an infrastructure for people who want to create digital events in this area of San Ä wann, for example an online exhibition, publication or gaming.
EVENTS
NETWORK HOME PAGE HISTORY
SOCIAL
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Scale 1:100 N
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Cart Ruts A pathway was needed to create a seamless flow between the housing estates, and to rehabilitate the abandoned Cart Ruts. The fencing was removed and they were made accessible to the public. The following diagrams outline the design process.
Cart Ruts The Cart Ruts’ original layout. These are the inspiration for the passageways that will eventually cross over them.
ine l r ro mir The shape of the cart ruts was extruded and mirrored.
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fold
This mirrored image was folded over in order to achieve a more interesting and balanced composition.
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The final shape of the pathways was designed with the connection points and passage in mind.
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Cart Ruts Plan Scale 1:500 N
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Master-plan Scale 1:1000 N
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The Womb - Contemplation Space
Concrete installation designed and built for the workshop ‘Timeless Architecture’ This project was realized as part of a University Design workshop entitled “Timeless Architecture”, in which we had to come up with a design for a contemplation space to be built in the University Quadrangle. Our concept was to create a shell which will create a barrier between the surrounding environment and the interior space, to block out noise and visual pollution one is constantly bombarded with on campus. An interactive sensory experience is what makes a contemplation space successful. We wanted to create a structure which will allow a person to crawl into and sit on an elevated seat which is part of the structure itself, with light seeping in from the top. The end result is composed of a hard regular shape, a cube from the outside, with a soft organic form in the interior. The result is metaphorically compared to a womb, a place in which a baby is in the comfort of its mother, protected from the troubles of the outside world. This sense of poetry is achieved with the use of exposed concrete, a strong material which can be manipulated to form any shape desired. An interior mold formulating the negative space inside the cube was sculpted from expanded polystyrene using hot wire and saws. It was then covered in a thick plaster finish to get a smoother texture on the inside of the cube, as well as to act as a releasing agent. The interior mold was taken to a concrete factory at which we would cast the concrete. A steel form-work was prepared, with steel reinforcement placed inside to reinforce the structure of the cube. Concrete was cast in two parts, allowing the first one to set and lock the negative mold in to place. After casting was ready and the concrete achieved a certain strength, the negative module could be dug out, resulting with a organic interior void.
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‘The Womb’ drawings
Plan
Front Elevation
Side Elevation
Section
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Invisible Cities - Armilla
Video Animation based on one of Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities We were asked to read Calvino’s classic text Invisible Cities and develop works based on the abstract descriptions of the enchanting places conjured by Marco Polo for his host – the Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan. I decided to produce a short animation to recreate the ethereal feel portrayed in this particular chapter. For me it was an experiment as it was my first time using such a technique, a mediative venture which made me feel as if I was a character inside Calvino’s text. The chapter starts very abstract from a wide angle and for this part I used the most elementary of animation techniques - stop motion, to invite the viewer to depict a city in a series of abstract lines. As the story progresses and the city becomes more tangible, a digital animation technique was used to narrate the story by manipulating fine art painting with photography. The photos used were taken inside Renzo Piano’s new Parliament
Building in Valletta while still being bare structural steel - primarily the main parliament pit and the geothermal heating system located in the underground tunnels. “Arriving at each new city, the traveler finds again a past of his that he did not know he had: the foreignness of what you no longer are or no longer possess lies in wait for you in foreign, unpossessed places.” – Italo Calvino, Invisible Cities
The short film was exhibited in St.Elmo as part of Malta Design Week in 2014, and may be viewed on the following link: http://youtu.be/cW9vqGh11B8
Scene from the stop motion
First sketch, watercolours and ink
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Speranza - Roof Garden
Packable roof garden and water collection system for a mountable refugee shelter. The ultimate objective of this exercise was the development of a mountable shelter which would be shipped to different parts of the world with the help of international rescue and relief missions. We were first divided into groups of 3 to carry out extensive research on container architecture. This included case studies, components, structural considerations, disasterprone areas, climatic zones, ease of transportation, cost of construction, and other factors influencing the outcome of the project.
Throughout the project, we were responsible of working with the contractors, steel workers, carpenters, and other tradesmen to build bespoke components. We were fully engaged in the preparation of shop-drawings, schedules and bills of quantities, the programme of works, as well as the supervision of the construction and completion of the prototype.
The second part of the workshop included specific design, 3D modeling, planning, detailing, procurement and construction of all the parts that constitute the humanitarian shelter. My group’s role was to design and manufacture the roof garden and water collection system. Water is a fundamental resource which is a vital and indispensable resource in extreme conditions. The roof garden would allow refugees to grow their own food produce, achieving a sense of self-esteem - a common practice in refugee camps worldwide, provided resources allow it. Furthermore, the modular setup would provide ample shading from sunlight and absorb solar gains.
Aerial view of container showing roof garden
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Photos showing the marine ply-wood being cut by water-jet, fixing of parts and assembly of final elements.
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Interactive Maltese Language Space
Designing a way for people and communities to better connect to and celebrate heritage The importance of language is essential to every aspect and interaction in our everyday lives. We use language to inform the people around us of what we feel, what we desire, and to understand the world around us. As Ajit Narayanan said, “Language is beautiful – it is the loveliest thing our brain invented. It entertains, it educates, it enlightens and mostly – it empowers.” (2014)
MIN JORQED MA JUQBETX ĦEWT!!!
META DDAĦĦAL IĊ-ĊURKETT TAT-TIEĠ TGĦADDAS RASEK GĦAL KULLM’ HU MEĦTIEĠ.
KELB RIEQED LA TQAJMUX!
Maltese is a highly unique language – the only Semitic language written using the Latin alphabet, composed of a mix of Arabic, Italian, French and English. Its development is a direct representation of the different socio-political contexts of the time depending on the governor ruling the country. Maltese is a relatively young language which evolved entirely by speech with the first known document being only published in 1649. In the past couple of years there has been a growing interest in the use of Maltese in popular mediums such as contemporary literature and music. Furthermore, Maltese is officially being written now, more than ever before. Each generation has an important task – that of conserving the national language. The easiest way to learn a language is by verbal communication rather than reading or writing. Therefore, the space will aim to celebrate the Maltese Language by educating, using the informal interactive domain of speaking and listening. The more we know about our language the better we can communicate with each other. Good communication drives our lives and improves our ways of interacting with the world.
Upper Valletta Commercial activity Open Seaside Areas ‘Dueballi’, Socially Deprived Area - 38% illiteracy
“Language is the most beautiful of human creations. It entertains, it educates, it enlightens, but mostly, it empowers.” - Ajit Narayanan, 2014
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Site: a derelict townhouse
Road Around Valletta
CULTURE
CULTURE
PRONUNCIATION
VOCABULARY
VOCABULARY
PHONETICS
METONYMY
ARTS
ROOTS
METAPHORS CULTURE STORIES RHYME
EXPRESSIONS HISTORY
IDIOMS ARTS
CHARACTERS HISTORY
IDIOMS
EXPRESSIONS
FREE SPIRIT
DIALECTS
PROVERBS
HISTORY
The constituent elements of a language are mutli-dimensional concepts.
ARTS
ROOTS
CHARACTERS
IDIOMS
GRAMMAR
FOLK
DIALECTS
PROVERBS
METAPHORS
RHYME
GRAMMAR
FOLK
PHONETICS
METONYMY
METAPHORS
RHYME
PRONUNCIATION
EXPRESSIONS
Concept Development:
The best way to learn a language is by speaking and listening.
ROOTS
GRAMMAR VOCABULARY PHONETICS
CHARACTERS STORIES PRONUNCIATION
PROVERBS
DIALECTS
METONYMY
The more clear these concepts are, the easier it is for us to communicate with each other.
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The space will educate about the Maltese language using the informal realm of speaking and listening.
Essentially, the building will be divided into 2 main sections : a workshop meeting space and an interactive educational space. The bridge provides a direct link to the main road making it easily accessible, creating a new dimension for outdoor interactions and performances to take shape.
Ground Floor ; Multifunctional Space
Mezzanine: Library
First Floor: Interactive Installation with direct access from main road via bridge
Second Floor: Interactive Installation
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For the interactive educational space, a sound installation is proposed. It consists of a network of pipes which create a medium for people to express themselves in the language. The pipes may verse compelling curiosities and articulations related to the language. People may speak to each other through these pipes, even between different levels of the building. Machines within the pipes can record dialogue and play it back with engaging effects. The ground floor consists of a multi-functional space in which elderly may recall stories, poets recite, free-spirited singers rhyme, children sing and communities converse. In the mezzanine is a library to further learn about the language and its contributors.
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Building Restoration Workshop
Stone Masonry and Carpentry workshop in Ch창teau de Coucy, France. In the summer of 2013, I had the pleasure to participate in a restoration workshop organised by Din l-Art Helwa and Rempart in the picturesque commune of Coucy-le-Ch창teau-Auffrique, a few kilometers North-East of Paris. Surrounding Coucy are the ruins of Ch창teau de Coucy, built in the 13th century and renovated by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th. In April 1917, the German army dynamited the keep and the four towers using 28 tons of explosives to prevent their use by enemy artillery spotters as the Germans fell back in the region. At present, a number of local volunteers are determined to restore certain parts of the castle to its former glory, using traditional techniques and tools in doing so, to educate people and conserve a craftsmanship which is slowly dying in this modern age. The workshop focused on stone masonry construction and carpentry. By the end of the stay in Coucy we built part of a wall along one of the fortifications, and a number of timber beams to be used for the reconstruction of an intermediary floor in one of the towers. The stone masonry workshop involved measuring large blocks of quarried stone, and carving them until a regular block is formed, using nothing more than a hammer, chisel and ax. Each stone was dressed and notations were made to indicate which faces need to be fixed with mortar. The carpentry workshop focused on the carving of solid timber beams from tree trunks starting with large axes to cut out most of the material, and eventually refining with smaller broad axes until finishing with a draw-knife to remove uneven shavings. Apart from the work itself, we had the fantastic opportunity to experience life with the locals of Picardy. We had the chance to visit a number of historic sites which would be rather difficult to visit unless you have someone from the local community to guide you. Just to name a few, some of the sites include la Caverne du Dragone, a former stone quarry which was turned into a strategic military location, visits to cities which include Soissons, Pierrefonds and its Medieval chateau, which was substantially renovated by Viollet-le-Duc, Amiens and its fantastic Gothic cathedral, illuminated by projections replicating the original coloured facade, and obviously, a 3 day trip in Paris.
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Samuel Bonello April, 2015