b r e a t h e
adesignpor tfolio|safiralakhani|2013
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“In supervising students for at least ten years, it is rare to find a calibre of person as Safira,� Shafraaz Kaba, Partner Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd.
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b re a t h e. . .
A simple, rhythmic, expression of vitality, a demand for consciousness of the present moment, an acknowledgement of one’s place in a given time and space. To breathe is to engage in experience, and it is this quality I wish to evoke in my design work. My own experiences have been shaped by a love for the arts, an unquenchable thirst to learn, and a keen interest and involvement in humanitarian efforts. This is reflected in my works to date, through not only craft and design, but also their integration with knowledge and, more recently, how this can then coalesce to foster social change. Ultimately, I aspire to partake in the shaping of our world. And right now, I would like to work for your firm.
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skills • Excellent time management and organizational skills developed by significant involvement in volunteer and extracurricular activities while maintaining a high academic average • Successful interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills • Superb work ethic, consistent display of positive attitude and enthusiasm; prepared and punctual • Strengths in: written and spoken word, innovative design, working with people, stepping up in new situations Software AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Revit, Rhino, V-Ray, Sketch-Up, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office
education Candidate for Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Honours (Co-op 3B) University of Waterloo, Faculty of Engineering, Waterloo ON • Excellent Academic Standing: President’s Scholarship (2010) and Jo Beglo Book Prize (2013) Alberta High School Gifted Education Diploma with Distinction Westmount Charter School, Calgary AB • Advanced Placement (AP) Honour Roll Student
2010 - Present
1998 - 2010
accomplishments • • • • • •
Competition: Winner, Peter Kageyama’s For the Love of Cities presentation, initiating ComFORT Downtown 2012 Competition: Finalist, Biomimicry Student Design Challenge, design of an off-grid Arctic Research Facility 2011 Emcee, Annual Calgary Ismaili Imamat Day Celebrations, hosting close to 10,000 people 2011 Class Historian, Westmount Charter School Graduating Class of 2010 2010 Alberta Silver Medalist: First Class Honours/with Distinction, RCM Speech Arts & Drama Grade 10 2001 - 2010 Publication: Opinion-Editorial in the Calgary Herald on the Darfur Crisis 2007
activities • • • • • • • • • • •
BRIDGE student collective: writer, organizer, and designer Waterloo Architecture Students Association Travel: Nairobi, Mombasa, Zanzibar, New York City, Chicago, Istanbul World Partnership Walk: Ambassador, raising $1,000.00 annually to alleviate global poverty Classical and Contemporary Indian Dance ISTAR Awards: Portfolio Mentor Athru Outdoor Theatre Production: Writing Director, Dancer, and Actor Ismaili Youth Association: President & Marketing Travel: Ottawa - Encounters with Canada, discussing Canada’s role in International Affairs Travel: Washington DC - Holocaust Memorial Trip Travel: Denver - PeaceJam, met ten Nobel Peace Prize Laureates to collaborate on social action projects
2013 - Present 2010 - Present 2010 - Present 1998 - Present 1996 - Present 2012 2012 2008 - 2010 2008 2007 2006
recent awards • Provident Energy Ltd./Pembina Pipeline Corp. Scholarships for exemplary all-round achievements 2010 - 2013 • Academic Excellence Award, Ismaili Students Total Achievement and Recognition (ISTAR) 2008 - 2012 • Alexander Rutherford Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Alberta Provincial Government 2010 • Awards for Activism, Excellence in Literary Arts, Excellence in Social Studies, Westmount Charter School 2010 • Youth Leadership and Community Service Award, Ismaili Students Total Achievement & Recognition (ISTAR) 2009
relevant work experience Junior Designer
May - Aug. 2013
Architectural Assistant
Aug - Dec. 2012
Grinham Architects, Guelph ON • Significant work on a number of residential and institutional projects in areas of Pre-Design, Schematic Design, Working Drawings and Post-Construction as well as Office Management and Promotion • Develop experience in space-planning, site visits, as-built drawings, specifications and heritage design. Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd., Edmonton AB • Design Development: attend client meetings, design solutions for programme requirements, prepare LEED documentation for pre-construction submittal. • Construction Documents: detailed digital modelling; drawing and red-lining of architectural and electrical drawings. • Extracurricular: ComFORT Downtown, implemented a city-building initiative to revitalize urban spaces.
Marketing and Architectural Assistant
Jan. - April. 2013
Summer Student, Information Services & Engineering
May - Aug. 2011
Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects, Toronto ON • Promotional graphics design work for client/public presentations, and awards and publications media; prepare presentation drawings for projects and competitions. • Design development and building of detail models at 1:1 scale. Provident Energy Ltd., Calgary AB • Record Management; Red-lining of Engineering Drawings of all disciplines.
volunteer experience Ismaili Volunteer Corps. • Administration, organization, and maintenance of Mosque; engage youth as active volunteers.
2000 - Present
ACADIA Adaptive Architecture Conference, Cambridge ON • Space planning, graphics, and event logistics and coordination for an international conference.
Sept. - Oct. 2013
Calgary Stampede Parade Float, Calgary AB Calgary Ismaili Community, United Way • Collaborative group work to design and construct a float promoting early childhood education.
June - July 2011
Humanitarian Aid Project, Ecuador South America • Reforestation, refurbishing of school sites, building fences, painting, and more, working with impoverished locals of the area to sustainably revive their communities. • Following this, enrolled in the Open Architecture Competition project, directing a team to design a sustainable, modular school building in Manta, Ecuador, drawing upon vernacular design practices.
March 2009
Habitat for Humanity, Calgary AB • On-site construction work, including framework, installing fibre-glass batt insulation and painting.
February 2011
safira lakhani tweet: @saflkhn| call: 519-807-4872| email: safira.lakhani@gmail. com
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artificialflowers
Toronto, Ontario | Design Studio 2B, Botanical Garden | Instructor: Lola Sheppard
The Humber Bay Botanical Garden presents a study of roses (rosa) and the symbiotic relationship of rose and human history, with the aim to understand the rose as a plant rooted deep within the historical, cultural, political, and social contexts of man’s history. This relationship is examined directly through the species selected for the botanical garden, all of which have played a pivotal role in human history or are a direct outcome of man dabbling in rose genealogy, and is narrated programmatically. Situated on the northeast wing of the artificially constructed Humber Bay site, the botanical garden negotiates a human and rose experience, playing with tangibility, accessibility, sight lines, and elevations to create a dynamic space that seeks to foster an appreciation of roses.
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roseancestry
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W i l d R o s e s
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GallicaRoses|DamaskRoses|BourbonRoses
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CentifoliaRoses|PortlandRoses
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ChinaRoses
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T e a R o s e s
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ModernRoses
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6m
5m Oregano
4m
Thyme
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Lavender
Chickadee
House Wren
Praying Mantis Bee German Chamomile Ladybug
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Green Lacewing
1m
Mint
Catmint
Rosa Foetida (1)
Officinalis (2)
Rosa Wichurana Common Moss (3) (4)
Soleil d’Or (5)*
Maman Cochet Gloire des Iceberg (6)* Rosomanes (7)* (8)*
Mme. A. Meilland (9)*
Portland (10)*
Souvenir de la Rosa Multiflora Dog Rose Rosa Rugosa Malmaison (11)* (12) (13) (14)*
York & Lancaster Rose (15)
China Rose (16)
Centifolia (17)
Companion Flora
Companion Fauna graph scale 1:30 flower scale 1:3
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Blooming Period early
mid
*blooms repeatedly
Scent Intensity
light
Hardiness (zones) 3
site model
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compressed detail model
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experiential section bb
experiential section cc
Man’s continuous presence in, and interpretations of, rose history over time has ultimately made the rose an artificial flower, a microcosm of man’s need to control nature and the world in which he exists. Gardens are divided by rose type, moving from wild to modern roses. The move through history, guided by the existing creek, is accented by a gradual rise in elevation whose summit presents a stunning view of downtown Toronto, a subtle comment to man’s need to control his environment. This is emphasized by the progression of structural density across the site. A simple trellis, integral to the spatial experience of the rose garden, is translated into the building structure, and becomes increasingly noticeable as control of the roses increases, moving from simple stakes within the gardens to shaded teaching pavilions, and finally to atmosphere-controlling enclosures. Cumulatively, these spaces foster interaction between public and private, roses and humans, architecture and landscape, so as to better understand and appreciate the ongoing discourse of man and nature. site plan
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u r b a n f a b r i c Toronto, Ontario | Design Studio 3A, Orthographic Study | Instructor: Philip Beesley
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This orthographic series presents a concentrated study of city fabric at the pedestrian intersection of Victoria and Gould Streets and the forecourt of the Raymond G. Chang School of Continuing Education. Situated in the Ryerson University complex, this site fragment crafts an intensely animated public experience at street level generated largely by the elimination of vehicular traffic. Design elements such as scattered landscaping, a shallow reflecting pond (in the winter, a skating rink), and textured floor planes serve to enhance and choreograph the pedestrian experience. The experience is further emphasized by a continuity of space between exterior and interior as noted particularly with the Chang School where upper floors extend over the reflecting pond, and the degrees of transparency that exist at ground level. subway
pedestrian, day (fall-spring) pedestrian, day (summer) pedestrian, night
Ultimately, it is the expression of continuity, and the treatment of the ground plane throughout the site fragment that prompts such a vibrant public experience at street level.
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site section looking west
panorama, february 2013
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canadian high arctic researchstation Ca mbridge Bay, Nunavut| KPMB Architects, Conceptual Design | January - April 2012
METH
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BIO G A S PO CO-GE WER NERA TOR
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SEAWA TER EXCHA HEAT NGE
The Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) Design Competition was a step towards furthering an understanding of, and strengthening the country’s leadership on Arctic issues. KPMB’s design, in conjunction with Smith Carter Architects, aspired to bring together aspects of Canada’s Northern Strategy, influenced by indigenous cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of the area. The design also proposed a tangible vision for development towards a sustainable future, providing a tiered plan for gradual carbon-neutral design. My contributions involved preparing the final presentation drawings for the competition submission, working specifically on graphic site plans and building sections.
Heat Pump
Lab Stack Exhaust
Latent and Sensible Heat Recovery A.H.U.
Outer Shell R= 5.3m 2 K/W
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T = 46 K (-41°C to +5°C )
Inner Shell R=3.5-4.0m 2 K/W T = 40 K (+20°C to +5°C ) •
Boiler Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) Corten/Copper
associated with glass framing. Structural composite fenestration sandwich panel (such as Kalwall) provide exceptional thermal performance with balanced light transmission. Its structural integrity, durable and shatterproof nature make it a good option for the demands of the CHARS outer shell. Glulam timbers frame the unique shell and ship flat and in components for simple erection on site.
Glulam Rib Structure
Insulated Translucent Fibreglass Panel (See Inset) Metal Louvers (Corten/Copper) at the transparent areas are angled and adjusted to control summer sun and glare off of snow - reminiscent of traditional ilgaak goggles
ETFE Insulated Panels (See Inset)
Radiant Panels provide heat and cooling for interior spaces
+5°C space at perimeter of shell enables circulation and ease of maintenance
Raised access fl oors provides displacement ventilation and enables prefabricated modules to include floor connects
Elevated shell oriented along the direction of the winter winds reduces snow accumulation at base and entryway To Sea Water Heat Exchanger
Radiant heating in floors of temperate zone helps maintain +5°c temperatures
Gabion wall constructed/ assembled from local stone
Rock-socketed caisson
Bedrock ( ± 5m below grade) Insulation (R=7) below grade and ventilated cavity ensures typical soil conditions and temperatures are maintained.
render courtesy of KPMB Architects
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h a g i a s o p h i a
Istanbul, Turkey | Cultural History 2A, Group Research Project | Instructor: Ta mmy Gaber
Sacred spaces have long served to accumulate layers of culture, geography, politics, technology, and interpretation of belief. The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is a space that has undergone a series of transformations over time, both structurally and culturally. At a 1:100 scale, this model picks out key details of these transformations, noting specifically the dome, pendentives, columns, Islamic and Christian iconography, and the juxtaposition of the experience of the two occupant groups over time. This was further elaborated upon in a research paper. This project was published in Archnet Internation Journal for Architecture Research. Completed in collaboration with Wade Brown, Rachel Bruijns, Monty De Luna, Stephane Gaulin-Brown, and Patrick Verkley.
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Edmonton, Alberta| Winner, For the Love of Cities Competition | November 2012
ComFORT was a series of playful furniture fort-building installations popping up across downtown Edmonton. The city-building initiative was an open invitation for creativity where citizens could come to relax and hang out, or challenge themselves to build their own fort. The intention was to foster serendipitous opportunities for people to interact, smile, and be creative, using a meaningful, yet playful analogy of the city: Forts! As defined by ComFORT, Forts are “amazing, large, enclosed spaces constructed from bedding and miscellaneous furniture, inside which you can do a lot of fun things; usually used as a social gathering place. For all ages, irrespective of what people say.” What begins as a child’s whimsical endeavour at space making is, in its purest form, architecture – and the allure and enchantment that accompanies such quirky and intuitive spaces persists over generations. ComFORT brought this same charisma to the city, inviting citizens to be the critical ingredient to make their city not just livable, but make it even more loveable. Build your fort, Build your city!
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The key to our project was the engagement of the citizen in their urban environment. Our forts were designed to be inviting spaces that could create a place of pause for the community; we were not so technical about ensuring that forts had four walls and a roof, even when outdoors. Rather, warmth arose from the interaction between strangers. By simply providing a place to stop, citizens took the time to get to know one another. ComFORT catered to all demographics. Children, adults, seniors, the wealthy, the impoverished, all came together to partake in a little bit of fun. Spending a day on the 101 Street Pedway at City Centre Mall, ComFORT met thousands of people who would stop for hot chocolate, or stay and chat, many of whom would then linger to play board games over their coffee breaks and lunch hours. At less prevalent locations, ComFORT appealed to citizens’ innate sense of curiosity. We experienced, over and over again, people who would stop share their stories of living in Edmonton. This was exactly the type of conversation we were hoping to start; the very same personal interaction and emotional connection that we crave from the places we live. Ultimately, ComFORT was a social experiment to bring people together, and, in short, it did! That something so simple could appeal to so many was inspiring. ComFORT taught us the true value of time, effort, and enthusiasm: we are all catalysts of change, and those three ingredients are all we need to make a difference in the world. Completed in collaboration with Jonny Leger, Tara McCashin and Michael Zabinski. Sponsors: MacEwan University, Good Earth Cafe, Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd., NextGen, and the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation.
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1 1 w e l l e s l e y Toronto, Ontario | Design Studio 3A, Large Urban Building | Instructor: Philip Beesley
wellesley street: urban theatre st. luke’s lane: revitalized laneway
public space | public circulation
public space | private program
design parameters
performance arts
performance arts
residential
residential
areas for overlap
The design of this urban building, featured prominently just off the Yonge Street corridor in downtown Toronto focuses on creating pockets of public space based on existing public circulation. The multi-use complex features residences and a theatre school, arranged to frame a public park, thereby creating significant interior and exterior public spaces. In keeping in line with the nature of the site, Wellesley is crafted as the more active urban theatre, housing the performance arts program, while St. Luke’s Lane becomes a residential corridor, allowing the park to draw connection to an existing green space across the street. The park, as an extension of the building and unifier of space, is designed to connect directly with the central atrium. Circulation lines from the building are extruded out and begin to carve out and designate degrees of public space. Effectively, the atrium and the park become the two major public pockets around which the project revolves.
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L-shaped building frames the park and shelters it from northerly and easterly winds. south and north facades make use of curtain-wall at choice intervals to allow for maximum daylighting, solar heat gain in the winter and transparency through the project. adjacent condominum building shades westerly portion of site and shelters the park from westerly winds.
east and west facades make use of minimized glazing through the use of punched windows to lessen early morning and late afternoon solar heat gain.
breadalbane
st. luke’s lane
wellesley
residential tower, rising 24 storeys, is situated at the northeast corner of the site to minimize shading of the park.
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50% of the site is devoted to exterior green space located at the southwest corner for principal sunlight.
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trees placed along and within the perimeter of the park demarcate zones and provide local shelter from wind and sun.
approximate daily sun trajectory.
site analysis figure 2 - site plan 1:2500
section looking east
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section looking north
parapet flashing fully adhered peel and stick water control flashing membrane
lapped peel and stick fully adhered water-air-vapour barrier acts as a secondary drainage plane, connecting to roof membrane
metal panel cladding installed as a drained system air space/ drainage space vertical furring strips horizontal furring strips
50 mm rigid extruded polystyrene insulation poured concrete parapet also serves as balcony edge
slope to drain 2%
earth filter fabric drainage mat cant two layers of 50 mm rigid extruded polystyrene insulation with joints staggered
metal plate lapped peel and stick fully adhered water-air-vapour transition membrane steel stud wall allows for services to run through interior partitions painted gypsum board interior finish provides necessary fire proofing water-air-vapour control layer thermal control layer air control layer drainage path water control layer
enclosure detail: green-roof to wall
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i t e r a t i v e transformations
Concept/Process | Design Studio 1B, Orthographic Study | Instructor: Maya Przybylski
This study examined the process of iteration, identifying and exploring a specific line of inquiry through making. A stereotomic plaster cast was transformed into a tectonic assembly of folded paper, using orthographic drawing as an intermediary medium. Stage one looked at the relationships and layers between solid and void, documented orthographically and mathematically in stage two by hand. Stages three and four saw a period of sequential transformation where aspects of stage two drawings were abstracted and then placed into an oblique projection to form a tectonic paper assembly.
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durhamlibrary Durha m, Ontario | Grinha m Architects, Schematic Design | May - August 2013
As a part of the 100th birthday celebrations of the Durham Library in the West Grey Municipality of Ontario, plans were unveiled revealing the two-part renovation and addition to the existing historic building. Key components in the new design are accessibility and the expansion of spaces to provide more central learning and gathering spaces as well as collection areas. My contribution to this project involved developing numerous design proposals for the building interior to lay out the necessary spaces, drawing new interior and survey plans, and updating existing drawings. Accordingly, I went on site visits, completed site surveys, and measured up and drew floor plans for the existing building and proposed addition. Additionally, I developed the preliminary construction budget for the project and worked in Sketch-Up and Photoshop to create new interior and exterior renders.
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proposed main floor plan
proposed basement floor plan
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h e n n a b o d y a r t
Self-Directed| Professional Henna Art, Social & Charity Functions | 2007 - Present
Henna, or Mehndi, is a temporary form of skin decoration traditional to Hindu and Muslim Culture. As a child it was of great fascination to me, and I quickly learned the art by observing artists around me. I began doing henna designs for family and friends in 2006, and quickly moved to the professional realm the following year where I now apply henna for social and charity functions. Over a number of summers, I have also worked for Alberta Henna Body Art at the Calgary Stampede. Photography: Amanda Parkinson. Models: Danielle Rosen, Sheelah Tolton, Lia Tramontini
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fort york bathurst library Toronto, Ontario | KPMB Architects, Design Development | January - April 2012
render courtesy of KPMB Architects
Situated at the intersection of Fort York Boulevard and Bathurst Street, the Fort York Bathurst Public Library will provide an important focus and amenity for the emerging residential neighbourhood. Designed by KPMB Architects, the Library features full-height perforated aluminum fins that shade the glass on the south, west, and north facades of the second floor. Because of their high visibility, the fins are a proposed site for an integrated art installation featuring a portrait of Susanna Moodie, a British settler who immigrated to Canada in the early 19th century. Within this project, my task was to draw, design, and build a number of iterations of a section of the perforated aluminum fin. The sectional model, built at 1:1 scale was then used to better understand the fin’s visibility and presentation on the building facade, as well as its use as a shading device.
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calgaryismaili j a m a t k h a n a Calgary, Alberta | Waterloo Admissions Portfolio, Visual Study | March 2010
This concentration seeks to understand the exoteric and esoteric attributes of the architecture of the Ismaili Jamatkhana, which brings together physical, social, cultural, and religious dimensions to culminate in a space that speaks to traditional and modern design as a place for prayer and community. The architecture of the building is meant to blend in with its surroundings through use of natural colours and materials, while simultaneously drawing on elements which encompass the rich history and tradition of the Islamic faith. This contemporary interpretation of Islamic architecture was analyzed further in a research paper written in April 2013. In the fall of 2012, I worked extracurricularly under the supervision of architect Fatimah Sorathia to prepare a proposal for carpet selection for this mosque.
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Ba myan, Afghanistan| Design Studio 3 B, Synergistic Design | Instructor: John McMinn
Crisis has become the prevalent condition for production. In response, this project proposes to transform this condition into one of self-sustainability. Regenerative architecture, especially as understood in the development of postwar urban environments, speaks to the design and implementation of self-sustaining communities especially through use of renewable energies. This project aspires to develop a relationship of synergies in Bamyan, a small rural town in central Afghanistan. Specifically, the project looks to revive the local agricultural and livestock industries by focusing on water management. This is proposed through a tiered approach that looks first at the creation of water retention landscapes, secondly to a built program consisting of housing, greenhouses, and a water treatment facility which are, thirdly, supported in their entirety by solar energy. Herein, waste and energy are moved through the system, taking into account vernacular and modern technologies, to generate an integrated, sustainable means of improving the local economy, and therein improve the livelihoods of the people of Bamyan. Image: BrnicĚ , Ivica. Venturing permanence: the ETH House of Science in Bamiyan. Zurich: Gta, 2012.
(inprogress)
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There is nothing in life I can’t do, there’s just things that I haven’t done yet. Richie Parker
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tweet:@saflkhn
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call:519-807-4872
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email:safira.lakhani@gmail.com