Architecture & Design Portfolio by SN_Olecho

Architecture Portfolio Masters . Work Experience . Undergraduate stephen.nicholas.olecho

INTRODUCTION This document is a selection of my work in architecture and design. It contains two major projects and two subsidiary tasks undertaken during my Masters studies, as well as samples of work done within my undergraduate studies and professional experience. Below is a timeline of my education in architecture and design:

Masters Studio A

Undergraduate

Masters Studio B

Professional Experience

2010 - 2013

2014 - 2015

Professional Experience

2015/16

2016/17

2015 - Present

CONTENTS

UNDERGRADUATE

MASTERS

WORK EXPERIENCE

CHAPTER 1

108

112

124

CENTRE FOR LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION: Year 2 Masterplanning & Design Project ATMOSPHERES Space Model/Photograph

134

138

144

GWE FEY TEA HOUSE

THE PAVEMENT POET Mapping/ Spatial Analysis

WALSTRA RESIDENCE

ARCHITECTURE & THE BODY Final Year 1 Project

130

SOWETO HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

PREMEDION SPA

160

164

170

PEACE CENTER

COSTA FURNITURE

NAGONGERA SEMI-DETACHED COMPLEX

SOROTI HOUSING COMPLEX

104 CHAPTER 1

150

COMMEMORATION TOWER

THREE CASTLES HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT

NECROPOLIS

179 CHAPTER 2

MASTERS STUDIES University of the West of England _Bristol - UK WORK EXPERIENCE REIS (Refined Existance In Space)_Johannesburg - S.A SNO.design.studio (self-owned practice)_Roaming UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES University of the Witwatersrand_Johannesburg - S.A

MASTERS September 2015 - June 2017

ATMOSPHERES Masters Year 1

Description This project was aimed at creating an atmospheric space over the course of a series of processes. Gradually, the space becomes developed as it is layered with more detail.

Collage

Digital Edit

Creating the Space

Creating an abstract collage of a space without a real vision of what to expect it to look like. In a process of discovery, associations are made between textures, tones and colours from random pages out of numerous magazines. These choices begin to describe what the space is going to feel like. This particular collage explores a contrasts between heavy tones and lighter ones. With a few pictures, a technique of repetition was employed: cutting up and layering the same picture over itself in different ways to create a surface..

Digital Edit: Applying a programme/ function to the abstract space makes it more real but perhaps made it lose its intrinsic depth of a discovered space. The space was imagined to be an informal performance space that acts as a threshold between other spaces in an imaginary building. Visual access to other spaces alludes to the continuity of a building. Placing people in the spaces gives it a sense of scale and a realism that the collage lacks.

With the aim of eventually making a model of the space, the steps below further develop the it as one that could exist in reality. Patterns from the the surfaces to imply materiality and reference lines are drawn from features in the image to create an architectural language. The pattern on the ceiling is imagined as a grid of acoustic panels across the entire surface. The massive feature wall with openings could be a concrete wall with timber frames around the openings. A additional opening is place in the wall to create a playful architecture that alludes to spaces beyond the wall. In addition to the light-well windows on the right surface, a perforated brick wall may be used to bring a filtered natural light into the space that may create interesting shadow pattens on other surfaces.

Edited Photograph of Physical Model Similar to the digital editing process mentioned previously, this task seeks to transform the model into a more realistic experience by photographing it and editing the image. It is the final step of ‘making atmosphere.’ Taking the photograph involved playing with light to stimulate either a natural of artificial illumination. This was done using table lamps of different ‘warmth‘ placed at a variation of distances until the desired outcome was achieved. Adding people to the photograph gives it the scale that the space needs. Using blurred images of people helps to minimise the effect of the image appearing completely ’photoshoped’ . Solid figures tend to appear not to belong within that context of edited images. Adjusting the contrast helps to add depth to the space while hiding faults that make it clear it is an image of a model rather than an actual space.

Detail Design

Making the Model

In addition to the explorative design sketches, it was important to create a more detailed design of the space with scale in mind. Imagining a 3 dimensional model that can be photographed for its internal spaces will require actually building a shell for the interior space to exist in.

Due to the massive nature of the space, I chose to model it at a scale of 1:40, making it sizable enough to show necessary detail without being too large. The brick wall is made from a laser-cutting a brick pattern with actual perforations into an MDF board. The colour of the board with burns from the laser would simulate the colour and texture of face brick. The concrete walls are MDF boards with a matte printed sheet glued onto it. The printed sheet is of a high resolution texture of in-situ concrete with lines from a form work. The Acoustic panels on the ceiling are made with MDF board as well. They are individual panels stuck onto a board in a ‘gridded’ pattern. MDF was also used to make the ‘timber’ frames for the windows and doors - painted with acrylic to look more realistic.

The drawings to the left show plans of the space in correspondence to elevations of the walls that make up that plan. The space is a ‘quadruple volume’ space - made up of four levels of a variation of sizes based on their imagined uses. Public Ground Floor - Admin First Floor, Dance Studios on the second and third floors.

ARCHITECTURE AND THE BODY Masters Year 1

CONTEXT

Description This project requires that a new building is designed for the chosen site to accommodate a dance theatre school and a secondary programme that may not be directly related to dance. A Flea Market Hall will be the secondary Programme. By merging Dance and Flea Market Hall into one building, this projects explores how one idea can inform the other. It explores applying the fluidity of informal markets to a building primarily meant for dance by focusing on the informal spaces of the building and allowing the informality to bleed through out the building from prescribed other spaces. The Design should allow for the functionality of an informal market to happen simultaneously with the regular dancing program.

Bristol City

Bristol Harbourside

Waterfront Square

The Bristol Waterfront Square and Amphitheatre is located in Bristol’s city centre along a marine harbour. The site is vacant most of the year and is use by pedestrians on course to neighbouring buildings. It is also used to host several events during the summer. It neighbours Bordeaux Quay, Bristol Millennium Square, Lloyd’s Building and the Harbour

Primary Programmes Schedule * 8 x flexible dance studios - approx. 100m2 each in different configurations * 1 x physio clinic 25m2 * 1 x theatre to seat 250 * 2 x theatre dressing rooms * 1 x studio theatre to seat max 150 (probably around 6.5m) * 1 x meeting room to seat 20 * 1 x conference room to seat 10-15 * 8 x staff offices 10 m2 each * 2 x classrooms to seat 30 (might double up as beginners dance rooms?)

Lloyds Bank Building

SITE (Waterfront Square)

Bordeaux Quay

Watershed/ Weekend Market

1 1 - Millenium Square

Waterfront Square and surrounding landmarks

2 - Arnolfini

3 - Lloyds Bank Building and Amphitheatre

3 4 - M-Shed

4 The threshold created by the Harbourside colonnade appears to cultivate the social atmosphere that is synonymous with Bristol’s Harbourside. It allows users to exploit the indoor-outdoor socialising experience due to its sheltering nature. They may go in and out of these facilities without the inconvenience of leaving the canopy, with a continuous sequence of restaurants and pubs. As a result of the public atmosphere,the Harbourside Market has flourished in this semi-informal space, with the colonnade serving as partitions within which vendors may set up their stalls. Flea markets are part of Bristol culture and gives local the opportunity to promote small business, hobbies and craftsmanship. The flea market is usually active on weekends. 9

SITE STUDIES Bristol Dance Schools

Harbourside Building Typology

Notes: - Bordeaux Quay is a restaurant, brasserie,bar, deli, bakery and, cookery school. - Za Za Bazaar is a buffet restaurant that includes a banquet space and bar. - Harris + Co. handles recycled cleaning rags and wipes. It is a workshop, auto, engineering and industry - Harbourside is an arts center. - The Cuban has an event space.

Contexual Circulation

Solar Study

Flood Risk

Zone 3: Shows the area that could be affected by flooding, either from rivers or the sea, if there were no flood defences. This area could be flooded: * from the sea by a flood that has a 0.5 per cent (1 in 200) or greater chance of happening each year; * or from a river by a flood that has a 1 per cent (1 in 100) or greater chance of happening each year. Zone 2: Shows the additional extent of an extreme flood from rivers or the sea. These outlying areaas are likely to be affected by a major flood, with up to a 0.1 per cent (1 in 1000) chance of occurring each year. Conclusions: - South facade receives direct sunlight throughout the year. A permanent shading strategy may be necessary. - East and West façades may require adjustable shading systems to manage the change in daylight hours between the summer and winter months. - Passive cooling may be explored: To manage solar heat gain along the southern axis, vegetation that sheds leaves in the winter months may be planted as a membrane between the building and direct sunlight. - Solar panels may be placed facing the south to maximise use of any direct sunlight through out the year. Wind Diagram

Conclusions: - Restricting the impact of prevailing winds in winter may reduce the building’s energy consumption. - Similarly, allowing a controlled breeze through the building in summer times will promote passive ventilation systems - Making use of existing and new vegetation as a wind break will reduce the direct wind impact. - Landscape and structural aspects of the building may be designed to funnel in or deflect prevailing winds - to be used as a barrier or for small scale energy generation.

Possible Flood Risk Strategies: - Building footprint may be raised off the ground with floor access/ entry points may be raised to reasonable ‘flood design heights’ - Flood barriers may be considered in the design,particularly along the river edge. - Spatial planning to zone uses including integrated ‘water flow paths’ to the landscape. - Rescue Strategy including warnings, safety zones and escape routes

Geological Information

SPEED PROGRAMMING/ PRECEDENT

Ballet Facility: Düsseldorf, Germany

Most buildings are well considered in their design with context playing a significant role. In cutting The Ballet Facility apart, I found that it was almost impossible not to split the building according to primary and secondary programmes, taken across all its levels: Dance Studios, Offices & Ablutions and Performance Halls. Using the shapes determined by these volumes, I explored the movement axes that the negative spaces create on the site, as well the the open spaces that may be given back as public space: Axes in Pink; Open/Public Spaces in Purple.

Layout 1

Layout 2

Layout 3

THEORETICAL APPROACH & CONCEPT

Functional Programming In Architecture Functional programming can be described as the decision making process that clearly defines the scope of work for design. Functional programs are also referred to as design briefs, facilities programs, architectural programs, space programs, space need analysis, owner’s statement of requirements and output specifications. Functionally Programmed Spaces: Prescribed spaces designed for functions allocated by the building’s service requirements.

Dysfunctional Programming ‘Dysfunctions’ in Computer Code: Nuggets of code that have several additional fun properties that break the boundaries of a software’s prescribed functions. Dysfunctional programming in architecture may be described as the relationship between programs/functions and the architectural attributes that encourage these programs to bleed beyond their prescribed spaces. Factors to Consider: Spatial Mutability Porous Boundaries Secondary & Multifunctional Spaces Entropic/ Divergent Programs -

Dance The nature of dancing is that it can happen in any kind of space; massive, small, narrow... A piece of choreography has the ability to transport a dancer in and out of spaces, challenging the thresholds and boundaries that define spaces.

Flea Market The nature of flea markets allows it, as a program, to maintain its informality while existing in and around architecture that may not have been prescribed for it. This informality is what gives it a potential to expand indefinitely, in response to the availability of space.

Tranformative & Adoptable Spaces

Sequencial flow of flea markets in city center

Waterfront Dance & Market Harbourside Market St. Nick’s Market Bristol Farmers’ Market Traversing Movement

The Dance Market

Micro Boundaries

A Unit Space for Bartering, A Unit Space for Dance

REFERENCE MASSING

Using reference lines drawn from existing buildings, landscape and thresholds on site to create new masses. With considerations to: - Pedestrian Movement - Elevations Levels - Public Spaces - Views - Access...

SPEED MODELLING This was an opportunity to explore masses that were predominantly determined by pedestrian movement. Using the major pathways as axes, the masses were moulded around the routes while playing with volumetric tensions to express the dynamism of movement.

SKETCH DESIGN Plans

-Access - Pedestrian movement - Public Access

- Verticle & Horizontal movements - Relationships between masses

- Visual access to building - Builsing mass traversing boundaries

Ground Level

First Level

Second Level

- Views from building

Basement Level Vertical Cores

Movement

Building Floor Area

Masses/

River

Third Level

SKETCH DESIGN Sections & Elevations

DANCE, OFFICES, ABLUTIONS OFFICES, CLASSROOMS, KITCHEN LECTURE HALL, STRETCH HALL PUBLIC SPACE, ABLUTIONS

DANCE, KITCHEN, CHANGE ROOMS, PHYSIO, ABLUTIONS THEATRE

OFFICE, CLASSROOMS & DANCE COURTYARD/ ATRIUM DANCE, KITCHEN, CHANGE ROOMS, PHYSIO, ABLUTIONS THEATRE

PUBLIC SPACE, MARKET

FORM FINDING

The colonnade formed by the buildings along the Harbourside, including Bordeaux Quay, appear to be the symbolic element of the public/social atmosphere along that elevation. It creates a pedestrian pathway that allows the locals to move in and out of the social facilities that these buildings offer, without entirely leaving the immediate vicinity. I consider the colonnade a symbol for the Harbourside flea market that happens along that path as it informally dictates where and how the vendors set up their stalls. Drawing form this context, this form-finding exercise seeks to use the secondary programme (Flea Market/ Market Hall) as a means to inviting the local public into the site and inadvertently extending the informality of the flea market to this new development. Using the rhythm of the existing columns, and the heights and levels that create the pedestrian threshold, I am exploring a dynamic representation of ‘Dance meets Market.’

A progressive chaos ensues in response to the divergent nature of the flea market. The colonnade expresses movement as is the entropic nature of Dance and Street Vending

The informality of the extended pedestrian threshold is intended to draw in the local population and facilitate the social atmosphere of Bristol Harbourside; Using it to endear locals to the new development and funnel public activity into the building. 20

The new colonnade acts as partitions for vendors to position themselves; similar to how the existing colonnade functions. These spaces transform into multifunctional and informal dance spaces on the level above

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Ground Level

First Level

Building Mass

Creating Pedestrian & Vending Thresholds

Second Level

Allowing Natural light into studios at all times of the day

Third Level

Volumes Escaping their prescribed boundaries 23

Space 2 A

Space 1

Space 1 A completely permeable space on the ground floor to draw people into the building. The space would primarily serve as flee market space Space 2 This massive open space would serve as informal refuge for dancers between classes. It could be used in a variety of ways: stretch and practice space, lounging and relaxation space, etc. It offers a visual interraction to people outside the building, on the activities that go inside of it, as well as providing views of the Bristol harbourside, to those within it.

FINAL DESIGN Main Principles

Flea Market Divergence If a proposed flea market is to start from the ground floor of this building, how would it spread to into the immediate context and what would be the factors that dictate this divergence. In doing a little research about informal markets these are some of the most significant factors - Social Hubs (people are drawn to environments where social activities my occur such as restaurants, bars, et) - Public space (this contributes to the informality of a market and dilutes restriction that may be imposed in a more formal setting) - Visual Access (The ability to see a live flea market particularly in open space is a great grown factor, drawing in people and allowing vendor to set up where they feel they will most likely be seen) The mobility of the market is mostly dependent on the ability to carry and set up a stall. In this case, having mobile ‘unit’ stall would be the catalyst to the divergence of the flea market. The sketches to the left explore a basic vending stall unit.

Function Vs. Dysfunctional This is an exploration of the dynamic that occurs between prescibed spaces and those that are more informal, without necessarily predetermined function/ programme and boundaries. Rigid Vs. Fluid This serves to relate the above dynamic to what might occur in dance and in socially diverse environments; where spaces are provided to allow that diversity of movement and function to occur simultaneouly and somewhat in a controlled chaos or harmony. Traversive Movement As a response to the the building having two distinct wings, this is an attempt at creating nodal spaces within both masses that draw activity from one end to another to insite and maintain a lively atmosphere.

Flea Market Divergence

Functions Vs. Dysfunctional

Rigid Vs. Fluid

Traversing Movements

Divergence & Traversing Movement

0.7m

The Dance Market These sketches explore Architecture and the body through the exploration of the idea of a ‘Dance Market’.

1.0m

Zoning Spaces according to formality of function/ programme to create lanes of movement through and between the spaces.

Reconfiguring the Floor Layout to encourage movement through the building. By creating high activity nodes at different ends of the building, it draws movements towards particular spaces. These could be ‘Informal Spaces, or multiple entries and exits.

1.8m

1.0m

Functional & Dysfunctional Programming Static Space Static Body Adjustable Platform

The initial plan has few ‘nodes’ that are meant to encourage movement through the building

1.8m

This concept explores the notion of having these programs happening simultaneously without hindering each other. Both are a sort of performance and require a relationship between a performer and the viewer or audience. Flea Market vending involves negotiations between the seller and the customer. Likewise the interpretation of a dance piece involves could be said to be a mental and emotional bartering between the performer and an audience. These sketches explore the unit space for each of these programmes to happen comfortably within the minimum amount of space - ‘a unit space for selling, a unit space for dancing’

Having various activity nodes, provides the opportunity to establish the theory of Function VS Dysfunctional Programming, with one north wing expressing the free movements of dysfunctional spaces, and the south wing expressing a more rigid functionality.

1.8m

2.1m

1.8m

Malleable Space Moving Body

The Dance Market

Materiality & Form

These sketches represent how material and form may be used in trying to relate the two wings of the building to each other and to the context. Corrugated sheet cladding expresses the industrial aesthetic of the Bristol Harbourside while the cuboid form makes an acknowledgment to the Arnolfini across the River and the Bordeaux Quay next door.

Vending Kiosk

Unit space for selling

Unit space for dance

Dance Cubicle

Site Plan

Basement Level Plan

Ground Level Plan

First Level Plan

Second Level Plan

Section A

Section B

West Facing Facade: This shows the Relationship between the proposed building and Bordeaux Quay. The rectangular forms echo the architectural language of the Anorlfini directly opposite it. The form and materiality help to connect the two wings despite their differentiated programmatic functionality. The fixed facade shading system that controls the amount of sunlight coming into the building while composing the views into and out of the building. The perforated polycarbonate sheet reflects sunlight and without glare and minimise heat gain and loss from the building by protecting it from direct contact with the weather. This view captures the threshold as represented in the sections, that acts as a continuation to the colonnade along this Bristol Waterfront.

Internal Vending Avenue (From West Entrance): This image shows the relationship between he two levels. Despite the two programs functioning on different floors, the atrium allows for visual and auditory connections between those on different level. With entrances on either end of the building, it encourages movement through the space, making it an suitable for a market to run right through.

Circulation Principle_Second Level Plan

Circulation: The diagram on the right represents a predicted divergent circulation in relation to dance. Primary movement is from the vertical access nodes and into other major activity nodes. Movement should predominantly head toward the studios however the availability of informal spaces such as the super studio, outdoor courtyard, dance exhibition platform and others, provides alternative spaces for dancers to spend their time between classes, with being entirely removed from the atmosphere on .dance’. Function and Dysfunction: The diagram also express the programmatic differences between the two wings. This is the manifestation of the theory of ‘functional programming vs dysfunctional programming’. The ‘Dance-walk’ bridge serves as the connection between the two, both physically and programmatic-ally, by engaging the formality with gradual doses of informality. The south wing mostly contains more rigid programs like offices, where as the north wind is populated by dance spaces. This arrangement of spaces allows the occupants to occasionally escape their daily routines by engaging with the building in a different way.

a - Southwest Perspective of proposed building on site b - Atrium Space c - View into Super Studio

b 33

Landscape Strategy

1 - BICYCLE RACK: Parking slots for 90 bicycles 2a - CONCRETE PLANTER BOX: With street light post attached. 2b - CONCRETE PLANTER BOX: Vegetation here is to serve as a wind barrier for predominant winds for West and South West 2c - CONCRETE PLANTER BOX: Vegetation here is to serve as a protection from direct sunlight into the Creche on ground floor and to creat a niche public space 3 - NEW PAVEMENT: To create a pedestrian walkway and a building threshold, as well as raise the starting height for ground floor due to potential flood risk. Precedent Images: Performance platform, planter boxes and outdoor seating (6, 2b, 2c)

4a - EXISTING PAVEMENT 4b - EXISTING PAVEMENT: Re-purposed existing pavement used here. 5 - NEW PAVEMENT: Similar to (3), with a finer finish and a level higher. This pavement level is meant to encourage pedestrian movement into and through the building creating a semiourdoor atmosphere with an atrium above. 6 - TIMBER SURFACE PLATFROM: To be used as outdoor performance space and seating

Precedent Images: Concrete Skate block(8)

7a - WATER FOUNTAIN: 170mm above ground level 7b - WATER FOUNTAIN: 550mm above ground level. Same level as Planter boxes (2b) and Timber Platform (6) 8 - SKATE BLOCK: May be used in conjunnction with ramp from amphitheater to create a skating zone

Precedent Images: Water Fountain (7b)

Building Standards & Regulations

Basement Level LEGEND Vehicle Access for fire and rescue services Loading Bays Restrooms/Bathrooms/Toilets Wheelchair Access (Ramps)

Ground Level

First Level

Second Level

Ramp Detail

BR-Part M, Section M4(3): Provision of wheelchair access and minimum ramp gradient requirements

BR-Part B, Section 16: Vehicle Access for fire and rescue services and general ‘service and maintenance’

BS 6465-1_Table 8: Provision of sanitary appliances for assembly buildings where WC is not concentrated in intervals

ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY Approach to Environment Photovoltaic panels and Solar Thermal panels for lighting and underfloor heating

Rain water collection and Re-use

South West Perspective

Predominant Winds. (West/ South West)

Sun Screen Detail_1:16 36

Wind breaking vegetation along major path (outdoor vending avenue)

Solar shading facade system on East, West and south faces

South East Perspective

Shading vegetation on south facade. Vegetation serves to create niche public spaces next to the building

Environmental Section_Thruough Atrium Space

Cool air is predominantly carried into the building through the west entrance of the building and air vents in the atrium (refer to 1:50 detail section). A mild convectional current is created when the direct sunlight heats up the air in the atrium causing the hot air to rise as cool air is drawn in.

The roof is designed to direct all rain water gutters on the edges of the atrium roof structure. Rainwater is directed to storage and filtration tanks located on the outdoor courtyard (first floor). It is reused for showers, flushing toilets and watering the courtyard. Excess water which is not collected is directed towards the Avon river and immediate landscape (Watering platers) Rain water Down pipes are integrated into the structural columns, running with in them as well as beneath floor slabs.

Parts of the facade are glazed with openeable windows. There is a metallic screen facade system in front of the glass as protection from direct sunlight while permiting views into and out of the building. It also allows for air to escape and come into the building. There are views to the west (Arnollfini, Avon River, etc.) from the super studio and to the east (Millennium Square) from the major dance studios.

HEATING, VENTILATION, SUSTAINABLE MEASURES & LIGHTING Heating, Natural & Mechanical Ventilation

Third Floor Level Third Floor Level Third Floor Level NOTE: - All Areas have access to controlled radiator heating - All Dance studios & Dance areas have under-floor heating

Solar Energy & Rain Water Collection_Thruough Atrium Space

Solar thermal System for underfloor heating http://smart-flo-ltd.com/solar-thermal-2/

Commercial Solar Power System by SOLAR CENTURY http://www.solarcentury.com/uk/commercial-rooftops/

Rain Water Harvesting Tanks by MADDISON WATER TECH http://www.maddisonwatertech.co.uk/

Lighting

RC Slab

Light Fixture (Refer to specifications) Suspended Ceiling LED light source (Built-in)

Ground Floor_Vending Avenue

First Floor_Super Studio

Specifications: http://www.deltalight.co.uk/en/products/detail/supernova-trimless-6528-evg-dim1-274-89-6528-ed1

Interrior Recessed Light by DELTA LIGHT UK

STRUCTURE & BUILDING ENVELOPE System, Material Choice, Structural Strategy and Diagramming

System & Material Choice: The building uses a concrete and steel structural system with that with an irregular grid. These materials are usually used when it requires a basement to be built, for a stable foundation. Due to the irregular grid, the combination of steel and concrete beams and columns allows the structure to maintain relatively regular member sizes due to their comparability depending on the variation of spans, rather than adjusting the beam or column size, it would work as effectively to either use a thicker steel member or increase the reinforcement in the concrete member and use a higher MPA concrete.

Basement Level

First Floor Level

Second Floor Level

Third Floor Level

Structural Strategy: Having an auditorium in the basement means the primary grid will most likely be based on it. The auditorium uses a 9.8x10m structural grid. The foundation and ground floor primary structures (highlighted in green) are 350mm wide concrete walls or columns. Blue represents the functional cores, for structure and circulation. Red denotes the secondary structural member; steel columns, or 220mm masonry or concrete walls. The structure is becomes almost completely light weight when on the first and second floors, using mostly secondary structural members. The grid spans are noted in colour on the diagrams. Each grid line denotes a beam running along the path except for when it crosses the atrium space. The concrete beams are a maximum of 765mm deep and 350mm wide (including floor thickness) which is sufficient for the largest spans in the building. Steel beams are only used in the north wing of the building, across the auditorium and for the roof structure. The auditorium uses a castellated beam of 1000mm depth and 350m width, particularly because in addition to the span of the auditorium, these beams support a great portion of the first floor as a cantilever. (Refer to sections and plans)

'Dance Market' & Building Envelope

Detail 1

Detail 3

Detail 4

Detail 5 44

Detail 2

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THE PAVEMRNT POET Masters Year 2

Description To intiate the Unban Design Unit, this project aimed at understanding and investigating the relationships between the material and physical conditions of an urban space, looking at the social and cultural life that animates it. The focus is on how this space interfaces with human users and vice-versa. This project involved 3 tasks: MICRO STUDY - Map or survey a chosen space that has a strong conection to nearby public space or street life, recording the salient properties: materials, tactility, light/dark, colours, etc. MACRO STUDY - Trace, record and digram the networks of activity in this spcae: social relationships, economic systems, language codes, individuals/groups, institutional relationships, political apparatus etc. ACTORS-NETWORK DIAGRAM - Combine the above two studies into a single Actors-Network Diagram. THE PAVEMENT POET - The chosen site is an active pedestrian island between major roads and a shopping complex. It has been affected by a temporary artistic intervention. This study shows the resultant influence.

MICRO STUDY TRAFFIC LIGHT (UNION STREET)

STREET EDGE (THE HAYMARKET-A38)

PEDESTRIAN ZONE PAVEMENT POET (ARTIST INTERVENTION)

MARTIN'S

Semi-permanent light-weight aluminium pavement shop

Paved pedestrian zone surrounded by 3 streets

SHADED CANOPY

OURDOOR DINING SEATS

PUBLIC SPACE BOUNDARIES

TRAFFIC LIGHT (THE HORSEFAIR)

Permanent steel and glass canopy

Traffic control zones with great influence on flow of pedestrian traffic in and out of chosen site

SPATIAL INTERVENTIONS TRAFFIC CONTROL 46

STREET

PRIMARK

Rough stone boundary wall with seat edge

LEGEND: SPATIAL HIERARCHY PUBLIC SPACE

RANA'S DHABA (FOOD KIOSK)

Temporary (day) seats for Rana’s Dhaba customers

Semi-permanent light-weight aluminium fast food kiosk

STREET (THE HORSEFAIR)

MACRO STUDY

LEGEND: INFRUSTRUCTURE 1 - SITE (Pavement Art) 2 - SHADED CANOPY 3 - INFORMATION POINTS 4 - RARA'S DHABA (Food Kiosk) 5 - MARTIN'S (Pavement Shop) 6 - PRIMARK (Building) 7 - ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (Building) 8 - PUREGYM (Building)

LEGEND: ACTIVITY VEHICULAR MOVEMENT VISUAL ACCESS FROM VEHICLES PRIMARY PEDESTRIAN MOVEMNT SECONDARY PEDESTRIAN MOVEMNT

LEGEND: SPATIAL CLASSIFICATION ECONOMIC SERVICES

LEGEND: SPATIAL CLASSIFICATION PRIVATE PROPERTY (Permanent)

SOCIAL/ LEISURE SERVICES PRIVATE PROPERTY (Temporary) INFORMATION POINTS TRAFFIC LIGHTS

PUBLIC SPACE (Pavement) STREET 47

ACTORS-NETWORK DIAGRAM

BROADMEAD & OTHER NEIGHBOURING STORES

SMALL STORE

PUBLIC SPACE & URBAN INTERVENTION

LOCAL COMMUNITY

KIOSK

LARGE RETAIL STORES

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CENTRE FOR LANGUANGE AND COMMUNICATION Masters Year 2

Description Design a Masterplan for an allocated area in the Porto (Bonfim Parish), Portugal. The masterplan should consider the current state of the region and have a developmental plan that follows a considered design manifesto. Design a building that fits within the masterplan and the principles of its manifesto. Masterplaninng exercises and ajor Site and Contexual analysis was completely as a group work and published as seperate documnets - specifically relevant information will be represented in this portfolio

CONTEXT The prescribed site is located in a the Bonfim Parish, District of Porto, Porto, Portugal

EUROPE

Portugal

PORTUGAL

PORTO

Mater Planning Region Bonfim Parish

Portugal (Municipality)

Variation of Resident Population by parish, 2001-2011

The proposed site is located in the parish of Bonfim. Bonfim has an area of 3.05 km2 and 24,265 inhabitants (2011). Its population density is 7,955.7/km2. It is the smallest parish in Portugal, arising from the dismemberment of the parishes of Santo Ildefonso, Campanha and Cathedral. It was an industrial town and the old factories of the parish can still be found, closed mostly. Its current economic activities are trade, banking and the service sector. With the arrival of the Metro do Porto, the parish extends its road and access network. Key Features Within the prescribed site, the main features are: Bonfim’s Industrial Background Bonfim’s Water Systems Bonfim’s Art and Museums As Well as Its many Churches and Chapels, Manor Houses, Palatial Houses and Historic Buildings

Building Variations: 2001-2011

c c

a - Campo 24 De Agosto_ prescribed masterplanning region (site) b - Partiotic community c - Juxtapositions in building fabric d - Existing low impact community centrak to site e - Prohibited derelict bare structure

CAMPO 24 DE AGOSTO

MASTERPLAN STRATEGY Master planning involved several exercises including site visits. The state of the buildings and public space within the context was fundamental in determining what the precise boundaries of the master-plan should be. Primary factors affecting this decision include: urban density (buildings and human activity) and physical condition of the buildings in question - with the aim of promoting a fine urban grain as in other successful regions within Porto. Decisions were then made on which buildings to keep or demolish and what problem areas exist within the master-plan region. Key Manifesto Principles and Approaches: Densification, Reintergration, Sustainable Approach, Rejuvination (active)... This would involved strategies such as pedestrianisation of some major streets and implementing future technologies into the area.

Conceptual Zoning

Circulation

Conceptual Zoning

Potential SItes

Program Zones

Design Proposals

This task was aimed at making two proposals - design schemes for new buildings or developments to fit within the Master-Plan as it is at this stage. The proposals include a basic brief, building program and images/ concept graphics to help explain and support the proposal. The following projects were proposed: - Robotics Laboratory - Museum of Language & Communication Of these proposals, one must be chosen and further developed into a Design Project. The next two pages contain the above proposals

Robotics Laboratory Existing on Site

Brief: The universities in Porto have agreed to fund a shared Robotics lab run by students and professionals - to serve as a bridging tool for graduate students, into the professional world.

Invasion Borrowed from the study of ‘Dirt’ and ‘Invasion’, this concept proposes an architectural invasion; Where new architecture latches onto old or derelict architecture and spreads around it like a growing creeper in an attempt to bring it back to life. The concept proposes using programmatic nodes as initiators of activity, separated by autonomous zones which allow for as informal and creative bleeding of boundaries. Playhouse This building is to serve as a precedent for the reuse or re-appropriation of derelict architecture. To borrow from the existing architecture - the robotics lab will be designed to incite a semiformal workshop atmosphere that is synonymous with creative spaces. Important activity nodes will be linked by autonomous zones that allow any kind of event to occur

Programme - Fabrication & Maintenance - Experimentation Halls & Spaces - Offices - Quiet formal workspaces - Informal workspaces - Autonomous zones - Street food market

1 - LANDSCAPE (Urban Integration) 2 - PUBLIC SPACE 3 - SPACE FRAME FACADE SYSTEM 4 - ROBOTICS LAB (Fabrication & Maintenance) 5 - ROBOTICS HIGHBAY (Experiments) 6 - OFFICES & ADMIN

7 - WRITING & QUIET SIMULATION (Professionals & Students) 8 - AUTONOMOUS ZONE 9 - EXHIBITION HALL 10 - CASUAL OUTDOOR WORKSPACE 11 - ROOFTOP GARDEN

Museum Of Language & Communication

Brief: As part of their expansion initiative, ICCROM has agreed to fund a Museum for Language as Communication. The museum will have 3 specific mandates: 1 - Study, deciphering and teaching of Ancient Languages and their histories (with a focus on Portuguese culture) 2 - Preservation, Study & Exhibition of ancient artefacts 3 - Research into skill development techniques for language & communication disabilities (Blind, autistic, mental & speech disabilities).

Languages, culture and history are stored on the bodies of ancient artefacts

Existing on Site Preservation & Dissemination

1 - LANDSCAPE (Urban Integration)

‘Preservation’ is concerned with the discovery and study of ‘things’ whereas ‘Dissemination’ is concerned with the sharing and spreading of information. Physically manifested, this may be explored as the duality between fortification and dispersion (solid and transparent or open geometries) Programmatically, it is a sequence of collect study - exhibit - share

2 - ENGRAVED CONCRETE FACADE 3 - DIGITAL INTERACTIVE WALL (Atrium) 4 - CIRCULATION RAMP 5 - EXHIBITION STORAGE 6 - ARTEFACTS LABORATORY (Technical) 7 - LECTURE HALLS

Language Studies & Digital Media

8 - LANGUAGE CLINIC (Research & Treatment)

As well as being concerned with the language as an entity of cultural heritage, the museum will use media lab as its means of access to languages and communication of the future. The media centre will spatially be a connecting element to draw people into the building as well as extend the global reach of the museum It will use a DIW to harvest and exhibit cultural information from all over the world. (live news, discoveries, CCTV) From left to right: 1 - Using digital interfaces to create simulated virtual worlds 2 - Media hub used as a collection, relay and exhibition tool for art and information 3 - Forensic Anthropology Lab where the storage of human remains is done by exhibiting them as a means to create a constant awareness.

Incremental Master-Plan

This is a 50 year master-plan strategy that encourages migration and repopulation of the area by acting as an experimental site of buildings and spaces that engage cross-generational and cultural interactions

TIME-LINES OF INTEREST

Time-lines of Interest The main Design Project will be set within the following time-lines of the incremental masterplan, focusing on the key developmental aspects listed.

20 - 25 YEARS: TAKING ROOT Following this, secondary projects will be introduced that fill in the surrounding areas and key projects; - These projects will have a generally cultural focus but may also be new industry or add ons to the projects completed in the first 10 years. - Small scale interventions continue, intensification of larger scale, possibly permanent community projects in support of an establishing community. - Encourage international (and local) migration with a framework of culturally sensitive schemes and outreach developments. - Densification of the area prioritises pedestrian movement and fosters face to face interaction.

25 - 50 YEARS: TAKING ROOT After 25 years all remaining (vacant/ derelict) buildings that have outlived their use are disposed of and schemes that focus on new technologies are introduced to the site. - These areas are encouraged to grow autonomously with main areas both firmly establishing identity but also becoming more intertwined with one another, the wider city and world, through schemes that promote global outreach.

STRUCTURE DESIGN PROPOSAL & BUILDING ENVELOPE CENTER FOR LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION

This project is concerned with ‘Language’ as the piece of knowledge that is to be shared through the preservation and study of objects, cultures and people that carry it, with the aim of inciting connections between people through understanding. As part of their expansion initiative, ICCROM (The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property), Museum of portuguese Language have agreed to fund a Centre for Language as Communication. It will have the following mandates: 1 - Study, deciphering and teaching of Ancient Languages and their histories. 2 - Preservation, Study & Exhibition of ancient artefacts 3 - Research into skill development for language & communication disabilities (Blind, autistic, mental & speech disabilities) - SLCN. 4 - Using digital technologies and media to connect people.

Time-line and Site This project fits between the 10-25 & 25-50 Year master-plan as it is a cultural centre that is aimed at the rejuvenation of the local community as well as connecting them and the master-plan region to the rest of the world: through media, information and technology. The site is centrally located to take advantage of the pedestrian traffic that will be generated by the new education campus and the new residential housing scheme. Furthermore, it fits within this zone as it involves a combination of Work, Play and Learn - from the neighbouring zones

Anatomy of Language & Communication | Design Approach This is an understanding of language as being evolutionary. A construct of numerous influences that came about because of the pre-historic human need to communicate and express ourselves. The design approach is derived from a focus on the key elements that make up the cycle of language from its conception to its use today as a means of communication, but also a signifier of our identities.

Concept

PRESERVE This involves the discovery and protection of archaeological artefacts that are vessels for the storage of ancient languages LEARN This involves the study and decryption of archaeological artefacts as well as intensive research into SLCN and the development of digital communications SHARE Sharing of information involves the exhibition of new finding and the dissemination of knowledge gained from discoveries. This conceptual trinity is an attempt at understanding these ancient languages and societies to give the contemporary world an understanding of the history of humanity and the origins of our language DIGITAL CONNECTIONS This will involve the use of digital technology to share information and make global connections. Everything from live media broadcasts of events around the world to the use of interactive media for fun and for aiding in SLCN It is a hope that learning about languages and cultures across the world will facilitate connections between people. It is an appeal to our empathies by celebrating our similarities, differences and origin stories in creating an awareness of the people and cultures all over the world

Programme

PRESERVE Archaeological Laboratories Cleaning Artefacts Study Description Storage Exhibition Space Public view exhibition halls/ spaces Small auditorium

LEARN Digital & Written Media Linguistics Library Small Lecture Halls Study Spaces SLCN Department Research/Counselling Offices

SHARE Digital Department Digital Interface space Digital Research Lab Interactive media Urban Digital Park Outdoor Exhibition Interactive Media Social Spaces

Site Study Layers of Information Boundary surfaces and street posts serve as a backdrop for advertisements, message posters and clipping. The become an additional skin to the openly exposed materials and textures. Over time, some are taken down, new ones put up and others wear down leaving traces of past messages. Making Connections This Proposes making connections that link the highlighted (important) zones within the master-plan through a new digital network. This is an adaptation of the already existing informal social network of sharing information through posters and flyers that are pinned and stuck to walls, street lights and posts

Conceptual Site Zoning CONTEXT

SITE

This site planning strategy is based on drawing references from potential influential factors close to the site. The concept is based on making connections between people. This approach aims at getting people from near and around the proposed site to come into it, through it and hopefully spend time there It show how one could potentially use desired pedestrian routes, new and old, to determine where masses could potentially sit, creating zones on the site for possible architectural interventions 1. Vehicular road to be pedestrianised, offering opportunity to connect site with park through landscape strategy. 2. Integral junction point linking site to new proposed education campus with major road between. Possible pedestrian entrance. 3. Vehicular road offers potential for southern entrance for cars. Relationship to southern site to be considered. 4. New pedestrian path to consider, as well as relationship to the site to the west 5. Possible urban landscaping intervention for outdoor social spaces that connect park to site as a means of generating foot traffic. 6. Proposed main pedestrian access point linking site to new education campus. 7. Vehicular access offers potential for on-site parking. 8. Pedestrian traffic to lead people through the site to new proposed public square.

Conceptual Massing Study

Deconstruction of Vessels of Knowledge This sketch attempts to visualise the concept through an exploration of masses. It represents a gradual progression from a singular solid mass (which represents a vessel of knowledge) in to a completely disseminated mass that eventually becomes a part of the landscape. The process in an assimilation of knowledge (languages and their history) through preservation, learning/research and finally, sharing; It is a cyclical process the is expressed over the expanse of the site. Transformation of conceptual masses into possible forms

Linking masses to one another, to the site and to the context at large

Creating a possible building form with reference to masses and concept

MUSEUM vessel of language is to be preserved and celebrated

Transformation of conceptual masses into possible forms

Masses are further explored in attempt to transform them into a possible building form, with consideration to concept

RESEARCH/LEARNING CENTRE vessel is broken to reveal knowledge

MEDIA POINT knowledge is disseminated to the public

Site Zoning & Programming

Form finding through an exploration of masses in relation to the landscape to simulate a cyclical programmatic movement

1 - MUSEUM 2 - RESEARCH/ LEARNING CENTRE 3 - MEDIA POINT 4 - LANDSCAPE (conversational spaces) 5 - LANDSCAPE (Digital Park/ Plaza)

Initial Design Attempt PUBLIC PLAZZA_Design through Reference Lines

NEW PUBLIC SQUARE

SITE PLAN

GROUND LEVEL PLAN

FIRST LEVEL PLAN

FOURTH LEVEL PLAN

THIRD LEVEL PLAN

SECOND LEVEL PLAN

Sketch Design

SKETCH: Museum Atrium 76

SKETCH: Perspective View of Building

PRECEDENT: Word Play

Precedent Spaces These are images of spaces that the proposed building will seek to create: 1 - Word play: A room dedicated to the poetry of language, displaying texts and phrases artistically in attempt to draw attention to the hidden hidden meanings behind words. 2 - Media Room: A digital display that links the building to broadcasts of cultural events around the world as well as an information dissemination point for sharing the new discovering from the museum and research centre. 3 - Conversations park: Creating simple spaces that foster the basics of human connection; having a conversion with another person. These will be shaded and lit areas with newly designed benches, creating social spaces

4 - Preparation Room: Similar to this image, the museum will have a room dedicated to the preparation of language and cultural artefacts. The space will be protected but visually accessible to visitors of the museum.

REFINING DESIGN Conversations

Re-Programming Site

Master-Planning Site Strategy/ Contexual Integration Contextual Integration of Site The site was strategically chosen to be central to other key areas within the masterplan due to its mandate of serving as a cultural hub. As a result, the site strategy is to make significant connections between other sites in the immediate context: - A massive pedestrian avenue running through the site that links the public spaces in the new education campus and the new residential block. - A landscape strategy that connects the site to the northern park, with urban interventions (greenery, benches, street lights) and a direct pedestrin path linking the two.

Mass & Form Fining

Form & Material The material of the building is inspired by ancient artefacts of language that carry centuries of the histories of our cultures. The museum for ‘preservation’ maintains a solid shape, raised from the ground to signify the exultation of the ‘vessel of knowledge. The form of the learning centre and media point are partitioned with some of the solid mass removed - to signify the deconstruction of the vessel and the dissemination of the information that has been retried.

FINAL DRAWINGS

Digital Park

Conversations Park

DIGITAL PARK

CONVERSATIONS PARK

Concrete landscape-edging moulded to form benches with fixed-in digital tablets to connect people around the world. Tables are accessible to public.

Steel and concrete benches under shaded area to create social spaces that encourage conversations.

This also serves as an information outlet for events, exhibitions and new discoveries made in the Center for Language and Communication

This intervention is extended to the adjacent park to create continuity and link between the eisting and newer additions to the master-plan. 89

Center for Language & Communication_South Eastern Perspective

LEARN

PRESERVE

MEDIA AND INFORMATION CENTRE

RESEARCH AND LEARNING CENTRE FOR CURRENT & ANCIENTS LANGUAGES AS WELL AS ‘SPEECH, LEARNING & COMMUNICATION NEEDS - SLCN’

MUSEUM FOR LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL ARTEFACTS

Metal cladding on steel frame. Windows use a slatted louvre system for sun control: Reflect light away from, or into the building deprending on season and preferance.

Purpose-made pre-cast concrete panels with engraved text from numerous ancient languages. (Image contains Egyptian hieroglyphics for representational purposes)

Reflections Pool. Supports the illusion of a floating or rising mass/ historic artefact (museum): Symbolic for the elevating or exaltation of a 'vessel of knowledge',

1 - North Eastern Perspective of Building: Showing one of the main entrances and Conversations Park. 2- View from Existing Park: Showing newly added concrete benches. 3 - Aerial View (NW): Showing relationship between building mass, Digital Park and Conversations Park, as well as new Residential blocks to the west and south-west, and new Refugee Welcome Center to the south.

3 91

Museum Atrium

Digital Park

DIGITAL PARK

CONVERSATIONS PARK

'Concrete landscape-edging moulded to form benches with fixed-in digital tablets to connect people around the world. Tables are accessible to public.'

'Steel and concrete benches under shaded area to create social spaces that encourage conversations.'

This also serves as an information outlet for events, exhibitions and new discoveries made in the Center for Language and Communication Pedestrian path linking the new Public Squares from the New Education Campus to a New Residential block, serves as a source of constant activity, possibly drawing visitors oto the building.

This intervention is extended to the adjacent park to create continuity and link between the eisting and newer additions to the master-plan.

Lawns are made accessible to public. With some shaded areas, these spaces encourage social activities and lounging, drawing people from neighbouring buildings and the New Education Campus.

As a trial, digital benches would be implemented in other public spaces within the masterplan region, such as parks, bus stops and public squares. The mandate would be to create a network of information dissemination points (IDPs) that share a global and local feed of information from the Center, about cultures and social events. In addition these would serve as public internet access points. If successful, this may be implemented on a national scale and even globally - making connections between similar institutes as the Center for language and Communication, to the public. 93

Fire Safety

Wheel Chair Access Plan_Ground Floor Plan

Structure

Detail Section This Section is of the building envelope and some internal spaces. It represents the structural elements that make key design features possible, including: - Cantilevered Beams and a cross-section through a structural grid - Steel frame facade system with pre-cast concrete cladding - Natural Light Well The section also represents key spaces that are specifically arranged in sequence to facilitate a rhythmic flow of programme, particularly within the the Museum: - Galleries - Archaeology Simulation Room - Artefact Study Room... Showing the semi-transparent visual and tactile connection between some spaces, with the use of a dynamic wall.

Note: Drawings not to scale: Resized for Portfolio 100

Note: Drawings not to scale: Resized for Portfolio

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Blank Page-Break

Chapter 2 work experience . undergraduate

CONTENTS

UNDERGRADUATE

MASTERS

WORK EXPERIENCE

CHAPTER 2

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112

124

CENTRE FOR LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION: Year 2 Masterplanning & Design Project ATMOSPHERES Space Model/Photograph

134

138

144

GWE FEY TEA HOUSE

THE PAVEMENT POET Mapping/ Spatial Analysis

WALSTRA RESIDENCE

ARCHITECTURE & THE BODY Final Year 1 Project

130

SOWETO HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

PREMEDION SPA

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164

170

PEACE CENTER

COSTA FURNITURE

NAGONGERA SEMI-DETACHED COMPLEX

SOROTI HOUSING COMPLEX

104 CHAPTER 1

150

COMMEMORATION TOWER

THREE CASTLES HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT

NECROPOLIS

179 CHAPTER 2

WORK EXPERIENCE January 2014 - Present

WALSTRA RESIDENCE

Description

2014-15_Monaghan Farm, South Africa

A minimalism-inspired modern house. The 4000sqm plot in on a sloped site, located in Lansaria, a contemporary farm complex between the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria. This project was done under REIS, an architectural practice in Johannesburg. I was involved in the production of council submission drawings, tender drawings and documentation, as well as minor design work and custom construction detailing. Drawings worked on include detailed Lighting and Electrical Plans, Water Reticulation Plans, Storm Water Drainage Plans, etc.

APPROACH

With strict building height restrictions in the farm complex, the house was designed to work with the slope on the landscape, to allow for two floors with distinct programmes. The upper ground floor is predominantly shared living space; lounge, kitchen and dining - almost entirely with a glazed facade all round. The Lower ground contains bedrooms and a wine cellar. The house is a of an exposed concrete structure and finish, with complex custom glazing systems, plumbing and mechanical ventilation layouts.

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Slope DOWNWARDS

Note: All Drawings not to scale: Resized for Portfolio

SITE PLAN 109

North Eastern Elevation

South Eastern Elevation

South Western Elevation

Note: All Drawings not to scale: Resized for Portfolio

LOWER LEVEL PLAN 110

Section CC

Section BB

UPPER LEVEL PLAN

Section CC

North Western Elevation

SECTION CC

SECTION BB

SECTION FF 111

PREMEDION: MEN AND LADIES SPA 2014-15_Al Duhail Doha, State of Qatar

Description Interior Design. Building Services Planning. 2000sqm. An extensive interior design project which involved complex detailing of spaces for both the Men’s and Ladies’ Spa located in facilities in a military compound. Furthermore the project required comprehensive layout-planning for building services, including electrical, lighting and mechanical ventilation, as well as designing bespoke furniture suited for the Spas. This project was done under REIS, an architectural practice in Johannesburg. I was involved in the design process which included source procurement of specified products and furniture. As well as the planning and preparation of working drawings for the intricate building services required to run the Spas; Involving detailed elevations of every interior wall in both facilities.

APPROACH

Both Spas were given distinct themes to which the design work and detailing adhered. The client was particularly interested in state-of-the-art fixtures and finishes which needed to be directly sourced from reputable International retailers. Building service detailing and specifications had to comply with the regulations and standards set Arab Engineering Bureaux.

NCO BUILDING_With Men's Spa

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MEN'S SPA Appx. 1000sqm. A military theme was used in the design of the spaces which involved simple but strong aesthetics that reinforced the masculine persona without being over powering. The facility required a reception, wet rooms, offices, ablution and dressing rooms, relaxation rooms and treatment rooms with state-of-the-art treatment equipment.

a b

3D Perspective Images of proposed spaces: a - Spa Area b - Treatment Room c - Reception 113

Building Service Drawings: This involved extensive planing of electrical, lighting, plumbing and mechanical ventilation layouts such that they all worked together and fit within the ceiling layout The drawings on this page are of a plan superimposing the Lighting, Mechanical Ventilation and Furniture layouts. All lighting fixtures, mechanical ventilation equipment and furniture were specified to fit specific room requirement and program.

Note: All Drawings not to scale: Resized for Portfolio

LIGHTING & MECHANICAL VENTILATION PLAN_nts 114

Building Service Drawings: The drawings on this page are of a plan superimposing the Water Reticulation and Plumbing, and Furniture layouts. Special Spa equipment being used in the facility required precise plumbing and water reticulation to fit manufacture specifications. Equipment used includes Hydroxeur, Spa Jet, Thermo-Spa, and others.

Note: All Drawings not to scale: Resized for Portfolio

WATER RETICULATION & PLUMBING PLAN_nts 115

Detail Elevations The following are detailed elevations from some of the spaces in the Men’s Spa. The Men’s Spa in particular will use advanced treatment equipment which required technical research and drawings detailing the electrical and plumbing requirement for each piece of equipment. All technical specification had to be approved by the AEB (Arab Engineering Bureaux) In addition to the use of advanced equipment, the Men’s Spa also had specialised rooms and treatment methods which required special detailing. These rooms include the Hamam, Steam Room, Sauna, Experience Shower and temperature controlled Foot Baths.

Rm-G-13 Treatment Room 1 Elevations_nts

An in-depth coding system was used to differentiate all elements represented in elevation including switches, lighting fixtures, tiles and bespoke furniture.

Rm-G-19 Treatment Room 6 Elevations_nts

Note: Drawings not to scale: Resized for Portfolio 116

Rm-G-25 Treatment Room 11 Elevations_nts

The images on this page are 3D elevations of the walls within some of the rooms in this facilty.

3D Elevations of Reception Area showing custom designed Sandbag wall and couch aesthetic

3D Elevations of Treatment Room with Spa-Jet treatment machine

3D Elevation of Waiting Area

3D Elevations of Spa Area showing Hamam, Sauna, Steam Room, Jacuzzi Platform, Experience Shower, and temperature controlled Foot Baths

Note: Drawings not to scale: Resized for Portfolio 117

LADIES' SPA Appx 1000sqm. With ‘Arabic Chic’ theme, the facility is spread over two floors, requiring a reception, wet rooms, offices, ablution and dressing rooms, relaxation rooms, treatment rooms, and a high-end salon.

GROUND FLOOR_nts

FIRST FLOOR_nts Note: All Drawings not to scale: Resized for Portfolio 118

3D Perspective Images of proposed spaces: a - Reception b - Salon c - Treatment Room

119

LIGHTING & MECHANICAL VENTILATION PLAN_nts 120

Building Service Drawings: The drawings on this page are of a plan superimposing the Electrical and Furniture layouts. All devices and equipment being used in the facility required plug and voltage supply to fit manufacture specifications. Equipment used includes Wet Table, SPA VIP, Scheda Tecnica Prodotto Foot Spa, Omergon Wash Chairs and others.

Note: All Drawings not to scale: Resized for Portfolio

ELECTRICAL PLAN_nts 121

Detail Elevations The following are detailed elevations from some of the spaces in the Ladies Spa. All light fixtures and lamps were researched and specified for particular spaces to suit each of their atmospheres. Wall finishes, doors and bespoke furniture were all chosen or designed to be synchronised with one another such that the theme read consistently through out the building.

Rm-G-01 Ground Floor Reception Room Elevations_nts

Furthermore, research was done for the configuration of custom rooms such as the Hamam and Ice Room which included specific plumbing and electrical requirements for the machines and equipment used in to service these rooms. Similar to the Men's Spa, an in-depth coding system was used to differentiate all elements represented in elevation.

Rm-G-12 Ice Room Elevations_nts

Note: Drawings not to scale: Resized for Portfolio 122

Rm-F-08 Spa Room Elevations_nts

The images on this page are 3D elevations of the walls within some of the rooms in this facilty.

3D Elevations of Salon

3D Elevation of reception room showing bespoke retail cabinets

3D Elevation of Waiting Area

3D Elevations of Treatment Room with ablutions and treatment tub

Note: Drawings not to scale: Resized for Portfolio 123

SOWETO HOUSING DEVELOPMENT 2014_Johannesburg, South Africa

Description Re-conceptualisation, Redevelopment & Renovation On a site with derelict and damaged buildings which have been overrun with informal tenancy, we were to convert the compound into an accommodation campus for the neighbouring University of Johannesburg. This included allocating all the required amenities to make the compound a self sufficient and sustainable site that can be accredited by the university. I was involved in minor contextual and general research about the region, the university and housing facilities at large. I took part in the site site development planning which involved preparing an aesthetic concept/theme for the site, preparing a program of facilities and activities to be implemented, as well as the design of bedroom/housing modules that may be used to populate the refurbished buildings.

APPROACH

The main design objective and approach was to maximise the re-use of all elements on site, structural and spatial, in an attempt to minimise costs while creating a wholesome student environment. Other objectives included the following: To provide affordable off-campus student accommodation in Soweto, that is safe, secure, relaxed, study friendly and comfortable. To provide an environment conducive not only to academic study but one that also supports social development and recreation. To provide an environment where students are able to rest, relax, eat, socialise and settle into a routine in which their studies, social activities, sport and domestic chores (laundry, cleaning & cooking) contribute to a fulfilling life in their home away from home.

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GWE FEY TEAH HOUSE 2014_Johannesburg, South Africa

Description Asian Fusion Tea House - Interior Design & Detailing. The growing Gwe Fey Franchise is looking to further expand their brand with a new Tea House in the heart of the food court at the domestic terminal of the OR Tambo International Airport. Following the same theme and concept of the brand which was partly developed by REIS, the new Tea House is to take up the space currently occupied by Fournos Bakery. This project was done under REIS, an architectural practice in Johannesburg. I was involved in the design process which entailed surveys, spatial planning and the designing and detailing of all bespoke furniture pieces and elements.

APPROACH

With Kauai and Ocean Basket on either side of the site, the Tea House needed to use its unique fusion of eclectic colour and Chinese opera to stand out. The Images and colours on this page represent the Gwe Fey brand aesthetic that is applied to all branches of this franchise. The general theme follows the ancient Gwe Fey story of lovers in a Garden: Bird cages, pergolas, lanterns, Chinese fretwork and other design elements have been merged with bright pop colours to create a fusion of the ancient garden with a youthful contemporary world.

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Store, Kitchen and Food Court Plan. The store interior was designed to have a cosy indoor tea house atmosphere with products on display, highlighted but eccentric elements such as a custom designed garden-type pergola, colourful mosaic artwork, and lanterns. The food court seating area was populated with colourful furniture and arranged to provide different kinds of lounging experiences.

Pergola Feature. A custom designed steel powder-coated powder coated pergola sits in the centre of the store interior, with intricate fretwork to highlight the garden theme of the Gwe Fey story.

Food Court Dining. Traditional restaurant setting for customers who would prefer the restaurant experience. Bar Tables. Facing the tea bar and dim sum counter is a bar-like setting to offer an alternative to the traditional tea setting.

Tea Tables. A few low rise tea tables are placed on the inside to encourage customer to go into the Tea House.

Waiter Station. A small service station for waiters; To help minimise the traffic to and from the kitchen. Sushi Station.

High Tea. A more sophisticated setting with high tea cocoon chairs and rug.

Couch Setting. A couch and tea table arrangement for a more formal experience. 131

3D Internal Elevations

132

Shopfront 3D Perspective Image: GWE FEY TEA HOUSE - O.R Tambo International Airport

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COSTA FURNITURE 2014_Johannesburg, South Africa

Description Custom Coffee Table Design. Having previously designed custom furniture for the clients, they commissioned the design of a custom coffee table with a modern clinical design and material to match the previously commissioned pieces. This project was done under REIS, an architectural practice in Johannesburg. I was involved in the conceptualisation , design process and intricate detailing of the furniture piece, as well as producing a set of shop-fitting drawings for the construction of the table.

APPROACH

Using glass, polished marble and mahogany, the design was inspired by architectural form and aesthetic. With geometric shapes over lapping and cantilevering over one another, accentuated by shadow gaps, the designed is inadvertently an architectural piece performing exiting gymnastics.

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VENEER TIMBER BOXES_Grain Direction_nts

TABLE PLAN VIEW_nts

ELEVATION A_nts

ELEVATION B_nts

135

SECTION A_1:10 136

SECTION B_1:10

137

SOROTI HOUSING COMPLEX 2015_Soroti, Uganda

Description Apartment Block Complex. The design proposal is for a development containing both a family residence and a group of apartments, along with other related ‘out-buildings’. The site is located in a developing region within Soroti District, Uganda. The project anticipates these future developments including university buildings, offices and other accommodation facilities nearby. This project was done under SNO.design.studio, self-owned practice. I produced all relevant designs, drawings and documentation.

APPROACH The site consists of 4 plots; The apartment blocks will take up Plot 1 & 2, while the family residence will occupy Plot 3 & 4, inevitably splitting the plots into 2 main sites. Both developments have out-buildings for secondary functions, for example, a guard’s house, guest wing and storage. Both sites are connected by a singular axis defined by a paved road with entrances at either end and a shared gate in the middle. Other amenities include parking, clothing yards and areas allocated for gardening and outdoor lounging. The design of the apartment blocks polishes up on the ‘traditional house’ architecture found in Uganda, to deliver a more contemporary design for a developing area. Each unit contains a living room, dining area, kitchen, store and two or three bedrooms. In addition, the units have balconies to allow outside access without necessarily leaving the privacy of one‘s own space. There are 12 units all together with parking space for 14 vehicles. The site also tries to incorporate small green spaces to allow for outdoor lounging, open to all residents

Apartment Block Complex_nts

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Site Layout Plan

Blocks A - D Plans

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Block D - Second Level Plan_ Two Bedroom Unit

Block D - Ground Level Plan_ Three Bedroom Unit

140

SECTION A-A _ above SOUTH-FACING ELEVATION OF BLOCK C & D_ below

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NORTHERN VIEW OF COMPLEX - BLOCK C & D

SOUTHERN AERIAL VIEW OF COMPLEX - BLOCK A & B _ above NORTHERN AERIAL VIEW OF COMPLEX - BLOCK C & D. Family Residence Compound in Background_ below

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NAGOGONGERA SEMI-DETACHED COMPLEX 2016_Nagongera, Uganda

Description Semi-Detached Complex. Design a housing scheme to fit a small plot in a developing region on Nagongera in Eastern Uganda. The scheme should provide a few units which are meant to be rented out on a shortterm basis to individuals, couples or small groups of people on-the-go. This project was done under SNO.design.studio, self-owned practice. I produced all drawings and documentation. The design process was carried out between myself and the client.

APPROACH

Given the spatial restrictions, a semidetached scheme was used, providing four units and space for parallel parking. Each unit contains a small kitchenette and dining area, bathroom and two bedrooms. As per the client's request, each unit is designed such that it may rented to separate individuals if necessary; Each room has its own external access. The units also have a main access to the shared space. Being an extremely dusty region with frequent heavy rains, most of the plot is paved, which allows for parking space. The rear end of the building has a small grassed garden which will house water collection filter tanks that will feed the bathrooms

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Building Layout Plan_1:200

UNIT 3 & 4 PLAN_1:100

SITE PLAN_1:200 145

GROUND LEVEL PLAN_1:75 146

SECTION A-A_1:50

SECTION B-B_1:50 147

DETAIL 1_1:16

DETAIL 3_1:16

DETAIL 2_1:16 148

East Elevation

a West Elevation

South Elevation

a - Main Entrances of Units 3 & 4. b - Alternative entrances for each room within a Unit. c - East

Elevation:

Front of buildings.

d - West Elevation: Backyard garden to house water collection tanks

d 149

PEACE CENTER 2017/18_Mogoditsane, Botswana

Description Prayer and Meditation Compound. There is an existing Peace Center in Gaborone (Botswana's Capital), which is a Christian Sanctuary open to the public; Providing quiet and peaceful spaces for individuals and small groups of people to mediate, pray or have quiet gatherings. The new center is to follow a similar theme in programme and aesthetic. This project was done under SNO.design.studio, self-owned practice. I produced all drawings and documentation. The design process was carried out between myself and the client.

APPROACH

The Peace Centre is to be composed of a Meditation building with a Library, a Gazebo for outdoor gatherings, as well as intimate spaces (shaded benches) for smaller groups of people. A vertical axis connects the two main structures in the compound, with a water feature (fountain) sitting between them. A horizontal axis links the two main entrance: Vehicular and pedestrian entrances. The south side of the compound will have a series of benches shaded by trees (to be planted).

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GAZEBO PLAN_1:100

MEDITATION CENTER FLOOR PLAN_1:100 151

NORTH ELEVATION_nts

SOUTH ELEVATION_nts

EAST ELEVATION_nts

WEST ELEVATION_nts 152

SOUTH VIEW OF COMPOUND

153

GAZEBO

GAZEBO ROOF RAFTER PLAN_nts

MEDITATION CENTER

SECTION A-A_nts 154

MEDITATION CENTER ROOF RAFTER PLAN_nts

SECTION A-A_nts 155

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DETAIL 2_1:20

DETAIL 3_1:20

DETAIL 1_1:20

DETAIL 4_1:20

AERIAL VIEW OF COMPOUND

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UNDERGRADUATE February 2010 - November 2013

COMMEMORATION TOWER

Description

Wits University Campus, Johannesburg

Design a tower that celebrates the up-coming 90th anniversary of the University's existence. The site is anywhere within the central lawns of the main campus. The tower is to house a university radio station and student information and help center.

APPROACH

The tower is centrally located on the university lawns, in axis with the university's 'Great Hall' classical building, however, on a lower plane, as an acknowledgement and respect for the university's past. Unlike the buildings in its vicinity, it is a light weight transparent structure, steel and aluminium frame; a metaphoric acknowledgement of the university's approach and openness to prospects. This also allows it to assert its presence without overly domineering the symbolic architecture around it. The structure is to be oriented around student social and pedestrian activity with visual interaction being one of the main design elements. The facade is made of movable panels, digital and static, that display messages and information from the different student societies, clubs and individuals. The structure can evolve into a completely open space on the ground floor - with the lower framed walls mechanically sliding up to reveal the information and help center. In conjunction with the amphitheatre-esque pavilion around the tower, the openness would possibly facilitate movement into and around the structure, creating a social hub.

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placed along the axis of the Great Hall building but on a lower level

,playing with levels in plan around the structure, to encourage social spaces around it

facade shading element with abstractly placed movable visual panels for societies, clubs and individuals to broadcast messages

refining design via sketch play of shapes, angles and visual accessibility

designing in section and volumes

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Outer shell: Made of both static and digital panels displaying messages. They may be controlled within the structure or remotely.

Inner structure: purposefully weather proofed and transparent, to house the radio station and student info centre. It also allow visual accessibility to the outside and vice-versa.

Using colours associated with university societies and clubs would help draw attention to the messages. The interchangeability of the moving panels creates an ever changing facade that remains visually interactive over the years.

GROUND FLOOR PLAN_nts 162

LONGITUDINAL SECTION_nts

Re-orienting the platforms that surround the structure (as in the section below), such that people around it can sit facing it rather than away from it. this would prevent it from isolating the people in its immediate context.

The platforms around the tower create playful lounging spaces for social interaction with small landscape trees and vegetation to provide shade. This would ideally endear the tower to the social culture of the lawns.

With stairs and a wheelchair ramp to its immediate context, the tower is welcome and accessible to everyone.

The tower is located in the centre of the library lawns, where most students lounge during breaks, between classes and for study sessions. Although centrally located, the light weight physicality of it achieved by a steel hollow section structure and permeable polycarbonate facade material, allows the tower to stand proud without overly imposing itself onto the landscape of the university. The porously placed movable visual panels on the facade also allow for visual access through the structure such that one is always made aware of the context of the university around the tower.

The facade can mechanically open up to expose the entire ground floor which is dedicated to to the student information and help center. This would help eliminate the formal stigma of most of the university’s architecture, allowing the tower to be more functional as a student center due to its free spirited atmosphere.

NECROPOLIS: CITY OF THE SILENT Braamfontein, Johannesburg

CONCEPT

Imagine the realm of transition between death and the afterlife, where the soul, spirit or ‘being’ is trying to access the next reality, the afterlife: the cemetery will try to capture this moment, to physically and atmospherically manifest this. Like the Tori gate, this becomes a window between worlds within which the living may spiritually journey through the realities of death, life and the afterlife and experience the sense of transition between them. I imagine that to architecturally represent this, could be achieved through a physical expression of the acts of: - Ascension through graduation - Flotation - Evaporation/ dissipation into the ether. The above may be done with simple techniques like changes in levels, simple illusions of floatation, visual access of light and air, so forth. We make sense of the unknown through mediums we can understand.

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Description Multi-Religious Alcove Cemetery Design a cemetery across the road from the existing Braamfontein Cemetery to help with the increasing lack of burial space in the city. The cemetery is to primarily provide several thousand burial alcoves for ashes of the dead as well as dedicated earth burial space for people of great significance. Among other things, the cemetery should facilitate a mortuary with a crematorium, commemoration building, outdoor reception area, vending shops (flowers, plaques, etc) and an office and maintenance building.

CONCEPTUAL SKETCH DESIGN The Tori gate is a symbol of transition between two different realms, as if a window of passage into another reality. This cemetery will try to emulate transitional spaces similar to the Tori gate such that someone in the cemetery may feel the surreal atmosphere that can be associated with the afterlife.

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UPPER GROUND LEVEL PLAN_nts 166

East elevation_nts

West elevation_nts

Lawn Cemetery: This is where people of prominence will be buried. This is a transitional space, a garden for the dead that reminds the person in that space of the realm that exists beyond death. This is meant to be achieved with the platform of water floating above the space(graves) and the foliage of leaves surrounding the space - as if a to freeze a moment of transcendence.

LOWER GROUND LEVEL PLAN_nts

City of The Dead: With semi underground walls covered by alcoves and burial arbores, this space is meant to feel as if one is walking within the realm of the dead - with ‘guiding lights’ in the form of glass box skylights to create the link between death and the afterlife.

Buffer Space: This is a space defined by a series of walls of variating heights with trees in between. It lies between the city of the dead and the administration & maintenance block - therefore serving as a medium that softens the break between these two different atmospheres. The administration block is designed to have lightly reflective dark frosted glazing - such that when one faces the building, it becomes a light mirror to the city of the dead behind them.

South elevation_nts

North elevation_nts 167

Commemoration Building:

Contemplative Spaces:

Like the Tori Gate, this commemoration building is meant to serve as a symbolic gateway between this world and the next. It is intended to appear as though it captures a frame of the next realm, a window to the unknown. The design tries to achieve this using reflective and translucent façades that highlight the horizon in the distance. Likewise, by use of geometric concrete frames as the primary aesthetic and structure, parts of the building start to look like massive windows through which one may journey.

This west facing space is designed such that someone in it is made aware of the life happening beneath them and the serenity of the sky/ horizon above them . Water serves as the medium between the two extremities - it appears to float into the distance to meet the horizon, emphasizing the connection between both worlds.

SECTION A-A_nts

SECTION B-B_nts

SECTION C-C_nts 168

Small Memorial Hall With water surrounding the space, it is meant to feel as though the hall is at the edge where an ocean meets the sky - as if to escort the departed to the afterlife.

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THREE CASTLES 'HERITAGE' DEVELOPMENT Marshall Town, Johannesburg

APPROACH

To acknowledge the heritage of the existing structure, the new building will a adopt a form that mimics the castle and responds to the available space on site. With the use of clean geometries, the new additions will allow the existing structure to stand out. Furthermore. parts of the new additions will borrow the old brick aesthetic of the castle, coupled with modern materials to express the ability of the old and new to coexist. On a macro level, the building is meant to reactivate this semi-industrial region of Johannesburg. This can be done by initiating activities, spaces and axes that promote pedestrian activity around the site. The building will have an axis running through it and across the front and back of it, that way movement is activated through and around it.

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Description Film Academy, Radio & TV Broadcasting Studios On the heritage site containing what is left of the ‘Three Castles’ cigarette factory, design additions to the existing structure which may also be restored. The site is to be redeveloped, including the park in front of the castle and the car parking lot behind it. The development is primarily a film academy with radio and TV broadcasting studios.

CONCEPTUAL SKETCH DESIGN The Preservation of the old is a craft within which one must persevere not to lose the architectural etiquette observed by the Heritage Monument.

Creating an avenue of movement within and around the building that encourages open spaces and social interaction to a semiindustrious environment

The addition to the Three Castles Building is informed with the great influence from the volumetric masses that the castle creates of itself and its surroundings - It materially tries to continue the old masonry construction while making strong introductions to more modern materials without overshadowing this sculpture.

Volumes as determined by the existing structure in relation to available space.

A cross-shapes axis of movement that runs within and along the front and back of the building is reinforced by social spaces such as the park and vending avenue.

Three volumes will be interlinked by bridges, walkways and social spaces within the building.

How the structure might respond to masses on the north site

Using public spaces and social activities, the Film Academy is meant to create a new activity node around Marshall Town. 171

BASEMENT LEVEL PLAN_nts

GROUND LEVEL PLAN_nts

172

SITE PLAN_nts

FIRST LEVEL PLAN_nts

EAST-WEST ATRIUM

SECTION A-A_nts PRECEDENT STUDY Name: Kraanspor Architect: OTH Architctem Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Final Completion: November 2007 Constructed Area: 12500sqm

SOUTH-WEST PERSPECTIVE

The Kraanspor is an addition to an old structure where the architects physically and emphatically detached the new structure from the old but maintain a volumetric relationship - similar to what the Film Academy tries to achieve as represented in the rendered images below. The appearance of a physical separation between the new and old structure allow the heritage monument to maintain its its integrity. This acknowledgment is strengthened by a mimicry of the form expressed by the older structure - a suggestive continuity and preservation of heritage.

NORTH-WEST PERSPECTIVE

PRECEDENT STUDY New York Times Building by Renzo Piano The film academy borrows this building’s use of a ceramic sunscreen curtain wall as a shading device. In addition, this aesthetic allows the building to appear less heavy than it is - this helps minimise its physical presence, allowing the old structure to stand out.

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DETAIL 1_nts

Vending Avenue: This avenue sits between the building’s north entrance and the parking lot, with a miniature park between the parking lot and the pathway. It is a paved path with removable light-weight kiosk stalls. These kiosk are open to the public such that any one may set up a stall at any time of day and sell small goods and services. This is meant to activate this part of the site with everyday customers from the immediate vicinity, especially during work breaks and on weekends. SECTION A-A_nts

DETAIL 2_nts

Recreation Area: Folding facade system may mechanically slide up or down as seen in Detail 1. South East Perspective: View of main entrance from the Public Park. 174

1 - Entrance Threshold: View from Marshall Street with the cafe looking out into the park. 2 - View from the Public Park: Highlighting the transparency of the building , as well as its visual relationship with the park.

SECTION C-C_nts DETAIL 4_nts

175

DETAIL 3_nts

Above: Section through Vending Avenue.

3 1 - View of North-South Atrium space from fifth floor. 2 - View of Roof Entertainment area above refurbished Three Castles building, with view into the Public Park. 3 - View of Pavilion space at the centre of the re-worked Public Park. This is meant to serve as a community gathering space for locals in the region. 176

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