Margit Soome portfolio 2014
Margit Soome architect, designer
Contact margit.soome@gmail.com +45 9188 8196 www.margitsoome.com www.linkedin.com/in/margitsoome
PERSONAL Date of birth: 17.07.1986 Place of birth: Võru, Estonia Nationality: Estonian Driving licence: B-category EDUCATION Sep 2012-June 2014 Master of Arts in Architecture, Aarhus School of Architecture Thesis: Forest as Venue: an outdoor performance space in a cultural context March – July 2008 Echange studies with Erasmus Exchange Program at T.E.I Piraeus (Athens, Greece)
Address Jens Baggesens vej 98, 2 tv. 8200 Aarhus Denmark Technical skills Windows Office CAD Autocad (2d) Archicad (2d+3d) Revit MODELING Sketchup Rhinoceros ADOBE Photoshop Illustrator InDesign Lightroom RENDERING Artlantis Vray PARAMETRIC Grasshopper
Language Estonian - mother tongue English - experienced Danish - satisfying (attending Lærdansk, modul 4) Russian - satisfying
Interests photography, outdoor sports, travelling,
2005-2010 Professional higher education diploma, Tallinn University of Applied Sciences (Tallinna Tehnikakõrgkool – www.tktk.ee), graduated cum laude Diploma project: Mosque and islamic cultural center in Tallinn WORK EXPERIENCE Aug 2010 - aug 2012 Architect, interior designer Kriips Punkt OÜ (www.kriips.ee) // Talinn, Estonia Responsibilities: • Developed design concepts and architectural drawings, including CAD drawings and 3d models for a variety of residential, cultural, refurbishment, mixed-use and interior design projects. • Prepared project documentation for clients, municipality etc. • Visiting sites and liaising with site managers and sub-contractors. Feb 2009 – Sep 2009 Architectural intern Tuncer Cakmakli Architect’s (www.cakmakli.com) // Istanbul, Turkey Responsibilities: • Produced CAD drawings for interior design and architectural projects • Involved in a range of architectural competitions - commercial, high-rise office building and master planning. July 2005 – Nov 2007 Draftsperson, urban planner M.K Konsultatsioonid // Tallinn, Estonia Responsibilities: • Prepared CAD drawings for master and local planning projects • Responsible for preparing project documentation, including knowledge of planning laws and codes. INSTALLATIONS Sept 2014 ‘Play the Strings’ installation for Aarhus Festuge. Strings were used to create a large music instrument where visitors could play with the strings which created different sounds. The installation therefore became closely interactive with the people, making them stop, take a brake and observe the surroundings. Concept: Margit Soome, Troels Thorbjørnson, Mariann Kim Stigsen, Location: Aarhus AWARDS 2013 out-sider Design Award 2013, 2nd place, picnic table set ‘flow’
ABOUT The works in this portfolio give an insight into the ideas, goals and motivations I have as a young architect and designer. Many of my works have been influenced by the context and have a specific cultural connection. As an architect I believe it is vital to know the effect a project can create within the surroundings. The experience I have obtained from studying and working in different countries and cultures has tought me to analyse and learn from the local situation and in the end become more sensitive to the environment. The portfolio has been divided into two parts: architectural and small scale. Although my main experience with architecture relates to building scale, I have grown an interest into design as well which has developed my knowledge with materiality and bodily experience which I hope to pursue further.
architectural
Forest as venue master thesis // graduate
Landscape route in glatved
graduate
Nordic restaurant graduate
Mosque and islamic cultural center in Tallinn diploma project // undergraduate
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Living in the woods
5
A brick stele
6
undergraduate
small scale
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workshop // graduate
Play the strings
installation // graduate
PINKKK
furniture // graduate
‘flow’
competition // furniture
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1
FOREST AS VENUE
AN OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE SPACE IN A CULTURAL CONTEXT sping 2014 // Vþru, Estonia Student: Margit Soome Aarhus School of Architecture Master thesis Many of my previous projects have dealt with cultural issues and have closely been related to its context. For my thesis I wanted to investigate a cultural phenomena in the context I come from - Estonia. For this I chose the singing and dance celebration - an event with traditional dance and choir singing which are held in a particular open air venues. These open air venues have played a significant role in the Estonian history, by being the scene of choice for the strong national tradition of folk dance and choir singing. These cultural traditions helped Estonia find and maintain its own identity, particularly throughout hardships, first and foremost the Soviet occupation with it’s censorship, which banned many national symbols and practices. Other than that the open air venues serve also as a community place where the local people gather together for a celebration both as performers and the audience.
“This is the festive reunion of an ancient folk, gathering from the cities as well as from the countryside; small as a nation, but impressively large as a family.” /Doris Kareva, an Estonian poet about the tradition of National Song Celebration/
Although the tradition of the folk dance and choir singing remain still strong and the network of venues in Estonia is wide, the performance places do not seem to enjoy the same central role and the same attraction of performances and audience as they once did. Many of the open air venues are not used and are overlooked as possible outdoor performance spaces. This results in venues that are slowly forgotten and disappear over time. In my thesis I have chosen an existing venue that represents the issues mentioned above. The chosen venue has an essential role in keeping the cultural tradition alive. However, in the current condition it lacks the potential of other use and the future of the venue is quite unclear. The thesis will therefore challenge the role of the traditional performance venue, evoking a new approach of public use and flexible program. The intention of the project is to suggest a proposal that would activate the current performance venue and strengthen the relationship between the local residents and become a recognised gathering place as it once was.
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national values
More than a ‘back stage’ singing and
The connection between the stage and dance the nature is an important aspect. In the current situation the building createscelebration a strong division between the nature and social values cultural valuesbetween these the stage. My intention is to establish a more loose connection two parts. The main concept is to use the ‘back stage’ area as an alternative outdoor performance space for smaller events. The transition area would serve as a connection between the stage and the nature. It would function as a sheltered circulation area with a connection to stage, a waiting and meeting area for performers, storage, information point, and a couple of toilets.
The open air venues in Estonia represent an example of how an architectural space is related to the culture, the outdoor environment and the local community. The success of the project relies on how to strengthen these relations by using architecture. The thesis specifically deals with the transition between the built environment and the nature but also the transition between different spaces and their functionality. The project seeks to create a versatile environment where the architecture and the landscape form a complete synthesis. Adaptability is used as a conceptual framework as it can suggest a more diverse approach to the traditional performance space.
CONCEPT
stage
nature
stage
nature transition
Big venue
small venue circulation area
parking
entrance path
‘lobby’ temporary functions
audience seating
dance floor
choir area
‘back stage’ small venue
The structure of the building is supporting the main idea of openness and connection between different functions and spaces. Different zones are separated by horisontal wooden screen that creates a light half-transparent division between spaces. The structure becomes therefore more open and more connected to the surroundings.
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concert in the main venue
concert in the small venue
The aim of the proposed program was to add versatile activities and events to the site. The events vary in scale, type and character - being organised or impulsive. The main idea is to create an outdoor space that promotes social interaction, opportunities of multiple performances and other events in a natural environment. stage Small scale concerts
Traditional song and dance celebration
audience Mixed public use - variouspublic / individual use seating areas various scale and(outdoor type ofpicnicconcerts and events classes, etc) Medium scale concerts
Big scale concerts
Traditional song and dance celebration
Traditional song and dance celebration
Big scale concerts
Big scale concerts
Medium scale concerts
mixed public use Small scale concerts
Mixed public use - various seating areas (outdoor classes, picnic etc)
Medium scale concerts
Small scale concerts
Small scale concerts
Mixed public use - various seating areas (outdoor classes, picnic etc)
Mixed public use seating are (outdoor classes, p
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Fixed seating
‘Loose’ seating
audience seating area
COMBINED
+ Mobile chair back
PLAN 1 audience area 2 dance floor 3 choir area 4 back stage corridor 5 sheltered area 6 terraced landscape - small venue 7 storage 8 wc
+ Sitting on the ground
flexible seating options
Benches & landscape steps
SECTION
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LANDSCAPE ROUTE IN GLATVED NEW POTENTIALS OF A GRAVEL PIT fall 2012 // Glatved, Denmark Student: Margit Soome Aarhus School of Architecture
For this assignment a site was given located in Glatved, appr. 60 km from the center of Aarhus. The program for the project was not given and had to be defined individually. The area has a low density of population and the main attraction on the site is the existing gravel pit. The gravel pit has been running around 100 years and will be running for approx 25 years more. The gravel piles stored on the site creates a fascinating everchanging landscape. On the site are two conveyer belts: a new one and an old rusty conveyer belt which is slowly deteriorating. concept - a narrative in the landscape The main idea was to guide people through the area by using architectural elements that emphasize some of the qualities of that particular landscape. The route goes through all different parts of the landscape and has 11 stops/ elements on the way. Some elements are just for leading the visitors, others give the opportunity to sit and stay. The route could be seen as a narrative, where the plot is revealed by one event after another one element after another in the landscape. The order of the experience rather than the physical composition gives meaning to the sequence. The route is not defined with a path and visitors can choose themselves how they explore the landscape and the architectural elements - a freedom of creating their own journey and narrative. Video through the route:
http://vimeo.com/107058239
FARMLAND - IN USE
OLD PART OF THE GRAVEL PIT NATURE HAS TAKEN OVER
OLD PART OF THE GRAVEL PIT - ‘DESERT’
INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE WORKING GRAVEL PIT
SEMI-NATURAL LANDSCAPE
INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE - GRAVEL PILES
THE SEA
Creating new connection through the landscape.
Landscape typology in the area
Examples of some chosen places and their focus points.
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10
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2
the entrance
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the shelter
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the shelter
the shelter
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the shelter
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the shelter
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the shelter
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11
viewing platform
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connection with the coastline
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bridge
viewing platform, access to the sea
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entrance
2-7
shelters
precast concrete element
wooden boards added to the sides
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viewpoint
9-11
connection with the sea
steel balustrade running up and down
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NORDIC RESTAURANT sping 2013 // Aarhus, Denmark Student: Margit Soome Aarhus School of Architecture
The assignment covers designing a restaurant that implements the ideas of The Nordic Kitchen. The ideological point of this kitchen is also used in the design process. One of the characteristics of the kitchen is using local products. Therefore the main building material of the design was assigned to be brick as a locally produced material. The assignment needed to meet also the local planning, building regulations and other building codes. All these restrictions were quite challenging to deal with but helped to understand what to expect from a real architectural project. The site is located in Mejlgade 37, in the center of Aarhus. The area is called the Latin Quarter which is the oldest part of Aarhus. The atmosphere in the area is vibrant with the narrow cobblestoned streets filled with cafes and small shops. The site has drawn public as well political interest, as Mejlgade is one of the streets in Aarhus vital for the reconnection of the historic city centre and the harbour.
the site
access both sides ‘windows’ to the courtyard
The concept of the restaurant type comes from the basic of a diner which is characterised by a casual atmosphere, a long counter, booth seating and late operating hours. The atmosphere inside of the building is greatly influenced by the materials and the forms. The large arch opening is repeated through the building creating the structure and defining the dining spaces. The large opening creates a connection between the street and the courtyard and functions as a passageway as well. Dining spaces in the restaurant are on both ground and first floor. All dining spaces are situated between the structural walls which creates more intimate atmosphere. Max nr of customers 50 (32 ground floor, 18 first floor) In the summer time the restaurant can expand into the courtyard, adding 16 places more.
preserving the access from both side of the building
the possible site infills - variety of openings that brick as the structural material can form
variety of dining cells on both floors
entrance from the courtyard
service counter & kitchen
ground floor
entrance from Mejlgade
food elevator
staircase access to the basement
first floor
SECTION
BUILDING COMPONENTS skylights
reinforced concrete
natural ventilation
brickwork curtain wall mechanical ventilation
BRICK DETAILS
external wall double arch
structured brick surface under the lightwells
internal structural wall arch
corner detail
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MOSQUE AND ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTER IN TALLINN spring 2010 // Tallinn, Estonia Student: Margit Soome Tallinn University of Applied sciences Bachelor diploma project
The idea of choosing to design a mosque and islamic cultural center for my diploma project evolved during my internship at an architecture office in Istanbul. Living and working in an islamic society provided a good overview about the daily life and traditions of muslims. Coming back to Estonia I realised that the muslim community here, despite being very small, had no religious building where they could practise their religion. Although the debate about building a mosque in Tallinn has lasted for decades, there is still no certain result or plan. For this reason decided to draw attention to this sensitive matter and give a proposal. The challenge in this project was how to integrate a very strict and controversial building into the estonian culture. My research and previous experience showed that mosques are not only places for practising religion. Cultural and public functions ar as important as being able to pray. Therefore, I decided to consider the mosque as a complex with multiple functions. A diverse range of use both public and private were added: leasure, housing, retail, educational etc. allowing nonmuslims use the center as well. This would attract local interest and integrate the complex better into the existing cultural environment.
prayer area courtyard
GENERIC MOSQUE
Yemen
Syria
Usbekistan
the hypostyle with dome accent and courtyard type
Iran
Egypt
the hypostyle with domical vaulting and an extensive courtyard type
Tunisia Turkey Ottoman style - central dome, influence of Hagia Sophia Morocco the detached pavilion within a walled garden enclosure type
West-African style, made of mud-bricks, wooden beam-ends on the facade Mali
China
Malaisia
MOSQUE TYPOLOGY ANALYSIS SITE PLAN
N
MECCA
ATRIUM cubic public connecting point
EDUCATION block classrooms, library
PRAYER cubic public, praying
Kaaba in Mecca - the simple cubic form & example of an islamic pattern
LIVING AREA private, for imam, guests
LEASURE sport facilities
Construction of the islamic pattern used in the project
Islamic pattern used as architectural elements:
Facade screen of the prayer room
Concrete structure of the prayer room’s ceiling
Facade screen of the atrium
RETAIL public street with shops, cafes etc.
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
SECTION
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
EAST ELEVATION
THIRD FLOOR PLAN
SECTION
SOUTH ELEVATION
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LIVING IN THE WOODS A SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE fall 2007 // Tallinn, Estonia Student: Margit Soome Tallinn University of Applied Sciences
The aim of the project was to design a house for a family with two children. The course assignment was also learning wooden structures, thus the main structural material of the building is wood. The project was inspired by the natural surrounding of the area. Therefore the main idea was to expose the views of the nature and connecting inside and outside environments. The residents of the house should feel like being part of the forest every day. The shape of the building creates a large courtyard with a terrace area open to the south-west. The functions of the house is divided quite clearly between the daily and night routine with a quite clear division between the private and more quiet areas and the common areas with communication and more activity. On the first floor the open living room and kitchen would be the nodal point and connect all the other parts of the building. On the first floor more private areas are sauna with shower, bedroom and home office. On the second floor are bedrooms and bathroom. All the rooms have a ’glass screen’ to make the rooms more spacious and open to the nature.
ground floor
first floor
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A BRICK STELE
WORKSHOP sping 2013 // Denmark Team: Margit Soome, Sanna Haagen Aarhus School of Architecture
The aim of the workshop was to achieve a knowledge and awareness of the aesthetic and technical potentials of the brick as a fundamental material. The spatial structure for this assignment was to be a stele - a marker that identifies the space around itself. The structure was created only by stacking the bricks. Thus, the structure achieved its stability through compression. The working process started first experimenting with the bricks in 1:10 models. Our interest became distorting a strict pattern and the form by simply turning the bricks. We tried different versions, starting with a distortion that was very little and humble and later turning into something that started taking over the structure. The process led to a an exploded corner that in the second part we realised in 1:1 mock-up in the brick factory.
Model experiments - the distortion taking over the structure
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PLAY THE STRINGS
sping 2014 // Aarhus, Denmark Concept: Margit Soome, Mariann Kim Stigsen, Troels Thorbjørnson Aarhus School of Architecture fall 2013 construction finished: fall 2014
‘Play the strings’ is an interactive installation for Aarhus Festival Week in 2014. The project is part of a series of installations designed by group of students, situated in Aarhus city center connecting Godsbanen with the Town hall. The site of this installation is next to the Music conservatory - a side street area mainly used by cars, pedestrians and bicycles. With the installation our aim was to add new spatial experience for people passing through the area and make them aware of the urban surrounding. We used strings as the main element of the installation that were connecting different levels of the site. The strings come down from the Music conservatory’s roof to the escape stairs on the other side of the street and continue down to the street level. Another aspect that we wanted to add was the interaction between the installation and the people. We wanted the people to experience the installation not only visually but bodily. Therefore the strings connected with the ground can be pulled and ‘played’. Pulling the strings would create different sounds and change the light in the night time. See the video: http://vimeo.com/107045430
plan
tion 0 Section 1:200
section along the street
cross section
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PINKKK
FSC design award 2013 fall 2013 Student: Margit Soome Aarhus School of Architecture
This project gave a good opportunity to work closely with wood, investigate wooden joints and realise a project from sketches and ideas to a final product. PINKKK is a small stool/table that can be stretched out to a longer bench. The name comes from an estonian word ‘pink’ which is used both for a stool or a bench. With this design I combined a one person stool with a bench for multiple people. The result is a piece of furniture suitable for people with minimal space. The most interesting in this project was developing the movable system from a simple geometric pattern - testing the joints and getting the right measurements was an important aspect. The flexible wooden structure was made of wooden joints that allow to change the length of the bench easily. The structure consists of a top part and four legs. The top part is made of wooden laths connected to each other with movable joints. There are altogether 42 joints in the top part. The legs are placed in two diagonals giving stability to the whole structure. The prototype is made of European ash with walnut joints. Ash is both strong and elastic which is necessary for the design. Walnut emphasises and adds a contrast to the joints.
model testing
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‘flow’
COMPETITION out-sider design award 2013, 2nd place Student: Margit Soome
The aim of the competition was to rethink the classical table set for urban space, parks or nature. The main concept of the proposal was creating a furniture that offers more privacy and more diverse use. ‘Flow’ is a structure that curves into necessary elements - benches, table, wall and a little roof offering a shelter and more intimacy. The whole furniture is connected and grows out from one object creating a simple cohesive look. The furniture consists of steel frames welded and bent into the shape. The frame is covered with weather-proofed wooden laths with dimensions 30x50mm. The wall with the roof gives protection from wind, more privacy and in addition can be used as a leaning chair.
components covering with wooden laths steel frame
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front elevation
back elevation
725
400
1785
side elevation
350 1010 1465 1860
600 1300
350
THANK YOU! margit.soome@gmail.com www.margitsoome.com