Professional Portfolio | Neamah Chaarani

SELECTED PROJECTS

ARCHITECTURE

PORTFOLIO

Neamah El Masri Chaarani 2022-2024

Director Architect: Robert Ward-Booth; Mobile: 07850 997026

Email: mail@wardbooth.com

Web: www.wardbooth.com

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Project manager: Hadia Taha Kahraman; Mobile: 90 536 607 88 33

Email: hadia.m.taha@gmail.com

During my time at Ward-Booth, I had the privilege of collaborating with project teams to understand the scope and requirements of restoration projects, particularly those involving historic landmarks and architectural features. This role allowed me to work closely with a multidisciplinary team, developing concepts and designs that honor the legacy of these significant structures.

I utilized ZBrush to digitally sculpt accurate models based on scanned data of surviving stonework or reference materials, ensuring seamless integration with existing structures. By employing Unreal Engine, I created immersive visualizations that captured the grandeur and significance of historical landmarks, such as the Gate of Virtue. Additionally, I enhanced the visual appeal and coherence of scenes using DaVinci Resolve, implementing post-production effects and color grading techniques.

Working closely with artists, architects, and project managers, I ensured that digital models and visualizations met project specifications and client expectations. Throughout my time at Ward-Booth, I stayed updated on industry trends and emerging technologies in digital sculpting and visualization, continuously improving my skills and workflows. Although my tenure at Ward-Booth was only a year, the opportunities for growth and the knowledge I gained were truly invaluable. The support, guidance, and camaraderie from my colleagues made my experience enriching and fulfilling. I will always cherish the memories and lessons learned during this period.

As I move forward in my career, I am excited to bring these skills and experiences to new projects, continuing to honor and preserve the architectural heritage that inspires us all.

TABLE OF CONTENT

GONVILLE CAIUS COLLAGE GATE

CARTOUCHE REPLACEMENT

Designing and sculpting a new cartouche for Gonville and Caius College: Ward-Booth Partnership has scanned, recorder, and digitally sculpted a replacement for the hostoric decorative cartouche above the Western entablature of the Grade I listed Gate of Virtue to enable its full restoration.

Link to Render Video: https://youtu.be/2AQR4GBMs7I?si=yMWE0csoZtvot85t

GONVILLE CAIUS COLLAGE GATE

CARTOUCHE

The historic decorative cartouche is a stone carving located above the Western entablature of the Gate of Virtue, a significant architectural feature dating back to the Elizabethan period. This notable piece sits at the heart of the old courts complex at Gonville and Caius College, one of the University of Cambridge’s venerable institutions. Over time, natural weathering has caused the stonework of the original carving to decay beyond repair, necessitating a meticulous replacement to preserve the historical integrity of this Grade I Listed structure, which denotes buildings of exceptional interest.

The Ward Booth Partnership undertook the complex task of restoring the cartouche. Initially, the team scanned and recorded the surviving historic stonework to capture its intricate details accurately. This digital documentation was crucial as it formed the basis for the subsequent work in digitally sculpting the design for the replacement cartouche, ensuring fidelity to the original craftsmanship.

The process began with drawing sketches of the fruits, in-

spired by old drawings, to ensure historical accuracy. These preliminary sketches were carefully studied and then imported into AutoCAD, where the elements were meticulously arranged to replicate the original composition. This stage required precise alignment and scaling to maintain the proportions and aesthetic balance of the historic piece.

Using Rhinoceros, a sophisticated 3D modeling software, the team modeled the fruits, leaves, and drapes. This phase was focused on creating a detailed and faithful representation of the original design, paying close attention to the organic forms and intricate details that characterized the original cartouche. The next phase involved exporting the model into ZBrush, a digital sculpting tool, where the team added intricate details to the faces, drapes, leaves, and fruits. This step was particularly challenging as it involved restoring the delicate facial features, especially the bearded faces, to their former glory. The work required a high level of artistry and precision to ensure the new cartouche would blend seamlessly with the historic fabric of the gate.

Figure. 1, Ancient Art Canvas, which is the Cartouche originally inspired from.

Figure. 2, Ornaments Sculpting.

Figure. 3, Base Model.

Figure. 4, Heads Sculpting.

Figure. 5, Full Mesh Model.

The stone carving was created with several components, each of which was grouped separately to facilitate later editing and refinements. This modular approach was essential for managing the complex details of the cartouche and ensuring each element could be individually perfected before being combined into the final piece.

The base table stone served as the foundational layer, providing structural stability and a reference point for the entire composition. This element needed to be accurately modeled to ensure that all subsequent components would align correctly and maintain the original proportions and aesthetic integrity of the historic piece.

Next, the heads with the beards were meticulously sculpted. These were among the most intricate and artistically demanding parts of the cartouche, requiring careful attention to the facial features, expressions, and the texture of the beards. Achieving a lifelike and historically accurate representation involved detailed digital sculpting, which was done in ZBrush to capture the nuanced details that characterized the original stone carving.

The drape with the fruits and leaves was another critical component. This element added a decorative and symbolic layer to the cartouche, reflecting the Elizabethan period’s ornamental style. Each fruit and leaf had to be individually modeled and then arranged in a flowing, naturalistic pattern that mimicked the original design. The drapes connecting the eyes to the main fruit-drape structure were particularly challenging due to their delicate and intertwined nature. These elements had to seamlessly integrate with both the facial features and the main decora-

tive drape, requiring a high level of precision and artistry.

Working with such a detailed mesh model posed significant challenges. The process involved constant adjustments and refinements, requiring a dynamic workflow. The team frequently alternated between remeshing the model, which is the process of optimizing the mesh to ensure it is both detailed and manageable, and sculpting. This back-and-forth process allowed for the continuous improvement of the model’s fidelity and detail.

Remeshing was necessary to maintain the model’s structural integrity and ensure it could be efficiently edited in the 3D software. Each remeshing step involved simplifying or refining the mesh to balance detail with computational efficiency. After remeshing, the model was sculpted again to restore and enhance the intricate details, particularly in the most ornate and complex areas.

Throughout this process, the model was frequently exported to Rhinoceros (Rhino), a versatile 3D modeling software used for further adjustments and alignment checks. Rhino provided a robust platform for integrating the various components and ensuring that the overall composition was cohesive and accurate.

The iterative process of remeshing, sculpting, and exporting to Rhinoceros was essential for achieving a high-quality restoration that honored the original cartouche’s craftsmanship. This meticulous approach ensured that each element of the stone carving was faithfully recreated, allowing the restored cartouche to seamlessly blend with the historic fabric of the Gate of Virtue.

Figure. 6, Front Elevation Before and After.

Figure. 7, West Head Before and After.

Figure. 8, East Head Before and After.

Figure. 9, Cartouche before restoration.

Figure. 10, Cartouche after restoration.

Upon completing the detailed sculpting in ZBrush, the refined model was exported into Unreal Engine, a powerful rendering engine. This allowed the team to integrate the cartouche model with a digital mesh of the Gate of Virtue, facilitating the creation of high-quality video renders. These renders showcased the design both before and after restoration, providing a compelling visual narrative of the cartouche’s condition and the meticulous restoration process. These visual tools were invaluable for demonstrating the project’s progress and the level of detail achieved in the restoration.

The restoration of the Gate of Virtue’s cartouche exemplifies the Ward Booth Partnership’s commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. This approach ensures that historical architectural elements are preserved for future generations while maintaining the integrity and beauty of the original design. The project not only restored a significant piece of the college’s heritage but also set a precedent for how modern technology can be harnessed to conserve and enhance historical structures.

Figure. 12, Restored Cartouche 02.

Figure. 11, Restored Cartouche 01.

VIEW OF GONVILE AND CAIUS GATE COLLAGE WITH THE RESTORED CARTOUCHE

The historic decorative cartouche is a stone carving located above the Western entablature of the Gate of Virtue, which dates back to the Elizabethan period and which sits at the heart of the old courts complex at Gonville and Caius College. Due to natural weathering, the stonework of the original carving has decayed beyond repair and now needs to be replaced.

HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/RUW2BL5-TIY?SI=NMTQ0VM-RXYTVPCB

HANDLEY EDGE HOUSE DESIGN

For this project, the client wanted a vintage design for their house. I started by creating detailed 3D models in Rhinoceros (Rhino), focusing on capturing the intricate details of the vintage style. To achieve the perfect aesthetic, I experimented with different materials and textures.

Rendering Process:

Unreal Engine and Rhino Workflow: I utilized an iterative workflow between Rhino and Unreal Engine to produce high-quality, photorealistic renders. This included testing various lighting conditions and environmental settings to enhance the vintage look. Cinematic Views: Unreal Engine was key in cre-

ating cinematic views, providing a realistic and engaging presentation of the house. Animated Video Render: To further immerse the client in their future home, I created an animated video render. This involved:

Scene Composition: Setting up camera paths and animations in Unreal Engine. Post-Production: Using DaVinci Resolve for color grading and refining the animation, ensuring a polished final product. This project demonstrated my proficiency in 3D modeling, rendering, and video production, effectively communicating the client’s vision through detailed and high-quality visualizations.

Figure. 13, Details on the Entrance.

Figure. 14, Details on the Entrance.

Figure. 15, 3D View.

Figure. 16, Elevation.

Figure. 17, Elevation 02.

Figure. 18, Entrance 02.

HEATHFIELD ART STUDIO

The Heathfield family wanted to build an art studio in their large backyard for the housewife to use as her art workshop and exhibition space. The design’s main objective was to create a functional and inspiring environment that maximized natural light and seamlessly integrated with the surrounding garden.

Design

PROFESSIONAL

Utility Space: A small utility room was included for storing art supplies and canvases, ensuring the main studio space remained organized and clutter-free.

Materials

Concept:

Color Palette: The color palette was inspired by the client’s artwork, ensuring the studio’s interior complemented and enhanced her creations.

Nature Integration: To maximize exposure to nature, the studio features an open front, allowing for unobstructed views of the garden. This design choice extends the garden into the workspace, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor environments.

Natural Light and Ventilation: Good quality sunlight and controlled ventilation were essential for creating an optimal environment for painting. We incorporated a large skylight positioned above the primary work area, providing abundant natural light and creating a serene atmosphere for artistic endeavors.

and Construction:

Black Steel Panels: The exterior is clad in sleek black steel panels, offering a modern and durable finish that contrasts beautifully with the lush greenery of the garden.

Open Front Design: The open front design features large glass doors and windows, which can be fully opened to merge the interior space with the outdoors, flooding the studio with natural light and fresh air.

Final

Result:

The final design achieved a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. The art studio not only serves as a creative workspace but also as an exhibition area where the client can showcase her artwork. The integration of natural elements, thoughtful use of materials, and attention to the client’s needs resulted in a space that is both inspiring and practical for artistic work.