Turki Alhouti | Portfolio.V6

TURKI ALHOUTI

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

University of Pennsylvania + Jefferson University + Selected Professional Work

Selected Work:

01. Old Riyadh Municipality Ongoing Independent Work

02. Form of Info Media Space - Master Thesis Project

03. Desert Reliefs Resort + Medicinal Farms

04. Branching Boise Library

05. New York_SE

The New York Stock Exchange

06. Data Skyscraper_D9 Data Center + Hotel

07. Layers+ Stress Alleviation Lab

08. OLD Textile Pavilion Factory

09. Fire Lookout Tower_CS Climate Station + Shelter

10. BIO-NFCs

Research Pavilion - Natural Fiber and Bio-resins

11. Selected Professional Work

Synesthesia by SRDL: An interactive Installation

MASEEL: Cultural/Complex Master Plan

1/2 M Cafe: Drive-Thru Cafe

KSMC

1. Old Riyadh Municipality Building

Ongoing Independent Work Location: Riyadh, SA

The Riyadh Municipality building was established in the year 1359 H / 1940 AD in the Dhahira-Hawtat Khaled neighborhood, before the municipality moved to another location southwest of Riyadh in the year 1374 H / 1954 AD. The building housed several dignitaries and poets, consisting of two floors constructed with mud and wood. Currently, it suffers from some damage due to the passage of time. My interest in creating a design proposal for the firstever building of Riyadh Municipality, designated as a historical landmark by the Heritage Commission. This side project focuses on the restoration and development of a new program for the approximately 80-year-old building located in Ad Dirah.

In Riyadh, historically, iconic buildings were constructed, and some of them still stand to this day, such as the Palace of Governance, the Police Headquarters, the Municipality Building, the Chamber of Commerce, the Saudi Arabian National Library, government ministries, gardens, stadiums, parks, sculptures, and more. All the information related to these structures can be found in detail in the previous archives.

The Saudi Heritage Commission decided to add a heritage site to the National Register of Urban Heritage in Saudi Arabia. The site included in the register is the first building that served as the headquarters of the Riyadh municipality. The Heritage Commission revealed that its decision was on the basis of the fourth paragraph of Article 45 of the Law of Antiquities, Museums and Urban Heritage issued by Royal Decree No. (M/3) for the year 1436. It aims to register the building in the List of Urban Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia to renovate, document, and protect it in view of its historical value as part of the Riyadh Central Development project. In a statement, the Heritage Commission said: “The Heritage Authority registers the Riyadh Municipality Building ... in the list of the National Urban Heritage Register, as it is a historical and heritage architectural landmark, representing a distinct period of time in the history of Riyadh.

Top: an aerial view of the city of Riyadh in the early twentieth century; bottom: an overlay of the walls of Old Riyadh superimposed on a more recent aerial view of the city. A layout plan of the urban fabric of Old Riyadh showing the city walls, gates, and some major places in the city.

Construction Patterns

1. Old Riyadh Municipality Building

Colors Forms

1. Old Riyadh Municipality Building

1. Old Riyadh Municipality Building

Facade - Materials Analysis

1. Old Riyadh Municipality Building

Stone

Straw

Mud

Concrete/Stone

Straw

Gypsum

1. Old Riyadh Municipality Building

A study titled “A Proposed Model of Assessing the Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings in Historic Jeddah” by Rawan Alhojaly, Abeer Alawad, and Noura Ghabra.

A study titled “Research Frameworks, methodologies, and assessment methods concerning the adaptive reuse of architectural heritage” by Yuan Li, Long Zhao, Jingxiong Huang, and Andrew Law. As shown in, many studies have attempted to combine heritage, adaptive reuse, and sustainable development into a holistic approach to conservation and development. It is worth noting that beginning in approximately 2018–2020, scholars have begun to pay attention to ‘strategic approaches’, ‘assessment methods’, ‘multi-criteria analyses’, ‘decision-making processes’, ‘design strategies’, ‘human engineering’, etc.

3D Scanning

1. Old Riyadh Municipality Building

3D Scanning

Photo of Main/East Elevation

1. Old Riyadh Municipality Building

Photo of North door

1. Old Riyadh Municipality Building

3D Scanning

Photo of Interior

1. Old Riyadh Municipality Building

Photo of Interior

1. Old Riyadh Municipality Building

Proposal for the Work

1. Old Riyadh Municipality Building

Proposal for the Work

To Be Continued ...

1. Old Riyadh Municipality Building

02. Form of Info.

Media Space

Master Thesis Project

Research Adviser: Na Wei | Summer 22

Location: Philadelphia. PA

Display in ACADIA Exhibition 2022.

Project Information:

A final research project, “Form of Information: A Digital Approach Toward Abandoned and Heritage Buildings” was selected for the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design faculty/students exhibition at the ACADIA 2022 (Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture), The Hybrids & Haecceities Architecture Conference.

Project Name: Form of Information, A Digital Approach Toward Abandoned and Heritage Buildings.

Research Adviser: Na Wei

Director of Ms.AAD: Ali Rahim

Teaching Assistant: Sharvari Mhatre

Robotic Lab Associate: Riley Studebaker

Co-authored with Suwei Wang

Form of Information: A Digital Approach Toward Abandoned and Heritage Buildings

Project Description:

The shift from energy transformation to information processing in the digital age has fundamentally changed human expectations, behaviors, and communication. Our response to this social dilemma is centered around the Richmond Power Generating Station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, employing an alternative and digital approach. The digital age has left a significant impact on human civilization, culture, and the exchange of information, influencing architectural design in numerous ways. The architectural field has experienced various transformations due to the digital revolution, aligning with new principles for preserving historically abandoned buildings and sites and protecting the environment.

The Richmond Station holds local and global significance in the realm of architecture as one of the foremost central power stations erected in the United States in the decade following World War I. Upon its completion in 1915, it stood as the largest and most efficient power plant in the world. It serves as an exemplary instance of the Beaux Arts style applied to a monumental structure of its kind— the power station. The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), responsible for enforcing federal historic preservation regulations in Pennsylvania, seeks to influence the National Register nomination of Richmond Station. We eagerly anticipate how our research can contribute to Richmond Station’s nomination, shaping the future of conservation and restoration efforts and adaptive reuse.

The research approach involves renovating a portion of the historically abandoned site, focusing on the concept of urban acupuncture. This transformation aims to turn it into a new social platform that aligns with the current era and serves as a gathering place for communication in the digital age. We have developed a methodology that can interact with the new robotics-created elements introduced on this site, intending to revolutionize the way we approach restoration. By restoring a segment of the site and introducing adaptive reuse, we initiate conversations and manipulate the urban fabric on a small scale, with the goal of generating broader social, environmental, and economic impacts.

The research also deals with the principles of digital fabrication in an urban setting. As the world grapples with the escalating energy demands of conventional cooling systems, the quest for sustainable alternatives intensifies. Clay, a naturally abundant and versatile material, emerges as a promising solution, offering passive cooling strategies that harmonize with the environment. Recent advancements in robotics have enabled the creation of intricate clay elements with enhanced cooling properties, paving the way for innovative natural cooling systems. These elements, meticulously crafted by robotic hands, capitalize on clay’s inherent thermal properties, effectively insulating and absorbing heat.

These examples merely showcase the vast potential of robotics-created clay elements in environmental natural cooling. As research continues to advance, we can anticipate even more groundbreaking applications that harness clay’s inherent properties to achieve sustainable cooling solutions. We aim to inspire positive change in our cities to have greater cultural, social, environmental, and economic impacts by integrating digital fabrication technologies into historical-abandoned buildings and embracing the notion of urban acupuncture.

A renderings by Courtesy of NQS Creative for the PECO Power Station on the Waterfront in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Richmond Generating Station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Robotic Fabrication Lab

Robotic Fabrication Lab

Interior Perspective + Long Section

Robotic Fabrication and Tools + Environmental Diagram

4’x4’x5’ Physical Model

Final Poster Presentation + Physical Model

Robotics-printed Physical Models

University of Pennsylvania’s Faculty/Students Exhibition at ACADIA 2022

Robotic Fabrication Lab

03. Desert Reliefs

Resort + Medicinal Farms

ARCH 705 | Instr, Andrew Saunders | Spring 22

Location: Page. AZ

Collaboration With Suwei Wang

This project represents an innovative and engaging approach in the conceptualization and design of a resort that seamlessly blends advanced technology, rich historical context, and the contemporary quest for mental health improvement and stress relief. At its core, the project leverages Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to artistically transpose and synthesize architectural elements and textures from cultural artifacts unearthed in deserts. This intersection of technology, architecture, and archaeology not only enriches the design process but also weaves a layer of cultural depth into the very fabric of the architectural design. Consequently, the resort emerges as more than a mere sanctuary for relaxation; it evolves into a vibrant space for cultural immersion and education, inviting guests to experience a deep connection with the desert’s historical legacy.

In essence, by deepening the research into desert culture and the historical significance of the artifacts being represented, the resort does not merely serve as a place of relaxation but becomes a living museum. It transforms into a space where the ancient and the modern coalesce, offering visitors not just a getaway but an enriching educational journey that highlights the timeless beauty and wisdom of desert civilizations. Through this blend of history, culture, and technology, the resort promises an experience that is both enlightening and inspiring, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the narratives that have shaped our world.

Further innovation is introduced through the use of photogrammetry to meticulously 3D scan the site, capturing the essence of the terrain with unprecedented precision and accuracy. This enables a thoughtful integration of the natural landscape with the architectural design, ensuring that the resort harmoniously complements its desert surroundings. Such a technique elevates the visitor experience, fostering a profound sense of connection to both the natural and historical essence of the desert environment.

Addressing the modern-day imperatives for stress relief, the project boldly acknowledges the shifting perceptions and legal frameworks surrounding the use of plants and herbs for medicinal purposes. This recognition taps into the broader discourse on mental health, alternative therapies, and the decriminalization of certain substances. By doing so, the project not only resonates with the contemporary societal challenges related to finances, work, and relationships but also establishes the resort as a progressive and inclusive environment. Here, guests are afforded the opportunity to safely explore and identify stress relief methods that best cater to their personal needs, all within a setting that champions both innovation and tradition.

Exterior Perspective

3d

Desert Reliefs

By integrating Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to interpret and apply textures from desert artifacts, this resort enriches its design with deep cultural and historical significance. This innovative approach transforms the resort into a living narrative, offering users not just relaxation but an immersive journey through the rich heritage of desert civilizations. The use of CNN-generated textures turns architectural elements into storytelling mediums, providing educational value and a connection to ancient traditions. Interactive exhibits and educational programs about desert archaeology and the technology behind the project further enhance this experience, making the resort a unique space where history, culture, and modernity merge. Through this, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the desert’s past, its people, and their enduring legacies, all while enjoying a stay that transcends the ordinary.

Cultural Artifacts

Desert Reliefs

By integrating Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to interpret and apply textures from desert artifacts, this resort enriches its design with deep cultural and historical significance. This innovative approach transforms the resort into a living narrative, offering users not just relaxation but an immersive journey through the rich heritage of desert civilizations. The use of CNN-generated textures turns architectural elements into storytelling mediums, providing educational value and a connection to ancient traditions. Interactive exhibits and educational programs about desert archaeology and the technology behind the project further enhance this experience, making the resort a unique space where history, culture, and modernity merge. Through this, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the desert’s past, its people, and their enduring legacies, all while enjoying a stay that transcends the ordinary.

Cultural Artifacts Defamiliarization + AI

This process of technological reinterpretation does more than just create a visually striking environment; it serves as a bridge connecting the present with the past. Each texture and material generated by the CNN carries with it stories of ancient craftsmanship, trade, survival, and innovation. These stories, woven into the walls, floors, and landscapes of the resort, invite guests to embark on a journey through time, offering them a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the desert’s historical and cultural significance in an immersive and engaging manner.

Cultural Artifacts Defamiliarization on Site

Desert Reliefs

The integration of Constructible Geometry and AI in the context of creating geometry and artifacts represents a cutting-edge approach in the fields of architecture, design, and archaeology. This concept combines the precision and rigor of constructible geometry, which deals with shapes that can be constructed using only compass and straightedge, with the innovative capabilities of AI to analyze, create, and modify complex forms and patterns. Constructible geometry refers to geometrical figures that are precise and can be constructed through simple geometrical operations. In architectural and design terms, this involves creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also mathematically precise and feasible to construct. Constructible geometry provides a foundation of simplicity and clarity, ensuring that designs can be practically realized.

Constructible Geometry + AI Geometry

Materials research for desert environments focuses on developing sustainable, durable, and ecofriendly materials suited to harsh arid conditions. This research emphasizes innovations in insulation and cooling to tackle extreme heat, durability against wind and sand erosion, and technologies for water conservation. Additionally, it considers the cultural and aesthetic integration of these materials into desert communities. The goal is to create solutions that are environmentally responsible, energyefficient, and aligned with local traditions, ensuring structures and products can withstand desert climates while minimizing their environmental impact.

Materials Research

Desert Reliefs

Jogged Section

Top View + Axonometric

Desert Reliefs

The focus on cultural and historical context transcends aesthetic appeal, providing educational value to visitors. Interactive exhibits or digital guides could further enrich this experience, offering insights into the origins, meanings, and significance of the replicated textures and artifacts. Workshops or talks on desert archaeology, architecture, and the role of technology in historical preservation could engage guests in meaningful conversations about the importance of cultural heritage and its preservation.

Desert Reliefs

The design of our resort integrates the concept of therapeutic landscapes to enhance the mental and physical well-being of our guests. Recognizing the innate human connection to nature, the resort incorporates healing gardens, serene water features, and contemplative spaces, creating an environment that fosters relaxation, healing, and mindfulness. The desert resort embraces sustainability by harnessing solar energy, employing water conservation methods, and using locally sourced, eco-friendly materials. Solar panels provide clean energy, while rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling minimize water use. Adobe and other natural materials reduce the carbon footprint and enhance thermal efficiency. These practices not only protect the desert environment but also educate guests on sustainable living, blending modern innovation with traditional wisdom to offer a model of environmental stewardship.

CNNs Research 3D-Models

Landscape Design and Detail + Interior Perspective of Lobby

Desert Reliefs

The resort’s design emphasizes therapeutic landscapes to boost guest well-being, incorporating healing gardens, serene water features, and contemplative spaces. Healing gardens offer a sensory experience with therapeutic plants, while water features like fountains and streams create calming soundscapes. Contemplative spaces provide secluded spots for meditation and introspection. Together, these elements create a peaceful environment that encourages relaxation, reduces stress, and promotes mental clarity, making the resort a sanctuary of wellness and rejuvenation. Healing gardens are carefully curated with a variety of plants known for their therapeutic properties, offering guests a sensory experience through sight, smell, and touch. The design of these gardens encourages peaceful walks and quiet reflection, facilitating a connection with nature that research has shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance psychological well-being.

Desert Reliefs

Incorporating medicinal plants and herbs into the resort’s offerings presents a unique set of legal and ethical considerations. Given the diverse legal landscapes regarding plants use across different jurisdictions, it’s crucial to navigate these complexities with diligence and responsibility.

3D Detail Section of the Agricultural Robots for Medical Farms

Agricultural Robots for Medical Farms + Programs

Desert Reliefs

Integrating contemplative spaces throughout the resort, such as secluded nooks, meditation pavilions, and viewing platforms, offers guests personal sanctuaries for introspection and solitude. These areas are designed to facilitate a deeper connection with oneself and the surrounding natural beauty, supporting mental peace and clarity. By embedding these therapeutic elements into the landscape, the resort becomes a sanctuary of wellness. Guests are invited to engage in a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation, surrounded by an environment that actively contributes to their healing and well-being. This holistic approach to design not only sets the resort apart as a destination but also underscores our commitment to the health and happiness of our visitors.

Top View of Physical Model

Physical

04. BRANCHING BOISE

Library

ARCH 412 | Instr, Lauren Thomsen | Fall 19 Location: Boise. ID

Collaboration With Scott Cousen & Sarah Meyer

Physical-Façade Model Displayed in Architecture + Design Center

Boise, Idaho is a culturally rich area with a large population influx, but with very little space to accommodate everyone’s needs. Specifically, Boise State University continually sets new fall enrollment records. This year’s number marks a nearly 3% increase from 2018 and almost 19% increase over the past five years.

The project is aimed to achieve an expansive space for the increasing crowded density of the student classes at Boise. Creating a library with the necessary program with large spaces is important to alleviate high density and create a great working environment away from the school. The library’s location is placed on the northern end of the park to take the least amount away from the campus, the park where many events occur.

The library’s purpose is to serve as needed spaces for the community and for students. This library provides the space for social, educational, and interactive possibilities for the community and students off-campus. The structure and programmatic spaces are based on the similar gridded structure of Boise City and its surrounding urban area.

Exterior Perspective + Sustainable Strategies by Jo Cowen Architects

04. BRANCHING BOISE

04. BRANCHING BOISE

2D Details of the Façade

BRANCHING BOISE

BRANCHING BOISE

Structure Systems + Façade Systems

05. New York_SE

The New York Stock Exchange

ARCH 703 | Coord, Ali Rahim | Fall 21 Location: New York. NY

This project speculates that a new typology can help sustain New York City’s global financial leadership in the world. New York cannot solely rely on import and export economies with the uncertainty of political pressures that affect the prices of goods and services. New York and other cities need to reinvent existing networks to be able to compete with trade barriers that are cumbersome and willfully destroy the growth of the global economy while having ramifications on New York City. New York City needs to raise capital as the Federal and State Governments have not helped New York’s finances in any way. If New York City mines Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT’s) that are pegged to Real Estate value in the city, residents and visitors alike can invest in the City’s future. Non-fungible tokens are a unit of data stored on a digital ledger, called a blockchain, that certifies a digital asset to be unique and therefore not interchangeable. This methodology of the project focuses on testing the limits and boundaries between programs to measure the spaces’ quality and performance. The two main spaces I focus on are data storage and museum/ galley spaces. By analyzing and examining patterns and five molding types, I am able to assemble a sequence of motion, sets of information that inform my proposal. Each of the five moldings has a specific function -from being the main structure of the building to window mullions. Focusing on the interior of the building, the transition space between the data storage and museum is created to give users access and a chance to explore and interact with the data they use and benefit from every day. Also, by analyzing the data storage spaces. The contrastive concept creates the massing and building facade based on the program and the use of the spaces. For example, the facade of the data storage has no opening, while the museum has more openings.

Elevation + Physical Model + 3D Detail Section

Top View + Plan + Interior Perspective

06. Data Skyscraper_D9

Data Center + Hotel

ARCH 507 | Instr, Edgar Stach | Fall 20

Location: Philadelphia. PA

Published in CAPE_SPACE WORK 08

The project prepares mature aesthetics and knowledge of time and era, penetrates the unknown, and discovers the words. Using generators and algorithms, the given image of the city has become a new form of psychedelic and abstract art. “Light creates ambiance, and feel of a place as well as the expression of a structure” Le Corbusier. The knowledge in the aesthetic contrast with the mystical suggestion of the systems. It focuses on spaces and ideas as forms of façade expression. The building façade becomes a symphony that shows the building’s systems that humans use and benefit from every day. The building’s aesthetics may not relate to its surroundings because it aims to make moments and spaces that give the users environmental and untraditional experiences. The design establishes public and private slipping with small and large circulation allowing many alternative areas for working or collaboration. The building systems, society, and space program research analyses how built spaces affect users interacting with them and, conversely, aesthetics and technology can affect users. It was not planned as a single building but designed as if it was a city. This is achieved by incorporating a range of urban functions, including a data center, a department store, an art museum, offices, a hotel, and an observatory. By looking at the building system in its façade, it becomes part of users’ life, not a mere building, bringing a new dynamism to Philadelphia.

Elevation

Research 3D-Models and Images

Choisy

Choisy + Details of Façade System

07. Layers+

Stress Alleviation Lab

ARCH 311 | Instr, Ryan Glick | Fall 18

Location: Philadelphia. PA

Published in CAPE_SPACE WORK 06

Exhibited in CAPE_Jeff_Exhibition 2018 Models Displayed in Architecture + Design Center

Glick’s Studio_Second Place_Selected by the Jury

This project’s methodology focuses on feelings and actions that include the secondary analysis of existing studies by Wolf D. Prix, such as The Office and Research Center, 1991. Seibersdorf, Austria. It utilizes layers of information that may introduce dynamic ideas. “To encourage the flow of creative energy, the emphasis was placed on shaping a dynamic volume: the simultaneity of systems not only in the user’s working method but also in the architecture.” Wolf D. Prix.

The project is a stress alleviation lab designed for people who experience stress and anxiety in modern life. This required a new building type that reflected their style of living and working. For example, the façade is fanned out, creating transitional and interim spaces. The balcony becomes an interim space and a walk-in view. The outward spaces can be experienced by users not only visually but also physically.

Axonometric + 3’x4’ Physical Model

Wolf D. Prix adheres to the concept that many layers make up the whole. Previous discoveries from former work layer with cultural peculiarities and the idea of dynamic reconfiguration of previous architectural sensibilities. The façade is fanned out, creating transitional and interim spaces. The expansion of the space outward, in this case, can be experienced by users not only visually but also physically: The balcony becomes an interim space, a walk-in view.

The seemingly wild and inordinate angles and forms of the building are derived from forms from the surrounding setting, be it the seemingly random signs, lights, and surrounding structures. Both are always considered and implemented. A wide variety of building parts and different constructional systems were mixed for the research center: “Simultaneous and of equal value, old and new. The simultaneity of systems exists not only in the way the scientists work but also in the architecture,” The architect Wolf D. Prix is convinced. This can also be read from the various supports, volumes, and skins.

Physical Model + Axonometric of the Office and Research Center, 1991 by Wolf D. Prix

Sectional

08. OLD

Textile Pavilion Factory

INTD 306 | Instr, Loukia Tsafoulia & Severino Alfonso | Spring 20

Location: Philadelphia. PA

Published in CAPE_SPACE WORK 08

This project’s methodology focuses on textile and its rule in architecture. The form is generated via the criticism of how to blend old and new architecture. I am testing what is the limit of each, and testing the boundary between them, to measure the quality, performance, and reliability of the space.

The fabric made for the cylinder would be woven in a double weave structure. The yarns would be made with thin polyester, so the fabric would still be translucent, even though it is a double weave. The double weave tubes in the structure are formed in the horizontal direction. They would be 6 inches wide in the finished fabric, and the space in between is 18 inches. In between the pleats, there are channels that are woven in and run the height of the cylinder. Inside the channels are plastic tubings that move with the tubes as it expands, contracts, and rotates.

Using darts within the pleats allows for a gradual release of the expansion, so a line is not formed in the structure, making it look like a ballooning is happening. For this project, I chose PVC coated polyester for the fabric. PVC-PES is hard-wearing, durable, highly resistant to weather, has high tensile strength, low flammability fire classification, resists creasing, has high levels of transparency, and can be sprayed with surface coatings to make it dirt resistant. Other coatings can make the surface more stable and help with wind resistance. The warp and weft yarns can be prestressed to add resiliency. The base material is woven high tenacity polyester fabric, and a plasticized PVC coating is applied to both sides.

Elevation

Interior perspective + 3D Rendering of Textile

Disassembly Drawing of Robotic Arms Systems + Additional Supporting Structure

09. Fire Lookout Tower_CS

Fire Lookout Tower + Climate Station + Shelter

Independent Work | Fall 20 Location: Los Angeles. CA

Every year, wildfires ravage areas in California, causing dozens of deaths. California firefighters continue to fight massive fires, including the fiercest fire near Los Angeles, which threatens thousands of homes, forcing authorities. The project demonstrates a very sensitive approach to the site. It offers the users not only a memorial but also a safe place. The idea of simplicity shows a strong maximum amount of square and border that contains accuracy. The peak of South Mount Hawkins is in itself a great way to let people make their actions. The square and border idea, establishing an interjection between fire, earth, humans, and their actions. Nature is not the only reason for the wildfires, but humans bear the bulk of the blame for the devastating wildfires. The project contains a multitude of places and ways to break the boundary between the fire and the humans. It is a way the help people to understand and see their actions.

Since solar energy occupies almost 30% of sustainability according to Heating, Cooling, and Lightning book, the concept of the design was based on it. Renewable energy principles were applied in the design through installing PV. Panels on the site to help to generate electricity to operate fire observation, radio equipment, shelter needs during times of emergency.

09. Fire Lookout Tower_CS

Wind flow can be captured by wind turbines and convert to electricity. Wind turbines have been installed on the tower facing wind direction. A generator can convert this power into electricity to supply the site with electricity. Generally, there are several different standards for wind turbines. From a sustainable perspective, easy transportation to the site should be strongly considered. Therefore, I used small wind turbines to facilitate such a major challenge.

Rainwater is collected to be reused to freshen and humidify the air inside of the lobby “Regular water use: Low Flow Fixtures are used to reduce consumption of potable water Irrigation: Potable water reduction of 1.2 million gallons/year or 30% approximately Cooling tower: Potable water reduction of 165,000 gallons/year or 100%

Los Angeles gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 34 days per year when 3.9 inches of rain happens in February. Rainwater is collected to be reused from the roofs stored in tanks to freshen and humidify the air inside of the shelter and the climate station.

Exterior Perspectives + Disassembly Drawing

10. BIO-NFCS - NATURAL FIBER AND BIO-RESINS.

Research Pavilion

ARCH 733 | Instr, Laia Mogas-Soldevila | Spring 22 | Collaboration Project

Fiber-reinforced polymer matrix has good properties and superior advantages of natural fiber over synthetic fibers in terms of its relatively low weight, low cost, less damage to processing equipment, good relative mechanical properties such as tensile modulus and flexural modulus, the improved surface finish of molded parts composite, renewable resources, being abundant, flexibility during processing, biodegradability, and minimal health hazards. A bio-resin is a resin that derives some or all of its constituent monomers from biological sources. Today’s sources are plant-based, usually corn or soybean by-products from bio-diesel fuel refinement. Other candidates include sugar cane, sugar beets, potatoes, lignocellulose, whey, and algae.

We propose a research opportunity focusing on using natural fiber composites as structural elements. We propose executing the proposal in multiple natural conditions in multiple climatic zones for over 5 years to observe and analyze how the composite panels adapt to the ambient conditions. This research proposal aims to study the behavior of such panels in nature and to further propose amendments in the design process to make the design of natural fiber-based panels in economically weaker countries costeffective.

The scope of the research is to test out the fabrication of natural fiber-based composite panels in different climatic conditions around the globe. To start off, the first chosen site is in South America, using Flax fiber and AESO soy-based resin.

Different Climates

Scope of Fabrication

Feeding bre + resin bath

Detach the axes of framework

Detach the axes of

Curing of panel

Assembly of nal form

Prepare machine for fabrication

Prepare machine for fabrication Weaving

Fibre plant cultivation

Extraction and processing

Extraction and processing

Feeding bre resin

Curing of panel Assembly nal form Fibre

Homing the machine for fabrication

Homing machine fabrication

SYNESTHESIA

An interactive Installation

Synesthetic Research and Design Lab Location: Philadelphia, PA

Synesthesia is the pilot to a series of interactive installations directed by Severino Alfonso and Loukia Tsafoulia at the Synesthetic Research and Design Lab. This project is a living organism producing dynamic, unexpected, and sensorial experiences, never static nor predetermined. The community is the maker of the installation that comes to life only through their participation. Synesthesia has been exhibited in 2021 at the HotBed Gallery, Philadelphia, USA; the European Cultural Center as part of the 17th Venice Biennial in Venice, Italy; and at the Municipal Theater of Piraeus in Athens, Greece in 2022. It was exhibited in the great hall of Trajan’s Market in Rome as part of the 2,775 years from the foundation of Rome celebration in April 2022. As an internationally traveling installation, the project engages different audiences, communities, contexts and cultures with a special focus on individuals with diverse perceptual modes. The installation’s interactive interfaces and live streaming features expand human agency through the use of sensors, actuators, realtime response, and a human-machine participatory constitution.Performance and participation are sought not only as an experience but as a way of research and a way to create knowledge and awareness, independence and inclusion; as a process and a response to social and experiential considerations.

Photo of the Installation in the Ravenhill Chapel

Elements’ Disassembly + Photos

MASEEL

Cultural/Complex Master Plan

CLEAR Engineering Consultants

Type: Commercial

Location: Riyadh, SA

The project is located in a great area overlooking the valley, which is a narrow steep-sided valley between mountains. People gather to picnic and enjoy this site’s views and wonderful weather. The project offers to the visitors a shopping and entertainment experience, as well as many options for dining, inspired by the ancient Souks of Riyadh with a modern design, bringing together all people in one place.

Area: 55311 M2

Built Area: 14.735 M2

Built-Up Percentage = 26.6 %

Total Parking Spots: 250

Cafes & Restaurants

Entertainment areas

Kids Entertainment Gyms

Top View + Axonometric + Exterior Perspectives

1/2 M CAFE

Drive-Thru Cafe

CLEAR Engineering Consultants

Type: Commercial

Location: Riyadh, SA

Half Million Saudi Riyal was the seed money that gave birth to our well-known & beloved 1/2M Coffee. The story began when two friends embarked on a journey to establish their own business in their hometown (Riyadh). Filled with aspiration and determination, they marched into the business world with a capital of only 500,000 SR. However, with the support and encouragement of their local business community, the dream became a reality. The owners’ drive, passion, and determination did not stop in Riyadh; instead, it took them to London, where they opened their first international branch. This success resulted from continuous faith and effort, and with God’s blessing and our community’s support, the success journey will continue.

Area: 875 m2

Built Area: 108.8 m2

Parking Spots: 12

Drive-Thru

Indoor Seating

Outdoor Seating

Photo

Photo of Façade

Façade Diagrams

Phase 3

Phase 3