Architecture portfolio

Aadil Shah Architecture Portfolio Level 7 Architecture Apprenticeship 2019 - 2025

www.aadilarchitecture.com

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Experience

Education

Initiatives

2024 to present Graduate Design Consultant (Sustainability) at Hilson Moran in London

2024 MSc Environmental Design and Engineering at Bartlett UCL for 1

2020 to present Entrepreneur at UniqueUtopia which is a clothing brand based online

- Computational Design: Utilise Rhino and Grasshopper to refine architectural and environmental strategies.

- Problem-Solving: Develop data-driven solutions and evaluate design options through rigorous research.

- Communication: Present findings and design insights to architects, engineers, and stakeholders.

2022 Pre-Part I Architectural Assistant at Studio Mehta for 3 months in Kenya

Project 1: RIBA Stages 0-3 equivalent.

Project 2: RIBA Stages 4-5 equivalent.

- Time Management: Devised a Gantt chart to communicate deadlines and tasks.

- Professionalism: Liaised with a surveyor on legal and permit-related issues that comply to local building regulations.

- Technical: Developed technical diagrams and designs - Revit, Rhino.

- Collaboration: Worked with the head architect in the concept design phase, creating an effective 25% report presentation – AutoCAD, Enscape, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator.

2018 Architectural Intern at Satish & Associates for 3 months in Kenya Collaborated on project concepts in design workshops with a team. Participated in meetings and prepared progress reports.

year, where I was awarded a high 2:1

Worked on 2 design projects with a multidisciplinary team naturally ventilated theatre and Solar passive dwelling.

- Low Energy Housing Retrofit using PHPP (Passivhaus) toolkit.

- Multi Objective Design Optimisation using grasshopper - Dissertation Topic: “How do different refurbishment packages impact the life cycle environmental performance of UK office buildings across various age cohorts”

2022 RIBA Part 1 Architecture at University of Kent for 3 years, where I

Skills

Negotiated with manufacturers on garment production.

Generated designs, advertisements & website - Adobe and Blender

Achievements 2023 Grasshopper at PAACADEMY 2023 #ArtOfTheCity Competition using design skills to win third place

years

A-level Maths (B), Pre-U Art (M2), Pre-U Physics (M2), EPQ (B) 2

Blender 3Ds Max AutoCAD Unreal Engine

InDesign Premiere Pro TwinMotion Enscape

Presidential Award received Bronze

Final project: Repurposing an old parking lot into a multi-use space (education + retail) in Ramsgate.

Dissertation “Can/How architectural innovations help slum settlements in rural Kenya develop while reaching their sustainability targets?”

ABRSM in Violin grade 6, Piano grade 5,

Microsoft Office Grasshopper

and Theory grade 5.

IES VE PHPP EnergyPlus jEPlus (+EA)

References

Python

Hilson Moran upon request

Beg

Amar Mehta at Studio Mehta

Int

Adv

Architecture softwares

info@studiomehta.com

Univeristy professors / tutors at both UCL and University of Kent upon request

Explored the history and practical design elements of exhibition making. Additionally, collaborated with a team of four, BIG and Fondazione Prada, to create a sustainable modular exhibition system.

Visualisation and Presentation Engineering and Optimisation

Website

School 2019 A levels at Rugby School for 2

SketchUp

Illustrator

and silver award

2023 Architecture for exhibition at YACademy for 5 months in Italy

Revit

Photoshop

was awarded a 2:1

Course

Rhino

Aadil Shah +44 7864052140 aadil2701shah@gmail.com British Citizen

CONTENTS

01

Pg 4

02

Pg 12

03

Pg 16

04

Pg 18

Design ethos Social

Innovative

Sustainable.

While sustainability can encompass social, economic, and environmental factors, my focus 2 FONDAZIONE PRADA

1 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

05

Pg 22

06

3 CASA SS

Pg 24

07

4 URBAN INTERVENTION

Pg 25

08

lies in deepening environmental understanding through performance-driven design. I strive to create socially responsive spaces that foster engagement and inclusivity while leveraging innovation through available softwares and computational tools.

Pg 26

By integrating these methodologies, I aim to find a balance between form, function, and environmental responsibility, ensuring that architecture remains adaptive, forward-thinking, and impactful.

5 SOLAR PASSIVE DESIGN

6 GRASSHOPPER

7 H\B:ERT

8 FINE ART

Twin Motion

University Projects

Collaboration Projects

Other

Projects

Ps

Enscape

Auto CAD

Tools used in specifc project

Rhino

Insights gained from each project

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1 // Year 3 Project RIBA Part 1 Architecture

Ramsgate, United Kingdom

01 ARCHITECTURE DESIGN Twin Motion

v

Enscape

Auto CAD

Rhino

Id

Ai

Revit

SketchUp

Brief This project transformed the Royal Harbour Carpark into a dynamic civic space, embracing the theme of trade and exchange to promote community growth. Developed in collaboration with Our Kitchen, Windmill Community Gardens, and Pie Music Factory, the design aimed to blend cultural, social, and economic elements through innovative and adaptive reuse, creating a space that is both engaging and sustainable.

Key features The design includes a planter pulley system on the south facade, an ETFE-glazed greenhouse for heat retention, and a moss wall around the performance space for sound absorption. Natural light openings in the performance area enhance atmosphere, while modular growing systems and movable shading devices improve thermal comfort and adaptability.

4

5

LAYOUT

4

9 1 3

Original carpark

Grid

Understanding layout using grid

Layout

Access

2

3 10

Sunlight

Common Spaces: - Venue/Gallery Space - Hall - Kitchen - Storage Room - Shop

Second Floor

Ground Floor

Morning

Option A Pie Music Factory

5

Windmill Garden Our Kitchen

6

11

12

7

Afternoon

Option B

8

Growing spaces Flow Entrance/Exit Route

Evening

Option C

First Floor

Third Floor

Finalised Spaces for Each Floor According to the Grid This project emphasized designing layouts that enable safe, collaborative, and harmonious use for diverse users.

Understanding how different users interact within a shared environment was key 6

Ground

First

Second

Third

1. Theatre 2. Restaurant 3. Green Room 4. Trade Room 5. W/C 6. Play Room

7. Offices 8. Music Room 9. Offices 10. Terrace 11. Recording Studio 12. Growing Room

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FORM AND FUNCTION Organic spaces

Facade shape Enclosed spaces

Option A

Option B

Option C

Option D

The enclosed spaces reflect office areas, providing structure and privacy, while the organic forms house the growing and food spaces, creating a more inviting environment.

Option B

Option D

Facade curvature and light - sketch models

C-curve

S-curve

I learned the importance of designing exteriors that articulate interior functions, establishing a coherent architectural language that enhances user experience and conveys the building’s purpose.

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Quick sketch models are essential for testing and understanding physical interactions in ways that software modeling cannot.

Construction systems

Modular growing system connections This type of connection creates hidden connections, keeping the final fnish clean and attractive.

Developed by the seixsie (6x6) connection system by Cesare Roversi CLT wooden frame growing room

Connection

Hydroponic System - Green Wall

1. Timber and aluminium layer 2. Diffuse pipe to spread water 3. Nutrients and Geo-textile 4. Root chamber 5. Safety frame for support

I developed a modular growing system inspired by Nest we grow, allowing flexible configurations based on crop requirements. The design uses cube spaces to enable efficient adaptability and maximize cultivation potential.

I enjoy reseraching new systems and technologies and incorporating them into my design, suhc as the 6x6.

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CONSTRUCTION DETAILS 1

3

4

2 5 6

Technical Detail A. Wall Roof Detail

A. Wall Roof Detail

1. Timber hardwood - sloping for drainage 2. Adehered water control membrane 3. Water barrier 4. Coping 5. Sealant at the back of frame 6. Flashing 7. Timber decking slope 1/100 8. Acoustic air gap 9. 2 x 15mm thick plasterboard

14 13 12 16 15

Planter Detail 1. Green Wall Detail 2. 12.7mm Plasterboard 3. Wooden Studs and Noise Reduction Insulator 4. 2 x 25mm M2TECG Shaftliner Insulation 5. 19mm Air Space + H-Studs 6. Back to Back C-Track 7. Aluminium Clips 8. Fire board 9. Wooden Studs 10. Frame System 11. 12mm Waterproof Backing 12. 4.5mm Geotxtile Rear Drainage Layer 13. 12mm Waterproof Backing 14. Irrigation System

B. Wall Floor detail

17 18

19 20

10

21

B. Wall Floor Detail

12. Min. 15mm gap for ventilation and drainage 13. Insect mesh/screen 14. Preformed metal flashing 15. Drip groove 16. Wood packing 17. Breather membrane 18. DPM min 150mm above ground 19. Galvanised steel sheet (prevent rusting) 20. Heavy duty nut and bolt 21. Connector joining column to slab

I explored a sustainable approach to high acoustic performance by designing a sound-absorbing wall with live moss for the performance space, integrated with an irrigation system that uses rainwater collection on the roof.

This is the interior of the performance stage, where openings in the ceiling create natural spotlights on the stage and seating areas. The angled and curved forms enhance acoustics by reflecting sound towards the audience.

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2 // YACademy: Architecture for Exhibition

Milan, Italy

02 FONDAZIONE PRADA Twin Motion

Ps

Enscape

Auto CAD

Rhino

Id

Ai

Revit

SketchUp

Brief This project involved designing a modular and scalable exhibition system for Fondazione Prada in collaboration with Bjarke Ingels Group. This project was aimed for a mobile exhibition, performances, and events spaces, while being financially sustainable and environmentally responsible. Inspired by the foundation’s focus on cultural accessibility, innovation, and interaction, the design reflects its philosophy and integrates seamlessly with the context.

Key features Modular Exhibition System that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Scalable and Flexible Design: Allows spaces to transform for performances or art installations. Focus on Lightweight and sustainable Recyclable materials and energy-efficient lighting systems. Use of modular panels to minimise waste and enable efficient transportation.

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13

The Link Components

The Link - manufactured components Sustainable, local, standard dimensioned building components

Step 1: Horizontal components are introduced - for seating/ platforms to display 3D artwork

Step 2: Inserting the vertical locally sourced material Components added into the link 14

The line of movement and connections

Step 3: Adding more componets together to make a wall

Step 4: Attaching the manufactured componenets of the Link to hang artwork.

Re-Inventing an Exhibition Wall The wall system distinguishes itself through its flexibility, modularity, and adaptability and can be easily repurposed.

Its design accommodates a range of straight and curved forms, serving dual functions. Additionally, it offers a versatile platform for showcasing diverse artwork and provides seating for viewers.

Another defining characteristic of the installation system is its flexibility, allowing the use of any appropriate material for the vertical components. This enables the representation of the site’s context and culture throughout the exhibition and ensures the preservation of Fondazione Prada’s distinct identity.

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3 // Pre-Part 1 Architectural Assistant Project

Nairobi, Kenya

03 CASA SS Twin Motion

Ps

Enscape

Auto CAD

Rhino

Id

Ai

Revit

SketchUp

Brief This project drew inspiration from a Spanish/tropical-themed courtyard home, focusing on privacy, compartmentalized living, and picturesque moments. Designed with enclosed spaces such as an orange tree courtyard, a back garden with a pool, and private access to a guest annex, the objective was to create a serene yet practical living environment. The design emphasized privacy and flexibility through movable walls and doors that allow sections of the house to be closed off when not in use, enhancing efficiency and reducing maintenance.

Key features Enclosed Courtyard Design for tranquil atmosphere. Utilised a thin strip of no man’s land to secure sunlight exposure and views.

Positioned the main building to avoid terrain dips and potential flooding. Reinforced concrete piles driven to 2.5m depth to address groundwater flow and unstable soil.

Excavation and replacement of black cotton soil with red soil to prevent structural issues. Tall entrance walls and strategic placement of spaces to maximize seclusion

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The Site

The Concept N

Ground Floor Plan

Noise

W

E

Plot Parameters

S

The noise barrier is set approximate 4m from the site boundary to increase the comfort of the habitants.

I learnt the importance of balancing openness and privacy effectively in residential design, while integrating aesthetics and function enabling the creation of picturesque moments with elements like the orange tree courtyard. Another key aspect in residential projects is efficient space utilization

Views of the orange tree courtyard

1°13’46.0”S 36°47’34.5”E To the north of the site lies an area called no-man’s land, while to the south, an open area with limited prospects for development provides an unobstructed view. This open space on both sides allows for ample southern and northern light to permeate the site.

Quick Sketch during design workshop

Geology Certain vegetation found around that site is protected.

10.18° 5.47m 3.39° 80.43m

Site terrain

Plan of the orange tree courtyard

Axonometric of the backyard

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4 // Year 2 Project RIBA Part 1 Architecture

Canterbury, United Kingdom

04 COLLECTIVE DWELLING Twin Motion

Ps

Enscape

Auto CAD

Rhino

Id

Ai

Revit

SketchUp

Brief This project aims to create modern infill housing and mixed-use developments within Canterbury’s historic urban fabric. Located just inside the ancient city walls the design seeks to unite diverse residents through well-integrated communal spaces. By blending contemporary architecture with historical context, the project promotes sustainability, community engagement, and a sense of belonging.

Key features Combination of apartments, townhouses, and communal spaces to maximize the limited urban site. Communal Spaces: Cafes, event areas, and a small sports field designed to foster interaction. Public Connectivity, such as pedestrian-friendly pathways linking the site to historical landmarks

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FLOOR PLANS

Ground Floor Floor Plan - 3 Bed House

0m

5m

This project focused on designing for community cohesion that promote interaction and social integration. It aided in my development of pinning importance to the social aspect of architecture, while navigating regulatory constraints while desinining near a heritage site.

Balancing aesthetics, sustainability, functionality, and historical context refined my ability to make holistic design decisions

Plan - 2 Bed House

0m

5m

First Floor Floor Plan - 3 Bed House

0m

5m

ELEVATIONS

SE Elevation

20

NW Elevation

0m

5m

0m

5m

MASTERPLAN dsafsdfdsafd

2 Bed Public Spaces 3 Bed 1 Bed 4 Bed

SECTIONS

East-West Section

North-South Section

0m

5m

0m

5m 21

5 // Environmental design and engineering MSc

London, United Kingdom

05 SOLAR PASSIVE DESIGN Twin Motion

Ps

Enscape

Auto CAD

Rhino

Id

Ai

Revit

SketchUp

Brief This project explores the integration of passive solar strategies into residential design, balancing architectural form, energy efficiency, and environmental performance. Tasked with creating a selfsufficient solar-powered home for a couple, with one working as a childminder caring for up to 10 children, the design had to prioritize thermal comfort, daylight optimization, and sustainable energy use while operating within strict site, material, and spatial constraints.

Key features Inspired by vernacular Basotho huts, the form reinterprets traditional architecture into a modern, high-performance dwelling, blending contextual sensitivity with advanced environmental strategies Integrating passive design strategies such as solar orientation, thermal mass (trombe walls), and natural ventilation to optimise energy efficiency while ensuring thermal comfort. Locally sourced compressed earth blocks, adobe, and recycled glass bottles reduce embodied carbon. Using computational tools, the design was refined for daylighting, ventilation, and solar performance.

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Level 1 3000

Level 0 0

1

North facade

Level 1 North

3000 1 : 100

Level 0 0

South

2

Optimal Orientation

South facade

1 : 100

N

Level 1

Bedroom

Workspace

Courtyard to create private children play space

Access to courtyard from private and work space

Overshadowing of workspace Issues of and privacy overheating of open to road private space

3000 Garden shifted back of home

Level 0 0

Kitchen

WC

2

Increase solar gain in private space

Addition of south- Increasing surface Reduce exposed facing rooms to area creates more wall area to minimise solar gain thermal bridges minimise heat loss

South 1 : 100

1. CEB 2. Sheep wool insulation 3. Secondary glazing Living Room

Garden Work space Private space

Addition of trombe walls to increase thermal mass

4. Adobe 5. Gravel 6. Corrugated sheet steel 7. Sheep wool insulation 8. Plasterboard Trombe wall

Angled north facade allows more sunlight to Final plan reach trimbe wall 23

6 // Other Projects

Post YACademy Project

06 GRASSHOPPER After YACademy - Fondazione Prada Project 01 During the Fondazione Prada Project, my team and I considered a parametric design approach. However, the brief’s focus on ‘maximum financial sustainability’ made this infeasible. Nevertheless, this sparked a more profound interest in parametric design, leading me to learn Grasshopper after the course.

1.0

3.1

3.3

4.0

2.0 4.1 3.2

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7 // Other Projects

Post YACademy Project

07 H\B:ERT After Architectural Desgin Project 02 I employed the H\B:ERT tool by Hawkins\Brown to evaluate and understand embodied carbon for my Architectural Design project (pg 8). After examining individual green wall materials, I inserted these values into H\B:ERT, resulting in the table displayed below.

-

-

Embodied Carbon Material: Name

Material: Volume

Material: Density (ton/m3)

Material weight (ton)

Material: Waste rate (%)

Overall material weight (waste inc.)(tons)

Material: Embodied Carbon (tonCO2/ton)

-

Overall material EC (tonCO2e)

Material: Transport coefficient (%)

Overall tr

-

O2e) 08036 62902 06861 82085 70506 59819 82858

HBA_Concrete - Precast Block HBA_Growing Medium HBA_Gypsum Plasterboard HBA_Insulation - Mineral Wool HBA_PVC General HBA_Wood - Glulam Grand total: 52 Embodied Carbon Material: Material: Transport Name coefficient (%)

0.42 m³ 21.20 m³ 0.54 m³ 21.25 m³ 21.14 m³ 2.12 m³ 66.68 m³

2.3 0.06 0.8 0.025 1.38 0.5

0.968069 1.271902 0.43299 0.531308 29.176807 1.062127 33.443202

1.161683 1.29098 0.530413 0.611004 30.635647 1.168339 35.398066

0.2 0.015 0.225 0.15 0.05 0.1

0.093 2.45 0.39 1.28 3.1 0.512

0.108036 3.162902 0.206861 0.782085 94.970506 0.59819 99.82858

-

0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03

Material: Overall transport Volume ECMaterial: (tonCO2e) Density Material: (ton/m3) Construction Materialcoefficient weight (ton) (%) Material: OverallWaste Construction rate (%)EC tonCO2e) Overall material Material: weight End (waste of life inc.)(tons) coefficient (%)Material: Overall Embodied End of Carbon life EC (tonCO2e) (tonCO2/ton) Material: Overall Replacements material EC (tonCO2e) over 60 years Material: OverallTransport EC sum (tonCO2e) coefficient (%)

HBA_Concrete - Precast Block0.03 0.42 m³ HBA_Growing Medium 0.03 21.20 m³ HBA_Gypsum Plasterboard 0.03 0.54 m³ HBA_Insulation - Mineral Wool 0.03 21.25 m³ HBA_PVC General 0.03 21.14 m³ HBA_Wood - Glulam 0.03 2.12 m³ Grand total: 52 66.68 m³

0.003241 0.094887 0.006206 0.023463 2.849115 0.017946 2.994857

2.3 0.06 0.8 0.025 1.38 0.5

0.9680690.07 1.2719020.07 0.432990.07 0.5313080.07 29.1768070.07 1.0621270.07 33.443202

0.2 0.015 0.225 0.15 0.05 0.1

0.006302 0.218131 0.011821 0.047605 6.331367 0.038067 6.653293

1.161683 0.02 1.29098 0.02 0.530413 0.02 0.611004 0.02 30.635647 0.02 1.168339 0.02 35.398066

0.0021610.093 0.063258 2.45 0.004137 0.39 0.015642 1.28 1.89941 3.1 0.0119640.512 1.996572

0.108036 3.162902 0.206861 0.782085 94.970506 0.59819 99.82858

0 0 1 0 1 0

0.11974 0.03 3.539178 0.03 0.458049 0.03 0.868795 0.03 212.100796 0.03 0.666166 0.03 217.752724

Overall tr

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8 // Other Projects

Canterbury, Paris, London, New York

08 FINE ART

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AADIL SHAH www.aadilarchitecture.com

Email: aadil2701shah@gmail.com Phone: +44 7864052140

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