Portfolio (Interior Design) - Aimen Abbas

CURRICULUM VITAE

AIMEN ABBAS

Admiraliteitskade 60-816, 3063 ED, Rotterdam NL +31 687927268 aimen314@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/aiman-abbas-7576b084

EDUCATION School of Art, Design and Architecture, NUST | Islamabad, Pakistan | CGPA: 3.59 | Bachelors of Architecture

2014 - 2019

Beaconhouse Educational Complex | Rawalpindi, Pakistan | CGPA/Percentage: 84.5% | A-Levels

2012 - 2014

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Private Residential Project | Lead Architect Design Development, concept development and planning Drafting 3D Digital modeling and rendering Facade Design Interior design Electrical plans and lighting design Material research

2019 - present (under construction)

Shahzad Gul Architects | Intern Architect Data collction for materials inventory and machinery used in hospital architecture Interior design and digital visualization of hospital and a cafe Digital plan renderings for presentation of various projects

06.2018 - 08.2018

Nasir’s Design | Intern Architect Interior design for residential project 3D Digital modelling | digital renderings for various projects

08.2017 - 09.2017

CITE | Intern Architect Concept development and mural design for restaurant interior

06.2017 - 07.2017

Ahmad Zaka and Associates | Intern Architect Elevation design, concept development for various residential projects Door designs for residential interior Digital rendering

07.2016 - 08.2016

NUST Literary Circle | Director Graphics NUST Adventure Club | Assistant Director Graphics Developed and supervised various graphics and illustrations for social media Banner/poster/panaflex designs for campus wide events

2017 - 2018 2017 - 2018

Community Service Project | Team Lead Designed and built recycled furniture for SAYA School for underpreviliged children Conducted an interactive workshop in the school on recycling

2018

USPCASE - Green Building Workshop | Participant

2017

ACHIEVEMENTS Winner | World Architecture Community 34th Cycle | Student Category, jury member selection

2020

Short-listed | IAP Kausar Bashir Ahmad Award (8th Cycle) | Project short-listed from total of 19 country wide entries

2020

SKILLS Software

AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Google Sketchup, Rhinoceros 3D, Lumion, Autodesk Revit, V-Ray

Languages

Urdu, English (Professional proficiency)

REFERENCES Salma Bano | Thesis Advisor | SADA - NUST t: 03315598025

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e: salma.bano@sada.nust.edu.pk, salmaabdullah@hotmail.com

CONTENTS

01

04

07

P 02 - 19

P 20 - 33

P 34 - 36

Interior Design

Interior Design

Product Design

02

RESTAURANT DESIGN

03

OVERLAPPING ROOMS

ORIGAMI ODYSSEY

P 37 - 38

P 39

P 40 - 43

Product Design

Interior Design

Product Design

05

RAILING DESIGN

06

RETRO MURAL

RE-INVENT THE PAINTING

P 44 - 47

P 48

P 49 - 53

Product Design

Print Design

Interior Design

BRICK MODULE

08

RHYME DESIGN

09

RENDRINGS

1

RESTAURANT DESIGN

Location: hypothetical Programme: hospitality - themed restaurant Size: 45’ x 50’ Type: academic, individual project

A Moroccan-style restaurant that aims to surpass a mere representation, and truly instil the spirit and essence of a Moroccan elements into a small interior space.

The restaurant draws its inspiration from the typical Moroccan architecture styles of tiled courtyards, geometric patterns and arches. The idea is to create a space with a traditional material palette from around the context. The spaces pan out as a longitudinal alley, transitioning from one space to another.

The ceramic tiles incorporated into the flooring with mosaic pattern highlighting the courtyard floor enhances the old-world charm of the space. The alley, starting with the reception, flows into the indoor seating area after crossing a buffer zone in the form of a courtyard. The spaces are segregated from each other through half-arches, like flying buttresses,that frame the spaces in a beautiful manner. The dinning is separated into a formal seating zone and a casual one at the end of the corridor, in the form of dewaans.

INTERIOR DESIGN - II STUDIO | 4TH YEAR | FALL 2017

All the walls are rendered in white stucco, creating a uniform layer. The addition of colour and geometry in multiple features such as arches, niches etc. was reminiscent of the incremental architecture style of Morocco where one can see the different layers that get added by different patrons throughout time. The wooden arches and jaalis add weight to the softness of the indoor area.

Traditional Moroccan style furniture, colourful fabrics and metallic lamps, juxtaposed against a subdued backdrop, bring out the true essence of the theme. All in all, the restaurant is a contemporary vernacular take on Moroccan architecture whose vivid informal vibe is tweaked to create a semi formal space but which is true to its culture and context.

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The foyer of the restaurant, greets the people through a large wooden door which is complimented by a statement wooden reception desk. Traditional hanging lamps, dimly illuminating the space,sets the perfect mood as people wait. Cordoned off from the rest of the restaurant by a wooden screen that still allows a glimpse into the rest of the interior.

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The entry arch leading to the wash rooms area.

The wall feature framed inside the archway presents a clean and fresh view, providing a good transition to the wash rooms area. Something which, if not treated with care, becomes an unpleasant place and people avoid dinning near it.

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Full expanse of the restaurant visible, seen from the entrance lobby. The courtyard provides a buffer and a smooth transition from the lobby to the main dinning area, with its natural elements of water and plants.

Main dinning area.

Separated into formal dinning, with the traditional wooden furniture, and casual seating in the form of dewaans. Both providing a unique individual experience.

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OVERLAPPING ROOMS

Location: hypothetical Programme: residential Size: 860 sqft Type: academic, individual project

Based on the idea of dissolving boundaries between private and public spaces inside a home, allowing for freedom of design.

The aim of this project was to understand how one room flows into the other, when placed in a studio arrangement and the role it’s interior plays to create that transition beautifully.

The space is divided into 4 major areas; kitchen, dinning, lounge and bedroom (right to left). An open kitchen arrangement allows for a good visual connection from the kitchen to the lounge, and further on. The lounge is a few levels down, creating a subtle boundary around it.

The wide steps leading to the lounge, other then accessibility, offer a casual seating spot.

INTERIOR DESIGN - I STUDIO | 3RD YEAR | SPRING 2017

To the left, a big hearty fire place separates the lounge from the bedroom. All the spaces are connected by a common pathway laid in grey ashlar tiles. The flooring and over all colour palettes gel together the open rooms, while still each retains its individual charm.

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The overlapping rooms seen together from one perspective. Starting from the kitchen counter, the grey tiled pathway leads the eye forward, as the rest of the space opens up towards the lounge.

And from there onwards into the bedroom, which retains its privacy by the huge fireplace between it and the lounge.

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Bedroom

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Lounge

Kitchen

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The view from the entrance, taking in the whole space in one sweeping glance. All three rooms are visible slowly transforming from one programme into the other.

The bedroom, as viewed from the entrance. Shades of grey and beige drape the room while accent colors like mustard and maroon bring out a pop of color. The fireplace doubles up as a divider, providing privacy from the lounge.

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ORIGAMI ODYSSEY

Programme: worthwhile object, ergonomics Size: 2’ x 4’-6” x 3’-4” Type: individual, academic project

Learning the techniques of paper folding and form finding

ART WORKSHOP - I “BESPOKE DESIGN DETAILS & CONSTRUCTION” (ELECTIVE) | 3RD YEAR | SRING 2017

A flexible, contracting and expanding structure that provides multifaceted storage slots. The varying depths of the valley folds allow different types of material to be stored. Combination of different angles allow for 2 levels of spaces, tone the top storage and the second being the work space that is split into the working glass top and the under desk storage. It is portable, adjustable and trendy at the same time.

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The first phase aimed at a familiarizing ourselves with basic paper folding methods, understanding its patterns and free exploration.

The next step was to make an intervention in an already existing origami pattern and change its grid. This would result in an iteration of the original form. The aim was create such a form that captures five shades of light.

Miura-ori technique, of V-Pleats category.

Varied by increasing distance between V-Pleats.

Thirds stage was actualizing the previously done iterations into a sound worthwhile object that can be fabricated in reality. This was to develop the understanding of the transition of joints from paper to actual material and the implications that came with it.

Iterations No. 2 and 3

No.1 Further variation in vertical distances as well as horizontal panels.

This created different depths in the valley folds that can be used to hold different sizes of objects.

No.2 Addition of 45 degree pleat to give a 90 degree bend.

This created different levels in the form. Each level can be utilized for a separate function.

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The mountain and valley fold ridges would be made with wood panels and joined using hinges.

A shift in material will take place at the vertical panels, from there onwards the desk will be in stainless steel. Here, the metal part will join with the wooden part via cut and slit method.

Drawings and Joinery 36

RAILING DESIGN

Size: 7’-1” x 7” x 3’-6” Type: academic, individual project

INTERIOR DESIGN - II STUDIO | 4TH YEAR | FALL 2017

A simple railing design based on a victorian theme.

The base is kept minimal, practical and secure.

Victorian details are added to the bars and other elements, acheived after a series of sketches and ideation.

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RETRO MURAL

Location: Chaaye Khana Multan Programme: hospitality - restaurant decor Size: 38.5” x 25” Type: professional, individual project

Chaaye khana was established five years ago in F-6 Islamabad. This tea-centric cafe follows an antique theme through most of its outlets, instilling a cosy vibe while still staying reminiscent of the history of tea, through out ages. Dim lighting, leather seating, age-old artefacts and wooden book cases provide the perfect backdrop for hang-out options for the professionals, the housewives, the family, or simply someone who loves a good book with their tea.

With Chaaye Khana now expanding to cities other than Islamabad, there’s always edition of new and different elements to the interior.

INTERNSHIP | CITE ARCHITECTS | JULY 2017

Working on the interior for Chaaye Khan Multan, it was decided to add a wall element made out of old cassettes.

Cassette covers from the 90’s, showcasing old Bollywood and Lollywood songs would add a different edge to the vintage concept, as well as a unique conversation starter.

The design process involved first trying out multiple layouts in Photoshop, which were then put together physically.

Various combinations were tested. Until arriving at the final design,

A simple arrangement in itself that highlights its individual building blocks, the cassettes, more. The right amount of balance of solids and voids was achieved using the empty cases, and cellophane paper to add a pop of colour to the overall art piece.

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RE-INVENT THE PAINTING

Type: individual, academic project

“I went out one morning to look at [the Shelton Hotel] and there was the optical illusion of a bite out of one side of the tower made by the sun, with sunspots against the building and against the sky”.

This was said by Georgia O’Keeffe, recalling the precise moment that inspired her to paint The Shelton with Sunspots.

This project aimed at translating a 2D element into a 3D one, hence the name re-invent the painting.

BASICS OF DESIGN - I | 1ST YEAR | FALL 2014

The painting is perhaps the most telling marriage of the industrial and natural worlds. The Shelton, a New York City skyscraper, cuts upward over the canvas. Her precise line work calls to mind the swift urbanization of the time.

However, over the greys and blacks of the building, she has painted circular golden sunspots that give the painting an ethereal feeling reminding the viewer that despite the rampant industrialization, nature exists. It emphasizes cluster phobic nature of city, on the play of the sky behind the buildings. It is said that she “naturalized the city”. She looked at the tall sky-scrapers the same way she viewed a flower or the mountains in New Mexico — as voluminous forms in space and light.

Notice how important the shapes of the negative spaces are.

Looking at the painting, I’m struck with a feeling of familiarity. Going back to experiences and reminiscing memories. One usually wants to hold on to memories or either at times wants to let go of them. As time doesn’t cease, our memories develop. They’re constantly being placed and replaced, contained and re-contained.

O’Keeffe at that time period was also going through a new experience, exploring the skyscrapers of New York.

She layered her painting with a touch of photographic glare. Similarly I pursued my concept of placement/replacement, contain/re-contain, furthermore with layering and overlapping.

The Shelton with Sunspots

By Georgia O’Keeffe

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Studying Formal Aspects of the Painting

The process started by dissecting the painting into multiple layers; studying the background, foreground, negative spaces, texture, line work etc. Using a different technique in each layer helped to understand O’Keeffe’s though process behind her painting. For example, the technique of collage resonated with the idea of building something from memories.

How each piece stitched together held its own identity yet helped build one holistic image. Elements of the paintings recreated through various mediums also reinforced the concept of placement, re-placement.

Analysis and Development

Keeping in mind the keywords from the concept, ideation sketches began. The sketches here show the dissection of time. Individual elements take a different form, layered and juxtaposed together, adding a third dimension to the 2D components.

Final maquette of the form achieved after the sketches. Here materiality is also taken into account.

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The final model translating “The Shelton”, into a 3D form.

The main volume stands tall just like the Shelton appeared to O’Keeffe, looking at it from below. The fragmented pieces of time, connected together with a translucent mesh of memories. Carved out of wood, the two solid volumes combine with the delicate plexiglass and metal mesh, just like the fusion of nature and industry in the painting.

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BRICK MODULE

Programme: sustainable, eco-friendly Size: 13 1/2” x 4 1/2” x 6” Type: individual, academic project

This brick module, as part of a summer workshop, was designed inspired by bio-mimicry. The temperature system inside the ant hills is what became the main idea for an environment efficient brick.

SUMMER WORKSHOP | 2ND YEAR | SPRING 2016

The design concept was developed after studying the structures created by ants to investigate the principles of their survival, which can be further used to come up with passive solutions. Furthermore, keeping the behaviour and function of ants analogous to that of the brick unit, such as change in function as ants work from individual to communal compared to the change in function of one brick unit to combined brick units.

Typical cross-section of an ant mound

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The study here shows how the internal capillary system acts like the lungs of the hills. There is one central spine (the chimney) which allows the warm air produced at the base by respiration, to rise, and exit through the porous ends. These pore, present at the surface, also allow cool air to enter the hill, and sinks lower, reaching the ants via the tiny ducts.

Furthermore, the relationship between external factors with the structure of the mound, is established. The porous surface allows for proper ventilation. The mud walls itself allow insulation. At the base, the sand is wet from the water table and through out the form the ants work together, transferring water from one ant to another via wet kisses, keeping it moist.

This understanding helps us arrive at key words leading to the final form and helping in ideation; water/moisture, ducts/ tunnels, enter/exit, air flow, pores/holes/fenestrations.

Ideation and Iterations

A basic major artery with smaller ducts branching out from it are extracted as the starting point for the brick. The bigger pipe is sought to act as a water carrying element, while the smaller ducts are to retain moisture.

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Canals to channel water, Sub canals to absorb water and allow evapo-transpiration.

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Branches developed into layers of latticework, for porosity and penetration of light.

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Shape further modified to channel water when brick is laid out in different bonds.

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Lattice work extruded and modified into pockets, for practicality and sturdiness.

Water channel shifted to a horizontal axis.

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The final brick module, cast in plaster of Paris.

The casting method involved pouring a layer of wet plaster, followed by sand where the pockets will be, lead by another plaster layer. The process was repeated until the mould was filled. After de-moulding the brick, the sand was washed out leaving behind voids.

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RHYME DESIGN

Size: 9” x 4 1/2” Type: individual, academic project

This artwork is a 2D representation of Sylvia Plath’s poem “Insomniac”. Arrived at after a series of sketches, extracted by going deeper into the meaning of each stanza, picking out key words and expressing the intangible words into a visual image.

Medium used is image transfer, collage and pen on ingres paper (pastel colour sheet). The texture of the sheet adds depth, while the effect achieved from the technique of image transfer itself translates into the essence of the poem.

INTERIOR DESIGN - II STUDIO | 4TH YEAR | FALL 2017

Insomniac - Sylvia Plath The night is only a sort of carbon paper, Blueblack, with the much-poked periods of stars Letting in the light, peephole after peephole...

A bone-white light, like death, behind all things.

Under the eyes of the stars and the moon’s rictus He suffers his desert pillow, sleeplessness Stretching its fine, irritating sand in all directions.

His head is a little interior of grey mirrors.

Each gesture flees immediately down an alley Of diminishing perspectives, and its significance Drains like water out the hole at the far end.

He lives without privacy in a lidless room, The bald slots of his eyes stiffened wide-open On the incessant heat-lightning flicker of situations.

Over and over the old, granular movie Exposes embarrassment - the mizzling days Of childhood and adolescence, sticky with dreams, Parental faces on tall stalks, alternately stern and tearful, A garden of buggy rose that made him cry.

His forehead is bumpy as a sack of rocks.

Memories jostle each other for face-room like obsolete film stars.

Nightlong, in the granite yard, invisible cats Have been howling like women, or damaged instruments.

Already he can feel daylight, his white disease, Creeping up with her hateful of trivial repetitions.

The city is a map of cheerful twitters now, And everywhere people, eyes mica-silver and blank, Are riding to work in rows, as if recently brainwashed.

He is immune to pills: red, purple, blue...

How they lit the tedium of the protracted evening!

Those sugary planets whose influence won for him A life baptized in no-life for a while, And the sweet, drugged waking of a forgetful baby.

Now the pills are worn-out and silly, like classical gods.

Their poppy-sleepy colours do him no good.

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RENDRINGS

Following are a series of interior renders done over a period of time for different projects. They were part of the interior design done for architectural projects and were not solely interior design projects.

Location: DHA III, Islamabad, Pakistan Programme: residential Size: 8376 sqft (total project) Type: professional, individual project Status: under construction (present) Basement Lobby In an otherwise, simply functional space, the staircase is designed to elevate it. It transforms into a showcase for plants, while the combination of wood and concrete add depth and texture in contrast to the floor and walls.

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Basement Lounge This part of the house is meant to be a cosy space for rewinding and relaxing. The wooden element repeated in the furniture, staircase and media shelf brings warmth to the den. Small details in design upgrade the space, such as metal joinery of the louvres, bespoke design of the media shelf.

Location: DHA III, Islamabad, Pakistan Programme: residential Size: 8376 sqft (total project) Type: professional, individual project Status: under construction (present)

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Ground Floor Kitchen Flooded with light, owing to the floor-to-ceiling window, the kitchen becomes a hearty place to work in. Connecting it to the dirty kitchen, the huge sliding door, adds an industrial element to the space. This also paired well with the brick clad niches, that bring the exterior into the interior.

First Floor Master Bedroom The challenge here was to incorporate the slant roof with the rest of the interior so that it gels in, yet stands out. Its surface is rendered in fair faced concrete as per the client’s demands.

Wooden beams allow for a good transition from one material to another.

Location: DHA III, Islamabad, Pakistan Programme: residential Size: 8376 sqft (total project) Type: professional, individual project Status: under construction (present)

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Entrance Lobby Using traditional local patterns and incorporating them in the interior was done in effort to lift up the mono-tone atmosphere, generally common in hospitals. It presents a fresh and vibrant look to the incomers.

Location: Cantt, Quetta, Pakistan Programme: cardiac centre Size: 181170 sq ft (total project) Type: professional, team project (2018)

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Entrance Lobby The entrance welcomes the students and faculty to a clean finish, classy, art-deco like vibe. With its subtle, dim lighting, gold in lays and details, the cafe gives off a very modern aura. Darker accents like teal and concrete combine the whole look together.

Dinning Area Transitioning into the dinning area, the flooring changes to a more glossy finish. Bespoke lighting design, with mesh details and clean metallic lines adds depth and character to the place.

Location: NUST University, Islamabad, Pakistan Programme: cafe Size: 5462 sq ft (total project) Type: professional, team project (2018)

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