Architecture Master Admission - Lund University

ALEXANDRU STAN

PORTFOLIO

APPLICATION FOR:

MSC ARCHITECTURE AT LUND UNIVERSITY

APPLICATION NR: 17014493

SELECTED WORKS 2019 - 2022

UNIVERSITY OF ARCHITECTURE

AND CITY PLANING “ION MINCU”

+ INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS 2023

CONTACT

tel: +40747303395

Bachelor of Architectural Preservation and Restoration University of Architecture and Urban Planning Statement of purpose

I desire to study in the environment that Lund University offers, as I trust it can provide the necessary tools to enhance the ability to produce complex designs with articulate architecture for a sensitive integration of materiality, structure, and spatial order that creates meaningful spaces for both collective and individual life.

Pursuing this degree at Lund University will help me further my understanding and studies regarding how architecture affects human behaviour in different contexts, dealing with factors such as temperature, sound, visual effects, smell, and tactility in a holistic way. These elements influence the human perception of a place, and my goal is to explore their impact on a micro-level, as well as their applications in architectural complexes on a larger scale.

After completing my bachelor’s degree in architecture, I took some time to reflect and plan my next steps for advancing my studies in architecture. During this period, I gained practical experience in the industry, and participated in an architectural competition. As further proof of my commitment to continuous learning and improvement in the field, I am interested in enrolling in various courses. These include Google courses on sociology, MOOC Harvard and Lund courses on architecture and design within the city, subjects I am highly interested in. Over time, my interest has shifted towards understanding the correlation and impact that architecture can have on the social and economic aspects of a city. This led me to consider furthering my master’s studies at Lund University.

Upon reading the course prospect, I found that the courses “Advanced Architectural Design I”, “Advanced Architectural Design II” and “Advanced Architectural Design III” have a high emphasis on social context, a focus aligned with my aspirations. You may find that in my portfolio, my current design approach involves a thorough understanding of the program and context. I gather the necessary information not just to propose a solution serving a singular purpose, but the result should serve multiple purposes and core problems. This approach draws inspiration from some of my readings, including “Analysing Architecture” by Simon Unwin, “The Concise Townscape” by Gordon Cullen and “Dwellings” by Paul Oliver, with the context of social change.

Living in a constantly changing society, I recognize the importance of projects that can adapt and respond to social change. It is precisely the approach at Lund University’s master’s degree that has captured my interest, as for me architecture leads to a reflection on human nature, requiring empathetic curiosity and ethical considerations, and the master’s program at Lund University aligns perfectly with my ethics and interests, with my goals to improve and contribute to a better living situation for others.

Stan Alexandru - Nicolae

CURRICULUM VITAE

I am a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and City Planning. I am an individual capable of adapting to different scenarios and eager to undertake any complex design challenges, bringing them to successful completion.

Contact

E-mail:

Tel:

Adress:

alexandrustan.arh@yahoo.com

+40 747 303 395 (RO)

România, Brașov, Șoarș, nr .80

Languages

English

German

Romanian

C1

A2

Native

Skills

Digital skills: Photographic manipulation

Hand Model Making

AutoCAD, Rhino, Unreal Engine 5, Revit, Archicad

Hand Drawing Advanced Advanced Photoshop, Indesign

Interests

Storytelling

Gardening

Animation

Digital drawing

Calisthenics

Education

2015-2019

2019

2019

National College “Radu Negru” Mathematics and Computer Science Department

Certificate of Proficiency Computer Science

Bacalaureat Diploma - Mathematics (9.90/10), Chimistry (9.30/10) and Literature (6.70/10)

2019

2020-2021

2019-2022

Certificate for the achievements attained in the bachelor admission competition

1 semester (autumn, 4 months - from October to January) Erasmus program, Poland

“Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and CIty Planning, Romania

Work experience

2022-2023

Computer operator and assistent in architectural graphics at Cristina Neagu - Architecture Studio

Competitions

2023

2023-2024

Terra Viva Competitions - Rural Housing

Project entitled “A rural narrative” - Unique Identification Code : 47214

Buildner Competitions - House of Sha dows

(The project is ongoing)

Unique Identification Code : MFF3KUJNKD7CJREF

Reabilitation of the House

“Michael and Karl Brukenthal”:

Between Housescape and Townscape

THE SITE

The chosen site is the “Michael and Karl Brukenthal” House, a historic monument and a baroque-classicistic styled house which is located on Avram Iancu Street, in the proximity of the Main Square of the old city of Sibiu. The facade of the street faces the northwest and is easy to miss during the day as the view of the entrance is blocked by vehicles and is in direct sunlight only a couple of hours during the day.

INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC PROJECT

3RD YEAR OF BA, SEM 2 (2022)

ROMANIA, SIBIU, AVRAM IANCU STREET, NR. 8

COSMIN PAVEL

pavel_dan2002@yahoo.com

9:00 (CET) March 2022

14:45 (CET) March 2022

THE PROGRAMME

16:00 (CET) March 2022

18:10 (CET) March 2022

Due to the situation in which this house is today, the opportunity I saw was to make it of use for the community, as was the case for “Brukenthal National Museum” from Sibiu, which was the house of Samuel von Brukenthal, one of the members of this family. At his death, he wished for the house to be used by the community. The same should happen as well in the case of the house “Michael and Karl Brukenthal”. It shall be transformed to accommodate musical classes for string musicians, and also a reading space for the students from the other schools. The basement and the attic of the house should be proposed for temporary art exhibitions, and the ground floor would accommodate a guest house along with an atelier for a luthier, which fits the previous functions of this house. In the second courtyard will be a proposed terrace with tables and a veranda, a place for contemplation which is an extension of the reading spaces from the 1st floor.

This house is surrounded by several other schools.

The research reveals information about the functions (1), pedestrian circulation flow (2), legal status and protection restrictions (3), and age of the observed buildings (4).

History of the house Solutions

PROPOSAL

The proposal for the street around the house is to eliminate the access of the cars since the street is already in heavy use by pedestrians. It would encourage people to take a walk to the city centre in a more pleasant way, walking through the old town. The cars already have a parking zone outside the old town, 5 to 10 minutes walking distance from the city centre. This proposal for the urban space is a key factor to the philosophy the proposal follows. (the proposed area that is to become pedestrian is marked with red. Firefighters and suppliers for the stores are allowed to access with cars).

The philosophy of the solution centers around the idea of curiosity as explained in the book “Curious” by Jan Leslie. The proposal tries to enhance the curiosity that the old city employs in the people that travel the old town on foot, walking through the city, the townscape one meets might inspire him to visit more, travelling emerging from one type of curiosity to a stronger one, the proposal wants to make people push through the initial inhibition and to take a first step to explore. Most houses are visitable, the old town already has integrated a policy which allows historical buildings to be visited, these have this symbol at the gate, the house “Michael and Karl Brukenthal” being one of them.

Causes of decay

Encouraging pedestrians to explore the old city on foot will influence the way people perceive the houses, as explored in the book “The Concise Townscape” by Gordon Cullen. Here the idea of “enclosure” becomes the driving philosophy behind this project. People get encouraged to move away from their cars, as the cars limit the way people perceive their surroundings. While driving, the city is perceived at a fast pace and the people tend to retain less information compared to a slower pace given by walking, as people let their curiosity flourish. Where a new area of exploration is unrevealed, the space of the courtyards is a labyrinth of ideas and cultural connections.

1. Luthier’s Atelier

2. Entrance (Gangway)

3. Reception

4. Toilets

5. Tehnical room

6. Bedroom 1

7. Bedroom 2

8. Bedroom 3

9. Kitchen for guests

10. Observatory veranda

11. Second courtyard

12. House (inaccessible at the time for the survey, the plan from the ground floor is the result of the observed layout of the rooms through the windows under my tutor’s guidance. The house is proposed for renovation. It is not as old as the main house, has less value and the interior can be modified to accustom a restaurant for the second courtyard and some bathrooms.)

13. Bedroom 4

Even though it might seem odd at first glance to combine spaces that have specific requirements (reading spaces) with spaces that have opposite requirements (musical classes) in terms of atmosphere, the spaces are designed to pique the curiosity of people in a specific group at different intervals as they work in tandem. The reading space is supposed to operate during the day when even the students from the musical classes might be at school. Then there is the intersection interval that strikes curiosity the most, as it allows for the members of one group to become an audience for the other.

14. Bedroom 5

15. Bedroom 6

16. Bedroom 7

17. Bedroom 8

18. Tehnical room

19. Stairs

20. Main Courtyard

21. Tehnical room

22. Gallery

23. Musical classes

24. Toilets

25. Reading space

26. Performance room

27. Conference room

28. Secretary

29. Administrative desk

30. Accounting

Proposed structures

Mantained structures

A. Luthier’s Atelier

B. Musical classes

C. Temporary art exhibition

D. Gallery

E. Stairs

F. Main courtyard

G. Tehnical room

H. Performance room

I. Second courtyard

J. Bedrooms

K. Administration rooms

L. Reading space

M. Entrance

N. Observatory veranda

PROPOSED VERANDA DETAIL 1

•METAL ROOF

•COUNTER BATTENS

•WATERPROOF MEMBRANE

•WOODEN PLANKS

•THERMAL INSULATION/ RAFTER (30CM)

•COUNTER BATTENS/ THERMAL INSULATION

•TIMBER CLADDING

GUTTER

STORES WATER IN A WOODEN BARREL FOR LATER USE

THERMAL INSULATION (20CM)

WOODEN FACADE

PROPOSED VERANDA DETAIL 2

•WOODEN FLOOR

•THERMAL INSULATION/ RAFTER(20CM)

•TIMBER CLADDING

•METAL FOOTING

•STONE BLOCK

•GRAVEL

•SOIL

THIS FOUNDATION TYPE ENABLES SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES, UTILIZING ENTIRELY RECYCLABLE MATERIALS AND FACILITATING FUTURE INTERVENTIONS WITHOUT LEAVING A TRACE ON THE

The purpose behind discovering the house is to transition from a mere diversive curiosity about the individual dwelling to a broader epistemic curiosity about the entire city. This journey not only uncovers the significance of each specific house within the old city but also reveals the intricate connections and relationships among them.

A sequence that leads from diversive curiosity to epistemic curiosity:

1. The entrance door serves as the starting point, inviting passersby to explore within.

2. As one approaches, the option arises to either peek into the atelier through the window or venture into the courtyard.

3. Arrived inside the courtyard, one might hear the music from the performance room and be tempted to go and check its source, or leave it for later, since the vision of the second courtyard is more tempting.

4. Arrived in the second courtyard, one might hear the music through the open window above and want to observe from a distance, or might go inside the veranda.

5. The veranda offers a quiet space for contemplation, allowing observation without direct involvement, yet subtly encouraging further exploration.

6. Inevitably, a glance through the window may reveal one of the musicians and the sudden burst of piano strings might prompt for a closer look.

7. A potential encounter with the luthier at the window, revealing more about the building

8. Upstairs, the path diverges, presenting the option to explore a reading space or proceed directly to the performance room.

9. Finally, the performance room, is the destination of the journey that transforms one’s diversive curiosity into epistemic curiosity, a transition from exploring the story of the house to exploring the story of the city. exploring the house to exploring the city.

This diagram outlines paths to enhance the homescape, drawing people in with strategic framing that highlights the most architecturally valuable areas. The emphasis on framing is driven by empathic curiosity, encouraging viewers to explore the house through their perspective.

TYPE YEAR LOCATION TUTORS

Garden Dwellings: Cultivating Community

INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC PROJECT

3RD YEAR OF BA, SEM 1 (2021 - 2022)

ROMANIA, SIBIU, CONSTITUTION STREET, NR. 8

COSMIN PAVEL and CRISTINA CONSTANTIN

pavel_dan2002@yahoo.com

cristina_constantin2002@yahoo.fr

THE SITE

The given site, on Constitution Street, is a result of the enlargement of the street, an enlargement that demolished a couple of houses that were on this site. This transformation in preference for a better infrastructure for cars has left a space that now could be used for the better of the community.

Highlight of gangways of the houses from Sibiu

After studying the morphological elements of historic buildings in Sibiu’s old town, I discovered the significance of integrating loggias and gangways elements. These elements contribute to making the interior courtyard the focal point of Sibiu’s houses.

The courtyard in Sibiu plays a fascinating role, specifically when it serves as the starting point for the entire spatial arrangement of the house.

Highlight of loggias of the houses from Sibiu

The study of the morphologic elements was a collaborative work of a group of 4 people where 2 people individually assessed the gangways while the other 2 assessed the loggias.

THE PROGRAMME

Having at heart the community, “Garden Dwellings” is an architectural exploration of the measurements described by Kostas Mouratidis in his study “Urban Planning and Quality of Life: A review of pathways linking the built environment to subjective well-being”. This study and its references stay at the core of the proposed building, a space that tries to improve the life of the dwellers and teach younger generations about the aspects of a healthy community.

PROPOSAL

Creating bonds and a healthy living space requires including dwellers in social activities. The proposal achieves this by introducing the indoor gardens, the afterschool, the student’s atrium, the communal terraces, and the coffee and bakery shop as communal spaces where activities can be performed together with the other dwellers or visitors.

Improving quality of life through spaces that enhance: physical exercise, community social cohesion and equitable access to healthy food.

The courtyard serves as an intermediated space between the public zone represented by the city and the more private aspects of the apartment. This median zone serves as a shift in perspective cause once you enter the courtyard, you are free to experience any of the communities within the courtyard, and it becomes its little world, as any of the courtyards in the old town of Sibiu is.

•THE GREENHOUSE HAS LAMINATED GLASS TO PREVENT OVERHEATING AND MAINTAIN THE LIGHT AND THE VIEW

•THE SECTION INCLUDES THE VELUX SKYLIGHTS TO ILLUSTRATE THE CONNECTION WITH THE ROOF

•HIDDEN GUTTER FOR COLLECTING WATER FOR GREENHOUSE USE

•WINDOW WITH WOODEN JOINERY CONNECTED TO THE THERMAL INSULATION

•EXTERNAL PAINT FINISH

•THERMAL INSULATION

•BRICK WALL

•INTERIOR FINISH

•VERTICAL ANGLED BLINDER THAT ACTS AS A PARASOLAR

•PREFAB STONE PANELS

•AIR GAP

•THERMAL INSULATION/ SYSTEM FOR FIXING EXTERNAL CLADDING (STONE)

•BRICK WALL

•INTERIOR FINISH

•DRAINAGE

FIXING OF HEAVY EXTERNAL CLADDING (STONE) FOR VERTICAL PANELS

FIXING OF HEAVY EXTERNAL CLADDING (STONE) FOR HORIZONTAL PANELS

THE SYSTEM MUST BE FROM STAINLESS STEEL

FIXING OF HEAVY EXTERNAL CLADDING (STONE) FOR VERTICAL PANELS

IT PENETRATES THE STONE PANEL FOR 30MM AND THE SYSTEM REQUIRES RETAINING FASTENER AT THE TOP AND SUPPORTING FASTENER AT THE BOTTOM

FIXING OF HEAVY EXTERNAL CLADDING (STONE) FOR VERTICAL PANELS

IT PENETRATES THE STONE PANEL FOR 30MM AND THE SYSTEM REQUIRES RETAINING FASTENER AT THE TOP AND SUPPORTING FASTENER AT THE BOTTOM

TYPE YEAR

LOCATION

TUTORS

Half House: A Core for Community Development

INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC PROJECT

2ND YEAR OF BA, SEM 2 (2021)

ROMANIA, FICTIONAL COSMIN PAVEL and CRISTINA CONSTANTIN pavel_dan2002@yahoo.com

cristina_constantin2002@yahoo.fr

THE SITE

The site is a fictional location near a village that has succumbed to flooding, leaving some inhabitants needing a new home. The area has an uneven landscape, and there is supposed to be a road that will lead to this location.

THE PROGRAMME

The proposed solution should provide shelter for 25 families who have suffered a flood disaster in the village. The proposed houses should be easy to assemble, cost-efficient and sustainable, and these houses should provide temporary (10 - 20 years) or permanent refuge for the inhabitants.

THE PROPOSAL

1. The building’s foundation is constructed using a combination of crew piles connected to beams, supported by short poles that vary in height based on the distance to the ground level.

2. The floor is made of horizontal studs, upon which the walls will be assembled.

3. The walls, constructed with wooden pillars, are reinforced with OSB sheets at the corners. The walls feature exterior and interior plywood sheets.

4. Once the walls are structurally complete, the 1st floor will be placed.

5. The roof, consisting of multiple layers to ensure structural protection and efficient

About the proposed community

The community begins with rows of Half Houses in the first stage, offering necessary comfort for everyone. These houses are affordable, and constructed with easily available and reusable materials, mainly plywood and metal for roofs and foundations.

The community’s growth should occur organically, reflected in the unique arrangement of houses that enhance the characteristics found in the village. The distractive layout adds to the attractiveness of the homes.

The straightforward building method allows community members to participate with an expert’s guidance in the building process, reducing construction time through workforce efficiency and labour costs.

Encouraging people to participate in the construction process not only promotes a sense of ownership but also strengthens the bond between individuals and their new homes. This attachment increases the likelihood that residents will take care of their new homes.

CORE 1ST STAGE

The first stage of the house offers essential comfort with minimal environmental impact. The ‘Half House’ core allows for future expansion within property limits, preventing unplanned growth.

Plan configuration:

Ground Floor: 1 shared bedroom, 1 bathroom and 1 kitchen

1st Floor: rooms left for expansion

CORE 2ND STAGE

The second stage is for nuclear families of hour since now it offers 2 bedrooms and also a day zone of the house at the ground floor.

Plan configuration:

Ground Floor: 1 livingroom, 1 bathroom and 1 kitchen

1st Floor: 2 bedrooms, 1 toilet

CORE 3RD STAGE

The third stage is for families who seek a different configuration of the house, whether for hobbies like a painting studio, terrace, or an extra bedroom - available on either the ground floor or the first floor. The house is habitable at any stage, the further development is left to the family to handle on their own in each instance.

TYPE YEAR LOCATION

Rural Housing: A Rural Narrative

COMPETITION

PROJECT NAME

INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION PROJECT

2023 (July - September)

Italy, Lombardy, Province of Pavia, 27016

Sant’Alessio con Vialone

RURAL HOUSING by TerraViva Competitions

A Rural Narrative (47214 competitor code)

THE SITE

The site is a Cascina located in the heart of Lombardy, a place recognized for its agricultural use of the fields. The location offers numerous possibilities for a proposal that makes use of this field and the nature that surrounds it.

THE PROGRAMME PROPOSAL

Transforming Cascina Lossano into a modern housing complex involved using existing houses as boundaries for pathways between old and new structures. Circulation was designed around these buildings and the central “Aia,” respecting both present needs and the site’s historical significance.

This proposal focuses on revitalizing the Cascina by incorporating vineyards in the nearby fields. Visitors can engage in various activities, including winemaking, stargazing, biking, dining in the Aia, enjoying the poolside view, exploring the area, watching outdoor movies, caring for Cascina’s birds, and concluding the day with a campfire.

PORCH - GROUND FLOOR

REBUILDGARAGEGROUNDFLOOR

THEWINETASTEHOUSE+THESTABLES-GROUNDFLOOR

GROUND FLOOR and BASEMENT CELLAR

INTERIORCHANGINGROOM+ POOLGROUNDFLOOR

THEMANORHOUSE+GROUNDTHEFARMERSHOUSE FLOOR

The buildings along the wall serve a dual and crucial role: they complement Cascina’s functions and create a unified layout, where structures seamlessly harmonize. This enclosure of buildings elevates Cascina’s aesthetic coherence while enabling well-planned pathways. These pathways act as welcoming gateways, smoothly guiding visitors between environments.

1st FLOOR

THESTABLES1STFLOOR

The purposes of The Wall are: first, to establish a connection between the existing structures, which were initially dispersed, and second, to use the pathways that enhance navigation throughout Cascina. These pathways connect different viewpoints within Cascina and invite visitors on a journey across the estate, seamlessly integrating it with the landscape.

Keeping the materiality in context with the existing structures, the proposed structures incorporate timber wood frames structures between the wall and the existing buildings. The wall has a metal framework supporting the brick cladding. This design approach reflects a commitment to sustainability, the materials were also chosen to show a harmonic range between the reddish wood, the brick and the proposed white plaster for the existing buildings.

HOUSETHEMANOR 2ND

TERRACETHESTARGAZING

2nd FLOOR