/ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO/
/Selected works
ANISSA MANAKKAL/
Work Experience
Architect
As an architecture graduate, I am excited to start contributing to the industry using the skills and knowledge I acquired during the past 5 years of theoretical and practical coursework.
I aim to create spaces that are beneficial to both people and the environment by incorporating sustainable and regenerative design.
I am eager to join a forward-thinking firm where I can exercise my passion to make a positive impact on the built environment.
Software Skills
Other Experiences
Proposed an extension to the existing Al Mahatta Museum to revive the historically significant site.
Contact Details
ANISSA MARIAM MANAKKAL
Nexus Academy / Thesis
SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY CENTRE
Mahatta / Live Project
URBAN INTERVENTION
/ Housing Studio
SOCIAL HOUSING
Renders / Other works
INTERNSHIP AND MORE
NEXUS ACADEMY
SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY CENTRE
The typology of this design project is indeed a school, but it redefines traditional notions of educational institutions. Unlike conventional schools that operate within set hours, this innovative concept transforms into a dynamic hub that serves its community both day and night. By seamlessly transitioning from a bustling educational space during the day to a vibrant community center after hours, it maximizes its utility and impact.
During daylight hours, the facility hums with the energy of learning, providing a nurturing environment for students to engage in academic pursuits, extracurricular activities, and social interactions. However, as the sun sets, the space undergoes a metamorphosis, evolving into a welcoming haven where community members converge for various recreational, cultural, and social activities.
SHARJAH UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The Al Zahia Educational and Community Hub is envisioned as a dynamic and inclusive facility designed to serve both educational and community needs. The project will cater to students from Foundation Stage through Year 13, offering a broad curriculum under the IGCSE school board. In addition, the facility will provide a range of amenities and spaces accessible to the
The design addresses the local shortage of schools and community services. Total Site Area: 65,000
Located near a major road, the Al Zahia Hub faces potential traffic congestion
Surrounded by upcoming residential projects, the Al Zahia Hub will be a
The nearby mall and clubhouse could be sources of
MUWAILEH, ZAHIA
Well lit courtyards on the south side and the longest side faces northern
Organnic bridge capturing capturing nothern in-
Manipulating prominant winds using narrow pathways and pleasant plazas
Courtyards to encourage prevailing winds from
Courtyards inviting prevailing wids and provid-
Staggering facade and incoorporating bridges to create shaded spaces in between blocks.
Couryard and cut outs to create well-lit and naturally ventilated interiors.
CROSS-CURRICULAR
KIDS
FEE COUNTERS
AUDITORIUM (600 cpa
PRIMARY CANTEEN
GR1 AND 2 CORRIDOR
YR 7 AND 8
STAFF CORNER
LIBRARY COWORKING
LEADERS AND ADMISSIONS
CROSS-CURRICULAR LABS
PRAYER ROOMS
SECONDARY
PRIMARY
CROSS
WORKSHOP
PASSIVE DESIGN AND RAMMED EARTH CLADDING LIVING PERGOLA LAYERS
LOCAL GROUND COVER
VEGETAL SUBSTRATE
Vegetal canopy to shade the open plaza spaces in between the school blocks
DISTRIBUTION
MEMBRANE
WATERPROOF
MEMBRANE
Vegetative canopy aids in boosting biodiversity and enhancing air quality by reducing pollution and controling humidity.
Daylight entering classrooms indrectly
Recurring courtyard spaces to regulate heat and bring in more daylight
Rammed earth cladding to reduce solar gain
Creating quiet break-out nooks
Rammed earth cladding offers excellent thermal insulation, is highly durable, and provides natural aesthetic appeal. It’s eco-friendly, using local materials and enhances indoor air quality.
SECTION AA’ KEY PLAN
NORTHEAST ELEVATION
SOUTHEAST ELEVATION
MUSEUM EXTENSION
URBAN INTERVENTION LIVE PROJECT
The urban intervention at Mahatta aims to rejuvenate the Mahatta Museum and its surrounding area, emphasizing the site’s historical significance. By revitalizing underused spaces and structures, the project will create a vibrant social hub that fosters community engagement and celebrates local heritage. The design will incorporate sustainable practices, adaptive reuse, and green spaces, ensuring that the intervention respects the area’s historical character while meeting contemporary needs.
This transformation will not only enhance the cultural and social life of Mahatta but also set a precedent for sustainable urban development. Through thoughtful design and cultural programming, the intervention will create a dynamic, inclusive environment that attracts both locals and tourists, promoting longterm economic and social benefits for the community.
STREET LANDUSE BUILDING
Preserving the ethos of the museum and making it a living historic exhibit
Center for adapted physical education, including social adaptation, and introduction to a healthy lifestyle
Educational and scientific programs centered on the history of the museum
Innovative industries, Knowledge exchange, and Competitive industries.
A concert hall and conference halls along with the business center will generate further profit for the cultural sector.
Workshops . Exhibts
MAKE LEARN PLAY
Museums . Interactive spaces
Kids . Cinema. Market. Concert
DO
Installations . Retail
Historical dry salt flat landscape
Introducing a water stream in the salt flats
Solid masses emerging from the landscape
The water stream bringing in the greenery
Interactive ramps with exhibits accessible by all
URBAN GRID
Following the musuem's axis
ITERATIONS
MIMICKING MASS
Built mass around the periphery
SURROUNDING MASS
Mimicking the urban fabric
PUBLIC PROMENADE
Interactive urban spaces
EMBRACING VIEWS
Identifying major view points
PLAY OF LEVELS
Directing the views to the musuem
DESIGN INTERVENTIONS
CIRCULATION
Bridging Ramps
FLOOD MITIGATION AND SOLAR IMPACT
HOUSING STUDIO
KARAMA SOCIAL HOUSING
The brief called for the design of affordable social housing in Karama, replacing old, run-down apartment blocks. Our concept focused on creating courtyard spaces, with staggered terraces overlooking these vibrant areas to foster a sense of community and harmony. These courtyards are carefully positioned to provide shade and privacy, enhancing the residents' experience.
The design promotes interaction by connecting all apartments into a single, cohesive unit. Connectivity extends beyond the terraces and courtyards, with integrated cutouts and voids across the five levels, from the ground to the fifth floor, encouraging engagement and a sense of unity among residents.
PROJECT BRIEF
SITE: Karama
SITE AREA: 41,000 sqm
The brief required us to design affordable social housing in Karama in place of the old run-down apartment blocks that are being demolished.
We considered FSI = 2. 15% of the site was used for commercial purposes, 50% as ground cover out of which 15% was for roads
CONCEPT
The idea was to create courtyard spaces and have staggered terraces overlook these potentially vibrant and happening open spaces to create a sense of harmony.
DESIGN DETAILS AND LAYOUTS
Connectivity does not just exist between the terraces and the courtyards, it is also integrated between the 5 levels from the ground to 5th floor through cut outs and voids in the corridors.
These voids also bring in daylight from the skylight and aid in cross ventilation.
CREATING VIEWS
Staggering the levels allowed the project to take advantage of daylighting, views, shading, cross ventilation, etc.
The biggest challenge was figuring out the structural system. Although columns were difficult to place, once sorted, were worth the effort. STUDIO
SITE PLAN
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
FIRST FLOOR LAYOUT
SECOND FLOOR LAYOUT
THIRD FLOOR LAYOUT
FOURTH FLOOR LAYOUT
SOUTH SIDE ELEVATION
EAST SIDE ELEVATION
SECTION THROUGH MAIN COURTYARD
FACADE
The facade is made up of geometric panels of perforated aluminum. This not only reduces the harsh rays of the afternoon sun but also reflects heat and light.
OTHER WORKS
RENDERS AND INTERNSHIP WORKS
During my internship, I gained valuable experience by enhancing my software skills and applying them to real-world projects. I had the opportunity to work on several intriguing assignments, including the design of schools and a police station, which were both new and exciting challenges for me. These projects allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in a practical setting, broadening my understanding of architectural design and project development.
The following is a compilation of some select projects I worked on, showcasing the diverse skills and experiences I gained outside of my university coursework.
MEETING ROOM
GREEN ROOM
LECTURE HALL
PODCAST ROOM
OUTDOOR LEARNING
With seating and interactive spaces for casual discussions
WISE CLASSROOM
STORE ROOM
ENTRANCE VESTIBULE
INCLUSION ROOM
ELEVATION A
Email ID:anissa2000.manakkal@gmail.com
ANISSA MANAKKAL/