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ARNO DECORTE SELECTED WORKS 2021

ARNO DECORTE Architect in Training

Hi, My name is Arno Decorte. I’m a 3rd year undergraduate student studying Architecture at the Welsh School of Architecture in Cardiff University. Architecture to me is a holistic field of study that incorporates the poetry of aesthetics with the pragmatism of science to ultimately create a better quality of life for its users. My ambition with design is to create spaces that are not only in harmony with the context, but ultimately leads to a net positive effect with the people who use it. The following portfolio contains a series of selected projects I have designed. I hope it demonstrates my passion for architecture as well as my philosophy when it comes to

design.

EXPERIENCE EDUCATION

2003-2018

Shrewsbury International School

A-Levels: ABB

Bangkok 2018-2021

GCSEs

Welsh school of Architecture, Cardiff

BSc Architecture

University

2017

Asia Motifs (Kristina Zanic Consultants)

2019

ALGO Architects

Architectural Intern

EXPERIENCE*

2020

Cardiff University

Exhibition Curator

EXTRA-

2019

Grange Pavilion Community Gateway

2020

Bake My Wall Parametric Workshop

WORK

CURRICULAR COMPETITIONS

Interior Design Intern

Project Assistant Participant/Curator

MICROHOME2019 - SMALL LIVING, HUGE IMPACT!

ENTRY

LINK

SHORTLISTED

LINK

KENGO KUMA & HIGASHIKAWA

RESULTS

LINK

KAGU DESIGN COMPETITION

PENDING

PAVILION OF HUMANITY: FIRST CONTACT

SKILLS PROGRAM

SKILLS

INTERESTS LANGUAGES

Adobe Photoshop

Grasshopper

Rhino 6

V-ray

Sketchup

AutoCAD

Adobe Illustrator

Revit

3D Modelling

Construction Details

Rendering

Hand Drafting

Post Production

Digital Fabrication

Physical Models

Parametric Design

Sustainable Design

Innovative Materials

Adaptive Forms

Communal/ Collaborative Architecture

English: Native Speaker

Dutch: Limited Working Proficiency

Thai: Professional Working Proficiency

* References Available upon Request

TABLE OF CONTENTS SPOTLIGHT PROJECTS - The Teotihuacan Passage - The Penarth Respite Centre - Hemptopia

1 2 3

OTHER PROJECTS - Bute East Pavilion - Multi-Generational Housing - Y Oriel Boat Club - The Walkway - Pai Microhome - KAGU Chair Design Competition

4 5 6 7 8 9

VERTICAL STUDIO - Love Grangetown - Bake My Wall

10 11

INTERNSHIPS - ALGO Architects - Asia Motifs (Kristina Zanic)

13 14

9 2

1,3-7

1 THE TEOTIHUACAN PASSAGE Beebreeders’ Pavilion of Humanity Competition 2020 1 of 40 Short-listed Entries Team Members: Nok Leung, Chayapa Udombunditkul

COMPETITION LINK

THE FERMI PARADOX: DARK WAS THE NIGHT...

A CELEBRATION OF HUMANITY We humans have been around for 11 billion years. To us, this timeframe seems like an eternity. However, in the context of the cosmic calendar, we have existed for 0.0000008% of the universe’s lifetime. Yet, despite being around for less than a blink of an eye, we have been able to land on moons, create artificial intelligence and probe the galaxy and beyond. Of all the dimensions that dictate the laws of the universe, time has been the chronologer as well as the motivator of our achievements. The Pavilion uses local materials that are organised based on an intricate tectonic strategy. As we ascend the building, the materials used change based on human interference. Starting from the rugged rammed earth, then transitioning to pine, followed by the engineered bamboo which is then overlaid by a smooth silk cloth. This aims to exemplify the human craft of using natural resources, as well as allowing the pavilion to age with humanity.

the Piramide del Sol, the picturesque Avenue of the Dead and the monolithic pedestals have our history ingrained within them. The Teotihuacan Pavilion of Humanity takes our cyclical concepts of time to produce a pavilion that recounts the story of humanity in a neverending loop. Birth, death, decay and regeneration all come together. The circulation flowing throughout the gallery takes the users on a journey from our very genesis to the contemporary humans that roam the earth today. A discussion room, a workshop and a theatre serve as interactive spaces to engage with the storyline as the user traverses the gallery. By constructing our stories of the present on the remnants of the past, we can set up a dialogue with the future. At the core of the pavilion is an open courtyard encompassing an ancient pedestal. Above, a circular aperture towards the sky encourages speculation on extraterrestrial life, to contemplate our lonely existence in such a grand universe.

With the addition of this pavilion, Teotihuacan evolves from a place The choice of Teotihuacan, Mexico as a site provides us with to remember the past, to a place that optimistically speculates on various artefacts to reference in our design. The sublime scale of our future.

THE TEOTIHUACAN PASSAGE, WITH A VIEW OF PIRAMIDE DEL SOLE IN THE BACKDROP

CONCEPT DIAGRAM: TECTONICS AND BUILDING ANATOMY

CORNERSTONE GALLERY

THE OBSERVATORY

VIEW THROUGH THE BUILDING FROM THE LOBBY

1. Courtyard Observatory 2. Gallery 3. Theatre Space 4. Cinema 5. Cafe 6. Conference Rooms 7. Workshops 8. Souvenir Shop 9. Library 10. Reception

4 2

7 1

2 9

GROUND FLOOR PLAN: THE EXHIBIT

SECTION THROUGH BUILDING: FROM THE AVENUE OF THE DEAD TO THE PIRAMIDE DEL SOL

11. Outdoor Garden Seating

FIRST FLOOR PLAN: EMBRACING THE CONTEXT

2 HEMPTOPIA YEAR 3 UNIT 10: THESIS PROJECT PROVOKING WASTE Tutors: Lisa Harmey & Gavin Finnan

‘OUTGROWING WASTE’

OUTGROWING WASTE The primary topic in UNIT 10 is the subject of waste. Waste is a massive issue in the present day, as we continue to rapidly develop, the amount of waste left behind seems to grow exponentially. Before tackling the topic of waste, it is important to begin by defining exactly what waste is? This is a lot more difficult than it seems, as waste can manifest it self in a plethora of different ways. In our exploration of the topic, our unit read various pieces of literature on waste, beginning with the seminal work of Kevin Lynch in his book ‘wasting away’. The baseline definition of waste can be described as something that is eliminated or discarded as no longer useful or required after the completion of a process. However, as we see in these pieces of literature, there are tangible forms of waste: land, items, people, space down to intangible forms of waste such as the loss of time. Sometimes waste does not even have to necessarily be a degrading thing, it could be an object in inertia as seen in Donald & Lindners work. The aim with these pieces of literature

is to take in to account the multi-dimensionality of waste in our attempt to address it. Calling back to all of the themes explored throughout the entire development process, Hemptopia seeks to revitalise the site by interacting with the various layers of waste that manifests itself on site, and converting these in to positive aspects that feed in to the design. The result is the birth of a new industry that aims to embody a new school of thought, one that shows us that we are indeed able to source most of our resources from organic and sustainable methods. Waste is manufactured through our stigmatisation, and Hemptopia aims to show how a change of perspective is all it takes to become waste-free.

THE BIRTH OF A NEW INDUSTRY Calling back to all of the themes explored throughout the entire development process, Hemptopia seeks to revitalise the site by interacting with the various layers of waste that manifests itself on site, and converting these in to positive aspects that feed in to the design. The result is the birth of a new industry that aims to embody a new school of thought, one that shows us that we are indeed able to source most of our resources from organic and sustainable methods. Waste is manufactured through our stigmatisation, and Hemptopia aims to show how a change of perspective is all it takes to become waste-free.

MODULARITY & JOINERY Inspired by Kengo Kuma’s Nest We Grow project, a construction system was developed and explored using a model. The aim of the framework is to create a study structure that is able to support a growing facade on the exterior by cantilevering outwards. The result is a modular structural system that creates an open space in its interior while supporting a dynamic facade that puts the growing process on full display.

7 9 8

5 6

10 12 13

3 1. Open Assembly Area 2. CBD Oil Distillation 3. CBD Oil Extraction 4. Laboratory 5. Boiler Room / Changing Area 6. Living Area for Workers 7. Private Outdoor Communal Space 8. Hemp Processing 9. Textiles - Weaving, Retting 10. Cafe Space 11. Product Storage 12. Public Outdoor Seating 13. Retention Pond Courtyard (Runoff + Ely)

2 1

Module Construction Existing Structure Water Flow

GROUND FLOOR PLAN - PRODUCTION / CONSUMPTION

Wall Composition: 1 Prefab Wall panel with 200mm Hempcrete Infill 2 13mm Panelvent Sheating 3 Novia 0.25 mm VPC Layer 4 25mm PAR Softwood Reveal 5 140mm Thermafleece Natrahemp Insulation 6 47x75 mm tanalised timber counter batten 7 Hemp and sugar composite corrugated tile cladding 2.5mm

1 2 3

5 6 7

DETAIL 1:10 - WALL COMPOSITION

2 3 4

DETAIL 1:10 - FLOOR COMPOSITION

DETAIL SECTION - A STRUCTURE MADE OF HEMP, GROWING HEMP

Concrete Foundation 1 Smooth Concrete Screed Finish 75mm 2 Hempcrete Rigid Insulation 220 mm 3 Damp proof membrane 0.25mm 4 Reinforced Concrete Raft Foundation 150mm 5 Construction waste hardcore 150mm 6 Celcon Foundation Blocks 255mm 7 Foamglass Thermal Insulation 100mm 8 Reinforced Concrete Footing

A MONASTIC COURTYARD

GROWING AND PROCESSING

EXPOSED LABORATORY

GROWING AS A PERFORMANCE ACT - A VIEW OF THE SPIRALLING ASSEMBLY SPACE

SECTION AA - GROWING SPIRAL AND OIL PRODUCTION

SECTION BB - WEAVING, GROWING AND RECREATIONAL SPACES

3 THE PENARTH RESPITE CENTRE YEAR 2 UNIT 2: COMPREHENSIVE PROJECT SELECTED FOR DISPLAY IN WSA EXHIBITION 2020 Tutors: Annie Bellamy & Sam Clark EXHIBITION LINK

THE PENARTH RESPITE CENTRE FOR YOUNG CARERS

HOPE, RESPITE AND RESPONSIBILITY A ‘Respite Centre’ is a building that aims to provide short-term breaks for caregivers of a child or adult with some form of affliction. The aim of this project was to consider the role of public hospices and respite centres in contemporary society and to use architectural design to support the well-being of young caregivers.

with their responsibilities than they were before they came in. To achieve this, a balance of 3 different sectors should be created. A private sector of introspection, reflection and most importantly , rest. A Semi-public sector that allows fellow caregivers to commune and share their unique experiences. Finally, a public sector that integrates the locality of Penarth and perhaps even allows the Caregivers are individuals who must bear a heavy burden. This caregivers to contribute to society. project aims to acknowledge this responsibility in a unique way. This respite centre aims to be more than just a ‘resting place’ by creating The Site is located in Penarth Wales,. A sloping site containing the opportunities for users to develop and challenge themselves. Oakhurst Mansion. The building itself is decaying and clearly just a Through this approach, the respite centre aims to create an memory of the structure it once was. environment where users leave rested and more equipped to deal

A Day in the Life in Plan - 1st Floor Fragment 4 - Hope

7 AM: Rise

rd 11AM 11AM-1PM: Watch a Play

A view to the horizon is a strong m of hope. Reminding us of our abilit past our current struggles and to e better future

Cafe &

Fragment 5 - Vicariousnes

atre

The strategic placement of multipl allows users to observe others from distance. It allows the user to creat distance without isolating themsel entirely from the social milieu.

9PM: Sleep

FLOOR PLAN LEVEL 0 Day in the Life in Plan - Ground Floor

agment 1 - ‘Limbo’ 9 AM: Lecture 10 AM: Courtyard

Space between Spaces. A fragment mbolizing change and ephemerality.

agment 2 - ‘Mashrabiya’ 1PM: Lunch at the Cafe 2 PM—4PM: Arts & Crafts

soft’ perforated barrier creates privacy while aintaining the connection to the outside. A gment for introspection. Oakhurst serves as a ckdrop

4 PM: Library 5 PM: Dinner

agment 3 - ‘Biophilia’ 6-8PM: Film in Theatre 8 PM: Leisure

e desire to interact and be closely associated th other forms of life in nature. A fragment of atitude.

FLOOR PLAN LEVEL 1

A REVITALISED WINDSOR GARDENS - THEATRE SPACE AND OUTDOOR CAFE / STAGE

HOPE - VIEW FROM THE BALCONY OF THE YOUNG CARERS’ ACCOMMODATION

THE GREYPONIC COURTYARD - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THROUGH FARMING AND NURTURING

TECHNICAL SECTIONS

CURTAIN WALL DETAIL

SECTION CC - SECTION THROUGH THE COURTYARD

CORNER DETAIL

BAY STUDY - VIEW IN TO CAFE/BALCONY SPACES

THE PENARTH RESPITE CENTRE - INSIDE OUT

SECTION AA - THROUGH THE PRIVATE AREAS

SECTION BB - THROUGH THE SEMI-PUBLIC AREAS - LIBRARY & TEACHING SPACES

OTHER WORKS

YEAR 1: Y ORIEL BOATCLUB & THE WALKWAY

Y ORIEL BOATCLUB: SPLIT FLOORS

Y ORIEL BOATCLUB: OVERALL VIEW

THE WALKWAY: EXPERIMENTAL MODELMAKING

Y ORIEL BOATCLUB: UPPER PLINTH

YEAR 2: GRANGETOWN PAVILION & HOUSING FOR THIRD AGERS

HOUSING FOR THIRD AGERS: VIEW DOWN CENTRAL PAVILION

GRANGETOWN PAVILION: INTERIOR COLLAGE

GRANGETOWN PAVILION: MODEL

HOUSING FOR THIRD AGERS: OVERHEAD VIEW

BAKE MY WALL PARAMETRIC WORKSHOP

Vertical studio is a module offered by the Welsh School of Architecture. It is an opportunity that allows students to work on a choice of various projects with practicing architects. These could involve built projects or training. In my case, I was involved in two during my first and second year at the university. Love Grangetown is a Community Gateway project that was involved in the promotion of the construction of the Grange Pavilion. I was involved in communicating with potential users of the pavilion as well as creating promotional renders of the interior space. ‘Bake my Wall’ was a workshop aimed at working with algorithmic architecture, by recreating the idea of the simple architectural element of a ‘wall’ through Grasshopper.

KRISTINA ZANIC 2017

My Dream Bedroom Mood board

MOOD-BOARD MADE FOR A PROJECT

ALGO ARCHITECTS 2019

ILLUSTRATION SHOWING MATERIALS, AND SHUTTER SYSTEM

PHOTOS BY THANIK YINDEEPIT

WORK EXPERIENCE INTERNSHIPS

Asian motifs is an interior design firm that is a subsidiary to international award winning firm Kristina Zanic Consultants. Here I was involved in the design process of curating materials and presenting concepts. ALGO Architects is a small architecture firm based in Bangkok. Their portfolio spans from small-scale residential projects to larger scale hospitality projects. I was involved in the early design stage for a clubhouse in one of their masterplans, as well as producing illustrations for the completed Craftsman Hotel (shown below).

Thank you for viewing my portfolio Have a great day!