Architecture Portfolio

Architecture PORTFOLIO

Arshi Kasmani

CONTENT

1: RETROFIT OF THE SCIENCE BLOCK - VERTIGO

2: THE ST ALBANS SPIRE

3: Prototyping Learning Spaces - ITALY

VERTIGORETROFIT OF THE SCIENCE BLOCK

3RD YEAR STUDIO

PROJECT NARRATIVE

VERTIGO

The project is a retrofit of an existing building at the university of hertfordshire The proposed extension at the west is a tall cantilver forming a landmark and a banner of the brand logo for the University

Following a site analysis, it was discovered that the western portion of the site has been utilized primarily as a refuge area and is currently underused Movement around the campus primarily revolves around the main reception area. Therefore, developing the west side of the site would greatly benefit the university, as it could serve as an iconic landmark adjacent to the main reception of the building

Upon closer examination of the internal layout, it became apparent that the existing plan lacks inspiration and communal/social space The rooms are connected by corridors and lobbies that lack natural light and ventilation Furthermore, the lift was added after construction and is located on the outside of the north facade. Consequently, the university would greatly benefit from open and communal spaces which is achieved by this project

Proposed

1952 -

1961 -

1941Partnership between Havilland Aircraft Company and Herstfordshire Council

1946Alan S Butler Founder of Havilland Aircraft Comapny donates 90 acres of land to Hertfordshire Council

Hatfield Tehnical Coll ege built

Science Block designed by Maxwell Bray Architect built with other residential surrounding development

Design Development

Model Making

Proposed Sectional Model at 1:200 Proposed Sectional Model at 1:200

Proposed Section AA' (NTS)

Proposed Section BB' (NTS)

THE ST ALBANS SPIRE

3RD YEAR FINAL PROJECT

The St Albans Spire- Urban Analysis and History

Kevin Lynch Analysis of St Albans

PROJECT NARRATIVE

43 AD: The Roman conquest of Britain begins, and Verulamium is established as a major Roman city in the south of England

3rd century: Verulamium becomes a thriving center of commerce and trade

5th century: The Roman Empire begins to decline, and Verulamium is abandoned

8th century: The town of St Albans is established near the site of Verulamium

Kevin Lynch Analysis of St Albans

Scale 1 10000 on A1

10th century St Albans becomes an important religious center, with the construction of St Albans Abbey

1455-1487: The Wars of the Roses take place and St Albans becomes a battleground between the rival factions

1539: Henry VIII orders the dissolution of St Albans Abbey and much of the abbey is destroyed

1836 The railway arrives in St Albans connecting the town to London and facilitating further growth and development

housing crisis in the UK, with need for 340,000 houses in has made it clear that housing approaches are no to meet the increasing density To address this is crucial to promote developments that prioritize existing urban density can find opportunities for solutions This approach can analysis and history of St emphasizing the importance of adapting existing urban structures instead of rebuilding them a fresh perspective St Albans Verulium by idea of living in a with garden spaces, while accommodating the growing need for urban landscape all the flaws of the Big never been challenged,

an opportunity for housing and urban the context of St Albans' and religious importance idea of retrofitting and urban spaces, we can flaws of the big village into a sustainable city that needs and values of its

Scale 1 10000 on A1

20th century St Albans experiences significant growth and becomes a commuter town, with many residents commuting to London for work

Present day St Albans is a bustling town with a rich history and cultural heritage attracting visitors from around the world

DESIGN CONCEPT AND DEVELOPMENT

The proposed building is designed as a sandwich concept, with a communal social exhibition space on the ground floor that extends the St Albans Museum Gallery The middle floors of the building are dedicated to residential units, offering a mix of two unit types both duplex apartments to cater to a diverse range of residents The top floor features a communal space with a viewpoint, providing residents with panoramic views of the surrounding city and cathedral

The design aims to create a sense of community and connection within the building while also integrating it with the wider city context." The height of the tower also challenges the cathedral and forms a new landmark for St Albans

Proposed North East Sectional Elevation

The proposed building is designed as a sandwich concept, with a communal social exhibition space on the ground floor that extends the St Albans Museum Gallery The middle floors of the building are dedicated to residential units, offering a mix of two unit types both duplex apartments to cater to a diverse range of residents The top floor features a communal space with a viewpoint, providing residents with panoramic views of the surrounding city and cathedral

Proposed 16th Floor Plan (Not to Scale)

The proposal for the tower in St Albans involves removing 2 unit flats and converting them into community parks and children playground These parks will provide much-needed green space for the surrounding area and create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for the community Additionally, the park areas will serve as a viewing point for the residents to appreciate the city's beauty and history By integrating these communal spaces into the building's design, the proposal aims to create a harmonious relationship between the new development and the existing urban fabric of St Albans. Through careful consideration of the surrounding context, the proposal aims to contribute to the city's rich history while providing a modern and sustainable solution to the current housing crisis

Render Showing Playground on the 16th Floor

Render Showing Green Space on the 15th Floor

Render Showing Playground on the 16th Floor

Model Making

The St Albans Spire- Final Design and Dissertation

How does the increased Use of Timber in Off Site Manufacturing impact the Future of Construction in terms of Sustainability?

Sustainability: The proposal demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by using off-site manufacturing which has been shown to reduce waste and energy consumption compared to traditional on-site construction methods Additionally, by repurposing the space created by the removal of the two units promoting efficient use of resources and reducing the need for additional construction

Use of timber The dissertation topic focuses on the increased use of timber in off-site manufacturing, timber is a sustainable and renewable resource that can be used for various construction purposes, including framing cladding, and flooring By using timber in the project, one can demonstrate its viability as a construction material and showcase its unique aesthetic qualities Due to the height of the building a steel structure has been chosen instead of timber, but the unit flats are composed of steel and timber composite materials

Future of construction: The project represents a forward-thinking approach to construction that embraces new technologies and methods By incorporating off-site manufacturing and repurposing space in this way it is contributing to a growing movement towards more sustainable and efficient construction practices The dissertation topic can provide further insights into the implications of these trends for the future of the construction industry

Spazio agli Spazi della Formazione": Prototyping Learning Spaces

Competition (Italy)

Spazio agli Spazi della Formazione": Prototyping Learning Spaces

Competition (Italy)