Portfolio

DESIGN PORTFOLIO KARIM ASARZADEH MFA Interior Design Candidate Virginia Commonwealth University

PREFACE

This portfolio presents a selection of my architectural and interior design projects completed during my undergraduate and graduate studies. It features my hand sketches, digital renderings, and physical models, which illustrate my creative process and design approach. Additionally, it includes an introduction to my design philosophy and methodology, providing insight into the ideas, principles, and structured process that guide and inform my work.

Karim Asarzadeh Richmond, VA May 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

About My Design Approach

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2

The Watermark

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3

Riverside Palette

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4

Urban Oasis

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1 ABOUT MY DESIGN APPROACH DESIGN ETHOS Minimalism & Simplicity I believe good design is simple and useful.

Truth to Materials I believe materials should speak for themselves.

Connection with Nature I believe design should blend with nature.

Sculptural Form and Play of Light and Shadow I believe architecture is an art that responds to light and shadow.

Brutalism and Raw Expression I believe there is beauty in raw, unfinished design.

The Miller House and Garden

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Location: Columbus, IN Year Completed: 1957 Architect: Eero Saarinen Landscape Architect: Dan Kiley Interior Designer: Alexander Girard

DESIGN PROCESS I often follow the design process outlined by Mike W. Lin in Drawing and Designing with Confidence: A Step-by-Step Guide to develop my design projects. The process includes the following steps: 1. Establishing the Program 2. Creating Bubble Diagrams 3. Conducting Site Analysis 4. Developing Design Concepts 5. Selecting a Design Approach 6. Presenting Design Solutions

A Diagram Representing the Overall Relationship of the Design Process Source: Lin, M. W. (1993). Drawing and Designing with Confidence: A Step-byStep Guide. John Wiley & Sons.

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THE WATERMARK 6

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Location: Richmond, VA Year: 2025 Project Type: Adaptive Cultural Architecture

Reuse;

Description: This studio project, completed in Spring 2025, focuses on the adaptive reuse of the historic Haxall Hydroelectric Power Plant on Brown’s Island in Downtown Richmond, VA.

DESIGN INTENT AND VISION PROJECT STATEMENT The project reimagines and repurposes the Haxall Hydroelectric Power Plant on Brown’s Island in Downtown Richmond, VA, transforming it into a cultural and social hub. It aims to bring the building back to life by connecting it with its beautiful natural surroundings and creating spaces for the community to gather, relax, and enjoy the riverfront views, local art, and cultural events.

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CONCEPT STATEMENT The design introduces a new, independent structure within the existing building, set back from all sides to preserve the individuality and integrity of both old and new elements. A sequence of spaces, from a confined, low-ceilinged entryway to a spacious, skylit lobby, heightens the visitor’s sense of release and emphasizes the building’s monumental scale. Inspired by the tower’s octagonal plan, the design incorporates octagonal forms and shapes throughout, creating a visual harmony that unites the project.

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PROJECT SITE Haxall Plant

Hydroelectric

Power

The project site is the historic Haxall Hydroelectric Power Plant, located on Brown’s Island in downtown Richmond, VA, along the James River and the Canal Walk. Built in the late 19th century, it was one of the first power plants in the area, helping to supply electricity to the city.

The building’s historic architecture, including its raw concrete structure and large windows, is a significant part of Richmond’s industrial history.

Canal

Brown’s Island

The James River

Map of Brown’s Island in Downtown Richmond, VA

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Haxall Hydroelectric Power Plant

Views of Haxall Hydroelectric Power Plant

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SITE ANALYSIS AND PROGRAM SITE ANALYSIS The existing building is blocked from direct sunlight and views of the James River from the south and southwest by two tall buildings. It only receives direct sunlight and has a view of the river from the southeast. Additionally, there is a public parking lot located to the east, which provides easy access to the building. This makes the eastern side an ideal location for the entrance and lobby.

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PROGRAM The project includes an art gallery on the first floor, studio spaces on the second floor, and a restaurant on the third floor. The restaurant extends over the Canal Walk, providing a panoramic view of the canal, the James River, and the cityscape.

Incorporating an art gallery and studios into the design would enhance the project’s cultural and community impact, aligning with the vision of transforming the site into a social hub.

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DESIGN CONCEPTS Connection to Nature and Between Interiors and Exteriors Large openings, transitional spaces, and the use of natural elements create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor environments.

This approach invites natural light, ventilation, and greenery into the interior, fostering a strong connection with the surrounding landscape.

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New Structure Inside the Existing Building A new structure is placed within the original building, set back from all sides. This keeps the two structures separate, allowing both to be seen clearly and preserving their individuality.

Confinement-Release-Entry The design creates a transition from a narrow entryway with a low ceiling to a spacious lobby with a high ceiling, lit by a large skylight. The experience of moving through a confined space before entering the expansive lobby heightens the sense of release, allowing visitors to appreciate the building’s grand scale.

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DESIGN CONCEPTS Framing Light and Iconic Views The design utilizes skylights not only to flood the space with natural light but also to frame interesting views.

The skylights allow visitors to see the tall tower from inside the linear rectangular structure. They also highlight circulation, seating areas, green spaces, and water features.

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Interplay of Light and Shadow The design uses openings in the ceiling and walls to create a dynamic play of light and shadow inside the building.

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DESIGN CONCEPTS Rooftop Retreat A rooftop restaurant, offering a panoramic view of the canal and surrounding environment, creates an elevated dining space that encourages relaxation and social connection.

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Outdoor Market An outdoor market along the Canal Walk brings people together and supports local vendors and artists.

It creates a lively, welcoming space where the community can gather, shop, and enjoy the history and nature of the area.

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Entrance

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Ramp

Recessed Planters

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DESIGN SOLUTION

B

Canal Walk

DN

DN

6' - 0"

DN

DN

OUTDOOR MARKET

OUTDOOR MARKET

OUTDOOR MARKET

ELEV.

6' - 0"

ADMIN

GALLERY

GALLERY

STORAGE ELEV.

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First Floor Plan 1

FIRST FLOOR PLAN 1/16" = 1'-0"

ELEV.

B

A

DN

ELEV.

6' - 0"

SECTION B-B ENTRANCE UP

FRONT DESK LOBBY

UP

A

SECTION A-A

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DESIGN SOLUTION

1. View of Reimagined Canal Walk 2. View of the Canal Walk Entryway 3. View of Recessed Planters

3 DN

1

2

DN

1

24 1

Key Plan - First Floor 1/64" = 1'-0"

2

3

25

DESIGN SOLUTION

8. View of the Lobby, Performane Platform, and Monumental Staircase 9. View of the Lobby, Performane Platform, and Monumental Staircase 10. View of the Lobby and its Spacious Skylight, and Performance Platform

DN

DN

10 8 9

8

26 1

Key Plan - First Floor 1/64" = 1'-0"

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9

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DESIGN SOLUTION

11. View of Gallery Spaces 12. View of a Skylight from Below 13. View of the Main Axis in Layout from Lobby 14. View of a Gallery Space

DN

DN

11 14

12 13

11

28 1

Key Plan - First Floor 1/64" = 1'-0"

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13

12

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RIVERSIDE PALETTE 30

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Location: Richmond, VA Year: 2024 Project Type: Adaptive Hospitality Design

Reuse;

Description: This studio project, completed in Fall 2024, focuses on the adaptive reuse of the Wharf St. Tunnel Building in Downtown Richmond, VA. The design incorporates bold colors and geometric clarity to refresh the structure while maintaining its raw concrete brutalist style. Inspired by the work of modernist architect Paul Rudolph, the design features sculptural forms and an interplay of light and shadow.

DESIGN INTENT AND VISION PROJECT STATEMENT This project envisions a sustainable, nature-inspired hotel that brings biophilic design into the urban fabric.

By connecting guests with nature and reflecting the local context and culture, it aims to enhance both the ecological and aesthetic value of urban hospitality.

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CONCEPT STATEMENT Inspired by the works of architects such as Luis Barragan, Ricardo Legorreta, and Aldo Rossi, the design introduces a vibrant color palette to contrast with the existing building’s monochromatic palette and energize the space. It also draws from Paul Rudolph’s brutalist style, celebrating the raw concrete structure to emphasize its architectural strength and character.

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PROJECT SITE Wharf St. Tunnel Building Located by the James River in Downtown Richmond, VA, this 1937 warehouse once stored Cuban raw sugar. Uniquely set into a hillside and extending over a street, it offers sweeping river views and direct access to the Virginia Capital Trail, a hub for outdoor activity and creativity.

The James River

Map of Project Site and Surroundings Downtown Richmond, VA 34

Wharf St. Tunnel Building

Views of the Existing Building

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SITE ANALYSIS AND PROGRAM Site Analysis The site’s riverside location offers environmental benefits like natural ventilation, water features, and scenic views, ideal for a biophilic hotel. Its proximity to public transit supports sustainable mobility and easy city access, aligning with the project’s eco-friendly goals.

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Program The project features several key spaces, including a central courtyard that serves as the focal point connecting all three levels. Additional amenities include a lobby and lounge, guest rooms, a full-service restaurant, two bars, a swimming pool, and a parking garage for easy access. These spaces combine comfort and function to create an inviting environment for all.

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URBAN OASIS

Location: Rasht, Guilan Province, Iran Year: 2014 Project Type: New Construction; Mixed-Use Design Description: This is my undergraduate thesis and final project, completed in Spring 2014.

Located in Rasht, northern Iran, it is a commercial-residential complex developed through a step-by-step form-making process to create unity, order, and balance. The design features separate buildings organized around a central courtyard, providing private outdoor space, a connection to nature, opportunities for community interaction, and a visual and spatial relief from the dense urban context.

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ARCHITECTURE PRECEDENT STUDIES

The project draws inspiration from northern Iran’s vernacular architecture, incorporating key elements and features that define its character. The precedent study emphasizes key elements like locally available materials that blend with the environment, pitched roofs adapted to the climate, loggias, terraces, balconies, and external staircases that promote outdoor living. Traditional construction techniques, such as timber foundations, address challenges like humidity and flooding.

Opposite: Traditional Buildings in Northern Iran Source: Rainer, R. (1977). Traditional building in Iran. Graz: Akademische Druck und Verlagsanstalt.

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DESIGN INTENT The project was intended to be compatible with individuals of all income levels, including those with low, middle, and high incomes. To achieve this aim, a variety of residential units was designed, including townhouses, duplex apartments, luxurious high-rise apartments, and penthouses.

Additionally, an underground parking garage was incorporated to maximize land use by eliminating surface parking. This design choice enhances pedestrian safety by keeping vehicles off street level while providing residents with convenient access to their homes.

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GET IN TOUCH Karim Asarzadeh (804) 803-6175 asarzadehk@vcu.edu LinkedIn.com/in/asarzadehk