2023
Portfolio Burza Azhar
2017
Architecture
CON
TENT MY STORY SKETCHING FRUIT OF LABOR CLASSICALS CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS TID BITS MY DESIGN PHILOSOPHY FUTURE GOALS CONTACT DETAILS
ARCHITECTURE DESIGN
THE
MY STORY Hailing from Lahore, like any other child I was provided with pencil colors and blank pages to ‘play’. That was beginning of my drawing skills. In early school years, Art class was my favourite subject and that was my favourite pass time at home as well. And when I learnt that ‘Architects’ draw, it was my dream to be come one, having zero knowledge of what exactly it meant. So when the time came to choose undergrad degree I naturally applied for BArch at PUCAD. But like any other student, with fear of not getting admitted to my desired subject I applied in Textile Design (as another close subject to Arts) and BBIT (since 1 of my siblings was doing it). I got admitted to both subjects but started my course in BBIT as I was still awaiting results for B.Arch. Needless to say, it was the most boring and depressing time for me as a student and made me realise for the first time I cannot study or work in this field. Hence, I was overjoyed at getting admitted to B.Arch and started my journey with immense satisfaction that this is for me. Reality is far from it. Drawing is only a small part of what Architects do and this field is challenging and requires steadfast conviction alongwith knowledge of every field was the first time I realized how naive I was about this subject. Thus began my journey into Architecture and like all architects I had my highs and lows and doubts whether I was at the right place or not. After completing B.Arch instead of getting a job like my fellows, I opted for Masters in Interior Design from NCA to further my knowledge and gain more confidence over my skills. Here I am today, after working as an Architect in one of the renowned developers in Pakistan, and having designed multiple residences, I finally understand that this journey is of learning and growing all the way and I will always be a student in this field no matter how many projects I create. At this point in my life, after some self reflection and spending much needed break on sketching and reading, I envision myself working on high rise commercial, recreational, educational, hospitality and misc projects. I want to begin my journey into interior design too and wish to expand my horizon in the field of architecture. I hope to gain valuable experience and guidance from respected mentors and reputable firms to establish quality connections and memorable experiences.
SKETCHING
A few years ago I discovered the online community of INKTOBER that helped me rediscover my love for sketching. Thus I began creating quick sketches following the given prompt list each October to hone my skills. Starting from pencil, I gained confidence and shifted to pointers. I hope to add more mediums to my sketching in future. Sharing my work online and receiving appreciation has given me boost to keep this hobby as it feels therapeutic to me.
FRUIT OF LABOR I had the privilege of designing my parent’s house and was lucky to witness its execution. It has been a great learning opportunity for me and has given me valuable insight in dealing with contractors, labors and on-sight issues first hand. Almost close to completion, it has been a tremendous effort in material selection, fixtures selection and purchase, ceiling design and implementation. Kitchen design alongwith woodwork and wardrobe fittings and design is a challenging yet fulfilling task.
CLASSICALS Designed this 1.7 Kanal Residence as a double unit house. Being corner and odd shaped plot led the space planning majorly. I kept the staircase on back to separate 1st floor with an additional porch as secondary entrance. For exterior, I chose Neo-Classical elements for a grand yet composed look. Choice of neutral color palette with minimalist window frames bind the whole look.
CLASSICALS By merging 2 10 Marla plots, This 1 Kanal project had the edge of wider front at 70'. By placing the entrance in middle, space planning was different than a typical 1 kanal house. Customer wanted a classical yet modern facade. Symmetrical design and grand entrance are key features of this elevation.
This 2 kanal house came as a revision project to me. Along with some changes in space planning, facade was also redesigned keeping the original concept intact. this facade is based on Spanish villa concept. Portico on front, intricate classical details and use of stone cladding with a light color palette gives this elevation its unique look.
CLASSICALS This 15 Marla corner residence was an enjoyable project for me. Customer had a very crude idea of classical design and wanted use of golden color in exterior with maximum details. I convinced them to use gold in railing and window frame and provided some fine frieze and cornice details. In order to balance the intricate details and help them standout, single base color with grooves is used. Repetition of elements in classical facade is done delicately.
CLASSICALS In this 14 Marla residence customer wanted classical design yet minimal construction cost. Therefore, I used artdeco cornice details alongwith minimal design elements that can be purchased and used directly from market. Single tone paint finish keeps the look simple yet elegant. Interior is led by double height spaces and open planning concept. Arches are used on 1st floor and straight elements on ground floor level to shift focus on top.
CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS This odd-shaped 2 kanal corner plot was created by merging 2 1 kanal plots hence resulting in awide front. Designed this modern facade for this luxury house for a family. This 7 bedroom residence contains gym, theatre and swimming pool with full basement. Large patio, sunken areas and terraces are given for natural light and ventilation. Side elevation is kept symmetrical with BBQ terrace on top and covered verandah on ground floor facing the pool that is viewed from lounge. Side lawn connects to front creating an ample party space. Sleek elements, use of recessed led lights, monochromatic color theme is used with contemporary pattern for tiles in portions to create a unified look.
CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS This 1 Kanal Residence is based on Norman Foster’s Kamakura House. This North facing facade is designed keeping lounge on front with direct view to lawn. Open planning and double height stair lobby in entrance gives impact of spaciousness and provides ample natural light to interior.
South facing facade of this 1 Kanal residence is designed with cantilevered terrace to provide covered verandah below facing lounge having direct view of lawn. Louvres are used for partial covering of terrace above to reduce glare while having ample natural light during the day.
CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS 14 Marla corner residence with a subtle color scheme and contemporary elements is eye catching. Planning is also unique matching the facade.
CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS 15.6 Marla corner and minimalist house is designed for a large family. Drawing room is moved to back with aesthetic walkway from side lawn with dining on front facing lawn. Simple design elements keep the cost minimum and give a unique facade that is attention grabing. Color scheme and material selection is also playing major role in making this elevation modern and timeless.
CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS 17 Marla corner residence designed with classical elements of cornices with a modern touch make this facade stand out.
Use of vertical elements in this 14 Marla residence balances the wider span. Louvres are used for privacy on terrace. Sunken aren on side for basement keeps it ventilated.
Juxtaposition of towers is seen in this 14 Marla facade by giving offsets and playing with levels to create a harmonious and modern elevation.
CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS
It is always fun to design odd size and shaped plots. High corner window and cantilevered box on front are key features of this 9 marla house with wide front. Since its a corner plot thus placement of spaces in levels keep the eye interested and moving throughout the facade.
CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS Although this 10.5 Marla corner plot had a very typical layout of 5 bed residence but I wanted to give it an exterior that was modern, simple and unique. Terrace is partially covered to provide privacy and elements are flowing from front to side in a unified manner with a subtle color scheme and clever selection of material.
CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS Minimalist elevation is designed for this 10 Marla residence. Customer wanted to place a tree in center of front lawn thus large windows are provided in double height lounge for aesthetics and view.
8.5 Marla residence with angles on front was an exciting assignment. Client wanted a simple elevation with minimum cost thus use of elements is minimal. Clever use of grooves and material is the primary design factor.
CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS This 6 Marla corner plot had wide front and designed to give it a look of larger house. Minimalist design approach with limited number of materials gives it a cohesive yet elegant look. Contemproray designs are always relevant and appear timeless.
CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS Limited variety of materials and colors with straight lines are used in these 10 marla and 8 marla facade respectively.
CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS 12 Marla corner residence is modern and double unit house with separate access to first floor from back yet seems like a single family unit through cohesive desgin.
TID BITS Connecting Farm House to empty plot across the road through Underpass. The site was to be used as sports and gym area by the family leaving open space for events.
TID BITS
MY DESIGN PHILOSOPHY I believe Architecture as an experiential art and focus on functionality of a space, its practicality for the users and aesthetics that can bring comfort as well as form to overall design. As I have mainly designed residentials so far thus utilizing spaces with an objective approach towards client brief and elevating basic house into a comfortable home with maximum usage of natural light and well ventilated areas has been my go to strategy. Although like all architects, I have followed mainstream favorites of spanish/classical and modern design concepts for elevation design but I would categorise myself as modern and minimalist. I do not however restrict myself to this principal and would be open to trying various design strategies depending on nature of projects that come my way in future.
FUTURE GOALS
I aim to establish my own niche in designing graphics and printable art. Apart from that I intend to create a small business venture of bakery cum library with my design studio for my love of baking, reading and practicing Arts. In order to get there, I am manifesting roles that expand my knowledge in field of architecture and interiors, from designing to execution of multiple scale projects to bag enough experience and monetary funds to achieve that.
CONTACT DETAILS EMAIL: burza.mail@gmail.com LINKEDIN: https://linkedin.com/in/burza-azhar9038b280 WEBSITE: http://issuu.com/burzaazhar/docs/portfolio_in INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/platformb9? igsh=ZzE4emx0cXQ0YmVm CELL: +92 309 411 6057