Architectural Portfolio Danielle Antar

PORTFOLIO

2018 - 2024

B.Arch - Academie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts

M.Sc. Architecture for Sustainability - Politecnico di Torino

Danielle Antar

Comm-unify

M.Sc. Year 1

Litanu Base

B.Arch. Year 4

The Riot.or B.Arch. Year 3 01 05 02 06

The School at Stake

M.Sc. Year 1

Speculum

B.Arch. Year 4

03 07 04 08

Batroun Fish Market

B.Arch. Year 2

Cultural Center

B.Arch. Year 2

Royal Palace Preservation

M.Sc. Year 1

The site is in the town of Monticello, a low-density village located in the Monza Brianza province in the Lombardy region of Italy, with a predominantly elderly population and extensive lush landscape that surrounds it. The urban fabric primarily comprises of forests and agricultural fields woven within the built area, accompanied by the rustic Cascina, a farmhouse structure that is characteristic of the Italian countryside.

Our research revealed that the village had a lack of services for daily activities particularly for young people, and age barriers due to the elderly population’s concentration in the Casa di Riposo or elderly home, which we tackled in our project.

The project is in a plot in the center of Monticello that includes the Casa di Riposo, the historical park and a nearby abandoned Cascina; the importance of the site comes from the structures surrounding it that include residential buildings, agricultural lands, a school, and a few historical landmarks.

We aimed to develop the public access to the forest from the South which acts as a pre-existing link between the different inhabitants and include the residents of the elderly home on the East, as well as creating a new main entrance for the whole project from the residential building’s unused parking and the Cascina on the North side.

We developed new activities that would mark the community meeting spaces that we designed as an architectural “promenade”, using landscape and corridors to guide the visitors through the project.

The School at Stake

The project, located at Via Anglesio 17 in Torino, addresses the outdated infrastructure of a 1960s school, aiming to create an innovative and sustainable learning environment. The ground and first floors were reconfigured to serve both public and private purposes, addressing issues of poor vertical circulation and a dark core.

The core was opened, and a transparent roof added to enhance natural light and winter sun exposure. The exterior was shaped with a clean, minimal form, compensating for lost space by adding volumes strategically. Spaces were reorganized for interactive learning, with classrooms opening towards corridors and the main core.

Performance Analysis: Classroom East

To improve building performance, strategies such as better daylight and cross ventilation were implemented. Existing brick walls were retained, and insulation applied, with enlarged windows featuring fixed louvered overhangs. The playful exterior landscape contrasts with the building’s simplicity, introducing new shapes and activities.

Thermal Transmittance (U value)

Heat Transfer Coefficient

141.3 Wh/m2

61.6 Wh/m2

Factor Single Sided Ventilation:

Speculum 03

“Speculum” is a multi-purpose complex in the heart of Beirut, where two residential and two office buildings are seamlessly connected by bridges.

The selected site is in downtown Beirut amidst cultural and historical landmarks like Riad el Solh square, the Grand Serail and Roman Baths ruins, and the process of the site’s excavation revealed ancient Roman Cardo and Decumanus ruins.

This archaeological treasure not only influenced the project’s design but also serves as its conceptual focal point. “Speculum” aims to artfully showcase and integrate these archeological ruins, inviting residents and visitors to explore the captivating layers of Beirut’s rich history.

Emerging from the ground, “Speculum” becomes a modern mirror and a continuation of the existing archeology of the site, fusing the past and present of Beirut in its form and functions by recreating a small-scale city in its commercial and residential dimension.

Every new gesture is drawn from the past and the project reflects not only the geometry but the activities and interactions between the spaces from the past.

First

Third

Cultural Center

Nestled within the historic grounds of Beit Corm (Corm House), a significant Art-Deco landmark steeped in the history of the 1975 civil war in Lebanon, the project takes shape serving as a cultural center in the midst of a small pine forest, one of the only ones in Beirut.

The project is a testament to a symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature. Shaped by the existing trees, the design integrates seamlessly with the initial forest, preserving its essence. The green slab, a vibrant visual extension of the park, not only complements the landscape but also champions sustainability through low-maintenance and water-efficient grass.

With a nod to history, the cultural center humbly positions itself below ground, providing a striking contrast to the Art-Deco style of Beit Corm. This intentional placement contributes to the well-being of the area, devoid of green public spaces.

In essence, the project embraces nature’s influence, creating a space where architectural fluidity meets environmental responsibility, offering a harmonious blend of the past and present.

Discreet and invisible on the ground floor, the only two main functions are visible from the park: The exhibition room and the entrance hall.

Mass Plan

Basement Plan

Model

Litanu Military Base

Nestled in Deir Mimas, Marjayoun, overlooking the strategic Litani River—a historic natural barrier during the Great Syrian Wars (200 BC)—this innovative military base pays homage to ancient warfare while embracing cutting-edge technology. Inspired by the first military base typologies with its long and narrow appearance, the structure evolves as a single loop, seamlessly integrating with the landscape. Divided into two distinct parts, the invisible stone base harmonizes with nature, concealing defensive elements, while a bold Corten steel building stands as a symbol of strength and resilience.

The ground floor hosts vital functions, including assembly areas, a canteen, library, multipurpose space, briefings, and a modern infirmary. Below ground, the basement houses barracks, living quarters, a green oasis, and a terrace with a commanding view. The Corten steel structure, rising in a dynamic sweep, encompasses classrooms, an administrative block, and a control tower at its forefront. This architectural marvel embodies a fusion of history and modernity, a looped narrative echoing through time, ready to face the challenges of contemporary warfare.

1st floor plan

Section

In the apocalyptic video game, players navigate the RIOTOR on rescue missions through hotspots of the Lebanese Revolution. The levels - The Egg, Martyrs’ Square, Riad El Solh, Grand Serail, and Parliament - offer immersive challenges with varying hostilities.

The RIOTOR, in constant mutation, incorporates an octahedral pixel entity for adaptability, powered by photovoltaic technology. Responsive to external threats, the vehicle deforms, absorbing impacts and regenerating humans in pods. Its intangible pixel structure, bound by electromagnetic waves, integrates devices like GPS, amplifier, smoke haze, and an anti-gravitational turbine.

The RIOTOR transforms into a living organism, where exterior hostilities impact both its outer wall and interior. Operating in diverse modes, from compact protection to luminous retraction, it provides a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

This project was presented and submitted as a video game trailer.

Scan to watch.

Batroun Fish Market

Nestled within the historic Port of Batroun the fish market is a multi-purpose design that integrates with the city’s rich historical, cultural, and commercial tapestry. The project’s design is guided by a strategic structural grid, ensuring expansive interiors that cater to the region’s varied usage patterns. The fish market faces West for optimal morning light, with service blocks in the east for essential shading. A mobile roof mechanism shields the first-floor restaurant from the sun, promoting functional design and thoughtful integration.

The project’s orientation prioritizes excellent ventilation and regulated sun exposure throughout the day, aligned with the market’s activities and lighting needs. The stainless-steel structure offers a roof space for solar panels and a rainwater collection system. This harvested rainwater will be treated for use in sanitary and kitchen areas, showcasing a sustainable and holistic approach to architectural design.

Gutter Detail Roof Solar Panels

Rain Water Collection

First Floor Plan

Back (East) view

Front (West) view

Green Summit Hotel

Nestled within the historic Port of Batroun the fish market is a multi-purpose design that integrates with the city’s rich historical, cultural, and commercial tapestry. The project’s design is guided by a strategic structural grid, ensuring expansive interiors that cater to the region’s varied usage patterns. The fish market faces West for optimal morning light, with service blocks in the east for essential shading. A mobile roof mechanism shields the first-floor restaurant from the sun, promoting functional design and thoughtful integration.

Royal Palace Preservation 08

This project followed the surveying and analysis of a room in the Royal Palace of Turin through a comprehensive approach. The process involved on-site surveys, topographic data collection for processing software, photogrammetry, and advanced 3D scanning techniques like LIDAR and MMS. The integration of tools such as Metashape, Cloud Compare, and PointCab was pivotal, aiding in the generation of 3D models.

DEM model - Metashape

Photogrammetric views

Mole antonelliana

Royal Palace

Piazza San Carlo

Teatro Reggio

LEGEND:

These models were instrumental in extracting sections and contours, providing crucial data for developing the planimetry of the room, with detailed information on materials and degradation. This comprehensive dataset is essential for the subsequent phases of restoration and integrated conservation efforts.

LEGEND: MATERIAL DEGRADATION

Alteration due to additions

Alteration due to detachments (falling of elements)

Alteration due to decohesion

LEGEND: MATERIAL DEGRADATION

Alteration due to detachments (falling of elements)

Alteration due to additions

Alteration due to decohesions

Stone

Marble

Cracks

Cracks

Personal Projects

Rebranding of NGO and logo design:

ArtNub, is a Beirut-based NGO supporting local artists.

A new logo and vibrant color palette embodies creativity and community. The multifaceted marketing approach targets all ages, blending online strategies (Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook, Spotify, and the website) with offline tactics like custom stickers for the youth and business cards for older audiences.

Event posters for a new concept called Art Talks further promote ArtNub and local artists. This comprehensive strategy aims to foster community engagement and support for Beirut’s vibrant art scene.

Sticker & card mockups

Logo design proposal

Drawing, painting and illustration: Hot Sauce company illustration proposal

Sketches, Acrylic paintings and Animation