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PORTOFOLIO

A COLLECTION OF PROJECTS

ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT : DOHA ABUBAKAR

TABLE OF CONTENT

PROJECT 1 (D,AKIN KARATU)

PROJECT 2 (MOTH PODS)

PROJECT 3 (STAIRS RAILING INSTALLATION PROCESS)

PROJECT 4 ( PROJECT FLATS)

PROJECT 1

WEST AFRICAN LITERATURE AND CULTURAL ARCHIVES CENTRE

PROJECT INFORMATION

D,akin Karatu is a cultural hub dedicated to celebrating West African history and traditions. Named after the Hausa phrase for “reading space,” it houses collections of archived texts and artefacts, offers language classes in West African languages, and provides translated materials for broader access. The building features a multi-faith space, a café serving West African cuisine, and a greenhouse showcasing tropical plants from the region. Designed for inclusivity and accessibility, D,akin Karatu is a comprehensive space for exploring and appreciating the richness of West African culture.

MAIN DESIGN PRINCIPLES

SITE ANALYSIS

The proposal for Dakin Karatu utilises the area’s historical and ecological significance. It is proposed to be built on the site of the former Museum of London. By it’s proximity to green areas like St Paul’s Church yard Gardens and encouraging sustainable transportation, this development could really enhances urban biodiversity. It is conveniently accessible by nearby underground stations, both bus stations and train stations. The proximity to the River Thames promotes hydrological sustainability through features like rain gardens and green roofs. Borehole studies suggest using local soils for sustainable construction methods like rammed earth.

Dakin Karatu aims to combine modern architecture with environmental control to create a development that honours the past and forges a sustainable future.

ELEVATION RENDERS

FRONT ELEVATION IN CONTEXT

SIDE ELEVATION IN CONTEXT

PERSPECTIVE OFFRONT OF IN CONTEXT SHOWING INHABITATION

AXONOMETRIC SECTION IN CONTEXT

RENDERS

INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE OF THE LIBRARY SPACE

AXONOMETRIC SECTION

PROJECT 2

MOTH PODS

PROJECT

INFO / FUNCTION

OVERVIEW

The main objective of the project is to establish a specialised environment for moths, both diurnal and nocturnal, with an emphasis on the day-active cinnabar moth and the night-active elephant hawk moth. Material-wise, fired earth-ware clay is the main choice. This is mostly because the clay’s porosity keeps the building somewhat damp, which gives the moths a favourable environment.

The design includes two types of moth pods, each tailored to the lighting preferences of the moths. The first pod features angled entry points that block light, creating a dark, sheltered space ideal for nocturnal species like the elephant hawk moth. The second pod has openings that allow light to enter, catering to diurnal species like the cinnabar moth, which thrive in well-lit environments. The diagrams illustrate how these structures interact with light, demonstrating their functionality in creating suitable habitats for different moth species.

PRECEDENT (MATERIAL)

Compressed stabilised earth blocks (CSEBs), which are manufactured from locally obtained clay and a minimal quantity of cement, are used in the Kéré Foundation’s Gando Primary School to provide thermal comfort and sustainability. Compared to the fired earthenware clay used to make the moth pods, which is intended to stay somewhat porous for moth habitats, this material is less porous. Environmental sustainability is one of the top priority in both the school and the moth pods, which use locally available materials to satisfy specific needs (heat regulation for the school, controlled light and moisture for the moths). This shows a dedication to ecological.

DESIGN

IDEAS

PLANS AND SECTION

AXONOMETRIC DRAWINGS

SHOWING INHABITATION

MODELS

PHYSICAL MODELS EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF THE MOTH PODS

DAY TIME

VISUALS

NIGHT TIME VISUALS

PROJECT 3

STAIR RAILING INSTALLATION PROCESS

(ROUND SYSTEM TOP CONNECTION STAIRS)

STEP BY STEP

THE PROCESS

FIRST STEP: USE A CERAMIC DIAMOND DRILL BIT TO DRILL OUT THE TILE . POUR AMPLE AMOUNTS OF WATER THROUGH OUT THE PROCESS TO KEEP THE TILE FROM CRACKING UNNECESSARILY.

SECOND STEP: USE A REGULAR DRILL BIT TO DILL INTO THE CONCRETE. DRILLING NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY VERTICAL

THIRD STEP: PLACE THE METAL ANCHOR INTO THE DRILLED HOLE AND REINFORCE IT WITH CON- STRUCTION ADHESIVE TO KEEP IT IN PLACE

FOURTH STEP: SECURE THE BALLUSTER ON THE ANCHOR

SECTION

Section drawing at 1:20

CONNECTION PARTS

RENDER

PROJECT 4

PROJECT FLATS

PROJECT INFO

This 3 story structure will contain 6 apartments of varying sizes. The structure will comprise of 2 two bedroom apartments on the ground floor, 3 one bedroom apartments on the first floor and 1 three.bedroom apartment on the second floor.

Each apartment has large bedrooms, separate kitchen and living spaces and at least one large bathroom. Apartments on the ground floor and second floor have private patio spaces and all of the apartments have access to the communal garden and car park.