Architectural Portfolio

MAJD BAYAKLI Architecture Graduate

The Lighthouse - Community Centre

The Waterfront Villa

The Spatial Field

Pause in the Liminal

Illustration

Illustration

Spatial exploration

tions

Having good access while enclosing the space while having a central area that creates the spaces extracted from it as a method of extraction through form and circulation.

Using the devices of function greater than circulation area and varying orientation to create a new spatial design relating the the verb extract, the different functions and circulation is a way to express the variation of the verb.

Using the devices of transparency with varying ground heights/levels the model created expresses extraction within the spaces moving from one to another to create variations and methods.

1.dense/ mixed-use/ midrise/ underground metro. Many elements/components on site in relation to extract. - underground metro key extraction -ample variety of user groups/ interesting underlaying grid of urban infrastructure, multiple visual corridors, availability of natural landscape, challenging the verb - To Extract.

Assessing the area of intervention as a cube to extract vertical boundaries/barriers from the underground, ground, and the above. Thus selecting the specific area that includes the metro station from below to allow new opportunities to arise focusing on the extraction of boundaries accross different level variations

The morphology of baniyas is compressed because many buildings are situated beside each other, which creates many benefits for the users such as an increase in walkability within the vicinity and spaces that are shaded from the tall buildings. However, the site’s business and the lack of urban capacity to fit the amount of people there are today, which makes the site very busy and regularly causes high traffic jams due to the tight spaces, are both disadvantages. Because the structures on the site scatter the wind, another issue that needs to be brought to people’s attention is the issue of heat gain. The value of Baniyas Park is extremely high due to the scarcity of open green spaces.

Exploded diagram of the submerged metro station to enhance the knowledge of extracting barriers and boundaries easing the flow and allowing opportunity for the users to have an experiential journey from the underground to the ground level and to the above.

Site investigation

Baniyas metro station

Area of intervention

Site - Baniyas metro station

The need to develop

The struggle to survive

Site user observation

Underground metro system - concourse level -6m

03 - Site investigation

restricted zones

vertical circulation to platform level

access points

UN officials

tourist circulation

families

existing users

Understanding the underground user journey and introducing two new access points that lead into the project thus extracting the ground floor from above and creating a direct journey for the users.

Site selection criteria - ‘To Extract’ - challenging the verb by having a unique extraction within a busy city (opposing to an already extracted quiet site from society) -Site must include many different elements and components that can be ‘extracted’ - must be active/ many users/ views/ natural landscape/ historical background/ busy scene (opportunities to extract passer buyers) / accessibility to city (urban connection).

Extraction of Scale/building geometry

Extracting Values

Extraction of movement/ transitions/ transactions

Site investigation - Extracting the scale of the surrounding elements - examining the building void/mass -identifying tangible extractions - extracting the value of the user’s activity within the site - extracting points of exchange relating to manifesto the intersection of extraction

the area of intervention required a lot of plays with the underground, ground, and the above; consequently, having an elevated structure to keep the ground floor open and connected is crucial to understanding the development of the design and output; resultantly, structural is the most important aspect of solidifying the design outcome. two potential structures during the early stages of design development, with an established structure plan included within. The one-of-a-kind structure is both innovative and contributes to the overall user experience.

existing road kept

sky walk as ground extraction within area of intervention

conceptual massing studies extension of park softscape

private spaces - UN offices / conference rooms - 2300sqm

public wing spaces - exhibition /metro access -950 sqm

The initial structural strategy explored the different modules based on their respective locations which later on developed into interconnecting the modules and clusters to create a steel frame that holds the structure which attaches to three main structural cores.

Environmental Analysis

cafe / library / bookshop -1300 sqm

The context of Baniyas park and its surrounding area allows an ample amount of sunlight throughout the site while the mid-to high rise towers provide some sort of shading for the users comfort it is key for the project to be design to allow sunlight and wind patterns to be used in an efficient way through active and passive sustainable strategies and technology. occaisonal winds pass through the site but are deflected from the facades of the building leaving corridors of wind force to pass.

Through the design development of creating the form it was evident that rectagular blocks for the building created a very non-dynamic, imposing, and unresponsive to the environmental conditions. Once the final design was completed, the use of many internal courtyards breaking the mass up gave the site a much healthier and sustainable approach to the response of its surroundings. The shading from the harsh sun has scattered across the site giving back to the users the comfort that they need to continue their life. It is shown the multiplte spots of cool areas within, below, and beyond the strucutre due to its contexually driven piece of architecture.

structure attached to core structures on ground suspended structures

Initial relation back to original office models.

Initial starting point of scaled rectangular structures

The building envelope is made up of many different clusters of cubes, and these cube clusters may combine in certain functions similar to the building’s structural system. The building’s structural system is derived from the cores of the existing building, and it provides support for the suspended cube design throughout the project.

The exploded axonometric diagram shows three key concepts within the structure. The three main cores are evident to attach to the modulles. The existing redundant building is being re-used and the cores are elongated to provide space for additional modules in the future as well as a visual connection from afar.

Module - Office space 100 sqm

Module - Exhibition space 100 sqm

Module - UN offices group - 255 sqm

Module - Exhibition space 200 sqm

The modular clusters were revisted from the office models to implement function in relation to the design. For office spaces, having good access while providing enclosure creates a connection between the users and the building. The second module used for the exhibition spaces for different level changes while having a sense of transparency relating to the UN agency UNPFII. The modules connect with each other to form connected clusters that provide structural support.

Elevation B

Elevation A

BRIEF

Client + Users

UNPFII (Permanent forum on indigenous issues

indigenous groups/ people around the world, including U.A.E. bedouins, citizens, tourists , politicians, and world leaders.

-370 million indigenous people in the world (5% of world population)

-Extracting unique international cultures and combining in a safe modern space.

Maintain/give the rights to indigenous groups (highlighting global indigenous issues)

UNPFII

What they do:

Create a safe space for many international groups to interact

Address issues faced and discuss indigenous issues related to -economy and social development -culture -environment -education -health -human rights

UN agency office spaces

Existing Building

Bookshop & Library

UN - Offices

Co-working space

Auditorium - conference hall

Temporary exhibitions

Indigenous groups permanent exhibitions

Indoor/Outdoor Cafe

Existing underground metro station

The detail shows a module attached to a main core used as the structural strategy with a column thickness of 0.9m to hold the whole building.

SITE ANALYSIS

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

MINAMAD - Moving Images National Academy Museum of Art and Design

Urban Morphology

With the strong façade of high rise structures along SheikhZayed Road, the abstract model of urban fabric was produced byconcentrating on the barrier that Sheikh Zayed Road generates. It is dominated by motor traffic, where it is concluded that it isan accurate interpretation of a contemporary urban jungle.

Shodows casted by the towers

strong façade of high rise structures along SheikhZayed Road

Road, the abstract model of urban fabric was produced byconcentrating on the barrier that Sheikh Zayed Road generates.

Arabian Gulf Wind

Sheikh Zayed Road

Artistic representation of the major key finding of the site, motion. Establishing the notion of moving images as a theme for the NAMAD project.

Final site key finding

North western wind

Environmental analysis

High noise levels - Sheikh Zayed Road

Green patches of landscaping

Utilizing the wind to cool the outdoor rooms

Main public pedestrian access responding to context patterns

Surrounding zoning Metro Highway

Site

Residential villas

School

Supermarket

Light landscaping

High rise towermix use

Primary views on the site face the Sheikh Zayed Road

Allowing the building facade to face the north for natural sunlight

The direct surrounding of the site has a diverse use of zoning making it a hotspot for pedestrians in the area with good public transportation access having the potential to became a landmark within the city.

High pedestrian movement

Access design

The site is a large plot of sand not allowing the users to flow easily through, by creating an inviting access on the frontage, the site comes to life.

access to basement parking Secondary public users access through landsaping elements

Primary public entrance for users luring them into the site

Initial zoning diagram

Initial zoning design development, responding to site patterns and views

Final zoning diagram

Building zone

Design Drivers

Views

Underground vehicle entry

Heavy vegetation

Building zone

Final zoning design - using the context as a tool for dvelopment, responding to the surrounding patterns . Contextually driven architecture.

landscaping

Underground vehicle entry

Heavy vegetation

outdoor cinema

Sustainability

Utilizing the fresh wind for sustainability

Responding to the environmental climate - shaded areas

sketch design expressing the design through the context analysis of the site dveloping into massing studies

Conceptual sketches - interconnectivity between international cultures and architecture

adapting to the surrounding environemnt - contextually driven architecture

sketching ideas - bringing international cultures connecting with architecture through the tangible and intangible realm

multiple approaches to design massing and development

Highlighting the ramp for user experience

Inital abstract model used to express the conceptual idea of connecting international cultures through architecture and film - interconnect

1:500 abstract model put to a specific scale with experimentation of surrounding site patterns

Placing the study model on its context allows the relationship between the site and surrounding context to be exposed. Designes based on the context and analysis.

1:500 Development model

Exploring the outdoor relationship with the unique elements of the built form

Sustainability

1:500 Massing model

Conclusive model after various stages of development and testing

Building Fins direct the fresh winds throughout the site structure

Building Fins cast a shadow to the entrance for a comfortable experience

opens to the north facade reducing solar heat gain

1:500 study models

1:500 study model

North facing facade to allow natural non heat inducing light

Ramp to create an inviting scene for users and lure into the building building inclined to allow terraces to be created

Sheikh zayed road frontage towards the southeast

Photographing the model at eye level shows the human experience through the development of the design

Materiality

1:200 physical model

Textured grey concrete

wood panelling details

steel

double glazed windows

Urban Haven - Co-Housing Al Ras, Dubai

A street section through Deira illustrates the low rise buildings with a maximum height of 15 meters and the lack of open green spaces.

Majority of interactions take place on the ground floor making the scene loud and noisy.

The upper levels are for residence, a calm atmosphere.

Streetscape - exploring facades seen throughout Deira to use as an inspiration for the Co-housing community building.

Collage of Al Ras expressing motion

Environmental factors determining the location of the outdoor interactive spaces

Development of built up area responding to site

No setback from the street to keep the identity

1:200 experimental study model, exploring the landscape design as an urban spine, relating it with the building design proposal

Nodes near the site Genius loci

Dimension in meters

3-D functional zoning

Zoning

Pause in the Liminal

The illustration aims to make the viewer think about why we do not use these desolate liminal spaces and why we cannot make use of these spaces once again as part of our future cities even with the unsettling atmospheric aura tied to these spaces. By romanticising these abandoned spaces perhaps, we have a solution to the problems of the over-production and over consumption of the construction industry.

Developing illustrations capturing liminal spaces expressing its glitch, suspense, grey, unsettling, and emptiness.

A collage of Al Karama.

This collage captures the essence of Al Karama neighbourhood. Designing a community center will have multiple benefits for the people, with the aims to create a new experience within the community, uniting the community, adding a new routine for the users, increasing the connections and interaction in the community, and will positively impact the lives of the user overall increasing their well-being and standard of living.

The locaton of the public trnasport has impacted the user movement throughout the site, adding more density through the central lane.

Different age groups throughout the park showing the specific spaces that are enjoyed by the residence of Al Karama neighbourhood.

Figure Ground

Main roads

Density of Al Karama

Bulky buildings

Strong grid

Lack of green spaces

Al Karama 6:01pm

Section BB illustrates the open green space which is a scare element in Al Karama district.

Developing the design through sections.

Slanted north facade to allow the non heat inducing solar rays enter the building (natural daylight)

Structural support

Increasing the height from the south to block the solar heat gain.

The volumetric analysis helped control the proportions of the required spaces whcih made the process of design clearer.

Developed spatial sections, Section AA

Spatial section CC

Spatial Section DD

Spatial section BB

THE SPATIAL FIELD

The spatial field is a realm characterized by its uniqueness and endless world with a sense of space or structure within it. My illustration depicts the spatial field allowing the human a sense of direction to find their partner, similarly to how early civilizations use the star as a navigational landmark. the illustration of the field, beyond the ideas of wrong doing and right doing, has different panels representing the humans journey on the path of finding their loved one. Finally, the one point perspective view creates an emphasis on the central star allowing the light to expand into the distance which gives the spatial field a place of mystery.

Academic Architectural Portfolio | 2019 - 2023

Majd Bayakli