Design Portfolio_Joel Thomas

Joel Vijayan Thomas

Joel Vijayan Thomas

design portfolio 2024

Cyprus Retreat

ARC 201 | Fall 2018 | Cyprus

As we created our narrative for the client, we used their specific interests and the context provided to design relaxing spaces that elevated their experiences. Following the interests of a ceramic artist, spaces here allow the artist to engage with her art, display them and isolate herself from them when needed. Furthermore, the site allows this project to reflect the artist’s free spirit of exploration and creativity by keeping the residence open to nature, causing the retreat to blend with its surroundings. Also, it allows the artist to take inspiration and let nature rejuvenate, enhancing her creative skills.

The topography of the site emphasizes the strong horizontality and verticality. These then become the regulating lines for the project, providing both order and hierarchy. The horizontal elements run parallel to the landscape allowing it to blend and hide in the site. It also allows the site to seem untouched from a distance. However, the vertical elements emerge from the site and stand out compared to the rest of the project. Here, the gallery is the only vertical element located at the center of the project. Therefore, this space becomes a primary space as it houses the artist’s most valuable objects and allows her and her guests to engage with them every time they move across the project.

Site Plan

Site Section

Ground Floor Plan

Mid-rise Housing

ARC

With the rising issues of the pandemic, our living environment has failed to adapt to the current situation. Aspects like social distancing and live+work conditions, although not typically part of architectural designs, have become important factors now. Therefore, studies were made to create a relationship between living and working conditions while prioritizing the user’s comfort. This particular housing condition of the proposed design targets car enthusiasts who could bring their workshops closer to home during the pandemic. Inspired by the Ferrari F8 Tributo, tactics like void and layering were derived and transcribed into the project producing moments like the lobby space that causes the design to stand out.`

Inspired by the form of a car, the skin of each apartment continuously wraps around to form the roof and walls while creating voids.

This seamless feature extends to other parts of the project, like the waterfront where it folds to form seating that faces the view. Furthermore, the ground bends and folds to form both seating and planters that allow them to relate to the overall design.

To relate to the rest of the design, many parts of the car fold in numerous ways. Similarly, different parts of the project do the same.

The public seating design within the void allows the public to socialize while maintaining a safe distance during the pandemic

The folds of each module and units within them relate to one another. However, each layer extrudes further as you go down.

2-Bedroom Layout

3-Bedroom Layout Section

Cyprus Retreat

ARC 201 | Fall 2018 | Cyprus

This project aims to provide a space where cancer patients to their loved ones can take a break from their hectic lives. With limited spaces like these and spending most of their time in hospitals with limited programs and spaces to rejuvenate themselves this building caters specifically to these needs. The main concept follows the symbolic idea of a wing which can guard and protect. This was translated into the roof of the project which shelters the people from the harsh weather conditions of Dubai. Also, the central courtyard connects all the spaces from the ground to the top floor and people can engage with it in different ways.

In collaboration with:

Amerah Khan

During this group project, I worked on the sections, elevations, model, renders and the wall section detail while my teammate worked on the report graphics and the plans.

By Joel Thomas

By Joel Thomas

By Joel Thomas

Deterioration \

Revitilization

Deterioration and corrosion tend to mean the end of a building’s lifetime. However, this term is closely related to decomposition, which follows a cycle. Following this cycle, these terms can mean both the end and start of something new. This notion of the life cycle drives this project and aims to revitalize desolate environments. It does this by bringing together industrial scraps at the end of their life and repurposing them. Furthermore, the programs within this industrial structure follow another cycle. It includes food production, consumption, merchandise, and waste which replenishes the wasteland it stands on. Eventually, it allows the cycle to start over.

Inspired by eccentric cities, these collages depict my vision for one such city. Towering structures fill the city with both engaging and habitable areas. They come together to form spaces within and between them, with numerous moments for people to come together and socialize. Also, they portray the unique organization of these structures laid beside each other, similar to the components. The elevated forms and linear organization allow them to connect through a bridge. The addition of this element enhances the user’s experience. Users taking this linear path can indulge in the open view surrounding the project. However, they are also introduced to new and intriguing experiences as they pass through each one of the components.

Picture Collage

Picture Collage

Model Collage

Longitudinal Section

HAVEN by Aldar

RSP | Fall 2023 | Dubai

Haven by Aldar is a prestigious residential master plan. The development is one of the first for the region’s famous developer in Dubai. At RSP, we had the opportunity to produce the vision and concept during the Pre-concept stage. I had the opportunity to engage in the project as one of my first projects, both in terms of work experience and at the firm. The project portrays a relaxing and rejuvenating neighborhood where users can explore environments for activities such as meditation, cycling, jogging, etc.

Personally, I was involved in preparing the vision report while generating diagrams to convey the vision and coordinating with the rendering company to produce the conceptual renders during the pre-concept stage. This project allowed me to explore and understand the design process for a master plan.

Masterplan Diagram - Individual

concept stage render by lead consultant

Park Section 1 - Individual

Park Section 2 - Individual

ELARA

Madinat Jumeirah Living

RSP | Fall 2023 | Dubai

The ELARA project comprises three luxurious residential buildings among several other buildings forming the Madinat Jumeirah Living development. The project is located in a prime location overlooking the iconic Burj Al Arab, the only 7-star hotel in the world, and in close proximity to more of Dubai’s tourist destinations.

During the project, I was responsible for creating the initial design for the buildings in terms of the facade. Furthermore, I was involved in developing both the Sketchup model as well as the Revit model allowing me to explore more technical aspects of the project. The Revit model allowed us to quickly export plans, sections, and elevations and get the final digital model of the project. Along with these responsibilities, I was also in charge of producing the vision report, producing diagrams, and coordinating with the rendering company.

coordinated render with rendering company

coordinated render with rendering company

EMBRACING THE NATURE AND THE PARK

RAISING THE GARDENS VERTICALLY THROUGH

A UNIQUE TREATMENT TO THE PENTHOUSE

BREAKING THE FACADE THROUGH THE HORIZONTAL SLATS

Diagram - Individual

Diagram - Individual

Diagram - Individual

Diagram - Individual

Diagram - Individual

Loom

Spring 2022

Starting with the idea of having an armature, I looked back at something I was interested in during local visits. The use of a loom was fascinating to me as it seems very simple, made of wood and thread. However, it can do so much, especially in terms of weaving, where it can create different patterns depending on the user’s intentions. Additionally, each region has modified the design of a loom accordingly. Therefore, through numerous studies with materials like fibers, wax, and more, I had considered designing a simple loom. It becomes both the armature and the structure of these woven jute blocks. It allowed me to redefine the purpose of these and make it a screen system against a window that could control the amount of sunlight entering. Through different techniques within weaving and others like wet molding, the blocks vary while the system grows.

Wax Experiment 1

Wax Experiment 4

Wax Experiment 2

Wax Experiment 5

Wax Experiment 3

Wax Experiment 6