Architecture Portfolio

PORTFOLIO OF WORK

Kamar Shafeeha.

KAMAR

SHAFEEHA

M.ARCH B.Arch

Virginia Tech Anna University

kamarshafeeha@vt.edu + 1 ( 5 4 0 ) - 5 5 8 - 5 4 8 3 BLACKSBURG VA

CONTENTS

Selected Works (2016 - 23) Academic Architecture Healing with the Flow

1-5

Envisioning Shelter Homes

6-11

Green Mount

12-15

Urban Architecture with Care

16

Mapping Cities

17-18

Periyamet

19-21

Professional Villa Serena

22-25

Arbor School

26-27

01 Healing with the Flow Arch and Urbanism Lab I - December 2022

SITE - INTRODUCTION. The site is located opposite to the main VCOM building and has a well defined neighbourhood.

This design lab focuses on both the explicit and implicit interactions between health and wellbeing, and architecture. These interactions were explored through the design for healthcare clinic to serve a community such as Blacksburg through the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Surrounded by lush greenary with a lake on the East and a calm neighbourhood with residence makes it ideal for creating spaces that adds value in terms of overall experiential quality for the patients as well as in developing social interaction.

The design approach simultaneously addresses the needs of both the patients and the healthcare providers.

PARTI. SITE PLAN.

N

EXPLORATIONS. Biophilic design & Salutogenesis Biophilia is the humankind’s innate biological connection with nature.

Salutogenesis is the study of the origins of health and focuses on factors that support human health and well-being, rather than on factors that cause disease.

Location : 2280 Kraft Drive, Opposite the main VCOM building.

Area : 2.5 Acres (109000 sq.ft) Neighbourhood Context : Residential and Institutional Zone.

Healing with the Flow | Academic

M Arch | December 2022 | Kamar

01

SITE INTERPRETATION.

N

MASSING IDEAS. As a spatial and massing exercise, three different parti concepts were proposed, each with a different approach to integrating the internal green space. The “Hub” features a central open space with other program areas branching off radially

MATERIAL PALLET.

Healing with the Flow | Academic

M Arch | December 2022 | Kamar

02

NORTH ELEVATION.

Based on the previous site analyses, treatment spaces were located along the north-west making it easily accesible for the patients, while educational/community spaces were oriented to the east, taking advantage of natural airflow and daylight access and views for the exercise and library spaces also considering the heightened privacy requirements. The communal areas and atrium serve as the “front door” and heart of the building, with relaxation and respite areas as a buffer zone and waiting space between the wellness center and the clinic.

FLOOR PLANS.

N

Ground level plan Healing with the Flow | Academic

Lower Level plan M Arch | December 2022 | Kamar

03

STRUCTURE.

Sectional View

Site Section

SOUTH ELEVATION.

Healing with the Flow | Academic

M Arch | December 2022 | Kamar

04

Elements

- Brick - Bamboo - Stone - Earth - Grass - Sand - Water

Healing Garden

QUALITY OF A PLACE. Interacting with nature provides healing benefits to your body and mind.

Research has shown that within minutes of moving outside, positive changes occur in the body, such as lower blood pressure, decreased heart rate, reduced stress, and improved mood

Soothing Waters A water feature doesn’t have to be elaborate to evoke a relaxing feel. Even a simple rock bubbler provides pleasing sounds and visual appeal. For larger spaces, a pond or waterfall puts nature’s beauty just steps away from your door.

Color Creatively Usage of low-wattage or LED lighting to set off plants and decorative features to their best advantage when natural light is low. Create beautiful shadows and draw attention to subtle colors and textures of your flowers and plants with discreetly placed lights.

Provide a resting place Whether it’s a single bench or a suite of comfortable garden furniture, pick a spot or two that invites visitors to sit down and stay a while. Adding an outdoor bookshelf or blanket box to make it easy to kick back and relax.

Mimic mother nature Pairing trees and wildflowers, boulders and water, or rocks and ferns to create the feel.

Healing with the Flow | Academic

M Arch | December 2022 | Kamar

05

02 Envisioning Shelter Homes Thesis Studio - August 2021

SITE - INTRODUCTION.

The aim of the thesis is to rethink the design of destitute home by integrating and nurturing senses through built, unbuilt spaces and volumes, thereby creating a community.

The site is located opposite to the Madhavaram horticulture department, with close proximity to basic amenities and has a well defined neighbourhood.

Nestled in between a lush greenery and a calm neighbourhood makes it ideal for creating spaces that adds value in terms of overall experiential quality for woman and children.

COMMUNITY.

City - Workplace - No environmental quality - No peace

MASTER PLAN. N

Site Area : 12.5 Acres Bulitup Area : 8,651 sq.m Plot Coverage Allowed : 40% Plot Coverage Achieved : 20% OSR : 10% Site Setback : 6M

Suburbs - Serene environment Workplace & amenities far away - Not many people to interact

Suburbs - Group of people - Interaction social support - Workplace & amenities far away

Suburbs - Community providing work place - Serene & secure environment - Socializing self sustaining

To create better living conditions for inmates, through the design of built volumes keeping in mind the emotional and physical needs.

To create an environment that allows bodily engagement, playful sensory exploration and a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

To design built and unbuilt spaces that are intertwined into a continuous whole. Having public spaces, as well as individual private spaces that gives a sense of belonging and ownership to the inmates.

Envisioning Shelter Homes | Academic

B Arch | August 2021 | Kamar

06

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS. Abstract Process.

Evolution Stages.

N

Love Strength Security Unity

> Community

Concept.

Pattern Language, by Christopher Alexander.

Ref : A Pattern Language : Towns, Buildings, Construction.

Book by Christpher Alexander, Murray Silverstein, and Sara Ishikawa

Setting Edges

The pattern language contains rules for how ‘Human Beings Interact With Built Forms’ — a pattern language codifies practical solutions developed over millennia, which are appropriate to local customs, society, and climate.

CONCEPTUALIZATION. Zoning Process.

Orienting Homes

Sense of enclosure and solidarity Pathways

Network - Road/Pathways.

Base sepals

Zoning Semi-public

Radial Network

Linear Network

Shelter amenities

Activity Study.

Interactive Nodes

Public spaces

Open spaces

Envisioning Shelter Homes | Academic

B Arch | August 2021 | Kamar

07

MASTER GROUND FLOOR PLAN. N

Day Care - 300 sq.m.

Family Home - 810 sq.m.

Maiden’s Home - 1075 sq.m.

Med Clinic - 170 sq.m.

Guest Lodging - 200 sq.m.

Vocational Training - 1470 sq.m.

Kitchen & Dining - 220 sq.m.

Multi-functional Hall - 500 sq.m.

Staff Lodging - 430 sq.m.

Educational Admin - 420 sq.m.

Envisioning Shelter Homes | Academic

Residential Admin - 630 sq.m.

Public Amenity- 290 sq.m.

B Arch | August 2021 | Kamar

08

SITE SECTION. Open Spaces creating natural social interaction leading to community participation and giving a visual axis throughout the site pertaining to the safety of the inmates.

ISOMETRIC VIEW. Central gathering space creating visual axis.

Open Amphitheater acting as a connector between the private and semi-private spaces.

Pause points of rest and changing vistas where small groups can congregate for socializing Children’s Play Area along Day Care.

Envisioning Shelter Homes | Academic

Important lessons learnt during the process : When buildings are designed considering the actions and psychology of the user, the user will automatically react and respond to the building.

Even the smallest ARCHITECTURAL GESTURE plays a vital role in shaping the design.

Flexibility in design gives the user freedom to use it the way they would want to. This assures that there are no set of rules for using it which also makes it more approachable.

B Arch | August 2021 | Kamar

09

MAIDEN’S HOME DESIGN. - Individual Block

EXTERIOR STAIRCASE AS A PLATFORM FOR ACTIVITIES AND SOCIAL INTERACTION The staircase is designed much more than just a way of getting between the floors.

Key plan

4 Units 20 Inmates each

It encourages social interaction and creates a strong sense of community and interconnection between indoor and outdoor spaces creating a common space.

View

N

N

Roof plan

Its exterior location helps in keeping a check on the movement and activity of inmates thus maintaining security.

Exploded View

Detail View

Second floor plan

Section - AA’ First floor plan

East Elevation

Ground floor plan

This acts as a living area used for daily chores during the day and for sleeping during night.

Every house has it’s own activity pockets in the form of backyard and balconys and can be personalised the way the users want to in the form of a garden or for drying activities, playing, gathering, reading, sleeping etc., distinguishing between private, semi private and public spaces.

Envisioning Shelter Homes | Academic

Inspirational walkway with art in the form of Graffitti on the walls of the buildings painted by the inmates residing in the shelter home.

Material Board B Arch | August 2021 | Kamar

10

Lighting Design - December 2024 Architecture Analysis + Calculations Nestled within the supportive embrace of a communal home for the destitute, this bedroom stands as a sanctuary for a woman and her two children, all seeking solace and stability. The room’s layout is thoughtfully designed to provide individualized spaces for rest, play, and personal growth, while fostering a sense of unity and togetherness.

The lighting design is approached with a deep understanding of the room’s dual nature as both a living and resting place. The intention is to create an environment that not only meets the practical needs of its inhabitants but also nurtures their mental well-being.

DESIGN APPROACH. 1. Initial Planning: Start by mapping out the bedroom layout and choosing materials that enhance the lighting, aiming for a welcoming and versatile space.

2. Lighting Standards: Use IES guidelines to calculate the required lighting for key activities like reading, dressing, and play.

3. Luminaire Selection: Pick light fixtures based on efficiency, comfort, and how well they fit the space’s needs and aesthetics.

4. Integration and Analysis: Fit the lights into the design, using tools like AGI-32, Elum tools.

5. Refinement: Adjust the design as needed to address any lighting issues and improve the bedroom’s overall feel.

6. Visual Presentation: Create renderings to showcase how the lighting will look and feel in the actual space.

7. Daylight and Finishes: Balance natural and artificial light and ensure they complement the interior finishes, adding to the room’s comfort and ambiance.

LIGHTING CALCULATIONS.

CONCEPT STATEMENT. This lighting design strategically harmonizes the diverse needs of a mother and her children within their shared bedroom.

The design aims to create an atmosphere that encourages learning, relaxation, and imaginative play, fostering a space where wellness and joyful family moments can flourish.

LUMINAIRE SELECTION.

Architecture with Care | Academic

M Arch | December 2023 | Kamar

11

03 Green Mount Architectural Design 5 - April 2019

ISOMETRIC-VIEW. Hotel rooms

Based in Madurai, this project’s program is to design a five star hotel with emphasis on contemporary styles and create spaces for people of various categories - business, vacation and tourism.

Lobby

Loading / Unloading

To evolve innovative space comprehensively and, functial and spatial research between the function and spaces involved; Establish appropriate relationships between various parts of the hotel completely; Provide the best hospitality while promoting functional efficiency of spaces and circulation.

Surface Parking Car - 32, Bike - 113

Drop off

Exit Entry

Banquet Hall

Location : NH-38, Near Dwaraka palace, Madurai, India.

Area : 4.2 Acres (17,105 sq.m) Neighbourhood Context : Residential, Commercial and Mixeduse Zones (creating a social hub)

SITE PLAN. N

Service Entry

Select prime gate way location

Carve for building envelope

Thermal Comfort Air Quality Noise Absorption Better View

Create a unique and intimate public space Invite passage for social interaction naturally

Green Mount | Academic

Welcome sunlight and fresh air

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT. Builtup Area : 12,258 sq.m Circulation : 2,451 sq.m Total Bulitup Area : 14,709 sq.m Plot Coverage : 40% - 6,842 sq.m OSR : 1,710 sq.m Site Setback : 7M

B Arch | November 2020 | Kamar

12

FLOOR PLANS.

N

Stilt floor plan

First floor plan

FLOOR PLANS STUDY.

Second floor plan First floor zoning

Recreation floor zoning

VERTICAL SECTION BB’.

The planning of the floor plates are done in a way that the private and public spaces are well segregated, giving privacy to the users as well as promoting social interaction by intergrating the common spaces naturally.

(Views Via Render)

Hotel room floor zoning

Guest + Staffs

Mandatory

Guests

Desirable

Staffs

Service

Legend

Green Mount | Academic

B Arch | April 2019 | Kamar

13

ROOM FLOOR PLANS.

PREMIUM SUITE ROOM. N

There are totally six Premium Suite Rooms at the Ninth & Tenth floor.

A Space of 1,290 sq.ft. - spacious living room and premium amenities.

This suite room is dotted with quintessential art pieces, that add to your experience. And the room has a scenic view.

Third Floor

Fourth Floor

03 Standard Room; 04 Premium Room; 01 Family Suite Room; 03 Premium Suite; 01 Presidential Suite Room

Tenth Floor

ROOM PLAN.

Fifth & Sixth Floor

MATERIAL BOARD. Seventh Floor

Eighth Floor

Ninth Floor Green Mount | Academic

B Arch | April 2019 | Kamar

14

LONGITUDINAL SECTION AA’.

The atrium (outdoor spaces) is the main focus in this design , it acts as a courtyard and also redefines the corridors.● The overall massing of the hotel is unique and proper allocation of various spaces is achieved without disturbing the circulation of the guest and the staff.● Multi-level landscape in the facade adds an unique feature to its elevation as comparing to its urban context.

Perspective - Green Mount View Green Mount | Academic

B Arch | April 2019 | Kamar

15

04 Achitecture with Care Arch and Urbanism Lab II - May 2023 This laboratory is an exploration of the making and use of architecture as a device of care: for the city, its ecology, its public life, and (perhaps most of all), its residents. We began by imagining what architectures of care might ‘look like’. Who and which conditions might they serve? How might they operate? We were asked to imagine and describe programs, spatialities and materialities of care for people, the city, the climate, non-human species.

My exploration was based on creating a social infrsstructure and activating a public street based on Washington, DC.

URBAN STRATEGY.

STREET SECTION.

SITE PLAN.

N

Location : 700 block of Morton St NW, in Washington DC Neighbourhood Context : Residential andCommercial Zone.

Architecture with Care | Academic

M Arch | May 2023 | Kamar

16

05 MAPPING CITIES Parcel Map of Roanoke.

GIS for Designers - December 2022 Using QGIS and Mapbox, we were assigned to map the cities of Ronoake under various topis. I have learned to collect data and make interactive maps through this, alongside understanding scale, colours, distance, layering and visual analysis of various data.

For my research, I chose to map the Impacts of Jim crow discrimination and Redlining in the city of Knoxville.

Total value per parcel

Value per sqft per parcel

With respect to neighnourhood

Growth of the suburbs of a city in Virginia - Roanoke

Findings : The Railways and Waterways are moving along side throughout, framing paths for transportation.

The Waterways and topography naturally form a clear boundary outlining the city.

The Roadways differ according to the slopes varying from higher to lower, for instance, cyclway, footway, etc. on the top to the tracks and primary paths at the bottom.

Mapping Cities | Academic

M Arch | December 2022 | Kamar

17

The Relationship between percentage of Non-White population and average age of housing in Knoxville.

Percentage Non - White population

KNOXVILLE - LANDUSE AND CENSES DATA. Doing the Distance Matrix calculation, we can completely see that the Non-White areas are more likely to be near Industries than Whites.

I also found that White areas are more likely to be near parks that are well-defined spaces like golf course sports, whereas NonWhite are mostly alongside open spaces.

Housing Median Year Built Mapping Cities | Academic

From this, we can conclude that Non-White neighborhoods in Knoxville are disproportionately near industrial areas versus green space M Arch | December 2022 | Kamar

18

06 Periyamet

URBAN DESIGN - DOCUMENTATION. Team - 40 members Position - Team Leader

Urban Studio 6 - November 2020

Concept and Theories - MEHTA RESEARCH PAPER.

The aim of this studio was to identify the link between the proposed development strategy of Central plaza and salt cotaurs area as an urban node and its present development condition without compromising the rich heritage possessed by the said intervention area.

Predominantly include : work, retail, cultural and light industrial uses.

Typically, mixed use neighbourhoods comprise a core area of streets.

Location : Periyamet, Chennai, Inidia

Tracking people’s behaviour through the fulfillment of their everyday purposes at the scale of the room.

N

Behavior Mapping : As Meaningful Public Spaces Scholars suggest that if “ ... we do right by our streets we can in large measure do right by the city as a whole – and, therefore and most importantly, by its inhabitants”

Human Behaviour as basis for Design Study of human behaviour and to understand human needs and preferences by empirically observing human behaviour.

The engagement between the elements of the behavioural environment the elements of the physical setting and the places that have special meanings for the community:

The Site has been primarily divided into 3 zones to make the study and analysis process easier and to get a better understanding of the site.

Furthermore when the basic understanding of the zones have become clear, there is an exchange of information between different zone thereby giving a clear idea of the entire site. This enables to comprehend it better and produce proposals.

SITE.

Comfortable Pleasurable Meaningful Issues : encroachment of side walk and streets by hawkers & vehicular parking

Unauthorized parking of vehicles near sidewalks

Activity Mapping : Type of activity.

Unorganized signal crossing, no pedestrian sidewalk or pathway

Occupied pavements of pedestrians,leaving pedestrians on the marked parking

Certain location of activity.

Actors of activity.

Physical features of the environment which were in that type of activity.

Understand whether those physical features support or inhibit or do not affect that activity.

“Look closely & you will see. Listen carefully and you will hear” - MEHTA Periyamet | Academic

Activities that were linked with each other.

Aspects of the area studied: History | Imageability | Land use and building typology | Accessibility, connectivity | Population density | Services and infrastructure | Space usage | Unused spaces, encroachment | User comfort and pollution | Tree cover I Market detail, Urban street furniture B Arch | November 2020 | Kamar

19

Land Use and Building Typology - BUILDING TYPOLOGY.

N

The presence of Basin Bridge Power Plant and Gas Turbine Power Station making this particular zone into Special and Hazardous Industries Category.

Presence of leather shops and houses near religious building communicates settlement of a particular community.

The main railway terminus of Chennai City Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. MGR Central Railway Station is present in the institutional landuse area along the Grand Southern Trunk Road.

Buildings surrounding the station are predominantly public buildings like hospitals, markets, etc.

The buildings in the vicinity are predominantly of mixed use variety, where the lower levels are used as commercial spaces & upper levels are used as residences

Predominantly residential buildings with commercial & institutional buildings to support the residential settlement.

Consists of various government buildings such as Ripon Building, Victoria Hall and the commercial Moore Market Complex lying in the institutional land use area.

Consist majorly of commercial buildings with mixed use buildings supporting the residential settlement with commercialization in full swing.

Important government buildings are situated near the junction enabling easy access and acting as landmarks.

Periyamet | Academic

Established institutional settlement, the Madras Medical College and the religious building Siddiq Serai Masjid lie in the commercial part of the land use area.

Also, the Park Station runs in the middle of the area.

It consists of public and institutional buildings which are a core factor for enabling the settlements to function.

This area consists of Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital and some of the MMC blocks.

B Arch | November 2020 | Kamar

20

URBAN DESIGN - PROPOSAL. Team - 5 members Position - Team Leader

ZONE 3 - MASTER PLAN.

Ariel View

N

Food Street view 1

Food Street view 2

This whole chunk of land comprises of Residential, Commercial and Mixed use zones and the inference is trying to establish a pedestrian friendly zone, giving importance to social behaviour that will enhance safe and healthy environment.

Intent Of Proposal

Key plan

Ecological

Social

Need for a green space amongst the densely packed buildings of the neighbourhood which will reduce the pollutants and increase the overall quality of the air.

Lack of open spaces in the area has created a need for a social hub that foster engagement and strengthens community ties & over which the members feel a sense of collective ownership.

Opportunities offered by the site - Commerce based development is feasible - Accessibility from all sides of the site - Feasible to incorporate TOD principles and promote walkability EVK Sampath Road Section

Barracks Extension Road Section -1

Legend 1.Wellness center 2.Public park 3.Food street 4.Retail complex 5.Plaza 6.Art center 7.Pedestrian Bridge 8.Hotel 9.OSR

Proposed Master plan

Major interventions of the site Art center The Art center is a versatile space that could adapt and initiate dialogue between various forms of art.

Stringers Road Section

Barracks Extension Road Section -2

Retail Complex Retail Complex is an area of the city where commerce, entertainment, shopping are concentrated.

Retail Complex View Periyamet | Academic

Art Center View

Pedestrian Bridge View B Arch | November 2020 | Kamar

21

07 Villa Serena

To meet the clients’ wishes for natural light and a better connection to their expansive backyard, the house’s living spaces have been opened up in plan to allow one to see the backyard from the living room on the other side of the house. The window openings take advantage of the long north and south facing facade. The southern half of house has been extended further into the backyard than the northern half, to create a more private deck off the master bedroom. In addition, the clients requested for a detached pool cabana along the backyard making it accesible for both private and public use.

National Engineering Bureau, - April 2020 | Intern Architect This projects program is to design a Luxury Villa for a client at Jumeirah Village in Dubai, UAE along side the sea.

Villa Serena | Professional

SITE PLAN.

N

This project was designed under the guidance of Mostafa Yakout.

Work | April 2020 | Kamar

22

SOUTH ELEVATION.

MASTER GROUND FLOOR PLAN.

N

Second Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan Villa Serena | Professional

Work | April 2020 | Kamar

23

VERTICAL SECTION.

WALL SECTIONS.

Villa Serena | Professional

Work | April 2020 | Kamar

24

KITCHEN DETAILS.

Section 01

GLAZING DETAIL.

N

Section 02

STAIRCASE DETAIL.

Section 03

Section 04

Staircase Section & View.

Floor Layout - GF Villa Serena | Professional

RCP Layout - GF Work | April 2020 | Kamar

25

08 ARBOR SCHOOL

ATRIUM. Performance Zone located near the black box and auditorium, this performance space has the added advantage of flexible use with the aid of the cubes to have multiple configurations to suit the need.

Giant Chess Board, games that can be viewed not only from the ground floor but also from the break out spaces, open corridors and staircases on the upper floors.

National Engineering Bureau, - April 2020 | Intern Architect Based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, this project required Conceptualization and Presentation drawings of various areas. I was also given the oppurtunity to interact with clients for the same.

This work was executed along with Ar. Deema and team under the guidance of Mostafa Yakout.

Seating Area

Climbing Wall Play/Learning Area

Play Area

Open play/ Learning Area

Multi-Configuration Seating

Perfomance Area

Seating Area

Giant Chess Board

Green Walkway acts as a green backdrop visible from the administration area, also separating the busy play area from the activity zone and administration.

Plantation Area

Green Walkway

Activity Area

Dining Area Extended Seating

See-Saw Play Area

Planter Box Seating

Plantation Zone and Climbing Wall - Open play and learning area with planter boxes, play equipments, climbing walls and trees.

Activity Zone - Art and activities zone with different kinds of loose furniture, located under the first floor balcony break out space.

N

Key Plan Arbor School | Professional

Work | April 2020 | Kamar

26

RUSTIC TERRACE. Water Trough play area water feature and play

Ship Play Area themed play area and structure

Barn House wood and tatch roof shaded structure to house small animals and pets.

Lighthouse Bay themed climbing play

Boulders themed seating area

Access to the terrace

Fishing Net themed relaxation zone Nest Seating nook

Dovecote clay strcuture to house birds and their nest Haystack seating and climbing Art Work Wall and display

Recycle Zone

Climbing play tyres, haystack and logs climbing/ seating arrangement

Plantation Zone Staircase Seating Connecting floor above and also acting as an amphitheatre seating

Log seating and performance / camping space

Performance Space

Services restricted access

Key Plan Arbor School | Professional

Work | April 2020 | Kamar

27

KAMAR

SHAFEEHA

kamarshafeeha@vt.edu + 1 ( 5 4 0 ) - 5 5 8 - 5 4 8 3 BLACKSBURG VA

M.ARCH Virginia Tech B.Arch Anna University, Inida