Portfolio＿ケイラ＿マニュエル

kayla manuel

Moyo Pier Cafe, Durban

Introduction HELLO. My name is Kayla Manuel, graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor in Architecture Degree from the University of Witwatersrand.

The projects included in this portfolio are based on areas in and around the city, where we were expected to work with residents and simulate design proposals for various building types.

Architecture to me is more than just buildings. It is both building beautifully and well. Great architecture can stir us more deeply than any of the other visual arts as it is a three-dimensional art into which we enter and feel for ourselves. Beyond the delight of the beholder, I see architecture as an actual record of true history - not just of bricks and mortor - but of human lives lived in these spaces and habits cultivated because of these spaces.

I intend to be an architect whose sole priority is to create spaces that take the end-users experience into consideration and not one who is merely concerned with the aesthetics of a space.

Sketch of Urban Plan 3rd Year

Disclaimer: All hand sketches in this portfolio have been drawn by me.

Contents Page Page 3

Contents Page

Page 4

Curriculumn Vitae

Projects/ Academic Page 6-8

#1: Landmark Structure The Sigma Gallery

Page 9-11

#2: Open-Air Theatre The Bioscope

Page 12-14

#3: Art Museum The Woven Museum

Page 15-17

#4: Library Industrial Tree of Knowledge

Page 15-17

#5: History Research Project Women’s Jail Museum

Projects/ Work Recess Page 21-22

Stauch Vorster Architects Year- Out : In-service Training

Projects/ Extra Credit Page 24-25 Page 26

Artwork Awards Future-city Competition :1st place

Projects/ Future Prospects Page 27-28

Study in Japan

“ AN [ARCH]ITECT NEVER SLEEPS” - ME (FIRST YEAR 2012) Study of domed cathedrals in Milan

Curriculum Vitae Education Matric 2010 (12 Years) Qualified with Bachelors Pass - Distintions in Art, Africaans (additional language) and Technical Drawing.

Received University Entrance Scholarship in 2012.

Bachelor of Architecture 2016 (4 Years) Qualified with Bachelors Degree obtained from The University of Witwatersrand, JHB, South Africa.

Average: 64 Graduated with: 3.00 GPA for 540 credit hours.

Work Experience STAUCH VORSTER INTERNATIONAL

Architectural Intern for year out in-service training.

Various Architectural work: including developement of Working Drawings for Kayalami Mall, site exposure and other administrative work.

Rosebank, JHB | 01.2016 - current mēik - ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Architectural Intern during second year architecture degree.

Various Architectural work: including developement of Council and Working Drawings for residential buildings, site exposure, sourcing contractors and other administrative work.

Sandton, JHB | 04.2014 - 07.2015 MARTIN ENGELBREGHT ARCHITECTS

Architectural Intern during second year architecture degree.

Various Architectural work: including measuring up KFC franchise stores and drawing up plans thereof.

Randburg, JHB | 01.2014 - 04.2014

Skills 3D MODELLING AND DRAFTING Autodesk Revit 2015, Autodesk 3Ds Max, Autodesk AutoCAD 2016, Sketchup 8, Graphisoft ArchiCAD. DIGITAL IMAGE AND RENDERING Adobe Suite: Photoshop CC, Illustrator CC, Indesign CC. Indigo Renderer and Artlantis 6 VISUAL ART CRAFTING Painting (watercolour, acrylics), Charcoal, Pencil (colour and graphite), Linocut printing, pen and chalk.

LANGUAGES English (native), Afrikaans (additional).

OTHER INTERESTS Music, Singing, Surfing, Soccer

Landmarking #1: LANDMARK STRUCTURE

OLD BANDSTAND

REFURBISHING THE OLD

ENRICHING THE NEW

NEW MATHS & SCIENCE BUILDING

The Sigma Gallery Objective: Design a landmark structure We are required to design a landmark structure to house a campus radio station, event space, seating and student information centre. It should be designed as a commemorative structure to the univesity and being a landmark, it should stand out.

Concept: Sigma symbol Inspired by the context of my landmark (residing in the Maths & Science precinct) the sigma symbol Σ formed steel structure is suspended from an existing structure. Suspending the programme in this way doesn’t impeded on the flow of circulation below and also allows the structure to be visible from various locations around campus.

SKETCH OF EXISTING SITE

NEW MATHS & SCIENCE BUILDING OLD BANDSTAND

SKETCH OF INTERVENTION TO EXISTING SITE

INITIAL SKETCH IDEA

MODEL OF SIGMA GALLERY

Landmark Gallery

Techtonics/ Red Steel Skeleton The initial thinking behind the red skeletal structure (of which the Sigma Gallery is made up of ) was to abstractly resemble the skeleton of an animal. The appearance was meant to look as if the new intervention was clipping onto the old. This way of designing is ideal - new additions should never obstruct or override the exiting stuctures and instead should be completely dissimilar.

Landmark Radio

Context / Maths and Science Precent The programme was split accross two sites, reason being the radio station pays homage to the existing heritage of the stadium bandstand.

Sketch In-situ of The Existing Bandstand

The rest of the programme is suspended above the flow of traffic, consisting of the student welcome centre seating and exhibition space.

The surrounding area of the Science Stadium can be used for hosting events.

New Bandstand Plan

New Bandstand Section

Site Context: programme accross bandstand and concrete column

Precedent study: ‘Ecosistema Urbano’, Madrid E. Book: Joubert, ‘. and Bakker, K. (2009). 10 years + 100 buildings

Open-Air Theatre *made top 10 in University phase of competition

#2: OPEN-AIR CINEMA The Bioscope Objective: Design an outdoor cinema under a bridge We are required to design an open-air theatre to the underside of a bridge in the Maboneng Precint. Apart from the obvious cinema it is to include ablution facilities, ticket sales, retail space and confectionary.

Concept: Pixels Inspired by the nature of films, the facade of the cinema is made up of light boxes which resemble enlarged pixels. Aside from being a source of light and landmarking they become pull out seats to expand the area of the cinema. Spilling out onto the streets of Maboneng. They are also functional; hollow boxes encase speakers and solid ones absorb virbrations from the highway above.

Parking Lot

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Arts on Main Market

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Screen

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Key 1. Open-Air Theatre 2. Storage 3. Confectionary 4. Ablutions 5. Pop-up Market Stalls 6. Cafe 7. Drive-thru

Open-Air Theatre *made top 10 in University phase of competition The precinct is awakened by light boxes illuminating the street inviting people to explore the thrills of the cinema. From the big screen to the ‘not so small’ pixel-inspired boxes that adorn the facade these were key concepts in the design.

The cinema, being the main attraction, boasts boxes of timber (for acoustic purposes). Some are hollow to allow for speakers inserts and lighting, whilst others are solid and dense to absorb any vibrations from the bridge above.

Block Facade/ Solid and Hollow Boxes Solid absorbs vibration from bridge above Hollow filled with speakers and lighting

Block Facade/ Exploding Quality Some boxes pull out and the whole cinema layout explodes out on the street, increasing the seating area.

Open-Air Theatre *made top 10 in University phase of competition

Design Rationale/ Functional Appropriateness The space should not only be used when the cinema is operational.

The drive-thru was inspired by the notion to bring people in at any time of the day. Although the space is intended for pedestrian use, one cannot negate the fact that Johannesburg is mainly vehicle-dominated.

The horizontal link between the ‘arts on main’ market and the dilapidated parking lot directly across from it became the ideal location for the market space needed.

Screen walls are able to swing as desired creating inbetween spaces when one slides a plank for a table, you have an easy to assemble and desemble market space.

There is also stairs that expand from a market screen allowing a link to the cafĂŠ seating area above.

This was one of three posters submited to the competition.

Woven Museum #3: ART MUSEUM The Woven Art Museum Objective: Design an African-Inspired Art Museum We are required to design a Contemporary African Art Museum that reflects the growing stature of Southern Africa and the African continent.

Concept: Woven Basket (Traditional African Craft) Inspired by the most prominent aspect of the African culture, weaving has been used as the basis of my idea. Not intended to become a building in the form of a large woven basket, the concept is embedded in certain aspects of the design. Users are woven up through the programme and back down the main feature ramp which weaves through suspended art installations.

Back of House Operations

Main Feature Ramp

Programmatic Function Users are made to enter the museum at the bottom, work their way up to the top where they are greeted by the view of the Nelson Mandela Bridge. Thereafter they are woven back down through suspended art installations and exit the building again on the ground floor.

‘Woven Art Museum’ Pencil on paper A1

Woven Museum

Industrial Library #4: THE LIBRARY The Industrial Tree of Knowledge Objective: Design a Library We are required to design a new Public Library for Ekurhuleni in Germiston to discover the use of civic buildings as tools towards urban regeneration. The library has to address the needs and requirements of our modern society, including an expansive children’s segment, cinematheque and mediatheque. The Germiston Library Square has been identified as perfect site, as it will also assist with the regeneration of the innercity of Germiston.

Concept: Industrial Tree of Knowledge Inspired by the context of the mining town, the concept is centred around the idea of an industrial tree of knowlegde. With a covered promenade branching out toward the adjacent library square lawns.

West Elevation

Library Square

Library Street

Adjacent Site Proposed Site

South Elevation

Industrial Library

Initial Concept Sketches

Facade Development The idea of abstract tree branches ties the facade back into the concept. The skins are two-fold , with one side being solid concrete due to its east side orientation (for privacy reasons) and the other is made from steel mesh to shield from harsh west light.

Lasercut Model

Adjacent Site

Library Street

Library Square

Proposed Site

Facade Treatment/ Design Development

Abstract Tree Branches

Negative Spaces

Concrete Panels

Mesh Facade

Linear quality of screen ties back into corrugated facades of surrounding context

Industrial Library Secret Courtyard Based on the idea of an office with a secret bookshelf which swings open to reveal a hidden room, the ground floor features the same idea on a larger scale. Revealing a private courtyard, the perfect setting to grab a book off the shelf and relax under a tree.

PVT. COURTYARD

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ENTRAN

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O OUTDO

Programme Intent / Initial Sketch Initial 3D modeling / Roof Canopies In keeping with the concept of the tree, I wanted the roof structure to greatly reflect this idea. Some parts of the roof canopies became hosts for ‘book nooks’ where one could curl up in comfort wthout ever leaving the library. Other parts created interesting landscape where one could get fresh air while catching up on some light reading.

Reception Entrance Console

Massing Intent/ Initial Sketches

The multipurpose console at the centre of the library was designed to host the reception desk, staircase with bookshelves nested below (to keep those waiting occupied. As well as the computer help desks and lift cores.

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History Research Exerpt from an Essay on conservation: New Transition - An essay on the Womens’ Jail Renovations

Background Information The twins that were birthed from the Women’s Gaol, have left everyone with mixed emotions. Some feel elated by the newborns’ arrival, while others criticize its upbringing. Nevertheless the mother stands guard against anyone who tries to disparage them of their essence.

These two new office buildings, found on the Constitutional Hill Complex, reinforce the prevailing prisons’ high walls. But rather than being bound by them, the architect ‘mother’ forces them to overcome this boundary, thus fortifying her notion of freedom.

Entry into these twin buildings’ is not without cause. One has to experience the depths of the old building in order to gain access to the new. This, in reality, proves inefficient when one is trying to run a business. Hence the architects’ intent is lost when additional doors are added to prevent clients from taking the long way around, when their only business is with that of the human rights’ offices. That said, the fact that this once oppressive prison became a human rights’ office, it is somewhat poetic justice.

These offices now inhabit where the exercise yard once was and is placed symmetrically about the central axis of the existing jail.The sense of space of the original courtyard and prominence of the central atrium is thereby retained. The new buildings’ architectural language does not imitate the existing, and instead the old and new are expressed dissimilarly. There is no gradual transition from the old to the new; it is an abrasive definite difference that contradicts Kate Ottens’ argument that the struggle to freedom is long and enduring.

We are required to critically analyze the Womens Jail Museum by Kate Otten Architects.

The Women’s Jail was built in 1909. It use to house women prisoners and is one of several prisons on Constitution Hill. It is a fine example of English prison architecture of that era. It is known as a place where women Anti-Apartheid activists were unjustly prisoned.

The two new office buildings (image to the left) are a testimony to the jails transformation from a place of oppression to a place of human dignity. The offices now house the commission of gender equality and other such organisations.

Analysis/ Design Principles and meaning The NEW office building protrudes over the existing prison walls spilling out onto cityscape. By doing this the architects is making a statement on freedom and how the NEW will not be bound by the site enhancing the sense of freedom.

The thick surrounding masonry walls and heavy construction elements of the existing give the sense of enclosure, impenetrability and confinement. All of which are sole features of a prison. Juxtaposed to these, the architect ensures the new building has open and light construction elements to enhance the non-permanence of the structure. It is indicative of the oppressive past and liberated present. In the new connection the light changes from gloom to brightness and from concrete to light timber.

The protruding skylights reiterate the sense of freedom by bringing in more light.

Page 5 . Extract from New Transitions : An Essay on the Womens’ Jail Renovations.

Manuel, Kayla (2015)

NEW elements barely touch the old to ensure there is a distinct difference between the old and the new. This is a highly important aspect one should implement so as not to risk overriding the old - for conservations’ sake.

The clouds formed in lattice represent freedom, as ex-prisoners expressed that the sky could never be taken away from them.

Examples of this can be found in the large lattice screens which are a distance away from the building. This design intent can even be found in detail of balustrades and how the display boards are affixed.

History Research

Analysis/ Functional Appropriateness Cells are now exhibition spaces which give visitors a sense of how morbit this entrapment must have been

OLD versus NEW

Always experience the old before the new - creates awareness of both

Barred windows were left in place to evoke the existing language of the jail.

Analysis/ Architectural Language The building shows an intent on a new beginning and serve as a reminder of the past by incorporation the old with the new.

We are still given an idea of the former life of the building when it comes to form, structure, and material.

Analysis/ Phenomenology The transparent linkage contrasts the existing solid enclosure and creates a free flowing space to the new building. it cearly defines the separation between the old and new . Metaphorically speaking the transparent portion is the link connecting the past and present.

Haunched columns stand away from the slab

Transparent link between the old and the new

Existing bath ‘umbrella’ facility evokes how the space was used

Kyalami Mall - Sandton, JHB

Working Recess For the year-out in-service training we are required to do after Under-grad studies, I have had the priviledge to work with the design team of Stauch Vorster Architects Johannesburg office. In my time here I have gained valuable insight about the profession and its future possibilities.

Rosebank, JHB | 01.2016 - current

Concept: Equestrian The Retail centre is positioned in Kyalami, an Equestrian estate, North of Johannesburg. The concept design, derived from this Equestrian theme and was carried through to the aesthetics of the centre, by means of flowing lines mimicking the flowing movement of a horse’s hair.

A few focal elements were used to disclose this aesthetic language, namely large overlapping canopy roofs at main entrances, corten steel elements positioned at prominent corners as a means of landmarking.

The implementation of various art installations abstractly anchoring the building to its initial concept. Not to mention its very own stables, where customers can feel free to leave their horse

My Role in the Project I was tasked to create working drawings off of which the contractors and builders’ would use to make what was merely a concept into a reality. I worked closely together with the principle architect co-ordinating consultants to ensure all services ran copasetically through the building.

Disclaimer: Drawings and renders are merely my impression of the building I was tasked to work on and in no way reflect any design input on my part.

Individual Design Element Proposal I was asked to propose a design for a reception desk for the centre management office.

Working Recess Technical Development / Working Drawings

Working for SVA has shown me the direction in which I would like my career in architecture to take. Working in the building industry, I am now aware of a gap in expertise in the field of sustainability.

There is not enough people with the necessary knowledge and is henceforth always outsourced internationally.

Sustainably designed buildings are merely about ‘green painting’ as opposed to their initial intent which is to design wholistic buildings that respond to THEIR OWN context and not merely implementing international standards of green buildings without considering the African context in which the building resides.

SVA Headquarters - Sandton, JHB (our office - for SVA designed by SVA)

Other Projects/ Photographs These are projects I personally admire, although I had no input in making them

NOC Headquarters - Addis Ababa, Ethiopa

Michelangelo Hotel - Sandton, JHB

Artworks PAINTINGS

Artworks TRADITIONAL

Awards FUTURE CITY POSTER COMPETITION Objective: Predicting the future of our city We were required to make a poster of how we think the future of the city would look like. With a R1000 reward for the best design, of which I won.

I believe the gap between the rich and the poor will only grow, skyscapers will populate the sky and the lands below will all but be forgotten.

Yane: Traditional Japanese Roofs with ornamentation

Future Prospects

Studying in Japan/Commercial Sector The prospect of attending architectural tours of buildings in Japan is incredibly intriguing and part of why I would be honoured by the privilege to further my studies in Japan. Visiting buildings by the architects I idolise and perhaps even the opportunity of meeting them or more likely sitting in on a seminar presented by them.

My initial intent is to research sustainable architecture. I am however looking forward to deviating from this to learn about other specialities, namely but not limited to, Japanese knowledge in the built environment when dealing with seismic activity. I believe this knowledge would be most useful in the future.

Although South Africa never experiences earthquakes with the way of global warming and climate change - prevention is better than cure. We have never tornados either and yet one has just ripped through one of the towns near where I stay. So if at any point we are faced with this problem I want to know how to solve it and be a part of the design team that helps prevent major damage. I once read about the Taipei skyscraper in in Japan with a large pendulum built in core of the building to counteract the movement of the earth. Minimising the velocity at which a building shakes. I am sure that since then many more innovative means of destruction prevention have been implemented and I am eager to learn them.

If I follow the commercial route I want to be able to develop innovative ‘smart’ facades which make use of advanced materials to create sustainable building envelopes.

Al Bahar Towers Responsive Facade | Aedas

Henning Larsen’s university building has a facade that moves in response to changing heat and light

Taipei 101| Japan

Future Prospects Studying in Japan/Residential Sector Japan, like India and my home country, is densely populated countries. I would like to research how Japan has been effectively dealing with this issue and try to implicate some of their solutions.

Dense population makes affordable and sustainable housing a mere fantasy. The reality is in the living conditions of the middle and lower class. A lot of the poor South African population are forced to inhabit shacks - which are houses made of scrap and tin illuminated by dim hazardous candle-light. Those who are lucky enough to get government subsidised housing are no better off; as these are built at the cheapest quality possible sans insulation making winters unbearable. If I could come up with (after knowledge gained from studying where the likes of Toyo Ito or Shigura Ban did) a method of building like Toyo Ito’s relief- housing for displaced tsunami survivors wherein oversized cardboard rolls became a habitable space that was cheap and easy to construct.

Favelas in Brazil

If I decide to work in the humanitarian/residential sector I would like to develop a sensible design approach to the housing of over-populated areas. This is a problem that plaguesmany countries aside from my own. Japan will be a good case-study as I believe they have plausible solutions to this problem. And I believe the use and understading of materiality can assist in exploration of more viable context-related solutions.

The Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo may look like stacke washing-machines , however conceptually it is a great solution to the problem of overpopulation.

Rural Shacks in South Africa

The Eco-Curtain wind-harvesting façade by Inaba Electric Works, in Nagoya, Japan, is among a new class of radical sustainable interventions in the built environment.

Toyo Ito’s relief houses

Interior space of relief houses

Government housing in South Africa

Toyo Ito’s relief houses

References

Back Cover Blues

THANK YOU Unfortunately we have reached our conclusion. Thank you for taking the time out to consider me.