Architecture Portfolio 2022

ARCHITECTURE PORTOFLIO

KWABENA OPOKU OSEI

KWABENA OPOKU OSEI

Date of Birth| 10-08-1993 phone | +4555273315 email | kwabenaopokuosei@yahoo.com address| Njalsgade 195, 2300 Kobenhavn S

Ghanaian by birth, trained in Italy, and currently working in Denmark, my diverse exposure to the cultures of the world affords me a layered perspective of the society. Having graduated with MSc. Architecture- Building Architecture from Politecnico di Milano, I possess strong skills in architectural design and construction. With over three years of professional experience, I seek to engage the knowledge I have gained to become an architect who provides meaningful interventions that influence the experiential quality of our environment. I am adept in design concept development, 2d drafting, 3D modeling, detailing and experienced in BIM integration.

05-2021 to 08 -2022

Arrow Architects, Denmark Architect

Worked on all aspects of an extensive catalogue of projects and competitions in different capacities;

• Involved in the Urban design and masterplan development of Westgate and Drogheda. Part of the competition team for the vision, design development and presentation of the Conakry and Bratislava projects.

• Worked on the preliminary design, modeling and detailing of Adamstown and Massy Carnot.

• Responsible for 3d modeling and 2d graphics packages with proficiency in Revit, Autocad, SketchUp, Rhino, and Adobe Suite.

• Involved in façades and materiality research and BIM analysis.

09-2016 to 08-2018

Mobius Architecture, Ghana Intern Architect

Responsible for designing, detailing, and supervising the remand courthouses for DANIDA, Ghana.

• Involved in the concept development of small and large-scale design projects and competitions, from furniture design to residential and commercial buildings.

• Responsible for the drafting, modeling, detailing, presentations, and site visits of projects.

07-2015 to 08-2015

Escape Three Points

Summer volunteer involved in designing and constructing bamboo sheds and day beds for Green Turtle Ghana.

James Cubitt Architects, Ghana Student Intern

• Involved in supervising works, site visits and providing revised details on the MTN Head Office Project site.

EDUCATION

05-2015 to 07-2015, 06-2014 to 08-2014 09-2018 to 12-2020 09-2012 to 06-2016

Politecnico di Milano, Italy

MSc. Architecture- Building Architecture. The Interface, thesis project on the research and design of a 60.000sqm Life Science Campus for the University of Basel.

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana BSc. Architecture.

CONTINUAL EDUCATION/OTHER COURSES

09-2022 to date 11-2020 10-2020 01-2020

Revit: BIM Workflow Optimization and Advanced Rhino with Grasshopper Essential Training, Denmark

Sustainable building design for tropical climates: integrating design of buildings and technology systems, Politecnico di Milano.

Sustainable building design for tropical climates: principles and guidelines for East African Countries, Politecnico di Milano.

Milan International Architectural Design Workshop - Urban Design of the M4 metro line, Politecnico di Milano.

01. LA TOUR MOUNA

Client: MouNa, Guinea

Scheme: Co-working, Offices

Location: Conakry, Guinea

Area: 6.000 square meters

Phase: Competition (1st Prize)

Collaborator : Arrow Architects, 2022

Role: Design concept development, 3D modelling and rendering, 2D Illustrations

This project is the reunion between an architect, born in Conakry, and his Town. So we approached this project with humility, curiosity, and open-mindedness. A sensitivity to relationships with human beings, and a search for modernity and authenticity are the values of the client. The vision is rooted in territories but resolutely turned towards the future and the world.

The MouNa Tower will be a reference project in Conakry. First, due to its strong aesthetic and distinctive silhouette, it will make an urban landmark from land and the Atlantic Ocean, and then because its design will make it a reference building offering living conditions work to the highest standards.

Welcome to the MouNa Tower!

softwares: Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, Enscape, Illustrator, Photoshop

A new volume to shape the urban skyline of Conakry Terraces offering unique views of the city and the ocean

Avenue de la République 1. 1.

Ground floor plan

Located along a structuring axis in the Kaloum district on Avenue de la République, the plot is approximately 600 sqm and is marked by a very clear heterogeneity in the volumes and the architectural expressions. The project is developed with a height of 60m.

The implementation of the project responds to the issues identified during the site analysis:

1. Entrances

Bank reception

Office Reception

Ramp to underground carpark

Setbacks of facades to protect active ground floor open

• Protect yourself from unfavorable East-West exposure to the sun;

• Protect yourself from noise pollution coming from the Avenue de la République; • Use of local material terracotta and concrete.

• Enjoy unobstructed views of the ocean; • Take advantage of / protect yourself from the prevailing South-West winds.

protect from the sun. An open to the urban space.

A panoramic window on the city, open 360 degrees from the skybar.

A subtle façade style expressing the modernity and richness of Guinean culture.

Roof top bar

02. LA FABRICA

Client: Ginkgo Advisor, France

Scheme: Offices

Location: Massy, France

Area: 10.000 square meters

Phase: Competition (1st Prize), Preliminary Design Collaborator : Arrow Architects, 2022

Role: Design concept development, 2D CAD drafting, 3D modelling, 2D Illustrations, Facade development and detailing.

The concept was based first on the ambition to offer an active base welcoming and offering many functions allowing the project to become a real destination in the district. Our thinking also focused a lot on the idea of the Totem…. From a totem reserved for some to a totem for everyone!

This volume adjustment also makes it possible to propose a more respectful relationship with the project of neighboring accommodation by limiting proximities and direct views. This new space could become a fort for this new district.

The ground floor, protected by the volume of the building, becomes a polyfunctional space: street-basketball court, Crossfit area or market in the north, and cafe and restaurant with terraces will support the animation of the south. In volume higher, a game of withdrawal and advancement of the office floors comes net to create new spaces, open or closed, which can accommodate planted terraces, sports areas, conferences, and, on one side, a wide climbing wall.

softwares: Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, Enscape, Illustrator, Photoshop

A Good Neighbourhood- A new Urban Space An Active Base- Void and Solid

Ground Floor Plan 1:200

Typical Floor Plan 1:200

The Totem

Visual Connection

The Atrium A Strong Idea

Urban Forum

Longitudinal Section 1:200

The base structure is exposed in precast concrete and offers a very great transparency, facilitating appropriation by all. The interior spaces are treated as simply as possible: raw materials treated carefully with occasional additions of wooden elements. The envelope is homogeneous but is interrupted at the rights of the atriums by largely glazed faults, breaking the scale of the building. From the entrance atrium, the elevators and a wide staircase are immediately visible, providing great clarity in the composition of the space.

Facade Detail

Facade studies using recycled betoShell concrete panels

03. A BIOPHILLIC NEIGHBOURHOOD

Client: Lucron

Scheme: Residential, Commercial, Mixed-Use

Location: Bratislava, Slovakia

Area: 300.000 square meters

Phase: Competition

Collaborator : Arrow Architects, 2022

Role: Concept development, 2D CAD drafting, 3D modelling and rendering, 2D illustrations

With a changing world, we needed to create a vision for Nesto North that would be attractive for contemporary living and working! That’s why we have created a relaxing and recreational neighbourhood at eye level that takes full advantage of the site’s location and potential.

We had one vision for the project– urban living & working in a park. That’s why we have organized the Masterplan in a ‘finger-shape’ that brings nature deep into the site. In the future,v the Masterplan will remove the connection and notion of the immense landscape behind its many buildings. Using green fingers, we create the sensation of the large body of green spaces that compose most of the site to come to the main access road.

Another critical element of identity is The Spine. Its role is to connect all North and South communities into one pedestrian and cycling-friendly environment. It crosses the green fingers as light “bridges”, creating a natural transition and experience of the different moments of the Masterplan. The spine is on its sides flanked by other functions, but it is the primary location for the retail, and all unique program is connected to it. It is primarily a green space flanked by hard surfaces with timber crossings and platforms at strategic locations to accommodate the needs of retail spaces.

softwares: SketchUp, AutoCAD, Enscape, Illustrator, Photoshop

With green fingers we connect the landscape to the back of the site and create distinct communities with unique qualities.

02. MOBILITY

The main connection between North and South is pedestrian. Vehicular traffic is direct from the main road and into the individual parts of the Masterplan and does not cross the green fingers.

03. FUNCTION 04. LANDSCAPE

The building volumes are organized according to the criteria in the brief and fulfil its requirements. The grouped public functions create a strong community center.

The two type of landscape, the large unkept an unbuilt landscape and the more controlled and kept landscape of the courtyards, Spine and gardens.

05. CONNECTION

The masterplan opens up to the distant views and create a strong contact to the landscape from deep inside the Masterplan.

Typical Residential plan 1:200

Typical Residential section 1:200

Public and Recreational functions

04. THE INTERFACE

Scheme: Master Thesis and Research, 2019/2020

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Area: 64.000 square meters

Collaborator: Usman Esijolomi Abdullah

This thesis project focuses on the new compound concluding the Life Science Campus that seeks to complete and amalgamate the redevelopment projects by the University of Basel, Switzerland. At the heart of the project is a vision to provide an innovative environment that favours the laborious task of research and involves the community of scientists in Campus and City life.

The campus not only seeks to provide state-of-the-art research laboratories and a conducive environment for the propagation of knowledge but also serves as a unifying urban “monument” within the historic university district in the city of Basel. We examined intricate themes to seamlessly connect diverse urban functions sublimely, blending high-level scientific research and the cultural experience of Basel. Cutting-edge technology and building a spatial experience based on a new idea of the Scientific campus and Urban campus through an “elemental” composition birthed the creative space. Thus, the diverse fields that come together to complete this project include architectural design, the comprehension of structural systems, the specification of innovative materials, and the analysis of services through the support of building information modeling.

The Interface aims to advance scientific research and to bring the city, researchers, students, and staff into an environment of exchange and communication, creating endless permutations for connections and social interaction.

softwares: Revit, Green building studio, LCA, AutoCAD, Enscape, Lumion, Illustrator, Photoshop

Site plan, Scale 1:2000

The sine qua non for the architectural design is its local rooting - Architecture as though written into a place - and plexities of sustainable advanced research and cities. The theme of “hives” (busily occupied spaces) and connecting role a campus within a city. It was important to connect The University campus, the hospital campus, and the high between these spaces. In honoring the role of open spaces in Basel, varying qualities of connecting urban spaces

Hives

Creating an urban path through the the block.

Connecting knowledge places

and timeless expression, mastering the technological com connecting knowledge places is introduced to emphasize the high school with urban spaces that allow people to move spaces are introduced to enhance the urban quality of life.

Emphasizing the hierarchy of entrances and connections

Enhancing the visual interaction within the context

The urban space

and context, the new Physics, Chemistry, NanoScience and Anatomy Departments buildings express an educational spirit and reflect the genius loci. Alongside serving as a new urban space strategically placed on the ordering axis

Upper Volume Urban boulevard Basement

linking Campus and City, it also reinforces the “borderless” flow of ideas and the community. For this reason, the complex also provides a Campus Centre, an auditorium and a hypogeal museum to strengthen the campus’s connected and inclusive dimension through vibrant new Commons.

Urban boulevard with hypogeal Anatomy museum foyer

Typical Laboratories

Campus Center - Multipurpose auditorium lobby

the FACADE

The facade consists of triple glazed low e argon glass connected to 80 x 200mm extruded aluminium mullions connected to the slabs. There is an interplay of ceramic fritted glass in light sensitive areas and transparent glass in common spaces.

the MAIN STRUCTURE

The structure is made up of reinforced concrete post tensioned flat plate slabs and vertical. In order to achieve clean soffit spaces, we used 2-way span flat plat slabs that did not require beams. Horizontal forces on the slabs are safely transfered directly to the vertical colums and into the ground using a typical span of 7.2m.

the STEEL TRUSS

These special elements in the building are found in the campus center to accommodate spans of 25.2m. Designed based on Eurocode, EN05(S), steel of property S355

the BASEMENT and CORES

The basement is made up of 7 reinforced vertical shafts that run to the roof. They host most vertical circulation elements and services and help resist shear in tehe building.

Exploded structural model

Typical lab space is designed for nine scientists with wet areas, dry areas, and various equipment areas with a flexible layout for the specific needs of the research in 7.2m by 7.2 m modules. The design of a typical lab floor plan was based on the relationship between the labs, the lab support services, and the evaluation areas. Zones were created to prevent contamination. The lab support services areas were located in the center of the building as these spaces do not require natural light, and the evaluation areas were

HVAC Layout

LAB layout

Typical lab design and layout

placed on the perimeter of the building for natural light and comfort

An ALL AIR SYSTEM is considered for the general laboratory areas to ensure the constant supply of fresh conditioned air to prevent contamination. In contrast, a MIXED AIR SYSTEM is dedicated to the general office areas. We considered the velocity of 4m/s for the secondary ducts and 2.5m/s for run-out to size the ducts.

1. Vegetation on 36mm Riefa Sedum Board

Thermal insulation barrier with vapour barrier Rigid thermal insulation 50mm lightweight screed

2. Stainless steel water protection cover

3. Timber roof pate

4. 200mm x 80mm extruded aluminium mullion with silicone seal

5. Celotex 30mm TB4030 insulation Board, thermal conductivity 0.022W/mK, spread of flame: Class 1-BS476-7 with 2m skimmed surface. 150mm reinforced concrete upstand

6. Brushed stainless steel wall bracket

7. 210mm reinforced concrete slab

8. Triple glazed low e argon filled glass with white frit on external glass

9. 20mm oak parquet on 36mm plywood 80mm steel pedestals

10. Brush stainless steel upstand

11. SikaHyflex silicone weatherseal

200mm x 80mm extruded aluminium mullion with silicone seal

Spec seal silicone fire stop sealant

12. Brushed stainless steel bracket with thermal break

Celotex 30mm TB4030 insulation Board, thermal conductivity 0.022W/mK, spread of flame: Class 1-BS476-7 with 2m skimmed surface.

13. textile solar control, electric operated

14. steel channel battens supporting ceiling 2 x 12.5 plasterboard Ceiling hanger

15. Reinforced concrete column

16. 27mm fibre-v cement board, finish plaster, non combustable, thermal conductivity 0.025W/m Rigid insulation substrate

Steel channel

17. 300mm x600mmx 70mm paving 25mm permeable trassbed mortar 120mm sub base soil

Waterproofing layer/sheet

18. 2 x 8 mm lam. safety glass + 20 mm cavity + 2 x 8 mm laminated safety glass with solar coating; U-value = 2.0 W/m2K

19. support, 50/50 mm steel angle with 2 X 12.5 mm plasterboard 35 mm thermal insulation laid in aluminium profile seal, neoprene profile

30mm screed Concrete slab, 210mm 150mm rigid thermal insulation

20. 2 x 12.5 Knauf Aquapanel cement board indoor, thermal conductivity 0.35W/mK, water vapour diffusion resistance 50 with 450mm stud spac ing

frame, 480/8 mm steel plate

05. LIGHT BOX

Scheme: Academic Studio, 2018/2019

Location: Milan,Italy

Area: 1000 square meters

This proposal is part of the expansion of the School of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering of Politecnico di Milano. Located in the historic Citta Studi, Milano, it was essential to preserve the character of the existing campus and ensure any intervention fits well within the context.

The ‘Light Box’ is composed of solid and void volumes that host drawing rooms and lecture halls in an existing public park. The ability to efficiently incorporate existing recreational activities with learning activities was the actual test of the programme. Part of the volume is raised to accommodate a covered public space and an entrance into the facility. The existing volleyball court was relocated to the roof of the building.

To highlight the contrast between old construction and new development, the choice of materials played an important role. The use of dark grey travertine tile and fairly transparent polycarbonate panels emphasized a delightful coexistence of opposing textures. The stone cladding is used to clad the ground floor walls to match the existing buildings and provide a sense of firmness. The upper volume is cladded with curtain walls and moveable polycarbonate panels to create an illusion of lightness - a non-imposing volume in the park.

softwares: Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape, Vray, Illustrator, Photoshop

Extending existing lines of connection

Massing the volumes

lecture block learning

drawing block leisure

Creating a dialogue between leisure and learning as well as a visual communication with greenery.

Addition of a transluscent skin to regulate solar gain. Positioning cores to access lecture rooms and roof top volley ball court.

Ground floor plan

The ground floor is conceived as a sheltered open space with a forum stair to host public activities. The main lecture room is excavated into the ground and insulated against noise discomfort. The use of dark grey travertine as cladding helps ground the volume.

The upper volume, which host the main drawing rooms with 360 degrees glazing for natural lighting. This is enclosed by a mechanically operated transluscent polycarbonate panels to aid the energy performance of the building, cut out sound and provide visual communication with the environment.

The roof is split into the publicly accessible volley court and services.

Exploded facade detail

Concrete + welded mesh 100 mm

Corrugated sheet 75 mm

Insulation: mineral wool Isover ARENA34 45mm

Steel system Knauf KS38

Celling Knauf Plaza Globe G1

Polyurethane Spray

Corrugated sheet 75 mm

Concrete + welded mesh 40 mm

Insulation Sandwich Panel STIFERITE GTE 80 mm

Sand and cement Screed 40 mm

20mm hardwood flooring

Insulation: mineral wool Isover ARENA34 45mm

Steel system Knauf in Aluzinc

Aquapanel Outdoor KNAUF 12.5 mm

10mm 4 walled polycarbonate sheets with UV protection.5 mm