Part 1 Architecture Portfolio

PORTFOLIO

Part I Architectural Assistant Maria - Alexandra Cardan

CURRICULUM VITAE

SUSTAINaLIBRARY: community hub for developing sustainable knowledge

ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFIER STUDY

RAVENSBURG MUSEUM OF ART STUDY

ART GALLERY: Salford recycling repurposing atelier and gallery

OBSERVATORY DESIGN CONCEPT: influence of the facade

MARIA - ALEXANDRA CARDAN

Part I Architectural Assistant

BA (Hons) Architecture

CONTACT

07586302116

mariaalexandracardan@gmail.com

LinkedIn: Maria Alexandra Cardan 341 Great Western Street, Manchester M14 4AL

REFERENCES

Arch. Stephen Hodder, third year tutor at the MSA email: s.hodder@hodderandpartners.com Arch. Raluca Zbarcea, mentor at SEVA Studio Brasov, Romania email: raluca.zbarcea@yahoo.com

EDUCATION

BA (Hons) Architecture I 2021-2024 Manchester School of Architecture degree classification: expected First Class Honours Highschool I 2017-2021 Colegiul National “Andrei Saguna” Brasov, Romania Baccalaureate grade: 9.73

SOFTWARE SKILLS

» Revit

» Sketchup

» Lumion

» Enscape

» Photoshop

» Illustrator

» InDesign

» Autocad

» Rhinoceros 3D

» Archicad

» Grasshopper

SOFT SKILLS

» critical thinking

» protot yping

» research and analysis

» collaboration

» creative problem solving

» adaptability

LANGUAGES

» Romanian (native)

» English (advanced) IELTS Exam CEFR, Level C1

» French (fluent) Linguistic Competence Certificate B2

CERTIFICATIONS

» ECDL BAC Profile - Microsoft Office Suite

ABOUT ME

I am a recent bachelor’s graduate passionate about urban regeneration through environmentally appropiate solutions that contextually respond to the heritage attributes of place.Valuing design’s quality of occuring in conversation with others, architects and non-architects, as an assistant I am looking forward to effectively engage my surveying and creative design expertise, while better informing my technical craft and my ability as a collaborator.

EXPERIENCE

INTERESTS

Delving deeper into my interest for the surrounding built and natural environment I discovered a passion for candid humanist photography. By capturing the places and landscapes present in my everyday life along with the people that bring life to them and their activities, I am developing a better sense of the spontaneous connections between humans and their context.

PROFFESIONAL

2023 Jul. - Aug.

Intern at SEVA Studio Brasov, Romania

Conducted the planning permission survey for retrofitting an existing house in Sacele, Brasov. Carried out the site’s measurements and analysed provided topographic data. Completed scaled plan, section, elevation drawings of the existing structure in Archicad.

2023 Jul.

Project Assistant at Centre fot the Built Environment, Romania

Worked along my mentors at an interdisciplinary urban acupuncture atelier, focused on creating regenerative design schemes for neglected public spaces in Brasov.

2023 Jun.- Jul.

Volunteer “Ambulance for Monuments”, Romania

Worked under the supervision of a team of Romanian conservation architects and Jan Hulsemann on restoring the 13th century Fortified Evangelical Church Ensemble at Dealul Frumos, Sibiu county, Romania. Restoring the south-east and north-west towers’ structural strength and envelope required construction work as well as a good understanding of medieval timber joints, traditional Saxon ceramic roof tiles and masonry layering, for repairing a detached wall portion.

EXTRA CURRICULAR

2024 Jan.

Model Making Workshop, Poznan, Poland

Collaborated with architecture students and staff from Poznan University of Technology in analysing the historic context, building typology and evolution to create a 1:50 facade representation of the medieval town square.

2023 Nov.

Site visit at the London Road Fire Station

Gained insights on the retrofit works executed by Purcell practice on the grade II* listed building. Acquired knowledge on conservation techniques, applications for listed buildings consent and planning permission.

2023 Oct.

Participated at Masterclass with Stephen Hodder and Kevin Singh

2023 Jun.

Participated at the Kengo Kuma Design Conference in Sibiu, Romania

2023 Feb. - May

Volunteering as fashion photographer at Together Trust, Cheadle

2022 Sep. - Dec.

MSA LIVE + FOR TYLDESLEY “Ponky’s Park” design scheme

Teamwork for the redevelopment a green public area in Tyldesley, UK. Site analysis, design development, stakeholder engagement activities organisation.

2023 May 2022 - 2023 Nov.- Mar.

Mentee at Seven Architecture, Manchester UK

As part of the RIBA Future Architects Student Mentoring Programme, had the chance to discover practice insights from office systematisation and work flow through the RIBA stages, to assisting on site the ongoing construction process for the restoration of Withington Baths, Manchester.

2022 May

MSA LIVE + Design Manchester + Shenzhen Fringe Arts Centre “Side by Side” pavilion design

Collaboration for curating a pavilion design to promote inclusion of cultures, and Manchester as a child friendly environment. Worked on creative modular design, illustration editing for the publication, and collaborative activities with children in the city.

BA2 Student Representative Role at Manchester School of Architecture

2022 Nov.

Participated at the Norman Foster Design Conference at MSA

2022 Jan.

Completed ArchiStar Academy Sketchup and Revit online courses

2019 Jun. - Sept.

Historic Guide Volunteer at the Black Church Brasov, Romania

2019 Jul.

Rhinocerus 3D modelling workshop “Brasovul 3M”

3D modelling and printing signature city buildings for creating a site model of the communist city, that will join the existing medieval and modern ones in an exhibition Brasov, Romania

2019 Mar.

Participated at a interior design course led by Martine Claessens

SUSTAINaLIBRARY

community hub for developing sustainable knowledge

The project aims to provide a contemporary library/community hub in the heart of Todmorden. As the town already features a local library, the new design will comprise of a mediatheque library and adjacent spaces dedicated to the study of sustainable, traditional practices such as seasonal planting, cooking, and recycling crafts. Inspired by the influence The Incredible Edible Network had on the town, and the community, the building intends to effectively integrate these values and accommodate their growth. The essence of the spaces is reflected by the structural volumes that accommodate them. The ample rotunda hosting the library communicates with the town hall, inviting visitors into the green atrium and passageway towards the market side. As a threshold area, it connects the built heritage of Todmorden and its rich natural landscape. The rest of the structure follows a simple rectilinear pattern, allowing fluid access into the study spaces.

EXTERNAL VIEW FROM THE MARKET SIDE

ARCHITECTURAL RESPONSE TO SITE ANALYSIS

- following the site’s program, the accommodation schedule of the new design will prioritise public recreation areas towards the market side, inviting people in, and more private, quiet areas on top floors on the town hall side. Central circulation for best accessibility will be provided.

- creating a central path for maximising safe circulation for pedestrians

-main entrance on the east side where the market gathers the community

-inviting round entrance reflecting the town hall’s volume

- pushed back ground floor entrance for protecting structure against flooding and pedestrians from traffic

-cantilevered top floors offering weather protection to the entrance

DESIGN POSITION

The design approach stems in understanding the quality of the historic setting of Todmorden. By analysing the existing building typologies, proportions, materiality, traditional craft, the project explores the development of new sustainable and environmentally appropriate solutions that can be contextualised to resemble and merge with the existing built fabric. The library delves into maintaining a robust masonry envelope that resembles its surroundings while analysing possible strategies for maximising passive lighting. The site orientation and densely built surroundings challenge this strategy. Therefore, the implementation of an internal light atrium, an angled glazed facade, and a path between the two main structures was developed.

- provision of roof lights oriented towards south for maximising solar gain and passive lighting

- path break in between main floor plates for natural cross ventilation

ADRESSING THE COMMUNITY

Todmorden is home to various age groups, however, students usually leave the town for superior studies, the ones staying becoming apprentices and starting to work predominantly in the manufacturing, and culinary fields.

Todmorden Demographic Analysis

source: Census 2021 Annual Business Inquiry 2001

NEEDS

educate the passionate youth education on sustainability strengthen community values skills development environmental knowledge and awareness entertainment in-depth education contribute to society passion for sustainable art improve local economy

community hub lectures and information sharing interact with technology practical workshops share local environmental practices calm willing to learn passionate curious excited

PLANTING ROOF TRIPLE GLAZING

PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY SUPPLY

CROSS VENTILATION

MVHR

PASSIVE INSULATION STRATEGY

RAIN WATER COLLECTION AND REUSE

Construction Sequence Key:

1. excavation, laying the foundation, install scaffolding, and assembling the prefabricated glulam structural components

2. installing the CLT load-bearing slabs and wall panels, layering envelope elements (vapour barrier, insulation, DPM, anchor brackets, brick facade) + services installation

3. adding the mullions, the triple glazing and roof finishes, furnishing the interior

SCHEDULE OF ACCOMMODATION

PLANTING ROOF TERRACE

LIBRARY ROTUNDA AND ATRIUM VIEW

STRUCTURAL SYSTEM OF A FRAGMENT

For the final level, along with the roof terrace is the exhibition space rotunda. To maximise the spatial quality a bracing beam system that not only supports the glazed parts of the roof but creates an atmospheric play of light and shadow was implemented.

ROOM WITH A VIEW

1:50 fragment model

The corner model presents a slice of the circular part of the structure, the one communicating with the town hall. This is a threshold area which connects the built heritage of Todmorden and its rich natural landscape. The rooms announce this design aim through the dual views, external towards the town hall and internal towards the green atrium. The glazed top floor connected with the roof terrace is designed as a circular exhibition space, where the exhibit is the town itself. The greenery around the edges of the balcony is purposefully planted in order to revitalise the view of the densely built townscape, engaging the community to reflect upon the importance of nature in urban areas.

Support Frame Prefabricated hit-and-miss panel

brick

brick

CONCEALED SERVICES

The raised floor access not only provides better noise cancellation along with the insulation but allows the interiors to be well environmentally controlled while not overwhelmed by visible service ducts and pipes.

and Channel Support Brackets

CONTEXTUAL FACADE

Wishing to enhance natural light provision in the library while maintaining the solid character of Todmorden’s masonry architecture, the main facade incorporates both functional and contextual aspects. The perforated brick pattern is a reminiscence of the traditional craft of cotton weaving, as the new library aspires to weave back the community and values of the town.

ATMOSPHERIC LIGHT

The experiential quality of the space will be increased by the light and shadow play. The perforated facade does not act solely as a shading system or wind barrier but as a metaphor for the light of knowledge, guiding the visitor’s experience in the library. Moreover, the pattern frames different parts of the external view, impelling people to meditation upon the town.

LIGHT IN THE CO-WORKING SPACE

“The sun never knew how great it was until it hit the side of a building” - Louis Kahn

SITE INTEGRATED DESIGN

South Elevation Section

CONCLUSION

1- 20mm engineered wood flooring

2- 90mm underfloor services

3- 150mm raised floor access steel pedestals

4- 60mm fire stop cavity insulation

5- 150mm CLT slab

6- glulam beam

7- glulam column

8- U-bracket + lateral support plate

9- timber mullion

10- low-E triple glazing

11- steel support bars + fixing brackets

12- steel support frame

13- 330x100x90mm cream clay hit-and-miss bricks

14- 60mm glazed wall fire cavity stop insulation

15- frit glass spandrels

16- L-shape raised floor fixing bracket

17- floor-curtain wall bracket connection

18- aluminium mullion frame

19- 60mm structural insulation

20- vapour barrier layer

21- 240mm cantilever floor mineral wool insulation

22- damp proof membrane

23- 60mm cement fibre soffit

EXTERNAL

TECHNOLOGIES FRAGMENT STUDY

The prototyping stage explores opportunities to regulate the internal climate during morning hours when the East facade recieves considerate amounts of light. Through a sequenced study of fixed and operable shading devices solar radiation is analysed along with constructability and internal spatial quality. All testings involve prefabricated components that consider the use of local recycled materials that would also help in advancing the facade contextual quality.

DEVELOPING A SHADING SYSTEM

TECHNOLOGIES POSITION

The library design project delves into maintaining a robust masonry envelope that resembles its surroundings while analysing possible strategies for maximising passive lighting. The site orientation and densely built surroundings challenge this strategy. Therefore, the implementation of large glazed portions in the envelope was inevitable. Due to this, in the prototyping stage shading devices that offer privacy and a tactile quality will be explored.

NET ZERO EMBODIED CARBON

MATERIALS ENVELOPE

BUILDING AND LIFE SAFETY

Glulam benefits of dimensional stability as it does not twist or bend, however types of steel joinery can affect its long term performance, causing splitting.

The building will use U-bracket connections with lateral support plates with slot holes to prevent positive movement. For the beam to beam connection Concealed Plates with bearing seat, as the ones with a long row of fasteners cause splitting.

CONSTRUCTIBILITY

To maintain the wooden aspect of the interior, a timber mullion for the curtain wall was chosen. However the external framing will be aluminium, due to weather and moisture considerations.

Glulam has a burn-off rate of 0.7mm/min and in case of fire its external surface chars, whilst maintaining its strength. However, the external cavities and glazed wall-slab edge are provided with smoke barriers. In compliance with England’s Building Regulations, these provide a 15min fire resistance and 30min structural integrity.

The use of local timber for producing the glulam structure and slabs is the main strategy for reducing the carbon footprint. Along with that part of the masonry envelope will be recycled from the existing building on site. The reuse and provision of local materials will minimise transport energy too.

The building aims to implement a hybrid ventilation strategy. In summer opening parts of the glazing will operate, while in winter a MVHR system along with the thick insulation layer will assure a controlled environment, minimising operational energy.

Existing building Cladding to be reused

STRUCTURE

Con mosso

to supplement existing provision

• weathered tested with F2S2 durability classification

• prefabricated panels can minimise work on site

• can be reused at end of life of the structure

• class A1 fire rating

TECHNOLOGICAL ARTEFACT

TOOLS

The technological artefact will use brick as a shading system. For the assembly of this double skin, a steel support frame that connects to the existing glazed wall while supporting each brick through L-shape brackets will be needed. As the fragment is a cantilever, an extension of the cement fibre soffit will be necessary for the environmental modifier to rest on.

Glulam lamellas are glued together with the same orientation while CLT are ones are sucked in panels which are further cross glued on top of each other.

Panels

prefabricated elements will be transported with a lorry.

Oak Tree Glulam Beams, Columns CLT Slabs, Wall Panels

PROTOTYPING Iterative Testing I Climatic Performance Improvement

METHODOLOGY

To iterate different brick layering patterns were explored. To achieve the operable shading system presented in iteration 4, grasshopper was used to provide the parametric rotation of bricks. To further analyse their performance ladybug radiation analysis tool was used. The summer and winter solstice morning hours were set as a time frame, providing broad results of the annual functionality.

Iteration 1

for the iteration 4 to achieve rotation of the bricks

ANALYSIS RADIATION ANALYSIS

- During summer due to the mass of the bricks and the small openings not a lot of light is allowed in the space.

- During winter due to the sun lower position more light is allowed in the space however, an uneven reflection is caused due to this pattern.

QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

The regular hit-and-miss brick pattern provides a interesting light and texture play both internally and externally. However external views are quite obstructed by the heavy double skin.

CONSTRUCTIBILITY

2 1. Vertical bars connection -require hollow bricks -extra steel adds to the carbon footprint -individual assembly 2. Mortar bond and anchor brackets connection -easier to recycle -cost effective -appropriate for modular construction

DC electric motor

will assure the spinning of the

rods will be placed in between levels and

by solar energy. (voltage 12VDC)

The use of this strategy implies the extension of the soffit in order to provide 300mm distance in between the panel and the glazing. The water collection pipe will be hidden in this space. To maximise functionality opening doors are added in the curtain wall system that will aid cleaning and maintenance.

Iteration 2

- During summer more light is allowed in, while the even shading is protecting the facade from overheating and glare

- During winter the passive lighting strategy is improved but shading is still uneven. However, the solidity of the panel helps preventing over cooling.

QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

This pattern creates a series of small openings that improve visibility towards the exterior. Increasing the light gain is important as the South side of the fragment’s glazing will be shaded by the other building block.

This iterations follows the same construction methodology as the previous one. To create bigger openings it involves the use of two brick types a regular 215x102.5x60mm and a smaller one of 100x60x60mm. These components will involve prefabrication and a mortar bond assembly.

Iteration 3

ANALYSIS

- During summer the cream terracotta panel offers the possibility for bigger openings creating a better shade/light ration

- During winter, provides greater amounts of light however, the manufacture and production cost make this a less feasible option.

QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

The panel creates an interesting light pattern on the floor in summer, and also frames external views beautifully. However, the organic nature of the facade created does not resemble Tdodmorden’s built environment historic quality.

CONSTRUCTABILTY

supports

To see if bigger openings would improve the light shadow ratio the iteration investigates the use of the same material due to its thermal mass, but change the moulding. The prefabricated perforated panels that would further be mounted on steel supports for stiffness. However, both positive and negative moulds will be needed for the fabrication which will involve more materials, energy cost and time.

Iteration 4

ANALYSIS

- During summer the operable system provides even shading, preventing from overheating, more light can be let in by changing the brick rotation orientation - During winter the orientation can be operated to provide better shading, however a better light ratio is allowed in.

QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

The operable system allows bricks to rotate on the steel pipe supports, creating bigger or smaller openings, depending on the sun angle and the activities that take place in the space, and the amount of light they require.

CONSTRUCTABILTY

REFLECTIONS ON BUILDING SAFETY CONCLUSION

Bricks will be weather tested to achieve F2S2 rating in compliance with BSEN-1996-1-1 and BSEN-19962. For stability they will be anchored on the steel studs through screwed brackets, this will ensure hazard prevention in case of extreme lateral wind loads. Moreover, in each gap between the bricks, the rotating studs will link through brackets with lateral bars that will further connect with the curtain wall frame through channel brackets. This will aid transferring vertical and lateral loads of the panel.

Regarding fire spread prevention on the facade, brick is known to be a non-combustible material. However, the steel studs will need an intumescent coating that will expand in case of fire creating a buffer the steel and the flame, preventing material bending, and retaining its structural integrity.

As the soffit extends it might need some reinforcement to help transferring the vertical loads to the columns supporting the cantilever.

As the winter sun angle and the summer one significantly changes the radiation, the operable system will be implemented to moderate the internal environment as well as possible. The steel supports will mechanically rotate seasonally, resulting in the bricks rotation around their axis which will create different gaps through which passive lighting can be regulated.

The challenge will be the installation due to the heavy weight of the system which will be around 600kg.

As a result of the prototyping stage, the fourth iteration was chosen due to its operable quality that allows seasonal changes of the facade to provide a well controlled environment all year long. The solution was chosen also due to aesthetic reasons as it has to fit the historical context provided by the site. Thus, solution meets both the atelier aim as well as the technological one. Brick is used as more than a louvre system but as a wind and thermal barrier to due to its thermal mass. The use of steel for the supports will affect the carbon footprint, for this the strategy of providing recycled material will be considered. The panel prefabrication costs will hopefully be balanced by the passive nature of the building and its regulated environment.

Script

Prefabricated clay panels

The

that

steel

powered

TECHNICAL DETAIL Integrating

glulam structure - columns / beams (300x300mm)

7- 60mm cavity barrier structural insulation

8- 10mm spandrels panel

9- DC electric motor cased in concrete

10- 215x102.5x65mm cream clay brick + concave mortar bond

11- 50mm cavity + brick anchor steel brackets

12- DPM (damp proof membrane)

13- 240mm mineral wool insulation

CLIMATE PERFORMANCE

The thermal mass of the panel acts as a thermal buffer, constituting wind protection and the ability to absorb heat during the day and release it later in the evening, supporting the passive heating strategy.

shading panel allows light in while preventing glare

cross ventilation in summer minimises energy consumption

in winter the thick insulation and triple glazing allow the building to turn passive house, ventilation being provided by MVHR system and building being protected from heat loss. underfloor heating for thermal comfort

SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY

DC electric motor

pulley belt centrifugal spining driving flange

bearing spindle shaft fixing bracket

hollow brick reduces mass

• Thermal mass - climate buffer

• Durabilit y/Longevity

• Minimising work on site

• Fits within Todmorden’s surrounding historic context

• Operable

• Provides privacy

• Minimal maintenance of material

• Heavy structure

• Material prefabrication cost

• Operating system manufacture cost

TECHNOLOGIES CASE STUDY

“It is an art museum that, through impressive craft qualities, familiar materials, beautiful junctures and a well-functioning floor plan, fits harmoniously and unobtrusively into the historical context of the city. This integration is emphasized as an important point of reference for the design. The building is not meant to establish a strong contrast through modernity, but instead to fit harmoniously and self-evidently into a townscape that has developed over centuries.”

Ravensburg museum of art by LRO 2013

CASE STUDY RAVENSBURG MUSEUM OF ART BY LRO ARCHITECTS

ART GALLERY AND COMMUNITY ATELIER

re-purposing

the waste in River Irwell

Set in the vicinity of Salford University Campus, the proposal for Peel Park community gallery aims to reduce river Irwell pollution by engaging the community in recycling and art workshops using the gathered waste as main resource.

To integrate the design within the site, the playful structure mirrors a walk in the park, while leaving both routes accessible for public use or external exhibitions.

The recycled corten steel external design of the gallery is an embodiment of the building’s purpose as well as a memento to the state of the river from the Industrial Revolution up until now. With little natural light provision, the exhibition space intends to intimidate visitors, simulating life inside the river while being surrounded by waste. However, the adjacent atelier and recreation spaces are warm and inviting, encouraging the community work for a better environment.

DEVELOPMENT

orienting the views

exhibition

collaborative exhibition

1- geo - thermal heat pump (cold season) and cooling (warm season)

2- rain water collection and reuse for toilets

3- natural ventilation and mechanical heat recovery ventilation system

4- south facing photovoltaic panels (maximum solar exposure)

5- glulam structure

6- suspended structure with minimal effects on flood protective topography

7- ceiling sky lights for natural lighting in the gallery spaces

GENERAL ARRANGEMENT

The building is not a centralised organism: its centre moves from one area to another, being everywhere. It is designed as a sequence of rooms linked to a public walkway, where the different functions of the building come together.

The polygon modular plan offers: -wall space for exhibits -multiple angles for the views -circular interiors that - pockets of activity

The playful circulation is suggested in the section: -maximises dynamics through level change -sets a hierarchy for the spaces -allows “bringing the inside in” trough the passage terraces

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

ROOF TERRACE VIEW

LOWER PATH PASSAGE

CAFE

HISTORIC EXHIBITION

OBSERVATORY CONCEPT

The Facade’s Allure

MOUNTAIN CABIN CONCEPT

Design for disassembly

ON SITE WORK

volunteering for “the ambulance for monuments”

- restoring the 13th century Fortified Evangelical Church Ensemble at Dealul Frumos, Sibiu county, Romania

Stage - restoring the roof truss, analysing the condition of the existing timber beams, and the addition of new parts to the degradated ones

In order to maintain as much as possible of the well-performing existing structure we only replaced the rotten wood, interlocking the old and the new for maximising strength and durability.

Initial Stage - structural integrity of the roof - detached portion of the load-bearing wall

Planning Stage - temporary timber reinforcement for the wall

Planning

Construction Stage - wood sawing for interlocking with existing rafter

Construction Stage - roof stripping

Construction Stage - tile layering

Construction Stage - tile making

The broken existing roof terracotta tiles were replaced with new hand crafted ones, that maintain the same traditional Saxon shape and material.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION

mariaalexandracardan@gmail.com

(+44) 07586302116

www.linkedin.com/in/maria-alexandra-cardan-9960192a2

https://issuu.com/mariacardan/docs/maria_alexandra_cardan_ba_architecture_portfolio