Mariam Siahatgar | Interior Architecture Portfolio [2022]

Scholarships + Honors

Dean’s List (2019 - Present)

Summa Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

DAKAM International Journal of Architecture and Urban Studies‘22 (2022)

Accepted Paper

Dottie Sanders Interior Design Scholarship (2022)

Aubrey Dean Knott Memorial Scholarship (2022)

Akard Family SAA Alumni Scholarship (2022)

Florence and Tom Graves (2021)

Ned McWherter Scholarship (2019Present)

Volunteer Scholarship (2019 - Present)

Distinguished Tennessean Award (2019 - Present)

Hope Scholarship w/Merit (2019Present)

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture - M. Arch Prep Track [May 2023] | GPA: 3.88

Walters State Community College

Dual Enrollment [2017-2019]

Research Assistant

Hojung Kim | UTK College of Architecture + Design | Knoxville, TN | Fall 2022

Investigated the relationship between the lifestyle quality of refugees and the incorporation of cultural and soical norms into refugee camps. Modeling and preparing plans, elevation, and 3D model for college symposium.

Interior Design Intern

Stephanie Kirkpatrick | Niles Bolton Associates | Atlanta, GA | Summer 2022

Providing input on design decisions regarding materials, material patterning, and millwork and details. Provided the opportunity to design and model options for a budget renovation project. Developing meterial and spec sheets for large hospitality projects.

Teaching Assistant

Rana Abudayyeh | ARCH 121 + ARCH 122| Knoxville, TN | Spring 2022 + Fall 2022

Fostering an environment for students to engage and development their skills with architectural softwares, while also leading lab sessions and assisting professor when necessary.

Team Member

PARKing Day [Design Inovation Architects]] | Knoxville, TN | Fall 2021

Contributed precedents and possible functions to construct an interactive display; aid in construction by working with the firm to create final design.

Tour Guide

UTK Ambassadors | Knoxville, TN | Spring 2020 - Present

Cultivating a positive experience for perspective students on guided tours and admissions events.

Manager / Sales Represtative

China Bazaar | Gatlinburg, TN | Spring 2016 - Present

Oversight of employee training, completing weekly deposits, and shift manager, frequently leading opening shifts.

IA Collaborative

4th-year Representative| Fall 2020 - Present

Muslim Student Association Graphics Chair| Fall 2021 - Present

Senior Impact Committee

Board Member| Fall 2021 - Present

International Interior Design Association [IIDA]

Member | Fall 2020 - Present

Student Alumni Association

Member | Spring 2020 - Present

Friends of the Smokies

Member | Fall 2016 - Fall 2020

The Compact City (2022)

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Center for Revolution[aries] (2021)

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Building Complexities (2020) Recognizing Realities (2022)

flagship retail space designed for Off-White a structural re-envisioning through computation understanding the influence of seating politics 7

World’s Fair Amphitheater [tunnel-visioned] (2022)

BUILDING TWO: LEVEL 4 MEZZANINE

Drawing by Mariam Siahatgar

Hojung Kim

1606-3 Songjeong-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan, South Korea

| course | professor | location

the compact city

elevating the livability of migrant facilities in Busan

For most of its history, South Korea has been a near homogeneous state. In the past decade, the nation has seen an influx of migrant workers into its main city centers from various east Asian nations, including into Busan. Located on the southern, coastal border, there are multiple industrial districts located within Busan, one of which is the Noksan Industrial District. Migrant workers that work within the district typically reside in dormitories located within Noksan. These dormitories provide far from ideal living conditions, leaving many workers living in squalor. Additionally, amenities such as healthcare, grocery stores, educational facilities, and community centers are spread far or scarce within the district, making them inaccessible even with the availability of public transportation.

comprehensive capstone studio

Mariam Siahatgar, Cecy Ornelas, Jonghwan Shin, Daeeon Gam | members

To better determine the proposed location of this complex, the region was analyzed based on key components including amenities and access to public transportation. Being in an industrial region, the district has very little accessible green space; even within more residential areas, minimal occupiable green spaces exist. Though one residential region lays near the district lines and is surrounded by farming land, it is far removed from other amenities such as educational facilities, healthcare centers, and grocery stores, that are more centrally focused within the region. With many workers having children, this accessibility becomes important in the well-being and development of their children. The

proposed complex is placed at the intersection of two major roadways located central to both necessary amenities and jobsites of the migrant workers.

The existing infrastructure predominantly includes steel frame structures with sheet metal façades with a smaller number of concrete structures.

To maintain cohesiveness with the surrounding region, the proposed complex utilizes the existing steel frame structures within four adjacent sites and builds within the existing infrastructure. Maintaining the existing structural frame creates four individual courtyards, each with varying levels of privacy in respect to major roadways.

Drawing by Daeeon Gam

Drawing by Mariam Siahatgar

Drawing by Daeeon Gam

Drawing by Jonghwan Shin

PLAN : LEVEL ONE

BUILDING ONE BUILDING TWO BUILDING FOUR BUILDING THREE

Drawing by Cecy Ornelas

STREET LEVEL RESTUARANT

by Mariam Siahatgar

UNIT PLANS

Commercials spaces line the street level of the complex on the east and south, encouraging engagement from those passing from the major intersections. With a café and restaurant, these spaces allow for the development of community both for those within the complex and outsiders. With these commercial spaces at the forefront of the complex, they allow for a barrier between the public and private spaces. Physical activity spaces exist within this floor to prevent disruptions to residents. The courtyards at this level also serve public and private interests. The courtyards of building three and four serve for more public interactions where in courtyard three the existing framework creates a pavilion for special events, while the

courtyards of building one and two are covered by three sides, leading to a more intimate and safer environment. Being further removed from the major roadways, residents can better relax and escape their workspace environments.

Two types of units were developed within the complex based on residential spatial processions within the region of southeast Asia. The single units serve an individual, possibly two if necessary. These units resemble dormitories to encourage the resident to utilize outside community spaces. The double provides a larger living arrangement to accommodate families, including those with children.

Drawing by Cecy Ornelas

Drawing

In the upper levels of the complex, though some commercial and healthcare spaces exist, the spaces become more privatized and focus more on the community development and safe spaces for its residents. At least one community kitchen is available within each site, allowing for those especially in the single units to cook their own meals. With the various ethnic backgrounds of the residents, it invites them to interact with cuisines other than their own. The basketball court targets the younger residents of the complex to come together; even with their various nationalities, athletics allows children to engage with those of their own age without a need for total understanding. Through a series of exterior walkways and pedestrian bridges, there is interconnectivity throughout the entirety of the complex; one can access all areas of the complex without having to enter the street level.

Drawing by Mariam Siahatgar

Drawing by Mariam Siahatgar

BUILDING TWO : COMMUNITY KITCHEN

BASKETBALL COURT MEZZANINE

PLAN

: LEVEL TWO BUILDING ONE BUILDING TWO BUILDING FOUR BUILDING THREE

Drawing by Cecy Ornelas

At the heart of each residential corridor is an open expanse of space that the residents are able to utilize, whether the space is indoor or outdoor. Being located away from the main street, those with children can allow for them to play with others with significantly less concern for their children’s safety. For residents living alone, the space outside of their unit becomes an escape from their living quarters, a way to create a new social life. In building two, the size of the existing infrastructure led to the creation of an interior courtyard with a mezzanine above. A glass roof allows for natural light to enter and liven the space, reaching the two upper residential levels.

Drawing by Mariam Siahatgar

Drawing by Mariam Siahatgar

EXTERIOR WALKWAY

SECTION LOOKING SOUTH [BUILINDING TWO & BUILDING ONE

BUILDING TWO : INTERIOR COURTYARD

Drawing

by Mariam Siahatgar

experimentation + innovation studio

Rana Abudayyeh Beruit, Lebanon

center for revolution[aries]

The Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) advocates for those in war or crisis-stricken countries. IWPR allows for the spread of reliable information and civilized discussions. This space’s primary function serves as an office facility for the IWPR, though the interactions of the community with the space constitutes the driving force of the design.

Through the years, the people of Lebanon have developed a strong distrust in the government due to the constant turmoil. This

facility aims to create a bridge between the public and private by removing the barriers between the two, whether this rids a space of visual or auditory barriers. The space consists of various areas to congregate as a way to not lose touch with what the people of Beirut used the Egg for. This includes using the Egg as a discussion facility, while also acknowledging the Egg’s original function when it opened, a theater. Another driver of the design was who will most utilize the space. Creating a space that is valuable to this group is essential.

headquarters for the Institute of War and Peace Report

PANGOLIN STUDY

EGG BUILDING GRAFFITI VS DAMAGE

In phase I, an analysis was conducted on the defensive characteristics of a pangolin, a small mammal with similarities to an armadillo. When first born, the skin of the pangolin is soft; as the animal ages, it develops a layered series of shells over its skin that act as an armor. As time passes, the shells become more rigid with wear, each with its own unique shape. Using these key characteristics, a Houdini script was utilized in a form finding exercise with multiple iterations to develop form with the strong representations of the pangolin.

Phase II focused on developing an understanding of the site, the Egg, and it’s cultural and societal value within Beirut. A rich history exists around the Egg. The building was initial part of a large shopping and entertainment development, with the Egg being a movie theater. The Lebanese Civil War caused this development to go unfinished and became the heart of the neutral zone between east and west Beirut and civilized discussions during war time. After the damage caused by the war, the structure was never heavily touched until the past decade with the emergence of graffiti. This was partially sparked due to the failing economy and the people’s mistrust of the government. This was amplified after the August 2020 factory explosion, ultimately leading the younger generation to begin the Lebanese Revolution.

This understanding of turbulent and rigid history narrowed the initial representation exercise to its final form

The materiality of the structure worked to maintain the rich history of the Egg by utilizing the existing concrete structure along with its damages and graffiti, as the building serves as such a strong symbol of identity.

The introduction of new materials was to reflect the rigid history of the site, combined with industrial materials that reinforce the resilience of not only the Egg, but of the Lebanese people as well.

THEATER

Though the initial use of the Egg was lost, this program aimed to combine the Egg’s modern use as a discussion space along with its intended use as a theater into one. By reinforcing the theater as a discussion space, a safe space will encourage people to approach the rising revolution, knowing like minded people exist. Reintroducing the theater will allow for new and different audience to become educated and expand their interest of the revolu-

tion presented to them in a visual medium rather than simply auditory. With the two going hand in hand, a deeper level of understanding can be developed that may not be possible with one alone. Maintaining the interior integrity continues to speak to the on-going development of the Egg’s and the people of Lebanon’s history.

EGG : COLLABORATIVE

SUB - 1 LEVEL STREET LEVEL interior studios

This level predominantly consists of office spaces and a television broadcasting studio. With the people’s mistrust of the organized institutions, such as governments and banks, despite the business orientation, the removal of visual or auditory barriers display to the people that this organization does not intend to suppress information.

SECOND LEVEL THIRD LEVEL

The distribution and gathering of knowledge deepen a person’s understanding of a situation. Allowing public access to knowledge allows for this understanding. This level also allows for access to the base of the Egg, where the user can experience the past damages and modern artists that have graffitied the exterior walls.

For those who are unable to obtain such information through themselves, a radio broadcasting station allows for a larger audience.

Aside from the collaborative theater, the upper-level houses a second tv broadcasting station and a control station for drone activity, to enhance the gathering of information from the region of Beirut.

people / spaces / experiences / politics studio

Felicia Dean

301 State Street, Knoxville, TN, USA

building complexity

Virgil Abloh became many things throughout his lifetime, from an entrepreneur to an architect. Most notably, Abloh became known for his streetwear brand, Off-White. His creations have made countless appearances on red carpets and runways, and his legacy living on, as he lost a battle to cancer in November 2021. Abloh considered his work to be inspired by the youth, yet intended audience to be millennials aspiring to maintain their youth. He

reasoned that this demographic had access to a larger disposable income. Despite his efforts, OffWhite still attracts a large number of younger customers. The flagship store resides in what was the first black owned business in Knoxville, Tennessee. The owner, Cal Johnson, became renown and his legacy lives on in local community. To appeal of the local customers, the space highlights the legacy of Johnson along with the designs of Abloh.

flagship retail space designed for Off-White

DESIGN ANALYSIS

To better understand the spatial development, an analysis of Abloh’s runway designs was executed to find a common linear form of organization in numerous designs. A secondary pattern was the frequency which he layered his works, deepening the complexity of each ready-to-wear piece. There were also stark contrasts between each season, giving Abloh a unique palette of works. The materiality throughout the space reflects the richness Abloh strives to display while honoring the historic quality of the Cal Johnson building.

PROGRAM DIAGRAM

TRANSVERSE SECTION

The linear organization was then applied to the procession within the store. The customer enters to a series of visuals displays that highlight that season’s most prominent pieces while having the ability to browse accessories at the counter. The procession then leads to a large central display with pieces available to the customer to pick-up, leading to the dressing room. Various lounge spaces allow for the entirety of a party to have an enjoyable and comfortable experience while shopping.

RETAIL FLOOR PLAN LONGITUDINAL SECTION

design development + construction doc studio

Ashley Coon Hobet, WV, USA

recognizing realities

an experiential immersion of human understanding

In modern society, materialism has heavily influenced the way people hope to be preceived by those around them. People tend to negate the impacts of these high levels of consumerism, blinded by attention or. This dual experience allows the user to understand the consequences of such a high spending society.

The site is located at the center of the closed Hobet mines outside of Danville, West Virginia. The entrance of the experience lays on an untouched strip of land, leaving the user not fully aware of the disrupted environment of the west end of the structure. The user is given an opportunity to take two varied experiences, one of which is encased with rich materials and finishes to attract the user.

CHAMBERED ZONES; FOLLOWING DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES AND PROGRAMS

CHAMBERS EACH HAVE AN INDIVIDUAL CEILING HEIGHT

PRELIMINARY PATHWAYS

EXPERIENCE 2 MAIN SPACE

The second experience appears unappealing, further encouraging the user to select the path of “indulgence,” leading the user through spaces filled with artificial beauty. The second path may appear devoid of this artificial beauty later leads to a space filled with greenery and natural light, of once was; eventually, the user returns to the untouched valley at which they began the experience. The user of the first path is able visualize this space through a “engulfing” arial pathway, unable to experience the warmth of the natural light in the main datum.

FLOATING TABLE DETAIL

The final space in the procession leads the first user to a dimly lit chamber, with a large glass wall exposing a debris filled pool created as a result the mining. An enterprise that was once booming within Hobet has been abandoned with the remnants unable to be cleared. The user begins to understand the dangers consumerism can possess, along with its impact on the natural environment.

structural principles in architecture

Maged Guerguis

World’s Fair Park, Knoxville, TN, USA |

location

world’s fair amphitheater [tunnel-visioned]

a structural re-envisioning through computational design

Concept + Form Development

With the pavilion’s centrally positioned stage, a tunnel-like space frame would serve as the lowest layer of this system, being slightly more compact than the rest of the system to drive one’s eyes more toward this central position. With its open structure, an on-goers view doesn’t become obstructed, either. With the development of an upper-solid membrane, this will prevent disturbances caused by the element, while also providing a shaded space. Although the systems exist independently, their layered natured helps provide two differing experiences, from both the interior and exterior.

SCAFFOLDING

STRESSES

MEMBRANE AND SPACE FRAME STRESSES

VIEW ONE VIEW TWO

Algorithmic Structural Analysis + Topology Optimization

To begin this process, experimentation was necessary to provide a base for the tensile membrane; there needed to be consideration on the location of the existing concrete supports. Then using Grasshopper, a membrane was created using 6 of the existing supports. To develop a more complex form, a point system was developed in Rhino to create a concave, downward slope with-in the mesh. This would require small, steel members within the membrane to help retain its shape. In the space frame, 6 points of contact were also used, with two being being located more closely together to create a smaller, more defined space. To support the mesh membrane, a scaffolding system was developed to help retain the tension in the tensial membrane.

The diagrams above display the structural analyses of the structures utilizing Karamba 3D.

PRECEDENT SKETCHES

FRONT ELEVATION

PERSPECTIVE SECTION

FRONT ELEVATION TOP ELEVATION

SIDE ELEVATION ISOMETRIC VIEW

the politics of seating [ furniture design]

Felicia Dean

spatial [in]equalities

understanding the influence of seating politics

dimensions : 18” x 18” x 28”

Leading up to the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans and Caucasians had been allowed access to all spaces within society, though many were separated. Though seemingly fair, this caused inequalities in how people perceived various spaces.

By utilizing two contrasting wood species, a scense of inequality begins to develop, one which provides richness while the other presents itself as rather plain. Comfort takes form for some, while others receive the bare-minimum.

Although the piece had many cut pieces, what proved most difficult during production was correctly producing the large number of domino joints; even the angled cuts were not nearly as challenging. The large number of joints required careful planning and consideration to properly prep and domino. The angled supports proved to be the most challenging.