Urban Design and Architecture Portfolio

Selected Projects

Mayra Shuja Urban Design & Architecture Portfolio

linkedin.com/in/mayra-shuja mshuja@depaul.edu 6303986878 Chicago

01/ A

modern

CONFIDENTIAL RESORT TUSCALOOSA

resort

design

03/

REVITALIZATION PLAN explores

the

The North Grove Redevelopment Area Plan

This

University of Alabama's historic campus

will transform the Fox River into a mix

aesthetics with contemporary elements,

of

featuring

retreats

hospitality,

blending

02/

REDEVELOPMENT PLAN ELGIN

sports,

and

leisure facilities for active lifestyles.

lively

between

education

and

tranquil

aiming

to

introducing

diverse

into

environments

blend

everyday

destinations while

project

housing and enhancing downtown Elgin.

the

and

transform

connection

contemplation,

learning that

spaces

seamlessly

functionality

with

opportunities for spiritual reflection.

04/

NAVY PIER CHIACGO

The Dime Pier revitalization project aims

05/

06/

LEARNING CENTER KARACHI

PSIQUANTUM CAMPUS CHICAGO

This project explores the connection between

This

to honor its historic significance while

education

to

Chicago's Southeast Side is set to be a

transforming it into a vibrant landmark

transform learning spaces into environments

state-of-the-art data center dedicated

and community gathering space.

that seamlessly blend everyday functionality

to advancing quantum computing.

and

contemplation,

aiming

with opportunities for spiritual reflection.

Quantum

Computer

Campus

on

CONFIDENTIAL RESORT TUSCALOOSA

This projects aims to seamlessly integrate with

The vision is to create a vibrant resort that serves

the historical and architectural character of the

active

University of Alabama's campus while introducing

and engages the broader Tuscaloosa community. The

modern elements that speak to future aspirations.

collaboration involves designing key structures like

Key design elements include the use of red brick,

the SI Hotel, a high-rise with 150 rooms; a mid-rise

stone or precast concrete trim, columned entries,

condo and vacation club; and additional amenities

and detailed ornamentation, all designed to maintain

such as a pool, cabana, fitness center, and a central

the campus’s traditional aesthetic.

services building.

lifestyles,

attracts

sports

enthusiasts,

SITE 3 SITE 2

SITE 1

NORTH GROVE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN ELGIN

The North Grove Redevelopment Area Plan aims to

Recreational

transform the Fox River into vibrant destinations

gathering

and serene retreats, enhancing Elgin’s community

permanent concessions, complementing Festival

character. The plan introduces diverse, high-

Park. Key design principles focus on maintaining

quality housing options, with density decreasing

a

from south to north to align with existing context.

prioritizing

Buildings

feature

range of destinations, transitioning density,

ground-floor commercial spaces, activating the

enhancing public park spaces, and promoting bike

streetscape and strengthening downtown.

and pedestrian mobility.

along

Kimball

Street

will

amenities

spaces

continuous

will

supported

public housing

edge

include by

seasonal

along

diversity,

various

the

and

river,

providing

a

NORTH GROVE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN Site

1

-

Envisioning

residential

building

a

along

midrise with

a

riverfront food truck plaza on a 2.5acre site. Proposing 4 to 5 story residential building with up to 200 units, a promenade for public river access,

and

activated

streetscapes

with commercial opportunities.

Site

2

-

A

featuring 30

mixed-use

midrise

rowhouses

plan

to

incorporates

amenities, spaces,

development

building the

north.

private

ground-floor

with

an

and The

rooftop

commercial

alternate

design

preserving a historical silo as a public art feature.

Site 3 - A residential neighborhood along a 9.25-acre linear riverfront park.

The

park

will

feature

ecoriver

friendly

amenities

and

access

recreation,

integrating

nature

for

and

community

spaces.

Revitalization Plan KARACHI The revitalization of open spaces in Azam Basti

a

community

park

and

a

library,

dedicated

aims to transform underutilized and vacant areas,

to

promoting

literacy

and

social

activities.

specifically Marwat Park and adjacent land near

Sustainability is key, with an emphasis on cost-

the college, into vibrant urban connectors that

efficient materials and environmentally effective

foster social integration between the different

landscaping to improve pedestrian comfort through

communities.

passive cooling and shading. By creating inclusive

Currently,

these

spaces

serve

as

divisions, lacking hygiene and public function.

spaces

The project focuses on developing a green, public

project seeks to bridge community divides, improve

corridor along the canal that acts as the social,

public health through access to clean and green

physical, and functional spine of the neighborhood.

areas, and stimulate local economic development

Proposed enhancements include walkways, seating

through commercial opportunities. This initiative

areas, children's play spaces, and food vendor

represents a significant opportunity to enhance

stalls

and

the quality of life for Azam Basti residents and

incorporate

promote a sense of belonging within the community.

to

engagement.

encourage The

community

design

will

interaction also

that

cater

to

diverse

age

groups,

the

NAVY PIER

DIME PIER

NAVY PIER CHICAGO

The vision for Dime Pier revitalization project is

Dime Pier is currently in a dilapidated state,

to highlight the unique character of the existing

comprised

infrastructure as a framework for exceptional

function. Its size and location in an unprotected

experiences.

body of water, coupled with regulatory approvals

By

creating

opportunities

for

of

for

wooden

piles

renovation,

with

present

no

specific

visitors to engage with breathtaking views and

needed

challenges

dynamic events along the pier, we aim to boost

that we are prepared to address.fosters social

foot traffic to Navy Pier and elevate its status

interaction and enriches the cultural fabric of

as a premier social destination in the city.

the surrounding area.

1

2

3

NAVY PIER REVITALIZATION CHICAGO The Dime Pier revitalization project will incorporate a blend of fountains, light displays, and community events to create a vibrant and interactive experience that attracts visitors year-round To

ensure

project

success,

key

program

requirements were addressed, focusing on safety and logistics for fireworks, fountain shows, and drone displays. This includes establishing a stable, non-flammable surface for fireworks, exploring modular or fixed fountain installations to adapt to climate conditions,

and

for

drone

precise

designing landing

infrastructure and

takeoff.

Thoughtful design and community involvement will position the revamped Dime Pier as a dynamic space for social interaction and cultural engagement, enhancing the overall experience at Navy Pier.

To

ensure

project

success,

key

program

LEARNING CENTER

RADIAL

ACADEMIC LIBRARY PROJECT KARACHI This

project

reimagines

the

BRANCHING

academic

library as a journey towards the sacred, inspired by the act of performing rituals.

It explores three phases—separation from the profane, transition, and integration into

the

sacred—both

theoretically

and

architecturally. The goal is to create a space where students can escape the intensity of academic life. Drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings of the site, the design seeks to learn from trees, shaping a secular sanctuary that fosters reflection and renewal.

ORGANIC

LEARNING CENTER The design employs brick walls to

guide

visitors

along

a

curated spatial journey divided into

three

phases—separation

from the profane, transition, and

integration

into

the

sacred—progressing

from

dark

to light and open to enclosed spaces.

Drawing

inspiration

from the site's existing trees, the form seamlessly integrates the natural landscape into the structure.

LEARNING CENTER A survey of students provided insight into their needs and preferences, shaping the design approach. The existing circulation patterns were analyzed and mapped, leading to the proposal of a new building and promenade that enhance connectivity while offering moments of reflection and sanctuary within the academic environment.

The project aims to cultivate a sanctuary within the academic environment, allowing students to retreat from their demanding routines and engage in

a

transformative

experience.

By

blending

architectural design with the natural landscape, the library becomes not just a space for learning, but a refuge for reflection and personal growth.

This

approach

highlights

the

importance

of

creating environments that support mental wellbeing, encourage exploration, and foster a sense of community among students. Ultimately, this thesis not only contributes to the discourse on sacred architecture but also serves as a model for future educational spaces that prioritize the holistic development of individuals.

ACADEMIC LIBRARY PROJECT KARACHI

PSIQUANTUM

DATA CENTER CHICAGO 8080 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive is located on the former U.S. Steel South Works site along the Lake Michigan shoreline, one of the largest contiguous infill waterfront properties in the country.

The site has 128 acres ready for immediate development and an additional 312 acres available

for

expansion.

Its

strategic

location near Lake Michigan and the Calumet River will provide the water sources needed for cooling, and the site can accommodate the large power needs.

PD Boundary

PSIQUANTUM CAMPUS PSIQuantum

is

set

to

invest

$1

billion to establish a 300,000-squarefoot

Quantum

Computer

Operations

Center on Chicago’s Southeast Side, creating

up

to

150

jobs

over

the

next five years. This facility will be the centerpiece of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, a groundbreaking campus on the former US Steel South Works site.

The project is expected to accelerate Chicago’s status as a global leader in

quantum

innovation key

technology,

and

partners

driving

collaboration

like

the

with

University

of Chicago and the Chicago Quantum Exchange. With its strategic location along

the

Calumet

River

and

Lake

Michigan, the campus will not only stimulate the local economy but also advance

cutting-edge

research

in

quantum computing, impacting fields from medicine to clean energy.

DATA CENTER CHICAGO

COMMUNITY HOUSING EVANSTON This

project

vibrant,

aims

to

sustainable

create

a

community

hub that enriches the urban fabric at the intersection of Evanston and Rogers Park. This five-story mixed-use 55

development

residential

commercial

spaces,

designed

to

housing

needs

local

units

includes

10

four

thoughtfully

cater

to

while

businesses.

features and

The

diverse promoting unit

mix

three-bedroom,

two-

bath units, 30 two-bedroom, 1.5bath units, and 15 one-bedroom, one-bath units, ensuring a variety of options for residents.

AWARD WINNING PROJECT

COMMUNITY HOUSING Strategically located near the CTA Howard station,

the

project

provides

seamless

access to the Red, Blue, and Purple lines, Metra services, and a network of bus stops along major transportation corridors. The development

emphasizes

pedestrian

and

cyclist accessibility with dedicated bike lanes and proximity to local amenities, including restaurants, salons, tax services, grocery

stores,

schools,

healthcare

facilities, and parks.

Sustainability

is

at

the

heart

of

this

initiative, with green features and measures designed to reduce environmental impact while ensuring long-term viability. The project's design integrates elements such as a café, an art studio, a fitness center, and a play area, fostering community interaction and enhancing the quality of life for residents. , Sustainable, and vibrant neighborhoods.

MID-RISE EVANSTON

This proposal stands as a testament to the potential of thoughtful urban design to create inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant neighborhoods.

By creating a welcoming environment that encourages community interaction and supports local businesses, this project exemplifies a commitment to building inclusive and sustainable neighborhoods.

www.example.com

Mayra Shuja Architecture Portfolio

linkedin.com/in/mayra-shuja mshuja@depaul.edu 6303986878 Chicago