Mohamed S. Abdelmajeed msa21@illinois.edu +1 571 564 3609
Mohamed S. Abdelmajeed
Urbana, IL 61801. United States
msa21@illinois.com
+1 571 564 3609
Work Experience
Al Haram Engineering Consultants, Ajman (United Arab Emirates)
Architectural Designer
Apr 2021 - Nov 2023
Barakat Consult, Khartoum (Sudan)
Architectural Designer
Aug 2017 - Aug 2019
Sudan Architecture Forum, Khartoum (Sudan)
Event Volunteer
Oct 2018 - Mar 2019
Skills
Languages: Arabic, English and Chinese
Digital: Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Revit Architecture, Sketch Up, Lumion and Photoshop.
Honours and Awards
Graduate Design Excellence Award, NominationIllinois School of Architecture- Fall 2024
Confucius Institute Scholarship
Chinese International Education Foundation- July 2019
Diar Consultancy, Khartoum (Sudan)
Architectural Designer
Jan 2016 - Aug 2017
Education
University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign, Champaign (U.S.A.)
Master of Architecture
Aug 2024 - May 2026
Certifications
Graduate Engineer (EC/ER/GE/ 46515)
Sudan Engineering Council, 2016
Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin'an, Zhejiang (P. R. China)
Diploma in Chinese Language
Sep 2019 - Jun 2020
University of Khartoum, Khartoum (Sudan)
Bachelor of Science Honours in Architecture
Oct 2010 - Oct 2015
1 2 3 4 5
Sa'ad Qishra Souk Area
Landscape and Urbanism , Fall 2017
Hilal's Residence
Residential Architecture, 2022
Speculative Investment Office Building Office Architecture, Spring 2013
Sa'ad Qishra Souk Area
Landscape and Urbanism , Fall 2017
Khalid's Residence
Technical Drawing, 2018
Sa'ad Qishra Souk Area
Landscape & Urbanism. Khartoum, Sudan
Academic Project (Team work of 7 students)
Undergraduate Design Studio Area: 820,000 m2. Approx 8,800,000 ft2
Fall 2013
Green Courtyards
Elevating Residential Living with Serenity and Community Connection
The residential zone:
The residential zone harmoniously integrates with the landscape, embracing green spaces to create serene breathing courtyards for families while enhancing aesthetics. Beyond its visual appeal, these spaces act as vital buffer zones, mitigating noise from the adjacent commercial area. Moreover, our use of peaceful, light-colored building materials serves as a sustainable solution, reflecting sunlight to reduce future operational costs. Each residential complex or group is centered around a large courtyard, serving social and environmental purposes. Departing from conventional urban designs, our innovative approach ensures attractive views from every angle of the project
Role in the Project:
In this project, I played a collaborative role in conducting comprehensive research on project challenges. I spearheaded the creation and proposal of innovative solutions, contributing to the enhancement of the region's social and environmental aspects. Throughout each stage, my involvement was pivotal in delivering a project that adeptly met the demands of our contemporary lifestyle
Fostering Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Futures: Explore the Environmental Advantages of the Integrated Urban Park and Its Role in Creating Accessible Recreation Spaces in Modern Urban Design
Religious Architecture
Weaving Cultural Identity into Urban Landscapes and Residential Zones
Four-story mall accessible via a bridge from the opposite side of the main road
Connecting Arcades and Bridges Leading to the Shopping Area
Challenges:
The existing site amalgamates a local market adjacent to a residential area, positioned along one of Sudan's busiest and crucial streets. The local market faces multifaceted challenges, ranging from uneven shop distributions to issues with accessibility and waste management. Conversely, the residential zone contends primarily with amplified noise and pollution stemming from the bustling market, significantly impacting the residents' quality of life
Embracing the 'Park and Walk' Concept Easing Urban Congestion and Elevating Pedestrian Experience
Harmonious Fusion
Elevated Integrated Urban Park Redefining Residential Experiences
Vibrant Mixed-Use Hub Fusion of Commerce, Socializing, and Shopping Experiences
The landmark buildings serve as focal points, strategically designed to captivate visitors and allure tourists. Their inclusion elevates the area's value, rendering them distinctive design features that set this locale apart from others.
AL Maouna Ave
AL Mazad Ave
Hilal's Residence
Residential Architecture. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Professional Project (Individual work)
Al Haram Engineering Consultants
Area: 1,591 m2. Approx 17,136 ft2
Year: 2022
The residence is conceived as a serene five-room weekend retreat nestled in the mountainous region of Hatta, Emirates of Dubai, an area gaining prominence in tourism. Characterized by a hot arid climate, this locale, deeply rooted in Arabian culture, values lush greenery and the sight of flowing water — an experience revered for its ability to evoke relaxation and happiness.
Our goal with this project is to cater to user needs while respecting the cultural nuances of the conservative Arabian society, presenting unique challenges. Designed as a weekend escape, the project aims to offer an authentic Arabian cultural experience, boasting popular activities such as a barbecue area and the 'Samar' zone. ('Samar' in Arabic signifies friendly night gatherings.)
The Samar zone, strategically positioned within the spacious courtyard, encapsulates the essence of outdoor living while embracing the majestic mountain views. Situated four steps below ground level, it minimizes wind impact and features a central fireplace, fostering warmth and enriching the nocturnal experience.
A central reception hall serves as the nexus between two suite blocks and ancillary services. Adhering to cultural norms, a segregated men's hall and an elevated seating terrace offer distinct spaces for relaxation and socializing.
The barbecue zone, strategically located between Suite B and the segregated hall, utilizes space beneath the stairs as a storage area. Additional amenities include a guard room, a swimming pool with accompanying services, and a dedicated playground, ensuring a safe and enjoyable space for children, complemented by adjacent seating for supervising adults.
Defining main circulation routes
Central reception hall seamlessly connects two suite blocks, forming an L-shaped layout, offering equally expansive views of the lush greenery
Barbecue zone
Underground hall maximizes seating terrace access for an enhanced experience
Playground
Swimming pool
Guard room + swimming pool services
Samar Zone: Embracing Majestic Mountain Views
Oasis in the Heart of the Desert
Enchanting Samar Zone: Outdoor Living with Mountain Views, Fireplace, and Cozy Atmosphere
Integrating glass façades, we've prioritized crafting an eco-friendly indoor setting that balances openness and privacy. This design allows occupants to relish outward views, fostering a spacious and welcoming atmosphere. Embracing the deep-seated conservative Arabian culture, our approach includes Insulated Glass Units. These units effectively reduce heat transfer, significantly bolstering energy efficiency within the space.
The proposed project is situated in downtown Khartoum, bordered by Al Qasr to the east and Al Baladya to the north, with service entrances accessible from the west and south.
A key challenge we encountered was aligning the project brief's spatial requirements with the office building design standards. This involved meticulous calculations for core area, floor efficiency, and parking allocations to meet these specifications.
In pursuit of cost-efficiency and aesthetic appeal, we've adopted a modular design approach. Employing a 1.2*1.2 meter planning module grid, we've structured the interior spaces of the office area, retail sections, and even the exterior curtain wall. This modular framework aims to optimize both functionality and visual coherence while supporting costeffective measures.
Typical mass of the programme in accordance with the spatial requirements.
Adminstration
Day Care Center
Retail Zone
Restaurant
Multi-purpose Hall
Reception and Circulation
Multi-tenant Corridor
Fire Exit Corridor
Parking at Basement level
Pull of the building mass to increase floor efficiency and make use of the roof as a green terrace.
cubes to create an ecofriendly and more dynamic façade.
Open Plan Offices (Business Hub)
Public Hub
1- Abu Genzir Grave
2- Abu Genzir Monument
Public Hub Key
0
Abu Genzir, a renowned scholar, was interred on the site in the 1880s, becoming an integral part of the urban landscape. Managing this historical grave posed a significant challenge. To honor his legacy, we respectfully relocated the grave to the southeast corner of the site and erected a ground-level monument in commemoration of his life and contributions
Al Baladya Ave.
Rentable Area (1290 m2) Green Terrace (155 m2)
Incorporating green spaces within the workplace environment significantly enhances individuals' wellbeing. Integration of green terraces serves as a pivotal element, fostering relaxation, reducing stress, and amplifying productivity levels.
Museum of Etruscan and Roman Artifacts
ETRUSCAN AND ROMAN ARTIFACTS
Cutural Architecture. Volterra, Italy
Architecture
Academic Project (Individual work)
Graduate Design Studio
Area: 2,200 m2. Approx 23,680 ft2
Fall 2024
Project Description
(Individual work)
This contemporary museum celebrates the rich heritage of Etruscan and Roman cultures while embracing the dramatic topography of Volterra. Situated adjacent to the historic Acropolis hill, the museum integrates history, landscape, and architecture, offering visitors an immersive journey through time.
Studio 00 m2. Approx 23,680 ft2
Main Idea and Concept
The museum is designed as a linear gallery building carved into the corner of the Acropolis hill, preserving the hill's prominence as the highest point in Volterra. This strategic placement allows the structure to blend harmoniously with its surroundings while emphasizing the importance of the Acropolis ruins and offering expansive views of the Etruscan valley. The design guides visitors on a narrative journey, ascending through exhibitions organized chronologically and culminating at the hilltop, where the ancient ruins serve as a historical focal point.
Challenges and Solutions
The Etruscan Acropolis
Etruscan Gate- Porta all’Arco Etruscan Valley
celebrates the rich heritage of Etruscan and Roman cultures while embracing the dramatic topography of Volterra. Acropolis hill, the museum integrates history, landscape, and architecture, offering visitors an immersive journey
Topographical Integration: The steep terrain posed a challenge for accessibility and building integration. By embedding the structure into the hill and introducing monumental exterior steps, the museum seamlessly connects the street level to the Acropolis hill, offering panoramic views of the Etruscan valley and the Mediterranean horizon.
gallery building carved into the corner of the Acropolis hill, preserving the hill's prominence as the highest point allows the structure to blend harmoniously with its surroundings while emphasizing the importance of the views of the Etruscan valley. The design guides visitors on a narrative journey, ascending through exhibitions culminating at the hilltop, where the ancient ruins serve as a historical focal point.
Preserving Cultural Significance: Maintaining the Acropolis hill as the highest point required careful massing and height restrictions. The building height aligns with the hill, ensuring its historical prominence remains intact, with the architecture becoming secondary to the presence of history.
Sustainability and Climate Responsiveness: The southwest- and northwest-facing curtain wall facade incorporates specialized insulation and shading devices, balancing heat gain and passive heating. This approach enhances energy efficiency while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.
terrain posed a challenge for accessibility and building integration. By embedding the structure into the hill steps, the museum seamlessly connects the street level to the Acropolis hill, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean horizon.
Design and Form Approach
Maintaining the Acropolis hill as the highest point required careful massing and height restrictions. The building historical prominence remains intact, with the architecture becoming secondary to the presence of history. Responsiveness: The southwest- and northwest-facing curtain wall facade incorporates specialized insulation and gain and passive heating. This approach enhances energy efficiency while maintaining a contemporary
The museum's linear form, layered spatial organization, and clear single-loaded corridor circulation reflect a balance of functionality and storytelling. The half-circle-shaped grand hall, a defining feature, invites visitors into a soaring, light-filled space. The grand staircase leading to the Acropolis hill emphasizes the monumental connection between the museum and its historical context.
Materially, the museum juxtaposes old and new: stone elements echo the site's archaeological heritage, while modern materials like glass and steel signify a forwardlooking design philosophy. The top floor sculpture garden integrates art with nature, offering visitors a serene exit with expansive views and a tactile connection to the site's essence.
spatial organization, and clear single-loaded corridor circulation reflect a balance of functionality and grand hall, a defining feature, invites visitors into a soaring, light-filled space. The grand staircase leading to the monumental connection between the museum and its historical context.
old and new: stone elements echo the site's archaeological heritage, while modern materials like glass and design philosophy. The top floor sculpture garden integrates art with nature, offering
with connection to the site's essence.
This project encapsulates the timeless dialogue between past and present, culture and landscape, inviting visitors to rediscover Volterra's legacy through architecture.
Grand Hall
Outdoor Sculpture Garden
Roman Cistern
The Grand Hall features an expressive architectural design, utilizing cablestayed columns to create a column-free interior. This innovative structure allows for expansive, uninterrupted views of the valley, enhancing the spatial experience. The hall serves as a spacious and welcoming lobby, housing the original Roman Theater columns, which are meticulously preserved and prominently displayed for public appreciation.
valley, enhancing the spatial experience. The hall serves as a spacious and welcoming lobby,
SECTIONA-A
SOUTHWEST
Khalid's
Residence
Technical Drawings. Khartoum, Sudan
Professional Project (Teamwork)
Office Related (Barakat Consult)
Area: 3,200 m2. Approx 34,000 ft2
Year: 2018
Project Description
The residence stands on a 3,200 square meter plot, with the built-up area accounting for 25% (inclusive of the residence and service building). The expansive outdoor space, comprising 75% of the plot, features a sprawling green area adorned with a circular fountain that guides visitors to the main entrance. Additionally, the outdoor space includes a designated barbecue zone and a service building.
Architects, interior designers, and landscape architects collaborated on the design of this classical building. In this project, my responsibility involved creating technical drawings for façade and site treatments based on selected materials and specifications.
