Nilab Majidi - Architecture Portfolio

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

NILAB MAJIDI MARCH 2023

SELECTED WORKS | 2020-2022

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Contents San Diego Civic Center 01

Phase 2 Final Massing 2022 in collaboration with Alec James

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Masterplan and Program 2022 in collaboration with Alec James

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Low Rise Los Angeles Housing Competetion 2021 in collaboration with Noah

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Situation School 2021

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01 UNION SAN DIEGO

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Union San Diego | 2022 | Final Render

This project prioritizes interaction and user experience through sensory engagement, using biophilic elements like green terraces and healing gardens. The design allows for flexibility in site navigation and new memories to be formed through environmental cognition. Atriums blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, activating dynamic perceptions of the built environment. The form accentuates existing views and emphasizes natural ventilation while creating a universal circulation for exploration and purposeful activation. Programs unique to downtown come together to ignite all the senses, increasing overall user wellbeing and creating spaces of wonder.

Roles Drawings, Renderings, Concept Diagrams Softwares Used Revit, Lumion, Sketch Up, Rhino, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign

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The Vision

Cultivating connection and removing barriers to public access, this collage emphasizes the creation of a space that is active at all times. All five senses are utilized inactivating the space to create memorable user experience and aid in providing a strong identity for this area. Both visually and physically connecting to other hubs in the downtown area such as the waterfront, convention center, little Italy, and aslamp, a harmony is created between the existing architectural contexts. A balance is created between, commercial, residential, and government sectors to encourage positive social gatherings and healthy activities to strengthen the sense of community.

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Union San Diego| 2022 | Urban Charrette

ng barriers to sizes the t all times. ating the space nce and aid in area. Both to other hubs waterfront, aslamp, a xisting s created and positive social o strengthen

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Site Plan

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Union San Diego | 2022 | Contextual Analysis

Alec James + Nilab Majidi Amin Espandiari

The issues facing the civic center includes a lack of space activation, conncectivity, circulation, daylighting and appealing facade.

The lack of space activation is evident as there is a lack of spaces such as green spaces which can support healthy actvities to attract people of all ages, races, identities, abilities, and backgrounds. Therefore there is a lack of critical activity that fosters healthy social settings, provides a feeling of safety and security, and encourages people to live and work in a downtown with extensive amenities. Public spaces are often the best places for opportunities become authentic anchors, offering a unique sense of place and memorable experiences for visitors.

The lack of connectivity between parts of downtown creates a disconnection from the community and the main functional blocks or entities of a system. There is a lack of ease of access to public transportation and barriers to public access. This disrupts the circulation of connective function which is essential to capture the experience of moving our bodies around a building, three-dimensionally and through time.

The exterior facade of some of the buildings lack, daylight, appearance and shading.

Y PH

RA

OG

P TO

7 PM 12 AM

7 PM

7 AM

LANDUSE

12 AM Mixed Use

T EN

NM

O VIR

Retail

Agricultural

7 AM

EN

Office

Restaurants

Hotel/ Motel/ Other accommodation

Other

Unkown

CIVIC CENTER TOWER

STATE OFFICE BUILDING

CIVIC CENTER PARKADE

SAN DIEGO CIVIC CENTER SAN DIEGO CITY HALL

SAN DIEGO CITY FIRE STATION

SAN DIEGO CITY HALL

E

BU SR OU BU TE ILD ING RO S AD S BIK ER OU RE TE DL INE BLU TR EL OL INE LEY BU TR S OL TR STOP LEY OL LEY STO P

SIT

TRAFFIC 8AM

ITY

BIL

MO

TRAFFIC 12 PM

TRAFFIC 8AM CORTEZ

EAST VILLAGE CIVIC/CORE

LITTLE ITALY

GASLAMP QUARTER COLOMBIA MARINA

CONVENTION CENTER

T

ON

RF

TE WA

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Office Exterior

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Union San Diego | 2022 | Office Exterior Render

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Office Plans

Ground Level Plan

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Union San Diego | 2022 | Office Building Plans

Level 16 Plan

Level 8 Plan

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Outdoor Healing Garden

Outdoor Cinema & Recreation Area

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Union San Diego | 2022 | Office Building Interior Render

Outdoor Healing Garden

Outdoor Cinema & Recreation Area

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Art School Exterior

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Union San Diego | 2022 | Art School Exterior Render

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Lecture Auditorium / Gathering Area Level 13

Larger openings promote more interaction, longer user space occupation, and allows more curiosity to the user by giving them a range of areas to examine and notice what they have maybe not before. Frame views of the landscape and sky.

Lowered Ceiling Part of Bridge Level 8 East Por

Smaller platforms and passageways are typically used for circulation with faster movement taking place. slower movement happens when the area is covered and users are given a stronger sense of protection from the elements

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Union San Diego| 2022 | Art School Interior Render

Bridge Gathering Area Level 8 South Portion

Longer passageways with large ceiling height promote stronger feelings of comfort, slower circulation, and feelings of familiarity

Customizable Study Space Level 5

Texture and rhythm on facades and interior walls generates interest, allows for more user presence, and facilitates slower navigation with users being more attentive to their surroundings.

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Office Circulation

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Union San Diego| 2022 | Circulation

Art School Circulation

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Winter Sun

Summer Sun

265 ft

FITNESS CENTER

25 ft (Split Level)

DANCE STUDIOS

OBSERVATION AREA

10 ft

DANCE STUDIOS

LECTURE AUDITORIUM

20 ft

FITNESS CENTER

ART STUDIOS

15 ft

ART STUDIOS

15 ft

OFFICE PRESENTATION ROOMS 12 ft

SCHOOL CIRCULATION STAIR

OFFICE PRESENTATION ROOMS 12 ft MENTAL HEALTH CENTER

TEST KITCHEN

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UNION BRIDGE

25 ft (Split Level)

MUSIC STUDIOS

ANECHOIC CHAMBER

MUSIC CLASSROOMS

15 ft

GENERAL CLASSROOMS

15 ft

GENERAL CLASSROOMS

15 ft

10 ft

STUDENT LIFE CENTER

LARGE LIBRARY

NAP AREAS

SMALL, QUIET STUDY

COMPUTER LABS

STUDY SPACES INDOOR / OUTDOOR

STUDENT CAFETERIA

THEATER SMALL LIBRARY INDOOR GARDENS

Union San Diego| 2022 | Contextual Analysis

CAFE

15 ft

EXHIBITION SPACE

15 ft 20 ft

Public Park

North South East West Active 24H Special Occasions Morning Use Afternoon Use Night Use Outdoor Indoor Only Student Access Only Office + Housing Access Both Can Access Low Noise Medium Noise High Noise Sight Smell Taste Touch Hearing Has Views Light Dark Has Terrace Low Occupancy High Occupancy Access to Atrium

Art School

Theater Student Cafeteria Culinary School Test Kitchen Indoor Garden Public Cafe Exhibition Space Small Public Library Computer Labs Student Library Indoor / Outdoor Study Spaces Small Study Spaces (Quiet) General Classrooms Music Classrooms Music Studios Anechoic Chamber Mental Health Center Office Presenation Rooms School Exterior Circulation Stairs Art Studios Dance Studios Fitness Center Observation Deck Lecture Auditorium Nap / Rest Spaces Union Bridge

Office + Student Housing Organic Market Restaurant Architecture Firm Digital Library Information Center Coworking Space Office Space Student Dormitories Rooftop Cinema Housing (Studio, 1BR, 2BR) Green Atrium

tf82 tf82

298 ft 10 ft

HOUSING

10 ft 10 ft 10 ft 15 ft 15 ft

OUTDOOR CINEMA

45 ft

15 ft 15 ft

10 ft 15 ft

10 ft 15 ft

10 ft

DORMITORIES

20 ft

OFFICE SPACE

15 ft 15 ft 15 ft

20 ft

15 ft

15 ft

15 ft

GREEN ATRIUM

15 ft

15 ft

15 ft

15 ft

15 ft

15 ft 15 ft

ORGANIC MARKET RESTAURANT DIGITAL LIBRARY

15 ft

ARCHITECTURE FIRM

COWORKING SPACE

INFORMATION CENTER

30 ft

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Union San Diego | 2022 | Elevation and Sections

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1. 12” Concrete Slab 2. 12” Exterior Concrete Wall 2A. Operable windows on East and West to promote cross ventilation 2B. Aluminium Shading Device to shield Southwestern / Southeastern Sun 3. Infill Curtain Panels 4. Rectangular 1” Aluminium Mullion Frame 5. Steel Ball Bearing Track 6. 2” Perforated Steel Paneling 7. Steel Ball Bearing Carrier Set

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Union San Diego| 2022 | Facade Detailing

Main Building 1. Slanted Column: 14x14x1/2 2. Secondary Column: 12x12x1/2 3. Cross Bracing: HSS Round Structural Tubing 6x0.500 4. Primary Beam: 21x111 5. Secondary Beam: W14x159 6. Primary Column: 14x14x1/2 7. Pile Cap-9 Pile: 150”x150”x40”

Bridge (Warren Truss 11 Panel Standard) 8. HSS Hollow Structural Section 12x12x1/4 9. Primary Beam: W21x111 10. Secondary Beam: W14x159

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5.

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10.

9.

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8.

7.

6.

1. Building covers half of lot (150’ x 200’ x 250’).

2. Stepback of 25’ along C street, plus two asymmetric setbacks to create covered outdoor spaces and better ventilation.

3. Large ADA sloped floor to floor area created for circulation, with bridge on exterior.

4. Southwest corner delegated as slanted indoor garden and circulation area to minimize heat.

5. Slanted, tapering atrium created for access to greenspace and natural light/ventilation.

6. Smaller front bridge, wrapping around building to promote collaboration and interaction.

7. Overhangs added to south-facing bridge and upper facade for rhythm of angled forms.

8. Glass stairwell connects to community bridge for diverse circulation.

9. Overhangs on north facade for contrast and more square footage.

10. Slanted roof for direct sunlight and better drainage.

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Union San Diego| 2022 | Form Development

5.

4.

3.

10.

9.

2.

1.

8.

7.

6.

1. Building covers half lot (150’ x 200’ x 250’).

2.Stepbacks and asymmetrical setbacks create covered outdoor spaces and better ventilation.

3. Large sloped area for circulation, with bridge on exterior.

4. Slanted, tapering indoor garden and circulation area in southwest corner to minimize heat.

5. Slanted, tapering atrium for access to greenspace and natural light/ventilation.

6. Smaller front bridge for collaboration between structures.

7. Overhangs shield south-facing bridge and upper facade for rhythm of angled forms.

8. Glass stairwell area for diverse circulation and play of light/shadow.

9. Overhangs on north facade for contrast and more square footage. Inviting entrance.

10. Slanted roof for direct sunlight and better drainage.

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Users enjoy having height over others. Users can be seen spending longer time alone at vantage points above a main gathering area or even sit and interact with their environment more when they can see from above

Skylights at ground level promote higher levels of comfort, safety, and curiosity with more natural light and a way to judge the entire scale of the building they are navigating through

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Union San Diego| 2022 | Concept Diagram

Smaller openings draw brief, specific user attention. These instances usually frame a view or particular point of interest and causes user to stay in a that spot for longer time or move on faster

Density promotes feelings of comfort and familiarity

Longer passageways with lower than average ceilings promote faster circulation as users feel a sense of discomfort.

Longer, brighter passageways facilitate slower, more observant navigation. These spaces promote pausing and interaction. Shading methods are also fundamental for the success of this.

Architectural Factors that Directly Affect Creativity

Cognitive and Environmental Drivers for Creativity

Openings + Materiality

-Landscaping -Greenspaces -Informal Learning Spaces -Space Flexibility -Visual Connections to Nature -Blending Outdoor + Indoor -Spaces for Exercise Varied Size of Spaces

-Social Interaction -Mental Health Practices -Fresh Air -Somatosensory Engagement -Sensory Interaction -Sense of Ownership of Space -Adaptable Teaching Methods +

Larger openings spanning entirety of building up to sky break typical user sightlines while framing the sky uniquely. This promotes slower circulation and sparks user curiousity about their environment.

When people sit on the ground, they are comfortable in the space. Use materials that are conducive to this.

The Reticular Activation System (RAS) processes all incoming info into brain. Novelty and creativity is triggered through environmental shifts.

Warmer materials create more comfort than cooler typically. We can relate to materials that remind us of our own form

Keep human scale in mind

The Reticular Activation System (RAS) processes all incoming info into brain. Novelty and creativity is triggered through environmental shifts.

Pink has been shown to amplify emotions while things covered in green tend to be ignored more often. Blue leads to feelings of comfort

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02 MASTERPLAN Placing emphasis on the senses to enhance user experience, this master plan focuses on creating spaces that are dynamic, active at all times, and memorable. This begins with formulating a harmony between the new and historic and removing barriers to public access to render these blocks inviting, pragmatic, and connected. Driving memory formation and sensory experience, neurons serve as a biological case study that has been analyzed to generate these new pathways throughout the Civic Center Site. These connections establish a hierarchy on-site both internally and externally and place the human at the center of the design in creating an experience that is unique and exciting every time.Just like neurons, the program is made adaptable in order to fit the ever-changing demands and accommodate for growth within the Civic Center. Reinvigorating the residential, commercial, private, public, and educational sectors encourages positive social gathering, collaboration, and connection to other hubs in the city such as the convention center, the waterfront, Gaslamp, Little Italy, and East Village to strengthen the community at large. Taking a phenomenological approach allows this architecture to cater directly to the inner child, creating spaces of wonder while redefining the role Civic Center plays in San Diego moving forward.

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MasterPlan| 2022 | Process

Sensory Analysis

Masterplan

W B St

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Proposed

Demolished Buildings

Existing Conditions

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MasterPlan| 2022 | Context

Site Activation

Existing + Proposed Bike Lanes Existing

Proposed

Seating/ Gathering Areas Facade Changes

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MasterPlan| 2022 | Renders

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03 Low Rise Roles Drawings, Renderings, Concept Diagrams Softwares Used Rhino, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign

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Low Rise| 2020 | Process

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03 Low Rise

rear perspective

streetfront perspective

n.t.s

n.t.s

130’-0”

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site plan

siting

scale: 1” = 40’

total lot area: 3,250 s.f. total outdoor / walkable area: 1,550 s.f. _ 48% total building footprint: 1,675 s.f. _ 52%

Low Rise| 2020 | Process

This design uses an open plan with a gable roof that suits the neighborhood, climate, and site conditions. Biophilic elements such as green walls, plants, and a grass paver system create visual comfort, improve air quality, and reduce energy costs. Large windows provide natural light and large overhangs offer shading and heating. Rainwater and greywater are used for irrigation. The design uses grid-tied solar photovoltaic panels and an electric “mini-split” heat pump for renewable energy. The dwellings will blend into the natural setting and provide visual, renewable energy, and user well-being resources

streetfront elevation scale: 1/4” = 1’-0”

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rear structure floor 2 scale: 1/8" = 1'-0"

rear structure floor 1 scale: 1/8" = 1'-0"

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rear structure

front structure

studio unit first floor: 353 s.f.

2 bedroom unit first floor: 369 s.f. second floor: 743 s.f. total: 1,112 s.f.

studio unit first floor: 353 s.f.

2 bedroom unit first floor: 369 s.f. second floor: 743 s.f. total: 1,112 s.f.

Low Rise | 2020 | Plans

front structure floor 2 scale: 1/8" = 1'-0"

front structure floor 1 scale: 1/8" = 1'-0"

Units designed to accomodate funcionality and comfort with an open floor plan, open to interpretation and use by occupants. Fully A.D.A. accessible studios with generous kitchen designs. Bedrooms in all units feature built in closet and storage space. Laundry room on site for use by all residents.

LOW RISE: HOUSING IDEAS FOR LOS ANGELES | CINTRON - MAJIDI - PENDEREL

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interior rendering all-electric kitchen

all-electric kitchen plan scale: 1/4” = 1’-0”

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Low Rise| 2022 | Process

NATIVE PLANTING

LAUNDRY- GREYWATER IRRIGATION

GARDENING

axonometric projection .

landscape plan LIVING GREEN WALL

scale: 1/16” = 1’-0”

PERMEABLE PAVER PARKING

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04 Situation School

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Situation School| 2021 | Process

Learning should never be confined to a specific space. Instead, it should be a continuous, lifelong process that is embedded in every environment we encounter. Schools should be more than just a place for children to receive instruction. They should be a hub for exploration, play, and self-discovery, where students are empowered to learn in ways that feel natural and intuitive to them.By fostering a culture of exploration and curiosity, the aim is to help students develop a mindset that values learning as an essential component of daily life. This means creating spaces that encourage experimentation, curiosity, and discovery, and that allow children to move at their own pace, following their natural inclinations and interests. Ultimately, our goal is to help students become lifelong learners, equipped with the skills and mindset they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. We believe that by prioritizing play, exploration, and self-directed learning, we can create a more engaged, innovative, and connected generation of learners.

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04 Situation School

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Situation School| 2021 | Process

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Situation School | 2021 | Process

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Situation School | 2021 | Process

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