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Naomi NJONJO Work Sample

Bachelor of Architecture IE School of Architecture & Design Segovia, Spain

Cirulo de Bellas Artes

Thyssen Bornemisza National Museum

01 850.496/YEAR

Casa Museo Lope de Vega

CaixaForum Madrid 622.000/YEAR

Prado National Museum

RETIRO Park

2.800.000/YEAR

InSECTivize. 2.0

Botanical Garden

Urban Pavilion

500.000/YEAR

National Museum of Art Reina Sofia 3.800.000/YEAR

Atocha

800.000/DAY 292.000.000/YEAR

Riverscape MedellÃn

InSECTivize. 1.0

Thesis Project

Urban Productivity

The Urban Players

The Urban Players Card Deck

The Urban Players

Uncover San Esteban

Stripped Landscape

Social Event

Competition

InSECTivize 2.0

Raising awareness through architecture & design Madrid, Spain Alternative Practice led by Izaskun Chinchilla, September 2018 The goal of this three week workshop was to propose an urban hybrid pavilion and urban furniture element that could help to raise awareness about edible insects, and trigger peoples curiosity. InSECTivize aims to provide interactive and educative urban pavilion that could provide information about specific edible insects from around the world; explaining their life cycles, how and when the said insects are edible. Each insect would have a tailored pavilion in which each step of the insect life cycle would be singled out and explained, making it an effortless visual and sensorial experience.

Cirulo de Bellas Artes

Thyssen Bornemisza National Museum 850.496/YEAR

Casa Museo Lope de Vega

Prado National Museum

RETIRO Park

2.800.000/YEAR

CaixaForum Madrid 622.000/YEAR

Botanical Garden 500.000/YEAR

National Museum of Art Reina Sofia 3.800.000/YEAR

Atocha

800.000/DAY 292.000.000/YEAR

A big step in defining the targeted audition was to consider environments, in Madrid, that could have the largest impact and be seen and experienced by a large amount of people. The area of intervention is thus focused on the area of Atocha. It was chosen for it’s large streets and pedestrian paths, as well as it’s park-scape and large amount of people walking by daily. Furthermore, the visibility of the project would be allow for locals as well as tourists to interact and discover the world of InSECTivize’s raising awareness campaign. InSECTivize designed the Madora and Beetle pavilions as a first step in a series of public interventions to convince the general public about the benefits of adding insects as part of their diets. Further steps could include promotional pavilions offering tastings and on the go edible products and restaurant PopUps that would offer an experimental platform to introduce the public with the culinary art of edible insects.

From, Lucia (22 years old) To, who is extremely dedicated to her yoga training and is preoccupied by her consumer’s footprint.

Tatiana (36 years old, working mother) who cannot afford to prepare meat for every meal but wants to provide the healthiest diet for her kids.

Or,

Leonard (65years old, Swedish artist) who love to travel and to encounter and Avant-garde projects for personal inspiration.

(-)

(+)

-Captivity -No interactions

+Educational +Manageable display

(-)

(+)

-Single usage -Cold

+Practical +Lively

(-) -Repetitive -Boring

(+) +Small space for large production

Conceptual Strategies

NEW TREND?

WHY INSECTS? As part or a large number of nutritional campaigns, the FAO has set itself the goal of the development of edible insect programs and has taken steps to raise awareness on the benefits of a potential shift in nutritional habits.

LESS RESOURCES RESOURCES NEEDED TO PRODUCE 1KG OF PROTEIN:

No. Already, an estimated, 2 billion people around the world eat insects on a regular basis. Latin America, central Africa and Southeast Asia are regions where entomophagy as been part of the culture of the locals on millions of years.

World Edible Insect Day

ENTOMOPHAGY is the consumption of insects as food, particularly by people.

InSECTivize

22.000 LITERS

2.300 LITERS Recorded number of edible species of insects: 1-50 50- <300

>1 LITER

WATER

70% of arable land goes to meat production, either directly for pasture land or for growing feed for livestock.

ARABLE LAND

200m2

Insects are both a healthier and more sustainable source of protein, compared to out traditional sources.

50m2

45m2 Information Flyer

15m2

October 23rd, 2018

3.500 LITERS

Madora Pavilion Plan

Eggs

Larvae

Caterpillar

Pupate

Adult Moth

Madora Pavilion Axonometric

Beetle Pavilion Plan

Eggs

Larvae

Pupate

Adult Beetle

Beetle Pavilion Axonometric

Riverscape Medellín Camalote processing & playa regeneration Medellín, Spain

Thesis project led by Fernando Rodriguez and Matan Mayer, 2019

Site Plan Riverscape is project about giving back, to the people of Medellín, a social and economically viable space to enjoy leisure activities by the Guadiana river. The project is born from a necessity to deal with the invasion of the ‘Camalote’, or Water Hyacinth, in the area. This infestation as well as a large amount of toxic pollutants in the river have made it impossible for the human body to bath in the river and this has greatly affected the economy of Medellín over the past decade. The town used to be well know in the area for its beach that brought a lot of people into the city. As a solution to the complex issue of the Water Hyacinth, this project proposes a large processing plant and furniture factory. The preliminary research revealed how people around the world have been dealing with similar infestations and taking advantage of the situation to improve local economies. Indeed, the aquatic can be dried and knitted, or used for compost, or even broken down to make organic paper. Furniture making with Water Hyacinth weaving seemed like the most viable solution for debut of a local economy around the plant. The site in separated in 3 main areas: 1. The River Front; 2. The Urban Park; 3. The Plaza extension & Factory. Paths cut through these different areas to connect the town to the river front. The focus on one area, one strip, of the project that allowed for a more controlled approach an design strategy, unveiling a sequence of urban parks and landscapes that tie together all the activities and program from the river to Medellín. In terms of composition we have, the factory which serves as a plinth for the above platform. The latter is an extension of the urban space as it currently is, and the program that compose it. It is designed to provide small pockets of quiet contemplation over the landscape. Lightweight structures come poking out from the factory below and serve as mediators between the programs found in the factory and the public space.

Research Documents - Poster

Research Documents -Poster

Atmospheric Collage

The jetty River retreat â€˜Naturallyâ€™ enclosed fishing spots

Picnic Area Tables and grills

Maintenance hut Purification ponds Aquatic plants filtering

Playground Flexible and adaptive structure Canopies For food and shade Riverscape Plaza Carnival & other festivities

Bike racks Linear Gardens Information center +SOS Guadiana offices +Drying lab Factory patio Cafe With exterior sitting and amazing Riverscape views Market Space & Other activities Urban Bushes Existing Statue In honor of people who fought for Spain

Strip site plan

North Elevation

Longitudinal Section

Section - Site Axonometric

Interior Factory Collage Information Center Showroom

Tourist Information Center

SOS Guadiana

Natural drying lab

Gallery space dedicated to exhibitions about the history of the project, preservation, production and productive landscapes.

Information counter with 1 on 1 encounters about site visiting Medellin and the area.

Offices and meeting room for the HQ of SOS Guadiana, an association of neighbors that have been raising awareness about the Camalote issue.

Water Hyacinth drying area& research oriented offices to explore more possible uses of the plant.

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

8.8

Level 1

Section - The Tower

5. SKIN. Aluminum frames and ETFE a. Fixing of aluminum frames as vertical supporting element. b. Fixing of secondary aluminum frames. c. attaching of the EFTE clamps. d. Clamping the EFTE e. Connection the skin to the air supply system.

4. COMPOSITE SLAB. Reinforced concrete & steel deck a. Fixing of the steel deck. b. Setting of rebars c. Pouring of concrete. 10

ETFE Faรงade / Gutter / ETFE Roof

3. PRIMARY STRUCTURE. Laminated columns & beams. a. Connections for beams and columns previously welded in factory but entire structure assembled directly on site

2. PLATFORM. Reinforced concrete. a. In-situ casting of the concrete platform. b. Form-work built on site for plant pots. c. Parapet precasted and then mounted on site. 5. PLINTH. a. Setting of windows b. Finishings 6. PLINTH. a. Planting of bushes and flowers. 6.

Gutter / ETFE Roof

1. PLINTH. Reinforced concrete down-stand beam, retaining walls & walls. a. Pouring of foundations in-situ b. Setting of reinforcement for the walls and the primary steel structure. 28.

29.

Construction Systems & Process

27.

30.

26.

22.

21.

23.

20.

Concrete floor / ETFE Structure

I. ETFE FACADE DETAIL

10.

1. Two Layer ETFE 2. Aluminium Clamping strip 3.Extruded Aluminium frame 4.Compostite Sheet-metal and plastic-sheet gutter 5.Thermal insulation 6.Pneumatic operator cylindrical opening 7.Air tube supply 8.Steel support plate 9.Clamp

11. 13.

II. ETFE STRUCTURE

12.

10. Secondary aluminum frame 11. Steel profile HEB 260 12.Steel column HEB 260 13.Prefab welded connections 14.Floor plate

25. 22. 26. 27.

29.

30.

18.

IV. STEEL AND CONCRETE STRUCTURE 20. Steel HEB 260 column 21. Compostite sheet-metal and plastic-sheet gutter 22.Waterproofing membrane 23.Thermal Insulation 24.Gutter to building protection 25. Gutter aluminum grid cover

Detailed Axonometric

16.

17.

19.

III. SLAB DETAILS 15. Finishing 16. Mortar screed 17.Reinforced mesh 18.Steel profile decking 19.HEB steal beam

V. PLATFORM SLAB STRUCTURE 26. Concrete paver with sealer 27. Bedding sand 28.Water proofing Geotextile over concrete floor 29.Reinforced concrete floor 30. Rebars

15.

14.

InSECTivize 1.0

Rethinking food production and distribution systems Omaha, Nebraska, USA Urban Design Studio, led by Miriam Engler & Sharon Wohl, Spring 2018

Exhibition Space

InSECtivize proposes an alternative food production ecosystem based on high-protein insect based products, both for local and global consumption. It responds to the lack of transparency and moral ethics surrounding the meat industry and the demand for healthier, more sustainable, alternatives. Omaha was once the leading city in the meat industry with its numerous stockyard centers. When does closed in the 1960â€™s, many people were left without jobs, and with a lack of economic growth in that area, lower income got stuck in neighborhoods that have become food desserts, where liquor stores are more common than grocery stores. InSECtivize tries to weave food production and social capital in the North Omaha neighborhood through the implementation of seasonal gardens, insect farming, waste recycling management, and public experimental kitchens, grocery stores, etc... These elements aim to form a network of shared spaces and create economic stability and a sense of pride for neighborhood residents. Furthermore, the residents would gain walking distance to quality fresh food and see there health and well being improve.

Current State

North Omaha Naomi Njonjo

52% Protein

48% Fat

12% Carbs 16% 72% Fat Protein

285 kcal per portion

The aim of this project is to establish an ecosystem of food production, both for local and global consumption, and generate new forms of food consumption through technology and art. We have noticed a growing, global understanding of the lack of transparency and moral ethics that surround the meat industry, and people are starting to demand healthier, more sustainable, alternatives. Meat is still for an important part of our western diets and the main source of protein for non-vegetarians and vegans. Omaha being a leading American city in the meat industry for about 100 years, we thought it would be relevant to focus this project on new, more sustainable forms of producing and consuming the required protein intake of American individuals. We believe that Omaha can be a driving force in the very needed shift of food consumption; the end goal of which will be high-quality products locally sourced in the most ethical manner.

inSECtivise

Meat Production Industry

96 kcal per portion

Production

Products

Initial Concept Diagrams

Proposed The Market

inSECtivise HQ

1. Insect Farm & Market 2. Grocery Store & CafĂŠ 3. Pond 4. Experimental Kitchen 5. Seasonal Gardens & Chickens Coops 6. Insect Farm 7. Water tanks 8. Greenhouses

The Explorers

inSECtivise HQ The Explorers The Gr

Protein Production Industry

The Greenery

Programmatic Axonometric

2 Grocery Store + Cafe

Street View - Grocery & Cafe

Street View - Insect Farm & Market

Concept Diagrams

ramatc Ax 8 on Prog

° ,C P °, P s, D°, Wm

Diagrams

, P°, P s, D°, Wm

P°, Ps, C°

P°, Wm

Gardens + Chicken Coops

Greenhouses 1Greenhouses

Experimental ExperimentalKitchen Kitchen + & Pond Pond Insect Farm and Market

3 5 6

° ,C P °, P s, D°, Wm

uld be dedicated The program to fruits was designed and vegetables in suchor a flowers way that interdependence The Greenhouses is created being spaces that can be used all year round would be deTo fully indulge in the various and fresh produce of the neighborhood, the d and needs between of production the different of the parts citizens of it and caring will for relyit.on each dicated othertotocommunity support a gardens for the production of fruits and vegetables.experimental kitchen is geared towards introducing the community to new rere flowers healthy for the dietwedding within the of someone community. in the Water comsources New are present technologies as wellwould as dediin time be introduced to control and operate part cipes. of The space would be dedicated to lessons and workshops led by leading e seasonal catedvegetables growing areas are produced and manufacturing for the experispaces forthe processing production, goods. increasing the yearly yield and allowing for a larger amount members of in the food scene of North Omaha. distribution. The waste and compost from it would sales. The waste would also go into the waste management system and fee The the pond, as part of the larger ecosystem, would be a first set in providing fish fferent insect farms. insect farms. as nutritional elements as well as a space for gathering and leisure.

P°, Ps, C°

Chicken Coops

Site Plan

FLOWER GARDEN

ams PLAZA

FOOD TRUCKS

POND

INSECT FARM

MANUFACTURING

PLAYGROUND COMMUNITY GARDENS

Proposed program s and fresh produce of the neighborhood, the CO UR- community ed towards introducing the COUR- to new reTYA TYARD edicated to lessons and workshops led by leading RD of North Omaha. er ecosystem, would be a first set in providing fish CO and leisure. ell as a space for gathering URTYA RD

CO URTYA RD

COURTYARD

Grocery Store + Cafe

COURTYARD

Repurposing Grocery

NISM 5.0 Grocery

Greenhouses

Experimental Kitchen

Searsonal Gardens + Chicken Coops

Insect Farm

Water Tanks

The seasonal gardens would be dedicated to fruits and vegetables or flowers depending on the demand and needs of production of the citizens caring for it. It could be the space where flowers for the wedding of someone in the community are grown or where seasonal vegetables are produced for the experimental cooking or a larger distribution. The waste and compost from it would go towards feeding the different insect farms.

2 Greenhouses

The seasonal gardens would be dedicated to fruits an depending on the demand and needs of production o It could be the space where flowers for the wedding munity are grown or where seasonal vegetables are p mental cooking or a larger distribution. The waste an go towards feeding the different insect farms.

Insect Farm & Market Food security seems to be an issue in North Omaha considering that most residential areas are not within a comfortable walking distance to a grocery store but also, the prevalence of processed food in both the various liquor stores and food pantries. Easy access to fresh produce is a problem this project tries to solve by proposing a more local system of food production and consumption.

1 Pond 3

MARKET

INDOR FARMING

INSE CT FARM

TRANSPORTATION HUB

COURTYARD

CHICKEN COOPS

GROCERY STORE

PLAZA

Insect Farm and Market PLAYGROUND

INDOOR FARMING

° P °, P P°, Wm, C s, D°, Wm

Searsonal Gardens + Chicken Coops Seasonal Gardens &

ntal Kitchen + Pond

COMMMUNITY GARDEN

Searsonal Gardens + Ch

The Greenhouses being spaces that can be used all year round would be dedicated to community gardens for the production of fruits and vegetables. New technologies would in time be introduced to control and operate part of the production, increasing the yearly yield and allowing for a larger amount of sales. The waste would also go into the waste management system and fee the insect farms.

Insect Farm

Naomi Njonjo URBAN DESIGN STUDIO, ISU

6 Seasonal Gardens

Context Plan & SectionSeasonal Insect Farm Gardens

7 Plaza

Plaza

To fully indulge in the various and fresh produce of the neighborhood, the experimental kitchen is geared towards introducing the community to new recipes. The space would be dedicated to lessons and workshops led by leading members in the food scene of North Omaha. The pond, as part of the larger ecosystem, would be a first set in providing fish as nutritional elements as well as a space for gathering and leisure.

Context Plan & Section

The seasonal gardens would be dedicated to fruits and vegetables or flowers depending on the demand and needs of the citizens caring for it. It could be the space where flowers for the wedding of someone in the community are grown or where seasonal vegetables are produced for the experimental cooking or a larger distribution. The waste and compost from it would go towards feeding the different insect farms.

Context Plan & Section

Uncover San Esteban Designing a neighborhood rehabilitation process Project partner: Silje Howard Segovia, Spain

Alternative Practice led by Romina Canna, November 2018 This three weeks project started off as a deep study of the current spaces in Segovia dedicated to the enjoyment of - appreciation of- and culture of food. Segovia has a long gastronomic tradition that has a strong presence in the historical neighborhood of Segovia. As Segovia’s economy has been more focused on tourism, many restaurants in Segovia have specialized in offering traditional Castilleon food in packages easily consumed by tourists. Most of these restaurants lie in the axis from the aqueduct to the Alcazar, passing through Plaza mayor. In a context where all services are designed for tourist, we wanted to create a project that would activate a secondary plaza more focused on the needs and activities of residents of Segovia. Following a number of interviews with people who live, work and have small businesses in Segovia, we identified a real need for change and improvement in the neighborhood of San Esteban. The plaza of this neighborhood is currently being used as a parking but it has an ideal location close to Plaza Mayor and the heart of people’s everyday commute to different parts of the city. San Esteban has many elements that are typical in plazas, and if they are utilized correctly, the space could become a successful alternative commercial space to Plaza Mayor. Uncover Esteban became a project, inspired on the ‘better block’ philosophy and ethic. It is a participatory project in which, residents get a chance to experience the quality of a space re-appropriated by them for them. This goal being to analysis and showcase the potential of the area. In this case, we wanted to show that the Plaza San Esteban, formally an enjoyable pedestrian plaza, could recover it’s past glory, replacing the parking lot with a variety of urban elements for residents to enjoy a weekend of events.

13 12

8 4

28 29

23 55

30 37 38

Restaurants are concentrated around spaces in the city that have a sense of

21 22

35 34

39 40 32 27 26

43 44 42

47 46

“place”

54 63

59 60

40%

With of historic Segovia lying empty, how can food culture be used as a tool to activate other parts of the city?

Restaurant Mapping

61 62

Photographic tour from Aqueduct to Alcazar

Restaurants closed and for lease

Plaza San Esteban

Restaurants open to the public

Walking by... Plaza Mayor

and ...sitting ...eating ...drinking ...standing ...talking ...waiting ...playing ...

Plaza Mayor VS Plaza San Esteban

Site Study Photographs of San Esteban

1_Tapas competition

Decalles 22 - 30 June2018 AIHS 29 September - 7 October 2018

3_Food truck festival Segovia Food Truck 18 - 20 May 2018

3_Market Thursday Plaza Mayor 0900-1400

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September October

November December

Gastronomic Events in Segovia

Iglesia San Esteban Closed except events 62 Parking Spots

Palacio Episcopal Segovia Closed / Renovations

San Esteban Site Plan

SENSE OF ENCLOSURE...

FOCAL POINT...

FOUNTAIN...

HIERARCHY IN PAVEMENTS...

...by cars, everywhere

...disengaging

...empty of interactions

...unmaintained

February

Uncover San Esteban March

20 April 2019

Mutual Cooperation for Event

Co-Plan for Waste Services

Neighborhood Residents IE Students Heritage Association Neighborhood Association Alt. Lifestyle advocates Local Entrepreneurs

Recover Water Fountain

Grassroots

Begin Neighborhood Restoration

Janurary

Begin Monument Restoration

December

Remove Monument Parking

Planning Phase Gathering Support Now

Feedback

Institutional IV_uncover San Esteban

City Hall Tourismo Segovia IE University Junta Castilla y Leon Real Estate Agencies Local Businesses

1. Generate community interest

Saturday April 20, 255sqm of San Esteban Plaza, 06:00-23:00

Initiate planning for ARCH-SE project 2020 - 2025

2. Appeal to institutions for neighborhood change

3. Host Uncover San Esteban Event

4. Gather Feedback

Uncover San Esteban Concept Plan (Timeline & Catalogue)

5.Trigger Long-lasting, institutional change

The Urban Players Exploring the complexity of urban relations Ames, Iowa, USA

Urban Theories and Methods by Benjamin Shirtfcliff, Fall 2017 DISCLAIMER: this set of is not an exhaustive representation of the people who play a role within the urban setting. It is an exploration of urban players, and probably a large number of them could have been added. The urban players were here selected based on their relevance within the hierarchy of a regular deck of cards. As 52 cards are a large amount of cards, and trying to stay faithful to the logic of the four suits, there is an attempt to diversify, complement and contrast each family of cards as much as possible. The guiding question for this project being: ‘Who makes up the urban space?’; The focus of the deck is based the belief that people are both at the origin of the urban life, as well as the end result of it, and that all conversations concerning the urban should start and end with a clear understanding of their importance. It was important to make a point about the relevance of the individual in an urban setting to have the characters visually stand out. However, only having people was not an option as the second most important aspect of the reasoning was to have a clear physical and urban context that could speak both about places and activities. This was in part based on an understanding of Lefebvre’s stance on the importance of spatial consideration to understand the urban and how space is both a product and a producer of social life. The organization of the cards arose from research around the general meaning of cards in a traditional deck which led to findings about the symbolism* of the cards, with some information relating to the practice of reading cards. It might not be a practice taken seriously by everyone however, in this case, it did a good job in providing a juxtaposing to the cards and giving each number a specific meaning. The Urban Dwellers (Ace) ranks as the beginning and the ego. As it is the starting point of a deck when considered it as a 1, and is often the most powerful card to end a game with. The urban dwellers are all the people that live within a city-like setting, as opposed to the rural one, even though the line of distinction between both is constantly harder to draw. Having the background as personal and interior home spaces help to depict the condition of dwelling. The Pedestrians (2) thrive for union to make a better whole. The pedestrians that embody life on the streets are what provide the union between the private realm of the urban dwellers and the public sphere. The reading of Jan Gehl’s ‘Life Between Building’ definitely played a role in identifying activities and groups of people that are more likely to take part in the urban life. Although not an exhaustive list, the focus is on the elderly and children as they both find in the streets social interactions that they rely on for their personal development and wellbeing. For the Opportunists (3), the key symbolism is that of uncertainty and confusion and at the same time, of entertainment and ‘right choice’. This arises from the presence of the pedestrians and the interactions within public spaces in which we start to add an economic, even though informal, dimension to the deck. The presence of the opportunists speaks loudly about the quality of social life within neighborhoods. The livelier spaces will be more likely to attract people that are willing to provide entertainment with the hope of some form of revenue. The Services (4) implie that the opportunities for interactions and exchanges brought by the opportunists will contribute to a need for structure and services. The activities depicted in these cards help to call attention to the economic endeavors that make up the urban day to day life. This is done by either providing spaces for people to consume goods or by creating spaces and jobs where people can carry out work that will provide some form of revenue and overall stability. The Subcultures (5) symbolize change, and embodie a restlessness that disrupts the stability of the services. Subcultures are a middle point that suggest a coming change. Just as much a part of the urban life, subcultures provide a sense of how creative urban players

can be and the need for an understanding of the heterogeneity of the people that compose urban spaces. The Rural Dweller’s (6) symbolism almost denotes a step back in the diversity of the urban realm. Very much related to the past and a difficulty to adjust, the rural dwellers are set a part but still essential to the urban. This is interesting when analyzing cases of full on urban dwellers deciding to move back to rural areas to raise their kids and find some peace of mind that was disturbed by the restlessness of the city life (definitely a common situation in Europe). It was important to include the rural dwellers as part of The Urban Players deck due to the reality of an ever-growing interdependency between of “cities” and “rural areas”, the latter being the setting for a number of activities that are crucial to life in the urban realm. The Protesters (7), a symbol of victory that would not hold that status without the stress, and at times violence, that arises from the ‘inertia’ of the rural dwellers. It almost could be directly linked to a generational gap and failure to understand previous or later generations. Protesters, in the context of the urban, can definitely lead to a victory and positive change as they can pin point the lack of discussion with certain groups of people and articulate the needs of communities that are not being addressed. The Communities (8), were associate with this number for it being a strong one and a symbol of power. This can be considered both a driving factor of the protesters and as a result of it. Communities, bring people together and help them get their voices heard. The protesters can also solidify a community as a result of their activities or create a new one. There is a sense of things being under control and friendliness that make people want to be a part of communities. The Dividing Practices (9), remind us that although communities are positive for the people that are a part of them, there seems to always be people that are set aside and not considered as part of any social group. Based on Michel Foucault’s idea of dividing spaces, these cards try to show the people that are absent from conversations and considerations in the urban world. Some will definitely seem old school for most but are definitely still applicable in a number of cultures. The State (10), introduces an ironic twist to this game as it represents success and it can be questionable if the state is successful in being the sum total of the people it governs. However, the state is still placed, thoughtfully, in this position with the hope that there will be a time when it will thrive to create a setting for success and fulfillment for all. The figures of the King, Queen and Jack (Urban Designer/ Landscape Architect/ City Planner/ Architect) , represent the current important players that have a real impact on the urban life of the people explored above. It is in no way trying to denounce these players, it is more of a finding and a personal interpretation of how the dynamics could be more beneficial for the urban players overall. The Kings, based on mayors and important business men involved in real estate and urban development projects seem to be the people with the most control over the day to day changes within cities. The Jacks are here considered as the ideal advisor and mediators between the urban players and the decision/policy making people. The Queens, based on quotes that reflect specific theories, would serve as guidance for a clearer understanding of the importance to consider the heterogeneity of the urban players and acknowledge that they should be a part of the conversations about the urban setting they live in. It is suggested that this deck be used for play following this rule: that if someone has any four cards of a given number, and they place them on the table, they create a revolution that implies that the smallest number (2) becomes the most powerful card. In French the game I am referring to is ‘Président/Trou-du-cul’ which translates into ‘President/Asshole’. Reflections: A way to rethink this deck and make it more inclusive, would be to work on a similar project in a group of 4 people from 4 completely different cultural and geographical contexts to end up with a deck of cards in which all 4 suits could be a depiction of more varied urban settings. *https://www.metasymbology.com/symbols.html

The Urban Players

Stripped Landscapes Artificial reconstruction of biodiversity Project partner: Jose Lacruz Vela Kemeri Park, Latvia

Great Kemeri Bog Center Competition, October 2018

The importance placed on national parks is proof of a countryâ€™s dedication to preserve; often restore, natural wildlife. In this context, Stripped Landscapes wants to celebrate Kemeriâ€™s local biodiversity as well as offer an artificial and very controlled response to the restoration of Nature. By re/introducing species found around the site as well as vegetation from the Kemeri Region, we hope to create a unique experience for the visitor of the National Park. The Visitor Center is organized in such a way that the program follows the rhythm of the linear landscape. The strips allow for a segmentation of the program, both in terms of use and length of stay. The areas closest to the parking as well as the road that connect to the entrance of the Kemeri Bog are more practical spaces. Areas to play, relax and contemplate the landscape are concentrated further i, towards the border with the existing forest. Decomposing the program in different areas allows for the whole site to be explored and appreciated by the visitors of the park. The built structures make use of the natural materials that could be extracted from the close surroundings. Similar building components can be found throughout the built environment, while still allowing each space to be expressed singularly. The different paths, that connect all areas of the visitor center offer a series of ways to experience the linear landscape. Different paths guide the visitors in between bushes, beneath trees, along patches of both, triggering a series of censorial experiences. The paths, although slightly elevated, allow for a great proximity to the vegetation and encourages people to walk down from it and explore the grounds of the Stripped Landscapes Visitor Center.

R PA NG KI

L VA G RI IN AR RV G G G E I N T IN I N B S Y RA R A E PE O PL CU D T AN GH W NI RE

ER OV

Linear Landscape

Programming

Confetti

Circulation Paths

General Plan

Linear Landscape Site Section

Exhibition Space

Section - Information Center

Section - Cafe

Playground

Camping Site

Section - Observational Tower

July 27th 2019

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing this letter to highly recommend Naomi Njold Nyaga Njonjo. I have been close to Naomi since she started her degree at IE University. I ďƒžrst met her in the Spring Semester of 2015, when she enrolled in the d-Lab, a design laboratory which I direct. In the d-Lab, and although she was at her ďƒžrst year of the Bachelor in Architecture, her commitment and eagerness to learn was truly impressive. She was always inquisitive, and advancing whatever the task she was asked to develop. Later, I was her professor during the Fall Semester of 2016 of Design Studio III. Unsurprisingly for me, her performance was impeccable, and every day with her was a true enjoyment, intellectually as well as personally. During this course she also expanded her interests, focusing on issues beyond the Studio brief, in topics like the city, the urban scale, and the phenomena that make our urban environments. The year after, when she was ďƒžnishing her 4th year, and although she was overseas during the semester for an academic exchange, she decided to come back to the d-Lab in Segovia, becoming a key team member for a project for the reactivation of an elementary school. During this period not only she was deeply involved in the project but she also became an instrumental mentor for junior students. Finally, and even if she was developing her thesis, during the Spring of 2019 she returned to the d-Lab, where she again demonstrated her professionalism. On a more personal level, her kindness and her willingness to listen and contribute is a remarkable personality trait that makes working with her an authentic pleasure. I strongly recommend Naomi as she will no doubt be a strong member of your team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions about her. Sincerely,

Romina Canna International PhD in Urbanism Associate Professor d-Lab Director IE School of Architecture and Design IE University rmcanna@faculty.ie.edu

Naomi NJONJO Phone. +34 618 13 75 09 E-mail. njonjo.naomi@gmail.com