Academic Architectural Portfolio

RAMEESA AHMED ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

C ONT ENT The work presented in this portfolio are curated from projects done during graduate and undergraduate courses. The projects reflect both individual and group contributions in an academic setting.

00

Resume

01

Resilient Reef

02

Confetti Monument

03

Retail at Roosevelt

04

Miscellaneous

FOREWORD My passion for creative design found a tangible direction when I began to understand the power of architecture.

Design has the ability to empower communities and can be used to plan for a sustainable, equitable and innovative future.

Thus, with each of my project I try to break free of the comfort zone and push towards the unknown with the hope of learning something new.

“Without that element of uncertainty, that sensation of traveling into the unknown, there would be no progress” – Zaha Hadid

CONTACT

rameesa17@outlook.com

469-732-8156

rameesaahmed

EDUCATION

EXPERIENCE

Syracuse University, M Arch | Dec 2022

Yellow House Architects, LLC | Architecture Associate

MAR - DEC 2023 New York, NY

SU Teaching Assistant | Design Studio•Arch History

AUG 20 - DEC 2022 Syracuse, NY

The University of Texas at Arlington, B.S. Arch | May 2019 Minor: Urban and Public Affairs University of Innsbruck-Austria, Study Abroad | Summer 2018

SKILLS Rhinoceros 3D • Grasshopper • V-ray

Autodesk • AutoCAD • Revit

Adobe • Photoshop • InDesign • Illustrator • Premier Pro • After Effects

Fabrication • Woodwork • Laser machine • 3D print • CNC mill • Metalwork

Bluebeam

ArcGIS

Virtual Reality • Unreal Engine • Enscape • A-Frame

3D Rendering • Lumion • Twinmotion • Sketchup

Cooper Robertson | Architectural Summer Intern

JUN - AUG 2022 New York, NY

WEST 8 Architecture | Architectural Summer Intern

JUN - AUG 2021 New York, NY

FK + ARCHITECT, LLC | Architectural Designer

SEP 19 - AUG 2020 Dallas, TX

UT Arlington Family Center| Graphic Designer

OCT 17 - MAY 2019 Dallas, TX

AFFILIATIONS NOMAS Syracuse University | Grad Representative

2020 - 2022

ACE Mentor Program Dallas | Consultant•Runner-up

2013 - 2020

AIAS Mentorship Program | Co-Director•Member

2015 - 2019

01 RESILIENT REEF Fall 2021| Graduate Comprehensive Studio Collaborator| Meaghan Kelly•Tiffany Ng An extensive harbor redevelopment project in East Boston that aims to create a harmony between performance and play.

The architectural elements in the complex are designed to combat rising sea levels as well as provide a space for community engagement throughout the year.

The design includes a living breakwater system, retention pools, accessible canals and vegetation gardens that surrounds the greenhouse and educational centre buildings.

The site is located in the Boston Harbor and part of the Climate Ready East Boston Plan. The design serves two roles simultaneously - to be a programmatic anchor for the community on a daily basis and a second role as an operational hub for residents in the event of a natural disaster.

The site design incorporates a combination of breakwaters constructed with ecologically engineered concrete and addresses rising water while also providing an environment for marsh growth and sediment build up.

CU

RRE

NT

20

30

20

50

20 70

BIOGENEIC BUILDUP

1

TR

US S

&

SU

SP

SI

O

N

+57’

SY ST E

+52’

5’6”

M

5’

EN

12’

+49’ 6”

15’

+37’ 6”

+22.5’

3D

CCN SIN

RE

D-

TE

IN

PR EM

SIT EL OD Scale 1/4” = 1’ in ARCH D

OPERABLE PARAMETRIC COPPER LATTICE

Structural investigations led to the creation of a multi layered truss system that consists of metal members covered in a curved curtain wall, and a operable copper facade.

HVAC research led to the addition of radiant heating system, sea water cooling system, drain-water vent system and natural ventilation option through the operable facade.

03 CONFETTI MONUMENT Fall 2022| Graduate Studio Collaborator| Kyle Lenihan•Hector Yu This community plaza in Syracuse, NY is adjacent to I.M Pei’s monumental Everson Art museum. The museum board and city officials wanted a space that was inviting and inclusive for the community, therefore the design proposal is an attempt to celebrate the surroundings. The plaza design consists of greenscapes, sculpture park and play gardens along with pavilion classroom-exhibition space. The ground treatments include a reflected landscape of sunken courtyard and elevated mound that creates diverse zones of activity.

The confetti monument design is inspired from the idea of flexible, temporal and multi use spaces that celebrate the syracuse community. Time-use research was used to project the local needs along and inspiration was drawn from various Noguchi playscapes.

The movable “confetti” consisting of art, scultures, seating and play objects, that invite the locals toward other monumental features such as the sunken courtyard, skating bowls, rock climbing wall and lush park space for events.

KEY

KEY

KEY

1

PLAZA REFLECTING POOL

5

HYBRID SEAT

2

SUNKEN COURTYARD

6

MUSEUM EXT

3

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM PAVILION

7

FARMERS MA

4

SKATING BOWL

8

SPECIAL EVE

1

PLAZA REFLECTING POOL

5

HYBRID SEATING / SKATING STRUCTURE

9

FOOD

2

SUNKEN COURTYARD

6

MUSEUM EXTENTION PAVILION

10

ROCK

3

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM PAVILION

7

FARMERS MARKET ZONE

11

EMPL

4

SKATING BOWL

8

SPECIAL EVENTS / WEDDING ZONE

1

PLAZA REFLECTING POOL

5

HYBRID SEATING / SKATING STRUCTURE

9

FOOD TRUCK ENTRY

2

SUNKEN COURTYARD

6

MUSEUM EXTENTION PAVILION

10

ROCKWALL PLAYSCAPE

3

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM PAVILION

7

FARMERS MARKET ZONE

11

EMPLOYEE PARKING

4

SKATING BOWL

8

SPECIAL EVENTS / WEDDING ZONE

10’

5 20’

PAVILION DETAILS

1 5 10 25

1

1

10 5

25

10 5

25

Phasing and construction styles were researched to create a streamlined plan.

The construction process leaves room for multiple iterations of the part-to-whole design. The pavilion can be assembled in many ways, creating its own set of confetti elements throughout the site. The project can be broken down in multiple scales, starting from the furniture confetti and building up to the pavillions The two proposed pavilions are monumental structures that host the classes, exhibitions, and events that are part of the museum and city. The indoor-outdoor setup is weather friendly and allows for an intriguing level of transparency to the viewers outside the plaza. They act as confetti storage as well as event spaces for sculpture exhibitions and seasonal fairs. The pavilion also provides a more permanent courtyard for seating and leisure activities.

04 RETAIL AT ROOSEVELT Summer 2021| Graduate Studio This urban research based project a catalogue of New York City’s retail spaces and strategies for their future. The focal area is Roosevelt Avenue located in the heart of Queens, NY. The energetic and diverse area was extensively studied and inventoried to identify existing issues with the retail spaces post COVID-19 spread.

The design proposals take into account both the current and future vendors of the area and incorporates the theme of “life on the sidewalk” into the future of retail on this bustling street of NYC. The subway plays a large role in the overall dynamic of the area and influenced the design process as well.

CLOSED UNDECLARED

U N A T

99 cents zoni language center rika peruvian lgv bakery star furniture 7/11 calibre 78 ny chervillotte famous brands verizon

E

99 cent gorkhali nepalese empty space tattoo empty space studio la

laly’s restaurant ochao jewelry beauty supply khampa kitchen inn aroma brazil spa bellagio empty space starbucks chase bank

deli & grocery roosevelt pharmacy food junction banchha ghar baskin robbins eyebrow place

O R

club evolution the empanada spot metropcs crystal nail salon panaderia coatzingo cepeda car insurance romanticos bar taqueria coatzingo el california bar ny deli and grocery

O

S

star motors news & cafe stanley’s furniture

V

E

L

costamar travel los cafetales bakery million minks capo bar & grill friends tavern bar lounge empty space liquor london boutique village moon tattoo

V

E

ex: store owner/goods do not promote a certain ethnic background, such as large corporations.

e smoke & convenience city pharma los paisanos casablanca group delgado travel la optica

SOUTH ASIAN

costa ricas sebra salon true colors bar inmigracion coatzingo restaurant mister cangrejo restaurant melao atlas travel group el abuelo gozon los chuzos y algo mas

ex: store owner/goods represent India, Bangladesh, Pakistan or Nepal

copacabana brazillian goldcuts barbar empty space gulxaar ryg sport empty space high line electronics lemin beauty austro financial service feida jackson heights el canelazo bar e smoke & convenience

E

citi bank variety cosmetics party glitters pico de gallo galaxy tax farmacia latina pechositas cafe bakery ilan shoes corp

SOUTH AMERICAN

portabella menswear hairo’s nightclub carvel icecream shoecase inc el nuevo cafe espana pollos a la brasa mario

EXTENDED ENTRANCE

ex: store owner/ goods represent Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru or Dominican Republic

la gata gdosa dunkin donuts la abundience bakery optica patino casa del pollo sal y pimiento manat eyebrow gulxar 5 de mayo market joe fish market amanda beauty lounge

pl $ lechon hornado ecuatoriano t-mobile advanced rx pharmacy pawn corp mira calli II los arrierros restuarant

sander new stand scorpion tapas bar long island janitor supply playa realty 75 laundry roosevelt candy grocery femina threading & waxing y&l variety & gift la abundacia

WINDOW SERVICE

SIDEWALK

jin pin market cali sports bar ginarte gato verde bar tecolote mexican china aaa looks threading & spa boost mobile saloon unisex unlock kung fu tea

t-mobile robert’s sport glory shoes point los 3 potrilla a & k sports a & o jewelry sprint empty space sagitario bakery

LIFE ON THE

ARCGIS was used to map data sets, along with in person site analysis on the street. Inverviews with vendors helped in understanding the overall issues in the area in regards to retail during COVID-19. The extensive field research helped in understanding the site, user and objects.

PROMPT POP-UP

COMPACT CARTS

LEGEND

FLOATING VENDORS

INSTANT TRUCKS

84TH ST

83RD ST

82ND ST

81ST ST

80TH ST

79TH ST

78TH ST

77TH ST

76TH ST

75TH ST

74TH ST

73RD ST

CONSUMER CROSSING: how do people arrive?

RAIL RHYTHM: what do people hear?

GOODS+SERVICES ex: pharmacy, optics, car store

CLOSED

82 St Jackson Hts Roosevelt Ave

6

PM

12

PM

AM

7

$200 or $20,000 Permits can cost thousands on the black market due to a cap on the number issued

ROOSEVELT AVENUE

~2,000 People are currently on the wait list LEGEND

TRANSPORT HUB ex: subway station, elevated columns

84TH ST

NO SPACE

AM

83RD ST

6 SUBWAY VENDORS STORES

82ND ST

81ST ST

80TH ST

79TH ST

78TH ST

77TH ST

76TH ST

75TH ST

7 LOCAL

MANHATTAN

12

AM

74TH ST

73RD ST

SUBWAY VENDORS STORES

QUEENS

74 St Broadway Roosevelt Ave E F M R 7

EVERY 15 MINUTES

$250 fines to unlicensed merchandise vendors

~853 Spots on the list

SERVICES ex: salon, barbar, realtor, travel service, financial help

QUEENS

DRY GOODS

ex: clothing, shoes, 7 E F M R 7 electronics, furniture

6

$1,000 fines to non-permitted mobile food vendors

74 St Broadway Roosevelt Ave

7 LOCAL

WET GOODS

ex: restaurants, bars, grocery, bakery, coffee

MANHATTAN

LEGEND

STORE SPECIES: who owns the stores?

82 St Jackson Hts Roosevelt Ave

STORE SPECIES: what do people shop?

EVERY 15 MINUTES

12

PM

6

PM

12

AM

ELEVATED SUBWAY

ELEVATED SUBWAY

RETAIL CORRIDOR

SIDEWALK

RETAIL CORRIDOR

PEDESTRIANS ARE FREE TO WALK PAST FOOD TRUCK AND WINDOW LINES

OBSTRUCTION CAUSES LOSS FOR VENDORS DUE TO RUSHED TIME LIMIT

SLICING THE

LIMITED OBSTRUCTION OF SIDEWALK

PEDESTRIANSARE DISRUPTED

BY SIDEWALK ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTS

STOREFRONTS

ACCESSIBLE SIDEWALK

PARKING

VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

PARKING

ROOSEVELT AVENUE

LEGEND LEGEND

EXTENDED/OUTDOOR

TRUCKS

INWARD FACING

TABLES/STANDS EXTENDED/OUTDOOR WINDOW SERVICE TABLES/STANDS

CARTS/COOLERS TRUCKS POP UPS CARTS/COOLERS

WINDOW SERVICE

POP UPS

ex: stores that have no outdoor INWARDdisplays/ FACING goods that require extensive traffic stops ex: stores that have no outdoor displays/ goods that require extensive traffic stops

CLOSED CLOSED

NON - ACCESSIBLE SIDEWALK

STOREFRONTS

CURRENT:

1

Side walk space is divided among three main sections. Pedestrian access is limited due to vendors and store owners pushing in from both sides of the walkway 4

2

PERMANENT PARKLET

3

PROPOSAL: PERMANENT PARKLET parking spots converted to truck/cart vending area

1 STREET VENDORS 2 PARKLET 3 WALKABLE SIDEWALK 4 PERMANENT STOREFRONTS 3 1

MOVABLE MARKET

2

4

4

MOVABLE MARKET

parking lot on Roosevelt ave. converted to a market area

1 OVERNIGHT STORAGE 2 SEATING AREA 3 TRUCK VENDORS 4 CART VENDORS

At the end of the semester a book was compiled with all the ARCGIS data and community research work.

The book contains design proposals for various streets across NYC and adds to the discourse about the future of retail post Covid-19.

05 MISCELLANEOUS 2015- 2022| Academic Elective Courses

DISPLAY & CURATION Graduate & Undergraduate Studios

Group Exhibition Design|

A SEATING IN LANDSCAPE SUMMER 2018|Study Abroad

Design Build | This alpine inspired outdoor seating was designed and built by 24 students, for a non-profit youth center in Innsbruck, Austria. Initial phase included interviews and research of the users, followed by a six day long design-build process, with the use of local materials and tools.

The interactive seating can hold up to 20 people at a time, be arranged in multiple iterations and was designed to be light weight and weather resistant. Inspired by the mountain peaks that are visible from every corner of Innsbruck, the seating aims to become a integrated part of the context.

FIREMEN TRAINING CAMP SPRING 2016|Undergraduate Course

Physical Model-making| The large 24x18 model was made manually with basswood sheets and dowels. The only wood shop machinery used aided in cutting balsa wood to represent grove of trees on site.

The training center was designed to facilitate firemen on an inclined topography. The model details include an entrance area, a watch tower, a pavilion, an underground office area, an outdoor stage/seating area as well as multiple catwalks. Movable parts had to be engineered into the model to present the narrative accurately.

DIGITAL IMMERSION SPRING 2021|Graduate Course

Parametric Modeling| The initial geometry for this art installation was formed through the Pufferfish plugin in Grasshopper, with a helping hand from Rhino 3D to create curves, surfaces, and elements that the geometry could be casted on.

The GH script allowed the shape to be easily manipulated. Each node was attached to number slider to create multiple iterations before reaching the desired outcome. Lumion-Photoshop was used to produce the final visualization.

FACETED ASSEMBLY FALL 2018|Undergraduate Course

Digital Fabrication| Prototype project that was digitally fabricated after being developed on a parametric modeling software. It investigated the relationship between digital design processes and the method of physical fabrication.

The design was first created on Rhinocerous 3D and later fabricated through the use of plasma cutter and manual assembly. The metal pieces had to be designed as modular parts that could be assembled by hand.