Reza Mousavy - Architect Portfolio

Reza Mousavy

Architect & Designer

Portfolio Selected Work 2000-2022

I have worked more than 18 years in the conceptual department of architecture firms in Tehran, Dubai and the U.S. and design process has always been my main interest and focus throughout my education and career. I have had the opportunity to work with all aspects of design stages including conceptual design, schematic design and design development for different types of projects from large scale commercial and mixed use developments to individual villas.

In addition to design process, kinetic structures have been the area of my research studies since 2000 and I have pursued them in furniture, facade and roof application designs. I have also had a key role in establishing of “The Art of Engineering Exhibitions and Workshop” in SB University in Tehran, where I started these studies. In my master degree thesis, “Architectural Kinetics”, I studied tectonic elements and envelopes that can be manipulated through operable mechanisms to change architectural expressions.

School of Architecture, Shahid Behesti University (Tehran, 1995-2002)

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DC[4s] (Tehran, 2003-2006)

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NAGA ARCHITECTS (Dubai, 2007-2011)

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School of Architecture + Design, Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, 2012-2013)

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Architectural Kinetics (1999-Prsent)

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NAGA LLC (Cambridge MA, 2014-Present)

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School of Architecture, Shahid Behesti University (Tehran, 1996-2003) Studio Projects

Lavasan School, Design Studio2 (1997)

Handicraft Pavilion, Design Studio3 (1998)

Cultural Center, Design Studio4 (1998)

Concept No-1

Concept No-2

Concept No-3

Persian Gulf Museum, Qeshm, Portuguese Castle Design Studio7 (1997)

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School of Architecture, Shahid Behesti University (Tehran, 1996-2003) Studio Projects

Bus Terminal, Technical Studio (1998) The concept is based on modular the roof panels that can be assembled and make various forms. Also the modules together works as a shell structure and make the form rigid.

Pedestrian Bridge, Technical Studio (1998) Projectiles or load-bearing forms in the nature follow parabolic path.

The concept is based on a parabolic curve, very similar to a projectile path, in which one vertex is placed on the ground and the other braced by two masts with tensile cables. It tries to capture the essence of bridge which is “crossing”.

Other parts of the bridge like pedestrian path and stairs are suspended from this structure.

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School of Architecture, Shahid Behesti University (Tehran, 1996-2003) Art of Engineering Workshop

Art of Engineering Workshop was established

by Saeed M. Faridani, the professor of structure in the School of Architecture, Shahid Beheshti University and some of his students including me as his assistant and one of the key members.

The workshop started in 1999 when the first Art of Engineering Exhibition was held. It is a studio equipped with carpentry and metalworking tools for modeling and woodworking where students can get close to their ideas and since its establishment many research projects have been defined by students.

The Membrane Modeling Machine

“Art of Engineering” Work Station

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School of Architecture, Shahid Behesti University (Tehran, 1996-2003) Diploma Project: Persian Gulf Museum, Qeshm, Portuguese Castle The Persian Gulf Museum was chosen as the thesis subject because of its complicated considerations such as climate, function, culture and some important historical backgrounds. So it required to consider a specific design method by modeling, reviewing and redesigning in order to analyze each of the above mentioned items separately in architecture. Modeling whether with computer or by hand helped to evaluate how these items and architecture interact. The selected site, flanked by the Portuguese Castle in Qeshm island seemed to be the best one for reflecting these items.

The process led me to know what design requirements should be met and also what the importance of each of them in the process of design is. This rating didn’t follow a linear order. Through this method I revised the whole hierarchy of design process.

Concept 1

Concept 2

The Concept is considered without having a specific site so the forms are impressed by my imagination of the Persian Gulf’s nature, history & culture. So at a glance it looks like a temple for Persian Gulf. It seems the forms have been shaped by the current of the wind and water as if a boulder and a base underneath connecting the different parts of the building.

Based on climatic considerations, the design has a minimalist form and is composed of two basic parts. The upper layer, is shadowy and open to the outside space and includes galleries that are in the proximity of the open air. The bottom part includes offices, library, research center and several enclosed galleries. There is also an open amphitheater with a folding structural canopy connecting the two layers.

Concept 3

Concept 4

In these exercises I have involved the site into design and tried to see how the design can interact with the major features of the site.

The castle, the urban fabric and the beach are three important elements in the site, very impressive against every new building which is to be settled beside them. Thus, the museum as a new being and a modern function, must adapt to them. These elements express the natural, cultural and historical essence of the Persian Gulf as well. Therefore, evidently the site itself possesses very rich museum objects which contribute to design process and affect the form of the museum building that is to be designed.

This concept has valued the inhabited fabric in design as the most impressive item and how this fabric can interact with the museum as a cultural modern function. As the function of the museum is not merely exhibiting some inanimate objects, the native residents with their culture and ceremonies can be considered as a part which museum can present.

Furthermore, the museum could provide the residents with cultural services such as training workshops, library and some complementary academic functions. The concept is based on a quadrangle surrounded by different parts of the museum in such a way that galleries overlook the quadrangle. Therein, some important cultural actions like festivals and celebrations could be performed by the inhabitants and also it can be a place for some objects of the galleries that can be exhibited in the open air.

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School of Architecture, Shahid Behesti University (Tehran, 1996-2003) Diploma Project: Persian Gulf Museum, Qeshm, Portuguese Castle

Concept 5

Concept 6

This concept is based on introducing the castle as a historical and the water as a natural parameter into design process. The castle and the galleries in the museum can interact so closely because of the common theme they share, that is history. The design tries to enjoy all items on the site. It takes benefit from the historical background of the castle, cultural background of the fabric and climatic bounty of the sea. The different parts of the museum are located based on how they want to use the potentials of the site. So the galleries approach the castle as a museum object, facilities like restaurant and retails stretch over towards the sea and library and research center are flanked by the inhabited fabric to communicate with people. This causes the museum in plan, to spread out in the site and overcome it.

The design tries to interact with the castle as the most important object on the site. The castle as a historical sign can embolden the impressive historical aspect of the Persian Gulf and its military and defensive function indicates the preciousness of the region.

Because of its historical and subjective value of the site, the architectural expression of the museum should comply with the subjective values of the castle instead of its objective motives.

Concept 7

Concept 8

A minimal answer to the question forms the basis of the concept. The previous exercises led us to recognize the different challenges of the site and helped to evaluate each parameter affecting the design process.

This concept on the other hand, was meant to have one simple, straightforward answer to all of the challenges. A long block, stretching east-west, seems to be the best solution against either of climatic issues (sun-light and ventilation), interior qualities of the museum (view and light) and site potentials (sea, fabric and the castle). This block also works as a filter and separate the residential fabric from the public area in front of the castle.

The concept is based on a composition between alt 7 and alt 6

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School of Architecture, Shahid Behesti University (Tehran, 1996-2003) Diploma Project: Persian Gulf Museum, Qeshm, Portuguese Castle

Concept 9 The idea in the final design is based on the concept of the museum itself. What is the museum? And what is the Persian Gulf Museum in particular?

It seems that museum is an introverted space which disengages us from the time and the locus of the outside world so we can concentrate on the objects inside the museum to perceive their universes. Therefore, the interior atmosphere of the museum is altogether different from the outside world because of it’s specific function. This difference should therefore affect its outside appearance in a way that informs us of it’s specific interior function. That’s why most of the museums are different from their contexts. The Persian Gulf Museum, like many others, is an introverted space, but since a distinctive museum object such as the Portuguese Castle is located outside it, the museum should be looking outward in a specific direction to emphasize the presence of that object. In this way, the way we see the castle from inside the museum, is quite different from when it is seen independently.

The idea of looking at an outside object from inside the museum is the very notion behind this concept.

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DC[4s] (Tehran, 2004-2007) An Extension to NOSA Office Building

NOSA, a software company which its Smart Cards and RFID Technology ( Radio Frequency Identification ) was afoot to be produced, needed a new building to extend its administration. The new extension beside the main building was planed to accommodate this new section. The new building was required to contain functions such as a showroom to exhibit the products, an open office for R&D and support areas. The site of the building is located in the Pardis Technology Park near Tehran which is dedicated to research and technology corporations. The site area is 2000 m2 and the building’s gross area is 1800 m2 to be constructed in two stories.

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NAGA ARCHITECTS (Dubai, 2007-2011) API I&II Twin Towers (2007) Business Bay, Dubai Main Designer Hand Sketch, AutoCAD, Sketch Up, Physical models

The project is the design of two towers on the either sides of the axis which crosses “Dancing Tower” by Zaha Hadid. The concept is to show the visual connection without having any physical one. The two identical towers are positioned in a way to be seen as one object while the 90 degree angel between them gives a visual dynamics from different views.

Left: lake Shore Drive, Mies van der Rohe

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NAGA ARCHITECTS (Dubai, 2007-2011) Housing Loans Office (2007) Dubai Main Designer Auto CAD, Sketch Up

The design is based on a modular architecture and prefab structural system.

Aljurf Retail Center (2008) Ajman, UAE Main Designer Auto CAD, Sketch Up

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NAGA ARCHITECTS (Dubai, 2007-2011) Islamic Research Center (2010) Aston University, Birmingham, UK Main Designer Auto CAD, Sketch Up

Villa for Mr. Elshaarani (2011) Cairo, Egypt Main Designer Revit, Enscape

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NAGA ARCHITECTS (Dubai, 2007-2011) Octavian Tower (2011) Business bay, Dubai, UAE Main Designer Revit

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Virginia Tech, School of Architecture + Design (Blacksburg, 2012-2014) Studio: Architectural Study Center Roanoke, Virginia Revit, Sketch Up

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Virginia Tech, School of Architecture + Design (Blacksburg, 2012-2014) Studio: Architectural Study Center, Interior Staircase Roanoke, Virginia Revit, Sketch Up

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Architectural Kinetics Study Of Folding Structures School Of Architecture, SBU (2000-2005)

Folding shelter I started to study and experiment folding structures in 1999 by the works of Chuck Hoberman and it continued up to now in different ways such as making pieces of furniture.

Iris dome

Folding sphere

Folding truss The Ideas introducing hereafter, originally designed folding structures.

are

Folding cantilever

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Architectural Kinetics Study Of Folding Structures School Of Architecture, SBU (2000-2005)

Folding canopy

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Architectural Kinetics Thesis: Architectural Kinetics A Study of Operable Mechanism for Different Types of Envelops (2012-2014) School of Architecture + Design, VT

Study Model No-1

Study Model No-2

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Architectural Kinetics Thesis: Architectural Kinetics A Study of Operable Mechanism for Different Types of Envelops (2012-2014) School of Architecture + Design, VT

Study Model No-3

Study Model No-4

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Architectural Kinetics Thesis: Architectural Kinetics A Study of Operable Mechanism for Different Types of Envelops (2012-14) School of Architecture + Design, VT

Study Model No-5

Study Model No-6

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Architectural Kinetics Thesis: Architectural Kinetics Lotus, A Study of Luminary Object (2012-14) School of Architecture + Design, VT Rhino

Lotus is a kinetic luminary object that can change its light effect by an operable mechanism. As the operable mechanism is applied, it is gradually empowered by energy, unfolds and releases the light. The object includes two parts. While the blossoming luminary upper part changes the impact of the light the lower base defines the relationship between the object and the ground and provides stability for the object.

To construct the object, different techniques are applied. When the base is a cast aluminum piece, the internal structure is cut by water jet from aluminum sheets. Besides, lasercamm machine is used to cut plastic parts for the internal mechanical system and exterior envelope.

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Architectural Kinetics Thesis: Architectural Kinetics A Study of Fold-able Roof (2012-14) School of Architecture + Design, VT Rhino, Enscape

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Architectural Kinetics Thesis: Architectural Kinetics A Study of Fold-able Roof (2012-14) School of Architecture + Design, VT SOLIDWORKS

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NAGA LLC (Cambridge MA, 2014-Present) Canadian School (2014) Dubai, UAE Main Designer Revit, Enscape

Union Co-Op Society (2014) Dubai, UAE Main Designer Revit, Enscape

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NAGA LLC (Cambridge MA, 2014-Present) Union Co-Op Society (2014) Dubai, UAE Main Designer Revit, Enscape

Al Futaim Mosque (2015) Dubai, UAE Main Designer Revit, Enscape

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NAGA LLC (Cambridge MA, 2014-Present) Majlis and Club (2015) Dubai, UAE Main Designer Rhino, Revit, Enscape

Resort Cottage (2015) Kazakhstan Main Designer Revit, Enscape

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NAGA LLC (Cambridge MA, 2014-Present) Bay La Sun Canal Apt (2016) King Abdullah Economic City, KSA Main Designer Revit, Enscape

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NAGA LLC (Cambridge MA, 2014-Present) Villa In Palm Jumeira (2016) Palm Jumeira, Dubai, UAE Main Designer Revit, Enscape

Golf Clubhouse (2017) Emaar South, Dubai, UAE Main Designer Revit, Enscape

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NAGA LLC (Cambridge MA, 2014-Present) Villa in Daria Island (2017) Daria Island, Dubai, UAE Main Designer Revit, Enscape

Villa for Mr. Sarmad (2017) Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE Main Designer Revit, Enscape

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NAGA LLC (Cambridge MA, 2014-Present) Villa for Dr. Al Shamsi (2018) Dubai, UAE Main Designer Revit, Enscape

Villa for Mr. Al Nabooda (2018) Dubai, UAE Main Designer Revit, Enscape

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NAGA LLC (Cambridge MA, 2014-Present) Villa for Mr. AlGhurair (2019) Dubai, UAE Main Designer Revit, Enscape

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NAGA LLC (Cambridge MA, 2014-Present) Modular Precast Housing (2019) Riyadh, KSA Main Designer Revit, Enscape

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NAGA LLC (Cambridge MA, 2014-Present) Villa for Mr. Al Mualla (2020) Dubai, UAE Main Designer Revit, Enscape

Villa for Mr. Binsharaf (2021) Dubai, UAE Main Designer Revit, Enscape

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NAGA LLC (Cambridge MA, 2014-Present) Modular Res. Community (2021) Riyadh, KSA Main Designer Revit, Enscape

Villa for Ms Al Mulla (2021) Dubai, UAE Main Designer Revit, Enscape

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NAGA LLC (Cambridge MA, 2014-Present) Nabatian Resident (2023) KSA Main Designer Revit, Enscape

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