ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
Leila Coulibaly - Diakite
EDUCATION
BACHELOR IN ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
August 2020 - May 2024
ASSOCIATE IN ART & SCIENCES ( Marketing and management)
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
January 2018 - May 2020
ENGLISH LANGUAGE CERTIFICATE
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
August 2017 - December 2017
ENGLISH LANGUAGE CERTIFICATE
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
March 2017 - July 2017
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
LYCEE SAINTE MARIE DE COCODY
September 2015 - July 2016
LEILA COULIBALY Architecture
Leilacould@gmail.com
Leilacoulibalydiakite
+1 (832) - 368 - 7460
French - English
ASSOCIATIONS
NATIONAL SOCIETY OF COLLEGIATE SCHOLARS
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
January 2018 - May 2020
HONOR COLLEGE
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
August 2020 - December 2022
TAU SIGMA National Honor Society
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
August 2020 - May 2024
AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Student)
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
Current
COULIBALY - DIAKITE
Architecture Student
SOFTWARE
EXPERIENCE
STUDENT COUNCIL
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
May 2017 - July 2017
ARCHITECTURE INTERN
ACA CABINET: Architect Consultants and Associates
Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire)
July 2021 - August 2021
COMPETITION
ARCHITECTURE COMPETITION: BRIDGE THE GAP
4th PLACE
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
July 2021 - August 2021
CONTENTS
INSTITUTE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
PRECEDENT STUDY: Phillip Exeter Library
TOKYO CULTURAL CENTER Tokyo, Exeter, New Hamisphire Deep Elum, Dallas
New Texas Triangle Japan
Conceptual Drawings
INSTITUTE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Deep Elum, Dallas
After an immersive visit of the site, a parking lot located within the neighborhood of Deep Ellum in Dallas, the purpose of this project was to design an institute of photography that can be used for both a school and a gallery.
The design process was influenced by the dynamic surrounding context by meticulously and thourougly taking into consideration certain elements such as height, materiality, proportion of the buildings to ensure that the proposed new construction of the institute would integrate perfectly within its urban environment while fulfilling its purpose.
The idea was to incorporate some elements that partake in photography. Among those, there is the use of light within the interior spaces by creating a central atrium that represents the connection between each part of the building but also represents the main and central circulation path in the building encouraging the people to explore and want to see more, creating different experiences from the lowest floor to the roof that offers views to the landscapes beyond the facing building while also enjoying the communal space comprise of a seating area and a japanese garden.
ARCH 3553: Design Studio II
5th Semester
Professor: Liliana Morales
*In collaboration with: Andre Cuvelier
*I was in charge for the most part of the graphics post production work
Carving into the mass
Void Created
Final design
PRECEDENT: Phillip Exeter Library
Exeter, New Hamisphire
This drawing is a narrative drawing for the Exeter Library by Louis Khan. The idea was to create a visual representation that explains the concept of the building, with the goal of communicate the designer’s vision.
This mixed division of section and front elevation of the building showcases the meticulous design of the interior spaces and the relationship of the facade with the surrounding context.
The library, designed by Louis Khan, exemplifies his ability to harmonize the building’s design with its historical context. Taking inspiration from the New England architectural vernacular, its use of materials such as red brick in the facade integrates the library with the existing historical fabric of the town, creating a visual dialogue between the library and its context.
The division in the design of the interior spaces reflects his commitment to both functionality and aesthetics. Catering for various needs, from quiet study areas to expansive reading spaces, the central atrium serves as the heart of the library, allowing natural light to enter the building but also create a connection between the different spaces harmoniously, creating an intertwined balance between light and space.
ARCH 3553 Design Studio II
5th Semester
Professor: Liliana Morales
*Individual Project
TOKYO CULTURAL CENTER
Tokyo Japan
This project attempte to embody an equilibrium between tradition and innovation, combining elements that pay homage to Japan’s historical legacy while embracing contemporary design expressions. Some design ideas were based on an alignment to the Imperial Palace, a historical landmark in the area.
The incorporation of an elevated pitch roof not only welcomes natural light into the interior spaces but also offers panoramic views, symbolizing a connection between Japan’s historical context and its vibrant contemporary cultural expressions. Further enriching the cultural narrative are the gardens that embellish the building’s exterior. These gardens invite a tranquil ambiance while creating a profound sense of cultural engagement. They serve as serene sanctuaries within the urban sprawl, offering visitors an immersive experience that celebrates the essence ofJapanese heritage and aesthetics.
In line with contemporary sustainability imperatives, the project boldly integrates green technology within its architectural framework. This approach includes the incorporation of a green roof, promoting ecological balance and energy efficiency within the structure. Moreover, the design promotes eco-friendly modes of transportation by encouraging visitors to explore the surrounding landscape through biking and walking trails.
6th Semester
ARCH
3554 Design Studio II
Professor: Lorena Toffer
*Individual Project
Generation of Axis based on the main road and the alignment of surrounding buildings.
Land use limited to 50% and maximum vertical occupation based on the street scape.
Splitting the building to create core garden. Alignement the Imperial palace.
create a Alignement with
Substraction, create a pitched roof for natural light, water drainage and for cultural importance.
Carving into the building to emphasize main entraince and create alignments.
Final shape of building.
Japanese gardens offer a multitude of benefits, ranging from stress reduction to the promotion of mindfulness and spiritual enrichment through their deep-rooted philosophical principles. With a focus on harmonizing with nature, these gardens provide a sanctuary for individuals to connect with the natural world, facilitating mental clarity and a sense of balance. Additionally, the act of strolling through these gardens promotes physical well-being, while their intricate design and symbolic elements often inspire creativity and new perspectives, making Japanese gardens not only aesthetically pleasing but also conducive to holistic well-being and personal growth.
The incorporation of a koi pond and bridges carries rich cultural and symbolic significance. The koi pond, adorned with vibrant and gracefully swimming koi fish, represents good fortune, and perseverance fostering a sense of serenity and optimism. The bridges, spanning over ponds, not only serve as practical passageways but also symbolize the journey of life and the transitions between different states of being. Crossing a bridge within a Japanese garden signifies a metaphorical passage, inviting contemplation on the cyclical nature of existence and the pursuit of inner peace. Together, these elements contribute to the profound spiritual and philosophical experience offered by Japanese gardens.
Providing a designated seating area or café space enables visitors to relax and immerse themselves fully in the serene ambiance of the garden. It offers an opportunity for contemplation and appreciation of the natural surroundings, allowing individuals to extend their stay and engage more deeply with the garden’s tranquility and beauty. Offering an exterior seating space allows visitors to enjoy the garden’s natural beauty and tranquility at their own pace. It encourages individuals to pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature, promoting mental and emotional well-being through the therapeutic benefits of outdoor relaxation and green spaces
In traditional Japanese gardens, the Japanese maple symbolizes peace, the plum tree represents resilience, camellias embody love and devotion, and cherry blossoms epitomize the transient nature of life. These carefully selected plants reflect the cultural values of impermanence, endurance, and the beauty found in human connections, fostering contemplation on the interconnectedness of nature and the human experience.
LONGITUDINAL
MODELS
THE TRANSCALAR CITY/CARBON SINK
New Texas Triangle
This comprehensive project is structured into two distinct yet interconnected phases, each contributing uniquely to the evolution of a transformative urban endeavor.
The initial phase sets the groundwork, focusing on data collection and the conceptualization of a prototype This prototype serves as the foundation, paving the way for the subsequent phase, where refinement and development transform it into a clustering system. This system is not just a structure but a visionary concept aiming to actualize a new cityscape within the vibrant and dynamic expanse of the New Texas Triangle.
At its core, this project aim to exemplify avant-garde urbanization patterns specifically tailored for the New Texas Triangle. It places paramount emphasis on addressing key facets of urban development, prominently centered around innovative solutions in water, energy, and mobility infrastructure.
However, it isn’t solely focused on urban planning; rather, it encapsulates a broader territorial strategy that fundamentally rethinks the role of technology within architectural typology, envisioning it as an integral part of a larger interconnected system.
Central to this strategy is the decentralization of data centers, steering away from a conventional commercialized approach towards a more personalized and private framework. This transition stands as a beacon of empowerment for residents, affording them greater agency and control over their data while ensuring fortified security and unwavering privacy protocols.
ARCH 4556 Design Studio III
7th Semester
Professor: Oswald Jenewein
*In collaboration with: Andre Cuvelier & Marcelo Magalhaes
*I was in charge for the most part of the graphics post production work
Background
The demand for data centers has surged in recent years, driven by the exponential growth in digital data and the increasing reliance on cloudbased services. This heightened demand stems from various sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare and entertainement, all seeking robust and scalable infrastructure to store, process, and transmit data. However, this surge in demand has brought forth several critical issues. Energy consomption and environmental concerns are at the forefront, as data center require vast amounts of power for cooling and maintening servers.
Hyptothesis
Transforming a defunct coal plant site into a carbon sink area presents a multifaceted opportunity with very diverse and vast environmental, economic, and social benefits. The process involves a thorough site assessment, planning, and design to remediate the area and restore ecosystems while maximizing carbon sequestration It’s a comprehensive approach that not only mitigates climate change by absorbing CO2 but also fosters environmental restoration. This vision emphasizes smart technologies such as IoT and data analytics, ensuring efficient resource usage and waste management. Resilient infrastructure and a focus on carbon neutrality underscore the city’s dedication to combating climate change.
Bexar County
23 Large Scale Data Centers
Harris County
30 Large Scale Data Centers
Nueces County
3 Large Scale Data Centers
Territorial Strategy
Having a data center in a home offers various uses and benefits, contributing to energy efficiency as well as emergency preparedness. The data center’s power generation system, operates in conjunction with solar energy, ensuring a consistent power supply even during outages. The excess energy produced during operations can be efficiently redirected, to power household appliances. In scenarios necessitating swift data center relocation, innovatives solutions such as car drones come into play. These car drones are designed to efficiently transport heavy payloads, accommodating the variable weight of server racks. Consequently, in times of emergency, the data center can be quickly transported to a secure location, preserving data integrity and ensuring uninterrupted services
SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES
General Water conservation: Rainwater Harvesting
General Energy Production : Solar Panels
General Mobility Access: Drones (Ehang)
Prototype Water conservation: Rainwater Harvesting
Prototype Energy Production : Solar Panels
Prototype Mobility Access: Train (Maglev)
Evolution of Mass
Evolution of Form
Cluster : Axonometric
Evolution of Cluster
MISCELLANEOUS
Conceptual Drawings
Sketches
Leila Coulibaly - Diakite Architecture student