M.ARCH APPLICATION
YOSIF ALDUJAILI PORTFOLIO Exploring Community, Culture, and Conservation Trhough Design
2026
CONTENTS 01 HOUSING PROJECT: GARDEN PROMENADE COMMUNITY Undergraduate Architecture Studies 2025, Semster 1, Year 4. Individual Project 02 TRACING THE INTANGIBLE Undergraduate Architecture Studies 2024, Semester 2, Year 3. Individual Project 03 EMBRASING INDIGENOUS CULTURES: OSA SCHOOL OF ART & CINEMA 1100 YORK ST OTTAWA Undergraduate Architecture Studies 2023, Semester 1, Year 2. Individual Project. 04 Preserving History: Alula Site Saudi Arabia, Work Experience Co-op 2024-2025, Group Project. 35% Preliminary & 15% Final.
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
PROJECT SUMMARY The four projects presented in this portfolio showcase a range of design abilities and critical approaches to architecture. The first project explores the creation of authentic spaces for community interaction by redefining the relationships between private and public realms, interior and exterior spaces, and vehicular and pedestrian movement. The project aims to foster a culture of belonging within an Ottawa neighbourhood through spatial integration and social connectivity. The second project investigates architecture as a mediator of dialogue between two cultures—Marrakesh and Lisbonian. Through a multisensory approach, the project traces intangible cultural elements to enhance the sense of place and promote cross-cultural understanding. The third project focuses on the reactivation of a vibrant civic space by embracing the site’s history and its connections to Indigenous culture in the ByWard Market. The design integrates principles of sustainable development while responding sensitively to historical and cultural narratives. The fourth project is an overseas, collaboratively executed project in AlUla, involving a multidisciplinary team from Saudi Arabia, Italy, France, the United States, and Canada. This project provided a valuable learning opportunity to engage with questions of authenticity and to explore the balance between conservation and development. The work emphasizes respect for cultural narratives while achieving thoughtful and context-sensitive intervention.
01 HOUSING PROJECT: GARDEN PROMENADE COMMUNITY 4TH YEAR STUDIO INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC WORK HOBIN ARCHITECTURE NOMINATION (STUDIO NOMINEE) HEATHERINGTON & WALKLEY, OTTAWA This housing proposal explores how architecture can hold community over time, not just through big gestures, but through everyday routines that people actually return to. Originally intended as a two-person studio project, I completed the work independently after my teammate had to withdraw early in the semester.
PROPOSED SITE PLAN
The design is organized around shared, durable “gathering infrastructure”: rooftop laundry rooms paired with seating, gardens, and informal social zones, turning chores into opportunities for connection. A continuous promenade and shared outdoor rooms help communicate between buildings, stitching the massing together while grounding it in the site and creating places residents can use on daily bases.
SITE ANALYSIS Heatherington & Walkley sits at a key edge between established residential streets and a rapidly intensifying corridor, where new mid rise development is beginning to reshape the area. With planning and proposals moving toward buildings up to six storeys, the site is positioned to transition from low-density lots to a more urban, mixed neighbourhood character. This project reads the site as “in motion” and responds by future-proofing the design anticipating increased height, density, and activity while maintaining strong pedestrian connections, adaptable shared spaces, and a resilient public realm that can evolve alongside upcoming changes.
01 HOUSING PROJECT: GARDEN PROMENADE COMMUNITY
02 TRACING THE INTANGIBLE: CULTURAL BAZAAR AND GALLERY
03 OSA INDIGENOUS SCHOOL OF ART AND CINEMA
Connectivity & Movement
Partial Site Model Scale 1:250
Local Climate and Building Orientations
EVERY FLOOR IS UNIQUE.
PARK INTERGRATION
Each floor is designed to feel distinct, with the building gradually transitioning from “families/house” to “community/collective” as you move upward. The first two levels operate as true two-storey townhouses, grounding the project in a domestic scale and helping the building read as a series of homes connected to the street. A central lobby acts as the hinge between public and private, guiding residents up to the first shared residential level on the third floor, where the massing splits into two wings and creates an in between communal space for gathering. On the fourth and fifth floors, balconies begin to appear and the building shifts on an angle to open views and respond to the park. These upper levels are pushed outward toward the landscape, creating a cantilever on one side while the opposite side becomes a generous terrace using the offset to form balconies carved from the floor below.
The park is treated as an extension of the building rather than a separate landscape area, and it’s organized across two levels to support both function and community use. The lower park sits alongside the parking lot and is paired with layered screening filtering indirect light down into the garage while softening views of vehicles and keeping the ground plane calm and pedestrian-focused. This level becomes a practical outdoor space for residents: a shared garden zone, informal seating, and space for everyday community activity. Above, the upper park reconnects through a accessible ramps, reinforcing continuity across the site and pulling the landscape deeper into the project. Where the parking structure meets the park, the retaining wall opens into a sweeping curve, reading like an exposed skeletal frame branching outward and visually “unfolding” the building into the landscape so the architecture and park feel fused as one connected system. Residents are encouraged to access building through the park area through enjoyable spatial experience and can take the interior stairs if they need direct access to their suites.
STAIRS AS A SOCIAL SPACE FOR INTERATION Stairs are treated as social infrastructure in the project not just vertical circulation because families and residents are distributed throughout the building and community can’t rely on the ground floor alone. For safety, clarity, and everyday visibility, stair cores are placed both at the inner spine of the building and at the ends of corridors, giving residents direct, intuitive routes up and down. The end stairs are exterior, opening to the outdoors to bring light and air into circulation and to make these routes visible and enjoyable, while also supporting cost efficiency. At the heart of the scheme, a glass, fire-separated stair acts as a central connector, linking the lobby to midlevel shared spaces and rooftop amenities. Its transparency animates the building and frames views of the multi-level terrace and landings as residents move through the stair and encourages healthy community through everyday movement by making the act of taking the stairs feel engaging, inviting, and connected to community life.
UPPER FLOOR TYPICAL
AXONOMETRIC SITE VIEW
ROOF TOP LAUNDRY
PUBLIC & RESIDENTIAL
02 CULTURAL BAZAAR AND ART GALLERY IN LISBON Developed through a study-abroad studio in Lisbon and Morocco, this project explores how Moroccan spatial and material influences can be translated into Lisbon’s urban context. The primary challenge was creating a cohesive sense of place while respecting the distinct character of the city. The design is grounded in a multisensory approach to sense of place, informed by Anderton’s assertion that “we appreciate a place not just visually, but through sound, touch, and smell” (Anderton, 1991).
SITE ANALYSIS: INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN & SITECONTEXT The design prioritizes the site’s existing context, retaining as many original elements as possible. While this introduced constraints, it ultimately reinforced a design approach rooted in working with, rather than against, the site. The design retains the original parking entrances and historic stairwell while extending the triangular garden to form a central courtyard, reinforcing continuity with the site’s existing character.
PROPOSED SITE EXISTING SITE
Preliminary sketches explore the integration of varied volumes and access points, shaping a contemporary intervention that responds to and respects the existing historic fabric.
COURTYARD AS CULTURAL PREFERENCE
TYPICAL UNIT PLANS
Where Cultures Meet: Architecture as Mediator The main circulation datum was conceived as a means of framing a key view toward the Tagus River and Alfama. A vertically oriented, Moroccan-inspired ornamented element establishes visual continuity with the waterfront while organizing movement throughout the building. Controlled spatial pockets create framed vistas across the site, allowing the circulation core to function both as a vertical connector and as a defining architectural focal point. Shadow and light studies were essential in bringing the design concept to life. By handcrafting a physical model, I was able to carefully control how light moved across the site. At sunrise, light filters through the building to create layered pockets of illumination that accentuate architectural detail. The glass wall, layered with ornate curtains, becomes a canvas for light—casting intricate shadows that reference Moorish architectural traditions and creates a unique sense of gathering space.
SHADOW STUDY
7 AM
10 AM
3 PM
Shadow Pattern Intangible Aspect of Place
03 OSA INDIGENOUS SCHOOL OF ART AND CINEMA
OSA SCHOOL OF ART & CINEMA
1100 York St. Ottawa,ON.
YOSIF ALDUJAILI 2nd Year final project Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism - Carleton University
N
PROJECT AIM TO BRING CREATIVITY AND PASSION FOR CHILDREN, SENIORS AND FOR INDIGENOUS Project site plan within its existing conditions
History of ByWard Market Ottawa Established in 1826 by Lieutenant-Colonel John By, builder of the Rideau Canal, the ByWard Market is one of Canada’s oldest farmers’ markets. Originally developed to support the canal’s construction, the area quickly evolved into a dense urban district with stores, taverns, hotels, residential buildings, and industrial uses. It became home primarily to FrenchCanadian and Irish immigrant communities, and its architectural character shifted over time as the neighbourhood grew and adapted.
SITE SCALE PLAN 1:1000
Today, many original buildings remain, housing an eclectic mix of businesses and cultures. The ByWard Market functions as a vibrant social hub—serving as a destination for dining, shopping, indoor food vendors, unique local shops, and nightlife.
Project site plan within future master plan
SITE SCALE PLAN 1:1500
DESIGN CONCEPT Through site analysis and a review of Ottawa’s Master Plan for the ByWard Market, a clear emphasis emerged on enhancing pedestrian connectivity and encouraging public gathering within this historic district. In response, the project explores how architecture can actively contribute to this vision. Inspired by Indigenous symbolism of the eagle, the design employs sloped roof forms that rise upward, abstracting the image of wings in flight. This gesture symbolizes movement, openness, and connection.
Roof Design – Incorporating Indigenous Culture This roof design protects the open activity areas from the rain and partial beams of sunlight when the sun is at its highest, it also has a purpose of guidance and gives a sense of direction.
The central design move is a deliberate split between the Exhibition Centre and its roof, conceived as a feather-like form whose “wings” lift and separate to create a public pedestrian passage. This space links York Street to Clarence Street, forming an active urban corridor where people can gather, dine, watch outdoor films, and socialize—reinforcing the ByWard Market’s role as a vibrant civic space. Great sloped roofs reaching toward the sky like the wings of an eagle. Many Indigenous cultures believe the eagle is sacred because it flies closest to the Creator. It symbolizes respect, honour, strength, courage and wisdom.
A
PLAN DRAWINGS A
N
C
SPECIALTY STUDIO (children, seniors)
COMPUTER ARTS & SERVER ROOM
Up
Timber Material Timber structure is used to lower the carbon footprint on site and reflects the common canadian practice in the futur building construction.
CINEMA I 300 PEOPLE
N
PAINTING, DRAWING & PRINTMAKING STUDIO
BALCONY UNDER CLT ROOF (Oriented toward the exterior Cinema)
Roof Rain Collection While the roof’s design purpose is to create a unique shaded gathering space that defines as a focal point in the ByWard market, it also serves as a collector of rainwater through a pipe that irrigates the green garden on the roof terrace and also drain the water to the ground during the winter to avoid heavy amounts of snow.
TEXTILES STUDIO
MONITOR SCREEN
CINEMA I 300 PEOPLE
LOBBY
B
STORAGE
DISPLAY INDIGENOUS ARTIFACTS
Environmental Strategies
C
B
Up
M. Public Bathroom NG Public Bathroom
Up
ELEVATOR CORE RELAXING SPACE
LOBBY
Up
B
B
Solar Panels Photovoltaic Solar Glass Panels and roof top solar panels. The suggested photovoltaic glass panels contain energy-absorbent technology able to store power from the sunlight.
CINEMA II 200 PEOPLE
CINEMA III 200 PEOPLE
W. Public Bathroom
Up
CINEMA III 200 PEOPLE
2nd FLOOR PLAN SCALE 1:200
CINEMA II 200 PEOPLE
OPEN
A
C
3rd FLOOR SCALE PLAN 1:200 A
C
Exterior Tiles These tiles bring the pedestrian spaces to the building in such that it is part of the street, connecting to York St and Clarence St. They better manage the watershed instead of SOUTH ELEVATION SCALE 1:200 WEST ELEVATION SCALE 1:200 A
C
A
N
N
C
GIFTSHOP
ART EXHIBITION STORAGE SCULPTURE CERAMIC STUDIO
GREEN SPACE WITH LANDSCAPING
RETAIL STORES
SERVICES
RAMP PAVED PEDESTRIAN AREA
DROP-OFF & PICK UP AREA SLIDING DOORS KILN RM.
Bike storage OPEN
VESTIBULE
Bike storage Up
CAFE/LOUNGE RETAIL STORES
B Janitor
MEETING ROOM
B OFFICE
OFFICE
CIN. RECEPTION
Up
B
DARK RM.
A
C
Office
Vestibule Elevator Core
B
Janitor
M.Public Bathroom
4th FLOOR PLAN SCALE 1:200
MONITOR SCREEN
R AM
Lockers
CARS RAMP PHOTOGRAPHY
OUTDOOR CINEMA EXTERIOR SITING AREA UNDER CLT ROOF
P
GALLERY
NG PUBLIC BATHROOM
KITCHEN \ STORAGE
EATING AREA
ART SCH. RECEPTION
Up
CONCESSION AREA
MULTIPURPOSE ROOM
W. Public Bathroom
Kitchen
RETAIL STORE
RETAIL STORE
RETAIL STORE
RETAIL STORES
A
SECTION AA SCALE 1:200
C
1st FLOOR SCALE PLAN 1:200
ALULA SAUDI PROJECT. PHASE 1 CONCEPTUAL •
AlUla — Site Context (Saudi Arabia) Area: 23,301 km² Location: Wadi Al-Qura — a historically significant valley since ancient times Distances from major cities
•
325 km north of Madinah
•
1,100 km from Riyadh
110 km south-west of Tayma CO-OP Role (12-Month Term) Using existing laser scans of the site, I worked on: •
Site Analysis with the Lead Architect Identifying opportunities + constraints
•
3D Modelling + Visualization (Rhino) Existing conditions + three proposed conservation scenarios
•
PROPOSED
EXISTING CONDITIONS & CURRENT STORM WATER FLOODS
EXISTING
Rendering Production Communicating design intent for review and decision-making
DOCUMENTATION
SITE MAINTENANCE
PROPOSED SITE INTERVENTION
Project Goals 1) Cliff + Heritage Stabilization Stabilize the cliff and prevent collapse of historic structures along the façade of Qanat-Ain Tad’Al. 2) Stormwater + Flash Flood Mitigation Develop a stormwater drainage strategy to reduce the impacts of seasonal flash floods. The damage caused by flash floods is significant and requires urgent intervention.
STUDY WORKS IMPLEMENTATION
Respecting the equation: “MAXIMUM UNDERSTANDING / MINIMUM INTERVENTION” is fundamental This can be achieved by: Respecting the Authenticity / Integrity principal by maintaining the site values and characteristics. Finding a balance between Conservation and Development. Developing a Multidisciplinary approach ( Conservators, Architects, Archaeologists, Engineers.. ) Applying conservation/development work in accordance with internationally approved standards and with reference to heritage site ethics and charts.
DESIGN PROCESS CAPACITY BUILDING AND TRAINING
SENSORY DIAGRAM
URBAN CONTEXT AFTER CONSERVATION AND STABILIZATION
EXISTING URBAN CONTEXT
FINAL PROPOSED DESIGN
PROPOSED CONCEPT FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT DRAIN SYSTEM AND STORAGE RESERVOIR NIGHT VIEW SHOWING THE AMBIANCE OF THE PUBLIC REALM
DRONE CAPTURE AFTER CONSTRUCTION
WATER MANAGEMENT PROPOSED SYSTEM