Architectural Portfolio 2024

2017 2024

FOLIO

PORT

Academic and Professional works

By Zahra Mohammadi

EDUCATION 2023-2024

• MA Architecture (Cultural Iden7ty & Globaliza7on) University of Westminster, London, UK

2013-2018

• Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Engineering Khayyam University, Mashhad, Iran

LANGUAGE • English Expert (IELTS 7.0)

01/2023-05/

05/2022-01/

• Persian Na[ve

07/2018-05/

02/2018-05/

ZAHRA MOHAMMADI

Contact Info: Email: zahramhmmd9@gmail.com Phone: +44-7940936180 Address: SW11 2LT, London

SKILLS Drafting 3D Modeling Rendering Graphics

• Auto cad, Rhino • Rhino, Grass Hopper, Sketchup • V-ray, Lumion, Enscape • Photoshop, Procreate, InDesign, Illustrator • Physical Model Making • Hand & iPad Sketching • Precedent analysis, Reading Architecture & Extracting Diagram

AWARDS & HONORS 2023

• International Postgraduate Part Fee Scholarship (University of Westminster)

2024

• Selected as a team member for working on the LFA project by the University of Westminster

WORK EXPERIENCE 01/2023-05/2024

• Architectural Designer Freelance (London)

05/2022-01/2023

• Architectural Designer Hafez Construc[on Group (Iran)

07/2018-05/2022 02/2018-05/2018

• •

Junior Architect Mashhad Developers Organiza[on (Iran) Entry-Level Architectural Designer Tous Aria architectural Atelier (Iran)

RESEARCH & ARTICLES Building as Vortex: An explora[on in the realm of “Memory, Architecture, and Space-[me theory by looking at Peter Zomthur’s philosophy.”

12/2023

•

04/2024

• Ethnographic Ways of Knowing: Cri[cal and Crea[ve Explora[ons of Site (BATTERSEA POWER STATION)

05/2024

•

My MA Architecture Thesis: How could Architecture be used as a new way of thinking in the post-Cap[st era?

(Proposing a Space sta[on)

TABLE of CONTENT 01.

Below the Skin

02.

Academic Project ( Space & Identity Design Project)

03.

Academic Project (City Re-Imagine Design Project)

04.

Academic Project (Mapping _ Camden Market)

05.

Academic Project (Final Bachelor Thesis)

06.

Professional Project (6-floor Apartment)

07.

Residential

Suspended State Beyond the Market Aircraft Museum Residential Apartment Interior Design Conceptual Design, Art Inspiration How I read and Re-Write ART

While pursuing my MA in architecture, I developed a profound passion for the arts, drawing inspiration from their ability to bridge different disciplines. My research interests revolve around exploring the myriad of possibilities that lie ahead, from developing cuttingedge technologies to support long-term space missions to conceptualising new approaches to overcome the challenges posed in every project.

I often start with "what if" questions in the initial stage of a project, aiming to uncover unseen aspects of the project journey. What sets me apart is my ability to forge unique connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, fostering a creative mindset that allows me to approach problems from fresh perspectives.

Through this interdisciplinary approach that harmonises architecture with the arts, I aim to contribute groundbreaking ideas that will not only advance the architectural field but also inspire future generations to push the boundaries of human potential.

20 23 Academic project

01 Space + Iden=ty (Design Project) Date: Dec. 2023 Loca=on: Financial District of London, UK Type: Academic Mark: 75/100 In group work, I worked on the theoreFcal framework and created architectural drawings.

Tutor: Dr. Nasser Golzari University of Westminster Problem Statement: Culture of Burnout

Cul=va=ng

a

London's work culture, oEen synonymous with dedicaFon and efficiency, has morphed into a culture of overworking, fueling burnout and diminishing the essence of life outside work. The lack of creaFve outlets and communal spaces has led to a sterile environment prioriFsing producFvity over human welfare.

This culture of overwork drains life from London's streets and public spaces. It prioriFses profit over humans for community, leisure and work-life balance.

Manifesto The prevailing work culture in London has led to a pervasive sense of burnout, overshadowing the essence of life beyond work. The relentless pursuit of productivity has created a sterile environment devoid of creative outlets and communal spaces, draining life from the city's streets and public spaces. This culture prioritises profit over human needs for community, leisure, and work-life balance, perpetuating the cycle of overwork and diminishing the well-being of individuals.

To address this pressing issue, we propose embracing Cosmo Localism as a transformative approach to rebalance the work-life culture in London. Inspired by the principles of Cosmo Localism, our manifesto seeks to create a kinesthetic space that integrates with the existing rigid structures of the city, providing an escape for overworked individuals and reclaiming space for local craftsmen and artisans. By intruding and attaching itself to the rigid structures, our proposal aims to disrupt the existing system and shape a space that is truly for the people, fostering a new sense of community and place.

20 23

Incorporating the principles of mindfulness, compassion, and quality of life, as highlighted in the study by Fortney et al. (2013), our manifesto advocates for the integration of creative outlets and communal spaces within the urban fabric of London. By creating spaces that promote work-life balance and well-being, we aim to mitigate the detrimental effects of burnout.

In conclusion, our manifesto advocates for a paradigm shift in London's work culture, guided by the principles of Cosmo Localism. By embracing mobility, creativity, and community, we aspire to cultivate a work-life culture that celebrates the essence of life beyond work, fostering a harmonious and sustainable urban environment.

Our proposal has gone through many different scenarios, but by retaining a focus on community and culture, we wanted our proposal to encapsulate and create this unique network of hubs around the City of London. By using the exisFng buildings and grid of the city we designed our proposal to opFmism all the acFviFes and users the City could encounter. By not only creaFng this network of canopies that the community could acFvate but also these organism-like structures that would embed themselves into and onto the structures above. Allowing them to be acFvated according to the needs of the producers. Whether that be producFon faciliFes, greenhouses or housing, the structures could accommodate.

Together, these structures create a subversive community that disrupts and breaks away from the established formaliFes of the City of London and Capitalism as a whole.

Pe

”Be Lon the esca craf

The peo allo fixe and inte

eople Shape the Structure

elow the Skin” aims to create a dynamic, human-centred space within ndon's rigid corporate district. The Cosmo-localist approach intrudes upon imposing office towers, attaching parasitic structures that provide an ape for local office workers while reclaiming space for displaced local ftspeople and artisans.

e design generates a new, communal sense of place shaped by and for the ople rather than impersonal global capital. The makeshift architecture ows for fluid, kinetic forms that can be modified over time, rejecting the ed geometries of the corporate behemoths. By fostering local enterprise d culture, the structures foster social bonds, creativity, and face-to-face eractions in contrast to the isolating effects of globalisation.

The resulFng zone allows for dwelling, working, and playing in ways that subvert the colossal power structures that have homogenised this area of London. Through tacFcal occupaFon, the design carves out a niche for the human spirit to assert itself against the forces of capital and corporaFsaFon. It acts as a radical spaFal criFque, using Cosmo-localism tacFcs to reimagine the possibiliFes within the city.

20 23

02 Mapping (Design Project) Date: Dec. 2023 Loca9on: Camden Market, London, UK Type: Academic Tutor: Dr. Yara Sharif University of Westminster

Mapping project

"Sonic Rhizomes: Mapping the Interconnected Soundscapes of Camden Market” This project utilised rhizome mapping techniques to visualise the interconnected sonic environments within and around Camden Market in London.

Inspired by Deleuze and Guattari's conceptualisation of the rhizome as a decentralised network, the mapping aimed to capture the diversity of sounds, auditory experiences, and listening perspectives that shape Camden Market's hybrid identity.

Mapping the unmappable?

The concept of "rhizome mapping" in architecture embodies a decentralised and interconnected methodology influenced by the philosophical ideas of Deleuze and Gua[ari. It promotes adaptable and fluid designs that embrace variety and interconnectedness in spaFal arrangement, surpassing convenFonal hierarchical structures. This conceptual framework promotes innovaFve and flexible architectural approaches.

The project highlights the market's constantly shifting sonic rhizome through sound recordings, audio data mapping, and visual representations.

The resulting map provides an innovative representation of the market's acoustic complexity, embracing multiplicity and rejecting rigid categorisation of the urban soundscape. Moving beyond conventional audio mappings, the project illuminates the possibilities for rhizomatic approaches to engage with architectural acoustics and spatial audio relationships in adaptive and experiential ways. Ultimately, the sonic rhizome map reveals Camden Market as a liminal space of interconnected sounds, memories, and listening experiences.

Beyond the Market A Sonic Journey in Camden Market -What does the sound is trying to tell you?

The story of Camden Market in London is a rich tapestry of diverse cultural influences, historical significance, and architectural typologies, all interwoven within the vibrant urban fabric. As we embark on this sonic journey through the market, we are guided by the rhizome technique, which emphasises interconnectedness and non-hierarchical structures, mirroring the complex layers of Camden's narrative. Our soundtrack begins with the echoes of ethnic and cultural history. The soundscape resonates with the voices of diverse communities, reflecting the market's evolution as a melting pot of cultures and traditions.

The soundtrack changes significantly as we delve deeper into the market's social housing landscape. The sonic narrative captures the rhythm of urban dwellings, echoing the stories of residents and the architectural typologies that shape their daily lives, echoing the sentiments of the market's inhabitants. As the story of Camden Market unfolds through this rich and immersive soundtrack, it invites listeners to explore cultural diversity, historical significance, and architectural marvels, weaving a tapestry of sound that mirrors the market's vibrant narrative.

This song has no beginning or end, only an ebb and flow of interweaving vocals, instruments, footsteps, and ambience.

20 23

Sound Diversity •

•

•

•

The market has a rich soundtrack that ref influences and ethnic communities that have melting pot. The sounds include voices and cultures and traditions that have left their time.

Beyond just human voices, the market lik sounds from buskers and street performers crowds bustling through stalls, music from more. This creates an energetic, chaotic soundtrack.

The layers of history in Camden also resonat Echoes of past eras, communities, and contemporary sounds heard today. There ma the market's industrial past.

The market's location in a dense urban contributes to diverse city sounds - tran sirens, machinery, etc. These surround the backdrop of an urban soundscape.

The rhizome concept suggests interconnectedn sounds. Rather than neat separation, the market' blend of all these layers - culture, architecture, h flow together in a vibrant tapestry.

In short, the market's soundscape speaks of cultu stories, and everyday experiences that inter harmonious dance. It invites you not just to hear b

20 24

flects the diverse cultural e shaped its evolution as a d languages from different mark on the market over

kely has a vibrant mix of s, vendors hawking wares, m shops and buskers, and , and constantly shifting

te through its soundscape. events subtly shape the ay even be audible hints of

n area like London also nsportation, construction, e market with the pulsing

ness and non-hierarchy in s soundscape is an organic istory, and cityscape. They

ural blending, extraordinary twine in a chaotic and but to listen.

Listen, and you may hear the soul of the city itself.

20 24

03 City_Reimagining (Design Project) Date: Feb. 2024 Location: Gaza Type: Academic Tutor: Dr. Yara Sharif University of Westminster

In this conceptual drawing, I have fragmented and reconfigured the map of Gaza in an intenFonal act of distorFon. By tearing apart the city and rearranging it in disrupted formaFons, I seek to break open and trouble the oversimplified narraFves that fla[en this place and people.

The fractured and reassembled cartography provides a metaphor for the way history has ruptured Gaza, dividing it from within and without. My absurd reconfiguraFon of the torn map pieces aims to highlight ruptures along lines of class, poliFcs, refugee status, and relaFonship to land. I foreground the tensions and entanglements created by imposing arFficial borders.

This distorted map rejects an easy coherence or bird'seye comprehension of Gaza. Instead, I invite a granular gaze that sits with contradicFons and ambiguiFes. The disjointed image asks the viewer to get lost within its gaps and fissures, finding meaning in the nonlinear and unexpected. My goal is to immerse audiences in the sheer complexity of Gaza's idenFty and existence.

SEVERED SYMBIOSIS: The Suspended City

Here, the sea and land exist as separate entities, their once harmonious relationship fractured by unseen forces.

The city, once a thriving hub of activity and life, now hangs suspended in a state of limbo.

This model speaks volumes about the challenges faced by the city of Gaza and its inhabitants. It is a plea to reimagine our relationship with the land and sea and to bridge the gaps that divide us. In this suspended state of detachment, there lies the possibility of reconnection and renewal if only we dare to see it.

This is not simply a model of land and sea; it reveals a shattered spirit. It is a tangible expression of isolation of a people trapped not just by borders but by the relentless tide of geopolitics. It's a city turned inside out.

By deconstrucDng and subverDng convenDonal cartography, this drawing counters the myth of an ordered, unified geography. I shed light on realiDes typically erased: diverse voices, erased pasts, contested views of homeland. My distorted map reasserts that only through embracing Gaza's fragmentaDon can we appreciate the wholeness of its humanity.

20 24

Model Making

20 18 Aerospace Museum

Final design project

What is essen*al in designing a museum as a new socio-cultural centre is to play a role and func*on properly. The first step was to design and create, research what the museum is, understand the audience's space from space, and then research the aerospace industry and the developments of the modern era.

The combina*on of these two issues caused the design to pay special a?en*on to the concept of high-tech buildings since the aerospace industry is based on modern technologies. In designing this project, I tried to use modern concepts and elements.

Aerospace Museum Date: Feb. 2018 Site Area: 9000 sq meters Location : Mashhad, Iran Type: Academic, Final Design (Bachelor) Grade : 19.5 from 20 Master : Eng. Vafaee Khayyam University of Mashhad

04

Just as human skin reacts to cold, heat, humidity, and air blindness, the shells of some high-tech buildings also respond well to environmental conditions in different seasons. Using doubleglazed windows, shutters, and movable thermal insulation, items such as sunlight, shade, air blinds, and heat dissipation during the day and night and the hot and cold seasons of the year are controlled by a computer system.

20 18

Final de

Due to the importance of controllin

the project, we tried to make facade adapt to the angle of sunlig

could have accurate and complete the amount and angle of light

exhibition spaces at all hours of s On the other hand, this idea electricity consumption of this

reduces the need to provide art

during the hours of the day, w reduce the cost of electricity con

Section Perspective

project. On the other hand,

movement and rotation of these facade structure are associated

which is closely related to the conc

sign project

Final design project

ng the light on

Structure

the designed ght so that we

One of the challenges in this project was its structural discussion because the need for high ceilings and wide openings was seen due to the use and type of exhibiFon objects in this project. Therefore, to create large openings between the columns, exposed concrete beams were used to maintain it by creaFng a frame and transferring pressure to the walls, exposing the structure in the interior and bringing the building closer to high-tech concepts.

e control over entering the

sunshine, from saves more complex. It

tificial lighting

hich helps to nsumed in the the smooth

e shells in the with fluidity,

ept of flight.

In the case of architectural structures, reflective systems using electronic neural systems will sense environmental changes and, like the muscles of the body, contract and expand to transfer loads and forces to different parts of the building frame. Today, autopilots can accurately and reactively control all the different parts of an aircraft in hundreds of seconds. Due to the constantly changing conditions inside and outside the aircraft, these electronic pilots continuously provide the ideal conditions for the aircraft's flight and the passengers' comfort.

South EL

20 18

Second Floor Ground Floor

Basement

First floor

Final design project

Circulation

On the other hand, in order to increase the attractiveness, the exhibition spaces have tried to have a suitable variety of spaces, and the joints and passageways have to be used and visually attractive so that the audience has more desire to walk in the museum space and wait for a new event and space.

The purpose of museums is derived from their structure and subjectivity, in which the overall structure was influenced by subjectivity.

The social efficiency of the museum is closely related to its attractiveness, which means that it psychologically invites visitors to walk around and enjoy the space. It also adds to the range of information by using visual arrangements. In addition to being closely related to its theatrical space, it should be designed independently of the outside of the building. In the design and location of the multi-purpose hall, arrangements have been made to operate independently of the project and have a suitable route and access.

05

Function: Residential Date: 2018-2022 Status: Finished or Under construction

Professional Projects 2018-2022

20 22 Residential apartment

Date: Feb 2022 to . March 2023 Location : Mashhad, Iran Site Area: 5000 sq meters Client: Hafez Construction Group Status: Finished Architect and Interior Designer: Zahra Mohammadi

This modern residenDal apartment incorporates a modular facade design to accelerate the construcDon process. With a focus on sustainability, funcDonality, and innovaDon, this building is designed to offer a new paradigm in residenDal living.

The modular facade design is a key feature of this building, allowing for faster construcDon Dmes while also providing a modern and stylish aestheDc. The modular design involves prefabricated panels that are manufactured off-site and then assembled on-site, significantly reducing construcDon Dme and labor costs.

The building's modern and sustainable design approach is evident in every aspect of its construction. From the use of sustainable building materials to the incorporation of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, every detail has been carefully considered to minimise the building's environmental impact while maximising its functionality and comfort.

The apartments themselves are designed with a modern and minimalist aesthetic, featuring open-plan living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, and highend finishes and appliances that provide the ultimate in luxury living.

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1.37 1.24

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0.78

0.78

0.55

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1.82

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2.17

1.90

In short, this project represents a new paradigm in luxury residenFal living one that seamlessly integrates modern design with modern living principles.

With its spacious terraces, innovaFve design features, and unparalleled a[enFon to detail, this building offers the perfect balance of style, comfort, and sustainability.

1.

20 22

06 Residential Building Type: Interior Design Date: August. 2022 Location: Canada Client: Eng. Nasajian Status: Finished Designer: Zahra Mohammadi

20 22

Residential Building Type: Façade concept Date: Jul. 2023 Location: Oman, Muscat Status: Under Construction Designer: Zahra Mohammadi

07 Residen=al Building Type: Interior Design Date: Jul. 2023 Loca=on: KSA, Jeddah Designer: Zahra Mohammadi

Futuristic tower in 2050 In the year 2050, the skyline of cities will be dominated by towering structures that have been designed to provide a sustainable lifestyle to their residents. These futuristic towers will be built using cutting-edge technology, incorporating features that are both ecofriendly and energy-efficient.

It will be constructed using a combination of steel and glass, with the exterior of the tower featuring a green wall made of living plants. The green wall will not only provide a stunning visual feature but will also help to purify the air, reducing pollution levels in the surrounding area.

20 24

"SUSPENDED" (2011) Mona Hatoum

ART INSPIRATION

ALEXANDER CALDER

JUNE KIM