University of Detroit Mercy, School of Architecture and Community Development
Zaynab Alhisnawi – Portfolio 2025
INTEGRATE
REUSE
Kresge Theater
Sustainable Community Experiential
Riverfront Dvlp.
Adaptive Reuse Education History
GATHER
01 04 05 02 03 VLAB
FABRICATE SCALE
Site Museum
Pavilion
Pilsen Labs Community
Personal Projects
User Needs
Wood Structure
Fiber Arts
Concrete Canoe
Render Composed by Nadiia Rudenko
INTEGRATE
VLAB Innovation Center
ARCH 4100 | James Leach + Kris Nelson Collaborative Project | Ryan Choucair + Nadiia Rudenko
A center for innovation, this structure focuses on the flexibility of the user and their needs with spaces. Having multiple purposes and areas ranging from public to private zones. Public facing gallery & cafe, as well as private labs & work areas.
Designing a structure that is sustainable and achieved Net-Zero. The user’s experiences and their connection to the surrounding context are other drivers for the design. Each design decision relates to at least two drivers, allowing for an integrated project that not only is sustainable but enjoyable.
Responsibilities include: Producing base model. Spacial zoning of programming. Egress & vertical circulation. Energy analysis using Grasshopper & Cove.Tool.
Exterior Carve
Thinner Floor Plates
Outdoor Space for Activated Roof Deck & Green Roof
Street Level
Interior Carve daylighting + roof deck connectivity + scale sustainability + constructibility experiential + atrium
Pedestrian Scale Activated Storefront with Public Programing
Visual Interest for Users Connection through Vertical Circulation & Views
Details
PV Panel on Roof & Shading Devices to Reduce Glare Structural Integrity & Adhering to Code
West Elevation
MASSING ITERATIONS
Adding Exterior Walls Adding Shading reducing glare
Reusing the structure and implementation changes for the new programming. Creating a hub for people to learn theater and having multiple performance spaces. Such as a proscenium theater in the second floor allowing for larger scaled events, and a black box in the basement for more experimental showings with an intimate viewing. As well as having support spaces such as a workshop for creating sets, and dance rooms for rehearsals. Majority of the space is private, but there is a public restaurant on the street entrance. On show nights the theater is open to the public, but most programming is hidden for the actors privacy.
Responsibilities include: Spacial zoning of programming, focusing on public vs. private. Produce base model. Create visualization to communicate project intent.
During a Show
Main St.
Performance
During a Show During Workshop
During Workshop
Practice
Main St.
Division St.
MIXED USED - OFFICES - RETAIL - RESTAURANTS
3.2 PAVILION
BANQUET HALL
3.1 MUSEUM
RESEARCH CENTER
03.0
SCALE
Detroit Riverfront Development
ARCH 2100 | Joanna Klimowicz
Collaborative Project | Lane Farkas + Raegan Gauthier+ George Smyrnis
The Ambassador Riverfront Development promotes nature. With proximity to industrial buildings this urban proposal responds to both the industrial and the natural. Creating spaces of many uses to give users options. Such as a pocket of commercial buildings, landscaped paths and parks, and a learning zone to promote education.
Responsibilities include: Urban planning and zoning of site. Site analysis & coordinating with CNC technician for final site model.
MUSEUM
Detroit Riverfront Development
The site originally had abandoned train track, keeping a track for a tram to move people through the site this museum commemorates the previous tracks as well as Detroit’s history with transportation. Designing with sustainable practices in mind focusing on structure, gray water management, and energy conservation.
PAVILION
Detroit Riverfront Development
Individual Project
Parametric pavilion with shelving to store books and promote book exchange. Located on the Detroit Riverfront, the pavilion and paths allow for users to slow down, walk, and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
South-East Isometric
3/32” = 1’ – 0”
South-East Cut Isometric
3/32” = 1’ – 0”
Roof Segments
Treated Wood Cladding
Sourced From Local Timber
Steel Structure
Reused From Exsisting Tracks
Horizontal Frames 13 Total
GATHER
Pilsen Laboratories
ARCH 1400 | Thomas Provost
Collaborative Project | Youssef Choucair + Nadiia Rudenko
Pilsen Laboratories is a CLT constructed space where scientists, designers, and members of the community can connect to research and inquire about sustainability practices. The company prides themselves on research to help improve qualities of life. The space designed by team ZYN responds to the needs of both the community and company.
Front facing flex space that engages with the community. Private research & development spaces for scientists & designs. An enclosed atrium doubling as vertical circulation & a light well bringing interest to the infill project.
Responsibilities include: Site analysis via GIS programs. Spacial zoning & analysis of programming. Produce base model. Designed vertical circulation. Visualizations to communicate design.
FABRICATE
Personal Projects 05.0
I’ve always been a creative person, loving the design process from start to finish.
A hobby I’m currently focusing on is fiber arts, particularly crocheting and knitting. Following patterns to learn new techniques, but also enjoying the freedom of freehand designing my own projects.
Additionally, I’m involved in the Concrete Canoe Club, where I serve as the head of aesthetics and treasure. Collaborating with civil engineering students and bringing the canoe to life.
Crafting
Left Image – Bessie, Crochet Cow
Right Collage – Crochet Totes + Knit Sweater
CRFT 0000 | Zaynab Alhisnawi
FIBER ARTS
yes it floats!!
ASCE 2024 | Club Activities CONCRETE CANOE
Our UDM American Society of Civil Engineer (ASCE) chapter participates in the Concrete Canoe Competition annually. PIXZEL was our first floating canoe in the past 4 years!
Responsibilities Include: Scheduling + Budgeting. Organizing Report. Aesthetics + Mold Design.
Showcasing PIXZEL of 2024
Contacts
zaynab.alhisnawi@gmail.com (313) 495 - 8618
Westland, MI
linkedin.com/in/zaynabal issuu.com/zaynabal
Education
Bachelor of Science in Architecture expected graduation 2025
Masters of Architecture expected graduation 2026
University of Detroit Mercy Deans List 2021 – current
Clubs
National Organization of Minority Architects for Students, NOMAS
January 2024 – Current President
September 2023 - January 2024 Secretary
American Institute of Architecture Students, AIAS
September 2024 – Current Member
American Society of Civil Engineers, ASCE
September 2022 – Current Design Lead + Secretary
About Me
I believe that architecture should respond to its context. Designs need to be relevant, aesthetic, and sustainable. Collaboration is important to the design process. Listening to other perspectives allows for the work to create a positive impact.
Involving myself outside of studio through clubs have taught me a lot about what architecture can be.
Currently NOMAS president and ASCE treasure has made me realize that I enjoy project management. Understanding all the layers that go to the final product. I hope to become a licensed architect, and am excited to learn and expand on what I know!
Work Experience
Internship – Emerging Designer Detroit Collaborative Design Center (DCDC) May 2024 – April 2025
- Working on a wide variety of projects while maintain the focus necessary to complete tasks.
- Meeting with clients in person to discuss energy saving goals while also measuring and documenting targeted buildings.
- Working extensively in Revit to create accurate building models for energy auditing.
- Responsible for researching, understanding, and providing ASHRAE energy audit information for the Department of Energy.
- Heavily involved in scheduling/planning community events and organizing community feedback.
Teacher Assistance – Visual Communication II + Visual Communication III
January 2024 – December 2024
- Assisting students when it comes to the learning of new programs: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Rhino. In relation to fabrication, graphic analysis, and presentation.
- Explaining the process of organizing & modeling for 2D and 3D presentation. Including visualization and fabrication.
Research Assistance – 3D Modeling
January 2024 – December 2024
- Translating concepts and sketches into 3D models using Rhino.
- 3D printing and fabricating of concepts, working from 2D to 3D.
- Understand modeling programs and usage of tools to best provide presentation of a design
