Architectural PORTFOLIO

P O R T F O L I Okbk


CONTENTTS

+ WHO? WHY? page 2

+ + WHAT? WHEN? page 3

a note from the author

list of projects + names, dates, other data

+ + + HOW? page 4-33

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Architecture projects +

Master of Science in Architecture projects

page 1

drawing from imagination 2005TOP LEFTsculpture drawing 2005TOP RIGHT

landscape drawing 2005BOTTOM LEFT

drawing from imagination 2005BOTTOM RIGHT


page 2

WHO?W HYY?


project title... THE EMBASSYlocation... BIRMINGHAM,

ENGLANDuniversity... BIRMINGHAM CITY

UNIVERSITYyear... 2009project durationproject duration... 5 MONTHSkeywords... EMBASSY + PUBLIC

BUILDING + HERITAGE SITE + POLITICAL ISSUES + SINGLE

BUILDING + ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

project title... RONCHETTO REDEVELOPMENT

location... MILANO, ITALYuniversity... POLITECNICO DI

MILANOyear... 2010project durationproject duration... 5 MONTHSkeywords... MASTERPLAN +

AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE + AGRICULTURAL PARK + RESIDENTIAL

+ TOWN PLANNING + ROAD AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT ORGANIZATION

+ ENTIRELY GROUP PROJECT +

project title... INSTITUTO MARCHIONDI SPAGLIARDI

location... MILANO, ITALYuniversity... POLITECNICO

DI MILANOyear... 2011project durationproject duration... 5 MONTHSkeywords... RESTORATION +

HERITAGE + MONUMENT PROTECTION + BRUTALIST +

ADAPTATION + DECAY


project title... RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

location... CREMONA, ITALYuniversity... POLITECNICO

DI MILANOyear... 2011project durationproject duration... 5 MONTHSkeywords... RESIDENTIAL +

MIXED USE + OFFICES+ LIBRARY + MASTERPLAN + AREA DEVELOPMENT

+ FORMERLY IDUSTRIAL LAND

+ PARTLY GROUP PROJECT +

project title... MACHINE FOR LIVING

location... MILANO, ITALYuniversity... POLITECNICO

DI MILANOyear... 2012project duration... 5 MONTHSkeywords...keywords... RESIDENTIAL +

MIXED USE + OFFICES+ MASTERPLAN + AREA DEVELOPMENT + POLITECNICO CAMPUS + STUDENT ACCOMMODATION + TECHNOLOGICAL ASPECTS+ ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

+ ENTIRELY GROUP PROJECT+

project title... FINDING THE GREYlocation... ISTANBUL, TURKEYuniversity... POLITECNICO

DI MILANOyear... 2012project duration... 6 MONTHSkeywords...keywords... MASTERPLAN +

MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT+ RESIDENTIAL+ OFFICES+

LANDSCAPE+ EXISTENT AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS + HISTORICAL

SETTLEMENTS

project title... HARBORNElocation... BIRMINGHAM,

ENGLANDuniversity... BIRMINGHAM CITY

UNIVERSITYyear... 2007project durationproject duration... 5 MONTHSkeywords... RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT + LANDSCAPE DESIGN

+ URBANSCAPE

project title... COPPICE LANGLEY SCHOOL

location... SUTTON COLDFIELD, ENGLAND

university... BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY

year... 2008project durationproject duration... 5 MONTHSkeywords... PUBLIC BUILDING +SCHOOL + SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL + UNIFICATION + PROTECTED NATURAL

ENVIRONMENT

project title... THE LIGHTHOUSElocation... ORFORD NESS,

WALESuniversity... BIRMINGHAM CITY

UNIVERSITYyear... 2009project durationproject duration... 5 MONTHSkeywords... WAR + CONFLICT +

MONUMENT + MEMORIAL + STATEMENT + CONTAMINATED LAND-

SCAPE


project title... THE DISSERTATIONlocation... WARSZAWA, NOWA

HUTA, ZIELONA GORA, POLANDuniversity... BIRMINGHAM CITY

UNIVERSITYyear... 2009project durationproject duration... 5 MONTHSkeywords... FINAL DISSERTATION + RESEARCH + ESSAY +QUESTIONING

+PERCEPTION + MEMORY+ HERITAGE + HISTORY +

URBANSCAPE + POLITICS

page 33page 32page 31page 30page 29page 27-28page 24-26page 20-23page 17-19page 13-16

project title... REDEVELOPMENTOF CENTRAL HOUSE OF ARTIST

location... MOSCOW, RUSSIAuniversity... POLITECNICO

DI MILANOyear... 2013project durationproject duration... 7 MONTHSkeywords... MASTERPLAN +

MUSUEM+ REUSE+ ADAPTATION+ LANDSCAPE+ EXISTENT AND NEW

DEVELOPMENTS + THESIS PROJECT

+ ENTIRELY GROUP PROJECT+

page 4-12


page 4

CENTRAL HOUSE OF ARTISTMOSCOW 2013

SEQUENCE AND QUANTITY DERIVING FROM THE DEMAND


page 5


'In chaos theory, the butterfly effect is the sensitive dependence on initial conditions, where a small change at one place in a deterministic nonlinear system can result in large differences to a later state. The name of the effect, coined by Edward Lorenz, is derived from the theoretical example of a hurricane's formation being contingent on whether or not a distant butterfly had flapped its wings several weeks before.'

As surprising as it may sound, the overall concept of the presented thesis could be summarised and represented by using the phenomenon of the 'butterfly effect'. While the final presentation with finished technical drawings of plans, sections and elevations of the proposed buildings placed within the so likely to exist realm of the masterplan might seem definite, elevations of the proposed buildings placed within the so likely to exist realm of the masterplan might seem definite, one cannot forget that what he sees is only one probable scenario, a chosen path of sequence of cause and effect.

The graph shown below summarises the overall concept of the project. The project development inc landscape design is subdivided into steps and stages that do not neccessarily follow one another. The pace and size of the project derives from subdivided into steps and stages that do not neccessarily follow one another. The pace and size of the project derives from the needs of the Central House of Artist and Tretyakov State Gallery, both located in the CHA building (visible on the picture on the left). The project not only tries to deal with the reorganisation of the existing building but it provides a strategy for its future extension taking into account gradual development of the surrounding landscape.


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page 7



page 8


+ landscape development_existing state + landscape development_stage 1 + landscape development_stage 2


page 9

LEFT view through the connection bridge towards the new extensionTOP RIGHT new exhibition rooms

BOTTOM RIGHT double-height exhibition spaceCENTRAL HOUSE OF ARTISTMOSCOW 2013


page 10

CHAMOSCOW 2013


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CHAMOSCOW 2013

+ C H A N G E A B I L I T Y +

The investigation into a possible scenario of the relations of cause and effect has led us into establishing a system of changeable in accordance with the existing demand modular extension buildings that can be built separately or all at once. There is no time modular extension buildings that can be built separately or all at once. There is no time frame. The CHA complex is to grow depending on its inner 'biological clock' and financial possibilities. If the links between the steps and implemented alterations are strong enough and the organism of the cultural institution can continue to grow, a need for further extension might simply sprout out. By that time, the already well functioning and vegetating organism has become a money making- investor attracting cultural machine.

“From the age of great hopes we have moved into an age of permanent uncertainly and “From the age of great hopes we have moved into an age of permanent uncertainly and stable transition." The fact of losing the grip on the concreteness of the moment, of the present situation and its future development cannot by all means be perceived as a set of desired conditions to start designing. However, future was never known in advance and it has always appeared and seemed to our ancestors as the most unstable point of reference. In my personal opinion, not knowing what to expect has become the most stable and concrete information we do possess on any given matter. We should therefore embrace it and try to create scenarios of probable solutions. We can only try to therefore embrace it and try to create scenarios of probable solutions. We can only try to establish a sort of a unchangeable grid and let the rest adjust, alter in reference to evolving needs, society requirements and any unpredicted factors we cannot even foresee. We can make plans knowing that they will eventually change. However, it is unquestionable that a plan is better that no plan at all.


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page 13

FINDING THE GREYISTANBUL 2012

collage of black and white. Gecekondu, the existent "informal settlements" are meant to be seen by the authorities as the negative ones, while TOKI, news social residential devel-opments as the positive alternatives. In real-ity, people used to appreciate Gecekondu more while detesting the TOKI for their lack of human scale.The concept of the masterplan derived from the game of reversing the roles, making the positive negative etc. The basic street grid was taken from the existent Gecekondu develop-ment to the east from the site and reversed. The streets became the low-rise development. Following a grid of medium-rise was overlaid to allow greater density. In the end, the footprint allow greater density. In the end, the footprint of the existent TOKI towers was copied and simply placed onto masterplan. In this way, the negatively seen towers were to become the positive points of the composition, become the site attractors.

I S P A R T A K U L EIThe last project of the Master program meant to open our horizons, broaden our knowledge and force us to doubt everything. The site of the project was located in Ispar-The site of the project was located in Ispar-takule in Istanbul. Not only the site itself, but the city faced us with a number of difficulties. Understanding a city of such a great complex-ity like Istanbul, where there 18 million people are living, walking, sleeping, using spaces in their own way. After having visited the city in March 2012 I was simply struck by a great March 2012 I was simply struck by a great number of impressions. I was amazed by how greatly can can differ from each other as well. Istanbul was a place of immense beauty and charm, rich and filled with enchanting atmos-phere. On the other hand, some parts were in the worst condition, abandoned, dirty, left to rot. At that exact moment I started thinking rot. At that exact moment I started thinking about Istanbul through the prism of negative and positive. Ispartakule fas become for me a

ROAD GRID

BICYCLEPATHS

“REVERSED” STREETS INTO

LOW-RISE

MEDIUM- RISE

TOKI-ATTRACTORS

MASTERPLAN GRID

The "GREY" as a mixed, diversified development, piece of urban fabric that

incorporates the already existing high-rise dwellings, Gecekondu and new

residential buildings into a network of visual and physical connections by

means of gridization, densification and demolition, 'place making',

enhancing and signifying the public/semi public/ private division. The

"GREY" also as the "un-city". There are several ways to obtain the "GREY",

"GREY" is in-between the positive (Gecekondu) and the negative (TOKI), is

a mix of both or is a mix of different colours (uses).a mix of both or is a mix of different colours (uses).


page 14

SECTION A-A


For further development, I have chosen an area located on the border of Gecekondu settlement and the planned urbanised zone that is run from east to west connecting already existed development, right through the middle of the site into still unoc-cupied vast open fields (with the view onto TOKI). For the archi-tectural design I have chosen one of the buildings located in that zone. Taking the idea of creating more urban, diverse envi-ronment, the building is an example of mix of functions, where public, semi-public spaces evolve into more private areas. From the ground floor and section AA we can see that the ground floor has been left for the commercial services while the higher floors for the residential part. Only the south east facing wing of the building has duplexes on the ground due to its elevated structure. In this way apartments are safer and ser-vices easily accessible.There are two systems of internal com-munication within the residential wings. The north and west

wing use external galleries with external staircases and one lift shaft per wing. While the wings south and east are accessible from the internal staircases and lift for every corridor. The car access to the building is provided by the two level underground parking that has direct connection with the internal courtyard (residential entrance) and through the lifts into the office block.Additionly, due to the very complex and diversified terrain of Additionly, due to the very complex and diversified terrain of Ispartakule, there is a 10 m drop which created an opportunity for more than unusual landscape design. The internal courtyard is accessible through the bike storages (west and east wings) and from wide external staircase incorporated within the court-yard. From the lowest part, just under the concrete column col-onnade there is an entrance to the view deck which is "built" inside the courtyard ground. The view deck gives the opportu-inside the courtyard ground. The view deck gives the opportu-nity to admire the waterscape of Ispartakule.


page 15

SECTION B-B


The third floor plan (counting from the lowest floors of the building) with the section B-B enable to under-stand how the office block is incorporated within the residential development. Accessible from the main en-trance on the ground level from the north, through the underground parking lot as well through the pedestrian bridge on the north corner of the building (visible on hight floor plans). The office block being the highest build within the complex plays the role of the "attractor" bringing people, activities and money into the site. It is designed by joining two separate open plan parts with an entirely glazed courtyard. The double facade of the building with a gap of 700 mm accommodate a series of flowerpots containing bamboos protecting in of the building with a gap of 700 mm accommodate a series of flowerpots containing bamboos protecting in that way from over heating on this open internal space.The building communication is solved using a series of bridges crossing from on part to another. Within the office block there are two double-height floors that accommodate bars and restaurant that are directly connected through the bridge to the more commercial part of the complex (the shopping mall, cinema and a bookshop).The problem of overheating in the residential part was solved by using maximum span of 12 m allowing natu-The problem of overheating in the residential part was solved by using maximum span of 12 m allowing natu-ral ventilation. Additionally, on the western and southern facades a system of foldable movable timber shut-ter panels was introduced. The panels cover not the windows themselves but the external balconies creating comfortable external spaces.


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The Ispartakule development project tried to propose a different way of looking

at a residential development in that area. It proposes a mix of approaches,

some taken from the informal settlements, some from the new proposed

multi-storey towers. It proclaims the importance of a mix development being

the method to create a vivid, exciting, diversified development used by public

and private users. Working with the terrain, proved to provide a number of oppor-

tunities of dividing the external spaces into more public or more private ones.

Incorporation of commercial services and offices into a residential develop-Incorporation of commercial services and offices into a residential develop-

ment can not only be means of providing the financial basis but as well a way

to diversify the built urbanscape.


page 17

LIVING MACHINEMILANO 2012

LOCALISATION for the building on the site is chosen to btain the best lighting conditions. According to analysis of the sun movement and shadows, the South-West corner has the highest amount of natural light; and during the summer the trees help to protect the windows from excessive sun radiation. The landscape is solved according to existent urban grid. Pedestrian connections and recreational areas are designed to integrate new system into existent environment. From one point of view, there is a clear sepa-existent environment. From one point of view, there is a clear sepa-ration between new building and existent one; from the other point of view there is an interaction between both of them.The elevation reflects the orientation of the building. Southern facade is com-pletely glazed. Which allows to take inside the maximum possible amount of sunlight during the winter. The northern elevation has minimum amount of glazing, to prevent an excessive thermal loss.


page 18


THE BUILDING TECHNOLOGY STUDIO

The brief called for an “urban-machine’, a building that would The brief called for an “urban-machine’, a building that would comprise several functions like residential, event and exhibi-tion or offices compacting them into one dwelling. Designed to become a part of the Politecnico di Milano campus, the new building responds to the existing on site Dipartimento di Fisica edifice not only by incorporating similar idea of exposed steel structure but as well by the adaptation of its steel staircase into the design. The early concept of the resi-steel staircase into the design. The early concept of the resi-dential part derived from numerous studies of modular apart-ment units that when stuck next to and on top of each other would create geometrically interesting block. This block would become later a skeleton for further alterations and ad-ditions. Introducing event and exhibition spaces on the ground and under ground floors of the building enabled the higher floors to maintain strictly residential function. The most interesting part of the concept was the plantation of the offices modules within the already existent structure. Fol-lowing the brief guidelines to the nature of the office boxes, the new 4 x 5 units were placed as parasites. In structural terms it means that offices could be removed from or added to the building without the need of a new structure to support additional loading. It should be mentioned that environmen-additional loading. It should be mentioned that environmen-tal design played an very important role in the first stage of the concept evolution. The localization, direction and sizing of the modules were chosen according to the sun position and natural ventilation requirements. The steel structure was selected as the most appropriate solution for this kind of ge-ometry of the building that would enable ‘random’ plantation of the parasite boxes.

SOUTH FACADE



page 19

STEEL is one of the most sustainable building materials with unique characteristics that favour its use in the construction industry. Steel has a lot of technical, environmental and economical advantages. Steel structures are reusable and 100% degradable. They are light, so easy to transport and mount. Steel has a lot of advantages form aesthetic point of view as well. It allows to express a design concept using pre-cise and elegant details. Its slenderness and delicate appearance of the load bearing elements make them a distinguished feature of the the load bearing elements make them a distinguished feature of the building. The load-bearing structure of our building is very simple and regular both in plans and elevations. The skeleton of the building con-sists of secondary and primary beams and pillars. The structural ele-ments are assembled together, creating a rigid frame. The columns are continuous and the beams are welded to the columns or between each other. Primary beams have 8 meters span and support 4 secondary beams. Secondary beams have 4 meters span. They support the floor that consists of concrete and metal decking.The lateral bracing has been added to avoid swaying of the structure. The system of bracing has been added to each side of the building. There are present also two central rigid cores of reinforced concrete, they contain elevators. The structure is not exposed to avoid thermal bridges, but it’s outlined on the external facade by steel profiles.


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RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTCREMONA 2011

INTRODUCTION: Apart from the main purpose of the masterplan to create a wel-coming, pedestrian friendly residential development, the site creates several oppor-tunities. The existent residential settlements on both opposite sides of the site could be connected through the new development creating a continuum. In opposi-tion to the repeatable low-rise villas, a new mixed and diverse project could be pro-posed. Maybe a new area landmark could be designed. Proposal of a new urban park with a clearer purpose could be visually connected to the already existing green system establishing a central focus of the site and its surroundings. Enhancement of the water canal could become one of the main features of the new proposal.

FUNCTIONAL SYSTEM: The masterplan is managed in order to create more public green spaces than the built area. Buildings are in the southern part of the site and they are gathered along the public pedestrian paved space that links two public build-ings. The far left, being the office tower with some other business services while the far right is the public library. Along the whole length of the pedestrian promenade resi-dential buildings with commercial ground floors are distributed. The buildings consist of a lower part (up to 4 storeys) and a tower.

MOBILITY SYSTEM: MOBILITY SYSTEM: The masterplan plans having only one road that cuts the site and serves the residential buildings, public services and the parking. The site is sur-rounded on the north by a ring road and another road that goes along the residential development in the western part. In the urban park, two bicycle paths are planned, one that goes from the roundabout to the river and another along the riverbank.

PUBLIC SPACES: The public space system is drawn by the lines of the park that are orthogonal in the part adjacent to the ring road. It has a clearly arranged frame of trees that protects the site from the extensive noise pollution. Along the river and around the newly proposed residential development, the trees are distributed in a more informal scattered way. The urban park is divided in the middle by a pedestrian path leading to two glasshouses. The pedestrian promenade connects two squares on its extreme ends.

UNDERGROUND PARKING SYSTEM: UNDERGROUND PARKING SYSTEM: There are two main accesses to the under-ground parking, one on the far right of the development while the other in the middle of the surface parking located in the southern part of the development. Parking pro-vide places for cars both for residential and public services.

THE_

CONC

EPT

THE_E

VOLUT

IONSYNTHETIC ANALYSIS

L A Y E R S


page 21


The views showed here try to portray the idea of the unified but diverse residential

development where all buildings being different follow one common design. The high-

est building on site, located on the far left is the office tower with 15 open flat

floors. The access to the building is through the pedestrian deck, an elevated sloped

surface which in fact is the roof of the underground auditorium. The deck, the pave-

ment of the pedestrian promenade, the commercial ground floor facade as well as

the facade of the office tower itself is clad with the same stone material. That treat-

ment creates a physical and visual flow and connects one part of the development ment creates a physical and visual flow and connects one part of the development

with the other. From a person perspective the promenade asymmetrical and build-

ings seem to be scattered randomly along it.

view 2

view 4

view 3

view 5

view 6

view 7


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page 23


page 24

MOCAMILANO 2011

existing wall partition

new floor level/wall partition

wall partition to be demolished

GROUNDFLOOR PLAN

I N S T I T U T O . M A R C H I O N D I . S P A G L I A R D I

The new building of Marchiondi Spagliardi institute was built after the competi-tion, after the bomb attacks during the Second World War caused serious dam-ages to the old building in via Quadronno, 26 in Milan. The area chosen for the new construction is located in Baggio, in the Milanese periphery.The program, edited according the specific psycho-pedagogical criteria cov-ered the realization of the complex for 300 “difficult and problem children” in the age from 8 to 18 years, in which, besides the school lessons and profes-sional education, they could get the hospitality and psycho-therapeutical sup-port.Thus the task contained the area for young, psycho centre, the church and physician’s office, schools, workshops, concert hall and accommodation rooms for teaching stuff.Vittorio Vigano has won the competition. His project suggested the organization of a complex along the longitudinal axis in the east-west direction, the mass of the complex with the curvilinear plan at the entrance and the single buildings of different functions.

This project was officially presented the 10th of October 1954. After some changes, the final definitive project has been evolved and approved 29 Decem-ber 1955. Not all the buildings that definitive project has contained, were real-ized. The church along Noale street, the swimming pool, the theater and the gym were not realized.At North-East, the buildings communicate with the entrance and with the resi-At North-East, the buildings communicate with the entrance and with the resi-dential spaces for children through the internal passageway. The school centre is realized along the north façade of the dorms building, oriented south-west, it consisted of the sequence of vaulted classrooms intended for kids that attend elementary school and one building of three-storey high with glazed elevations protected by sun-screening panels. The “integrated cell” composed by the guests’ house for the teachers and the psychological centre, completes the complex.the complex.The residential building for children consisted of four levels and presented at both fronts rectangular volumes that were projecting from the plane of the elevations.


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MOCAMILANO 2011

SECTION AA

SECTION BB

SECTION CC


page 26

Introduction into the Decay Analysis Any change in the building appearance, structure or its functional program should be predated with a serious and thorough survey. A great part of a survey should deal with a decay analysis and documenting its existing state. In the introduction to Conservation of Historic Buildings by Bernard M. Feilden, a series of steps has been men-tioned:“1. the condition of the building must be fully recorded before any intervention is begun;2. the materials and methods used during treatment must be documented;3. historic evidence must not be destroyed, falsified or removed;4. any intervention must be minimum necessary. It should be reversible- or at least repeatable, and not prejudice possible future interventions;5. any intervention must be governed by unswerving respect for the aesthetic, historical and physical integrity of cultural property”In order to fulfill all the requirements, a survey of the existing state is essential. Followed by the investigation In order to fulfill all the requirements, a survey of the existing state is essential. Followed by the investigation into the decay causes, it should highlight the future treatment of the deterioration of materials. Physical survey ought to be based on a photographic documentation, initial testing into the degree of the material damage and investigation into its the possible causes.

Existing State of the BuildingAfter having conducted a survey of the building itself and used materials we moved to documenting the existing After having conducted a survey of the building itself and used materials we moved to documenting the existing state of the materials, scale and the type of deterioration. We have found several types of decay on the concrete, steel and brick surfaces. The types are as follows:Found in concrete:

Crack: Splitting; Detachment: Fragmentation (Chipping), Peeling, Scaling (Contour Scaling/ Spalling); Biological Colonization: Alga, Moss, Mould; Discolouration: Staining, Graffiti, Moist areaFound in steel framework:

Detachment: Peeling; Mechanical Damage: Cut, Broken and missing glass, Additions; Discolouration: Bleaching; Detachment: Peeling; Mechanical Damage: Cut, Broken and missing glass, Additions; Discolouration: Bleaching; Corrosion

THE CONCRETE NICHESThis page shows one of the ideas for the restoration and reparation of the damaged materials and structures. This page shows one of the ideas for the restoration and reparation of the damaged materials and structures. The guest house courtyard, the building that my group was working on, was designed a series of mirrowed “boxes”(bathrooms) facing the interior of the courtyard. In our proposal, every other “box” was to be opened and become an additional exhibition space. The open box would have the access from the inside hidden behind a panel (for ex. TRESPA). The sculptures exhibited in the niches would be lit up by the light coming from lamps fixed behind the panel creating an interesting artistic installation.

MOCAMILANO 2011

CONCRETE NICHESisometric view

CONCRETE NICHESsection detail

CONCRETE NICHEStop view

CONCRETE NICHESfront view

CONCRETE NICHES DETAILS


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RONCHETTOMILANO 2010

The first draft strategy presented consisted of the following points:

+ improving the public realm through a clear articulation of urban public spaces.This point was initially dealt with focusing on the possible redefinition of public spaces using new volumes to define or improve the character of the existing open space.

++ establishing a new clearly emphasised entrance to the Parco ++ establishing a new clearly emphasised entrance to the Parco Sud as a buffer zone of interaction between the city and agricul-tural land.Firstly, the possibility of defining the entrance to the Parco Sud as a hot-spot, a park working in close connection to a large building-the attractor to be located astride the new infrastructure.

+++ using the new infrastructure as an edge between the built-up +++ using the new infrastructure as an edge between the built-up and the void.Initially, the new infrastructure was seen as means to define the edge of the village of Ronchetto, failing to recognised its relative irrelevance within the network of move-ments related to Ronchetto.The final strategy draws from both the analysis of the morphology

of the fabric on site, as well as from the perceptual understanding of Ranchero based on the multiple visits and interviews with the inhabitants.To start off, all the relevant existent public spaces and public build-To start off, all the relevant existent public spaces and public build-ings were identified (the opportunity of creating new ones was also taken into account), to be later incorporated within a system of cycle paths that have their origin in the existent path running along the Alzaia del Naviglio Grande.Simultaneously, the focus was placed on the restating the impor-Simultaneously, the focus was placed on the restating the impor-tance of the agricultural structure as the organisation system. Taking that idea further, the vacant plot of the site is subdivided according to the agricultural pattern retrieved from historical maps. The area then is overlaid with a weak scattered fabric typology. The elements of the landscape play the role of the main structuring force, the buildings should adapt to.

While, the fundamental objectives were maintained, in the process of designing/reading the site, new ways to tackle, connect and redefine the aims had to be found.

+ improving the role of the public realm within the existing fabric.We opted here for a process of reorganisation of the patterns of movements within the We opted here for a process of reorganisation of the patterns of movements within the site, rather than a maquillage of existing open spaces, we enhanced their connection and re-stressed the importance of existing urban focuses as structuring points within the fabric.

++ re-stating the proximity between the city and Parco Sud.We abandoned the idea of a new gate as a clear focused and concentrated attractor, and proposed a dual interpretation:__at the scale of pedestrian/cycle movement coming from the FS station or the tram __at the scale of pedestrian/cycle movement coming from the FS station or the tram and of line, we proposed a gradual, diffused approach to the Parco Sud, a sort of a prom-enade, or enfilade of spaces leading through Ronchetto to the new park and finally to the border of Parco Sud.__at the scale of the new infrastructure, the new park aims to work almost as an adver-__at the scale of the new infrastructure, the new park aims to work almost as an adver-tiser, a condensed experience of agricultural countryside. Driving through it at moder-ate speed, one can sense the presence of the Parco Sud as an intense episode along his driving around the city.

+++ defying the edge as a space of interactionThe new cycle path allows to close the system of open spaces organising local move-ment into a ring and defines a soft margin. This measure allows both the definition of the limit as a space for fruition, a genuine margin of connection/interaction between built-up and the open.


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poplar trees or other typical for this landscape

system of pathwaysgenerated by past users

agricultural pattern

RONCHETTOMILANO 2010

1 2 3

4 5

Evolution of the settlement pattern1__in an early phase we experimented with a geometrical grid derived from the structure of the park. This system provided us with the ab-straction we were seeking for but proved to be too rigid and difficult to adapt to specific situation. The buildings were acting as both struc-ture and infill…2__in the second movement we explored the possibility of using two 2__in the second movement we explored the possibility of using two different typologies, small compact apartment blocks acting as and adaptive infill, and structuring elongated pieces working as built-up counterpart to the system of tress which structures the park.3__the final outcome was to exclude the possibility of using the new 3__the final outcome was to exclude the possibility of using the new built volumes as a structure. The obvious step was thus to use the structure created with the park to give the shape to the spaces of the new settlement.

4__the tree structure of the park is extended in the new development. Taking inspiration from the neighbouring estate we chose to use groups of trees as elements to define a courtier like a space with a more private character. The new buildings are to be placed more or less freely within this "open enclosure" according to mutual dis-tances and definition of open courtyards, gardens, playgrounds…5__the buildings are to be connected in line through an non-green 5__the buildings are to be connected in line through an non-green area providing the site with the necessary number of parking places. This strip of the underground parking is mirrored on the surface by a spine of collective use spaces while the semi-private pathways are leading to the entrances of each apartment block

The area for the park emerged as a clearly defined lot of land from the analysis of the agricultural structure.The lot was subdivided in smaller strips which we think could possiblyreproduce fragments of landscape found in the Parco Sud.

In recent years this piece of land has been occupied by elderly people with illicit and spontaneous allottment gardens, this use generated a system of wabbly pathways which we chose to retain and transform in cyclepaths, asideal counterpart to the linear structure ideal counterpart to the linear structure of the park.

The strips are delimited through a widespread structure of poplar trees, or other trees typi-cal of this landscape.The structure provides rhytms and breaks down the scale of the park, creating open enclosures as room-like spaces.


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THE EMBASSYBIRMINGHAM 2009

This exciting project was acquired to students in their final year in order

to find out their ability to react and respond accordingly to the brief

that from the beginning creates many difficulties and set numerous con-

straints. Designing an embassy itself could be considered as a challenge,

designing one for the Northern Ireland in United Kingdom had to be handled

with respect to both countries’ history of constant conflict but aiming at

constitution of new common future. Calling it a ‘delicate’ case is not an

exaggeration.exaggeration.

The site was chosen in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. In a

centre of this multicultural metropolis across St Paul’s park, a new spot

for the representatives of NI was designated. However it might seem Bir-

mingham was a well grounded choice for the embassy’s destination. This well

connected city in the country’s heart, with the GB’s largest Irish Commu-

nity Birmingham offers economical, cultural and financial advantages.

One must therefore, keep silent about one’s true convictionsif possible (…)

To say something is white when one thinks is black, to smile inwardly when one

isoutwardly solemn, to hate when one manifest love, to know when one pretends

not to know, and thus to play one’s adversary for a fool (even as he is playing you

for one).

by Czeslaw Milosz

“building a bond with the community constitutes

the priority. In order to create future and lasting re-

lationship, remembering of the past should be min-

imized. The building should not be portrayed as a

memorial to the difficult, full of conflicts past, but

a vessel to achieve brighter and communal future.”


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THE DISSERTATIONBIRMINGHAM 2009

I N T R O D U C T I O N

MostMost certainly, my dissertation topic was strongly in-fluenced by my Polish origin. Further development of the thesis was, however, based on my personal inter-est in a matter of relativity in perception. I was always amazed by the dependants of the political situation on the cultural outcomes: the exact creation of art and its receiving. Why some styles are considered as right at a time and are forbidden at a different time? The his-tory of general arts is a sinusoidal function of styles; where purist solutions and eclecticism with exaggera-tions fight to become alternately superior to the other.

This is why I have decided to analyse the matters of the heritage left by the Stalin era. For about a decade the style managed to find its way up to the top, de-grading all other stylistic solutions. It mirrored the passion for historical allusions and utopian postu-lates. The aim of this study is to discover the attitude of the contemporary society towards it. It will estab-lish possible problems caused by such position and point out the political and historical factors contribut-ing to such situation.


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LIGHTHOUSEORFORD NESS 2009

NON OMNIS MORIARI shall not wholly die


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COPPICE LANGLEY SCHOOLSUTTON COLDFIELD 2008

diagramatic sections showing daily and nightly behaviour of the building in the winter

TOP FAR LEFT

view of the north facadeTOP LEFTview of the ramp sloping down to lower classrooms

TOP

the school coreTOP RIGHTmain entranceBOTTOM RIGHT

EQUALITY AS THE BASIS FOR THE DESIGN CONCEPTFor some time now, two schools: Langley (Special Needs) and Cop-pice occupied a common site in a cosy neighbourhood area in Sutton Coldfield, small town in the vicinity of Birmingham, UK. The idea of schools’ unification was based not only on the material factor, but on the belief that children’s better development can derive from mixing pupils from different backgrounds, those with various family and health situations. TheThe area designated for the project covers quite a large piece of land extensively planted with trees that are inhabited by bat fami-lies. Flora and fauna are the inseparable part of school’s environ-ment and education. Children get to learn biology by experiencing it. Protecting the natural environment was then not only a design option but an obligation.

The rather organic layout of the building derives from the process of manoeuvring its shape and location in between the trees. As a result of that action, only a minimum number of 5 trees were to be cut down. Environmental design analysis contributed as well to the choice of the external panelling system. The colourful glass panels with low U-values were chosen to provide the interior spaces with appropriate sun penetration. JoiningJoining two institutions teaching kids at different development levels constitutes a problem with equality issues. The student’s concept meant to be an expression of equal accessibility rights to all designed spaces. Two sets of classrooms (25-student class-room and 15- for the SN) were prepared. Locating them on the pe-rimeter of a rectangular plan, all shared facilities inc. gym, assem-bly hall, library with IT were placed in the school heart. As a visual representation for the equal treatment a long series of ramps was introduced connecting ground and first floor of the institution. Doing so, every room in Langley Coppice School was to be acces-sible for a wheelchair user (no need for the usage of a lift).

“the project was to be the expression of equal opportunities and innovative approach to school design”

The idea was based on blocking the noise factor deriving from the main busy road by building some sort of barrier on the north-west site of the development. The housing complex was designed in a form of a stepping terrace with its highest point facing the street. 4-storey corridor constructed of metal mesh cage was to provide security, while the newly planted hedge a pleasing visual effect. InIn addition to the apartment block consisting of 15 flats (3-6 bed), a row of detached one-family houses (3 or 5 bed) was located on the opposite side of the complex where traffic noise was not much of an issue. Due to the environmental concerns, parking spaces

were kept to minimum and a car-shared scheme was presented. Occupants of the housing complex were to use Smarts (low CO2 emission) that parked in the middle of the

sitesite courtyard were to be available upon people’s request. Each and every house and flat was provided with private outside space. Whether it was a garden or a rooftop, each family was given the opportunity to spend some quality time in the newly designed estate.

Harborne, a district located within an easy reach to the vibrant city centre of the multicultural Birmingham. The project site is an expression of the diversities met on a daily basis in the city inhabited by 2 million people. A Melrose supermarket, a petrol station, the noisy surrounding mingles with the more settled built forms of a small church, rows of classic Eng-lish detached houses and a class II national heritage Bingo Gala.

WhatWhat site could be more demanding, ex-citing and challenging for a second year first major design project? Certainly, this one with all its limitations provided the students with interesting ideas to embrace the difficulties of the constrained site as a design basis for the project.

Harborne site development was to deliver the district with a comfortable, secure family housing in the middle of the town jungle.


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HARBORNE PROJECTBIRMINGHAM 2007

aerial view of the residential developmentTOP

street view of the north facadeBOTTOM LEFT

view from the external galleryBOTTOM RIGHT

Architectural PORTFOLIO

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