Updated Video

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Thesis Video Summary

Here is the link to my thesis video summary.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5NJpvfDx5I

 

Final Presentation Boards

Please click on individual boards to be directed to a PDF version.

 

Final Thesis Booklet

Here is a link to my thesis booklet:

http://issuu.com/baha_sadreddin/docs/thesis_booklet_final_opt_150

 

Perspective Views

Final Presentation Boards

The presentation boards below show a summarized version of my thesis design project’s main ideas, design concepts, site analysis, spatial organization and architectural visualization. The feedback from the critics were generally very positive and I am happy with the final product.

Board 1

Board 2

Board 3

Assignment 1

In the nature, plants and organisms simply transform or move to maximize access to natural resources such as sunlight or minimize exposure to other elements. While these characteristics might not directly translate into a building form or structure, the idea of transformability can play an integral role in creating a built environment that responds to user interactions and changing needs.

For the purpose of this assignment, I created simple physical models that physically transform to respond to the environmental changes (rain and sun) as well as user interaction. Starting with shading devices that collect rainwater and visually transform using a counter-weight system, simple surfaces that move through wind exposure or user interaction, and eventually translating these ideas into an enclosure that opens up and closes to facilitate different activities.

I am interested in translating these ideas into transformable spaces that accommodate a wide range of activities that result in cross-cultural interaction and learning. By consolidating different program elements, the building footprint would be reduced and we would be able to allocate more spaces to public outdoor spaces.

Thesis Proposal – Fall Term

http://issuu.com/baha_sadreddin/docs/draft_proposal

Thesis Proposal

In a forest, through a series of interrelated patterns and processes, the larger ecosystem continuously transforms and adapts to balance the ever-changing conditions of the environment. These sustainable adaptations and changes support biodiversity and help thousands of species and organisms to thrive. Synergetically, all organisms, while having unique needs and characteristics, play an integral role in the larger ecosystem and are essential to its longevity.

In a way, biodiversity and cultural diversity follow a similar pattern. Distinct cultures around the globe have evolved around the changing environments that form their societies and they each possess unique characters and heritages shaped by their experiences. It is crucial for a responsible modern society to provide opportunities for diverse backgrounds and cultures to participate and become integral members of the community. These opportunities result in collaboration, exchange of experiences and personal growth strengthening the core of the community.

Through academic research, dialogue and design explorations, this study investigates how cultural diversity mirrors biodiversity. By identifying shared values and patterns among adaptive natural environments that support biodiversity, the study further guides an architectural design process that reflects a similar pattern. The ultimate goal is to create a model for a sustainable built environment that responds and transforms to support various activities that result in cross-cultural interaction and learning.

Preliminary Thesis Proposal Review Session

Yesterday, we all had the opportunity to receive feedback from multiple professionals in the field. I personally got a tremendous amount of helpful feedback on various aspects of my thesis proposal that will help me further refine and consolidate my ideas and processes.

So far, a good amount of my thesis proposal preparation has been mainly focused on the analytical and research aspects of the project; the zoning laws, code research, city development proposals, ecodistricts, etc. Now that I have a general knowledge of the requirements, constraints, challenges and opportunities of the site that I have selected, I feel a necessity to take a step back and think more closely about the philosophical and experiential aspects of my design proposal.  How does a 21st century multicultural center encourage diversity? How does it help to shape community? How does it encourage us to become global citizens?