Architectural portfolio

Mila Garaeva
P O R T F O L I O
Selected architectural works
2016-2019

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01
04
07
HEKLA OFFICE TOWER
HUMANHATTAN
THEATRE OF DREAMING
02
05
08
ZHOUSHAN COMPLEX
TIRANA THEATRE
URBAN NODE
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06
09
LANDSBANKINN
SPACE OF SILENCE
ACADEMIC DRAWINGS
C O N T E N T S
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URBAN SKETCHES
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WORKSHOPS
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01
HEKLA OFFICE TOWER
PARIS-LA DÉFENSE
I joined the Hekla project team at the development stage and worked until
its final submission. I was mainly in charge of image representations such
as exterior views from different perspectives and various interior renderings.
I also contributed a variety of proposals for the ceiling designs, material
selections and color combinations for the main lobby, the bar, the corridors
and the mezzanine, and my suggestions were used for the project.
I developed renders and the interior modelization both in Rhinoceros and
Revit using Enscape for Revit. I worked on this project for three months for
the documentation submission of the constructive stage. I also participated
in all client meetings about the interior design.
## interior design, renderings, facade illumination, project documentation
Ateliers Jean Nouvel / Paris 2018
status: under construction
professional
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Hekla office tower
professional
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| Hekla office tower
01. Axonometry of the lobby
CONCEPT PROPOSAL
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Located in the Rose de Cherbourg district of La Défense, the Hekla Tower
rises to 51 levels. The body of the building is in the first approach triangular.
The overall envelope of the tower covers an area of approximately 43,000
m². The tower is primarily intended for office use. Common and reception
areas, restaurants and an auditorium are located at levels 0 to 7.
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| Hekla office tower
02. Lobby interior, seen from the main entrance
03. Bar at the ground level
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| Hekla office tower
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| Hekla office tower
04. View of the southwest etrance
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02
ZHOUSHAN CULTURAL
FINANCIAL COMPLEX
The second project I participated in during my internship was a concept
proposal for an island in China located near Zhoushan. The slim buildings
emerge delicately from the ground, respecting the dramatic environment
of natural habitats, mountains and a river. The project combines cultural,
residential and commercial buildings and a marina. Among my responsibilities
were the 3D modelization of the entire site and its context and the
creation of the 3D printing data. I also developed the complete residential
part. For the entire project, I created the facade designs and conceptual
renders.
## 3D modeling, facade design, diagrams, 3D printing
Ateliers Jean Nouvel / Paris 2018
status: concept proposal
professional
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| Zhoushan complex
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| Zhoushan complex
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01. Master plan
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03
COMPETITION PROPOSAL
FOR THE NEW LANDSBANKINN
I participated in a competition in Iceland for the headquarters of the national
bank Landsbankinn. It consists of an office building and various facilities
like restaurants, commercial and public spaces. A green strip leads
up the entire building, from the ground to the roof levels, serving as a walkable
path for the public as well as terraces for the workers. I worked on the
physical mass model studies (scale 1:1000), created diagrams explaining
the design proposal (Illustrator & Photoshop) and 3D models of the context
on Rhino.
## 3D modeling, model building, diagrams, image post-production
BIG / Copenhagen 2017
status: competition entry
professional
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| Landsbankinn
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| Landsbankinn
01. Master plan
SITE CONCEPT
The building is located on an poignant square, adjacent to the commercial port of Reykjavik and the
Harpa concert hall. By building the platforms, we fulfilled the height conditions of the area and at the
same time created a conversation with Arnarhól and the surroundings.
professional
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| Landsbankinn
DESIGN INTEGRATION
02. Stepping site envelope
03. Accessible roof
04. Public realm
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| Landsbankinn
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05. Master plan
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| Landsbankinn
06. Exterior view, seen from the plaza
07. The rooftop walkway
BANK SLOPES
By raising people up the hills to a roof, a new public space is created for the citizens and a new view
of the city becomes available. Wildlife is beautiful and maintenance-friendly, but it is also possible
to have a simple grass path.
The gardens serve staff in the building but the overall building refers to what can be learned from
the past and can be brought to the future. In the design and form of the buildings, social responsibility
combines with culture and encourages us to think carefully about the built-up space and
the needs of the public.
professional
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| Landsbankinn
professional
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| Landsbankinn
08. Physical model
Scale 1:200
materials: foam, acrylic glass, painting
professional
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04
HUMANHATTAN 2050
16th ARCHITECTURE BIENNALE
For three months I worked on the BIG U Humanhattan 2050 project for
the 16th Architecture Biennale in Venice. This project realizes plans for the
fortification of the coastal line of Lower Manhattan to prepare for the climate
changes due to global warming. In addition to the digital boards we
created an ultra-large physical model (1:750) constructed in CNC milled
hardwood and acrylic glass. I was the team leader for this physical model,
managing seven people and reporting directly to the project leader. Among
my responsibilities were: management of the team, realization of the 3D
construction model in Rhino, quality management, laser machine cutting
and robot CNC milling. The main materials used were acrylic glass, film,
frosting spray, plywood, lime wood, color spray, plastic and resin.
## 3D modeling, team managment, model constructing: CNC milling, laser
cutting
BIG / Copenhagen 2018
status: completed
professional
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| Humanhattan 2050
professional
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| Humanhattan 2050
CONCEPT PROPOSAL
The Big U is a protective system
that encircles Manhattan, responding
to the needs and concerns
of the island’s diverse communities.
Stretching from West
57th Street south to The Battery
and up to East 42nd Street, the Big
U protects ten continuous miles of
low-lying geography.
The Big U not only shields the city
against floods and storm water; it
provides social and environmental
benefits to the community, and
fosters an improved public realm.
The proposal consists of separate
but coordinated plans for three
contiguous regions of the waterfront
and associated communities.
Each region contains a physically
separate flood-protection zone,
isolated from flooding in the other
zones, but each equally a field for
integrated social and community
planning.
01. Masterplan
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02. Top view
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| Humanhattan 2050
03. Physical model / zoom into a designed lanscape
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05
TIRANA NATIONAL THEATRE
ALBANIA
Among my other projects was a design proposal for the national theatre
in Tirana (Albania). The theatre is conceived as two buildings connected by
the main auditorium: one for the audience and one for the performers. Underneath,
the theatre arches up from the ground creating an entrance canopy
for the audience as well as for the performers, while opening a gateway
to the new urban arcade beyond. Above, the roof mirrors the archway,
forming an open-air amphitheatre with a backdrop to the city’s skyline.
In this project I worked on several diagrams on Illustrator, physical model
(scale 1:200), as well as renderings some images on Rhino (V-Ray) and
further postproduction on Photoshop both interiors and exterior images.
## 3D modeling, interior design, model making, 3D printing, diagrams,
image post-production
BIG / Copenhagen 2017
status: competition winner
professional
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| Tirana national theatre
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| Tirana national theatre
01. Functional diagram
02. Pinch
03. Plaza lift 04. Rooftop venue
CONCEPT PROPOSAL
More than simply a flexible performance
space, it is also a flexible performance
building envelope. With
open venues, one sheltered and one
with a rooftop view, and enclosed
venues that look out towards the city
the theatre is both stage and actor in
the city of Tirana.
The overall form can be optimized to
the program requirements of the theatre,
creating public plazas that face
the ministry of the interior as well as
the new mixed use development. Lifting
at the building’s center-point, access
is provided through the site,
where visitors can enjoy covered
public space and music venues at
street-level. A final pinch in the form
creates a sloped rooftop venue that
reflects the auditorium ceiling below,
and offers an outdoor public space for
the community.
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| Tirana national theatre
05. Rooftop view
06. Rooftop cafe
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06
SPACE OF SILENCE.
A CREMATORIUM COMPLEX
This is my bachelor thesis project at Studio Tiarch of Kazan State University
in Russia. I proposed a crematorium complex for my hometown Kazan.
It includes not only the crematorium itself but also a memorial park,
a columbarium, contemplation pavilions and a public park. The idea is not
to separate the aspect of death from society, but to make it an accepted,
respected part of the journey of life.
To this means, the complex also makes an urban gesture: via the extensive
park, it becomes part of the city. It attaches to other green parts of the city
and forms a continuous strip of urban greenery.
Thesis project 2016
Kazan State University of Architecture
Studio TIARCH
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| Space of silence
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| Space of silence
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Ecological issues of
cemeteries
Attitude towards
the burial process
Shortage of burial spots
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| Space of silence
PROBLEM ANALYSIS
Birth and death are natural
stages in the life of
every human being. But
the emotional aspects of
these two events are significantly
different. The
birth of a human is associated
with excitement
and optimism. Thoughts
about death are usually
scary and unpleasant.
People die every day,
and architecture cannot
change this. But architecture
can influence the
perceptions and emotions
connected with
death of a relative. This is
the function for the new
crematorium complex.
01. Sketches of the city
and the current issues
Cultural aspects
of the burial process
The question of
animal cemeteries
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| Space of silence
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| Space of silence
02. Conceptual drawing
of the cremtorium space
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| Space of silence
SPACE OF BALANCE
A possible path towards emotional
recovery from the trauma of loss is offered
by different zones within the park, which
reflect the stages in life. For instance,
inception and infancy are active and
thrilling stages of life. They are symbolized
by a lively zone in the form of a courtyard
offering opportunities for play.
SPACE OF INTERACTION
Old age and death are somewhat tranquil
emotional conditions. They are reflected by a
space of meditation which allows the visitor
to be undisturbed for personal thoughts.
A visit of this park offers the opportunity
to think about the different phases of life,
memorize certain moments.
SPATIAL FOREST
This idea is organized around several space
principles. The first is that the main spaces,
two funeral halls are linked by a public space
for visitors. This quiet public space serves as
a waiting zone during the cremation. A circle
in the middle of the foyer offers family and
friends the opportunity for meditation.
SPACE OF RENEWAL
The main idea of the meditation space
is that the perception of nature helps in
reflection about life. Relatives wait for the
ashes in front of a circle, at a sitting area.
The cremation room is oriented to the north.
This is due to the prevalent direction of wind,
which is an important aspect in the planning
of a crematorium.
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| Space of silence
03. Conceptual drawings
of the cremtorium space
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| Space of silence
SPATIAL PRINCIPLES
The spatial organization of the crematorium complex is
divided into several areas. The main one is the ceremony
hall, which is the most emotional space in the building
ensemble. All other spaces flow into the main ceremony
hall and link internal zones in between.
04. Urban development master plan
05. Concept of the space organization
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| Space of silence
06. Ground floor
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07. Section 1-1
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| Space of silence
08. Axonometric view
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09. View, seen from the back northeast side
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10. South facade
11. Section 2-2
DESIGN METHODOLOGY
The architecture of the crematorium reflects
the idea of life. The shape of the building can
be seen as something light and floating above
the ground. This is achieved by the glass façade
covering the public zone. Due to that the roof part
of the building seems to be lifted and remind us
something ephemeral similar to our lives.
Contrast between materials such as the glass
façade and the concrete roof enhances the idea
of lightness and fragility. However, the inner
walls support the roof structure. The colour of the
building is white in general which is associated
with bright and positive memories and represents
a hope for future.
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| Space of silence
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| Space of silence
12. Top view
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07
THE DRAMA
THEATRE OF DREAMING
This project explores and challenges the conventional organisation
of a theatre. The main focus was to design not only a stage and
auditorium spaces, but also to explore different representations of
the main foyer and public spaces. The building itself represents a
performance, starting from the entrance.
The theatre offers different spatial conditions which can also be
discovered on the outside areas, such as the park and the public
plaza.
Bachelor project 2016
Kazan State University of Architecture
Studio TIARCH
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| The Drama theatre of dreaming
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| The Drama theatre of dreaming
01. Perfomance poster
“Through the space”
CONCEPT «DREAMING IN
THE THEATRE»
This project suggests a new kind of
theatre experience. The idea is based
on a fundamental function of the
human mind: Dreams.
The phenomenon of sleep is caused
by the activity of diverse structures
inside the brain.
Dreams are sequences of images
which are formed during Non-REM
sleep. Dreaming enables the mind
to experience situations which are
impossible in real life, to find solutions
and to use acquired skills of selfexamination
and self-awareness,
assessing the reactions to situations
of real life. During sleep it is also
possible to change one’s perspective
on the world. For instance, a person
can change day to night or can move
into a different space.
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02. Conceptual drawing “People’s
feeling during dreams”
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| The Drama theatre of dreaming
03. Master plan
04. Existing building
situation
05. Analysis of transport
traffic
06. Analysis of visual
connections
07. Analysis of pedestrian
access
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| The Drama theatre of dreaming
08. Perspective view of the main entrance
PROGRAM
All dream processes can, in some way or
other, also be found in a theatre play. This
provides the idea to structure the theatre
visit as a passage through four different
spaces that symbolize the different sleep
phases:
The lobby of the theatre is analogous to the
first dream stage, which is a short phase of
5 to 10 minutes between wakefulness and
sleep.
Leaving the lobby, the visitor enters the
waiting area, which is equal to the second
sleep phase, which sends the human mind
into deep sleep spindles.
The entrance area in front of the actual stage,
formed as the third atrium, symbolizes the
third sleep phase, of deep relaxation before
the start of dreams.
10. Roof materials
roofing
lathing
metal frame
insulation
09. Axonometric
of the roof structure
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| The Drama theatre of dreaming
11. 12. 13. Physical model.
Materials: cardboard, paper, wood. Scale 1:200
14. Main elements
15. Connection between elements 16. Space organization
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| The Drama theatre of dreaming
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| The Drama theatre of dreaming
17. Physical model
Scale 1:200
materials: cardboard, paper, wood
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| The Drama theatre of dreaming
18. Ground floor
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| The Drama theatre of dreaming
Offices
Cafeteria
Auditorium
Grand stage
Recording studio
Administr. rooms
Lobby
Foyer
Art gallery
19. Axonometric vertical section
20. Axonometric horizontal section
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The building is designed as a sequence of several atriums
and corridors which are located on different levels. This
gives the association of a three dimensional maze, quite
similar to the situation of the slow movement into sleep
where the active brain slowly looses control over a
straight line of thought or will. There are no rectangular
spaces. Corridors are designed as complex curves which
only give suggestions to use them as areas to stand, sit,
lie or to move on.
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| The Drama theatre of dreaming
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21. Perspective section
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| The Drama theatre of dreaming
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| The Drama theatre of dreaming
22. South facade
INTERIOR CONCEPT
The interior concept reveals a variety of emotional perceptions
in different rooms (entrance, cloakroom, restaurant,
foyer, grand stage, art galery and etc. ). Each of them
has its own ambiance, achived by different architectural
design principles. For instance, the lobby is conceived as
the most important space in the theatre ensemble.
Therefore the lobby space is lively, with different levels,
leading visitors to move between spaces, to meet with
each other and to communicate. However, the restaurant
is concieved as a more delicate and intimate space for
gatherings of families and friends. There are also several
atriums in the building which make a visual connection
between spaces.
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| The Drama theatre of dreaming
23. Interiors of the main foyer and the atrium
The colors of the interior design form a contrast between warm and cold palettes,
from light gold to dark silver. There is a wide range of finish materials such as stone,
concrete, 3D panels and marble.
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08
THE URBAN NODE
The urban node is an experiment which explores new ways of urban organization.
In this futuristic scenario, the city consists of independent, autonomous
units which connect and interact with each other via an universal
mechanism. The node - the base city unit - can be multiplied as needed
and thus forms the city. The project also explores urban planning, functional
mixes and architectural configuration.
Bachelor project 2015
Kazan State University of Architecture
Studio TIARCH dio TIARCH
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| The urban node
BIO-ORGANISM
AS A CITY CONCEPT
We can imagine the structure of a city as a bio-organism
with components such as a nervous system,
blood vessel and lungs. Each element plays
an important role. For instance, green farms are
the lungs of the city, located on the different levels
in order to clean and renew the air.
01. Conceptual section
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| The urban node
We can equate the road with veins that link all elements
of the city. Additionally, the roads play an
important role as a transportation system. Overall,
the city is a living organism and works as an
autonomous system. Each element is connected
and has a link to the main structures.
02. Conceptual axonometry
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| The urban node
03. City section
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| The urban node
CONCEPT SECTION
OF THE CITY NARRATIVE
This section illustrates the main elements
of the urban node. The crucial
idea is a permeability of spaces
in the city. Like in an organism, the
individual levels are not separated,
but breached by vertical structures
that both fulfill own functionalities
and serve as connecting paths.
There are vertical gardens that
connect the highest to the lowest
levels. A river is a water transport
structure and also serves for recreation,
personal transport and
water drainage. It forms the natural
centre of a single node. Other
elements, such as residential parts,
are also not concentrated on their
main level, but connect downwards
and sideways. At certain points, individual
elements connect and allow
the inhabitants to switch from
one functional space to the other.
04. Functional model
Industrial
Residential
Natural zone
Water distribution
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| The urban node
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| The urban node
CITY MATRIX
The urban node is a city unit. The city includes different repetitive
elements that can be mixed up together or function seperately.
The city configuration is achived by systematisation of the elements
represented on this page. It consists of residential, public,
cultural, sport, educational as well as multifunctional units. ee on
the water space.
05. Matrix of city elements
06. Physical urban model
Scale 1:1000
Materials: foam, paper, paint, cardboard
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| The urban node
08. Physical model
Scale 1:500
materials: foam, cardboard, metal,
aluminium foil, paper
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| The urban node
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09
ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS
During my bachelor studies I had four years of academic architectural
drawing seminars. I learned various drawing techniques such
as ink drawing, watercolor, pencil and coal. I also explored various
perspective studies. For example, warm eye drawing, axonometric
drawing, fish eye perspective, bird view. Besides that, I developed
my spatial skiils by drawing exercises such as transforming plans
into volume, or a volume into a city.
Academic architectural drawing seminar
Kazan State University of Architecture
Tutor: Akhtiamov Ilnar
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| Architectural drawings
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| Architectural drawings
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03. Architecture fantasy. Industrial area under the water

| Architectural drawings
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04. Architecture fantasy. Continuous skyscaper
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Bird view drawing.
Russia, Kazan. Kremlevskaya street 75

| Architectural drawings
PARADOX OF ARCHITECTURE
The illustration shows a post-apocalyptic city that lost the first
level of its buildings to flooding. As a result, the city is being
constructed with a new innovative technology based on the
use of water. Houses are becoming independent to exist as
autonomous systems. There are three dimential streets which
combine diverse transitions between each other. Moreover,
cars are replaced by water transport. Architecture receives
a more functional view than esthetic because nowadays the
main aim of inhabitants is existence on the water space.
academic
01. Architecture fantasy. Floating city, perspective
02. Architecture fantasy. Floating city, axonometry
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| Urban sketches
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URBAN SKETCHES
01. Sketches, Chinon, France 2017
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| Urban sketches
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| Urban sketches
Travel sketches
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| Urban sketches
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| Kite / Flying structure
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WORKSHOPS
KITE / FLYING STRUCTURE
In a team of four I designed and constructed the world’s
oldest form of aircraft: the kite. Throught various experiments
with struture, joints, fabric and weight we succeeded
flying the kite at the Tempelhof Airfield in Berlin.
academic
01. Axonometric model
02. Realized kite
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| Kite / Flying structure
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m@garaeva.net
More pictures of my architectural life
on Instagram:
www.insta.garaeva.net
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THANK YOU!