Architecture Portfolio

Pavel Pavlov
Part II Architectural Assistant
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow, United Kingdom
p.h.pavlov@gmail.com

I. Learning by the Context
Conservation/ Education
1. Contextual Background
2. Critical Analysis
3. Study of Existing Housing Stock
4. Proposed New School
5. Inhabited Wall
6. Contextual Transformation
II. Plan Bee
Research/ Environment
1. Problem Identification
2. Proposed Solution
3. Masterplanning
4. Siting
5. Legal Requirements
5. Exhibition
III. A House and Grounds for an Art Collector
Competition Entry/ LIS
IV. Author’s Photography
Study Trips
V. Part I Portfolio
Background Information
page 4.
5.
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12.
14.
18.
19.
20.
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24.
28.
30.
32.
34.
36.

Learning By The Context
Preserving the Cultural Heritage of
Harar Jugol, Ethiopia
Despite the major problems related to
an endless cycle of poverty and political conflicts,
Africa has gradually become responsive to the
needs of its communities. Ethiopia is one of the
examples of a democratic country, which has
achieved admirable results in the deprioritised
sector of education, with over 90% enrolment
rate in primary schools. The situation, however,
is vastly contrasting outside of the urban centres
where rural activities drive the socio-economic
mechanism. Harar Jugol is one of the places with
a substantial cultural and architectural heritage,
which is now vulnerable to contemporary
demographical mutations.
The project identifies the socio-economic
and environmental pressures on the local
community in order to explore ways of preserving
its cultural identity. It proposes an unconventional,
context-specific approach to reaching the learning
outcomes of primary education by offering a
positive learning environment.
The new school suggests a continuous
ecosystem, an open spacial network where
children are given freedom to move and learn
according to their individual interest. A series of
interventions intercept the traditional relationship
of Harari people with water, re-imagining the
threshold of the wall in attempt to re-establish
the vital connection between the city and the
land beyond it. The objective is to highlight the
emerging asset of food production in the form
of an agricultural agglomeration which would
trigger a cultural shift towards a more resilient
community.
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Harar Jugol
The Fortified Historic Town
The fourth Holy city of Islam is
located on a hilltop in the eastern extension of
the Ethiopian Highlands. Harar Jugol with its
surrounding landscape is an outstanding example
of a traditional human settlement, representative of
cultural interaction with the environment.
The cultural and physical relationships with the
territory have survived till today, but they are
also vulnerable to irreversible change under the
impact of the modern globalizing world.
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Harar Jugol
The Fortified Historic Town
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The City Wall and Gates
The wall helped Harar to maintain the relative peace and security,
which allowed it to develop an urban culture, attracting trade and religious
learning. The wall has turned into a visual symbol between the urban Harari
merchant society and the predominantly Oromo pastoralists outside of the
ramparts. The location of the walls was influenced by the topography, the
neighbouring rivers and the springs included within the enclosure, and in
return influenced the internal urban structure.
The Marketplace
Despite of its political and geographical isolation, Harar survived
because of its business activity and trade that allowed it to keep vital contacts
with the outside world. The preservation and maintenance of Harar’s gates
is a result of the presence of market places at each one of them and their
continual existence. Because of the business activity, they have remained
places that are very much alive, as important for the urban life of the city as
town squares for example.
Khat Economy
Harvesting chat has become the main driver of the local economy.
Socioeconomic and agroecological reasons have influenced its expansion
and production, leading to increased market opportunities. It’s producers
are also traders and consumers. It is widely used for recreation and family
ceremonies, with approximately 4 out of 5 family members being involved
in the processes from production to consumption. This, however, has
resulted in reduced amount of crops and cereals, subsequently leading to
food deficiency.
Water Management
Each of the five gates of the town was traditionally associated with
a spring, which was used for personal hygiene and water provision. Only
water for drinking, cooking and washing everyday dishes was allowed within
the city ramparts. The vision of a ‘dry’ town has formed a special relationship
with the surrounding environment, making the rivers an integral part of the
life of the city. What is more, each spring set the beginning of an irrigation
system, which sustained a perfect balance between the rate of flow and the
quantity of water required for the agricultural area.
Waste Management
Poor refuse management and lack of discipline throughout
the inhabitants of the town has led to dreadful scenes of litter. Rubbish
contributes to the pollutions of the local rivers and unfortunately has become
a feature of the public space. The dumping of industrial and water waste
has dramatic consequences on public health (water pollution is the primary
cause of infantile mortality) and threatens the survival of the immediate
surroundings of Jugol.
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The traditional houses comprise a major
part of the city’s architectural heritage
and are a symbol of the local identity.
Their owners still take great pride in
them, maintaining them through
history. There are approximately 5115
houses within the ramparts.
Ge Abad /the compound/
Traditionally, the residence
accommodated members of a single
family. The floor plan and the elevations
are typical and have successfully
endured through history.
Ge Gar /townhouse/
A principal rectangular unit, comprising
of three spaces on the ground floor
and a single room upstairs. The services
of the house are located alongside
the compound, but are not directly
adjoined to the main unit.
The Courtyard
This is the main gathering space. It is
a shared space which accommodates
various activities and acts as a
distribution area, organised by two
successive thresholds: the main gate,
separating the public from the private
space, and the access to the Ge Gar,
often defined by plants or a step. The
latter indicates the passage from semipublic
to an intimate, private space of
residence.
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The second architectural type of
house that the city of Harar presents
is the Indian House built by Indian
merchants who came after Harar’s
conquest in 1887. The majority of these
house have been built on the ridge
- the city’s highest point. They have
a regular two-storey floor plan with
first floor wooden veranda as a main
feature which overlooks either the
street or the courtyard. Their high roofs
dominate the landscape of the city.
The most famous house is the french
poet Rimbaud’s house which was built
in the beginning of the 20th century
and now functions as a cultural center
and a library. The main difference from
the traditional Harari house is that
the Indian house is widely opened
to the landscape as opposed to the
Harari one which is a very introverted
enclosed space. Any rehabilitation to
the city must acknowledge the Harari,
the Indian and the Mixed housing
heritage.
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Ground Floor Plan
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An Agglomeration for Primary Education
The new school proposes an
unconventional path towards reaching the
learning outcomes of primary education by
introducing the children to an environment which
prepares them for the new day challenges of the
world. It aims to re-establish neglected traditional
activities as catalysts for cultural comprehension
whilst acting as a model for resolving local issues.
In its architectural form, the school respects
the urban structure of the town and ‘floods’
the space between the footprints of existing
buildings with a free learning environment.
Traditional building techniques and elements are
implemented in its physical form. The objective
is to provide a traditional environment for the
ethnically diverse community of Kebele 5, which
would establish an identity of Harari citizens and
allow for a unified development amongst the
youngest.
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Agriculture School
Shifting the current khat culture by promoting the emerging asset of food production.
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Free Space
A continuous landscape which offers freedom of movement,
choice of activities and peer learning through interaction.

Materiality
A Traditional Harari House;
Author’s Photograph.
page_17

Plan BEE
The Synthetic Apiary
Honey bees are some of the most
amazing, yet often underappreciated insects. They
are one of the hardest working creatures on the
planet, literally working themselves to death, and
because of their laborious work ethic people are
able to live in the world as it is today. Honeybees,
along with other types of bees, are responsible for
pollinating about one sixth of the flowering plant
species worldwide and approximate net £690
million worth of crops every year in the UK itself. It
is estimated that it would cost at least £1.8 billion
a year to mechanically pollinate Britain’s cultivated
land, and even then the production would be of
lower quality.
Despite of its contribution, bee population
has been reported declining worldwide and
Britain has not managed to reverse this trend for
the past 50 years. Factors ranging from climate
change, viruses and harmful pesticide use are
alarmingly threatening these little invaluable
gems. What is more, multiple bee wipe-outs have
been reported in the past years, with the UK
suffering a large loss in the early 1990s due to the
Varroa mite followed by a phenomenon called
Colony Collapse Disorder in the beginning of the
21st century which affected bee colonies worldwide.
For instance, Northern Ireland projected
bee decline above 50%.
As a result, the cultivation of bees, the
knowledge about their health and the development
of non-standard environments and technologies
has become increasingly important for their
survival, and for ours.
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The rapid development in technology
creates opportunities for exploration of
alternative, innovative ways to deal with the
challenges facing humanity. The project
investigates the idea of an unorthodox
solution to the reduced honey bee population
by embracing this technological advantage.
The proposed facility will:
•Study
•Develop
•Generate
autonomous robotic bees and their artificial
intelligence. The primary objective of the
project would be to reverse the decline
of honey bee population by introducing
manmade organisms into the bee colonies
and provoking a symbiosis between natural
and cyborg bees. In case the new bees fail
to achieve their objective and honey bees
become extinct, the facility will ensure that
pollination is sustained by the new bees.
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how can we solve the bee threats
The New Bees will be able to detect any mites in
the hive and alarm the beekeepers. That would
allow for adequate measures to be taken in time.
VARROA MITE - Varroa mites are external
parasites that attack both honey bees
and brood. They suck the blood from
both the adults and developing brood,
especially drone brood. This weakens
and shortens the bee’s life.
The New Bees will be able to monitor chemical
use on pollinated crops and alarm in case of a
threat. This would also record a database which
will allow for analysis of pesticides side effects.
PESTICIDES - Insecticides can either get
in direct contact with the foraging in the
field bees and kill them immidiately or be
even more harmful and contaminate the
bees, which affects the entire colony.
The New Bees will be able to monitor climate
change and accordingly the behaviour of honey
bees.
STRESS - Weather is perhaps the greatest
potential source of colony stress. Inclement
conditions slow down or stop altogether
flow of nectar and pollen into a
colony, which leads to starvation.
The New Bees will be able to execute any predators
threatening the honey bees.
DISEASES - There are two common
and devastating honeybee diseases: deformed
wing virus (DWV)—which causes
wing and abdominal deformities in
honeybees, and Nosema ceranae, a fungus
that causes intestinal inflammation,
among other problems.
PREDATORS - Researchers believe the
yellow legged or Asian hornet – a predator
of honey bees and other beneficial insects
which lurks outside hives to kill bees
when they return from foraging – could
rapidly colonise Britain.
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A Bee Sanctuary
Inspired by the Synthetic Apiary project,
the highlight of the building becomes a controlled
space, a botanical garden which allows honey
bees to thrive year-round. As a result, the
functioning of the building would not be affected
by seasonal or climate changes and will allow
for a consistent observation of the cooperation
between the natural and the synthetic bees. The
only conditions required for the space to function
are light, humidity and temperature.
The base of the building accommodates
a research and manufacturing facility, which
offers spaces for a complete production chain of
the new bees: from observing and recording the
data to developing the algorithms for the bee AI
and manufacturing of the microchips.
The whole facility is to be operated by the
new community of Govan, therefore visitors can
experience, acknowledge and actively participate
in the project in various forms. It offers opportunities
for urban beekeeping food production.
The artificial spring conditions make the botanical
garden an ideal public space.
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The Motherboard
A Metaphor of the
Automation
The motherboard project looks at
Govan as a complete working system. The
blocks form the microchips of the board, the
routes are the links where the energy generated
by the new residents of Govan flows.
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Govan 2067
A Post-Work Society
Deprived communities like the one in Govan are the first to suffer
the consequences of the rising automation. What is the community
supposed to do when jobs are no longer necessary and we are given
the opportunity to dictate our lifestyles free of financial burdens? Based
on the evolution of technology across generations, the new masterplan
for Govan predicts that around the year 2067, a new society can be
established. It proposes a multi-stage development which would create
a technology advanced, self-sustained town which allows its community
to strive for its own perception of excellence.
The Synthetic Apiary will replace a former warehouse, part of the
Shipyard. It sits on one of the main avenues of ‘Govan 2067’ , connecting
the technology-oriented belt with the green Northern belt. The symbiosis
that it generates turns it into a symbol of the clash between organic and
artificial. The new facility will invert the polluting nature of the former
industry into a positive environmental contributor.
4. generate the Superblock grid and
introduce activity belts
○ as housing stock degrades, gradually replace
with superblock based perimeter blocks
○ this attempts to retain existing community ties
○ Northern and Southern belts become hubs for
cultural and technological projects respectively
○ educational facilities to put the knowledge
foundations of the new society in place
3. key civic buildings &
connecting avenues
○ the proposed facilities reflect the different aspects
of the new lifestyle
○ group’s facilities are anchored to the new
avenues and become the focal points of new
Govan
○ three main avenues are introduced to connect
the Southern and Northern belts
2. retained architectural heritage
○ the new layout for Govan respects the important
historical buildings and spreads accordingly
○ use existing features and infrastructure as
boundaries for the masterplan
○ multiple historical buildings to be repurposed in
order to fit the new lifestyle
1. original Govan site
○ Govan in it’s prime projected a good housing
density of perimeter blocks
○ large part of the housing stock is now vacant
and multiple buildings have been demolished but
not replaced which leaves a fragmented Govan
○ the latest infrastructure changes of Govan
disrupted the historic centre’s routes and pattern.
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Orchard
○ the Synthetic Apiary will be responsible for pollinating
all flowering species not only in Govan, but the majority of
Glasgow.
Water Recycling
○ the dock will be converted into a water recycling plant,
which will distribute clean water to the surrounding facilities.
The surface will be covered with landscaping in order to create
a continuous promenade on the riverfront.
Vertical Farming
○ the remaining shipyard warehouse will be repurposed into
vertical farms.
Contextual Situation
○ the building is placed on the south edge of the existing dock,
which eliminates any potential overshading.
Perimeter Blocks
○ the residential area of Govan will be redensified with modern
perimeter block-type of housing.
Elder Park
○ the park is one of the cultural heritages of Govan and will be
preserved in its current shape.
○ new, flowering type of vegetation will be introduced in
its grounds, which will contribute to the production of the
Synthetic Apiary.
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Ground Floor Plan
The ground floor is mainly dedicated to the
development centre and takes any visitors
on an upward journey.
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First Floor Plan
The first floor becomes the meeting point
for public and private and offers a variety of
activities to contribute to the new life.
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CLT Construction
All CLT panels for phase 2
construction to be prefabricated
and installed on site
according to:
BS EN 14951:2006.
All glue-laminated timber
beams to meet the requirements
set out in:
BS EN 13377:2002.
Foundations: (BS EN 1997-1:2004)
Foundations to be designed in a way to ensure stability
for the large loadbearing structure. Pile foundations
might be appropriate below huge glue-laminated
columns. Soil to be investigated to confirm
appropriate support for the scale of the facility.
CIBSE Technical Memorandum 37 (TM 37)
Timber structure to be implemented into Solar Shading Control
strategy in order to improve thermal performance in controlled
environment.
U-value Compensation (TH 6.A.1)
Due to the specific demands of the botanical garden, a good
balance between the U-value and Solar Factor of glazing is
proposed to ensure optimal energy efficiency.
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Structural Considerations
•for snow loadings, BS EN 1991-1-3:2003 (Eurocode 1)
•for wind loadings, BS EN 1991-1-4:2005 (Eurocode 1)
Due to the complexity of the proposed
structure, a further investigation
into the following aspects
must be processed:
•constructability and structural integrity
with structural engineers
•health and safety appraisal for
construction and occupation
stages with H&S Executive
What is more, an appropriate
management of parks and public
spaces in cooperation with Glasgow
City Council, as well as a cooperation
with the Scottish Beekeepers
Association would ensure
the safe exploitation of the facility.
Botanical Garden (SPP 11)
The proposed botanical garden is designed
according to the planning policy
for Open Spaces, and following of considerations
outlined in PAN 65
Vertical Circulation (4.3)
The spiralling staircase
surrounding the observation
tower is designed
and to be constructed
in a way, which ensures
safe access to each floor
of the apiary. All staircase
aspects to meet
the outlined regulations
in section 4.3 of the
building standards. All
steelwork to be designed
according to BS EN 1993-
1-1:2005+A1:2014
Structural Considerations
All solid timber elements to be treated with preservative against decay and insect attack (NHBC
Part 2.3), as well as to ensure relevant fire resistance (EN 1995-1-2 (2004) (English): Eurocode 5).
The building is designed and will be constructed in such a way that:
•1.2 - disproportionate collapse: ensure no damage to small areas of the structure can result in major collapse
•risk to be assessed according to: BS EN 1991-1-7:2006
•building falls under risk group 2B (Categorisation of consequence classes of BS EN 1991-1-7: 2006, table A.1)
•6.9 - all building fabric to meet relevant U-Value standards.
•EPC certificate to be produced along Building Warrant application.
Professional Studies Assignment
Extract from considerations for Statutory Approval page_29

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‘Conditions’
three stories of galleries will exhibit the three different
methods of honeycomb architecture:
gravity
pressure
centrifugal
A study of the organic beehive structure.
MIT Media Lab
gravity centrifugal pressure
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A House and Grounds for an Art
Collector
LIS Design Competition
The house and grounds for an art collector
is a competition entry, strongly influenced by the
response to the shape and topography of the
site, its context and a decision from the outset
that design would be an iterative process within
our small team. Both disciplines, architects and
landscape architects, worked closely together to
create a holistic design idea that would integrate
the house and grounds within the surrounding
landscape.
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Museum Island,
Berlin, Germany
Torre Blancas,
Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oiza,
Madrid, Spain
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Corrosive Resilience,
Venice, Italy

A New Media House
DR, Aarhus, Denmark
The section is a result of the transformation
and development of an existing building. It is a
summary of the process of preserving but yet
evolving and adapting an industrial precedent
from Aarhus Harbour. The great volume of the
building was determined as a leading quality to
the concept. The existing columns are then used
as a tool to emphasize the space. The building
is divided into a public and a private part. The
present steel shafts are to be transformed and
used as a source of natural light for the void. In
order to accentuate on the void even further, the
roof of the building is divided into platforms that
are rearranged.
for more info:
part I portfolio
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