Sketches & Work in Progress

Motel on the road near tourist area

2010-03-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

After past year of planning, I will continue to post pictures of current projects as far as possible.
This project was designed for East Europe during summer 2009 and, in some circumstances, was referred to such type of hotel also known as motel. With parking is adjacent to the common rooms for guest, a motel is positioned so that car service core do not affect the residents.

Access to rooms and cooking facilities is provided via stairs, double rooms are located to nearby river. Originally, a building was three-storyed with pitched roof and plastered surfaces. However, during the designing it will be a two-storeyed construction with glass and metal facades, is covered a concrete flat roof.

Clothing Store

2009-03-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

This project was designed with double trading spaces united by covered passage and common entrance subsequently. Urban boutique showcases was supposed to become a general motif of complex composition involving many figures: 0,68 ha site, 86 100 sq. ft. retail floorspace, 800 car parking spaces, two major stores are used as double content with smaller shops inside; the major stores have entrances directly from the parking areas and walkways.

Designing of some imaginative layouts including restaurant and entertainment area were suspended except for a few details: retail group disclaimed one of trading spaces also cut down expenses. The result is due partly to the fact that only acceptable range of investments was available therefore construction is temporarily stopped during the financial crisis.

Sketch. Snack bar for animation studio

2009-02-24T08:24:00.000-08:00

Sometimes visual imagery of construction should be reinterpreted in building types to show a symbolic or shape content. For example, as expression of the external skin of the building may override any considerations for plan or structure, so visual imaginations might be a primary factor for archetypes perception. In addition to the above, any elements of advertisement (signboards, hoardings on facades) would be detached from contextual expression of the building if subconscious influence of shape is being single condition of style.
I have not the faintest idea about connection between snack bar and Liberty Enlightening the World, however, in a certain extent this building was designed in likeness to known construction.

The gallery entrance. (Adit)

2009-02-21T12:53:00.000-08:00

This preliminary sketch was designed for art gallery (without color and textures explorations). Form of entrance should be accessible and democratic although gallery is located underground to ensure protection against vandalism, thefts and damage.
Quote: an adit is a type of entrance to an underground mine which is horizontal or nearly horizontal. Adits are usually built into the side of a hill or mountain.

Form-finding explorations

2009-02-14T06:12:00.000-08:00

This house was re-designed three times for finding of a solution that fitted client requirements. In homebuilding a lot of customers usually bring forward own approved plans at architects disposal for the next development. It may be relative positions of bedrooms, kitchens, baths, garages and other premises. In order to pay attention to all project details, an architect should be able to create images of something that doesn`t exist. Pre-designed houses with approved elevations, however, are difficult to plan, because of the need for an alternative elements distribution.

The office building that resembles Cathedral

2009-02-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

I`m not supposed to design a church because original project has been conceived as an office building, also project investigation was not pertinent to the Code of Canon law or ritual requirements. However, a general view of building seems to be designed for divine service. For example, Cathedral of Oscar Niemeyer was arguably inspired by the design of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and I doubt whether my sketch is associated with similar constructions. Although a lot of modern temples are usually housed in available buildings and are not purpose-designed.

The Detroit People Mover

2009-02-10T18:52:00.000-08:00

These photos were taken in Renaissance station [Detroit People Mover] looking at downtown near General Motors center. For fare $0.50 is the best way to discover downtown Detroit.

Varieties of coupled house

2009-02-07T04:58:00.001-08:00

The elevations of this building were undergoing a change several times during projecting thus a design had developed in miscellaneous styles. Originally, a private house had traditional facades with certain elements of the victorian architecture. A coupled placement (2 kitchens, 2 garages) was specified by owners therefore a building was divided by `double space` that on ground level has been united by covered hallway. Some facade elements would be rearranged with the lapse of time according to half-timber decoration features and owners desires. However, method of creating framed structures of heavy timber jointed together with pegged mortise and tenon joints had mismatched design loads. Thus, original structural layout became solution for this project: a masonry wall with an outer leaf of brick, stucco and natural stone. It`s well known that a majority of the walls of residential houses in temperate regions are built of brick or block. It can be accounted for by thermal conductance, durability and very good fire resistance.
Specs: size 8550 sq.ft. including garages, currently under construction.

The country cottage. Part 2

2009-02-04T10:21:00.000-08:00

This sketch became a real cottage project with basement, garage and attic floor. In January a house plastering is almost completed using pigmented cement stucco for exterior works and acrylic stucco for covering eaves and ledges. Another meaning of that is synthetic stucco, also known as Exterior Insulation and Finish System. However, synthetic stucco is a component of the EIFS system, not the system itself.
As a building material, synthetic stucco has a relatively long history. It was first used in post-World War II Germany to resurface buildings with damaged masonry. It came to this country in the late 1960s, and its use became widespread. If applied properly, synthetic stucco can be an attractive, low-maintenance siding.
I guess many projects were suspended by reason of defective nature of EIFS that contains a plywood and styrofoam.Quote: because there`s no moisture barrier over the wood or gypsum sheathing, the system can allow moisture to intrude through less-than-perfect window and door edges or through cracks in the exterior or rooflines, causing the underlying wood or gypsum to deteriorate.
In some cases, these conditions were related more often to styrofoam panels affixed to the plywood wall sheathing. As far as I know, these issues are not found in the masonry.

NV trip: Las Vegas blvd

2009-02-01T06:15:00.001-08:00

A few pictures were taken on street junction of Las Vegas blvd and Buccaneer blvd looking at Wynn, Encore, Palazzo, and Venetian hotels.
Quote: Las Vegas Boulevard is a major road in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, best known for the Las Vegas strip and its casinos. Formerly carrying US91, the main highway between L.A. and Salt Lake City, it has been bypassed by Interstate 15, and serves mainly local traffic with some sections designated State Route 604.

L.A. trip to the Hollywood blvd

2009-01-31T10:35:00.000-08:00

This is a few pictures of L.A. trip from the California border to the Hollywood boulevard.
First of all, this welcome sign is located on interstate 15 not unique. As far as I know, a similar sign is situated on the U.S route 395. Interstate 15 is a major route from the Southwest into the Intermountain West, connecting San Diego and Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Idaho Falls, Butte, and Great Falls.

Baker, Barstow, and Victorville in San Bernardino County are situated on the way. Baker is located in the Mojave Desert at the junction of interstate 15 and SR 127 (Death Valley Road). The California city of Victorville is situated 82 miles northeast of L.A, and is surrounded by the nearby communities of Adelanto, Apple Valley, and Hesperia. Also a few pictures of Carl`s Jr. restaurant was taken en route.

The next picture was taken on Ventura Freeway above Riverside Drive looking at Walt Disney Studios and Johnny Carson Park in Burbank. Also picture on the Hollywood Freeway looking at Capitol Records and Academy Pacific Travel College on the Vine street. From Ventura Freeway to its intersection with the Hollywood Freeway in the southeastern San Fernando Valley in L.A, it is signed as U.S. 101 which was built in the late 1950s and 1960s.

The last pictures were taken near Hollywood Vine station and down to Hollywood Highland station. The Hollywood extension of the Metro Red Line Subway was opened in 1999. Running from Downtown to the valley, it has stops on Hollywood blvd at Western Avenue, at Vine Street and at Highland Avenue.

Auto body repair shop housed in a pre-engineered building

2009-01-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

This project was being designed for Honda retail dealership according to the building regulations. Type of primary framing system with single-span trusses became a solution for this project. A wall materials are designed with galvanized steel panels and Kingspan`s facade systems totally appropriate to features of similar buildings. Also roof covering with metal panels meet the requirements (passive fire protection materials insulate steel structures from the effects of the high temperatures that may be generated in fire)
Architecturally, a roof complements and accentuates the color and texture of the building and plays a major role in establishing its character and appearance. Structurally, roof covering may resist wind and live loads and may serve as bracing for roof purlins.
Quote:
Metal building systems serve many applications. Commercial uses have historically accounted for 30 to 40 percent of metal building sales. This category includes not only the familiar beige warehouses, but also office buildings, garages, supermarkets, and retail stores. Another 30 to 40 percent of metal building systems are found in manufacturing uses-factories, material
recycling facilities, automotive and chemical plants. Some 10 to 15 percent of pre-engineered buildings are used for community purposes: schools, town halls, and even churches. The catch-all “miscellaneous” use includes everything else and, notably, agricultural buildings such as grain storage facilities, farm machinery, sheds, storage buildings, and livestock shelters.
Source:Metal building systems by Alexander Newman

Development Process Part 3: under construction

2009-01-25T06:03:00.000-08:00

This building is being currently constructed in spite of the financial crisis. The east and north elevations are completed in fact: the workers had framed the walls using 65mm common calcium silicate bricks. It should be noted that wall and ceiling will be covered after heat insulation material will have fitted.
The masonry wall and concrete shows visible signs of water saturation. Probably the consultants will be asked to carry out investigations and testing because it is necessary to finish the construction in time.

Sketch. Head office building

2009-01-23T12:56:00.001-08:00

This project was not being designed for development because an awful quantity of such things becomes abortive schemes in many cases. I am of the opinion that lack of real estate investment will be leading to growth of worthless inventions. For the simple reason `as collapsed residential markets around the world show no sign of life, so architects are increasingly forced to look to other sectors to fill the gap`. Quote: each profession has also mostly gone its own way so that what we have today is a badly fragmented industry, where serious gaps of language, expertise and values have to be bridged with each and every project.
…a few words about the project. The three buildings are connected by ground level situated on site along the street. The ideas of a vertical urban space and the dissolution of boundaries were manifested in a very simple way: the glazing at upper levels connects the interior and the street with uninterrupted views. The lucid expression of how every element in the buildings comes together, also the urban space is not left behind on entry and the connection remains.
By way of explanation, this project may be labeled as glass architecture. Perhaps, the technical applications of glass as a building material will become even more versatile for the next years. For example enabling the use of solar energy for heating.

The linen mill

2009-01-19T10:48:00.001-08:00

This small weaving factory is situated in industrial estate near mill town. The three-level space that includes the manufacturing department also the entrance hall, the manager`s offices, warehouse, stock rooms, baths, and an auxiliary areas. It was designed to produce linen related products for hospitals, hotels, airlines and the catering industry.
The elevation has been simplified due to design loads also floor layout scheme was conditioned by range of columns. Is not a masterpiece on that score, therefore I couldn`t be sure that project has been finished as chef-d`oeuvre.
I used to take a pictures of background and I got something like that (the ground area: spring 2007/winter 2008)

Sketch. 2 design alternatives

2009-01-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

The design process was more complicated than just siting a standard floor plan and getting feedback from subcontractors. The structural shell (foundation, roof and exterior walls) has a greater effect on the cost of a home than any other factor, therefore the project solutions were based on traditional method of construction: masonry house is topped with a trussed rafter roof. The traditional covering for pitched roofs in England has been clay tile and natural slate. These traditional roof coverings are still extensively used for new houses and other small buildings for their appearance, durability and freedom from maintenance. Specs: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, size 2250 sq.ft. including garage, project currently under construction.

Renovation of 2 story building (2007)

2009-01-13T15:51:00.000-08:00

It `s one of my first projects: renovation of a masonry building are constructed in 1949 from locally-sourced materials that are rarely used in the majority of building constructed today (old wood ceilings and slated roof). Some materials present in this building should not be acceptable in modern usage for health and safety reasons. At first sight, this one is not sophisticated, but existing masonry basement has been ruined, the ceilings and roof were stripped. The project has included a levels reinforcement and rearrangement into the office spaces and the sound recording studio for broadcasting station.
The project solutions were simplified. The traditional concrete floor to a structural steel frame consisted of reinforced concrete, cast in situ with the concrete casing to beams, cast on timber centering and falsework supported at each floor level. The steel decks were laid on the top flange of steel beams. The advantage of these floor systems was a considerable reduction in site labour and speed of erection because the slabs and beams were 'self-centering', that is they required no support from below once in place.
The minimum slope for new flat roof coverings are 1:80, was designed for built-up bitumen felt membranes. The sound insulation was based on the Ecophon`s systems.

Development Process. Part 2

2009-01-11T06:29:00.000-08:00

There is an extraordinary work in progress:the commercial building in the suburb.Some part of my work is represented on screen shots.
I can note with satisfaction that work is completed and it remains in my best interest to continue backing this project. I`ve got a full working layout: building plans, sections, elevations, details. Also the estimate and reinforced drawings is completed and the builders are working to construct a basement and the frame. As soon as I finish my work, I will make some snapshots from the building area within a week`s time.

Sketch. The restoration on a basement level

2009-01-10T06:07:00.001-08:00

This is a renewal project of small public room located in downtown. Although small in scale, it appears larger than it really is, partly because of proportions but also because there was designed a good deal of the furniture, thus providing a continuity of scale and style. This was common practice in the eighteen and nineteenth centuries when an architect`s commission would include all the key pieces of furniture in the public rooms of a house.
The restoration project included a whole package of subcontract works. All the essential services had to be renewed; walls, floors and ceilings where stripped and redecorated. Although the palette is neutral, I had applied various painting techniques to give the impression of aged painted surfaces. Interior furnishing contains frescoes, handicrafts, mosaic on floor (Megaron). Some of the furniture was specially made for this project. There is not daylight in the room therefore the ceiling lamps establish favourable conditions for illumination.

The country cottage.

2009-01-07T08:05:00.001-08:00

Built with traditional methods and a limited budget, this design contains a lot of eclectic elements. The style is not related to varieties of Victorian architecture. Therefore I call it pseudo classical, if this is an appropriate name for that.
Original idea was a construction with application of technology such as in former times - wooden rafters and joist ceiling. Also temporary working platforms erected around the perimeter of a building (scaffolds) was wooden. During the construction, all working platforms above the ground level were fitted with a toe board and a guard rail.
There is not supplied a gas heating therefore the building is designed with an efficient heaters similar to Rumford fireplace.

Sketch. The exhibition space on the water

2009-01-04T15:53:00.000-08:00

I would not like to post extended comment upon that because I prepared it for three days. It is my vision of a modern museum. The sculptures protected from attendees by the use of water. There is not a place for approaching… It `s open site therefore the exhibition space is full by force of light.
Quote:
FEMA 430 `Site and Urban Design for Security`
5.1 security design for the open site:
The security design implications for the open site include aspects such as the amount of land available on the site for stand-off and the inherent ability of the site to accommodate the implementation of security design features. It is important to recognize that conflicts sometimes emerge between security design elements and conventional site design. For example, open circulation and common spaces (which are desirable for conventional design) may be detrimental to certain aspects of security. Designers must balance good design practices with protection priorities.

Unrealized project. The office building

2009-01-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

The office building is projected in the edge of a group of small-scale village buildings without any remarkable architectural qualities.
The triangular shape of the building is caused by a ground area configuration. It is not being constructed due various reasons: complexities of ground area registration, reduction of bank loans, etc.

The building is entered through a showroom, and the other floors are reached by a staircase and a free-running lift to the second floor, where the reception and a visiting room are located.
The building is characterized by the large glazed surface that covers the west facade, some glazed surfaces on the south and east facades. The design of the building makes it possible to use solar energy through the facades, which provides 50% of the total energy needed to heat the building. The windows of the building may be opened, so it is possible to avoid the use of air conditioning. Each office has blinds that allow the workers to regulate the natural lightning according to their needs.
The materials used are always the same: concrete, iron and glass

Development Process. The commercial building in the suburb

2008-12-28T15:04:00.000-08:00

I would like to pay attention to small buildings because designing kills much time as well as necessity to use more imagination. I have recently finished a project of the similar construction. It is not yet being constructed due to winter conditions (cold-weather concreting that unfortunately take a time). However I would like to present some sketches.
There is a commercial building located on the urban fringe. Suburb are commonly defined as residential areas on the outskirts of a city or large town. This is the reason why customer had to get commercial interest to placing of the building there.
To begin my work I need a minimum of data. This could be photographs and city map. In the beginning I have made some sketches that have been focused on the prior plan. There is usual rectangular volume and the key purpose of the idea was not the art work itself.

Basically I accentuate to constructive analysis and design features for every building. It would be wind actions, thermal actions, actions on structures: densities, self-weight, imposed loads for buildings etc. Also I have designed an auxiliary rooms (boiler-house on a roof, utility core etc). I used to plot sketches every day. As a result of it, the central portal was displaced to the angular side of the building. Also I have planned additional entrances and fire precaution.However I have refused this idea and transferred some elements on other objects in a consequence.

Further there was a problem with deployment of construction: the municipal services have refused to co-ordinate placing of the building as it was in the prior project. I have moved the front entrance to the centre due to functional zones displacement at the ground level.
The system of glass panel located on the north-west side of the building form a system designed to optimize the building`s thermal balance, particularly in the summer months when they serve as a screen against the sun`s rays. In the winter, the glass structure serves to accumulate heat, whereas in the summer it is open and ventilated while the outer shell of the building prevents the masonry from accumulating heat. The building is designed in steel, masonry and concrete structures. Its form is articulated into the system of glass panels which, in plan, designated interior spaces as commercial areas. It is open and its appearance responds to the intention of illuminating the interior spaces by taking full advantage of the natural light.