Omar Harb

advisor

Phoenicia University

Lebanon

As an architect and founder of Omar Harb Architects & Associates, my work centers on creating… more

Overall Concept and Vision
Your project idea is well-defined, focusing on student and faculty housing for Les Grands Ateliers and Compagnons de France. The emphasis on integration into the surrounding environment without disrupting the existing urban fabric is a strong starting point. The idea of a residential zone that is both functional and aesthetically harmonious with its context is a solid foundation for a thesis project.

Project Description
The residential zone's layout with four separate buildings connected by a pedestrian footbridge is a good design choice. This footbridge sounds like it will be a key feature, not just for circulation but also for potentially fostering interaction and providing architectural interest. Distributing distinct functions across the buildings (short-term accommodation, laboratory, offices/study rooms, multifunctional rooms, and a bistro) ensures a diverse and practical living and working environment for the intended users. The consideration of the terrain slope by including a basement floor in one building demonstrates a practical approach to site challenges.

The material palette is well-considered. The use of a wooden structure with CLT panels for the foundation, complemented by steel Deltabeam beams, combines modern timber construction with robust structural support. The reinforced concrete cores are a sensible choice for ensuring stability and strength, which is crucial for multi-story buildings. This hybrid approach suggests a thoughtful balance between sustainability, efficiency, and structural integrity.

The inclusion of the renovation of a historical building in Chimilin is an excellent addition to your thesis. The goal of creating flexible, year-round usable spaces with adaptability to new functions shows a forward-thinking approach to architectural preservation and reuse. This demonstrates your ability to handle both new construction and sensitive renovation within a single project.

Technical Information
While the "Technical Information" section repeats much of the "Project Description," the specific mention of CLT panels, steel Deltabeam beams, and reinforced concrete cores does highlight the structural system effectively. These are robust and modern choices that suggest a well-engineered solution for the buildings' stability and long-term performance.

Suggestions for Further Consideration
Detailing the Pedestrian Footbridge: Since the footbridge has "urbanistic and architectural functions" beyond just connection, it would be beneficial to elaborate on what these functions are. Does it incorporate seating, green elements, or specific views? How does it contribute to the community aspect?
Multi-Comfort Principles: You mentioned the project being part of the "Multi Comfort Student Contest." While the materials imply some comfort aspects, explicitly discussing how the design addresses thermal, acoustic, visual, and indoor air quality comfort would strengthen this connection and showcase a deeper understanding of multi-comfort principles.
Flexibility within New Buildings: You've emphasized flexibility in the historical building renovation. Could you also touch upon how the new residential buildings (especially the accommodation and study spaces) incorporate flexibility or adaptability for future needs or varying user preferences?
Overall, Réka, this is a very promising project that effectively addresses the brief for student and faculty housing while also tackling a historical renovation. Your material choices are sound, and the functional distribution is logical.

You've laid out a solid foundation for your Campus project, Réka. To elevate it further and truly showcase your expertise, let's refine those suggestions into more impactful areas for improvement.

1. Elevating the Pedestrian Footbridge into a Dynamic Hub
You've identified the footbridge as having "urbanistic and architectural functions," which is a great start. To truly maximize its potential, consider transforming it from a mere connector into a vibrant, multi-functional social and architectural landmark.

Programmatic Integration: Beyond just connecting buildings, could sections of the footbridge widen to incorporate small, informal gathering nodes, outdoor study nooks, or even mini-exhibition spaces for student work from Les Grands Ateliers?
Experiential Journey: Think about the sensory experience. How does the design of the footbridge offer varying perspectives of the campus and surrounding landscape? Could specific material changes, integrated seating, or subtle lighting create different "moments" along the path, encouraging pause and interaction?
Environmental Enhancements: Can the footbridge itself contribute to the project's sustainability? Perhaps it incorporates integrated planters with local flora, permeable surfaces for rainwater runoff, or even small, shaded seating areas that utilize passive cooling.
2. Explicitly Demonstrating Multi-Comfort Principles
Since your project is linked to the Multi Comfort Student Contest, it's crucial to explicitly detail how your design achieves holistic comfort across all key aspects, beyond just material choices.

Thermal Comfort: Beyond using CLT, describe specific strategies for insulation, natural ventilation pathways, and shading devices (e.g., overhangs, brise-soleils) that manage solar gain in summer and retain heat in winter, ensuring stable indoor temperatures.
Acoustic Comfort: How do the material selections and spatial layouts address noise? Consider sound absorption in public areas, noise reduction between residential units, and mitigation of external traffic sounds.
Visual Comfort: Detail how natural light is optimized throughout the day, avoiding glare while maximizing daylight penetration. Are there opportunities for varied views, and how does artificial lighting complement natural light to create pleasant and functional spaces?
Indoor Air Quality: Beyond ventilation, how is material off-gassing minimized? Are there specific systems for air filtration, or natural methods to ensure a fresh and healthy indoor environment for students and faculty?
3. Integrating Adaptability and Future-Proofing in New Construction
You've rightly highlighted the adaptability of the historical building. Extend this forward-thinking approach to the new residential buildings to ensure their long-term relevance and sustainability.

Flexible Unit Layouts: How can the internal layouts of the short-term accommodation or study rooms be reconfigured with minimal structural intervention? Think about movable walls, modular furniture systems, or integrated service connections that allow for different occupancy types or programmatic shifts over time (e.g., converting a single studio into a shared flat).
Service Core Design: Are the building's service cores (plumbing, electrical, ventilation) designed with an inherent capacity for future expansion or modification? This foresight can significantly reduce renovation costs and material waste down the line.
Façade Modularity: Could elements of the façade be designed to allow for future changes, such as the addition of external shading devices, balconies, or even integrating new technologies like photovoltaic panels more seamlessly if the project expands its renewable energy goals?
By elaborating on these areas, you'll provide a more comprehensive and impressive demonstration of your architectural and engineering acumen.