Random Images from a Middle-Eastern Art & Design School - Set XX - VCUQatar, Doha...

Some random images from the recently concluded Tasmeem conference... 

Pearl Tower Appropriations, Porto Arabia, Doha...

Proposal for a re-appropriated shell structure at Porto Arabia...

A few quick drawings for a ditty of an idea (a 'sketch-project'), exploring alternative renditions for some of the skeleton structures currently scattered around the Porto Arabia at the Pearl...

Wouldn't it be worthy - couldn't it be worthwhile - to explore a different aesthetic for the towers at the Pearl..?

Here the orientalized shell structures of the 'towers to be' are considered of superior allure to the completed products flanking them. Here a subjective stand is taken to contrast with the now objectified default represented by the completed towers... Here what isn't yet, but what could be, is (briefly) explored and celebrated... 

Instead of having a uniform, pastel beige, render (as is currently the case), the towers' facade units would here consist of a modular set of sliding panels made out of both wood and glass, predominantly placed a few meters in from the floor slab ledges for shading. The concrete floor slabs, joist and columns would be left as is. They would provide a regional rendition of weathered Brutalism and a notable contrast to the facade's wooden components... 

Using wood would not be as far fetched of an idea as it initially might seem, as there already are a number of wooden structural and facade components providing support and shade for pedestrians along the marina's walkway at Porto Arabia. There are also a number of wood types (cedar, poplar, even hemlock) that can withstand high fluctuations in both heat and humidity, as anyone who has visited a sauna can vouch for... Wood would also provide a much more tactile finish and surface, and would be an appropriate material to use in a residential context.

Above and Below: A close-up sketch of the proposed facade amendment...

 The detailing of the facades could be made bespoke (from an established template) according to the wishes of each unit's owner/ resident. They would be made offsite according to such specifications. The sliding screens, which would consist of both clear, semi-opaque glass, and striped wooden panels, would allow one to adjust the levels of light and privacy (as well as views out) according to need... The matte-finished and, somewhat ascetic and Nipponophile,wood facade would weather and age - acclimate - in harmony with the eventual staining of the concrete shell...

The design would provide a different, hopefully more contextual and responsive, take on what regionally influenced contemporary design ('Qatari Design') could entail...

Close-up of the above drawing...

A quick sketch (from my pocket-size sketchbook) of the facade proposal...

The Stove-Top Table...

 We've, finally, managed to get our Stove-Top Table design onto our website... More info of it can be found by clicking here...

Random Images from a Middle-Eastern Art & Design School - Set XIX - VCUQatar, Doha...

Skeletons in a Fashion Design studio...

MFA Student Barbara Charrue's project for the Physical Computing studio. I believe the device provides its user with a comforting pat on his/ her back, when leaning on the wall mounted cushion...

The VCUQatar Materials Library (here also featuring Marco Bruno)...

An 'pimped up' bicycle in room 390...

A sketch on the side of a mini-golf course...

VCUQatar MFA Open House - Sunday, January 25, 2015, Between 18.00 - 20.00...

The Smell of Time...

A few additional images for the 'Fragrant Timer' project found on our website...  To read more about the project please click here... 

Thanks to all colleagues and friends who so graciously agreed to pose for the pictures... 

Even Further Hotel Room Views...

Istanbul, Turkey...

New York, NY...

Torino (Turin)...

Richmond, VA...

Richmond, VA...

Rome, Italy...

Venice, Italy...

Ibiza, Spain...

Dubai, UAE...

Doha, Qatar...

Pininfarina Soda-Dispensers, Richmond, VA...

A few images of some Pininfarina (the designers of Ferraris and Maseratis) soda dispensers (providing a seemingly endless number of combination choices for beverage flavors), found in a few (quasi) fast-food places at the VCU campus in Richmond...  

How come we don't yet have these here in Doha - the natural habitat of most motorized carnivores..?

Click here for some images from a recent visit to the Pininfarina headquarters in Italy...

Details of and from the Highline - New York...

A few images from a very early morning (jet-lagged) romp along the High-line in New York. Snaking along the various horizontal stratum of the city, this extended park/ route provides a truly novel urban experience and perspective of the adjacent downtown neighborhoods... 

Above and Below: Various types of seating/ lounging options are provided that can be used for public discourse or private contemplation...

Above and Below: A few views from the High-line...

Above and Below: A few views of the High-line from adjacent blocks...