PORTFO L IO

Masooma Abbas Selected Works

Masters + Bachelors
 C ONTENTS

01 T H E R I S I N G WAT ER
LCA Design - Mangrove Resilience 01
Architecture is yielding services parallel to the design of build-
ings and the space surrounding them that occupies life. A mind-
ful of knowledge during my graduation in 2013 drove this basic
02 A R O M A NT I C ' S GL I MP S E T H R O U GH A P ERT U R ES
idea about the field.
LCA Design - Landscape Intervention 14

My experiences and learnings of such diverse cultures come

03 O FF GR O U N D LOD GI N G
from Estonia - the land of great nature, Delhi - known to be the
LCA Design - Hiking and camping trails 26
heart of incredible India where I observed that landscape can
sufficiently enhance the quality of human life alongside wildlife
ecology and The Kingdom of Bahrain - a thriving real estate
04 A C U LT U R A L A RT I FACT
market of the Middle East. For personal skills growth, I vol-
Architecture Design - A maritime landscape museum for Bahrain 34
unteered to invest time into various collaborated projects that
include freelance branding, spatial visualization and graphic
design. This is the time lapse capture of my designs portraying 05 FLOWER S I N T H E WA S T EL A ND
urban and landscape approach of architecture; one that is based Architecture Design - A visitor urban park for Saket 48
on human interaction with nature. Nature is a soft calming el-
ement that can be molded and incorporated within the circle of
human lives. The work I exhibit can be veridical to prove my 04 L A N D S C A P E T H EO RY O F D ES I GN
keen interest towards urban landscape. Architecture Design Posters 59

I’m a romantic Architect who is excited by the opportunity to

use her landscape knowledge and skills in a dynamic nature 05 R ED EFI N IN G I N D I A N S M A RT & S U S TA I N A B L E C IT I ES
inspired environment. Publication work - Graphic novel 61

I’m Masooma Abbas.

OT H ER WO R K S 64
Welcome to my thoughts! Branding & Marketting
Graphics
 0 1 THE RI S I N G WATE R
MANGROVE LOSS
40% depletion of mangrove cover over the
EMÜ 2021, Thesis Design Project - Mangrove Resilience
past 60 years.
Instructor: Friedrich Kuhlman
Site: Tubli Bay, Kingdom of Bahrain

SLR MAPPING 2100

Site Selection: 3km 2
A significant 25% land loss due to coastal
flooding, as predicted to 2100 sea level Master Thesis Research + Design
rise (3.3mm / yr).
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2021
DRAINAGE & GEOLOGY
The land gradually slopes towards the
sea. Sanad and Sitra have lithological-
ly variable deposit of pleistocence and
scattered rock outcrops. The deposits
consists of limestones, mudflat deposits
and calcisiltites.
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

CONNECTIVITY 2030
Heavy infrastructure planning with
low connectivity in Ras Al Sanad forest
region.
URBAN PATTERN
Densly populated zone area around the
Bay, with 2239 ppl / km2.
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
Bahrain, where the island is surrounded by water, not below 5 meters in depth, can be seen in the
shallowest coastal sector within Persian Gulf region. Given that the country's highest point is 134
meters above sea level, most urban growth occurs on a 5-meter plateau above sea level, resulting
in a concentration of functions and inhabitants along the islands' coastlines. By 2100, over 27%
of the country’s entire region could be submerged under SLR 1.5 m. With most of its islands being
occupied by its population, a study published by World Ocean Review shows that Bahrain faces a
substantial chance of losing most of its inhabited areas due to rising sea levels.

The vast coastal mangrove wetlands that once circled Tubli Bay acted as a natural barrier against
tidal floods while still providing valuable environmental resources. Unfortunately, Tubli Bay has
lost more than 40% of its mangrove swamps over the last century. Such a depletion of environ-
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ZONING PLAN 2030
Low residential area along Tubli Bay and mental and cultural heritage importance necessitates studying the significance of mangroves, their
ascending inland towards high residential
area, mixed coomercial and industrial
ecological and cultural benefit, and their potential for coastal resiliency.
zones.

GOOGLE EARTH 2021

Tubli Bay, Land reclaimation
observed and open land for future con-
01 struction (2030 Masterplan). 02
 Site Boundary GEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE
Protected Area

Protection area from

future development
Mangroves have pneumatophore of protruding
Intertidal mudflats
Farmland
roots in these areas, following the mangroves, you
Proposed Park can find patches and narrow bands parallel to the
Access to Mangrove shorelines. Pleistocene outcrops shields the area
C Industrial Zone from wave erosion. The Sanad beach is an island
A Bird Habitat
nucleated about outcrop of Pleistocene. The more
Pipeline
Viewpoints
extensive mangroves expand along the channel's
B margins, but their height and distribution decline
C Proposed Road

as they pass inland, cyanobacterial mats colonize

the area, and the mangroves gradually die.
A

A
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2021
B
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2021 0.0 m 2050 0.5 m 2100 1.5 - 2.0 m

INDUCED DEGRADATION SHORELINE TYPOLOGY ON SITE AREA SHORELINE TYPOLOGIES MARKED IN COLOR DOTS
Pneumatophores
Waste-water
act as mesh trap-
disposal
ping large objects. A Coastal defense
with Rip Rap

B No Coastal
Defense system
HIGH TREES LOW TREES
DENSITY: DENSITY:
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1.1 items / m2 0.4 items / m2

C Fencing around
the mangrove
forest

VISUALIZING TIDE RANGE AT TUBLI BAY REGION: SEDIMENT PROPERTIES OF MANGROVES IN TUBLI BAY
• Aridity and strong sediment
Macro - tidal range (m)
salinity.
03 04
• Long-term anthropogen-
2.0 SLR
ic sedimentation has a
negative impact on the
MHHW:2.0
mangrove environment,
current mean MHW:1.83
MLW: 0.8 manifesting itself in swath
sea level MLLW: 0 deaths of mangrove trees
due to root burials.
 Site Boundary MANGROVE INTEGRATION IN ENVIRONMENT
Protected forest area
Sitra Residential
Protection area from
future development
Intertidal mudflats
Farmland
Sanad Beach Sitra Mangroves Mangrove afforestation
Creation of tidal-creeks
Agro-tourism potential
Connectivity potential
Pipeline
Mangroves Artificial reefs Juvenile reefs
Living Breakwater
Eker Residential Proposed Road
park

Sanad Residental Eker Waterfront

2021

2021
Mangroves People Adaptability

STRATEGIES FOR HYBRID ECOLOGIES

• Clearing outgrowth along the mangrove forest shore- • Merging Urban, Natural and Restored landscapes. ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS
lines and integrating the EMR solution to remove soil Educate about cultural ecosystem & mangrove ecological NATURE
siltation and create a system of inter tidal channels benefits. CYCLE
that allow regular tidal flow into the protected forest • Diverse shoreline edge forms are the strategy used in this Detritus
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region. design application. Detritus as
deposits
• The design solution integrates ecological shoreline primary food
conservation, new living shoreline principles, and
social infrastructure projects into a new coastal
parkland network with various design elements assist
circulation, navigation, and occupation. Living Shorelines Green Levee Coastal Dunes Revetments HT
LT
INTERVENTION IDEAS TO BAHRAIN’S CURRENT PLANNING
MANGROVE AFFORESTATION STRATEGY
A series of living breakwater structures in high wave action areas that could build shal-
low-water ecosystems while still providing coastal resilience and ecological services.
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REASONS TO THINK ON NATIONAL LEVEL
Green infrastructure’s performance in one part of town can influence overall planning in other parts of the country. It is
Transition Time
important to take steps to restore Bahrain’s green-blue ecosystem.
Natural Collaboration between
Water management and
Landscape people, environmental
agencies and Gov. policy.
landscape resilience Artificial reefs
spread across towns. breakwater
Extended Shoreline
05 06
Hybrid Promoting
Ecologies Awareness blue-green
environment
of cultural
Restored Urban heritage
Landscape Landscape
Site respective use
of green infrastructure
 1) Sanad Beach

2) Birdwatching Tower
3) Resting spot
4) Boat Jetty

5) Eker Residential Park

6) Eker Residential Waterfront

7) Connector Bridge
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2021
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07 08

2035 (Assuming 10 years growth rate) 0.5 m 2050 0.5 m 2100 1.5 - 2.0 m
 BOARDWALK LINK STRATEGY
R’S Boat Jetty
HE TY Dynamic
waste Disposal OT PER
O
facility PR Water Level
Security
Room Management High Water level
ng
rki A
Pa
C
Outdoor D
C D
seating area
Middle Water level Low Water level
A’ Coastal Dune

Beachfront

SANAD BEACH DESIGN STRATEGY A Birdwatch tower linked to B Boat jetty access to C Resting place and view
boardwalk boardwalk point zones
Boat
The site has been redesigned as a public park, with Jetty
the entrance serving as a beach, food truck park, and
mangrove nursery zone. The flat topography and
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2021
proximity to different natural scenery forms on either
side already entice us to explore the wilderness and
wide-open sea view further. A series of reinforced Food truck
service lane
coastal dunes can be constructed along the shorelines, A
to defend the region from sea level rise. Boardwalk Mangrove
networks linking the beach's higher elevation areas Nursery Beachfront
TRANSECT FOR WATER MANAGEMENT ECOLOGICAL STRATEGY
along the coastal dune could extend into the Bay to
link to the Eker, and connector bridge, providing Mangrove Intertidal
Floating
various leisure options for residents and tourists. Nursery
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Boardwalk

Sea deck
MANGROVE Mangrove
PROTECTED view zone
FOREST ZONE Coastal
Dunes
Coastal
Dunes Picnic Area

Date Palm Buffer THE CONNECTOR BRIDGE

Offset Zone Boardwalk to

Eker

COASTAL DUNE FORMATION WITH TIME

Construction of boarwalks and Plantation of dune salt tolerant Mature plantations and 2m SLR Existing pipeline Structural Framework Walkway Slab over Railings design concealing
reinforced coastal dune formations. grasses and transplanting coastal scenario. on low columns fitted on existing the framework the pipeline underneath
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columns
Use of fencing to capture sand. date palms.

NTS NTS NTS

SITE TRANSECT AT AA’

Mangrove Intertidal Intertidal Mangrove Food Truck Outdoor Coastal Shore Sea
Forest Nursery Zone Nursery Zone seating Dune Front Zone
Truck Boardwalk

09 Coastal Boardwalk
Lane
10
Dune

2m 2m
 Residential zone Residental zone Residental zone

A Revetment Tidal channel Boardwalk

Living Living link
breakwater breakwater
Park development + Shoreline
enhancement

Scattered Afforested
mangroves mangroves

B
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2021
Water storage + Levee + Mangrove
afforestation (0.5m SLR)
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C
Shoreline extension + Intertidal channel
capacity increases (2.0m SLR)

EKER RESIDENTIAL PARK EKER RESIDENTIAL WATERFRONT

The new residential park is a 5,250m plot of land that straddles the land-sea divide. It is on par with the urban area and
2
Creating a combination of wetlands and mangrove plantations around the shoreline will help shield homes from tidal
provides little in the form of shoreline protection. Because of the park’s limited width and the density of growth on the site, action, while creating living breakwaters further offshore can help protect residential buildings and the wetland itself. They
a linear park typology with a long swath of pathway forming the edge is possible. A green levee along the region’s shore may migrate out farther offshore over time as the sediment deposited by living breakwaters. As a method of preserving their
MASOOMA ABBAS

be combined with a walkway to provide visitors with links to the sea and exciting mangrove habitat views. A bioswale was
also built along the property line to catch storm water and act as a seawater inlet. The flora for this region should be a mix
of low and high marsh plants that can tolerate varying inundation levels.
Panicum Turgidum
MASOOMA ABBAS
properties, homeowners residing along the waterfront can turn their shoreline into gorgeous green space. They can be able
to navigate their private boats through floating boat jetty and boardwalks.

Spartina Maritima
Ornamental

Ornamental
Cordgrass

Cordgrass

11 2M 12

Residential Seating Green Stepped Restored Mangrove Residential

Bioswale B Riprap Extended shoreline over time Breakwater
Zone area levee Zone Offset
 11,050 0 2 A ROM A NTI C ' S G L I M P S E
TH ROUG H A P P E RTURE S

EMÜ 2021, LCA Design Project - Landscape Intervention

Instructor: Friedrich Kuhlmann
Kvissentali Site: Emajõgi River, Tartumaa County, Estonia
New
Development
Raadi Project Area: 2.5 km 2
2021

2021
Individual Design

Protected
Forest
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
Beach
Emajõgi is the most important feature today, and since history, it provides a broad panorama over the
magnificent valley of Emajõgi. Visitors to space are confronted with an awe-inspiring vision, punctuated
Dendropark
today with forest landscape and picturesque houses, the location of which was decided by the river. It of-
fers itself as a place to witness and view the rich ecological ideals and the continuous romantic narratives
that characterize Estonian landscapes. Over time, though, the relationship between new development has
Ujula
been lost both visually and physically. Dramatic differences in topography acts as barriers and eliminates
University Zone physical connection and sightliness. Provides low accessibility point to disabled people. The typology of
residential buildings are introvert and enclosed cluster which are not well connected .With the growing
population and weak road connection in the area, the place will look like a giant football field. People will
be everywhere, and the traffic will not flow well. And with the new development of Kvissentali housing, the
place is going to be more cramped. The primary importance would be the restoration and enhancement of
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Suppilinn
physical and spiritual connections between the inside and the outside and vice versa.

13 14

Network Barriers Topographic Barrier Nodes Activity Zones

 CONCEPT INSPIRED BY ROMANTICISM

Architecture

Romantic Landscape Raw Nature

Enhance Expand Connect

The vision includes establishing new connections as gateway portals into the site. To help spur this conceptual
shift, the design takes inspiration from the romantic themes associated with river’s past, notably ‘Landscape as
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2021
an Image’ and utilizes the related themes to inspire and guide the future of the site. In order to connect to the
past, I envision a gateway that anticipates the visitor to explore the landscape and moments in the area where
the great vista across the Emajõgi river valley can be experienced in an all encompassing way.
The core inspiration came around the on-going Corona pandemic;
which has inspired people to pause and reflect ...... to what remains!!
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
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LANDSCAPE PERCEPTION TIMELINE

Aleksander Vari Postcard Kaarel Liimand Kimm ilmar Postcard (Kvissentali)

15 1901-1983 1955 1935-1940 1949 1908 16
National Archive National Archive
The
Sub-Urban Forest Protected Forest Connections Beach Mounds The Entrance

Path to the Beach Design Narration

The Wind
Down
 Exsisting Skybridge Exsisting
Highground forest forest
Highground
Park Park

+6 m

GL

SECTION XX’
Sub-Path Restorative Landscape
Main
Space Window
Pathway
Silent
retreat
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2021
+6 m

SL

SECTION YY’
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

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‘Sub-Urban
Forest’

X
2

C
X’

3
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Kvissentali
Y’ New
Development

1
A
Protected
Forest
B
17 18

“ Change in Levels - Landscape as an Image”

1
 “ Sense of Nature -
‘Sub-Urban Landscape as an Image”

Forest’

2
C A: LANDSCAPE WINDOW
The landscape window is situated on a higher mounds that
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2021
3 Kvissentali opens out into the general landscape in a picturesque way. A
New
Development
spot to allow a pause before leaving the area.
2
1 A
3 “ Vista - Landscape as an Image”
B
Protected
Forest
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

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o 4
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B: RESTORATIVE SPACE C: SILENT RETREAT
The pathways designed as spiderweb that causes some sur- A narrow path leads into the river edge, a place to pause, to
prise and confusion. Hikers can rest and orientate themselves. listen in, a retreat and hear the sounds of nature

19 20

o 4 o 4
 “ Awarness”

The new path will take the visitor through the cultivated path of
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2021
the reeds and eventually to the opening that leads to the beach,
providing a mystery feature for the scene. The reed landscape is
unique to the region and could be improved by planting a few na-
tive reed species and an allium.
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

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5

Calamagrostis Canadensis

Calamagostis x Acutiflora
Calamagrostis brachytricha
Sanguisorba
‘The Path to the
Beach’

0 10

4
PHASING OF PATHWAY
5
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The existing pathway has
ditches and offsetting are
reed fields.

A pathway will run over

the ditches and will be
Dendropark formed as a perforated
cover.

21 22
New plantation seedling
will be planted.

The area when the

“ Mystery - Landscape as an Image” plantations are matured,
4 University Zone bringing the place to life.
 The partnership revolves around the notion of introducing some vertical height
to the flat forest landscape. The walkway starts at the highest point of the
landscape, with an entrance gate that looks like a circular magnifying portal,
looking into the protected forest floor. Architecture deals with the notion of an
artificially encouraged foray above the forest floor, an elevated view, and then a
meandering down the forest, which is otherwise impossible to see in such a way
that there is no relationship at all.
7

‘The Wind
2021

2021
Down’
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“ Enclosure - Landscape as an Image”

Z Z’
6 Open
‘The Mounds’ Area
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Lodjakoda weaves together landscape typologies: from an upland Open seating
play mound area to a lowland river scape. I envisioned as a gate- space
way to the natural world; one that highlights creative discovery in
all seasons. Diversity, discovery and imagination are emphasized
Riverside
in the vision of this design, offering visitors fertile ground for the
seating
expansion of the mind and body.
0 40
m

Access road Mounds Open area Mounds Open seating

space
23 Mound
24
seating

“ Exploration - Landscape as an Image”

SECTION ZZ’
 0 3 OF F G ROUN D LOD G I N G
EMÜ 2020, LCA Design Project - Camping and Hiking
Instructor: Simon Bell, PhD.
Site: Saviranna, Harjumaa County, Estonia
Built Area: 2km 2

Individual Design + Group Analysis

2020

2020
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

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Saviranna is located in North Estonia, Harjumaa County. It is a transitional zone of forest and
city, with few numerous forest restoration, cultural and natural resources. The aim of the project
are those guaranteeing to trekkers and hikers, th possibility to go uphill through the Estonian Klint
forest, to admire the panorama and rest in one of the small cabins merged with the surrounding
nature. The different types of cabins depend on the topographic location and a mix of oarticular
users intresting for distinct ages and dventure visitors. All cabins have a connection to their posi-
tion via trail which is handicap friendly.

The project mainly uses GIS analysis to deal with complex terrain and restore nature ecology,
construction and people. I selected basic factors such as slope, vegetation and hydrology to analyze
the ecological sensitivity and suitability of construction. The Saviranna is divided into 3 zones: the
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cliff range area, secluded residence estate and the Baltic Sea.

25 26
 SITE ANALYSIS WITH GIS__ SUITABILITY, SENSITIVITY AND CAPACITY ROUTE SELECTION
Summers:

Baltic Sea
300M

Sea walk Trail

150M

Proptected Area
2020

2020
Winters:

SEASONAL TOURIST AND OVERNIGHT ACCOMODATIONS Secondary trail Primary trail

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
Cabin

ORIENTATION: ECO-CULTURAL TOURIST AREA

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27 28
 SITE PLAN AND PART LAYOUTS
2020

2020
A

B
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0 200

The chosen area, limited by natural clear s[ace cre-

B A
ated by positions of trees, frames and privileged view
of the Baltic Sea.
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Based on the modern Scandinavian cottage, the
visited current campings, and the enormous verti-
cal component, an “Off Ground Lodging” is created
along the escarpment. Proposing a new experience
in the Baltic sea region . Along the path people can
choose to use one of the cabins, place their tent or
even just go on a walking trail and some fishing and
picnic activity.
29 30
 CONSTRUCTION PROCESS SECTIONAL ELEVATIONS

The hiking trail and cabins uses minimal and sustainable construction materials including wood, log
and glass to create a sense of simplicity or re-interpretation of forest enviornment surrounding it. The 12.5m

cabins are designed as pitched roof where one can behold and relax, and the other can just have an 10.0m
7.5m
artist retreat moment.
2.5m
SECTION AA’
2020

2020
12.5m

10.0m
7.5m

6.0m
2.5m
SECTION BB’
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
10.0m

7.5m
3.0m
2.5m

SECTION CC’

In the BBQ area, the proposed table has a con-

vertible mechanism that makes a lounge seating
to a dinning table. Also the fireplace is converted
to a grill with the placement of the grill mesh.
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Wood Finish

100mm Inisulation

12mm Plywood

Cloth Hangers
Room Chimney

Study Table

1.9x.9m Bed Eat out & Fireplace Plan

Plywood Finish

Fire Resistant
31 metal Sheeting Wood Cut 32
Storage

Piling permits boardwalk to be
raised above wet areas. Water can
flow beneath. Higher sections will
need diagonal bracings
Longitudinal beams raise walkway
section and permit wider Board-
walk. Crosspieces are spaced to
allow drainage.
Sections overlap for strength and
ease of replacement. Fixed by
nails. Modular Plan Layout
Sectional Interior View Eat out & Fireplace Section
 0 4 A C U LTURA L A RTI FACT
JMI 2013, Design Thesis - Maritime Museum
Instructor: Ar. Taiyaba Munawer
Site: Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Causeway, Bahrain Bay,
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

Building Area: 60,500m 2

2013

2013
Individual Work

The site is located on a border condition between the dense and vibrant traditional urban context
of Al-Manama and the calm open view of the ocean and sandy beach. It’s located between the
two faces of Bahraini Culture; with its tradition and historical background on one side and rapid
economy on the other. The land has been reclaimed from the sea, allows visual contact relations
to Al Muharraq, which is the home of “Dhow (traditional boats)” building yards. According to the
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
Manama coastline development, its called “Bahrain Heritage Corridor” as all the major cultural
and recreational institutions have been set up here. The corridor runs all along the coastline of the
capital, facing the Al Muharraq Island. This corridor leads to the Grand Mosque of the Kingdom
of Bahrain. During the Night, it is a place of diverse range of art galleries, recreational activity
and gives a beautiful perspective of the country from the capital and the islands overseeing the city
of Al-Manamah. The background report indicates that the areas directly around the site are wide
open and are of spacious quality where space is contained by high-rise financial Harbor to two
stories cultural center. I would contend that the urban quality of this site is too open. The site is in
proximity to major tourist and entertainment centers. The design seeks to create a visually inter-
esting landmark that belongs inextricably to both the specific site and the overall urban situation.
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Dhow
dockyard

Causeway

Proposed Site

33 Bahrain Bay 34
Development
Heritage Corridor

High Rise
“ View from the sea overlooking the museum and the surrounding context” Development
 +
+ + ++
+ + +
+
+
+
2013

2013
+
+
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
Historical landmarks and heritage Heritage centers + Nearby Landmarks Site

Old City

1.1k
m
Dockyard
m +
.5k

Diplomatic area Beach Club

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SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT SINCE 1960

Museum
The city of Manama has gone through three phases at different periods of time before the 1990s. During the first phase
High Rise
the city core grew around an old town center in front of the sea at the northern part of Bahrain Island. Growth was in-
wards, verifying the city concentric theory. Manama’s nucleus had grown along the sea front to north Bahrain Island
stretching approximately 1.5 km, from a starting point which is the present old harbor of Manama.
Beach Club
Old City
It expanded eastward and westward first and then about one kilometer in depth to the south. The core consisted of to-
day’s old city of Manama with its old souk and mixed inhabitants structure. There was no natural barrier to the city’s CLOSE VICINITY LANDMARKS
expansion except the sea to the north and east, as well as a series of ethnic cemeteries surrounding the city nucleus.
35 In mid 1980’s land was reclaimed along the north side of King Faisal Highway at the north of Manama and cornices It is a place of diverse range of art galleries, recreational activities and gives a beautiful perspective of the country from 36
were constructed at the east and west side of Mina Manama. These cornices facing the sea were very attractive and the capital and the islands overseeing the city of Al-Manamah. A highway connects the corridor to other parts of the
were very popular recreation areas for the people for many years. city; the corridors are aligned with majestic cultural and heritage buildings such as The Grand mosque, Sheikh Isa
Cultural center, Manama promenade, marina clubs.
 FLOW ANALYSIS DIAGRAMS

flower
garden

auditorium wetlands 0 25 50
Metre

Visitors/ exhibition
families entrance
sea view
cafe
Floating
2013

2013
Wetlands
wetlands
concert

exhibition Cafe
School entrance
education sea view
Outdoor
cafe
concert area
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FORM INSPIRED BY URBAN CONTEXT Sea
Promenade
One of the primary design objectives
wood deck
of this thesis was to attempt to create
a successful urban space that relates Floating
wetlands
to both, the new building and urban
surroundings. The sea shore lining Sea Gardens
“Sails” Selection of shape Abstract
opposite to the project site, resides the Museum
traditional Bahraini “Dhow” village.
Outdoor
These boats were used by the early Exhibit
native pearl divers for pearling. It’s
Sea Garden
a cultural symbol of the country, as Building Block Lowering edges Smoothing
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the dhow had been used by the peo-
ple of Bahrain since historic period. Parking
A “Dhow is a cultural identity that
emerges from culture and dissolves in
nature. Variations in sizes and design of building facade

37 38

Linear placement of Minimizing the Rotating blocks as

museum blocks negative space staggered boats
 SECTIONAL PROFILE OF WETLANDS FOR INDIVIDUAL SPECIES

Spawning Juvenile Adult

ES N
G
N
G

OB

NI

NI
SPAW

SPAW
MICR
Biomass build up on roots Spat attached to dead shells Cover from predators
2013

2013
forming sea reefs.
Providing food to
oyster larvae, shrimps
and small fishes Main food source
Invertebrates

.15m
H.T -1.0m 0.0m

L.T -2.1m
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
-5.0m

Wetland views
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND LOCATION ND SYSTEM
TL A
WE
Education HIGH HIGH LOW NG

I
AT
Nature Hubs Museum

FLO
Egg Spat Mature Coral Reef
Nature Hubs Oyster

TION OF
Nature Hubs

SOCIAL INTERACTION
Fishing Wetlands
PROGRAM SCALE

+ +
ACTIVITY SCALE

Oyster Nursery

EC
Sea Gardens Algae Zooplankton Spat Shrimp

RT S
Promenade

PA
Outdoor Plaza
MASOOMA ABBAS

MASOOMA ABBAS
Commercial Hubs +
Education Equipment Shops
Shrimp Flamingo Fish
Concert Ground
Commercial Awareness Center
Hubs Restaurants & Cafe LOW LOW HIGH FLOATING ISLANDS – SUSTAINABLE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

The project explores the floating wetland system that can stimulate and intervene in the existing na-
ture. These floating wetlands harness natural processes to filter and digest excess nutrients and or-
ganic solids from the impaired waters; its also a habitat for birds, reptiles and other wildlife above the
39 40
island. Under the water, fish and other aquatic species flourish with the rich food source on the roots
and the spaces in the matrix. The roots provides a substantial surface area for biomass growth. Wet-
land also encourages the production of oyster shells with its biomass teaming with micro organisms,
i.e young b valve and spat which actively fiber the water. The free flowing spat attaches itself to a shell
7am - 12pm 12pm - 5pm 5pm - 9pm or solid material which later settle down to create coral reefs.
 CONCEPTUAL ECOLOGY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Section A
scale 1:500

Section B
2013

2013
scale 1:500

Section C
Sea Graden views scale 1:500
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ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
BLOOM CHART Upland Trees

Upland Trees
Gum Arabic (acacia arabica)

Gum Arabic
(Acacia arabica)

Juniper
(Juniperus excelsa)

Persian Lilac
(Melia azedarach)

Date Palm
(Phoenix dactylifera)
Neem
(Azadirachta indica)
Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Juniper (Juniperus excelsa) C A

Persian Lilac (Melia azedarach)

B
Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) Shrubs & Grasses
MASOOMA ABBAS

MASOOMA ABBAS
Shrubs & Grasses

Turkey tangle
(Phyla nodiflora)

Karira
(Capparis decidua)

Sea lavender
(Limonium)

Onion Weed
(Asphodelus fistulosus)

Eyelash plant
(Belapharis ciliaris)

Fountain grass
(Pennisetum setaceum)

Scutch grass
(Cynodon dactylon)
Black Eyed
(Rudbeckia hirta)
Turkey tangle (Phyla nodiflora)
C A
Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum)
B
Karira (Capparis decidua) Wetland Aquatic Plants
Sea lavender (Limonium)

41 Onion Weed (Asphodelus fistulosus) 42

Eyelash plant (Belapharis ciliaris)

Waterhyssop
(Bacopa monnieri)

Cressa
(Cressa Cretia)

Reeds
(Phragmites)

Cattail
(Bulrush)
Waterhyssop (Bacopa monnieri)
C A

J F M A M J J A S O N D
B
 The design seeks to create a visually interesting landmark that belongs inextricably to both the specific site and the overall
urban situation. The Provision of self-contained exhibition spaces which would be embeds in the envelope of the building.
Connecting exterior with its scenic coastal landscape guarantees an exciting and stimulating art experience in every area of
the museum.
A

B
5. C
11.

3.
20.
19. 20. 13
.
12.
4.
.
2013

2013
14
6. 2.
18.
10 15
. C’
.
17.
7. .
16
1.

8.

9.
B’ 0 10 20
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
Metre
A’ Ground Floor

1. Museum entrance 1. Museum entrance 2. Gallery entry 3. Dhow gallery 4. Ancient art 5. Temporary Gallery
6. Underwater gallery 7. Fishery & Pearling 8. Retail 9. Workshop 10. Auditorium
11. Cafeteria 12. Curator Offices 13. Art handling 14. Workshop 15. Loading Bays
16. Unpacking area 17. Art lift 18. Aquarium 19. Typhoon Theatre 20. Courtyard

B C
MASOOMA ABBAS

MASOOMA ABBAS
18.

19.

C’
20.
17.

43 B’ 0 10 20
44
Metre

A’ First Floor

18. Painting display 19. Special exhibition 20. Special Exhibition 21. Art lift
3. Dhow Gallery 22. Auditorium upper floor
 PART-SECTION & SUSPENDED DECK DETAIL

The changing levels of height varies according to the
interior levels and the building relation to the land-
scape. The primary cladding material used is wood.
Steel girder and beam system is used for the prima-
ry constructional system, due to its high structural
strengthen ability and availability in large spans.
2013
The section shows the transition between nature and architecture - the outer plateau is a viewing
platform of the picturesque landscape and the inner courtyard emphasizing the detailed meet-
ing between foundation and terrain. Lifting the building approximately 450mm above ground
at the lowest part and 15300mm at the highest, creates a remarkable and conscious change in
the landscape. When entering the building, the environment changes from the raw natural mate-
rial to the processed wooden framed ceiling. The roof in the section depicts the spatial change,
underlining the function of the space and contributing to the sensory experience of the atmo-
sphere. The zoom depicts the scenery at different parts of the building; bringing the inside out.

2013
Exterior wood cladding

15.3m
Weather barrier 14.5m

7.6m

5.6m
Plywood sheathing 3.6m

.45m
0.0
Steel girders Section AA’
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
100mm battens
Interior wood finish ceiling
200mm Purlins

15.3m
Polished concrete flooring
11.6m
7.6m
Metal decking 8.2m
5.6m
3.6m
A/C ducts
0.0 .45m
Orb walling
Section BB’
300UC Beams
MASOOMA ABBAS

MASOOMA ABBAS
100C Grits
20mm Sheathing
Wooden plank cladding

False Ceiling
Finished flooring 15.3m

150mm concrete slab

Pavers 8.5m
4.4m 4.6m
Bedding course
3.0m 2.9m
45 100mm base course .45m
46
0.0

200mm Polyurethene Section CC’

Floor beam
Sand blinding
 05 FLOW ER S IN THE WAS T E L AN D
Landscape Architecture Studio - JamunWala Park
Instructor: Ar. Akshay Kaul
Site: Khirki Extension, Saket, New Delhi - 110017
Existing views of the Jamun (Black Plum) park being a garbage dump and the surrounding neighborhood in which
Building Area: 15,960m 2 graffiti and art has become a part of community life.

Individual Work
2013

2013
Urban villages in Delhi have a unique character. The settlement at Khirki, has been there since
the 13th century of Jahanpanah and has constantly reinventing itself, specially after the farmlands
were acquired, Hence, this village, its people and its culture, even if not a 100 years old form a
part of our urban heritage which is not dead and limited to monuments but is alive and buzzing.
However over the years both built and natural heritage of the village has suffered. The monument
and heritage farmland is neglected and forgotten. Jamun (Black Plum) park is an eyesore that
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
stands in stark contrast to the glitzy malls and monuments alongside it, a huge dumping ground
with mounds of garbage giving out an unbearable stink. The question is, how does one establish
a relationship between an urban village of historical significance and the city, in a way that con-
serves the urban heritage and the farmlands while still being relevant to the significance of the
village in the city today. According to my inference, thriving settlement which aspired to grow with
market forces tugging at it, should be allowed to grow and merge with its surrounding sensitively.
Reviving back the lost glory which was once known as Jamun(black plum) orchards that lead
to gradual process of ecological regeneration and urban renewal. Also providing a substitute for
the flower market which has been relocated from south Delhi area. While Khirki might not have
retained most of its heritage contains the landmark, Khirki Mosque, historical tombs and graves.
Khirki village architecture will help in understanding its history, climate responsive design and
anthropological behaviors.
MASOOMA ABBAS

MASOOMA ABBAS
47 (a) Rural Village (b) Early phase urban village (c) Mature urban village 48

Field Village City Work Obtaining service “ The khirki monumental heritage lives withing the crowded neighbourhood “
 GEOGRAPHICAL CONNECTION WITH OUTISDE PRESS ENCLAVE ROAD AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

NEW DELHI
UTTAR
PRADESH
RING ROAD

KHIR
KI RD
Road to 0 50 100 200

8
H
Aiport Metre

.
N
HARYANA + ++
VE RD.
PRESS
+
ENCLA

LH ST
Hertiage Tomb

DE H EA
2013

2013
I
D.

UT
236 AR

SO
NH
LVIY
A
M
Mehrauli Khirki Mosque
flower market
FATHEPURI

NEW DELHI
SOUTH DELHI Satpula
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
Hauz Rani
MEHRAULI

Road to
Taj Mahal
R OAD
NCL AVE
Historical landmarks and heritage Flower market + Nearby Landmarks PRE SS E

DELHI TOURISM AND PILGRIMAGE

45oC

+
MASOOMA ABBAS

MASOOMA ABBAS
Average Temp 2oC
Modi Hospital
Tourism

Pilgrimage

Rain fall 20cm + Select City Walk

Daylight Hours 10hrs

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

49 50
The spiritual air in the country humbly carries the fragrance of Karma, Dharma and most importantly Forgiveness. The Press Enclave road acts as the main transport spine for a variety of activities and land uses. It abuts urban villages
A secular country under whose shelter dwells multiple religions in utmost peace and harmony, India can rightly be to monuments to hospitals to greens to Metro station to residential apartments. The encroachment by various activi-
called the ‘Land of Faith’. As a result, along with a large number of pilgrims that visit these religious destinations once ties has reduced the road design considerably, leading to heavy congestion and bottlenecks on this road.
a year, many travel enthusiasts have started to throng these hubs. Tourism has grown manifold and so has the fame of
India. The best time to visit Delhi is from October to March when the weather is at its best. During this period flowers
are at their blooming best, the weather is pleasant and enjoyable to experience Incredible Delhi.
 VISITOR INTEREST

TOURISM LOCALITY
The project aims to design a structure that accommodates multiplied seasonality to balance between tourism and
local lives. The JamunWala park provides flexible spaces that are capable of switching among different programs that
respond to the corresponding season and group of people. It also aims to revive the Jamun (Black Plum) ecology of
the park.

VERNACULAR LANGUAGE
2013

2013
Heritage architecture with the
abstract nature of the locality in
different scales and programmes (a) Projecting the (b) Adding green
are studied. The unique roof scape park to outside world buffer zone

and geometry creates a vernacular

language which is seen both from
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
the outside and the spatial quality
of mutual shading inside the park is
(c) Creating (d) Unifying
experienced. The arch symbolizes the program activity the arc path of
importance of precepts such as unity, the activity zones.
beauty and light in the Muslim faith.
The reflection of unity is portrayed
through the sequential arrangement
of different zones.
(e) Adding
BUBBLE DIAGRAM green roof & layers
(d) Lowering
the edges to
emerge with nature
MASOOMA ABBAS

MASOOMA ABBAS
51 52
 20M 20M

The project adds a significant spatial quality to the adjacent neighborhood khirki, which lacks proper green. The roof
park is a good example of intensive spatial and multiple ground use. The aim is to create a well accessible green park
with stairs at the head and the tail of the park which are connected to the main circulation. Curvy paths and slopes
Jamun orchards make the roof park easily accessible from the neighborhood. The central axis runs from the top to the lowest level of
50M

& harvest the park and will link the different elements of the park.

Rainwater
Wetland
Shaded
walkway area
50M

Existing Jamun
2013

2013
trees

Fruit & Flower

market
50M
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
Flower
Harvest

Flower
50M

Market

Art Gallery

Kids Mound
play area
50M

O.A.T seating
area
MASOOMA ABBAS

MASOOMA ABBAS
Restaurant
50M

seating area
Green roof
mound
Restaurant
area & seating
50M

Shaded
walkway
53 54

Entry
 JAMUN & NATIVE FRUIT TREES ECOLOGY INTERACTIVE FLOWER MARKET OF KHIRKI VILLAGE

These markets cater to variety of consumers, temples followed

by weddings and national festivals (Diwali) having largest con-
Black Drongo
(Dicrurus macrocercus) sumptions per annual. The people of khirki will be able to grow
Purple Sunbird Grey Hornbill
(Cinnyris asiaticus) (Buceros bicornis) their own flowers. The gardens will be offered to local residents
that can be either for private use or sale at local markets. The
park will provide a place for people to meet, recreate and relax.

Shikra “ Mughal gardens were meant to support themselves”

Rose ringed parakeet (Accipiter badius)
(Psittacula krameri)
2013

2013
Magpie Robin
(Copsychus saularis)
Myna
(Acridotheres tristis)
Relaxing & Meeting Community space Accidental Meeting Gardening & Flower growing

Asian Koel
Squirrel Jamun Tree (Eudynamys scolopaceus)
(Sciuridae) (Syzygium cumini)
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
Neem Mango Tamarind Gulmohar Ashoka
(Azadirachta indica) (Mangifera indica) (Pithecellobium dulce) (Royal poinciana) (Saraca asoca)

Major urban spaces in New Delhi identifies the above native trees, suit-
able for planting in large developments and in urban areas that relates
to bird diversity. The Jamun wala Park aims to add not only aesthetic
value, but aids in environmental management like reducing air pollution

May

Nov
Mar

Aug

Dec
Feb

Sep
Jun
Jan

Oct
Apr
and attract fauna diversity.

Jul
MASOOMA ABBAS

MASOOMA ABBAS
Black Eyed Susan
(Rudbeckia hirta)

Tansy
(Tanacetum vulgare)

Daylily
(Tanacetum vulgare)

Pink
(Dianthus)

55 Sage 56
(Salvia)

Marigold
(Tagetes)

Rainwater Harvesting Rose

(Rosa)
Wetlands
 VEGETATION ON SITE DIFFERENT ZONES IN THE PARK

Upland Park
Neem Harvest & Gardening
(Azadirachta indica)

Mango
(Mangifera indica)

Tamarind
(Pithecellobium dulce)

Pink
(Dianthus)

Jamun Tree
(Syzygium cumini)

Tamarind
(Pithecellobium dulce)

Tansy
(Tanacetum vulgare)

Marigold
(Tagetes)

Black Eyed
(Rudbeckia hirta)

Rose
(Rosa)
Shaded Walkway Relaxing & Meeting
2013

2013
Jamun Tree
(Syzygium cumini)

Tamarind
(Pithecellobium dulce)

Gulmohar
(Royal poinciana)

Ashoka
(Saraca asoca)

Daylily
(Tanacetum vulgare)

Pink
(Dianthus)

Gulmohar
(Royal poinciana)

Tamarind
(Pithecellobium dulce)

Sage
(Salvia)

Marigold
(Tagetes)

Rose
(Rosa)
The Upland park facing towards the open air theatre.

SECTIONS
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ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
A’

A
Gatherings relaxing harvest SECTIONS AA’

B’

B
C’

C
View of the Flower market from the wetland side.
shaded walkway harvest SECTIONS BB’
D’

D
Local market
E’

E
F’

F
MASOOMA ABBAS

MASOOMA ABBAS
Buned hills upland park relaxing walkway SECTIONS CC’

upland park relaxing SECTIONS DD’

Performance

The seating areas for the local cafe & market.

57 upland park relaxing SECTIONS EE’ 58
Cafe Clumps of trees are scattered on the central meadow of the roof park. the trees are more densely
planted together towards the edges with shadow loving ground vegetation. A bar-code of flower
bulbs provide a lively and colorful pattern running down from the highest to the lowest part of the
upland park relaxing SECTIONS FF’ park. The park is divided in three parts : Upland Park, a neighborhood harvest garden and the
Forest walk local market.
 L ANDSCAPE THEORY O F DE S I GN
Office & Freelance work - Branding & Marketting
2021

2021
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
MASOOMA ABBAS

MASOOMA ABBAS
59 60
 REDEFINING IND I AN S M ART &
SUSTAIN ABL E CIT I E S
Creative Group Office - Publication work “ Cities are the manifestations of human settlement ”
Author & Instructor: Proff. Charanjit Singh Shah
A simple statement, yet it forms the core of this attempt towards writing a book essentially based on
Graphic Novel diverse growth of cities all over the world. There is a strident cacophony of ‘100 Smart Cities in India’
which leads us to the discussion - why is it a necessity to think about smart cities? we rewind back
to the time when the human race was evolving continuously with knowledge and understanding of
2016

2016
functionality, innovations and growth, it can be observed that the curious minds started developing
settlements at certain places.
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
MASOOMA ABBAS

MASOOMA ABBAS
61 62
 SELECTED GR A PH I C WOR K
Office & Freelance work - Branding & Marketting

In addition to architecture service at Solara Real Estate; additional contributions were made through
graphic design projects in the areas of Business Development and marketing. Projects include archi-
tectural diagramming and visualization, primers, photography, image enhancement, restoration and
branding consultation.
2016

2016
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO
MASOOMA ABBAS

MASOOMA ABBAS
63 64
 65
MASOOMA ABBAS ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO 2016

Graphic Map - Bahrain Islands

COLAND - Parnu, Estonia
66

MASOOMA ABBAS ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO 2016

 Thank You!

M AS OOM A AB BAS
masooma.arch@gmail.com