karine sarkissian portfolio
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KARINE SARKISSIANd e s i g n e r t h i n k e r p l a n n e r
+1 857.445.5423 [email protected] inesark i ss ian .com
DESIGN EXPERIENCE
Carlos Zapata StudioNew York, NYArchitectural Designer // Jul 2013- Present
Design for ChangeLille, FranceSelected Design Correspondent // Aug-March 2013Institutional representative of the competition submission from MICA
American University of Beirut, Neighborhood InitiativeBeirut, LBMapping Intern // Jul-Aug 2012Investigated the neighborhood, created database maps with ArcGis
Zaha Hadid ArchitectsLondon, UKDesign Intern // Jun-July 2012Built an installation for London Architecture week modeled on Rhinoceros 3D
Ismael Leyva Architects New York, NYArchitecture and Design Intern // Jun-Aug 2011Architectural drawings, project books, assisted the principal
Baltimore: Open CityBaltimore, MDCuratorial and Communications team // Sept-May 2011Architectural design for the exhibition, collaborating curatorbaltimoreopencity.com
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Selected Jury Member / Baltimore, MDStudent Space Gallery Jury // Sept-May 2012Selected student artists for monthly exhibitions at MICA
Art Therapist and Program Leader / Baltimore, MDSister Together and Reaching (STAR) // Sept-Dec 2010Created and ran a weekly art workshop for female African American AIDS victims
Marketing and Communications Intern / Beirut, LebanonBeirut Art Center // Jun-Aug 2010Assembled press releases, gallery catalogs, assisted and communicated with artists
Art Therapist and Program Leader / Baltimore, MDWomen Healing Our Lives Entirely (WHOLE) // Jan-May 2010Directed weekly art therapy workshops for National Women’s Prison Project for trauma survivors
Art Teacher and Program Leader / Baltimore, MDMount Royal Elementary and Middle School // Sept-Dec 2009Taught weekly art class to 3rd graders
Founder and Organizer / Beirut, Lebanon“Grow Green Campaign” for Forests of Lebanon // Sept - June 2009Created the program, raised funds to plant trees in the Red Cross vicinity of Lebanon
EDUCATION
General Assembly, New York, NYProduct Management // April-June 2015
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), Baltimore, MDBFA in Environmental Design // Minors: Art History, Curatorial StudiesMay 2013, GPA 3.98/4.0
MICA - Art in Berlin after 1989 Summer exchange - Art History in Berlin // Summer 2012
Danish Institute for Study Abroad, Copenhagen, DenmarkSemester Intensive in Urban Design // Spring 2012
HONORS
Mark Stempel Thesis Prize in Environmental Design // 2013Art History and Criticism Departmental Recognition Award // 2011France Merrick Special Project Fund // 2011Student Affairs Community Service Fund // 2011Foundation Recognition Award // 2010Dean’s List // 2009 - 2013Trustee Scholar, MICA // 2009 - 2013
SKILLS
Product Design, Architecture, Architectural Drafting, AutoCAD, Urban Design and Planning Model Making, 3D Modeling and Printing (CNC), Sustainable Design, Graphics, Wood and Metal working
Mac and PC platforms, MS Office Suite, Adobe Suite, AutoCAD, 3dsMax, Rhino 5
English, French, Arabic, Armenian
EXHIBITIONS
American Institute of Architects (AIA), Baltimore, MD // 2010
Artists Ball, ICO Chelsea Gallery, NY, NY // 2010Eco Friendly Expo, NY, NY // 2010
International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), Jacobs Javits Center, NY, NY // 2010
Intramuros International Design Magazine // September 2010 issue
Meet-up facilitator for OpenIDEO challenges in NYC.
CONTENT
recalling cultural identity 01
from the in-berween
urban dweller 08
block-works 02
baltimore open city 09
modern break-through 03
participluie 10
drip drop 11
spool seat 04
fedra sans type specimen 13
IDEO
community synthesizer 12
springth 05
artwork 14bent-wood shelter 06
professional portfolio redesign connections 07
RECALLING CULTURAL IDENTITY FROM THE IN BETWEEN 01Urban design
Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut is a city inherent with layers of meaning. A fifteen-year Civil War has lead to a life focused
indoors rather than one out in the streets. As a response, in-between public spaces have been often
entirely neglected and discarded as wasted terrain vague. The investigation of my own city manifested
itself in multiple perceptions re-scripting while understanding the over arching stages of its history.
Most important elements of the culture are portrayed through the people and the street-scape.
This was further studied by extracting the various layers of the city: social, political, and strong
connections to memory in areas faced with constant conflict.
Recordings of the in-betweens and life on the streets.
The exploration includes a record of sensory elements
(sounds, smells, viewpoints, and interactions)
Influential parts of the design.
Find full thesis here:
http://issuu.com/ksarkissian/docs/karine_sarkissian_thesis_lulu/1
From a single neglected space... To an activated public space...
To a network of public spaces... with in�nite possibilities...from a single neglected space
to an activated public space.
to a network of public spaces
The in-between spaces are designed
with local characteristics, responsive
to sensory recordings surrounding
each. They cater to the people in
creating pedestrian experiences for
the urban dweller.
From a single neglected space... To an activated public space...
To a network of public spaces... with in�nite possibilities...
to a network of public spaces with infinite possibilities...
Sensory recordings I captured walking around the
streets. I compiled them in a model-this investigation
influenced the design of each one of my spaces.
The interactions with the people I met on the streets
really stood out to me. The Hayy spaces were rarely
occupied, sometimes by the people who live around
the area, otherwise, the dwellers and vendors were
mostly on the main streets.
The vendors are the ones who sustain us- they are
part of our daily routines and they all have a story
and have been around their particular street corner for
some time. In a way, their legacy and their presence
has a fundamental presence in the streets of Beirut.
They represent the culture that is worth sustaining
and keeping alive.
My Hayy interventions encourage the connections
between the regular urban dweller and the street
vendors and artisans.
recording life on the streets. Understanding
the surroundings and all the special elements
that make them unique.
PROCESS EXPLORATIONS
BLOCK-WORKS 02Urban planning
Islands Brygge, Copenhagen, Denmark
FISKETORVET Shopping Center
HOUSING
OFFICES
STREET ART
WATERFRONT
1995ELLO SUPERMARCO
1920ØRESTED POWER STATION(largest power station in Denmark)
1941ROWING CLUB
TRAIN TRACKSBROWN FIELDSknown as LOW QUALITY OF LIFE - SOCIAL WELFARE DEPENDANT
CITYWIDE EFFORTbetter waterfront in absence of shipping industry
1932Largest diesel engine
SITE CONTEXT
HISTORY + IDENTITY
From a car oriented site.. ...to a site that puts people �rst From a low bicycle priority... ...to a bicycle friendly site
From a deserted brown�eld... ... to a dense mixed-use community From an industrial brown�eld... ... to a giant green park From a forgotten waterfront... ...to an activated moving waterfront
From an isolated site... ...to a site linked to its surrounding
DESIGN GOALS
SECTION-ELEVATION AA’
Block Works is an urban planning project in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is located next
to Enghave Brygge, by the Ørsted Power Plant (one of the largest Diesel plants in
Denmark). While trying to revive the area and salvaging an old brown field, I activate
the waterfront and create a set program with housing blocks and commercial spaces.
FUTURE
A A’
RaIl ROaD TRaCkS
CaR aND bICYClE aCCESS
CONNECTINg bRIDgEaND buS STOp
ROw Club
maRkET SpaCE
bREwERY aNDbaR aREa
waTER SpORTS
CENTER
CENTRal bICYClE paTH
bICYClE paRkINg
wOODEN blOCkS aDDED ON THE EXIST-INg EDgE CaN CHaNgE OvER TImE aND mOvE ON THE EXISTINg TRaIN TRaCkS
aCTIvaTE SuRfaCES ON waTER aND laND
EXISTINg EDgE
mIXED HOuSINg COmmuNITY
gREEN ROOfS aND COuRTYaRDS
pRIvaTE aND publIC SpaCES vaRY
NO CaR aCCESS
aRTIfICIal CaNal CONNECTS TO THE HaRbOR ON bOTH ENDS
pOwER plaNT
4
5
6
COmmERCIal DISTRICTuNDERgROuND CaR paRk
21
3
HaRbOR baTHS
fERRY STOp
TODAY
1 MONTH
3 MONTHS
PLAN DIAGRAMpublICpRIvaTE
PLAN
MODERN BREAK-THROUGH 03Urban design
Israels Plads, Copenhagen, Denmark
CONCEpT COllagE
CONCEPT COLLAGE
SITE CONTEXT FUNCTION - URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE
3 mins
1 min5 m
ins8 mins
1 min
BOTANICAL GARDENS
ØRSTEDSPARKEN
NØRREPORT
STATION
MARKET
LAKE
ISRAELS PLADS
Commercial 45%
Housing
Education 17%
Cultural 4%
Hotel 2%
32%
ACTIVITIES AND CONCENTRATION OF PEOPLE
Central element to the founding of Copenhagen, Israels Plads draws a
connection to the three historical gates; Nørreport, Vesterport, and Østerport.
The site is defined by physical and historical landmarks: the Botanical
Gardens, the Lakes, and Ørstedsparken.
The design revolves around triangular shapes. Each incorporates different
types of activities relating to the context of the site. Graffiti walls, grass
areas, and skate parks are some of these many elements. Additionally, stairs
are utilized to create level change and impromptu seating. Different heights
and textures create various layers and focal points in the space.
This public space values the past of Israel Plads while encouraging a new
vision for its future. It considers all ages and activities as it becomes a
‘montage of possibilities.’
“Spool Swing” and “Spool Seat” are made
out of Jute, an organic material; and fish
glue used as a natural bonding agent. After
many tests and studies, I created a giant
wool-winding mechanism (using a lamp
shade, a turn table, and a trash can). In
turn, I was able to spin the thread into
giant spools by the simple turn of a handle.
The Maryland Institute College of Art was
invited to participate at the International
Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) at
the Jacob Javits Center in NYC, May 2010.
We presented our work as part of MICA,
“Material Inspired Concepts and Artifacts”.
MICA was awarded “Best Design School”
for the strong concept and products. The
materials used for this exhibit were all
natural, including bonding agents, glues,
and other used elements
SPOOL SEAT 04published in Intramuros Design Magazine
September 2010 issue, n. 150
SPRINGTH 05
The weakness of the ankle joints causes ankle impingement, an
injury particularly common with ballet Dancers.
This ankle strengthener, “SPRINGTH” works with the design of
springs. By interchanging springs, different people can attach this
product to their ankle to strengthen their joints with the desired,
customized tension needed.
wearable product: ankle strengthener
SPRINGTH 05
explorations and prototypes
The Bent-Wood Shelter was a two person collaboration created
using Grasshopper scripting and digitally fabricated with a CNC
mill. Through multiple experiments, we managed to find the
correct way to make wood bend and warp without breaking. The
entire structure is collapsible and does not use any hardware to
stay up- various types of joints keep the structure sturdy and
assembled. In effect, the inner skeleton also serves as shelves,
adding more function to the cozy cave-like form.
BENT WOOD SHELTER 06Digital fabrication/ CNC milled shelter
explorations
Redesign Connections is a design created for the Maryland Institute College of
Art Brown Center, a glass modern building designed by Ziger/Snead Architects.
The structure was designed on AutoCAD, 3D printed (for prototyping), and
animated using Rhino 3D and 3ds Max.
REDESIGN CONNECTIONS 07installation design for the Brown Center, MICA, Baltimore, Maryland
URBAN DWELLER 08design interventions throughout baltimore
This project consists of creating a series
of markers around Baltimore City. These
interventions cater to the ‘Urban Dweller’
to create a network in adopting various
areas within the city.
They allow the dweller to embrace, escape,
find shelter, rejoice, and explore.
The following interventions serve as a
model to create more spaces around the
city (conceived by various designers).
Three different sites were undertaken to
represent the model in mind.
Studies about the neighborhood including
transportation, building use, and edges
were conducted.
site explorations
URBAN DWELLER 08design interventions throughout baltimore
explorations
The exhibition was created by 29 students.
From curation to exhibition design and promotion,
we took on: architecture of the gallery space, graphic
design and language, call for entry, series of lectures
and events, workshops, student projects, and press
releases.
Opening of 500 people and more.
Click here for more information.
eds.mica.edu
BALTIMORE OPEN CITY 09curated exhibition in baltimore
I scheduled and organized workshops with students from
various schools around the city. They got to experience
the space and take part of some of the activities to better
understand Baltimore City.
PARTICIPLUIE 10Design competition - Lille for Change, Lille, France.
Participluie is a system that was created as part of a competition to
better the city of Lille, France. Our team who consisted of Jackie Litt-
man, Jaime Carusi, Michael Chiarella, and myself, proposed an umbrella
share system for the constant weather changes known throughout Lille.
It functions through a phone app and various umbrella kiosks placed
throughout transit points and important squares within the city.
This system was designed to encourage sharing within the city of Lille,
while keeping it’s citizens and visitors comfortable, dry, and shaded.
This program also eliminates the hassle of carrying around umbrellas
while in and outdoors.
Watch video at:
karinesarkissian.com/participluie
“I want to be more aware of my consumption- see how much I am using and saving. I definitely would love to see that information. I can’t think of anything that does that now.”
ELDA, designer, NYC, 22 yrsE H J
“If I payed for water, then I’d use the device that helps me save. But I live in a tenement building so my landlord should pay for it because it’ll help him save for sure. It would benefit him.”
JOSE, building concierge, NYC, 46 yrsE H J
“I love sensor sinks! It’s less, germs, less effort, it’s perfect. I don’t understand why people don’t have them in their homes.
HADI, banker, NYC, 27 yrsE H J
“I want to be more aware of my consumption- see how much I am using and saving. I definitely would love to see that information. I can’t think of anything that does that now.”
ELDA, designer, NYC, 22 yrsE H J
“If I payed for water, then I’d use the device that helps me save. But I live in a tenement building so my landlord should pay for it because it’ll help him save for sure. It would benefit him.”
JOSE, building concierge, NYC, 46 yrsE H J
“I love sensor sinks! It’s less, germs, less effort, it’s perfect. I don’t understand why people don’t have them in their homes.
HADI, banker, NYC, 27 yrsE H J
Sensor Digital display tablet
SENSOR
“About 95 percent of the water entering our homes
goes down the drain” Water: Use Less-Save More by jon clift and Amanda Cuthbert
“About 95 percent of the water entering our homes
goes down the drain” Water: Use Less-Save More by jon clift and Amanda Cuthbert
DripDrop is an app designed the help control water consumption
in an average household.
It consists of two parts. The first is a measuring tool, it indicates
the amount of water used by tap and warns the user if the set
limit is approaching. It comes in the form of a phone app as well
as its own tablet that can be kept in the home. The second is a
sensor tool that can be attached to any faucet, it is activated by
hand motion, while still allowing the user to turn it off and on on
command, as well as adjusting temperature and pressure.
“I want to be more aware of my consumption- see how much I am using and saving. I definitely would love to see that information. I can’t think of anything that does that now.”
ELDA, designer, NYC, 22 yrsE H J
“If I payed for water, then I’d use the device that helps me save. But I live in a tenement building so my landlord should pay for it because it’ll help him save for sure. It would benefit him.”
JOSE, building concierge, NYC, 46 yrsE H J
“I love sensor sinks! It’s less, germs, less effort, it’s perfect. I don’t understand why people don’t have them in their homes.
HADI, banker, NYC, 27 yrsE H J
drip dropdrip dropdrip dropdrip dropdrip drop
4 quarts8 pints16 cups128 ounces3.8 liters
DRIP DROP 11Controlling over consumption of water
SKETCHES
COMMUNITY SYNTHESIZER 12OpenIdeo refugee education challenge
This document is intended to inform the community and
our partners, UNHCR and UNICEF, what the community has
provided the platform during the research phase.
Joe Silva and I have coded and themed all of the data. We
categorized OpenIDEO members’ posts into 6 “buckets”- so
that the user of this document can easily interpret what this
community has produced.
Many research posts can fall into one or more buckets. We took
a step back from each post and determined which theme was
most prevalent to the central ideas in the research post.
Learn more at
https://openideo.com/blog/refugee-education-challenge-what-
we-learned-in-the-research-phase
FEDRA SANS TYPE SPECIMEN 13Graphic and book design
This book was created to showcase Fedra Sans typeface.
It features the regular font and its Arabic versions as well.
The book can be read from its two ends: left to right in English
and right to left in Arabic.
CLAIR-OBSCUR SELF-PORTRAIT COLLAGE
Created using hole-punched magazine cutouts.
MEMORIES OF A PEOPLE
Represents the struggles of the Armenian Genocide- loss of a people
ARTWORK 14
RIYAL SOLES
Riyal Soles incorporates my perception of the Saudi Arabian
society, after having lived there for thirteen years. The
restrictions set on women are voiced through resolutions of
consumerism and the addiction to trends. This piece explores
the views of an insider to comprehend and give voice to the
hidden reality faced by local women.
While all the women are dressed to look identical, they are
distinguished by their choice of shoes. Made of molded copies
of Saudi Arabian Riyals (local currency).
HELMET DESIGN
Helmet design for Formula Renault Racer, Shahan Sarkissian
PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO // SAMPLE PROJECTSCourtesy of Carlos Zapata Studio
TURNBERRY OCEAN CLUB, MIAMI, FLORIDA
HIGH TECH TOWERS, LUANDA, ANGOLA
KARINE SARKISSIANd e s i g n e r t h i n k e r p l a n n e r
+1 857.445.5423 [email protected] inesark i ss ian .com MORE WORK AND PROJECTS @ karinesarkissian.com