Viktor Kuslikis . Selected Works . 2012

2

Education:B.ArchSc, Bachelor of Architectural Science, Ryerson University, 2005M.Arch, Master of Architecture, Ryerson University, 2010

Distinguishing Qualifications: • Strong fundamental design knowledge of active and passive energy efficient buildings• Working knowledge of using energy simulations to support decisions at the early design phase, translating design information between modeling and analysis platforms, and familiarity of baseline modeling for LEED credits • Good working knowledge of architectural detailing concepts and practices• Ability to produce traditional high quality design documentation (drawings/specifications) for all stages of the building procurement process• Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills- ability to communicate complex ideas both verbally and visually (sketches, diagrams, photo-realistic renderings)• Working knowledge with the Ontario Building Code (parts 3 and 9)• Advanced familiarity with BIM (Building Information Model) workflows, including experience with parametric modeling platforms • Registered as an intern architect with the Ontario Association of Architects

Awards:2011 CH2MHILL JUMP Technology Innovation Grant Recipient of funding to investigate how to utilize BIM models in energy simulation software. The proposal was part of a corporate initiative to support and foster innovative ideas among young professionals.

Skills:• 2D- MicroStation, AutoCAD• 3D- Generative Components, Rhinoceros• 4D- Triforma XM, Bentley Architectural• 5D- Ecotect, IES <VE> • Graphics- Adobe Illustrator, PhotoShop, InDesign

Viktor Kuslikis

3

desi

gn s

tudi

oVi

ktor

Kus

likis

201

2

The project was part of course that looked at how emerging technologies in the fields of fabrication and computation could influence and inspire architecture. In this example, the aim was to design an interactive installation inspired by a piece of music. We used an experimental jazz sample by Kieran Hebden and Steve Reid because we were intrigued by it is unpredictability and apparent randomness. Building on this theme, we created a string of randomly sized interconnected spheres using a computer algorithm, which we then arbitrarily fragmented into a series of extruded surfaces. This exercise, while slightly abstract, introduced us to the possibility of using 3D fabrication technologies and computation techniques as an alternative method of form generation that could possibly give rise to new architectural ideas.

Viktor Kuslikis, Michael Blois

Questions of PerceptionDigital Tools 2009

4

desi

gn s

tudi

oVi

ktor

Kus

likis

201

2

The project was part of a research initiative that studied at risk neighborhoods in Toronto, with the goal of proposing a carbon neutral design intervention that could help rejuvenate the area. The proposed installation was a business incubator for software startups constructed out of modified standard ISO shipping containers. Companies in this industry often rely heavily on corporate branding to distinguish themselves from competitors, such an office space could promote their projected image as innovative and creative leaders. Given the southern exposure of the site and the carbon neutral theme of the project, it made sense to incorporate photovoltaic panels.

Leslieville IncubatorsPost Carbon Communities 2008

5

desi

gn s

tudi

oVi

ktor

Kus

likis

201

2

Regent Park RevitalizationWinter Studio 2009

The project was part of comprehensive design studio situated in Toronto’s Regent Park Neighborhood. Each student developed a design scheme that reflected the cities current revitalization plans for the area. This building was part of a residential development at the North West corner of River and Gerrard st. Besides considering basic mechanical and structural systems, the intention was that the design would include solar energy systems. The initial concept was that the massing would correspond to the optimal solar orientation.

6

desi

gn s

tudi

oVi

ktor

Kus

likis

201

2Sprawl...Istanbul Studio 2009

The project was an architecture and urban design charette that looked at how to promote responsible and sustainable growth in one of Istanbul’s poorest neighborhoods. Working in collaboration between architecture graduate students from Ryerson and Istanbul’s Technical University, the intention was to conduct an analysis of the neighborhood in question and propose a design intervention that would help regenerate the area. Our solution proposed to build a media library as part of a new satellite university campus, in a soon to be abandoned railway corridor. The intention was that it would a catalyst for other research-orientated institutes that would spawn a culture of innovation in the area, ultimately improving the quality of life for the residents. Sprawl, was an ironic twist on a word that generally has negative connotations of expansive parking lots and big box retail stores, but in our case it was positive; spew satellites of culture, education, and technology from a central nucleolus.

Viktor Kuslikis, Stanley Wu

7

rese

arch

Vikt

or K

uslik

is 2

012

The project looked at how architects can leverage technology, in respect to digital tools, to improve the urban integration of photovoltaic systems. Research conducted by the International Energy Agency ‘Task 41 Solar Energy, and Architecture’ identified the need for more developed toolsets to help designers quantify solar exposure and shading coefficients during the conceptual design phase. The aim of the project was to develop a new design methodology by combining parametric and environmental analysis tools, to provide quantitative performance indicators in order to assist architects at the early design stage. Using case studies to demonstrate how this methodology is applicable to a wide array of project typologies within an urban context. In addition to demonstrating the applicability of the system, the case studies would also illustrate the potential for photovoltaic installations to alter the landscape of the city and facilitate a fresh dialogue between public space and renewable energy generation.

Parametric Solar ArchitectureGraduate Thesis Project 2009-2010Dr.Miljana Horvat, Viktor Kuslikis

solar altitudesolar azimuth

8

rese

arch

Vikt

or K

uslik

is 2

012

Since the best surface geometry in regards to solar exposure changes hourly, daily, and monthly, there is no perfect fixed solution. Allowing the individual modules to reposition themselves independently of the overall architectural massing is a good design compromise between maintaining the fixed orientation of the envelope while maximizing incident radiation. This parametric tracking system works by orientating the surface normal of each panel to the desired solar altitude or azimuth angle. The program places a point in the model by translating the altitude and azimuth angles to Cartesian coordinates relative to a base reference point. With the optimal solar reference point in place, the program knows in which direction to orientate the panel. If the user changes the solar reference point, the panel repositions itself accordingly, irrespective of surface geometry.

malting silos : design concept

Canadian Malting Silos

9

rese

arch

Vikt

or K

uslik

is 2

012

Kensington Market Pedestrian Canopy

10

rese

arch

Vikt

or K

uslik

is 2

012

Each site had a unique set of social and physical attributes that we needed to understand and integrate in to the design. This relationship between the physical or measurable aspects of the design, with social was a vital component of the design methodology, especially in order to relate to an architectural context. In each design, the geometry of the structure not only corresponded to the optimal solar orientation, but also respected and enhanced the surrounding social fabric. The three interventions included redefining the Canadian Malting Silos as a symbol of innovation, designing a pedestrian canopy in Kensington Market, and rethinking how advertising space on Yonge Street can double as solar energy collectors. While the direct aim of the interventions was to demonstrate the applicability of the design methodology, they also serve as strategies as to how society might begin integrating solar energy into the urban environment on a large scale.

Yonge Street AD Space

11

rese

arch

Vikt

or K

uslik

is 2

012

This project was part of an internal research grant aimed at promoting and encouraging innovation among young professionals. The goal of the project was to see what steps are involved in translating design data from the native CAD model to the analysis platform. Utilizing BIM models in environmental simulations can help architects and engineers deliver a better building by supporting energy performance decisions at various stages of the design process. Predicting the energy performance of a building is the result of a complex set of interrelationships that requires the input of hundreds of factors, many of which are unavailable at the early design stage. As the design evolves, the number of unknowns decreases. Hence, it is important that any simulation process is flexible to allow the input of new variables throughout the process. Utilizing the native building model ensures that the design information used in the simulation is accurate and reliable. Conversely, having someone update a separate model at every major design change creates unnecessary rework and can result in the use of outdated or erroneous information. The project was successful in proving that is possible to translate design information between the analysis and modeling platforms, but also demonstrated the potential for the technology to be a powerful design tool.

In addition to introducing the technology and outlining what is involved, the project also illustrated how architects can use the software to support conceptual design decisions. For the demonstration, we designed a hypothetical office building located in Toronto that includes a double height open office space, a conference space, an area for individual offices, and a stair enclosure. Tables 1-3 illustrate the standard wall assemblies, internal gains, and room conditions that we used for the thermal simulations. The goal was to illustrate how simulation software could help architects balance natural light and energy consumption in designing the south façade of the structure. With the hypothesis, that thermal and lighting simulations would help the user understand how changing the sizes and locations of fenestrations affect the performance and livability of the building, would lead to the most optimal configuration.

BIM + Energy Simulations2011 CH2MHILL TechnologyInnovation Grant

12

rese

arch

Vikt

or K

uslik

is 2

012

Total Yearly Energy Consumption = 119.1 MWh

Total Yearly Energy Consumption per Area = 329.5 kWh/m2

Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions = 43,610.6 kgCO2

Total Yearly Energy Consumption = 100.7 MWhTotal Yearly Energy Consumption per Area = 287.8 kWh/m2

Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions = 39,144.6 kgCO2

Glazing Area= 127m2

Average Daylight %= 17.2Min. Daylight %= 2.9 / Max. Daylight %= 38.4

Glazing Area= 34.2m2

Average Daylight %= 4.2Min. Daylight %= 0.7 / Max. Daylight %= 28.5

option one

option twoTotal Yearly Energy Consumption = 109.3 MWh

Total Yearly Energy Consumption per Area = 302.4 kWh/m2

Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions = 41,223.8 kgCO2

Glazing Area= 83.6m2

Average Daylight %= 10.6Min. Daylight %= 0.9 / Max. Daylight %= 38.6

option three

Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions = 43,221.8 kgCO2

Total Yearly Energy Consumption = 120.0 MWhTotal Yearly Energy Consumption per Area = 332.2 kWh/m2

Glazing Area= 127m2

option four

13

rese

arch

Vikt

or K

uslik

is 2

012

Total Yearly Energy Consumption = 100.7 MWh

Bailey Village Water Treatment Plant2011 CH2MHILL JuMP Business Development Competition

The project was part of a two-stage business development competition for the design of a 2MGD (million gallons per day) wastewater treatment facility. A caveat in the proposal was that the facility treats the effluent water to primary drinking standards for irrigation. The design must also successfully integrate into the surrounding community by addressing odor, traffic, safety, and aesthetic issues. Working alongside five engineers, and drawing expertise from an extensive array of professionals in our office, we developed a solution that utilized a 6-stage process that would clean the water and remove odor and taste. My role on the team was to develop the architectural and structural design concept for the facility, as well as being responsible for the graphics. Out of 15 teams, a jury comprised of senior staff and external clients selected our proposal as the winning entry.

Team ECOherence:Dianna Senior, Darrell Yong, Carolyn Lee, Laura Seaman, Flor Garcia-Becerra, Viktor Kuslikis

14

rese

arch

Vikt

or K

uslik

is 2

012

The design concept for the facility utilized several green buildings principles:- Dedicated sustainability center to educate the community about clean water and the environment - Limiting extensive glazing to north facing façades to mitigate heat gain and utilize day lighting- 34kW Photovoltaic array on sustainability center- Passive chilled beams to take advantage of plant effluent water to cool the buildings- Ample recreation space and amities for public use

Sustainability Education Center

15

As part of the 2011 Toronto Doors Open festivities, the city commissioned CH2MHILL to create an illustration that would explain to visitors the basic concept of how the R.C Harris Water Treatment plant works. To produce the rendering I had to model the buildings based on record drawings and site visits with input from senior engineers that were involved with the newly built Residue Management Facility. The city displayed full size prints of the diagram at the plant to explain the treatment process to visitors. The success of the diagram that weekend has prompted the city to print and frame the poster for permanent display in the plant.

cult

ure

Vikt

or K

uslik

is 2

012