Hi, i'm Raban Ohlhoff
Designer and AI enthusiast.

I am deeply fascinated by the intersection of computer science and society. My focus lies in the collection, analysis, and practical application of everyday data to drive automation and train artificial intelligence. Through various projects, I strive to bridge theoretical concepts with real-world applications, highlighting their tangible value and societal impact.

During my architectural studies, I developed a passion for design through the exploration and definition of individual parameters which introduce an essential dimension to the creative process. Rigid, static objects are transformed into flexible, adaptable designs that evolve over time and are perceived uniquely by different observers. My work focuses on fundamental concepts such as geometric and algebraic principles, as well as diverse evaluation methods, ranging from objective simulations to subjective surveys.

I started working as an architectural designer with a focus on visualization at the end of 2023. This required a deep knowledge of different 3D modelling and manipulation software to develop different designs and representations. In subsequent steps, these designs are brought to life through various forms of visualization. The resulting projects range from perspectives with varying degrees of abstraction to site plans at different scales, detailed site sections and pictogrammatic representations.

This thesis explores the application of graph theoretical and topological concepts in architecture and investigates the use of graph machine learning methods in the context of architectural analysis, with a particular focus on energy efficiency as a key performance metric. To this end, a synthetic architectural dataset containing geometric, categorical, dimensional, energetic and topological information is generated by integrating various space partitioning algorithms combined with architectural control functions into an automated generation pipeline. Subsequently, a classification model and a regression model are trained on the generated knowledge graph dataset to evaluate the prediction and classification accuracy in terms of energy efficiency.

The concrete approach of the project is to temporarily revive the unoccupied Metropole building and the marsh area in order to preserve and show the strength of its ecological and cultural as well as architectural heritage. In its current state, the Metropole Building is a two-story empty volume. The volumes are divided by a metal structure composed of posts and beams. The project consists of complementing the existing metal structure, which implicitly divides the volume, with an ephemeral wooden structure, so that it can be activated, animated and appropriated by the inhabitants.

A design concept that sought to re-evaluate the role and power of blank spaces in urban environments was developed through intense research and analysis. Additionally new ways to use and interact with these areas, with the aim of creating more diverse and inclusive public spaces that could serve the needs of different communities are proposed.

Living in a cohabitation brings many additional aspects to consider as an architect. This project was about the integration of a cohabitation into an existing housing project in Leuven. It was important to respect the prevailing dynamics within the different levels. On the scale of the whole complex, within a building but also within a single apartment. I decided not to make tabula rasa with the existing building but rather to analyze how individual architectural elements can change an originally separated apartment into a functioning coliving space. With a theatre and a film room, two new cores will activate and animate the residential environment.

The following project was born from the unification of two seemingly completely independent intentions: To develop a solution to the increasing homelessness rates and to allow the best and most respectful possible integration into the floral and faunal environment. Based on the use of abandoned railway containers, this project offers a cheap and simple way of construction. After an intensive analysis of the context, beneficial interactions with the flora and fauna have been developed.

As part of a general district project, the land adjacent to a former industrial site had to be adapted to the new character of the neighborhood. For the selected site, apartments and a sports hall were integrated into a joint project. The challenges here were to understand the urbanistic background of the changing district. It was also important to respect and work with the different borders, such as the limit between nature and city or the balance between public and private, which is reflected in the program itself.