The journey back: exploring design and identity with Lumion
Lumion Student Story: a graduate's thesis project inspired by his homeland
Design and cultural heritage
Meet Ryan Saidi, a recent architecture graduate whose thesis project is a fusion of cultural heritage and innovative design. Originally from Côte d'Ivoire, Ryan approached his thesis by combining traditional and contemporary influences as an ode to his homeland’s architecture.
In this insightful discussion, Ryan sheds light on his work, his vision to enrich architectural education, and Lumion's transformative role in his projects. Read on to discover how his cultural heritage shapes his vision and approach to architecture.
Let’s start with a bit of background information on yourself and how you first came into contact with Lumion.
Ryan Saidi: I initially moved to the US from Côte d'Ivoire to study mechanical engineering. Two years into the program, I realized it wasn’t a fulfilling journey for me. I used to enjoy 3D modeling when I was younger, so I decided to go into architecture. A graduate student introduced me to Lumion, and I did my first renders with his help. I have been using Lumion for my projects ever since.
What was the premise of your thesis and the idea behind it? Is it culturally influenced?
Ryan Saidi: My project addresses the question, ‘What is West African architecture?' with a specific focus on Côte d’Ivoire. It integrates features from precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial periods, demonstrating how learning from these various times can inform our future architectural practices. The project is about exploring what African architecture could be: I wanted to emphasize the importance of incorporating diverse influences to create architecture that is culturally and contextually relevant.
The goal was not to revive old architecture, but to learn from different eras and create something new while being part of a larger conversation about African architecture. Materiality was a big part of my project: I used traditional materials like earth and copper and combined them with contemporary materials like glass and steel in my pavilion designs.
My roots have, of course, significantly influenced the idea. Firstly, I named it “NAYALA” after my great-grandfather. He is from the Northern region of Côte d’Ivoire. The Sudano-Sahelian architecture of the Kong mosque is heavily referenced in my project. The use of rammed earth as a construction method became essential, too.
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We’re captivated by your thesis project. How did Lumion help you create it?
Ryan Saidi: My thesis was very experiential, so I needed to create a movie to convey my ideas effectively. Lumion was crucial in every stage of this process. I spent two months designing my thesis, and things were getting stressful. Coincidentally, that was around the time Lumion 2024 came out, and it couldn’t have happened at a better time: with Lumion 2023, the rendering times were still quite heavy and I was on a tight deadline. The new version completely changed the rendering process, allowing me to finalize everything just in time.
Ryan Saidi
Architecture Graduate
The best part about Lumion is how user-friendly it is. Once you understand it, you can achieve amazing results: it allows you to focus on creativity rather than getting bogged down by technical details.
We’re glad to hear the update helped. Are you happy with the way the updates are handled?
Ryan Saidi: The continuous improvement of the software is one of the best aspects of it! And the best part is how user-friendly Lumion is: once you understand it, you can achieve amazing results. It allows you to focus on creativity rather than getting bogged down by technical details.
How did the presentation of your thesis go?
Ryan Saidi: When I presented the video, people wanted me to restart it so they could watch it again, which was a great sign. Rendering materials accurately, especially in interior shots, was challenging. For example, the auditorium render I did was tough – but turned out great thanks to Lumion's capabilities. Overall, I was pleased with the results – and so was the audience.
Any particular Lumion features you find useful?
Ryan Saidi: My favorite Lumion feature is the ray tracing capabilities, which make the interiors look exceptional. Among others are texture scattering, the vegetation paintbrush, and the ability to add LUTs to create a cinematic effect. I’m still learning how to render interior spaces: they require a lot of attention.
How would you like to bring the knowledge you have acquired back to Côte d'Ivoire? What's your design philosophy?
Ryan Saidi: The first step for me would be to share what I have learned by giving lectures at the university back home on precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial times in depth, so we can look into how to inform our future designs. As for my own design philosophy, I believe in creating contemporary architecture that resonates with the cultural and environmental context. My approach emphasizes materiality, texture, and sustainability.
What are some of your favorite architects and architectural projects? Anything particular you're inspired by?
Ryan Saidi: I admire Peter Zumthor's work, especially the Therme Vals for its serene integration with natural surroundings. David Adjaye's African American Museum and Abrahamic Family House for their cultural significance and architectural innovation. Francis Kere's Gando Library for its sustainable design rooted in local materials and community impact. Lastly, The Glenstone Museum by Thomas Phifer and Partners for its architectural elegance.
Ryan Saidi
Architecture Graduate
Lumion 2024 completely changed the rendering process and the time it took to complete my thesis project, allowing me to finalize everything just in time!
What do you think students studying architecture and design need right now in terms of software and education?
Ryan Saidi: I think there's a gap in formal education about visualization software. Most students are self-taught when it comes to using different tools. For me, meeting a graduate student who introduced me to Lumion was a turning point. I believe students can as well learn from each other. More structured guidance on using software like Lumion could be beneficial.
How important do you think visualization skills are for architecture students?
Ryan Saidi: Architectural visualization is crucial today for helping juries and the public envision a project. In my case, without a video, it would have been very challenging to convey my ideas effectively, as the project was large-scale and complex. Visualization helps you understand how to take a picture and frame a scene, which is essential in rendering. It’s not just about knowing the software; it’s about understanding the principles of good visualization. Resources to learn these skills are important, and while there’s a lot available online, formal guidance can make a big difference.
Any advice for students like yourself?
Ryan Saidi: I would advise new architecture students to spend sufficient time learning visualization software. It takes effort, but mastering this skill lets you show your project accurately with the right materials, shadows, and environment. This helps you feel more confident presenting your designs and makes it easier for the viewers to understand them.
Shape the future with Lumion
Ryan’s captivating project shows that inspiration for a project can be found both in the past and in the future – and sometimes, tradition and innovation intertwine to tell the whole story.
As a student, you have the power to envision and shape the future. We believe in supporting your educational journey, which is why Lumion 2024 Pro is completely free for students across the world. Join Ryan and 200,000 other future architects as you prepare for the next step in your career.
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