Volume 1 – Academic & Professional Work

Academic Level

Politecnico de Milano | Master Thesis

Transition in Public Space

Open Space System & Park Design

Guided by Prof. Paola Nella Branduini, Michael Triebswetter

Professional Work

GTL Landschaftsarchitektur | Competition

Inden Schophoven’s

New Green Center

Professional Work

GTL Landschaftsarchitektur | Competition

Brunnen Quarter in Karben

Open Space Planning Design

Academic Level

Politecnico de Milano | Advanced Architectural Studio

Fracture

Port Wine Musuem

Guided by Prof. Camilo Rebelo, Kiana Jalali

Academic Level

Politecnico de Milano | Landscape Representation and Modeling

In- Between

Open Space System & Park Design

Guided by Karin Sara Protasoni, Floriana Pergalani

Academic Level

Politecnico de Milano | Urban and Environmental Landscape Desgin Studio

Via D’acqua

On The Traces of The Undergroundwater

Guided by Lemes de Oliveira Fabiano, Torrigiani Emanuela

Landscape as Memory

Photography

PERSONAL

about me

I’m a landscape architect, digital artist, and photographer with a Master’s degree in Sustainable Architecture and Landscape Design from Politecnico di Milano (2023). My work is driven by a deep interest in the relationship between nature and the built environment, with a focus on sustainable and site-responsive design.

I joined GTL Landscape Architecture in Kassel first as an intern, and have been working there since.W During this time, I’ve contributed to both competition and real-world projects. Competitions have allowed me to experiment with bold, conceptual thinking, while built projects have taught me the value of technical precision, clarity, and team collaboration.

From public parks and university campuses to plazas and private villas, my work spans a range of scales and cultural contexts. I’m dedicated, curious, and continually driven by meaningful design challenges.

SALMA SAJADI

December 10, 1991

Kassel, Germany

salma.sajjadi1@gmail.com

+49 172 5750 569

EDUCATION

SOFTWARE

PROFICIencies

INTERESTS

Language

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE & LANDESCAPE DESGIN

Politecnico di Milano, Italy

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE

Hafez University of Shiraz, Iran

ASSOCIATE OF DEGREE IN ARCHITECTURE

Shahid Ashrafi Isfahani, Iran

Vector Works

Autocad

Sketch Up

Revit

QGIS

Photography

Painting

Climbing

Philosophy

Englisch B2

Photoshop

InDesign

Illustration

Affinity

3ds Max Design

VRay

Archicad

Procreate

Nature & Environment

Women’s study

Human Rights

Deutsch B1

Italienisch A2

GTL Landschaftsarchitektur (Kassel, Germanny)

Employees at GTL (Since 2023)

Working as a student at GTL in Kassel (10/2023 - 10/2024)

Completion of the internship (03/2023 - 09/2023)

Metric Engineering Office

Team Work

Shiraz, Iran (2018-2019)

Avgoon Architecture Firm, architecture, Engineering, and Planning Office

Team Work

Shiraz, Iran (2016-2017)

Ahmad Ali Partow Office

Team Work (Internship)

Shiraz, Iran (2015)

Competition/ Workshop

Auf dem Weg zum See - Gestaltung Sichtachse Gut Müllenark zum zukünftigen Indesee in Inden

Collaborate with GTL- 3rd Price, 2023

Städtebauliche Entwicklung Sonnenhof in Pforzheim

Collaborate with GTL-Anerkennung, 2023

Quartiersmitte Hilgenfeld in Frankfurt am Main Collaborate with GTL-3rd Price, 2023

Freiraumplanerische Gestaltung Brunnenquartier in Karben Collaborate with GTL-Anerkennung, 2023

Special Topics In Urban Desgin

Ramon Antonio Pico, Politecnico di Milano, June 2022

“RE-THINKING VIA EMILIA” (Landscape of Limits)

Intensive Desgin Internationa Workshop, Karim Nader, Politecnico di Milano, September 2021

Study Seminar for The Green Plan

Ecosystems and Green Strategies Analysis and Projects for Cremona, Alesandro Bianchi, Sara Protasoni, Politecnico di Milano, October 2021

“Persepolis, Bright Center of The Persian Empire” Conference

Heidemarie Koch, Winter 2013

ACCA Architectural Competition Symbolic world cup structure designing “Threads of Victory”, Winter 2012

transition in public space

from baroque era to german reich to post war curret era

/KASSEL, GERMANY

Course: Master Thesis

Institution: Politecnico di Milano – MSc in Sustainable Architecture and Landscape Design

Advisors: Professor Paola Nella Branduini, Michael Triebswetter

The thesis aims to reveal the transformation of public space across historical eras in Kassel, Germany, focusing on the Entenanger district. Through urban analysis, place attachment theory, and sustainability principles, the project proposes a redesign that restores cultural identity, enhances social interaction, and integrates green-blue infrastructure. The strategic and detailed plans aim to revitalize this neglected site into a vibrant and inclusive urban hub.

territorial scale analysis

The territorial analysis defines Kassel’s urban framework, emphasizing land use, mobility, and ecological patterns at both macro and micro levels. It highlights the city’s strong natural networks and urban dynamics, setting the foundation for sustainable reconnection strategies in the Entenanger district.

SWOT ANALYSIS

Strengths

• Strategic Central Location

• Existing Commercial Infrastructure

• Green Spaces and Vegetation

• Severe Parking Issues

• Safety Concerns

• Accessibility Challenges

• Unbalanced Retail Foot Traffic

• Aging Vegetation Weaknesses

• Comprehensive Redesign

• Cultural and Market Events

• Modern Safety Improvements

• Balanced Urban Development: Oportunity

Treats

• Ongoing Parking Problems

• Vegetation Management Issues

TANGIBLE HERITAGE

analysis

Hercules Monument is a prominent landmark in Kassel, featuring a colossal statue of Hercules atop an ornate baroque structure. This impressive monument, a marvel of engineering and artistry, offers panoramic views of the city and exemplifies Kassel’s rich architectural heritage.

Entenliesel-Brunnen is a charming historic fountain located in the Entenanger district of Kassel. Known for its intricate design and serene ambiance, the fountain is a beloved landmark that represents the traditional and artistic aspects of Kassel’s public spaces.

Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is a historic hillside park renowned for its impressive landscape architecture and artistic water features, making it a significant example of cultural heritage in Kassel. Visitors can explore the intricate network of paths, terraces, and ornamental features that reflect centuries of garden design and engineering excellence.

Königsplatz is a central square in Kassel, historically significant as a hub of public life. Its architecture and design reflect the city’s evolution, making it a vital part of Kassel’s tangible heritage. The square continues to be a lively venue for markets, events, and social gatherings.

Orangerie is an elegant baroque palace in Karlsaue Park, originally built as a winter garden for exotic plants. Today, it houses the Astronomy and Physical Cabinet, showcasing historical scientific instruments. The Orangerie stands as a symbol of Kassel’s cultural and scientific heritage.

The Markthalle in Entenanger, Kassel, is a significant post-war architectural structure that serves as a central hub for commerce and community life. Rebuilt after World War II, it reflects the city's resilience and is a key site for local vendors selling fresh produce and goods. This market hall has been integral to Kassel's social and cultural fabric for decades, symbolizing the continuity of urban life in the city.

The Fridericianum in Kassel, established in 1779, is one of Europe’s oldest public museums. Designed by Simon Louis du Ry, the neoclassical building has a rich history and has hosted major exhibitions, including Documenta since 1955. It remains a key symbol of Kassel’s cultural heritage.

Martinskirche is a Gothic landmark in Kassel, valued for its architectural and historical significance. Protected as a heritage site, it symbolizes the city’s resilience and continuity, having also served various roles in the past that add to its cultural importance.

The Alte Brüderkirche, built in the 14th century, is one of Kassel’s oldest churches. Its Gothic architecture reflects the city’s medieval past, and over time it has served various religious communities. Today, it stands as a symbol of Kassel’s rich religious and architectural heritage.

strategy

10-Year Development Strategy (2024-2034)

Enhance Kassel’s ecological connectivity and urban sustainability by integrating green corridors and blue water systems to boost biodiversity, provide recreational spaces, and improve environmental functions.

PLAYABLE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Enables divers form of movement and encounter and offers opportunities for social participation

Site-appropriat planting

NATURE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Diverse habitats for plants, animals and people

HEAT AND SHADOW

High planting proportion in courtyards as anatural air conditioning system

PHASE 1: Foundation (2024-2026)

• Strengthen green corridors with strategic tree planting.

• Renovate ponds and embankments to support water flow and

• Use phytoremediation plants to improve water quality.

• Create rain gardens for stormwater management and biodiversity.

• Add observation decks and bike stops for better access and recreation.

• Begin groundwork and design planning for long-term development.

habitats. biodiversity. recreation. development.

PHASE 2: Expansion (2026–2029)

• Complete the expansion of the green corridor from Entenanger to Wilhelmshöhe.

• Integrate Karlsaue Park with the city’s central green areas to enhance connectivity.

PHASE 3: Transformation (2029–2034)

• Transform old railway lines into green corridors for biodiversity and recreation (Green Belt – Green Ring).

• Expand irrigation ponds and riverbank systems for improved water flow.

• Install river-walking platforms to support recreation and water management.

MASTER PLAN

DESIGN

EVOLUTION OF SPATIAL FORMS;

From order to Fluidity

The concept for my initall design emerged from observing the transformation of Baroque topiary trees, which started as rigid, symmetrical forms and gradually became more organic and irregular over time. This inspired the idea of parallel lines representing the initial rigid structure, like the trees. As the design progresses, the lines begin to separate, diverge, and fragment, symbolizing the shift from control to freedom, just as the trees evolve. The narrative reflects both the tree design and the pathways, moving from strict organization to a more free and irregular form.

Grimm Activity

is a vibrant public space in Entenanger that combines nature, play, and community. Centered around a rain garden and the calming Enteniesel Fountain, it promotes sustainability and relaxation. Groundwater features add interactivity, while a children’s playground and seating areas foster social connection, making it a welcoming urban oasis for all ages.

RAIN GARDEN FUNCTION

The rain garden will act as a key node in Kassel’s water flow, connecting the urban stormwater system to the Fulda River. By guiding cleansed water from the city center, through natural channels, and into the river, the rain garden will symbolically and practically create a “flow towards freedom.” Water that once carried urban pollutants will be purified, contributing to a healthier Fulda River ecosystem and reinforcing your vision of a sustainable, interconnected urban landscape.

Name: Reed Canary Grass

Plant Type: Phytoremediation Grass

Season: Late Spring to Summer Height: 0.6 - 1.5m Blooming colour

Name: Carex pendula

Plant Type: Sedge

Season: Late Spring to Summer Height: 1.2 - 1.8m Blooming colour

Name: Maiden Grass Plant Type: Grass

Season: Late Summer to Fall Height: 1.2 - 3 m Blooming colour

Name: Switchgrass

Plant Type: Grass

Season: Late Summer to Fall

Height: 0.9- 2.4 m Blooming colour

Name: Yellow Flag Iris

Plant Type: Perennial

Season: Late Spring to Summer

Height: 0.7 - 1.2 m Blooming colour

Name: Purple Coneflower

Plant Type: Perennial

Season: Mid to Late Summer

Height: 0.6 - 1.2 m Blooming colour

Name: Dogwood Plant Type: Schrub

Season: Late Spring to Early Summer Height: 2-4 m Blooming colour

Name: European Cranberrybush Plant Type: Schrub

Season: Late Spring to Early Summer

Height: 2-4 m Blooming colour

Name: Black-eyed Susan Plant Type: Phytoremediation Rush

Season: Mid Summerto Fall Height: 0.5-1 m Blooming colour

INDEN SCHOPHOVEN'S NEW GREEN CENTER

Competition (3rd Price), Collabration with GTL Landscape Architecture /KASSEL, GERMANY

The transformation of a former industrial area into a public recreation landscape with a future lake forms the heart of this design. The concept responds to two major chalalenges– climate challenges and land use transformation– by creating a sustainable, blue- green infrustructure integrated into the region’s tourism network.

Blue-Green Band

The park stretches from the Müllenark estate to the future lake’s edge, connected by a gently curved path. Alongside this path runs a similarly curved retention trough, which splits as it approaches the lake, forming an island. This trough collects rainwater not only from the park itself but also from adjacent public areas. During heavy rain, it transforms into a visible watercourse leading to the lake; in lighter rain, it becomes a playful series of puddles.

This dynamic, water-sensitive design creates a shifting landscape that responds to the climate. The planting concept focuses on resilient species adapted to wetdry cycles. Additional depressions across the site act as secondary retention areas, supporting biodiversity and flood management while enhancing the park’s recreational and ecological value.

Dynamic Landform Design

The terrain is shaped entirely with on-site soil to minimize resource use and carbon impact. Excavated material from the central trough is reused to model gentle hills and raised areas, creating playful topography and varied spatial experiences within the park. These hills serve as informal seating, play areas, or planted mounds—defining smaller zones without hard boundaries.

Microclimate & Ecological Function

The topography is not just aesthetic—it actively shapes the park’s microclimate and water behavior. Hills and troughs direct water flow, create shaded zones, and define moist vs. dry planting conditions. This enhances plant health and user comfort while supporting a layered biodiversity strategy through diverse niches and microhabitats.

These moments build emotional connection and invite curiosity about the site’s ongoing change from mining landscape to a vibrant ecological park. Seating, insect habitats, and nesting trees enhance both human comfort and wildlife value, contributing to a meaningful and resilient landscape.

Brunnen quarter in Karben open space planning design

Competition (Recognition), Collabration with GTL Landscape Architecture /KASSEL, GERMANY

The Brunnenquartier in Karben is designed as a future-oriented residential area shaped by a strong blue-green infrastructure. A network of parks and green corridors weaves through the district, connecting key public spaces and enhancing both accessibility and ecological value.

Curved paths and retention swales manage rainwater naturally, creating seasonal wetlands that support biodiversity and offer playful, dynamic landscapes for residents.The result is a resilient open space that merges sustainability with everyday quality of life.

Resilient Water Landscape

A system of curved swales and wetlands collects rainwater from the park and nearby buildings. It forms streams and pools during heavy rain, and remains dry and usable in dry periods — supporting both biodiversity and recreation.

Green Fingers and Accessibility

Landscape corridors extend into the neighborhood, improving access and bringing greenery closer to homes. These flexible spaces offer play areas, lawns, and planted zones while enhancing shade and airflow.

Microtopography &

Seasonal Change

The landscape’s subtle modeling — sunken swales, raised play mounds, and wetlands — allows it to adapt naturally to changing weather. By retaining all excavation material on site, small hills and islands are created, offering diverse spatial qualities.These zones are planted with resilient species that provide habitat, shade, and seasonal variety.Together, they form a rich sensory environment that evolves throughout the year.

The landscape’s subtle modeling — sunken swales, raised play mounds, and wetlands — allows it to adapt naturally to changing weather. By retaining all excavation material on site, small hills and islands are created, offering diverse spatial qualities.These zones are planted with resilient species that provide habitat, shade, and seasonal variety.Together, they form a rich sensory environment that evolves throughout the year.

FRACTURE

port wine musuem

/Porto, Protugal

Course: Architecture Studio Design II

/Master studio 2022

Advisors: Da Cunha Bastos Rodrigues Rebelo Camilo, Alison AuroaRosa Team Work

The project transforms a monolithic concrete riverside block—originally used as an open-air parking lot—into a fragmented, accessible museum landscape. By breaking open the rigid structure, the design integrates exhibition spaces within the new geometric volumes while inviting public movement across and through the site. These sculpted fragments blur the boundary between architecture and urban space, creating a museum that is both destination and passage.

The city of Porto due to its topography can be read as a series of cracks, with its narrow streets and endless stairs that expand to the river.

The journey through the crack as an experience with two ends;

On one end, there is an urban-life in constant movement, generated by the hall,xvrestaurant, wine lounge and the museum.

While on the other end, the marketplace and the landscape islands offer a tranquil encounter with the river.

Objects from the interiors pop out to the rooftop to define a playful landscape. The rooftop acts as an extention to the side walk where the passer-by can experience fragments of the buried museum.

The spatial atmosphere of the museum defines a rhythm out of the alternation of contemplation and interaction

The museum is a translation of the winemaking process into human sensorial experience in space. The steps of the process are translated into architectural atmospheres, in connection the characteristics of that time

Independet spaces/ LABRATORIES & WINE

the courtyard offers a pause and allows the traveller to break the linear storyline of winemaking

Last Room/ ARCHIVE & TESTING PORT

While the museum is playful and sensorial the marketplace settles on a grid, following functionality

the courtyard offers a pause and allows the traveller to break the linear storyline of winemaking

ROOTING FLOWERING HARVESTING TRANSPORTATIONFORTIFICATION FERMENATATION

Along the fissure there is a constant change in x,y and z.

Volumes get higher and lower, opaque and transparent Proportions change, and from the in-betweens, the river glimpses

Interactive modern fermentation in tanks

Contemplative traditional fermentation in lagar

de tail land scape

Green Roof & Raingarden

Layering

Vegetation

Growing medium soil

Filter membrane

Draining layer

Waterproof membrane

Support panel

Thermal insulation

Vapor control Concrete

Landscape Islands

A number of fragments are shaped as gabion terraced islands to preserve existing trees along the riverside. Some of these are accessible and some just let nature be.

Landscape Islands Layering

the

intersection between built and In-between

Course: IC LANDSCAPE REPRESENTATION AND MODELLING

/master studio 2021

Advisors: Karin Sara Protasoni & Floriana Pergalani Group Work

Today, the railway acts as a new barrier of Piacenza after removing the historical walls. Considering railway scape on three primary connections between Piacenza and Po, the train station area is the broadest and most accessible site for people to understand Piacenza’s railway scape.

With the idea of promoting “Nature conquers,” which be considered the area’s identity, the project proposes a strategy to invite people to observe, be active, and feel the reclaim of nature on the traces of humans. Thereby realizing a different landscape is only found in post-industrial ruins such as abandoned buildings and railway tracks.

SITE ANALYSIS

The RAILWAYSCAPE OF PIACENZA-ACCESSIBLE

After the old walls were taken down, the railway now serves as Piacenza’s new wall. The train station area is the largest and most accessible location for people to grasp Piacenza’s railway scape when considering the three main connections between Piacenza and Po.

A HIDDEN GREEN CORRIDOR

TWO SIDES OF RAILWAY AND NATURE RECAPTURE THE CITY

Currently, there is a connection line available in the area from Publicco to the abandoned site. This road can consider becoming the first hint of green space made up of an informal vegetation system. Crossing the raway, we once again witness the dominance of nature on urban Infrastructure. This pattern extends to the Po River and becomes a new green connection potential from Piacenza to PO.

TRAIN STATION AND ITS POTENTION

Piacenza is a destination with high mobility. The current design of the station is limited to people coming from the direction of Piacenza. Currently, some of the tracks are abandoned with low landscape quality

NATURE CONQUERS-BETWEEN BUILT AND UNBUILT

The sections show the appearance and density of informal vegetation in the current situation.

With the idea of promoting “Nature conquers,” which be considered the area’s identity, the project proposes a strategy to invite people to observe, be active, and feel the reclaim of nature on the traces of humans. Thereby realizing a different landscape is only found in post-industrial ruins such as abandoned buildings and railway tracks.

TUNNEL and new service area

The tunnel area connecting the two sides of the track plays a vital role in phase 1 of the project. The renovated tunnel

1. The striking and inviting entrance

2. Enhance the safety of the tunnel

EXPANSION TUNNEL

The expansion is done in the open ground between the tracks to increase the amount of natural light entering the tunnel, reducing the feeling of darkness caused by the long tunnel.

NEW SERVICE AREA

The service area is the starting point of phase 2. The design strategy applied to this point focuses on creating a first hint of a linear park next to Piacenza's tracks, where visitors can come and experience it. Railway landscape from another angle.

VIA D'ACQUA

ON THE TRACES OF THE UNDERGROUND

Urban and Environmental Landscape Desgin Studio

/Master Studio 2021

Lemes de Oliveira Fabiano, Torrigiani Emanuela Team work

The aim of the project is to design a green wedge for the city of Milan, Lombardy, Italy connecting the west side to the center. This goal will be achieved by the reopening of an underground water system that characterized the Pianura Padana, the Fontanili, and one of the main river that passes through the city, connecting with Darsena and Naviglio Grande.

The project followed the framework of a green-blue strategy taking into consideration selected sustainable development goals and ecosystem services then applying appropriate nature-based solutions on the final site.

These diagrams in the Meso Scale show more in detail which kind of intervention will be designed in six different areas of the wedge.

Generally the goal is to obtain a continuity of the Green System with the help of the Blue System. The reopening of the Water System will occur where there will be its presence, and in the other case different solutions to collect the rain water such as infiltration strips, gutter and porous pavements.

To reduce the heat island effect will be planted different species of trees and shrubs, to provide shades and permit a significant continuity through the entire axis, help in the air quality and generate a pollination’s corridor.

“Good Architecture lets nature in”. Mario Pei

SALMA SAJADI

(+49) 172 5750 569

salma.sajjadi1@gmail.com https://www.issuu.com/salma.sajjadi1