Aarja Virk | Waterloo Architecture Portfolio

university of waterloo

aarja virk

Hi, I’m AARJA !

I am currently a second year undergraduate student at University of Waterloo’s School of Architecture.

My passion lies with programming spaces for under represented groups, graphical representation and visual collages.

I look forward to expanding my knowledge and skills further in this field!

CURRICULUM VITAE

SKILLS

proficient in architectural and graphic design softwares

strong design and craft skills cultivated through academic projects

excellent collaboration and coordination skills gained through various volunteering and extracurricular activities

3D MODELLING

Rhino 8

Autocad

Sketchup

ANALOGUE

Laser Cutting

3D Printing

CNC Milling

Model Making

Hand Sketching

VISUALIZATION

INTERESTS

Enscape V-ray Lumion family video games collages horror movies printmaking

LANGUAGES POST PROCESSING

Drafting Photoshop Illustrator InDesign Procreate Lightroom

EXPERIENCE

Boston Pizza

June 2022 - August 2022

Assisted with greeting, seating customers and setting tables Managed reservations and took orders

Dealt with stressful situations and learned customer service

Relay for Life

March 2023

Assisted in fundraising activities and food supply

Hosted several games within the event

Fashion Show

June 2023

Collaborated with classmates and delegated tasks

EDUCATION

University of Waterloo - School of Architecture 2023 - present

Bachelor’s of Architectural Studies, Honours Co-op Program

Mentor College Secondary School

2017 - 2023

Ontario Secondary School Diploma

Honour Roll

English (native) Hindi (fluent)

Punjabi (fluent) French (basic)

ST-ACKS.

GEODE BRIDGE.

SELVA VERDE.

OCULUS.

Cambridge, Ontario

ST-acks

gaming library

rhino enscape photoshop illustrator

Located in downtown Cambridge on Dickson Street, ST-acks serves as a center for the younger population. The form was inspired by the Tetris blocks S and T assembled together, paying homage to retro games. The exterior timber cladding was inspired by retro 8-bit sound bites. Libraries are used as study spaces but ST-acks is created as a stress free library, programmed for enjoyment and relaxation. In contrast to what a typical gaming experience is imagined as, STacks introduces green space and nature to gaming. Surrounded by lush garden spaces both inside and outside, ST-acks demonstrates that gaming does not only need to be a secluded activity.

S T tetris blocks blocks assembled and piled together final form

8-bit sound bite from Super Mario 64

interior render of main stairs

garden elevation

view of exterior patio

view of streaming area

library study space

sitting at the edge of the library, visitors study in a space surrounded by natural

sectional perspective

Sherman Falls, Ontario

GEODE

pedestrian bridge

rhino enscape photoshop illustrator

Geode bridge, located in Sherman Falls, is a pedestrian bridge designed to capture the essence of the surrounding nature. The geometrical form is inspired by the rocks that envelope the stream and the translucent fabric that wraps around the form pays homage to the nearby trees that cast a shadow onto the ground. The varying size in geometry symbolizes the diverse rock formations and vegetation. Geode bridge allows pedestrians to pause at the center and admire the beautiful waterfall situated in front. As visitors enter the bridge, the bridge is enveloped with fabric that let the tree shadows peirce through, leaving beautiful silhouettes all over. The bridge is open in the middle to capture and frame the waterfall.

tree shadow on fabric

view from bridge

view into the bridge

exploded axonometric

PVC coated polyester

20 cm glulam

10 cm timber decking

5cm timber sub decking

30 x 30 cm glulam joists

25 x 30 cm glulam beams

10 cm x 30 cm glulam supports

The Selva Verde Retreat is a recluded, self-sufficient haven for respite nestled adjacent to the vibrant embrace of the Amazon Rainforest, sitting on the outskirts of Codajas, a municipality in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. Its design, drawing from traditional Braizilian architecture, especially the tiled and large overhanging roof, not only pays homage to the region’s cultural heritage but also ensures harmony with the surrounding environment. The use of rammed earth walls is a particularly thoughtful touch that allows the resort to meld organically into its lush surroundings while also offering a sustainable construction alternative. This retreat is tailor-made for those seeking solace and immersion in nature, especially botanists and botany enthusiasts who are interested in exploring the rich environment of the Amazon. With its secluded location near Codajas, guests can expect an authentic experience away from the hustle of urban life, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest. rhino enscape photoshop illustrator

axonometric

downspout filter

rainwater tank

pv (photovoltaic) system

water pump system

solar panels

view of connection to greenhouse

40 mm vent space

40x40 mm battens

cellulose batt roof fibre reclaimed asphalt

shingle tiles venter soffit

concrete slab

anchor bolts

waterproof sealant

rammed earth wall

4” rigid insulation

continuous 10m structural bars 10m tie bars

gypsum board

20 mm redwood flooring 20 mm subflooring

150 mm concrete slab

10 mm plaster ceiling

200 mm concrete wall

6” rigid insulation concrete wall footiWng

drain pipe sealant

gypsum board

wall section

Arch 174

Pedestrian Bridge

Lundbreck Falls, Alberta

OCULUS steel bridge

collaboration with Youjia Zhang

Perched over the flowing Crowsnest River and overlooking Lundbreck Falls in Alberta, Oculus is a pedestrian bridge made out of primarily steel, intricately designed to the smallest details. Inspired by the beauty of the human eye, the bridge’s design mirrors the delicate curves and symmetry found in the orbs described to be the ‘windows to the soul’. The two different bridge levels serve different purposes: the taller one allows pedestrians to feel closer to the sky and acts primarily as a walkway, while the lower bridge that has a generous width tapers down closer to the waters where people can sit down and rest underneath the top bridge. This distribution of space allows the bridge to act almost like an open-air event space. Offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, Oculus acts not only as a physical passageway but also as a metaphysical lookout, encouraging contemplation and connection with the essence of existence. rhino v-ray photoshop illustrator

view through bridge

20 x 400 cm upper lumber decking

steel and glass railings connected to 15 x 17 cm I-beams

15 x 25 cm HSS steel joists

45 x 30 steel I-girders

1 cm tension cables with pin connections

20 x 500 cm lower lumber decking

steel and glass railings connected to 15 x 17 cm I-beams

15 x 25 cm HSS steel joists

35 x 20 cm steel I-girders

hinge connection to concrete foundation

Cable and Pin Connectors

The steel cables acting in tension to hold up the lower bridge is connected to the large girders by the pin connectors. A steel plate that is welded on to the connectors ensures that the cables are