Ammaar Abu Aziz Chowdry Architecture and Design Compilation Selected Academic & Professional Works
Ammaar Abu Aziz Chowdry DOB : 26.01.1994 Council of Architecture Reg No : CA/2016/77918
contact:
email : ammaarc8@gmail.com mobile : +39 320 713 1617
education: High School : Don Bosco Mat. Higher Secondary School Std X Result : 448/500 (89.6%) Std XII Result : 1144/1200 (95.33%) Undergraduation : MEASI Academy of Architecture (Affiliated to Anna University) Bachelors in Architecture ( ID) CGPA : 8.22 Postgraduation : Politecnico di Milano Master in Architecture&Urban Design (Ongoing)
work experience: Madras Office of Architects & Designers ( MOAD ) January 2015 - June 2015 ( Internship) Duration : 6 Months Celnikier & Grabli Architectes ( CGA ) , Paris, France. July 2015 - October 2015 ( Internship) Duration : 5 Months KSM Architecture, Chennai, India. August 2016 - August 2019 s+a.D Studio, Chennai, India. October 2016 - Present ( Principal Designer)
workshops and competitions:
skills:
2013 - Rethinking Architecture University of Lincoln, UK
Software : AutoCAD, Revit, Sketchup, Vray, Photoshop, Lumion, Illustrator, inDesign,
2013 - Waste to Wealth Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Design Competition - An Initiative toward’s India’s much needed sustainability
Languages : English, Tamil, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, French ( Intermediate), Italian ( Beginner)
2013 - Berkeley Prize Essay Shelters and a Revolving Doors towards a Housing Continuum 2014 - ArcoWiz Convention Design Competition for Memorial for 26/11 Mumbai Attacks- UP Technical University 2017 - Tiny House Competition Volume Zero Design Competition 2017 - “ World Architecture Festival” Berlin, Germany
co-curriculars:
achievements:
2011 - Vummidi V Shankar Gold Medal for Highest Marks in English in Hr. Sec. Exam 2011 - Mr Nadesan Srinivasan and Mrs. Yogambal Srinivasan Scholarship award 2011 - Master A Maria Gnanam Cash award for Highest Marks in English in Hr. Sec. Exam 2013 - Best Design Intervention for the Masterplan of the city of Lincoln, University of Lincoln 2016 - Gold Medal for Best Thesis Project, MEASI Academy of Architecture 2017 - Ranked in Top 20 Entries Tiny House Competition, Volume Zero
2004-2011 - Member - Bosco Education Movement 2017 - KSM Architecture Studio 2010-2011 - Social Service Secretary , Don Bosco Highly Commended Office Project 2011-2016 - Member -Habitat Rotaract Club, World Architecture Festival, Berlin MEASI Chapter 2011-Present - Member - Don Bosco Past Pupils 2018 - The Village Home ( Freelance project) Association Shortlist - The Merit List, India 2016 - Present - Member - Muslim Educational Association Published on ArchDaily of Southern India 2016-Present - Involved with the Chennai Architecture 2019 - Invest your Talent in Italy Scholarship Winner Foundation Sponsored by the Italian Ministry of Foreign 2016-Present - Conducting workshops for architecture Affairs, UniItalia and Italian Trade Agency students on design representations
Portfolio Narrative : 1.0 Architecture and Housing 1.1 Clover by the River (Housing Development for 300 families in Chennai) with Model Flat 1.2 The Village Home (Redesign of a 100 year old house for a Muslim family) 1.3 Rethinking Yazd Low height High Density housing in Yazd, Iran 2.0 Architecture and Heritage 2.1 The Utopian Grave (Memorial for the Victims of Oradour sur Glane and Terrorism) 2.2 An-Tiny Propoganda (Proposal of a Town Hall and Library between New and Old Oradour) 2.3 The Devil’s Workshop (Preseervation and Re-use of Bucentaur’s House, Venice) 3.0 Architecture and Urbanism
The portfolio is a composition of diverse stories about the connection of architecture with various factors. The narrative of this portfolio transitions from architecture being a facilitator of urban growth, of cultural and traditional betterment and a relation between humans and nature. Through various typologies, architecture has been experimented as a tool for societal development in field like housing and urban interventions by catalyzing a positive change in the Infrastructural layout of towns and cities
3.1 The Tool Box (A Tool kit for Urban Designers to restore Lambrate, Milan) 3.2 Suspended Living ( Proposal for utilization of unused spaces within a city) 3.3 Timeless Transit (Analysis of the city of Lincoln and urban intervention)
1.0 Architecture and Housing
CLOVER BY THE RIVER Project type : Professional ( Group) Project typology : Housing Year : March, 2018 Area : 50000 sq.m. Role : Design Detailing, Coordination with the client, Structural design intent and interaction with Structural and MEP Consultants, Execution Drawings, Site Inspection,Vendor Finalization Cost : 125 Million INR Location : Chennai, India Project Overview The site is located in the heart of the city of Chennai in a prominent area with neighbors such as the prestigious Madras Boat Club. The site is adjacent to the Adyar River thus making it a beautiful setting for a residential development. The entire complex is to house 300 dwelling units varying in sizes. The residential market of the city is currently highly competitive hence the users are to be attracted with a design that is different from what is offered by other developers Project Vision Though being a commercial venture, the project was seen a community building tool. Majority of the developments focus on utilization of maximum ground area and achieving numbers that would give the highest returns. In this process, the housing communities end up being closely arranged blocks with minimum common area for interaction and open spaces for children. This leads to isolated living of each family which results in bad neighbor relations. The design intent is to increase the community interaction space and also utilize most of the ground area as a green space for the members of the community to utilize.
Master Planning The site was oddly shaped which would lead to wastage of space if the blocks were placed in a linear manner. Hence a boomerang arrangement was created which would enhance views of the blocks in all directions. The site was raised in order to create a central green podium while all the cars were placed underneath it. All the towers opened into the green podium whose expanse reached till the site boundary. The driveway for the vehicular movement was tucked away on the rear side of the site along with all the other facilities. A space was created on the edge of the site with sporting activities that could be accessed by outside public from the road. The space between the towers enhanced air flow through the site without any tower blocking the flow owing to it’s non linear arrangement. This facilitated proper cross ventilation inside each apartment as no face of the building was blocked.
Site with driveway along the rear edge with services
Towers arranged in non linear fashion opening out
Greened up spaces between the towers
Maximum utilization of site area as open space
Lack of Community Housing
A regular housing complex unit with a Double loaded corridor and lack of Community and gathering space
Verandah Space around the towers leading to the Central podium
Segregation of Living Blocks
Creating a Central podium space
Community Gathering & a space to connect
Introduction of courtyards within the housing block by splitting the tower into segments
Creation of a central atrium like space that connects to other towers within the complex creating a green courtyard
A community gathering space that promotes better neighbor relationship as well as provides for a open green space
Cross Section between towers that create pockets of community spaces
Wall Sections taken at various points across the building for detailing
Top : View of the lobby overlooking the landscaped community space Right : View of the community space with swimming pool
Views of the Sales gallery and mock apartment
Views of the Sales gallery and mock apartment
THE VILLAGE HOME Project type : Professional ( Individual) Project typology : Residence Year : October 2016-December 2017 Area : 250 sq.m. Role : Concept Development, Design Detailing, Execution and Working Drawings, Structural Design and Site Supervision Location : Minambur, Tamil Nadu, India Total Cost : 3 Million INR
Project Overview Minambur is a Muslim dominated village in the Southern part of India. The village was formed during the time of Raja Tej Singh of the Gingee Fort and the residents of the village comprised of both the chief officers and the workers of the King. The houses in the village are now more than 100 years old. One family from the village decided it was time to upgrade their living conditions but at the same time not change their style of living which was influenced by many cultural and sociological factors. A decision of such nature was a huge step for the residents of this village and they hoped that their move would encourage other members to also come forward and better their living standards. Project Vision The family belonged to the Lower income group hence the project had to be carefully evaluated economic constraints. The idea was to provide a design that would help them break free from the societal restrictions while at the same time retain the cultural values of the village
Living Spaces
Utility Spaces
Typical Architecture design of a Minambur House : The spatial planning of the house was a result of many cultural and sociological factors. Most of the houses were constructed in the early 1900s when the community was very stringent with its culture. None of the houses had any windows on the exterior walls which resulted in the ventilation being dependent on a courtyard ( aangan) that took up the major part of the house. The reason for this was to provide privacy for the women from the outsiders. The house was divided into multiple layers. Only known people were allowed to enter the house while the other visitors were entertained at a small Thinai space near the entrance of the house. The courtyard became the second layer and was used during the summer evenings and nights owing to the hot and dry climate. A corridor running around the courtyard separated it from the more intimate living spaces which was restricted to family members and the women of the house. The women were not allowed to use the front entrance of the house but a back exit was provided which would let them leave the house. Ornamentation was not a key feature of these houses as they were more functional in nature. Locally available stone was used as structural columns while the roof and the windows were made of good quality teakwood that still managed to remain in good condition.
Road facing facade is devoid of windows for privacy from the passerbys
Entrance Foyer ( Thinai)
Courtyard ( Aangan)
Unit Morphology and Form Development
Block module
Introduction of courtyards
Plan indicating the cross ventilation achieved by the introduction of two courtyards *above drawings were made by the applicant
Stacking of volumes across two levels
Adding elements and living spaces
The larger courtyard retained the existing Guava tree on the site. The difference in volume between the two courts results in the expel of hot air from the house due to Stack effect
The living spaces overlooked the courtyard while the corridor was replaced by a staircase well with a jaali screen nsurrounding it that restricted views into the house from the outside. The ventilated screen provided privacy from the road while at the same time facilitated airflow within the house. The windows on the exterior wall were planned in a way that there would be no visibility from the road into the house. A second level with a terrace was added. The house receives natural air and light from all four sides through major part of the day which results in less usage of electricity. Also the open space planning resulted in the space looking larger though the plot was of a considerably small size. An alternate entrance to the house is given through the courtyard for domestic helpers and women. This is an essential element in all the houses of the village. Month 1
Month 2
Month 6
Month 12
9’’x9’’ Terracotta Jaali A handmade block of terracotta is very common in the Southern parts of Tamil Nadu. Being a non toxic and natural material it was the ideal Material for the ventilated facade screen. Each block was broken down into openings of various sizes to cut the harsh glare from the sun while still creating patterned light inside. The screen facilitated air flow into the house and due to its various opening sizes, also acted as a dust trap. The screen helped in reducing the overall indoor temperature in the natural ventilated space thus reducing the need for artificial air-conditioning. *above drawings were made by the applicant
RETHINKING YAZD Project type : Academic Masters Project typology : Housing Year : March, 2020 Area : 750000 sq.m. Role : Concept Designing, Site Survey, Masterplan Design, Public Space Design, Drawings, Graphical Representations, 3d Modelling and Visualization Location : Yazd, Iran Project Overview The City of Yazd is located in the middle of the Iranianplateau, 270 km southeast of Isfahan, close to the Spice and Silk Roads. It bears living testimony tothe use of limited resources for survival in the desert.Water is supplied to the city through a qanat systemdeveloped to draw underground water. The earthenarchitecture of Yazd has escaped the modernizationthat destroyed many traditional earthen towns,retaining its traditional districts, the qanat system,traditional houses, bazars, hamams, mosques, synagogues,Zoroastrian temples and the historic gardenof Dolat-abad. Project Vision Buildings are built of earth. The use of earth in buildingsincludes walls, and roofs by the construction ofvaults and domes. Houses are built with courtyardsbelow ground level, serving underground areas.Wind-catchers, courtyards, and thick earthen wallscreate a pleasant microclimate. Partially covered alleywaystogether with streets, public squares andcourtyards contribute to a pleasant urban quality.The city escaped the modernization trends that destroyed many traditionalearthen cities.
Masterplan Design: The evolution of the Strucutral Morphological map along with theanalysis of the various tissues provided the direction for the proposalof the Masterplan. Some of the major considerations includedthe continuity of the urban fabric into the site and creating ablend which would not alienate the new proposal. Accesssibiltiy into the site by pedestrian and vehicular modes was also kept inmind and different access routes are identified. These routes connect the Persian Garden with the Highway int he E-W directionand the housing blocks in the N-S direction. The location of a new public square located in the centre of the site forms a new centre for the area
Maidan : The Maidan ( Persian for Square) forms the crux of the Proposal. It is placed stratergically at the junction of the North-South ( connecting the old part to the new part) and the EastWest Axis ( connecting the highway with the Persian garden). The Square is proposed to be a new centre for the whole area surrounding the Dowlat Abad Garden and not just for the housing area.
The design of the square is predominantly a large flat hardscape which would act as a good foreground to the PersianGardens. The flooring is treated with alternate flooring patternsthat align with the grids of the surrounding structures. On either side of the square, there is a collonade that serves small shops , stores and cafes that would help activate the functions taking place in the square. The open land itself can be host to various temporary stalls and kiosks during the day. A Mosque is placed at the head of the square
HOUSING VARIATION 02
HOUSING VARIATION 01
HOUSING VARIATIONS
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TYPICAL BUILDING CLUSTERS
Ground Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
2.0 Architecture and Society
THE UTOPIAN GRAVE Project type : Academic / Thesis( Individual) Project typology : Institutional Architecture Year : January, 2016 Area : 9100 sq.m. Role : Site Study, Research, Concept Development, Design Detailing, Execution Drawings, Structural and Technical Detailing Location : Oradour sur Glane, France Recognition : Thesis Gold Medal MEASI Academy of Architecture Project Overview The Utopian Grave is an oxymoron linking two things - The grave which is the final and most disliked place of a human and utopia which is an idealistic scenario. The basic idea of the project is to use architecture as the tool to make people more aware of probably the biggest fear in the world today - Terrorism. Project Vision Terrorism is not limited to fanatics fighting for a cause but to any crime that is committed without any logical reasoning but the ideology of one Person. The effects of such crimes last a lifetime and destroy the lives of countless innocents across the world. There is little architecture can do to help the affected. But there is a lot it can do to those who are only aware of these situations but not certain of its impact. This is a small but Determined attempt by utilizing architecture to make people realize the pain these people feel but also helps them take back something with them once they go home so each person does his part in putting an end to terror rather than just sit at home and be an audience to it. This is a new approach towards designing a memorial where the key target would be reshaping one’s ideology
HOW CAN ARCHITECTURE HELP CURTAIL VIOLENCE? There are various initiative taken globally to help those directly affected by war. Meanwhile, it is necessary to make the people who are not involved in the war equally aware of the situation. AN IDEA : Where a person feels equally affected by an event and can understand at l––east a considerable amount of the pain because it is only then that he/she might go back home with a positive change.
Global Peace Index map, indicating how peaceful a nation is based on crime and violence statistics plus military spending and war-mongering:
ARCHITECTURE TO INFLUENCE ARCHITECTURE TO GUIDE ARCHITECTURE TO EXPERIENCE ARCHITECTURE FOR PEACE
I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness, I hear the ever-approaching thunder, which will destroy us too, I can feel the suffering of millions, and yet, if I look up into the heavens, I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty, too, will end. These are the words of a 15-year-old girl. They could have been written yesterday—by a child in Bosnia or Liberia, in Afghanistan or the Sudan. In fact, they were written more than 50 years ago in the Netherlands, by Anne Frank, who died shortly afterwards in a Nazi concentration camp.
War aga- An Architect’s War against Terror
10 June 1944 Oradour sur Glane , France
Just one other cringe worthy incident
Project Background : The project revolves around a massacre and a war crime that took place during the World War II, in the village of Oradour-sur-Glane located in the Haute-Vienne region of France. The village that was attacked was in no way involved in the war nor was it strong enough to hold up to any resistance but yet it was attacked by the Germans and a total of 642 men, women and children were killed and the village was set on fire. The reason being that the German troops had false information that a high ranking officer was captured there. And when the troops reached the village, they realized that their information was wrong but the ego of the commanding officer was such that he refused to believe that the information was wrong and ordered all the people to be killed. The village is still left in its ruined state and none of the objects have been moved or tampered with to make the place look as it has been frozen in time.
The city of Oradour now lies a few miles away from the ruins that are now preserved i time. In between the two lies the site with the River Glane gliding past it like a thread connecting the present to the past. The idea was to make the visitor embark on a journey - to make him understand the effects of the unfortunate incident and also give the reassurance that life flows on and a new beginning can be made from the very few place. What remained constant between the two towns was the Church. Tangents drawn from these churches towards the river and onto each created two intersecting paths on the site. This paved way to the crux of the project which was to create two promenades ( walkways) that would define the journey from the past to the present. The idea was to not take away the focus from the ruins, hence most of the building was buried within the ground, with only a part of the two promenades projecting from the ground. A contoured site by nature, the view from the road was nothing but of a vast expanse of green land, mildly cut and tampered with by two blade like elements with the River Glane glistening with all its glory at the far end. A message and an example for the city of Oradur sur Glane.
Physical model of the site along with the proposal
The two promenades are a link between various spaces that the visitor experiences. Sequenced in a manner it is almost like the visitor is watching a movie, the script of which is written by the architecture of the space. Each space is meant to heighten a certain emotion that relates in some form or the other with what the victims experienced at the time of the massacre. The intention is not to scare but to absorb the incident. The walk starts from the entrance of the memorial finally leading the visitor into the ruins of town.
Plan
Entrance to the Memorial
Arrival Courtyard
Lobby
The first promenade aims at setting the mood of the visitor. The walk is a gradual ramp that starts underground with slashed linear lighting on the bare concrete fascia of the space. Once the ramp emerges out of the ground rays of light enter the space lighting it up in a random manner. Half way through the ramp, the amount of natural light entering the space is reduced drastically by the means of deep set openings while the space starts to converge and reduce in volume as both the roof and the walls start to angle towards the end of the ramp. The Hall of Needles : A space where volume and scale is experienced with the help of glass tubes each of which are different in length and dimension. The random placement of these tubes across all faces of the space brings about the feel of something coming towards you but stopping short of physical touch. Mechanical podiums that constantly change in height are placed across the room elevating the visitor to different levels so that no two points in room feel the same in terms of volume. This results in the visitor feeling confused, magnified and lost by moving within the same space.
Open Gallery Space
Raised Podium
Metal and Fabric Enclosure
Needles pierced into the walls
Sentencing Light - A play of light & shade over the victims images
Arrested Growth - Enlarged swings representing lost childhood
Atrium Space - Transitory landscaped area in between spaces
The Gallery is labyrinth of volumes that leads the visitor into an unexpected pathway. It consists of installations, ramps and pastiche recreations of the cathedral of Oradour where the massacres took place. The intention is to replay the emotions of the victims in the minds of the visitors and bringing to light the fierceness and the acute implications of these attacks. The space begins with a display area that leads into a vaulted room replicating the church of Oradour. From here the user moves onto a series of installations which have been inspired from the attacks that took place. Finally the user is taken through a series of ramps and corridors that play with volume, light and material.
The Dome of Reflection: This is perhaps the most peaceful and welcoming space in the building thus serving its function perfectly. This is where the user finally spends time and reflects upon what he has witnessed and how he could do his part in changing that. Use materials like wood and the presence of water enhance this aspect. This space overlooks a curved wall which has the names of all those who were massacred. A building’s design is an important factor in a person’s life. What he sees, what he feels and what he perceives has to have some value and importance to it. And when dealing with a building typology like a memorial of an unfortunate incident it is the value which we add to the design that makes it a winner. This thesis was not about creating a monument or a beautiful piece of architecture, it was about using an important profession like ours to spread an even more important message that it is still not late to save ourselves from these horrific incidents.
AN-TINY PROPOGANDA Project type : Competition Project typology : Institutional Architecture Year : January, 2020 Area : 250 sqm Role : Site Study, Research, Concept Development, Design Detailing, Execution Drawings, Structural and Technical Detailing Location : Oradour sur Glane, France Project Overview The Utopian Grave is an oxymoron linking two things - The grave which is the final and most disliked place of a human and utopia which is an idealistic scenario. The basic idea of the project is to use architecture as the tool to make people more aware of probably the biggest fear in the world today - Terrorism. Project Vision Terrorism is not limited to fanatics fighting for a cause but to any crime that is committed without any logical reasoning but the ideology of one Person. The effects of such crimes last a lifetime and destroy the lives of countless innocents across the world. There is little architecture can do to help the affected. But there is a lot it can do to those who are only aware of these situations but not certain of its impact. This is a small but Determined attempt by utilizing architecture to make people realize the pain these people feel but also helps them take back something with them once they go home so each person does his part in putting an end to terror rather than just sit at home and be an audience to it. This is a new approach towards designing a memorial where the key target would be reshaping one’s ideology
THE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP Project type : Academic Masters Project typology : Adaptive Reuse Year : March 2020 Area : 500 sq.m. Role : Site Study, Research, Concept Development, Design Detailing, Execution Drawings, Structural and Technical Detailing Location : Venice, Italy Recognition : Highest scoring project in the Studio Project Overview The Arsenale, is located on the eastern end of Venice, north of Canale diSan Marco. The Arsenale accommodates particular physical characteristics such as: -it is a piece of land that is extensively surrounded by water and in which it is impossible to end up with a design that avoids integration of water. -as far as transportation, the only access to the site is through boats. There are no cars and related parking garage problems. These facts lead to a special consideration of conditions forcirculation in the site. -cranes, ramps, docks, warehouses furnish the site context The Casa del Bucintoro is an old and typical example of a Squero (a covered pier for Galvera boat construction or used as a boatshed) inside Venice’s Arsenale, the historical complex of shipyards, nautical workshops and warehouses strictly connected to the Serenissima most prosperous times and still the symbol of Venice historical economic and military prowess.
FRAVI The blacksmiths and forgers of the bow irons and steels. Piero Psalidi, Fucina Ervas, Alessandro Ervas, Marco Tenderini, Bertoldini-Torre
SQUERARIOLI The carpenters specialized in the construction of wooden boats, gondolas. Squero San Trovaso, L.Della Toffola, S. Tramontin, L’onda di Venezia, J. Pescia e D.Cavalier, M.Tamassia
REMERI The carpenters specialized in the construction of oars (fórcole). Le Fòrcole, S. Pastor Successori Carli, P.Brandolisio, F. Furlanetto
FONDERIE E OTTONAI The creators of horses and other metallic ornaments, intervening in the decoration of the gondola. Valese, Diego Rosettin
BATTILORO e INDORADORI Who turn gold into very thin leaves then applied by gilders on the ornaments. M. B. Battiloro, Lab. di restauro Mason, M. Scarpa
CALEGHERI The shoemakers who made special shoes for gondoliers. Sergio Segalin & figlio, Giovanna Zanella
INTAGIADORI The carvers of the sculptable superstructures,interveningin the finishing and decoration of the gondola. Emilio Piacentini, S. Mazzon
BARETERI The hatters who carry out the summer hats and winter caps of the gondoliers. Giuliana Longo
SARTORI The tailors who make special clothing for gondoliers. Nicolao Atelier
www.elfelze.it - https://veneziavive.me/2017/09/07/progetto-atena-per-artigianato-a-venezia/ - https://farovenezia.org/tag/arsenale/
The study began from a larger context, and thelanduse across the entire city of Venice was studied. Here you can see in the map below that the Arsenale clearly falls under the Industrial zone hence the proposal would have to be similar in nature. It is also interesting to note that almost the entire of the Centro Storica is of a mixed use but the core of industrial activities are focusesonly in the Arsenale.
Most important Insitutes and University of arts, Associations and Museums related to Arts and Crafts:
The study of the Landuse is next focused morekeenly towards Island where we can see thateven on a sub-level, the Arsenale continues tobe an industrial zone with most of it’s surrounding areas not being predominantly tourist zones FRAVI The blacksmiths and forgers of the bow irons and steels. Piero Psalidi, Fucina Ervas, Alessandro Ervas, Marco Tenderini, Bertoldini-Torre
SQUERARIOLI The carpenters specialized in the construction of wooden boats, gondolas. Squero San Trovaso, L.Della Toffola, S. Tramontin, L’onda di Venezia, J. Pescia e D.Cavalier, M.Tamassia
REMERI The carpenters specialized in the construction of oars (fórcole). Le Fòrcole, S. Pastor Successori Carli, P.Brandolisio, F. Furlanetto
FONDERIE E OTTONAI The creators of horses and other metallic ornaments, intervening in the decoration of the gondola. Valese, Diego Rosettin
BATTILORO e INDORADORI Who turn gold into very thin leaves then applied by gilders on the ornaments. M. B. Battiloro, Lab. di restauro Mason, M. Scarpa
CALEGHERI The shoemakers who made special shoes for gondoliers. Sergio Segalin & figlio, Giovanna Zanella
INTAGIADORI The carvers of the sculptable superstructures,interveningin the finishing and decoration of the gondola. Emilio Piacentini, S. Mazzon
BARETERI The hatters who carry out the summer hats and winter caps of the gondoliers. Giuliana Longo
SARTORI The tailors who make special clothing for gondoliers. Nicolao Atelier
www.elfelze.it - https://veneziavive.me/2017/09/07/progetto-atena-per-artigianato-a-venezia/ - https://farovenezia.org/tag/arsenale/
Most important Insitutes and University of arts, Associations and Museums related to Arts and Crafts:
Pictures from events organized by the Associations to raise awareness of the arts and crafts:
Pictures from events organized by the Associations to raise awareness of the arts and crafts:
One of the largest and most active Venetian heritage communities, the Forum Futuro Arsenale, has developed a project for the functional recovery of the forges in order to make them a historical metallurgy center capable of operating in the fields of restoration, production, training and production, art.
https://futuroarsenale.org/ https://bestveniceguides.it/2019/03/04/larte-del-fuoco-officina-fabbrile-tenderini/
Project: Recovery and innovation of arts and crafts in Venice Workshop (15 september 2017): “Sustainability and development of traditional craftsmanship in a city of water”.
Territorial Masterplan
01 - Studying Site Context
02 - Creating a Public Plaza
Site Plan
03 - Potential Use of Vacant Land
04 - Interlinking and Connectivity
Preservation Design for the Bucintoro House
04
Extension of the Bucintoro House The form of the extension was takenwith the same proportions of the Bucentaur House but keeping the unctions and aesthetics, half of the volume was kept as an enclosed space where the other half would be open to the environment with the structure continuing. The extended “halfbox”is treated as transparent glass box to ensure the lightness of the structure. It is then covered with a Brise Soleil to control the environment Since the existing material of the Bucentaur House was brick, the Brise Soleil for the extension was also taken as a ceramic material but interspersed with glass. This created a transition of old to new with the brick slowly fading away from the East facade
Interior Layout The entry through the extended space brings the visitor into a large volume which is covered by glass and the brick facade. One of the old water fountains which now falls within the space is converted into a tree court while the other is reinstated as a fountain. The furniture around is designed in accordance to the geometry.The level of the reception is raise higher than the ground but at the point of contact with the existing Northern facade, the level is lowered again so there is very minimal contact with the old facade. A small retail store that would sell crafts produced in the workshop along with toilets are placed inside the extension. An existing door in the North facade is used as the entry into the workshop. The lower level is one large space where the main workshop activities take place. Using metal structure, a secondary level is introduced onto which all the visitor related activities are hosted. This level can be accessed either by means of a staircase or elevator
Interior Layout The lower level of the Workshop contains all the activities like Metal works, wood works, material storage and ancillary facilities. The visitors can access the upper level by a set of light weight metal staircase and an option of an elevator for physically challenged visitors. The Western end of the elevated structure has training rooms and a conference room and a bridge spanning across takes the visitor to the other elevated structure which has the practice workshop and training space. The closed rooms have a glass roof so the view of the beautiful wooden truss work of the roof is visible and not obstructured. Thr entire structure is made out of metal columns and beams and hence is easily constructed and light in weight
3.0 Architecture and Urbanism
TOOL BOX Project type : Academic( Group & Individual) Project typology : Urban Design Year : November 2019 Role: Urban Design Study, Area analysis, Area mapping, Transportation and Environmental Study, Proposal for Toolbox, Prototype Design Location : Lambrate, Milan, Italy Recognition : Cum Laude Projcet
Project Overview Lambrate originated as a Roman vicus. The Romans conquered the area in 222 BC, after a long siege of Milan (then Mediolanum), where Romans fought against the local Insubres and Boii as well as their ally Hannibal. The Romans largely developed the area, both for agriculture and for navigation on the Po River basin. The small chapel in the centre of Lambrate was supposedly one of the first places of Christian worship in the area. In the first half of the 20th Century, the Martinitt corporation was based in Lambrate. After World War II, the Innocenti machine factory began producing in Lambrate the famous motorcycle Lambretta, that owes its name to Lambrate. Project Vision Zones of interventions are identified in Lambrate as a result of the analysis that are carried out.In order to improve the accessibility and the overall working of these proposals, the major factor take into account is the mobiltiy network that is reproposed and strengthened.
Pedestrian Mobility
Bicycle Mobility
Vehicular Mobility
Prototype Street Transformation
Street Coding
TRANSFORMED SECTION
SUSPENDED LIVING Project type : Academic Competition ( Group) Project typology : Urban / Housing Year : June, 2016 Area : 25 sq.m. Role : Research, Concept Development Design Detailing and Visuals Location : Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Total Cost : 0.5 Million INR per unit Recognition : Top 20 Volzero Design Competition
Project Overview Metropolitan cities in India are growing every day at a rapid pace. People relocate from villages and smaller towns in search for income. What they end up not finding is a proper home. The affordable housing is located on the outskirts of the cities that results in hours spent on commute and the houses within the city are beyond one’s afford-ability. The congested planning of the cities result in lack of space for new housing structures. This despairing conditions often result in people living in unhealthy conditions or living on the streets. Project Vision Cities consist of many spaces that are usually overlooked but have potential functionality in them. These “ dead spaces” can be put to use to provide solutions to many concerns that are raised. Lack of affordable and modular housing is one such concern. The floating population does not intend to invest and procure real estate but only look for shelters for themselves and their family. Hence , the project aims to bring create ideal living spaces for these people within the city that can cater to their immediate needs.
Spaces under flyovers, rail and metro lines are mostly unused and despite being centrally located cannot lend themselves to any function
Hence they end up being good sites for small housing units due to their location and proximity to major transportation hubs
This land is a good space for pedestrian movements and green areas, the structure is elevated off the ground taking up min. footprint
The entire idea is to occupy minimum footprint and raise the house Completely off the ground using mechanical supports from the columns of the bridges thus keeping the space underneath clear for passage. These houses have the capability of acting as modules and multiply themselves to form a colony. The presence of a housing community will automatically have an effect on the urban setting of the area with improved public spaces like pathways, parks etc underneath the houses which currently serve as trash disposal areas or vehicular parking. By raising the house off the ground, the wind flow is still maintained under the bridge and the negative pressure created will bring in ample ventilation to the house. The house requires minimum shading as it is covered by the bridge on top and would face sunlight only during the early mornings and late afternoons. By incorporating these factors, the idea of a community living that has been prevalent in Indian housing systems and which is difficult in housing complexes of today can once again be brought back. The houses can be centrally located with proximity to major transportation hubs.
Stair risers to be used as storage shelves
Space efficient furniture and stor- Concealed chairs, fridge rack and storage racks for TV Units age for study tables
Space underneath stair is used as storage
TIMELESS TRANSIT Project type : Academic / Competition (Individual) Project typology : Urban / Infrastructure Year : July, 2013 Area : 970 sq.m. Role: Analysis, Concept Development and Design Location : Lincolnshire, United Kingdom Recognition :Best Design Award & Urban Proposal Lincoln University
Project Overview The cities of United Kingdom have beautiful architectural marvels that range from beautiful abbeys to splendid Georgian houses and the simple Victorian houses. The range has now spread to modern steel and glass buildings as the cities have grown. . The university town of Lincolnshire consists of the new complexes while the High street leads up to the Gothic Lincoln Cathedral. Project Vision A week long study of the city included mapping of important buildings, study the everyday life of the city dwellers and understanding the city’s functionality. The study culminated into a design proposal that could be an urban intervention for the city that could help contribute to the city. The intervention could range from a bike stand or a public toilet or even an art installation. The vision for the given proposal was to bridge the gap between the sudden transition of two centuries of architectural style. The idea was to create a Landmark that could define Lincoln’s architecture that has transitioned beautifully over the centuries.
Physical model identifying possible locations for an intervention
Plan of the proposed alley connecting the two parts of the town
Masterplan of Lincoln city with Much street highlighted
Urban Study : It was noticed that there was no clear transition between the old part of Lincolnshire and the new university town. Small alleys branched out into the High street which made it very abrupt and sudden. These were abandoned alleys adjacent to old buildings which resulted in the build up to the beautiful old city quite uninspiring and disconnected from each other.
Brayford Pool
The Proposal : Much street is one of the alleys but is the most centralized one. Located in the heart of the city, the alley possess’ extreme potential in terms of functionality. An elevated structure that drew architectural elements like the arches from the Gothic cathedral but made out of modern materials like steel and glass was proposed. The structure would host a tourist information center on it’s upper level along with a green house showcasing some of Lincoln’s nearly extinct flora. The walkway on the lower level could be of multi use nature with temporary art installations, performing spaces or a street side market. The proposal results in a seamless transition from the busy roads of the Lincoln city to the cobble stoned pathways of Lincolnshire High Street
Proposed Bridge
Contemporary Buildings of the University Town
Academic
Professional
Other design projects blending architecture with Urbanism and Community development
Public Toilets at Marina Beach, Chennai Year: 2011 A study and documentation of the beach was done to identify the lack of public amenities. Sites were identified within the complex for the proposal of public toilets along with other ancillary facilities like food courts, health care centers and dedicated play zones for kids.
Redevelopment of Pallikarnai Marsh Year: 2014 The largest existing wetland ecosystem in the city of Chennai is currently neglected and used for waste disposal. A proposal was made to clear the entire stretch for public use by providing various public amenities like bird watching towers, interpretation tunnels, decks towards the marsh.
Library for University Complex Year: 2012 A 50 year old academic institution lacked a library and information center. The design was made to enhance the building more than its functionalities by providing outdoor spaces and direct access to the common zones of the complex that would result in ease of movement within the complex.
Shop in a Park, Chennai Year: 2013 An anti-thesis of a mall that reinterprets the concept of an air conditioned indoor shopping experience. Here the stores are spread across a park that enables the visitor to connect back to the outdoor environment while continuing to perform the same activities as in a shopping mall.
Chennai Arts & Crafts Community Year: 2013 A facility was proposed to exhibit the arts and craft techniques that were spread across the state of Tamil Nadu. This involved display of art pieces dating back to the Dravidian period as well as a live space for artists to showcase their talents and sell their handicrafts to the visitors.
Fire Department, Coulommiers, France Year: 2015 A local fire department for a small county in France that was envisioned more as a fire safety center for the residents of the town. The proposal was involved the members of the town to also be a part of the complex by including spaces for fire drills, town hall meetings and rescue operations.
Housing Community Complex,Chennai Year: 2013 A set of individual plots were identified each of which would host individual housing units for families. The idea was to group them into clusters so that a group of 6 families would share a common space that would enhance neighbor relations and help in community building.
PSBB Millenium School, Sarjapura Year: 2016 The first school in the locality that would entertain over 3500 students. Spread across a 6 acre piece of land the proposal involved creating multiple activity spaces between classrooms to promote a healthy learning environment for the students in addition to multiple atriums and assembly areas.
Memorial for 26/11 Mumbai Attacks Year: 2014 A piece of reclaimed land was chosen as the site adjacent to the Taj Hotel which was the place that was attacked. The memorial cum museum aimed at honoring the dead and the martyrs of the attacks and also acted as an information center for the city of Mumbai.
Under the Flyover, Chennai Year: 2017 The proposal involved salvaging the spaces under multiple flyovers within the city. These pockets end up becoming waste disposal zones, illegal parking spots and temporary tents by the homeless. A proposal of mobile toilets, cycle parking stands and art exhibition areas was made.
Ammaar A Aziz Chowdry ammaarabu.aziz@mail.polimi.it + 39 320 713 1617