ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN COMPILATION Selected Works 2011-2016
Ammaar A Aziz Chowdry
ME |
CURRICULAM VITAE
“I feel Architecture is something that cannot be denied nor can it be judged. It varies from person to person and is extremely contextual. But I do believe that there is a very key role that Architecture plays in all our lives and my goal is to try to contribute something signicant to the field of Architecture that may, oneday, bring in a signicant change. ” The mother art is architecture. WIthout an architecture of our own, we have no soul of our civilization. Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you“
NAME : Ammaar A Aziz Chowdry BIRTH : 26-01-1994 Chennai, India ADDRESS : 24/3 Maan Sarovar Raaja 11A Arcot Road, Lakshmi Nagar Chennai - 600 116 CONTACT : Email : ammaarc8@gmail.com Mobile : +919840442991
SKILLS : Softwares : AutoCad, Revit, Sketchup, Photoshop, Illustrator, inDesign, Vray for Sketchup, Lumion, LumenRT, Microsoft Word, Excel & Powerpoint Model Making : Paper, thermocol, board, acrylic Manual Proficiency : Pen & Ink rendering LANGUAGUES KNOWN : English, French, Tamil, Hindi, Urdu ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS : Reading, Travelling, Photography, Dancing, Acting, Stippling, Sports, Cinema, Fitness. EDUCATION : Schooling : Don Bosco Matriculation H.S.S Chennai, India Undergraduation : Bachelor in Architecture ( I.D ) 2011-2016 Measi Academy of Architecture ( Anna University) Chennai, India EXPERIENCE : Internship 1 : the Madras Office for Architects & Designers, Chennai from January - May ‘15 Internship 2 : Celnikier & Grabli Architectes - Paris, France from July ‘15 - October ‘15 WORKSHOPS & COMPETITIONS : “Rethinking Architecture “ conducted by the University of Lincoln, United Kingdom. A 12 day workshop that addressed various branches of Architecture and culminated by a Design Competition IGBC Green Design Tropy 2013 ArcOwiz Design Trophy 2014
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| CONTENTS
01 | The Utopian Grave Oradour, France Thesis Project 2016
05 | Rural School Design Ariyakudi, India Studio Project 2013
02 | Lincoln City Intervention United Kingdom Competition 2013
06 | Memorial for 26/11 Mumbai Attacks Mumbai, India Competition 2014
03 | Fire Department Coulommiers, France Real Project 2015
07 | Residential Community Chennai, India Studio Project 2013
04 | I.T Office Design Chennai, India Studio Project 2014
08 | Berkeley Prize Essay California, USA Competition 2015
01 |
THE UTOPIAN GRAVE
Memorial for the Victims of Oradour & Today Site Location : Oradour sur Glane, France Year : 2016 Semester : 10
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. Terrorism is not limited to fanatics fighting for a cause but to any crime that is committed without any logical reasoning but the ideaology 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 alot 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 to create such an architecture that not just makes 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 the psychological factor of the visitor. 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.
“Good Architecture lets Nature define it�
The planning was completely dependant on the natural contour condition of the site. The building was sunk in snugly into the site and the functions which did not require natural light were kept on the side where the contours were steeper and the other functions were spread accordingly. A single route which the visitor is to take was first planned keeping the promenades as the connecting link for the different spaces.
The user basically embarks on a journey as he walks through the memorial. There are no separate spaces that are linked together but the entire visitor space is a route which the user has to take and each one is complimented and linked with the other and without even one of them, the others would not hold value Thus this entire experience is like watching a
the user is the actor and architecture is the script. So the spaces
movie where
are also divided in the same fashion
THE MEMORIAL PROMENADE
The Memorial Promenade is the first space which the user experiences after entering the memorial. Hence this is his first impressions. This is where the visitor can be put into the required mindset before he is pr0ceeded onto the rest of the memorial.
The Hall of Needles This space serves a very simple function which is to house the various exhibits displayed by artists. But this space is not occupied at all times and at times there are no exhibitions that happen here. Hence the idea was the entire space an exhibit and to have its own character so that even when there are no exhibitions happening here the visitor can still visit the space.
THE IDEA
Inspiration taken from the Seed Cathedral by Thomas Heatherwick 1. A simple box was taken The box represents one’s daily regular life
TEMPORARY GALLERY
2. The box was punctured on all its sides with needles. The needles represent the terror that is inflicted on people
3. Keeping the functional aspect of the space in mind, the needles are removed from the floor and one wall surface
4. Different levels are created in the same floor space by introducing podiums of various heights
The Paranthesis
This is the break given to the visitor. The idea of this space is to make him more comfortable to the space and this is done by using familiar local materials, green spaces, and wide scenic views into the beautiful and serene landscape.
The Blue Ruin
Inspired from the ruin of the vault of the church at Oradour, this takes the user through a space where he witnesses the materials in a ruined state and is also made to walk towards a red false door
Sentencing Light : This is a metamorphical installation in order to capture something indefinite like light. Here, light represents the freedom of a person. A single oscillating bulb is suspended in between a metal cage thus creating a dynamic space of moving shadows over images of the victims and the culprits
Arrested Growth: For the innocent children who lost their lives. A set of swings which are blown out of proportions suspended using heavy metal chains which make a soft creaking noise when they move. This represents the way a kid’s childhood was blown apart.
This space is the heaviest in terms of emotions in the entire building. As the user proceeds along this space, he witnesses different elements and volumes that tend to symbolise an event or its victims. The idea of this space is to make the user realize the depth of the terrorism that took place
The Blue Ruin
The phrase “ Blue Ruin� refers to a complete and utter ruin.
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.
the Utopian Grave
Memorial for the Victims of Oradour & Today
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LINCOLNSHIRE URBAN ANALYSIS & DESIGN INTERVENTION Workshop on “ Rethinking Architecture” University of Lincoln, UK Year : 2013 A workshop was conducted by the University of Lincoln, UK on the topic “ Rethinking Architecture”. The workshop consisted of various seminars, lectures and talks on architecture. One important part of this was the analysis of the Lincoln city. The analysis and documentation was done in groups after which each person had to individually give a proposal as to what he feels would compliment the urban fabric of the city which was the competition. Design Competition: The brief was to add something suitable to the urban masterplan of the city that could play either a subtle or a prominent role in the urban design of Lincoln
URBAN STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF BRAYFORLD POOL, LINCOLNSHIRE A study was done of the area surrounding the Brayford Pool. Different typologies of buildings were documented and their use and existence over time. Analysis : The town of Lincoln was basically divided into two halves, New and Old. The old was lengthy stretch called the High Street that went uphill to the Lincoln Cathedral and the new consisted of the the University along with other buildings. There was found to be no transition between the old and new architecture except a small alley connected the two halves together forming a very bold contrast.
MASTERPLAN ACROSS THE BRAYFORD POOL
Existing Marks & Spencers building A 100 Yr old tree on the site The structure contains a tourist office on the top floor along with a greenhouse bearing the almost extinct Lincoln plant species and the road below is lined with art from the Lincoln Local Art Promotion Association. An already existing tree on the street pierces through the structure symblolising the ancient history of the town.
Site Chosen : Much Street which was a narrow shady street linking the old town to the new town
DESIGN INTERVENTION & PROPOSAL The complete contrast between the old and new part of the city with no specific transition in architectural character was taken as the objective Proposal: An elevated structure on Much Street which was basically an abandoned street with two buildings shadowing it on either sides was proposed which would act like a transitional bridge. Architectural character: The vaults of the Lincoln Cathedral were taken as the inspiration to create a vaulted roof structure built out of Glass and locally available Lincoln sandstone. This structure was a blend of the modern contemporary style that prevailed on one side by the use of such materials and the form was derived from the Classical style of the old city.
Proposal : Bridge connecting old and new part of Lincoln City Winning Entry Best Design Proposal and Urban Intervention for Urban Master Plan of Lincoln City.
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CENTRE D’INCENDIE ET SECOURS (FIRE DEPARTMENT) Site Location : Coulommiers, France Year : 2015 Celnikier & Grabli Architectes
A design competition for a Fire Department for the Coulommiers. The various requirements were put forward by the brief as well as the site on which the fire station was to be constructed. Various factors had to be considered in terms of circulation and functionality The proposed centre would consist of rescue fire engines and ambulance facilities and would also have the administration activities of the fire station including the lodging of the rescue workers and training and lounge areas.
CONCEPT LAYOUTS
04
| I.T. OFFICE COMPLEX Site Location : Chennai, Tamil Nadu Year : 2014 Semester : 7
The brief was to create a local headquarter for a well known Information Technology company. Various factors like the different functions of the office, its status symbol and employee facilities had to be kept in mind. Design Ideology : Since Information Technology has no start and end point but is constantly developing, a circular form was chosen for the same. A central cylinder which is enveloped with another semi stepped cylinder that indicates the constant growth of the company to reach the top. 12 Steel Members which are tied together by a steel beam are seen on the exterior which represent the 12 branches of Infosys in India
The Form
The planning is done in a radial manner and all the functions are placed around an inverted conical atrium. This is done in order to facilitate enough light into the atrium also gives the effect of moving from a smaller to a larger space.
The Foodcourt
Workspace
05
| RURAL STUDY & SCHOOL PROPOSAL Site Location : Ariyakudi. Tamil Nadu Year : 2012 Semester : 4 This involved the understanding and study of a typical rural village and how it functions both architecturally and socially. Ariyakudi, a historical village of Chettinadu background was chosen for this. A documentation was done consisting of its various physical aspects of the village, it’s evolution, the history and more. Apart from understanding how a rural settlement worked, a proposal as to what I felt would be a useful addition to the village was given and that was of a primary school. The school was proposed at a convenient site so that it acts as a gathering point for the kids of the nearby village too.
EVOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE
A study of the layout of the village showing various plots and their locations
Built vs Open Spaces
Various community settlements
Landuse
A study of the various types of houses in the village
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT The site chosen was located along the highway that gave easy access to it from other villages. Site consisted of dense vegetation covering most of it. Some of the trees present on site dated more than 100 years making them important features of the site
Arrangement of blocks around the existing vegetation causing the school to take a form completely with regard to the trees. The concept of courtyard housing which prevailed in the village was kept in mind and implemented in the form
Similar layout planning was carried out for the kindergarden block too
Addition of Noon meal centre and the Administrative facilities on either side giving a balanced symmetrical planning with a sense of hierarchy.
Outisde to Inside The classrooms are designed such that there is very less wall space by providing huge windows and there is a sense of continuity in the outside environment to the inside of the class room to facilitate learning.
Use of locally available bamboo grills to cover the windows instead of conventional use of glass. This causes openess as well as supports the wind direction of the sit
Administration
Kindergarten Block
Noon Meal Centre
Primary Block
TIMBER STRUCTURE FOR THE NOON MEAL CENTRE
A Noon meal centre providing free meals to the students is provided as a part of welfare development
06
| MEMORIAL FOR 26/11 MUMBAI ATTACKS Site Location : Mumbai, India Year : 2014 ArcOWiz Design Trophy Faculty of Architecture, LIT Lucknow
A competition conducted by the Faculty of Architecture, Lucknow which required designing a memorial for the disastrous attacks that occured at Mumbai on 26/11. Various functions were included in the brief along with the option for the designer to add whatever he deemed necessary. The site of the project is basically an island on water. Instead of keeping it as a single structure, the memorial is spread out over the site. Concept: The user is made to embark a psychological journey of the incident that took place. It starts from a an underground interface showing the formation of Mumbai leading to an informative library and then through 2 ramped structures that show a glimpse of what happened on 26/11 and finally making the visitor reach a tower that symbolises that hope lives on. The tower is of 25m height which can be accessed all the way to the top for a scenic view of the city
A destroyed object
A wall distancing the visitor from the ruin, the only contact being visual through the punctures in the wall
A ramp taking the visitor down the site
The Hollow Walk A view of a ruin taken from the Narihman Point
A viewing point on the top of the tower
The Tower of Hope: 3 levels of the tower Ground Level - In search of light - The user enters the a narrow dark tall tower into which light comes in only from top through a narrow slit symbolising that hope still prevails Mid Level - The Destruction - A lift takes the user to the midlevel where he witnesses a ruined replica of the Taj Hotel which was attacked giving just a glimpse of what the city went through Top Level - A City that still lives - An external ramp takes the user to the topmost height of the tower from where he sees just a small glimpse of the ruin but also witnesses a scenic view of the Mumbai City along the marine drive proving that the city has moved on and still lives strong
An external ramp that takes the visitor further to the top
An elevator to take the visitor up
Section through the library
Section across the site
07
| RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY Site Location : Chennai, Tamil Nadu Year : 2013 Semester : 5
A gated community consisting of different typologies of houses like Villas, 3 BHKs, Row Houses, Houses for Economically Weaker Sections and amenities including a clubhouse. Design Ideology: Instead of scattering the houses, they were grouped together according to different typologies but at the same time not isolated from each other. Common lawn area was created around which all the houses were placed to create a more wholesome and interactive environment.
Concept for row houses and EWS
3 BHK TYPOLOGY
VILLA TYPOLOGY
08 |
SHELTERS & A REVOLVING DOOR TOWARDS A HOUSING CONTINUUM Berkeley Prize Essay Year : 2015 University of California
The Berkeley Prize Essay is a competition held every year whose topics concentrate on social issues related to architecture. The question for the 2015 essay was Who is doing what in your community to confront the issue of the men, women, young people, and children without any shelter? As both an individual and as a professional, how do you see yourself assisting in providing shelter to those in need?
Introduction: A homeless woman when asked said poignantly that her life’s greatest wish was for an uninterrupted night’s sleep, without the noise of traffic, the glare of street lights, the perils of sexual and physical assaults and the brutality of the police. A ‘census house’ is a ‘structure with a roof’ thus making approximately three million people in India fall under this category and since they are not included in the census count, their invisibility renders them a difficult grouping to work with ; although many have lived for years on the streets and survived. The Information and Resource Centre for the Deprived Urban Communities It seeks to collect, collate and disseminate the information about policies and schemes that are instrumental in ensuring adequate housing for the deprived urban communities. The Rising Issue: The issue of sheltering the homeless has been an important concern of the Government and in the past few decades various housing board settlements have been established for the Economically Weaker Section of the community. But Tamil Nadu has topped in the most number of buildings that have collapsed in the year 2014, which brings to light the harsh reality that though these issues are being addressed, there is no check on quality control which results in these buildings being unfit and unsafe to live in. The cause for this is the failure of authorities to come out with their own housing policy, says the IRCDUC, who highlight that unlike other states, Tamil Nadu still works only on policy notes. In such times, one of the practical proposals that has been put forward is to create temporary shelters in the night time at governments hospitals and MRTS stations as these are in prime localities and contain huge amount of unused space. This project is still being conceptualized though many have approved and are in favour of it. Professional Approach: As a professional, it would be necessary to devise a two-phased plan, the first being providing of innovative shelters and the second long term one being the construction of low cost quality housing. Any program for the urban homeless must envisage homeless shelters as a necessary first step to escape their disaster-like situation. However, homeless shelters should not be the aim rather it needs to be desirable, affordable housing. Innovations which can provide comfort to these people on a daily basis are indeed required but it has to be made clear that the final goal would be to eradicate the need for such temporary shelters. The daily efforts to survive by these people are hindered at every step by the imposed “illegality” of their existence, as according to the law, any proof of citizenship can be given only when one has a permanent address and tents on pavements do not qualify as such. To summarise, all shelters must be of a revolving door nature and should serve as places of healing and livelihood preparation, to enable them to finally step out into a home of their own.
ammaarc8@gmail.com +91 9840442991