Ashvin Elango - Architectural Portfolio

portfolio

Ashvin Elango

“An interdisciplinary exploration on architecture and cinema”

“This portfolio is a curated collection of my work that reflects the culmination of my academic journey through the M.Sc. program in Advanced Architectural Design at Queen’s University Belfast, combined with select examples from my professional experiences. It’s a testament to my growth, creativity, and dedication to the field of architecture”

2023

De coursey market - Carrickferguls

2022 Immersive theatre - Belfast

B E L F A S T P E A C E M U S E U M

PROJECT NAME : BELFAST PEACE MUSEUM

LOCATION : BRUCE STREET, BELFAST

COURSE : M.SC AAD

TUTORS : GUL KACMAZ

ERK, PAT WHEELER, ECE SILA BORA

Project Brief: Enhancing Peace in Belfast through Cinematic Architecture

Introduction:

Northern Ireland’s tumultuous history, marked by the Troubles in the latter half of the 20th century, has left deep scars in its communities. Despite the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in May 1998, which largely put an end to violent conflict, the healing and peace-building process for Northern Irish cities and citizens remains incomplete. This project aims to contribute to the ongoing peace efforts in Belfast, a city that still bears the visible scars of its turbulent past.

Project Site:

Bruce Street, Belfast Bruce Street, located in the heart of Belfast, has been selected as the project site due to its strategic location with high foot traffic. This makes it an ideal setting for a dedicated peace-building initiative. The envisioned peace building on this site will serve as a powerful reminder of the Troubles era and symbolize the city’s journey towards lasting peace.

Innovative Urban Analysis:

Incorporating Cinematic Architecture In collaboration with cinematic architecture students, an in-depth urban analysis of the site was conducted. This analysis took an innovative approach by utilizing film as a tool for understanding the site’s context. The creation of a site film represented a novel method of site analysis, capturing the essence and complexity of the surroundings. Throughout the semester, various cinematic analysis techniques were explored, and architectural insights were gleaned from films depicting both war and peace. This groundbreaking approach to architectural analysis greatly enriched the conceptual development of the project.

Design Concept:

Weaving the Threads of War and Peace The design process was informed by the overarching theme of war and peace. The aim was to allow people to experience these contrasting concepts in an interpretative manner within the peace building. Two key elements, circulation, and materiality, were carefully considered and formed the cornerstone of the design development.

This project, situated at the heart of Belfast’s history and future, aspires to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing peace-building process. Through innovative urban analysis techniques and a profound commitment to the narrative of war and peace, this dedicated peace building on Bruce Street aims to serve as a beacon of hope and reconciliation for the people of Belfast, ensuring that the memory of the Troubles never fades and the promise of lasting peace endures.

C O N C E P T - F I L M

S I T E - F I L M

- Scan for site film

The studio’s core mission revolves around the profound exploration of architecture through the lens of cinema. To initiate each project, a meticulously crafted concept film serves as the foundation for the development of the thematic narrative. In the current endeavor, the studio delves into the intricate interplay between war and peace, utilizing the concept film as a powerful vehicle to convey this metaphorical exploration.

Acknowledging the creative contributions that bring this vision to life:

Editing and cinematography: Ashvin Elango

Protagonist on-screen: Arun Jayaprakash

In the realm of architectural innovation, site analysis stands as an indispensable pillar. This studio, however, takes a distinctive approach by harnessing the evocative medium of film to gain an in-depth understanding of the site’s contextual dynamics. The chosen location, nestled in the heart of Belfast, becomes a canvas upon which the studio paints a vivid portrait of its essence. Through the lens of the concept film, the site’s intricate nuances, including foot traffic patterns, auditory fluctuations, and the transformative play of light and shadow throughout day and night, are masterfully captured and dissected. This immersive exploration serves as the cornerstone upon which the studio’s architectural endeavors are built, infusing them with a deep sense of place and purpose.

From the Analysis :

After an in-depth analysis of the concept film, I have solidified my design approach, opting for a minimalist aesthetic. The storyboard analysis serves as an initial depiction of my vision for the space, outlining the user’s journey as they enter and experience the building’s interior.

In alignment with these concepts, the poster and collage further convey my vision for the user experience within the space. The poster encapsulates my desire for users to navigate and perceive the transition of Belfast from a period of conflict to one of peace in a captivating and thought-provoking manner.

A stark and minimalist Brutalist structure commands attention when viewed from the streets. Its unyielding facade stands in stark contrast to the surroundings of the site, making it a striking focal point.

The building’s entrance is unmistakably evident when observed from the exterior. The sunshade detailing on the wall serves as a nuanced embellishment, enhancing the overall minimalistic aesthetic of the structure.

The interior spaces feature a central opening that forms a void, allowing natural light to penetrate from the building’s roof.

Interconnecting spaces between the galleries are facilitated by bridges, enabling users to seamlessly navigate the galleries for a holistic and immersive experience.

A semi-open central courtyard provides users with a welcoming entry point, granting access to all gallery spaces directly from this central hub.

The central courtyard serves as a vibrant focal point, bustling with activities as users enter the building. Clear openings within this space distinctly mark the entrance to the galleries, while on the next level, connecting bridges further enhance the accessibility and flow between them.

C

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The Belfast Peace Museum was showcased at the Queen’s Film Theatre and made accessible to the general public. This innovative project was meticulously crafted using cutting-edge VR/AR technology, with invaluable contributions from software engineers. The exhibition featured a compelling array of films and projects, all thoughtfully presented for the public’s enjoyment and education.

Exhibition at Queen’s Film Theatre :

PROJECT NAME : DE COURSEY MARKET

LOCATION : CARRICKFERGUS

COURSE : M.SC AAD

TUTORS :

GUL KACMAZ ERK, PAT WHEELER, ECE SILA BORA

Project Brief

Our project is dedicated to the revitalization of Carrickfergus, a town that has been experiencing a decline in recent years. The town faces several challenges, particularly with the introduction of the marine highway, which has created a division between the town itself and the popular Carrickfergus Castle, causing tourists to bypass the town altogether. To address these issues, the Mid and East Antrim Council has allocated significant funding for the rejuvenation of Carrickfergus. Numerous proposals have been put forward to revitalize the town, and our design studio, in collaboration with the council, has contributed innovative ideas to shape the future of Carrickfergus.

Our involvement in this project began by partnering with students from the fields of media and broadcasting to create a documentary about Carrickfergus. This documentary served as a vital initial step in identifying the key issues facing the town, laying the groundwork for the comprehensive rejuvenation project we are now undertaking.

Our project site selection focused on an abandoned area near Carrickfergus Castle, which we have designated for the construction of a dynamic market structure. This new development will serve as a vibrant intersection where both the local community and tourists can come together. Within this structure, we envision a diverse range of spaces, including retail shops, restaurants, and bars, designed to attract residents and visitors alike.

An essential aspect of our project is the incorporation of timber construction. Timber has a rich historical significance in Carrickfergus and was traditionally used in the town’s architectural heritage. Therefore, we have drawn inspiration from this tradition and integrated timber as a fundamental structural element throughout our project, blending the town’s past with its future.

In collaboration with the council, we aim to contribute to the master plan for the new Carrickfergus, breathing new life into the town, bridging the gap between the local and tourist communities, and preserving the town’s unique character and history while preparing it for a thriving future.

PROJECT NAME : BELFAST IMMERSIVE THEATRE

LOCATION : TITANIC QUARTER, BELFAST

COURSE : M.SC AAD

PROFESSORS : GUL KACMAZ ERK, PAT WHEELER, ECE SILA BORA

Project brief:

Immersive theatre shatters the conventional boundaries between the stage and the audience. In this age of technological advancement, theatres must embrace innovative methods and technologies to captivate modern audiences whose attention spans have evolved. Immersive theatre sets itself apart from traditional performances by erasing the distinction between the stage and the audience, submerging viewers within the very heart of the production. It encourages active engagement by dismantling the fourth wall, enabling direct interaction between the audience and the performers, as well as their surroundings.

This thesis aims to delve deep into the world of immersive theatre and envision the creation of a dedicated immersive theatre facility in Belfast. Currently, there is no specialized architectural typology exclusively designed for immersive theatre experiences. Typically, these productions are adapted to existing spaces, a process that demands months of scouting, measurement, and bespoke design adjustments. Establishing a purpose-built venue would streamline the incorporation of immersive sets, simplify the rehearsal process, and facilitate the regular staging of diverse productions throughout the year. Furthermore, such a facility could serve dual purposes, functioning not only as a theatre but also as an art and exhibition space, bolstering its economic viability.

To illustrate the concept of immersive theatre within the proposed dedicated building, a rendition of ‘The Great Gatsby’ will be examined. This exploration encompasses the seamless flow of attendees, strategic placement of sets, and the harmonious functioning of supporting spaces, all intricately interwoven with the main stage’s dynamics

- Scan for concept film

- Scan for site film

- Scan for city film

- Scan for Walkthrough

The conceptual foundation of this architectural design involves vertically stacking theatre stages, thereby facilitating a seamless flow for the audience as they engage with the performers. The intervening spaces created by this vertical arrangement will house essential support areas, including the green room, rehearsal spaces, workshop facilities, administrative offices, and more. To enhance the audience experience, escalators will connect the different theatre levels, providing a fluid transition between performances. Additionally, dedicated fire staircases will ensure safety measures are rigorously maintained. This innovative design not only optimizes spatial efficiency but also prioritizes the overall experience for both the artists and the audience.

LEGENDS

1 BOX OFFICE

2 FOYER

3 EXHIBITION

4 CAFE

5 M. TOILET

6 F. TOILET

7 REHERSAL STUDIO 1

8 REHERSAL STUDIO 2

9 IMMSERSIVE STAGE 6

10 GREEN ROOM

11 LOADING BAY

12 WORKSHOP

13 ADMIN ROOM

14 OPEN PERFORMANCE AREA

15 IMMERSIVE STAGE 5

16 IMMERSIVE STAGE 1

17 STORAGE

18 IMMERSIVE STAGE 2

19 IMMERSIVE STAGE 4

20 IMMERSIVE STAGE 3

21 IMMERSIVE STAGE 7

22 OPEN STAGE

autocad + photoshop