Ayesha Bega
As a compassionate experiential designer, I weave nature and architectural
TABLE OF CONTENTS
elements into the healing fabric for abandoned and traumatized structures. Water bodies, light, and materials become vessels and thresholds, shaping spaces that guide our community through their transformative journeys.
01 Wavelength
Threshold / Walkthrough
02 The Vessel
Bereavement Center, Economic Rehab & Shelter Home
03 Oasis
Adaptive Reuse Project
04 Mix Media
Art, Design & Photography
01 Wavelength This project was an experiment on light and sound in a liminal structure that connects out to a water body. It is situated near a bridge that over looks the Arabian sea, where people come to let go of their loved ones ashes or their belongings. The same idea is taken forward, A structure for people to walk through, experience and sit and freeze a moment in time. Materials used in this project is keeping in mind the wear and tear from the coastal winds. The structure mimics the water body and enables one to let go.
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1. Mass
2. Symeterical Void
3. Asymetrical Void
I gathered discarded waste, plastic bags, and balloons from peers to minimize
4. Inverted
5. 3D Rotation
6. Pulse
environmental impact and repurposed them in constructing a scaled model, aiming to illustrate the nuanced interplay of asymmetry in the processes vividly of compression and letting go.
Plan - Rendered on Photoshop
Threshold space made on AutoCad 3D, V-Ray Render.
Section - Rendered on Photoshop
02 The Vessel This thesis project addresses an existing industrial factory in Baldia, where political unrest led to a tragic fate; a fire incident engulfed a structure, resulting in the loss of life. This loss had a cascading effect, impacting not only emotional well-being but also financial instability, loss of homes, and security, as the families were not adequately compensated monetarily. In response to the needs and requirements of the local community, this thesis evolved into a three-tier project to assist the community through Karachi’s first Bereavement, Economic Rehabilitation, and Hostel initiatives. The primary focus is on the Bereavement Center, which takes the audience through Experiential Spaces— A Journey through Grief and Loss. It delves into questions such as “How can architectural and interior design impact well-being?”. “Explore how spaces evoke emotions, enable oneself to dwell in the grieving process, and rethink how we say goodbye”. The thesis also investigates how architecture can provide solace and support for mourning the loss and trauma experienced by both the structure itself and the people surrounding it.
A water feature seamlessly links the entire building, cascading from
Opening under the staircase allowing water body to flow as a means
the rooftop down to the basement and methodically recirculating back
of healing itself.
to the top in an interconnected loop.
Full Section showcasing the skylight opening up on each floor in a concentric pattern allowing each floor to connect to one another. Water flowing through each floor as a means of healing the building.
BAMBOO RAILING 2”
SILICON SEAL FIBER GLASS 8MM STAINLESS STEEL PIPES
FIBER GLASS 8MM
A water body screen within the detailed plan and section, along side a scaled model. The model is used for in-depth understanding and practical testing of the trickling effect and impact of sound.
The counseling room overlooks a peaceful body of water, offering both visual and
A circular panel on the wall symbolizes a frozen moment in time, while textured plaster mirrors
sound healing. The ceiling arch design emulates a cocoon or portal, enhancing the
the trauma endured by the building, paralleling the vulnerability of its occupants. This nuanced
therapeutic atmosphere.
design fosters a therapeutic environment that acknowledges and addresses the external and internal aspects of healing.
The broken arch becomes a conscious expression, engaging occupants in a dialogue, encouraging contemplation, curiosity, and a connection with the profound. In design, arches transcend structural elements, becoming vessels and symbolic portals. This conceptualization transforms them into meaning conduits, serving as guardians and bridges between the known and the mysterious.
03 Oasis A 1910s colonial structure, a second-degree heritage building, into a wellness center, envisioning an urban oasis. Through meticulous site analysis and research, a restoration plan to re-purpose the space for public benefit, aiming to create harmony within the city’s bustling landscape and incorporating innovative design elements such as skylights, water features, and sound therapy programs. This fusion creates a harmonious environment where the interplay of light and rhythm encapsulates the essence of healing. Demonstrating adeptness in adaptive reuse, this project showcases a skillful approach to crafting environments that resonate with tranquillity, contributing a meaningful addition to the architectural landscape.
Zoning strategy involves a thoughtful segmentation of the heritage building into distinct functional areas, each assigned a specific purpose and design treatment. Aligned to facilitate a seamless flow while ensuring the preservation and enhancement of the building’s intrinsic architectural character.
The overarching goal is to seamlessly integrate modern design elements while preserving and accentuating the original architectural features, thereby achieving a harmonious fusion of past and present.
04 Mix Media This mixed-media creation weaves diverse architectural elements from urban landscapes, forming an imaginative composition transcending reality. It constructs a visually rich tapestry through skillful amalgamation, inviting viewers to explore a boundless realm of space and depth, where emotive elements converge in a captivating symphony of urban aesthetics.
Fin.