BalakumaranR Resume

“The details are not the details. They make the design.”

- Charles Eames

Apassionate designer, architect by profession. Driven by passion towards space making, I began my architectural learning through my undergraduate degree that lead me to the understanding of design and its importance. The quest of a good design and good designers paved my professional journey with DesignQuest, Dyan architects and MULA. Along the journey my quest for different skills and tools for advancement of design lead me into the world of Computational and Parametric design. This odyssey pushed me to learn computational tools through my masters degree at Designmorphine Moving further with an understanding, that every decision and every detail that we make are for the betterment of the future world, a safe and better place for human life.

BALAKUMARAN RAMALINGAM

Architect &Computational Designer balakumaranarch2@gmail.com balakumaran.ramalingam +971589910141

EDUCATION

LANGUAGES

Bachelor’s of Architecture (2013-2018) at Thiagarajar college of engineering, Madurai, India. Dissertation : AStudy on Urban Nightlife of Madurai Thesis: Spiritual Stay opposite Ajanta Caves

Designmorphine (UACEG, Bulgaria)

Master of Science in Computational and Advanced Design(2022 - 2023)

Chapters : Prosthesis, Corpuscle, Amalgamation, Kinesis and Cosmogony Labs : Concept, Media, Prototype, Robotics and Virtual Reality

INTERNSHIP

Design Quest (2017) at Chennai, India.

PROFESSIONAL

Dyan Architects (2018 - 2019) Planning \\ Site Inspection \\ Model Making \\ Estimation

MULADesigns (2019 - 2024)

Architecture \\ Installation Design \\ Interiors

AUDI hub \\ Of Palm\\ Petit Hexhibition \\ Esproses \\ HEAF

SKILLS

Drawing Preparation &Presentation || ProblemSolving || Visualisation

Technology Exploration || Collaboration || Software Proficiency Research &Development

English, Tamil

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Adobe Packages

Illustrator \ Indesign \ Photoshop \ Dimension \ Aftereffects

Modelling Software

Maya \\ Zbrush \\ Rhino +Grasshopper Houdini +VEXlanguage \\ 3ds Max

Rendering software

Vray\\ Keyshot \\ Unreal Engine

Autocad

Revit Architecture (Autodesk Cerified in 2024)

WORKSHOPS

MEAL* Lab (Rhino +Grasshopper Tools , Python)

Designmorphine (Grasshopper, Houdini, Maya)

Futurly (Maya modelling )

INTERESTS

Place Making || Computational and Parametric Designing || Virtual Reality ||

Conceptual Modelling || Digital Fabrication || Illustrations || Detailing

Kinesis Amalgamation Corpuscle Prosthesis

With the destruction of Earth, a few humans traveled through a dimensional portal in search of a safe haven via ‘ArcX’. A crash occurred, and the humans ended up in an extremely arid environment. Their bodies couldn’t survive the extreme heat, sandstorms, heat waves, and ferocious native animals. The creatures underwent various forms of mutation, from their skin shedding to new elements growing all over their bodies to facilitate their survival in this extreme environment.

As time went on, the mutants began to seek new forms of shelter in this radical environment. They started creating burrows made of fragmented rock pieces, pebbles, and mineral gems. Thesedwellingsweretypicallycomposedof rocksandother geological materialslikeminerals, pebbles, and crystals, in an uncivilized, primitive mode of shelter.

Retardants began to seek new forms of shelter in this radical environment. They started creating burrows made of fragmented rock pieces, pebbles, and mineral gems. Their monolithic havens consist of layered rock panels, translucent dust filters, thermal pebbles, bioluminous energy crystals, and more. To shelter them fromtheextremeheat, their colonies areusually nestled in the narrow spaces between canyon-like mountains.

Retardants evolved and made their way in this extreme environment. They built shelters, created colonies, and then started moving within the world in search of prey, new shelters, and resources. The electromagnetic and bio-luminous forces helped them find levitational paths and create vehicles to move. This chapter is an exploration of the vehicles and networks through which they navigate.

Workflow : Midjourney concept creation. Zbrush modelling of base structure of the mutant. Maya modelling of features along the mutant. Houdini modelling of details along the anatomy.

Softwares : Midjourney, Zbrush, Maya, Houdini and Keyshot

Workflow : Midjourney concept creation. Maya modelling of spatial details. Architectural detailing using Grasshopper and Houdiini. Rendering with Vray plugin of 3dsMax.

Softwares : Midjourney, Maya, Houdini, Grasshopper and 3dsMax(Vray)

Workflow : Midjourney concept creation. Grasshopper coding of logic of amalgamation using Wasp. Maya Modelling of Public Space amidst interstitial space. Rendering with Vray plugin of 3dsMax.

Softwares : Midjourney, Maya, Houdini, Grasshopper and 3dsMax(Vray)

Workflow : Midjourney concept creation. Complete polmodelling of vehicles using Houdini. Network creation using Houdini and Grasshopper. Rendering with Vray plugin of 3dsMax.

Softwares : Midjourney, Houdini, Grasshopper and 3dsMax(Vray)

Media lab

We acquired essential visualization and graphic tools needed to create CGI images. Every project deserves to be presented in the best light, capturing the story it tells. The Media Lab exposed us to new and advanced features and techniques that can dramatically enhance and improve how a design is portrayed. The Media Lab is structured into two consecutive phases. Initially, we produced high-quality renderings using Vray. This was followed by post-production techniques and layout design with Adobe Photoshop, allowing us to add unique styles and personal touches to our renderings.

Prototype Lab Robotics Lab Virtual Reality

We delved into the world of digital fabrication and prototyping, gaining familiarity with the latest advances in technology and methodology in the space. We were introduced to reaffirmed fabrication technologies usedinadvanceddesignandarchitecture. Through design tasks and processes, we produced objects using digital fabrication platforms, working with visualization software ShapeDiver and CAD/ CAM tools that outline a novel production workflow. We gained an understanding of the machines and learned how to prepare digital models and optimize fabrication processes. Additionally, we constructed and provided a visualized version of the project we developed during the lab.

By interacting with the mechanisms of robotics and engaging in live data communication with sensorial objects of sound, luminosity, and movement, we create a juxtaposition between human and machine. We strive to improve our ability to conceptualize, summarize, and develop a set of behavior instructions, design small replicable robots, and produce them while anticipating possible unexpected behaviors of the swarm. Our focus is on the technologies used to produce microcontroller logics. The development process includes designing and building a robotic platformor adaptingexistingopen-sourcealternatives, programming the machines, and addressing aspects such as material properties, geometry, structure, joinery, assembly, and programming sequence.

The AEC industry is rapidly advancing towards interactive virtual reality models shared among collaborators and presented to clients, revolutionizing both presentation and working modes. This increased engagement transforms project discussions in unprecedented ways. In this Lab, we aimto push these boundaries further, enhancing and consolidating the experimental outcomes of the DesignMorphine Masters course. The real-time visual quality and versatility of Unreal make it the preferred game engine for AAA video game studios, VFX artists, architecture firms, and more. Here, we learned to use Unreal to turn their projects into interactive VR models, create captivating animations, develop games to demonstrate their concepts, and shape their digital projects into immersive experiences.

Softwares : Rhino, Cura and Physical Rendering Techniques. Software : Arduino

Softwares

Softwares : 3dsmax (Vray) and Adobe packages.

Of Palm

‘Of palm’ is a sustainable architectural pavillion displayed at Dubai Design Week at D3, Dubai, an annual event that celebrates design and creativity in the heart of Dubai. In Emirati culture, the palm tree is significant in construction and crafts, serving as a versatile resource for many applications. Its various components are ingeniously utilized to create essential structures and a wide range of traditional crafts, reflecting the resourcefulness and deeprooted heritage of the Emirati people.

Esproses Roam The Colannade

Esproses is a florist cafe located in Al Ain, UAE. The essence of the brand revolves around the concept of self-indulgence amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This notion of ‘gifting oneself’ is reflected in the architectural design, featuring dispersed seating areas enveloped by the aroma of coffee and the fragrance of plants and flowers. The integration of delicate materials in an intricate manner serves as a hallmark of the brand, enhancing the overall user experience.

ROAM is a nomad stayery located in Sharjah, situated in the vibrant neighborhood of the American University. Catering to an interdisciplinary clientele, ROAM welcomes both short-term nomadic guests and university students seeking year-long accommodations. Serving as a communal platform, ROAM offers an unique opportunity for individuals to immerse themselves in local culture and forge meaningful connections with fellowresidents through its communal spaces and nodes.

The Colonnade is a residential villa located in Umm Al Sheif, Dubai, nestled in an upscale area. The project began with the primary requirements of luxury and privacy. The Colonnade villa embodies the essentials of a traditional villa, planned with compact and efficient zoning. Within the designated space, the design features a central courtyard with a swimming pool, surrounded by other functional areas. By combining luxury with architectural volumes and voids, and juxtaposing earthy and luxurious materials, the Colonnade villa emerges as a sanctuary of elegance amidst the urban landscape.

Contribution : Have played an integral role in the branding, parametric interpretation, and technical & graphical detailing part.

Softwares : Rhino, Grasshopper, Adobe packages and Autocad.

Contribution : Have played an integral role throughout the entire design process, from concept creation and mood board generation to planning and detailed execution.

Contribution : Have played an integral role throughout the entire design process, from concept creation and mood board generation to planning and creation of detail drawings.

Softwares : Rhino, Adobe packages and Autocad. Softwares : Rhino, Grasshopper, Adobe packages and Autocad.

Contribution : Have played an integral role throughout the entire design process, from concept creation and mood board generation to planning and creation of detail drawings.

Softwares : Rhino, 3dsmax, Adobe packages and Autocad.

Spiritual Stay

I haveavisionfor revampingIndia’s historicmonuments and sites within a modern context, enhanced by an experiential journey. One such example is the Ajanta Caves. My thesis revolves around creating a spiritual retreat opposite the Ajanta Caves. The Ajanta Caves, historic sanctuaries for Buddhist monks carved into an exotic site, have unfortunately become mere photo opportunities for modern travelers. This concern led me to seek an architectural solution that embodies a symbiotic adaptation of the site and context, offering a modern retreat away from the concrete jungle.

Workflow : Started with data collection followed by site visit and site study. Zoning based on the data collected. Site modelling(Physical and 3D), followed by planning and detailing.

Softwares : Rhino, Adobe packages and Autocad.

Convention Centre Dyan Apartments Dental Studio

This studio project involves the proposal of a convention center designed to accommodate 3,000 people, located away fromthe bustling city of Chennai. Situated near the beautiful coastline, the design leverages the site’s natural advantages. High-ceiling convention halls and meeting rooms are oriented towards the coastal line, while other services are concealed in the basement. Balancing aesthetics, functionality, and site constraints posed a challenging yet enriching experience in my architectural journey.

Dyan Apartments is a multi-story residential complex located in the town of Karaikudi. It features 24 luxury flats nestledwithinthecommercial district, surrounded by four neighboring green parks. The location offers excellent accessibility, with transportation nodes just 5-10 minutes away, universities within a 20-minute reach, and a sports complex also 20 minutes away. Situated in a prime area, the apartment complex integrates services and car parking seamlessly. The design carefully balances functionality and aesthetics, reflecting a modern contextualism.

Dental studio in karaikudi, is a small scale clinic catering to 6 dental cubicles, a small lecture hall, pharmacy and a compact studio for the Lead Dentist. Given a compact and eccentric site, it was challenging to functionally stack the programme in an aesthetical manner. The solution caters to a multilevel floor plates, carefully crafted to mmet the requirements.

Workflow : Started with data collection followed by site study. Zoning based on the data collected. Site modelling(Physical and 3D), followed by planning and detailing.

Contribution : Have played an integral role throughout the entire design process, from concept creation and mood board generation to planning & creation of detail drawings till site execution.

Softwares : Rhino, Adobe packages and Autocad. Softwares : Sketchup, Rhino, Adobe packages and Autocad.

Contribution : Have played an integral role throughout the entire design process, from concept creation and mood board generation to planning & creation of detail drawings till site execution.

Softwares : 3dsmax(Vray), Sketchup, Adobe packages and Autocad.