Dhruv Thakker | Design Portfolio by Dhruv Thakker

table of contents

- FAB ACADEMY 2019 Diploma in Digital Fabrication

- INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO Adaptive Reuse

- INTERIOR DESIGN PRACTICE Internship and Freelance Design Projects

- ACADEMIC WORK Making and Skill Building Courses

- FAB ACADEMY 2019 Diploma in Digital Fabrication

This was done as a part of diploma in digital fabrication at FabLab CEPT in 2019. My selected final project here was to learn to use different methods of digital fabrication to build an automated chair, which would sense when a person would come near it to sit and unfold itself and would automatically close into a 2D plane when it is unused. To achieve this, we went through 20 weeks of training in various skills necessary to build each individual final project, including 2D and 3D CAD modelling, fabricating using additive and subtractive methods, designing and manufacturing the electronic components, programming them and many more skills were acquired during this 6-month course.

- 2D CHAIR Initial Idea Folding concept - ‘in ‘one axis’

x a

b c

The idea here is to keep the x+x = a+b+c, where x is the length of each of the members of the square frame and a, b, c are the components of seating and the backrest.

Folding process as per the initial design

Folding Stage 1 : The back member is pulled using a motor/ Open Condition :

cable and attaches to

The chair when in use.

the wall.

Folding Stage 2 :

Closed condition :

The chair frame and the

The chair becomes a

surface folds using pivoted

2D plane attached to the

joints.

wall.

Fab Academy | 03

- 2D CHAIR How it works Working with motors The two motors control the two members; one upper and one lower and move in a synchronised manner. The red line shows the axis of control where the motors are attached. Each member is pivoted with the controlling member and the closed frames on both sides are connected with horizontal rods, hence giving full control of the folding and unfolding of the chair. Method of Controlling Shaft

Method of Controlling Chair Arm

Gear Ratio Since both the motors were identical and were to be operated using the same circuit board, the difference in rotation angles had to be controlled by using different size of gears. Since one member had to rotate by 45 degrees and other by 135 degrees, a gear ratio of 1:1 was used on one side and 1:3 on the other.

1:1 Gear Ratio

1:3 Gear Ratio

Assembly - only controlling members

Manufacturing Parts After making the first scaled prototype in 1:2 by laser cutting, I moved to real scale prototype and manufacture the parts using CNC Cutting. A press-fit joinery was used to assemble the Machanism Box as shown in the image. The parts of the chair were also made using CNC cutting and later assembled by pivoting them using threaded rods available in the market. The cutting of parts using CNC

Assembled Mechanism Box

Fab Academy | 04

- 2D CHAIR Manufacturing Parts & Processes Designing and Manufacturing Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) The electric board or the Printed Circuit Board(PCB) is what gives life to the system. Hence, learning and making them was an integral to a successful project. The one on the top is the cuiruit board that operates the above mentioned chair. After multiple failures and improvements, I reached to this third version of the PCB. The ones below are the schematic and board for Hello-Echo board(left) and the right one is a charlieplexing board which is an array of individually controllable LED’s. The schematic diagrams were designed using Autodesk Eagle.

Series of PCBs designed and manufactured during the FabAcademy Program

Test Runs Instead of making the entire system, I decided to test the system before making the final assembly. Though the earlier tests were successful, there was a problem with the load that the motor could take when more components were assembled. The videos for both these are linked below. Since the nylon gears were the weakest component in the system, those were the ones that broke when the system failed.

Test Run - I

Failure during Test Runs

| Fab Academy | 05

Reducing weight of the members

- 2D CHAIR The Final Prototype Mechanism 2.0 An attempt was made to reduce the weight of each members by removing the extra material without compromising the structural strength but the weight was still more than the motors I was using could handle. Hence, three days before the final presentation, I redesigned the mechanism to work using pulleys that were 3D printed, using the same kit of parts which I had manufactured for the earlier design. In this design, cables were used to pull up the chair using two pulleys, one on either side of mechanism box and one pulley was fixed to the motor shaft that would wind the cable when folding.

Updated Design

Pulley System

Final Prototype In the short period of time after commiting to the new mechanism, this was

version erected

of using

prototype the

same

components and parts bought and manufactured for the earlier design.

Final Prototype - Closed Condition

Fab Academy | 06

Final Prototype - Open Condition

- ACADEMIC STUDIO Adaptive Reuse

The brief for this studio, done in 2017, was to reuse and redesign an old building, to accomodate a different programme to make if functional. Changes could be made to the architecture without changing the primary structure of the built form. The chosen site was a building which was close to the newly developed cyclist friendly road in the city. Hence, the build form was reimagined as a cyclist park for the people with revenue generating activities on the upper floors to make it economically sustainable. Multiple programs were housed including a food truck park, library, park, cafe, fitness centre, sports retail and a gaming area. The primary aim being encouraging a healthy lifestyle, all the programs served this purpose while earning enough to make the building self sustainable.

- ADAPTIVE REUSE Site and Program The chosen site was located near C.G. Road which was the first cyclist frindly road in the city. The abandoned mall, that was chosen as the site, had road access from two sides, front and back, hence being suitable for the given program. Next to it, is also the Parimal Garden, which had foodtrucks lined up outside in the morning, which would sometimes cause commotion on the road. These could also be housed in the ground level of the site. It being a cyclist park, the area for basement car park, could be used to generate revenue like renting it out to any e-commerce websites and use it as their warehouse.

existing foodtrucks

Site Context

Site Models - Photographs

Complete program

Adaptive Reuse - Academic | 09

- ADAPTIVE REUSE Functional Concept Project Feasibility As this proposal is on an abandoned mall, the feasibility of the project becomes an important factor to keep in mind. Hence, the revenue generation diagram for the proposed program is shown in the diagram on left. The below diagram shows the naturally ventilated areas and the air conditioned areas.

Ventilation Diagram

Revenue Generation Diagram

The Ramp Insert Being a cyclist park, the ramp becomes an important insert in this Urban Park. Also, the access was from North as well as south directions. The ramp was inserted outside the building as shown with access from east and west on the ground level which would reach the upper level on north and south. (Note: The ramp was initially planned to take the cyclists to the top level instead of just the lower two levels.)

Ramp inserted on the outer periphery of the built form

Ramp insert with respect to the built form - North side(left) and South side(right)

Adaptive Reuse - Academic| 10

- URBAN INSERT Activity in Sections

S e c t i o n

A A

East-West Section showing food trucks, open area(ground floor), library(first floor), sports equipment shop(second floor)

S e c t i o n

B B

East-West Section showing food trucks, cycle parking(ground floor), exhibition area(first floor), sports equipment shop(second floor), gaming area(third floor) and roof-top cafe(terrace) Note: Only the lower two floors and the fitness retail area on the second floor were detailed out because of the square foot area requirement for the studio was fulfilled and time constraint

Adaptive Reuse - Academic | 11

- URBAN INSERT Drawings and Details

North-South Section

Ground Level Plan

Removable Shelves - Retail

First Level Plan

Ramp Detail

Kiosk Partition Detail

Adaptive Reuse - Academic| 12

Cycle Parking on columns

- INTERIOR DESIGN PRACTICE Internship and Freelance Design Projects

There is a completely different set of challenges when working on an live project getting executed, than an academic project. I did my Internship at Melati Danes Space and Style, based in Bali, Indonesia. They work hand in hand with renowned Architectural Firm Popo Danes Architects (PDA) and a major part of their work is in the Hospitality Sector. Bali being a popular tourist destination, hospitality sector is always in demand. They are now crossing oceans and working on projects outside of Indonesia as well. Post Internship, I’ve been associated with A&F Designs for some projects and also worked as a freelance interior designer in Ahmedabad, India.

- RESTAURANT AT MAHAYANA RESORT Ubud, Bali This was one of the larger Hotel projects that was ongoing during the time I worked at Melati Danes Space & Style. As an intern, I worked on the open restuarant and pool-side Bar and Lounge of this project. The idea behing the design was to design it in a modern style while incorporation some traditional balinese elements and keeping the layout as open as possible to not hinder with the natural beauty of the surroundings. The materials and the crafts that were used were all locally available and hence easy to procure. The wall was made the highlight of the space using stone carved wall panels. Also, a darker wooden ceiling was designed to shift the focus to the open surrounding. Next to the restaurant was the poolside Lounge area overlooking the infinite green landscape of Central Bali. Apart from conceptual design and 3D visualization, I was also a part of the team that detailed out each individual furniture and interior elements. Each of these elements were locally and custom manufactured. Plan - Restaurant and Poolside Bar

Section - Restaurant and Poolside Bar

Interior Design - Internship | 15

- RESTAURANT AT MAHAYANA RESORT Ubud, Bali

3D Visualization - Restaurant Area

1] PLAN

SCALE 1:30

C D

A B

B D

C B

B C D C B C C D D D D D D D D D D DD D D D D D DDD DDDD D C

B C D BC B

B B

D A A

DB C

C A A B A A A C D A C C B DC D B D D D D D D DD D DDD DD D D DD DD D A

D C

CA B

A C

B BC D D D D DD D D D D D

B C

D B

B D C D C C B C B D D DDD D D D D DD D DD C

2] FRONT ELEV. SCALE 1:30

Carved Palimanan Stone 50THK

Rough Palimanan Stone 40THK

Honed Palimanan Stone 30THK

Honed Palimanan Stone 20THK

PROJECT TITLE

Interior Design - Internship| 16

NO.

SECTION A , B & C - STONE'S WALL DECORATIVE DETAIL

CLIENT

DRAWING NUMBER -

REVISION

1 ST ISSUE

DATE

14-09-2015

APPROVED BY PM :

MELATI DANES SPACE & STYLE

SUB TITLE

STONE'S WALL DECORATIVE DETAIL - RESTAURANT - LOWER FLOOR

NENGAH NATYA

Furniture Details - Restaurant Area

DRAWING TITLE

NATYA VILLA UBUD

FILE NAME AND PATH

SCALE 1: 30

DRAWN BY WS

CHECKED BY

STATUS

JL. MOH YAMIN I/18 DENPASAR 80235 BALI - INDONESIA T : +62 361 244096 F : +62 361 245749 WWW.MELATIDANES.COM

- RESTAURANT AT MAHAYANA RESORT Ubud, Bali

3D Visualization - view from the Pool

Furniture Details - Pool-side and Bar Area

Interior Design - Internship | 17

- RESTAURANT AT MAHAYANA RESORT Ubud, Bali Execution The project was completed in 2016. Even though there were signinficant changes made to the design, the language of the resultant space remained similar to the visualization. The on-site interactions, with peope from a different culture and tongue was also a big challenge but also a unique learning experience. It was a great opportunity to work on a hospitality project in one of the leading tourist destinations of the world, and it getting executed.

Site Photograph - Restaurant Area

Site Photograph - Night View

Site Photograph - Bar

Interior Design - Internship| 18

- BANQUET AT HOTEL GRAND ELEGANCE A&F Designs, Ahmedabad Elements make Space The Hotel Grand Elegance Project in Ahmedabad was designed and executed in 2015-16. The banquet hall has an illuminated ceiling, where pattern. This was designed using grasshopper by overlaying two grids on top of one another.

Wall Elevation LVL- 38" 1121"

Wall with Artificial Lighting LVL- 38"

9" 1'-421"

each of the acrylic elements form a rhythmic

1'-6" 1'-5"

1 20

ceiling. This provides a bright space with glossy

LVL- 38"

9" 1'

LVL- 14" LVL- 38"

LVL- 38"

LVL- 14"

LVL- 22"

LVL- 38"

1'-3" 6"

hall.

finishes following the requirements of the banquet

LVL- 38" 38" LVL-

space culminating in a darker, wood clad wall and

entrance are finished in a lighter shade, with the

The flooring, ceiling and the walls towards the

LVL- 38" 1'-221"

1'-5" 1"

Reflected Ceiling Plan

3D Visualizations - Grand Elegance Banquet

1'-5" 1"

1" 1'-5" 434" 1"

The ceiling as designed using Grasshopper for Rhino

Actual Photographs - Grand Elegance Banquet

Actual Photograph - Ceiling

Interior Design - A&F Design| 19

- HOME THEATRE Freelance Interior Design Project This was one of the initail projects when I started working as a freelance interior designer, a home theatre at a Residence located in the outskirts of Ahmedabad. It was a 270 sqft rectangle room with a small extrusion on one side. The theatre was designed in monochromatic theme, with a highlighting element of patchwork on the back wall. A lighting element was incorporated with walls, that were acoustically paneled to make the room soundproof.

Early 3D Visualizations

Actual Site Photographs

Freelance Interior Design |20

- BEDROOM DESIGN Freelance Interior Design Project

This high-end Bedroom, was designed for a young couple in Ahmedabad, India. Two bedrooms were combined to make one spacious room with a walk-in wardrobe and a luxurious bath. The balcony was converted into a connected sitting area in the bedroom. The bathroom door was made seamless using PVC panelling.

3D Visualizations

Actual Site Photographs

Freelance Interior Design| 21

- OFFICE FOR SHIPPING COMPANY Freelance Interior Design Project

This fast pace office project came with a tight budget and timeline and was handed over in 40 days. The idea was to use a monochrome theme with colours popping from certain elements. The filing cabinet was made in such a manner to hide the existing structural columns. A folding workstation was custom designed for occasional use.

3D Visualizations

Actual Site Photographs

Freelance Interior Design |22

- ACADEMIC WORK Making and Skill Building Courses

Being one of the only 5-year Interior Design Bachelor Programme in the country, CEPT University focussed on more than just designing on paper. Learning from renowned Architects, techniques, vernacular architecture, skill building, exploring and experimenting with materials were all a part of the program. The campus also had a workshop area, for students to get a hands on experience with most common materials. FabLab was also a part of this workshop which was accessible for all students.

- WORKING WITH PAPERCRETE Arch made with lighweight papercrete blocks Papercrete is a kind of a lightweight concrete made by mixing concrete with paper-mache. The proportion of paper-mache added to the concrete mixture is very important or the resultant blocks can become brittle and hence difficult to work with. This project was done in 2014 as a part of a winter school at CEPT University. The idea here was to create a module that can be used as a building block to create something bigger. The arch here has 3 types of modules; pedestal block, the main module and the key block holding the entire arch together.

Initial Design Idea with modules and Joineries

Component -1

Component -2 Structural Testing with different proportions

2-Piece Moulds

Academic Work | 25

- WORKING WITH PAPERCRETE Arch made with lighweight papercrete blocks

Getting paper-mache ready

The process of Making papercrete

Moulds before Casting

Moulds with Casted Papercrete

Constructing Arch using Casted Blocks

Making Process First, the paper-mache is prepared by mixing paper with water. This is then mixed thoroughly and concrete is subsequently added while mixing. This mixture is then cast into the moulds. After 2-3 working days, these blocks can be demoulded carefully and used.

Constructing the arch, using support members to keep the arch up before inserting the keyblock.

Academic Work | 26

- ‘CANE’ WHEEL BARROW Working with Natural Materials This was done as a part of Material Stduio in 2014. The brief was to re-design and make a commercial product using any natural material. The selected product here was a wheel-barrow. The regular material for an industrially manufactured wheelbarrow is sheet metal and pipes, since it is easier to manufacture with precision, hence cost effective and also easy to maintain. The selected material for the project was cane since it is relatively lighter. The frame was made entirely of one long cane member Front elevation

Plan view of the Wheel-barrow

of 12ft length. It was bent using heating technique and cross connecting members were added to keep the frame in place and to support the basket. The basket was also made using two closed rings connected by vertical members to keep them in place. Th base and the hollow area on the side were closed uning slices of cane to reduce the overall weight without compromising the structural strength. The wheel was constructed using 3 rings to give the wheelbarrow better stability when moving. It is connected to the main frame using a ball-bearing as shown in the diagram.

Details used in constructing the ‘cane’ wheel-barrow

The images of the final product

Detail - Wheel using Cane and Ball Bearing

Academic Work | 27

- LEARNING BY MAKING -