Divya Bhambhra by Divya Bhambhra

Portfolio.

EDUCATION

Divya Bhambhra

Mumbai, India | 12 May, 1999

divyabhambhra1205@gmail.com +91 9137570372

Rizvi Education Society’s College of Architecture, University of Mumbai Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch.)’ 22

EXPERIENCES

FKD Workshop, Mumbai Architect

The Chaviwallahs of Mumbai, Charles Correa grant Research Assistant

Contrators of Bombay Architectural Writer

Group 4, Mumbai Architectural Intern

AWARDS

The Nagari Film Competition by Charles Correa Foundation Won ‘Jury Commendation Award’, as a research assistant

Louis I Kahn Trophy, National Association of Students of Architecture, India ‘Top-10 Shortlisted’ Enrty nation-wide, as a Teamleader of 22 individuals

Louis I Kahn Trophy, National Association of Students of Architecture, India Awarded ‘Special Mention’ , as a part of the research and analysis team

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Heritage Award Won ‘Award of Excellence’ for Documentation of Unprotected Heritage, as the batch of 2017 at Rizvi College of Architecture

Sep 2017 - Apr 2022

Sep 2022 - Oct 2024

June 2022 - Sep 2022

May 2021 - Present

Dec 2020 - May 2021

Jun2022 - Oct 2022

Dec 2019 - Feb 2020

Dec 2018 - Feb 2019

Nov 2018 - Jan 2019

1. Shanag

Documentation and housing

2. Designing for Belonging

Rethinking child-care institutions

8. Chaviwallahs of Mumbai Documentary Academic Professional

3. Green Harbour Urban study and design

4. LIK - Ghuriya, Jaisalmer Documentation

5. Pack - 9 Dog training centre

6. Tulio Retail and product design

7. Contractors of Bombay Digital documentation

Shanag

Rural Settlement Documentation and Housing

Competition - INTACH Heritage Awards 2018 Won - ‘Award of Excellence’

Academic Project - Rural Housing

Year - November 2018 - April 2019

Mentors-

Documentation - Design faculty

Design guide - Ar. Shahveer Irani and Ar. Faizan Khatri

Documentation Team - Batch of 2017 (House- Arbaz

Location - Shanag Village, Himachal Pradesh, India

shaikh, Manu Mohnish and Ruchi Barot)

The documentation aimed to analyze the vernacular architecture of Shanag Village and examine how it is shaped by various factors, including climate, social dynamics, and evolving construction practices. A glimpse into the village’s rich and diverse historical and present-day context, focusing on its intricate social fabric, unique architectural practices, and community dynamics.

The extensive documentation provides an in-depth look into the centuries-old ‘Kathkuni’ construction technique, a sophisticated earthquake-resistant system developed through generations of indigenous knowledge.

In order to envision a sustainable future that honors Shanag’s cultural heritage while enhancing its adaptability and resilience, the design intervention required us to re-imagine a housing cluster for diverse user groups. This initiative sought to integrate traditional building wisdom with contemporary needs, ensuring that future developments respect the region’s architectural legacy while responding to evolving socio-economic and environmental conditions.

Climatic Conditions and Responsive Strategies

Prevailing Winds

During winters, the balcony is filled with hay (cow’s fodder) to add a layer of insulation from extreme cold

The Front-yard, brings in the maximum sunlight during the day, turning into a space to rest for cattle and hay is spread out to dry

Shanag Village, situated in the Kullu with the Beas River on the east. Surrounded and the Indrasan in the east, Shanag

The landscape, with an altitude of Temperatures drop to sub-zero levels

Monthly Mean Maximum & Minimum Temperature (1901-2000) - Celsius

During summers, the balcony turns into a multi-functional space that adapts to different activities

As a place to work, the handloom is placed outside so shreds of clothes can be swept away by the wind

The ‘sigdi’ is placed in the center to evenly distribute the heat

The sigdi is also used for cooking, hence is placed inside the kitchen with heating space around

Front-yard adapts to various activities throughout the day, during evening it turns into a space to play

Portable Heater - ‘Sigdi’

A focal point for activities

With a growing population and limited have begun to replace traditional building architectural identity but also associated

Once deeply rooted in climatic responsiveness, materials, traditional homes in Shanag extreme weather conditions, and the daily of such houses remain, as modern materials

The panchayat, though modest in scale, dynamics of the village. Strategically positioned it provided an ideal vantage point overlooking

Adjacent to a natural waterspout, which the panchayat organically became a

Located at the junction of multiple converging the years. It became a backdrop for lively

The Panchayat

Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, runs neck to neck

Surrounded by the Hanuman Tibba in north- west Shanag is nestled in the valley, secluded like an old relic. of 2000 m, is typical of the Middle Himalayas. levels during winter, accompanied by heavy snowfall.

of the Village

limited resources, contemporary construction techniques building methods, leading to the loss of not only associated cultural practices, local artistry, and craftsmanship.

responsiveness, topographical adaptation, and locally sourced were carefully designed to withstand seismic activity, daily rhythms of village life. However, today, only a handful materials and methods overshadow these time-tested practices.

The

Social spaces

scale, played a crucial role in shaping the political and social positioned under the shade of a Weeping Willow tree, overlooking both the village and the surrounding valley.

which villagers traditionally used for washing utensils, center of daily interaction and communal activities.

converging lanes, the space evolved into a gathering hub over lively discussions, informal debates, and conflict resolutions.

The Hand-loom: The artistry woven into the textiles of the village is more than just craftsmanship—it is a reflection of nature, culture, and identity. Inspired by the mountains, trees, and flowers that surround them, the villagers have seamlessly integrated their landscape into their everyday attire.

This tradition not only preserves their rich heritage but also serves as a testament to their deep connection with the land. Through their weaving, they carry forward a story of resilience, belonging, and timeless beauty, ensuring that their cultural legacy endures for generations to come.

Women and the orchids: The daily routine of a woman involves carrying heavy loads across steep slopes and engaging in physically taxing labor, then collect the harvest from their orchard, that is cultivated with pesticides and chemicals as it has become an unavoidable part of modern agricultural practices. The responsibilities further extend to the marketplace, where the produce is sold.

The Construction: The tradition of collective homebuilding in the village embodied a strong sense of community, shared labor, and cultural rituals. Every villager had a role—from quarrying stone to preparing meals—while the priest determined auspicious beginnings. This practice not only fostered unity and craftsmanship but a reinforced a deep connection to tradition, a way of life now gradually disappearing with the rise of modern construction techniques and individualistic approaches.

*The documentation is a collaborative effort by the batch of 2017 B. Arch.. Students, with all drawings and sketches credited to respective teams

Plan

The Front-yard Construction sites

Plan at 8.34M Pabnadevi House (a part of documentation)

Elevation at ‘B’

Section AA’

Front-yard of ‘Pabnadevi house’

Door Detail - Cow shed

In many rural communities across India, menstruating women are often subjected to social restrictions, including being barred from accessing the kitchen (altar) and common spaces shared with men. This cultural taboo confines them to isolated areas within the home.

To address this, the design concept envisions an out-house—a separate yet connected living space that grants women autonomy during this period. This out-house includes a private toilet, cooking space, and sleeping area, while still sharing the front yard with the main house, ensuring both inclusion and privacy within the household environment.

Ground Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

The Sigdi, a traditional wood-burning room heater, is designed to keep interiors warm by distributing heat from a central space. Traditionally placed in a common area, it allows warmth to spread throughout the home. However, cultural shifts have influenced spatial usage, as these central spaces now often accommodate televisions. Meanwhile, adults typically dine in the kitchen, where cooking naturally provides warmth. The Sigdi’s heating mechanism functions similarly to a chimney, not only warming the air but also transferring heat to walls. Additionally, mattresses placed around it enhance comfort by retaining and radiating warmth to users.

In traditional homes, toilets are located outside, adhering to hygiene and cultural practices. To improve the toilet to internal spaces. This passage also serves as a thermal buffer, protecting interiors from extreme

View of the kitchen

View of the Washroom - Outhouse

outside, making accessibility challenging during monsoons and winters while improve connectivity, a passageway has been integrated, indirectly linking serves as a multi-functional area for washing and drying clothes while acting extreme weather conditions.

10mm GI sheet

Timber Batten 40mm x 50mm

Deodhar wood window frame with

Deodhar wood window frame with Timber Batten 40mm x 50mm

RCC Tie Beam

RCC Lintel Beam

450mm thick stone masonary wall

RCC Sill Beam

50mm thick PCC

150mm thick RCC flat slab

Deodhar wood door frame

RCC Lintel Beam

Deodhar wood

RCC Sill Beam

Deodhar wood door frame

50mm thick PCC flooring

RCC Sill Beam

70mm thick RCC slab

50mm thick PCC flooring

70mm thick RCC slab

RCC Plinth beam

70mm thick RCC slab

RCC Plinth beam

Construction Detail

650mm thick Quartzite stone masonary foindation wall

450mm thick rubble soling

Rammed earth

450mm thick rubble soling

Rammed earth

Stone footing

Rammed earth

Stone footing

Designing for Belonging

Rethinking Child Care Center

Academic Project - Design Dissertation

Mentor - Samir Bagdadi (samir@rizviarchitecture.edu.in)

Year - June 2021 - April 2022

Area - 8000 Sq. Ft.

Location - Mumbai, India

Role - Research and Design

This project rethinks the traditional orphanage typology, which has long been designed as an isolated, reclusive facility focused primarily on shelter, safety, and sustenance. Historically, orphanages have provided for children’s basic needs but have overlooked their integration into the larger community, often reinforcing a sense of detachment and anonymity

This thesis re-imagines the orphanage as an inclusive, community-integrated space, shifting from an introverted, institutional model to one that fosters engagement at multiple layers. By combining domestic and cultural components, the design creates opportunities for social interaction, identity-building, and empowerment of the children. This design envisions transforming an orphanage into a vibrant and participatory environment rather than a place of seclusion.

Orphanhood rises across the globe over 2020-22

Aug 27, 2020

Orphanhood, modeled estimates - Imperial College London

04 What was the state of child care institutions

05 What challenges do child care institutions

Lack of Infrastructure

Despite their significant numbers, orphans are often overlooked as they do not represent a political vote bank. This representation impacts funding allocation for infrastructure essential resources, resulting in insufficient budget provisions their needs.

Only 1 in 84 children get access to accommodate at a institution

Absence of implication of policies

Dec 31, 2022 at least 6,855 children were orphaned at least 274 children were abandoned at least 68,218 children lost a parent

The National Commission for the Protection of Children’s Rights (NCPCR), in its report to the Supreme Court, revealed that between April 1, 2020, and July 23, 2021, the pandemic led to 6,855 children becoming orphaned, 274 being abandoned, and 68,218 losing a parent.

1 in 5 districts in India do not have the minimum orphanages needed, as per regulations, every district to have 3 types of orphanages to complete the requirement:

1. For children under the age of 6

2. For children between 6- 18 years old - girls

3. For children between 6- 18 years old - boys

Lack of proper training and education

Upon reaching adulthood, they are required to leave, little to no support for independent living. Research shows nearly 50% struggle to secure paid employment, making highly vulnerable to poverty and exploitation.

Over-crowding

Child care institutions often accommodate 30-50 children the supervision of just 2-3 adults, resulting in a high caregiver-tochild ratio. This imbalance makes it challenging for caretakers provide adequate time, attention, and individualized support each child

Kin-ship care: Variable

Children are sent to relatives, which is variable depending on the case to case, not every child gets the privilege to be taken in by known adults

Adoption care: Vulnerable

Children become Susceptible to trafficking and abuse. Statistics show that only children under the age of 3 are likely to be adopted than toddlers and teenagers

Institutional care: Insufficient

Only 9% institutions in India are state sponsored, all institutions are already over flowing with children who grow in absence of care, basic facilities like education, shelter and food also become difficult to manage with lack of funds

institutions in India before the pandemic?

Only 1.19% of children get access to child care institutions

pre-COVID-19 survey by the Ministry of Women Child Development (MoWCD, 2018) reported that over 3,70,000 children were residing in more than 9,500 Child Care Institutions across India.

India is home to more than 29 million orphans, highlighting urgent need for comprehensive child welfare policies and support systems

institutions in India face?

overlooked This lack of infrastructure and provisions for minimum three district requires requirement: often with shows that making them exploitation. children under caregiver-tocaretakers to support to child care

= 5 children

Islands of grief

The loss of primary caregivers has a profound and lasting impact on a child’s mental, social, and emotional development. Such trauma often leads to depression, anxiety, and developmental hindrances.

For children requiring special care, the effects are even more severe, as they lose the essential support of their primary caregivers. This highlights the urgent need for structured emotional support, trauma-informed care, and long-term rehabilitation strategies to help these children navigate their loss and rebuild a sense of stability

07 Programme - Developing a structured framework

A residential institution for orphaned youth

System of care-giving: large groups of children supervised by handful adults

Reclusive architecture: orphanages are isolated from the society

Takes care of basic necessities like food ,shelter and education

An institute that provides residential care + educational and training exposure for overall development

System of care-giving: This is explored by two care-givers per 54 children, an aunt and a mother and the integration of community through additional functions

Architecture: inclusive and integrated by a community

Healthy + structured environment for overall growth of each child

Proposed Programme

Traditional Orphanages

Creating Nurturing Spaces Through Design

The three key principles used to design places that will help children to heal, play and learn: stimulating environments, multi-sensory engagement, and positive distraction. These strategies foster cognitive growth, emotional well-being, and social interaction.

Simulating environments: Sensory engagement plays a crucial role in cognitive and social development. A key strategy involved balancing built and unbuilt spaces, giving equal importance to softscape elements.

Multi-Sensory Environment: By planting trees that attract fauna like birds, which generate calming white noise. The incorporation of fragrant flora, such as flowering plants and fruit-bearing trees, enriches the sensory environment

Positive Distraction: Positive distractions help reduce psychological stress and enhance engagement. The design facilitates social interaction through exhibition areas, workshops which will help in building hobbies and interests in a secure environment.

Positive Distraction:

Incorporation of playgrounds, and vegetable gardens will help to build an engaging relationship between children and nature, making it a stimulating and therapeutic experience.

Community Integration

The site, located in Parel, Mumbai, is embedded within a culturally diverse neighborhood, serving as a hub for festivities and community engagement. The presence of multiple parks and gardens provides spaces for celebration, fostering interaction among children of various age groups.

Design Layout at 2M

Surrounding Opportunities

Accessibility

Proximity to government hospitals, schools, and educational institutions enhances accessibility to essential facilities, ensuring that children benefit from learning and developmental opportunities within their environment. Entry

Positioned at a major junction, the site offers seamless accessibility, encouraging public engagement. The ease of access promotes active participation in exhibitions and workshops, ensuring high footfall and dynamic community involvement.

Exploded Isometric view of the housing cluster

The housing units are designed to create a secure and nurturing environment for children. Shared bedrooms and a communal dining space encourage trust-building and social interaction. Integrated display panels for personal achievements and awards help boost self-esteem, fostering a sense of accomplishment and belonging.

The roof design maximizes cross-ventilation, ensuring a comfortable study environment during humid summers, while indirect light from ventilators maintains brightness during monsoons. Warm-toned lime plaster is used for finishing, enhancing the tactile experience and creating a welcoming atmosphere through its natural texture and color.

Roof constructed with 3 layers of 32MM thick brick tiles on 25 mm thick mortar containing reinforcement

Ground Level

250MM thick rubble packing

dia reinforcement at 100MM c/c

PCC1:4:8

Rubber soling Brick on both sides

PCC1:4:8

16MM

16MM dia reinforcement at 100MM c/c

Plinth level PCC

RCC pedestal

A view of courtyard along the workshop and exhibition area

A view from the entrance

Green Harbor

Bridging Communities Through Shared Spaces

Academic Project - Urban Study

Year - June 2021 - October 2021

Mentors- Ar. Vrinda gokhale and Ar. Zainul biviji Team - Arunav Sinha, Juveria Chaudhary and Nusha Rakhe Location - Thane, India

The study of Majiwada, Thane, examines the urban fabric of a neighborhood where traditional gaothan settlements coexist with modern gated townships. Through indepth morphological analysis of the region.

The study deciphers patterns, textures, urban tissues as understand how traditional and modern developments social interaction.

The design proposal envisioned a harmonious integration communities through a landscape-driven intervention. of a “mosaic of subcultures,” it primarily addresses the and informal settlements, fostering interaction via thoughtfully and shared spaces. A design proposal for an underutilized an adaptable market front, cycling tracks, an amphitheater, activities.

The homogeneous and undifferentiated character of modern cities kills all varieties of life styles and arrests the growth of individual character. Hence, we tried to create spaces for every user group where they can enjoy a variety of social activities and experiences. This, therefore caters to both the residents of the village and the township in the neighborhood as well as the spatial grain to developments influence connectivity and integration of the contrasting intervention. Anchored in the concept disparities between formal thoughtfully designed nodes underutilized park featured spaces like amphitheater, and areas for cultural

Emphasizing on dilution of boundaries, it creates thresholds that connect yet respect the community identities, while strategic zoning transforms it into a vibrant and dynamic social hub.

Tissue

The older settlement exhibits a fine urban grain, characterized by an interlocking network of roads and a distribution of smaller, mixeduse buildings. This organic pattern fosters connectivity and interaction within the community.

In contrast, the township area is composed of large land parcels, systematically segregated to create dedicated residential zones. These are accompanied by open spaces that primarily serve the needs of the residential development.

The distinction in spatial organization highlights the varying approaches to urban planning, with the older settlement promoting integrated, multi-functional spaces, while the township follows a more structured and compartmentalized design.

Nodal Study Comparison

The internal roads of gaonthan function primarily as a secondary network, facilitating connectivity with minimal interchange of activities and movement. However, they occasionally serve as spaces for temporary engagements and interactions.

The street pattern surrounding the central precinct (node 6) has evolved organically in response to expanding residential development. Rather than adhering to a rigid structural grid, the expansion reflects the dynamic growth of the neighborhood, adapting to its evolving urban fabric and communal needs.

Macro Map : Thane

Analysis : Majiwada Gaon

Nodal study to identify site for design intervention

Serial Vision : Majiwada Gaon

Serial Vision Comparison

Tissue Analysis : Township

Serial Vision : Township

Node

Plan of existing park (Node 4)

The conclusion to the study of nodes resulted in narrowing down to node 4, which was identified as the site for an intervention to dilute the intangible boundaries between the urban village & township.

The proposal was to introduce an urban node through the revamping and extension of an abandoned park.

Zoning strategy

(Open unrestricted space and a combination of various smaller functions)

Design Strategies

The built-unbuilt ratio allows for adaptable spaces that accommodate temporary uses, enhancing the flexibility

Strategically placed street furniture fosters social interaction, creating purposeful gathering points that strengthen community engagement

A defined hierarchy of spaces, incorporating covered and open areas along with direct movement and visual focus, enhancing spatial organization and user experience.

Seating space at the entrance of market

Section AA’

A’

System mapping based

Almond tree Rain tree ‘champa’ tree nilgiri tree gulmohar tree Mango tree neem tree

Market Area - For vendors and an adaptive for the neighborhood

Composting and community garden (for utilizing market waste as a fertilizer and to create awareness in the neighborhood).

based on activity proximities

View towards amphitheater

Yoga

Hedges

Amphitheater seating

Toilet

Column form-work to be constructed out of 8mm thick flexible plywood as per specified profile

150 mm thick ‘respite’ columns constructed out of ferro cement & 12mm dia. ms reinforcements

Coated with 2 coats of 12 mm thick plaster and 12 mm thick primer finished with matt oil paint of the approved shade and make as per design

Respite area column detail

Seating mounds

Toilet

Louis I Kahn Trophy

The Construction of Dwellings

Competition - LIK Trophy, National Association of Students of Architecture

Won- ‘Special Mention’

Year - 2018-19

Village - Ghuriya

Location - Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

Role - Analysis and Research

Note: This documentation is a collaborative effort, with all drawings credited to the respective teams .

The documentation of Ghuriya, Jaisalmer, explores response to topography, climate, and cultural practices. ridges, the village follows organic settlement patterns With extreme temperatures and water scarcity construction techniques prioritize thermal efficiency

Underground water tanks address water shortages, materials such as stone, mud, thatch, and timber

The village’s dwellings are strategically oriented, east to harness morning sunlight while avoiding

explores the architectural evolution in practices. Situated on sandy soil and rocky patterns that adapt to natural contours. scarcity being key challenges, traditional efficiency and resource conservation shortages, while buildings use locally available timber to ensure insulation and durability. oriented, with over 30% of houses facing excessive heat gain during the day.

Compact spatial planning enhances thermal control, and vegetation is deliberately placed to provide shade. The diagram above, highlights the evolution of building materials, from early red sand and stone structures to advanced dry rubble masonry and lime plaster techniques that improve insulation and longevity. The Interior spaces feature natural pigments and intricate patterns, maintaining a connection to heritage.

Despite the gradual introduction of modern materials, traditional knowledge remains integral to sustainable development. The documentation aims to underscores the importance of balancing environmental adaptability with evolving construction techniques, ensuring that modernization does not compromise cultural authenticity.

Pack - 9

Dog boarding, training and enrichment Centre

Professional Project - FK’D Workshop

Team - Principal Architect and Mentor- Ar. Faizan Khatri (faizan@fkdworkshop.com)

Project Architect - Ar. Devarsh Sheth (devarshsheth@gmail.com), Ar. Arunav Sinha (arunavsinha21@gmail.com)

Year - April 2023 - March 2024

Area - 15000 Sq. Ft.

Location - Delhi, India

Role - Architect

The Pack-9 Centre has been thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of dogs while considering the emotions of their owners, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for pets away from home.

Adequate natural lighting, spacious and secure kennels, and carefully selected colors, textures, and materials contribute to a welcoming space for its four-legged residents. Notably, yellow—a color dogs perceive easily and find comforting—plays a dominant role in the Centre’s design, enhancing their sense of ease and familiarity.

The open spaces gradually flow into semi-open spaces like training areas and amphitheater, the strategy helps with keeping a check on aggressive dogs

The Kennels are designed to accommodate all necessities like sleeping, feeding and cleaning dog’s litter . A drain is placed at the at the periphery to assure hygienic living conditions.

Creating a framework for all the spaces required for dogs, trainers and staff

Segregation of spaces with respect to different zones of privacy. The waiting space and consultation area helps by maintaining a threshold and functions as a barrier between the kennels and visiting dogs traffic

Space for services like security , electrical room and preparation of meals is positioned at the entry, forming a service core

Functional & User-Responsive Strategies

The framework is fabricated out of MS members and partition walls are have marble inserts to make the structure lighter and capture diffused light. Both help with costefficiency.

Stack Effect helps in maintaining comfortable temperatures during the summer season, additionally invite in the diffused light.

Colors and materials like Ocher yellow and Kota stone and marble provide comfort to dogs through visuals, but also helps the floor cool and are scratch proof to ensure security

Kennels are positioned inside to form a sound barrier and add to privacy. Sounds of barking and constant traffic can aggravate dogs. The surrounding spaces help with maintaining interior temperatures during summer

Design Layout

Section AA’

Kennels are constructed using MS framework with marble inserts and military grade fence. The marble inserts ensure a visual separation to maintain sanity amongst the accommodated dogs. It also forms a strong front against claws, as dogs have a tendency to dig into the surroundings to escape

The eating plate is designed specially for aggressive canines. It works on a central swivel mechanism, this ensures safety for trainers as it helps them to keep a safe distance while feeding

Hygiene inside the kennels is maintained by a drainage system placed at the entry. A pressured water pipeline runs along the drain, which ensures clean traps and no foul smell in the area

Exploded Isometric View Legend

1. Entrance

2. Reception

3. Consultation rooms

4. Admin area

5. Indoor training area

6. Amphitheater

7. Outdoor training ground

8. Staff area

9. Grooming room

10. Kitchen

11. Standard kennel room

12. Premium kennel room

13. Insulated puff panels

Tulio

A Flagship Drapery Experience

Professional Project - FK’D Workshop

Principal Architect and Mentor- Ar. Faizan Khatri (faizan@fkdworkshop.com)

Team - Ar. Mudit Jain (mudit@fkdworkshop.com), Ar. Arunav Sinha (arunav@fkdworkshop.com)

Year - Feb 2024 - Dec 2024

Area - 1400 Sq. Ft.

Location - Pune, Maharashtra, India

Role - Project Architect

The design intents to explore a non-traditional flagship drapery store while ensuring the product remains the focal point. Interactive displays and immersive exhibits create an engaging customer journey, while an open, airy layout with exposed ceilings blends brutalist elements with soft textures for a distinctive ambiance.

Design Elements

Fluidity: The curtains as a product occupy the center stage, supported by a grid that hangs from the ceiling, they space becomes flexible and allows a fluid framework

Home: The space mimics spaces that are a part of one’s home, such as study, dining and living room area. This allows the customer to immerse in the space while familiarizing with the product

Hanger Display: The fabric hangers are smaller drapery samples which are displayed on the ‘dynamic wall’. 400 hangers are accommodated on the wall, using a custom hanging rod design. Easy to insert and display, the modular rod helps with user interaction by being easily accessible

Flexible Framework: The fabric installation is a contraption that can be assembled and dismantled as required. The framework is constructed using MS rods, which are welded and draped with fabric overall

Ground Floor

The Zoning:

1. Experiential Zone

2. Transitional Zone

3. Service Zone

First Floor

The Zoning Ideation:

The experiential zone evokes a sense with the space and product. Transitional service areas, discreetly positioned

Fabric Installation:

The installation recreates familiar home spaces, seamlessly integrating drapes to help users visualize the product in a reallife setting. Constructed using welded MS rods and covered with translucent fabric, it achieves a lightweight appearance while offering flexibility for ever-changing displays.

Designed double-height places drapery A strategically space into curtain to enhancing fluidity within The Curtain

The Conceptual Layout: sense of home, helping users engage Transitional zones seamlessly connect to positioned on the ground and first floors.

Navigating through the store becomes an endeavor to explore, as the user moves through different spaces the transition happens seamlessly from one zone to another. Although, each experiential zone offers a different ensemble, the curiosity to explore builds with every transition

Curtain Grid :

to showcase both single and double-height curtains, the contraption drapery at the center stage. strategically designed grid divides the smaller pockets, allowing each gradually reveal different zones, the sense of discovery and within the store.

The Dynamic Wall:

Custom-designed rods, fitted into C-shaped channels within the wall, create a flexible display for fabric hangers. The modular rods can be repositioned to accommodate changing display needs, with two variations designed to hold either 12 or 24 hangers at a time.

A Conceptual Isometric

Exploring the different layers of space. The yellow highlights the fabric installation and the gray represents the curtains.

Rods constructed out of 12 mm MS rods finished with dull brass metallic PU as per design with provision for dowel slotting.

Custom ‘C’ section constructed from 2mm thk MS sheet as per design with 6 mm edge overlap

6 x 6 mm pre fabricated MS Box section ‘dowels’ in specified profile

25 mm screws to anchor custom ‘C’ channel to existing shop wall

Secondary ‘J’ profile constructed out of 2 mm thick MS sheet in specified profile anchored at inner end

Custom runner profile in 12 x 12 mm MS box section with provision for dowel slotting

12mm dia. MS hollow pipe vertical support with T- branching as per design finished with dull brass metallic PU welded to MS rail below

38mm dia x 12 mm bass cap in 6mm stepped pattern as per design anchored to vault ceiling.

38mm x 25mm MS I-profile curtain rail as per design

Curtain

Fabric Installation 7.

1. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Headquarters

VYANKU BAALU KALEWAR

The building was designed by FW Stevens and Construction work started on 19 December 1884 and ended on 24 September 1889.

RAO BAHADUR ELAPPA BALARAM

The foundation stone was laid on 1 March 1869 and construction was completed in November 1878.

VITTHAL SAYANNA

Contractors of Bombay

Bombay’s Overlooked Colonial Craftsmen

Digital Documentation, Featured - Mid-Day Newspaper- 13 June 2021

‘Lesser-known engineers, contractors who sculpted Bombay’s architecture in colonial era’

Team - Ar. Esa Shaikh and Ar. Diya Mary Joseph

Year - 2021 - Present

Link - Contractors of Bombay

Role - Architectural Writer

Aim - To showcase the lesser-known Indian engineers, contractors and laborers, who sculpted the city of Bombay and its architecture in the colonial era.

A humble attempt at celebrating the unsung Builders of Colonial Bombay. The research seeks to recognize these overlooked figures, educate the youth, and encourage reading through built history.

During the colonial era, contractors played a crucial role in executing British architects’ visions, ensuring both precision and worker safety.

Construction began in 1908 and was completed in 1914. The museum is an example of IndoSaracenic architecture, which combines Hindu, Islamic, and Western architecture.

Raosaheb Naagu Sayaji, known for constructing landmarks like the Bombay High Court, completed the project in eight years with zero casualties.

Similarly, Rao Saheb Tejoo Kaya, a self-taught contractor, engineered key infrastructure like Byculla’s S-Bridge and Currey Road Bridge, earning British honors for his contributions. It’s an ongoing research that aims to highlight personalties, whose ingenuity shaped Mumbai’s architectural legacy.

2. Rajabai Clock Tower

3. Prince of Wales Museum

5. India Assurance

SHAPOORJI PALLONJI

Constructed New India Assurance in 1937, Dhanraj Mahal in 1930, and Cricket Club of India

RAO SAHEB NAAGU SAYAJI

The work commenced on April 1871 and completed in November 1878 and undertook construction of Ports of Bombay to make Bombay ‘Urbs Prima in Indis’.

4. Bombay High Court

The Chaviwallahs of Mumbai

Water in Urban India

Documentary - The Nagari Film Competition x Charles Correa Foundation

Won - ‘Jury Commendation Award’

Team - Akanksha Gupta and Gopal MS

Year - 2022

Link - The Chaviwallahs of Mumbai Role - Research Assistant

Brief - Nagari explores how water shapes urban access, and resilience amidst rapid urbanization, in growing cities.

This documentary delves into Mumbai’s water distribution experiences of residents in Mandala, an informal Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) settlement

LALLUBHAI COMPOUND

India, highlighting its role in governance, urbanization, inequality, and infrastructure challenges

distribution system, highlighting the lived informal settlement, and Lallubhai Compound, a

It illustrates how water access in the city is shaped not just by infrastructure but also by the relationships between residents, engineers, and politicians.

Using The Chaviwallah as a metaphor, the film explores systemic disparities, distress migration, and political influences that determine who gets access to piped water. It critically examines governance structures that perpetuate inequality, making a powerful statement on survival and social belonging in an urban landscape.

MANDALA