dusa Akshata Dusa Interior Arch | 2019
dusa.akshata@gmail.com
Tel. +[201] 234-1513
University of Tennessee
BS in Interior Architecture E: dusa.akshata@gmail.com T: (201)234-1513 Issuu: /dusa_akshata www.dusaakshata.wixsite.com/dus4
biography My name is Akshata Dusa. As a freshman at the University of Tennessee, my major was neuroscience. After seeing my peers work on their architecture projects in the dorms, I was immediately drawn to the studio culture and program, itching for a creative outlet that combines math and science with the arts. Interior architecture has given me a new perspective on how our environments have the ability to affect our emotional and mental health as well as productivity. I am constantly learning new techniques, which inspires me in different realms of design, such as graphic design, sculpture, and industrial design. I am currently a fourth year in the program, anticipated to graduate in the summer with a BS in Interior Architecture and a minor in Industrial Design, and will continue my education here to recieve a Master’s in Architecture.
design intent My intent as a designer is to design with abstraction along the side of science to aid in human-centered design. I am fascinated with light and its behaviors in relationship with materiality, and how it can emphasize form and create memorable experiences. I am also interested in exploring different scales of design to further advance my growth as a designer. I am a firm believer that design can make the world a much better place if we do it with passion, open-mindedness, and willful intent.
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[semester projects] Embodied Luminescence | office Khayma Korner | restaurant
16 – 19
School of Light and Sound | micro-school Augmented Spaces | pneumatic structure
20 – 27
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[ small scale ]
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[ analog ]
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8 – 15
Luminaire Design Dreamscape Projection Amplitude Envelope Industrial Design
Sketches Fashion Design
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32 – 33 34 – 35 36 – 37 38 – 39
42 – 43 44 – 45
[ digital ] Objects of Arresting Novelty Graphic Design Photography
48 – 49 50 – 51 52 – 55
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01 Embodied Luminescence | office Khayma Korner | restaurant School of Light and Sound | micro-school Augmented Spaces | pneumatic structure
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[ semester projects ]
embodied luminescence Fall 2017 | Prof. David Matthews | Office Space
Film can be conveyed as the tension between reality and its representation, the new Annapurna studios location in Knoxville, TN strives to be a workplace where escape and inspiration work handin-hand in terms of aiding the creative process. The stauroteuthis syrtensis is a biolouminescent octopus that holds as the precedent for this new inhabitation of cinematic innovation. The arcane nature of the organism is implemented in the intervention that alters the original space of the building by creating spaces of expansion and contraction. The proposedintervention for the new Annapurna studios in the fireproof storage building is intended to incite childlike wonder throughout the multifunctional spaces to aid the creative process of the workers. The intervention produces a language of transparency within the work environment to provide a better sense of communication. The alternating experiences of contracted and expansive spaces separated by the intervention is intended to make the occupant feel like a part of a functioning whole. The intervention conveys the sense of community in the space through the nature of its semi-conducting form. The form illuminates the space as its illumination is reactive to electrical currents, thus making the activity within the intervention a visible component.
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The Gensler Experience The Gensler Experience Index proves that design impacts user experience and proposes a model for businesses/ companies with the intentions of creating a more enjoyable and successful work environment. The index has five modes that are found in the workplace: task, social, discovery, entertainment, and aspiration mode. The quality of these spaces and their organization affects how the user perceives a space. Although the intervention separates the work from wandering zones, the all spaces were designed with the idea of social connection as a key to happier and more productive workers. Individual work zones have a social aspect to it whether it’s sharing the same surface, or having an easy access to group meeting spaces, designed with the intention to be more approachable through the language of transparency.
daily-use furniture diagram
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clock in
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04 clock out
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[ semester projects ]
Lighting Design The linear nature of the lighting works in unison with the grid system, emphasizing the organic nature of the intervention. LED strips create distinction of spaces as well as illuminate the circulation, highlighting the constant activity within the space. The Zynn Linear LED fixture emphasizes the more contracted spaces while the hanging ball lights of different lengths emphasize the more expansive nature on the other side of the intervention.
DESCRIPTION
PRODUCT
ZYNN LINEAR LED
zynn delivers high quality indirect illumnation in a small fixture. it has the versatility to be mounted on the wall or ceiling.
MANUFACTURER
SPI lighting
LAMP TYPE
WATTAGE
suspended LED
65.8
zynn linear led simes continuous led line (wall/foor bracketing) moveable fixtures attached to intervention/furniture LED decorative fixture (suspended)
SIMES CONTINUOUS LINE
continuous led provides inground recessed luminaire. this luminaire provides separation of spaces through illumination.
Simes S.p.A. luce per l'architettura
LED floor/wall recessed w aluminum black box
3.5 / 7 / 10
suspended ball light suppy vent return vent sprinkler head
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[ semester projects ]
The verticality of the space through the expansive nature of the intervention allows workers to feel like they are part of an active, working whole. This promotes collaboration and engagement between colleagues.
7-person screening
testing
library
theater
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
cafe
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
individual + concept and development
COMMUNITY
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
reception EMPATHY
MARKETING
WAR ROOM
program diagram
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Adjacent concept development + individual work spaces allow for quick transition between individual + group work.
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[ semester projects ]
The library serves as a vessel for resources and inspiration. Silent films constantly play on a projector as a technique to draw people in and explore the database of Annapurna films.
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[ semester projects ]
khayma corner Fall 2016 | Prof. David Matthews | Restaurant
Khayma Korner uses the existing Knoxville structure to create a Syrian dining experience that serves as a “third place” for both Syrian immigrants and Knoxville inhabitants. The lightweight, flexible form, “Khayma” is a motif throughout the restaurant that creates a distinction between the indoor and outdoor dining area while maintaining the same function of providing intimacy in both dining spaces. This planar tentlike structure is unified throughout the space by the connection of the kitchen that serves as a counterpoint to the khayma. The glass kitchen embodies elements of mass, orthogonal planes, and forms a relationship between the host and the guest that creates a comfortable and engaging dining experience.
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Textile Analysis
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Matrix Outcome
[ semester projects ]
interior approach
group eating space
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[ semester projects ]
school of sound + light Spring 2018 | Prof. Rana Abudayyeh | Micro-school
Film can be conveyed as the tension between reality and its representation, the new Annapurna studios location in knoxville, TN strives to be a workplace where escape and inspiration work hand-in-hand in terms of the creative process. The stauroteuthis syrtensis is a biolouminescent octopus that holds as the precedent for this new inhabitation of cinematic innovation. The arcane nature of the organism is implemented in the intervention that alters the original space of the building The proposed intervention for the new Annapurna studios in the fireproof storage building is intended to incite childlike wonder throughout the multifunctional spaces to aid the creative process of the workers. The intervention produces a language of transparency within the work environment to provide a better sense of communication. The alternating experiences of contracted and expansive spaces separated by the intervention is intended to make the occupant feel like a part of a functioning whole. The intervention conveys the sense of community in the space through the nature of its semi-conducting form. The form illuminates the space as its illumination is reactive to electrical currents, thus making the activity within the intervention a visible component.
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ALUMINUM TRACKING SYSTEM
PvC COVER
LED STRIP
CONCRETE TILE (WATERJET) 1
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RAMP DETAIL
[ semester projects ]
The spatial arrangement of the micro school reflects heavily on how the space is used. The observation ramp/deck is used for group meeting spaces and performances, while the control room houses the instruments where students of sound and light can come together and collaborate. The control room then branches off to more individualized spaces and a library.
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plan
akshata dusa a
group space/ performance space
reception
multipurpose space
kitchenette
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group pods ctrl room
storage
database/ lounge area
c DN
UP DN
d
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pattern variation
pattern manipulation
Process Grasshopper was used to create various patterns based on a grid system. inspired by the layers of information on a circuit board, i attempted to try a multitude of patterns in the script and layer them on top of each other, altering lineweights and opacities. from this, different zones can be created and inform decisions like passage oflight and the characteristics of the tile. The two-dimensional nature of the pattern made me think of a wall system; however, as i layered them and manipulated the patterns collectively, there was an illusion of a third dimension that could be extended from a wall. I chose to design a ramp along the wall that takes after the manipulated collective pattern. because there are more limitations for floor tiles, instead of light illuminating through the glass tiles of the wall, slivers of light are allowed to pass through the concrete tiles of the floor.
“Groove Glass� from Crossville Tile
as light travels orthogonally, the groove glass will allow for a dynamic kind of luminence, along with the other tile.
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[ semester projects ]
Customized Casework 2' - 1 23/32"
CURVED GLASS PANEL 1/2" BOLT
8' - 1 23/32"
MS CLAMP ASSEMBLE 1’-6” FROM SIDE METAL RODS
METAL ROD FRAMING 3” metal rod framing FROSTED GLASS PANEL
1” THICK CURVED GLASS PANEL 1/2” NUT 1/2" BOLT
1/2" WASHER 1
SOUTH ELEVATION
3" DIAMETER WELDED METAL ROD
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MS CLAMP DETAIL
1" THICK GLASS PANEL
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D CLAMP DETAIL
3" METAL ROD
1" MAPLE WOOD
0' - 2 1/8"
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EAST ELEVATION
3/16" WOOD SCREWS
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L BRACKET
L BRACKET DETAIL
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[ left ] tile wall section [ right ] exterior view
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[ semester projects ]
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process
grasshopper simulation
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south section
west elevation
[ semester projects ]
augmented spaces Fall 2018 | Prof. Maged Guergius + Marshall Prado | Pneumatic Struture Software used: Rhino, Grasshopper, Kangaroo Fabrication: CNC pattern to cut + assemble w tape
This project explores pneumatic structures by means of digital simulation to pre-fabricate and assemble an air-inflated structure in the atrium of the art + architecture building. This structure underneath the first flight of the main stairs creates a vision of an extended space due to the pneumatic structure emphasizing the space’s potential.
Team Members: Zachary Standley (design, assembly), Akshata Dusa (digital fabrication files, drawings, assembly) Kathryn Hopkins (assembly)
We first took measurements of the stairs and its components to accurately model the pneumatic structure. We then created curves in rhino and used grasshopper to simulate the inflation of the curves. At first our form was just a floating “bubble” hanging from the bottom of the first landing of the stairs; however, to determine a more interesting form, we used the directionality of the stairs to create a sense of weight on the bubble, creating a bulge of the structure. Using the mesh of the boundary of the structure, grasshopper was used to inflate each curve. Kangaroo was then used to calculate air pressure. after simulating the form, we scripted the bubble to unroll as exploded surfaces, so we could program the cnc to draw each panel on the material for cutting + assembling together. the hole in the form is for attaching air supply. the entrance of the structure used one of the seams which we attached velcro to. 29
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02 Luminaire Design Dreamscape Projection Amplitude Envelope Industrial Design
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Fiberoptic Nuances Fall 2017 | Prof. Tim Dolan | Lighting
The concept of fiberoptic nuances derives from the idea that light is information that can be transmitted from one material to another. Along with conveying this idea, the exploration shows the subtle change in this information when the lamp is introduced to other materials such as diffusers (paper cloth) and materials that alter color (red acetate).
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[s m a l l s c a l e ]
luminaire designs
Metamorphisis Spring 2018 | Erica Mendoza | Sculpture
This luminaire was made for metal sculpture project. The project was supposed to be selfreflective–a self portrait, in a sense. To convey qualities of myself such as complexity and introvertedness, I used geometric forms in terms of layers. The sheet metal is meant to convey my introvert nature, and the metal rods are ment to convey complexity in my personality and ideas. The metal rods branch out in the same nature as the light shining in between the edges of the sheet metal, a concept that suggests how mu personality can sometimes reach out towards people and ideas that intrigue me.
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[s m a l l s c a l e ]
dreamscape Spring 2018 | Erica Mendoza | Sculpture
The objective of this project was to alter a found object. I decided to explore the light qualities of a cassette tape. The end result had to be big enough to not fit in a backpack, so I decided to stack cassette tapes to form a sort of backdrop for a projection. In theory, the projection would be of interesting visuals that would then transfer through the cassette tapes and create refracted light. This project was interesting to compose because the cassette tapes, in a sense, were a tangible part of people’s lives. The object adds to the content of the piece by taking something old and giving it a new function. Rather than creating sound, the cassette tapes are adding to the projected animation, by giving it a more 3-dimensional quality of the projection. This makes the projected image more dynamic in a way.
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[s m a l l s c a l e ]
amplitude envelope Spring 2018 | Erica Mendoza | Sculpture
Amplitude Envelope was made in a sculpture class. The prompt assigned a random word that we had to represent sculpturally. My word was “net”, so I thought of “network”, a group of communication stations operating under unified control, as defined by Merriam Webster dictionary. What came to me was a radio, and so I took precedent after “Objects of Arresting Novelty” and decided to model the exploded axon. The other meaning for net, as in the sum of things, also influenced my work, as an exploded axon shows the parts that make a whole. This project was interesting because I got to revisit the radio and conceptualize it asan engine for network.
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session 01 : Doc Marten branding for water containers
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[s m a l l s c a l e ]
session 02 : Hand Mixer Design
industrial design inHand Mixer F The
Summer 2018 | Prof. Ryann Aoukar
The Fin hand-mixer takes on a completely new, ergonomic design by using a single form gesture inspired by the electric blue guppy fish. The experience of using this handmixer reflects the flowing nature of the fish, which can be abstracted by the guppy’s fins which help them propel swiftly in water. The button placement of the activation modes guide the user to grab the mixer by its correct way, allowing ease for all your mixing needs.
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03 Sketches Fashion Design
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[ vernadoc sketch of machinery from site ] Spring 2017
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[ analog ]
[ hand drawing ] Fall 2015
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electric thrift spring_2019
designer : akshata dusa model : hanna dice
blue led tube
spaceship bottle cap turned into pin
lasercut sanded acrylic trianges joined by rings to allow flexibility
concept: asymmetry, lines, and geometric shapes convey the electric nature of neon colors. an led tube light is attached on one sleeve, illuminating the paneled shoulder piece.
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hair : straight, middle part, tiny side ponytails make up : neon angular eyeshadow, eyeliner, glitter song : who i am - toro y moi
[ analog ]
electric thrift | fashion design Spring 2019 | UTK CoAD TAAST Week
THRIFT is an annual event that is a part of the college’s TAAST (The Art and Architecture Spring Thing) that involves bringing the college together through a cheret and several workshops. Thrift started off with a clothing drive, where the teams would pick out items for their look. Since the theme was electric, , neon tape would be incorporated into the look as well as an aspect of technology. This project to me involved a sense of physicality in terms of material and quick assembly of the look. After the show, my model and I decided to experiment with UV paint and blacklights.
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04 Objects of Arresting Novelty Graphic Design Photography
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[ digital ]
objects of arresting novelty Fall 2016 | Mark Stanley | Digital Representation
Objects of a resting novelty was a project that had to do with taking apart an object with moving parts, 3D-modeling each part in Rhinoceros and creating axonometric drawings from the 3D model. With this process came an understanding of the components’ function, along with an understanding of the object’s true essence. This project carried over the years as a design student. My fascination with taking apart things helps me articulate design decisions and how I can implement a sense of machinery into spaces.
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Knoxturnal Entertainment Flyers
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[ digital ]
USKI
OUSKI | Knoxville-based music producer Logo design
Funkstatik | Denver-based music producer T-shirt design iterations
graphic design Commissioned Works
After numerous years of design school, I started offering graphic design services for close friends. Most of the people I do work for are slowly making their mark in the music industry, so I feel passionate about doing work for them.
Funkstatik | Denver-based music producer Logo vector (original tattoo artist: Kris Kringly)
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Japanese Tea Ceremony at Chubu University
Not getting a window seat on the way to Tokyo did not stop me from getting a picture of the Fiji Mountain
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Exploring Tadao Ando’s 21_21 gallery in Tokyo
[ digital ]
photography Study Abroad | Japan | Spring 2017
Japanese street style
During spring break of 2017, a handful of students embarked on a study abroad trip to Japan as ambassador’s for the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design. Although the trip was only 10 days, from social expectations to tea ceremonies, our group immersed itself into Japanese culture. We visited Chubu University and worked on a charette with the design students . Although we could not properly verbally communicate with the students, we were pushed to find other ways to communicate, which was an interesting experience altogether. Japan had a variety of landscapes and environments to experience, and luckily I managed to take some photos and videos that help to share my experience from this trip.
Tea ceremony items
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[ digital ]
photography Entertainment
Being a part of UTK’s newspaper, The Daily Beacon, has allowed me many opportunities to take pictures at events. This was a helpful experience for me because I got to learn how to shoot without being obstructive in terms of the audience’s experience, as well as learn how to maneuver around a crowd to get good shots.
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