// B.Arch // Chandigarh College of Architecture // 2014-19
Gurkirat Singh
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Contents
00 Raj Bhawan 2.0 01 Hazara Estates 02 The Watchtower 03 Sabali Kund-Vav 04 Shimla Station 05 Miscellaneous 06 Résumé About
Convention Hall for Governor’s Palace
Equestrian Training & Retreat Center
representation as an intervention
Documenting TrAditional Knowledge
Terminal Station of Heritage Railways
Graphic Design, Art, other
CV
Gurkirat Singh
Personal Statement I'm a graduate of Chandigarh College of Architecture. I describe myself as an enthusiastic person with an organized workflow and good aptitude. Over the years, I have worked individually, as part of teams of different sizes and also as a leader. My other qualities are the fast adaptability to software and workflows, good research and problem solving skills. I am looking to work for a dynamic practice where I can learn the priciples of professional practice as well as put my skills to use towards growth of the organisation.
Gurkirat Singh D.O.B: 14/09/1997 Nationality: Indian Phone: +91 9780392575 Email: gurkirat.cca@gmail.com Address: #634, Sec-78, SAS Nagar, Mohali (160055), India
Education
Workshops/Conferences
B.Arch (Bachelors in Architecture) First Division // Chandigarh College of Architecture 2014-19
Volunteer Training Workshop // Dharmalaya Institute of Compassionate Living August 2019.
B.B.Sc (Bachelors in Building Sciences) First Division // Chandigarh College of Architecture 2014-17
361° Conference // Mumbai February 2016.
Class 12th, CBSE Scored 76% // Shishu Niketan Model Sr. Sec. School 2013-2014
MEDS Workshop // Bucharest, Romania July 2016. Janta Garage // ANC, Surat January 2017. Bamboo & Carpentry Workshop // CCA February 2017.
Acheivements
Skills & softwares
Winner // Louis I. Kahn Trophy // National level award in Architectural Documentation. Team Leader, 25-member Team January 2017.
CAD/BIMAutoCAD (proficient) Vectorworks (intermediate)
Shortlisted (Top 17) // Annual NASA Design Competition Team Member, 20-member Team August 2016. Shortlisted (Top 5) // Convention Hall design competition for Governor’s Palace September 2018. Runner-up // Logo-Design for Chandigarh Tourism. September 2018.
3D-ModellingRhinoceros (proficient) Sketchup (beginner) Computer RenderingLumion (proficient) V-Ray for Rhino (beginner) Graphics & MiscellaneousPhotshop/Illustrator (proficient) Microsoft Suite (intermediate) Manual VisualisationGraphite/Ink/Alcohol pens/Charcoal MiscellaneousPower Tools and Hand Tools Architectural Documentation Photography & Research
Résumé 2014-19
Experience Interests Freelance Architect, Chandigarh Single Family Housing Designs June 2019 - Present. Intern // Architekturbüro Plan + (Now Architekten K2), Cologne, Germany. (Dipl. Ing. Jadranka Suc) Site visits, Approval Drawings, Client presentations, Office Management. July - December 2017. President // Chandigarh Association of Student-Architects (CASA) Representing student architects from Chandigarh January 2018 - 19.
Art / Sketching / Photography / Camping / Trekking / Basketball / Swimming / Volleyball
Languages Hindi & Punjabi (Native) English (Fluent) German (Beginner - A1)
Member // Organising Committee// Global Summer School by IaaC, Barcelona Insight into digital fabrication, organization and participation in worldwide lectures by digital fabrication experts from around the world, materials procurement and coordination with tutors. June - July 2018. Unit Secretary // National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA) Head of delegation, coordinator of various competition entries February 2016 - January 2017. Social Media Marketing Manager and Graphic Designer // I Don’t Know - a Speakeasy Bar. Brand building and promotion through social media, designing print media. March - August 2017 & 2018.
Notable projects Consultant // Refurbishment of Shimla Railway Station (Live Project) Project of Northern Railways to refurbish the terminal station of the mountain railways, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. My role included facade design, visualization and documentation July - December 2018. Consultant // Factory Design for Marks Emballage Pvt Ltd A new factory and office space for label printers. July - December 2018. Thesis // Equestrian Training & Retreat Center, Belgarh Shortlisted amongst Top 3 architectural thesis from Chandigarhs January - June 2019. Single Family Residence // Freelance Project 300 sqm residential area in the countryside. June 2019.
References Ar. Nitin Bansal Director Projects, Morphogenesis, Delhi nitin.bansal@morphogenesis.org
Ar. Pradeep K. Bhagat Former Principal, Chandigarh College of Architecture, Chandigarh. +91 99886 43769
Gurkirat Singh
01
Raj Bhawan 2.0
Convention Hall for Governer’s Palace The Brief The Raj Bhawan, originally called a Circuit House, is the ofďŹ cial residence of the U.T. Administrator. The Raj Bhawan is an example of traditional Villas. The two storeyed form of the main building ensures privacy of private areas, with rear gardens and courtyards. This Architectural competition invited participants to design a Multipurpose facility with a capacity of 500 seats. The site is located in the precinct of Punjab Raj Bhawan and approached through the V3 road Vigyan path.
Year: Location: Building: Type:
2018 Chandigarh Convention Hall Competition (Shortlisted // Top 5)
Portfolio 2014-19
Gurkirat Singh
The context Chandigarh, a dream of Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, realised by the master - Le Corbusier. An oasis of Modernism that inspired generations of Indian architects. Often criticised but also applauded.
The constraint Often the heritage value of context poses a constraint that forces a template on all new structures in the area. So the primary challenge taken up was to create something that blends in but stands as a unique statement.
The concept 1. Roof form
2. Privacy & Exclusiveness
Structure itself becomes an aesthetic element and identity, a number of beams of different shapes and sizes resting on shear walls.
As the governer is likely to have guests from the general public as well as VIPs and Beaureaucrats, there is a heirarchy of viewing spaces and circulations.
3. Flowing outdoor/indoor space
4. Obstruction free viewing
The convention hall flows into the outdoor lawn via a ramp. This extends the hall for bigger events.
Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure
Portfolio 2014-19
Placemet of Block N-S Orientation
Optimising shape for Hall Adding service corridor
Placement of pre-function area
Connectivity with Lawn
Governor’s office, hierarchically superior
Conference room connected to the governor’s office
Kitchen Block
Rooms and Dorms
The siting of the Multifunctional facility opens out into the main lawns on the front side. The Banquet facility is accessed from the Vigyan Path V3, on which the Raj Bhawan is located along with the rotary and a fountain which facilitates the drop off. The front entrance lawn is maintained. The scheme of design requires minimal felling of trees. The building is designed in such a manner so that, privacy of Raj-Bhawan is not compromised. The design should follows the design vocabulary of the Raj Bhawan and draw inspiration from the environs of the Raj Bhawan.
(+6m)
(+4.8m) (+5m)
(~8m)
Parking (+6m)
N
Gurkirat Singh
Light is used as a building material that paints the interior spaces with beautiful silhouettes that give dynamism to the interiors while minimising the need of artificial lighting.
Section B
Portfolio 2014-19
Gurkirat Singh
02
Hazara estates
equestrian training & retreat Center The Brief WHat? An equestrian estate that combines the features of thoroughbred breeding facilities with leisure and training, with the main aim of developing a symbiotic relationship between equines and humans.
Why? Horse riding is a sport with regal status. But in modern urban lifestyle, owning and maintaining a horse is quite difďŹ cult. Such facility will become the center of attention for the horse enthusiasts across the country.
How? By providing a facility where racehorses are bred andtrained, where people can keep their horses for training &maintenance and riding enthusiasts can enjoy their vacations close to nature and equines.
Year: Location: Building: Type:
2019 Belgarh, Haryana Multipurpose Thesis (Among top 3 Thesis Projects of 2019 in Chandigarh)
Portfolio 2014-19
Gurkirat Singh
The SIte The site lies on the banks of Yamuna River at the conjunction of Haryana, UP, Uttarakhand and Himachal. The site was being used for mining of sand and aggregate, therefore due to excessive mining and high water table, various lakes were formed on the site. The major challenge was to restructure the devastated landscape by landscaping and architectural interventions.
Challenges & Scope - Integration of living patterns of equines and humans, using zoning and design as tools. - Structuring devastated landscape due to stone and sand mining. - Site planning and zoning for indoor and outdoor activities. - Micro and Macro level design interventions.
SITE PLAN Portfolio 2014-19
EQUESTRIAN TRAINING & RETREAT CENTER THESIS 2019 | GURKIRAT SINGH
Gurkirat Singh
Concept Evolution EquinE and Human Integration Psychology
Sustainable Luxury
Social Needs Horses are social animals that prefer to live in group therefore isolation should be avoided and visual contact with other horses must be promoted as much as possible.
Integration of users
“Luxurious experiences rather than superficial and materialistic luxury.”
Individual Needs Horses are adapted to be bold to cover larger territories therefore direct connectivity to pastures, freedom of movement and sense of security must be acheived through design.
4 2 1 3
1. Stable 2. Turnout 3. Common Space 4. Paddock
Health Excercise Excercise facilities like covered arena, hydrotherapy pools, sand rolls need to be directly connected to stables.
heirarchy in pathways Energy Efficiency Living Processing
Horses have strong sense of belonging, therefore healthy stable design ensures physical wellbeing of horses.
Sewage Sludge
+NH
4
H2O
Solid Waste
Bedding Waste
Urine
Compost
250 Horses = 1375 Tonne Dung / Annum = 3 Lac cubic meters biogas = 6 Lac kW/h electricity
TRAINING CLUSTER
EQUESTRIAN TRAINING & RETREAT CENTER THESIS 2019 | GURKIRAT SINGH
C’ Services Lvl +4.5m
B’
A
X
Sand Roll Lvl +0.3m
Equine Habitat Lvl +0.3m
Turnout Area Lvl +0.3m
Covered Arena Lvl <15 m
Equine Walker
Y’
Lvl +4.5m
Covered Stable Lvl +0.3m
X’
Equine Habitat Lvl +0.3m
Stable Plan
B Lvl +4.5m Lvl +3.5m
Lvl +3.0m
Lvl +0.9m
A’
Equine Walker Lvl +4.5m
Stables
Lvl +0.9m
Lvl +4.5m
Section XX’
Equine Habitat Lvl +0.3m
Section YY’
Lvl +15m
Stables Lvl +4.5m
Lvl +8.0m
Lvl +4.5m Lvl +3.0m Lvl +1.2m
Section AA’ Lvl +15m
Services Lvl +4.5m Lvl +8.0m
C Lvl +1.2m
Section BB’ Lvl +15m
Lvl +8.0m
Lvl +4.5m Lvl +3.0m
Section CC’
TRADITIONAL
COMMON SPACE
TURNOUTS
ENCLOSUREE
CLUSTER
Y’
Gurkirat Singh
Plantation Stratergy Paddocks
Erosion Control Mechanism
Tt T
Tt T
St Ts Ss Gc
St Ts Ss Gc
Workers’ Common Spaces
Equine Habitat Tt T
Tt T
St Ts Ss Gc
St Ts Ss Gc
Equine Gardens
Perimeter Plantation
Tt T
Tt T
St Ts Ss Gc
St Ts Ss Gc
Spaces for Equine-Guest Integration Tt T
Tall trees Trees
St Ts Ss Gc
Short trees Tall shrubs Short shrubs Ground cover
Establishment of a balanced ecosystem in this degraded site forms the crux of the design policy, an approximation of the natural habitat of the horses. The selection of species for multi-storied vegetation is derived from the inegenous flora of the region. Zone-wise interpretation of the vegetation, such as the definition of the perimeter and microcosms of grasslands are characteristics that modulate visual access to the equine habitat. The root system of the indigenous plant palette stabilizes the topsoil layer in this erosion-prone site.
Paddocks
Erosion Control
Equine Habitat
Worker Common Spaces
Equine Gardens
Perimeter Plantation
Spaces for Equine-Guest Integration
CLUBHOUSE
EQUESTRIAN TRAINING & RETREAT CENTER THESIS 2019 | GURKIRAT SINGH
Boat Deck
B Jumping Area
Gym Lvl +0.2m
Lvl +0.2m
Equine Gardens Cafeteria
A
A'
Lvl +0.2m
Clubhouse Lvl +8.4m
Kitchen
Lvl +5m
Lvl +0.2m
Lvl +4m
Lvl +3m
Lvl +2m
Racecourse
Lvl +1m
Lvl 0m Lvl +0.2m
Reception
Restaurant Lvl +0.2m
Lvl +0.2m
Learning Arena Lvl +0.2m
Viewing Gallery
Entry
Lvl +6m
Lvl 0m
B’
Clubhouse Ground Floor Plan
Viewing Gallery Lvl +3m
Learning Arena
Learning Arena Practice Grounds
Lvl +3.4m Lvl +2.4m
Lvl +0.6m Lvl +0.2m
Section AA’
Polo/Ridng Stables
HK
1B s
ge
tta
Co Lvl +3.4m
Lvl +0.2m
Section BB’
Lake
Clubhouse Cluster Plan DIVISION
SEGREGATION
VORNOI GRID
PARTITIONING
FINAL FORM
RECEPTION BLOCK
EQUESTRIAN TRAINING & RETREAT CENTER THESIS 2019 | GURKIRAT SINGH
B
LVL + 3.5M
Shallow Pool
Open Air Arena Lvl +0.3m
Conference Room Lvl +0.9m
OPEN GREEN AREA
Reception
A
Lvl +0.9m
A’
Kitchen Lvl +0.9m
Entrance Lvl +0.9m
Viewing Gallery Lvl +0.9m
Waiting Area Lvl +0.9m
Office Lvl +0.9m
Lvl +18.0 m
Lvl +18.0 m Lvl +16.5 m Lvl +15.3 m
Lvl +15.1 m
Lvl +10.5 m
Lvl +10.5 m
Covered Arena
Lvl +8.9 m
Lvl +0.3m
Lvl +7.5 m Lvl +6.0 m
Lvl +5.1 m
Lvl +5.0 m
Lvl +0.9 m
Lvl +0.3 m
Side Elevation
Section AA’
Plan
Lvl +18.0 m
Lvl +18.0 m
Lvl +16.8 m Lvl +15.3 m
B’
Lvl +10.5 m Lvl +9.0 m
Lvl +9.0 m
Lvl +6.9 m
Lvl +1.5 m
Lvl +11.7 m Lvl +10.2 m
Lvl +5.1 m
Lvl +6.0 m Lvl +4.9 m Lvl +5.1 m
Lvl +2.4 m
Lvl +2.5 m
Lvl +2.8 m Lvl +1.8 m Lvl +1.5 m
Lvl +0.9 m
Lvl +0.3 m
Front Elevation
Section BB’
VIEWING GALLERY
KITCHEN & RECEPTION
ARENAS
TERRACE
FINAL FORM
SAAMIDD
EQUESTRIAN TRAINING & RETREAT CENTER
2BHK RIVER VIEW COTTAGE
THESIS 2019 | GURKIRAT SINGH
FIRST FLOOR PLAN (1:100)
FIRST FLOOR PLAN (1:100)
Lvl 0m
B'
B'
B'
B' UP
Balcony Lvl +3.6m
LVL + 3.45M
LVL + 3.45M
Stable 3
LVL + 3.4M
Foyer
Kitchen
LVL + 3.4M BEDROOM LVL + 3.6M
Stable 2
Living Room
Lvl +0.75m
Lvl +0.45m
Lvl +0.3m
Bed Room
BEDROOM LVL + 3.6M
Lvl +0.3m
Lvl +0.3m
Lvl +0.45m Bar
LVL + 3.5M
Toilet
UP
LVL + 0.75M
TOILET LVL + 3.5M
UP
UP
Lvl +0.75m
Lvl +3.6m
LVL + 0M
LVL + 0.75M
TOILET LVL + 3.5M
Stable 1 Lvl +0.3m
Lvl 0m
Bed Room Lvl +3.6m
UP
TOILET LVL + 3.5M
TOILET LVL + 3.5M
BEDROOM LVL + 3.6M
BEDROOM LVL + 3.6M
Deck Lvl +0.75m DECK LVL + 0.75M
Pool
A
DECK LVL + 0.75M
A'
A
A'
A
A'
A
UP
Balcony
LVL + 3.6M
UP
UP
Lvl +3.6m
LVL + 3.6M
Shallow Pool
SHALLOW POOL
SHALLOW POOL
OPEN GREEN AREA
Ground Floor
First Floor B
B
B
B Lvl +6.8m
Lvl +6.8m
Lvl +6.6m
Lvl +6.6m
Lvl +5.6m
Lvl +5.6m
Lvl +3.6m
Lvl +3.6m
Lvl +3.4m
Lvl +3.4m
Lvl +2.0m Lvl +0.6m
Lvl +0.6m
Lvl +1.2m
Lvl +0.3m
Section AA’
Lvl +4.5m Lvl +3.0m
South Elevation
Lvl +6.8m
Lvl +6.8m
Lvl +6.6m
Lvl +6.6m
Lvl +5.6m
Lvl +5.6m
Lvl +3.6m
Lvl +3.6m
Lvl +3.4m
Lvl +3.4m
Lvl +0.6m
Lvl +0.6m
Section BB’
DIVISION
STACKING
ORIENTATION
East Elevation
SEGERIGATION
ENCLOSURE
DANCING FOREVER
EQUESTRIAN TRAINING & RETREAT CENTER
2BHK ISLAND COTTAGE
THESIS 2019 | GURKIRAT SINGH
B'
B'
A'
A'
A'
A'
Ground Floor
B'
Top View
B'
Lvl +4.2m
Lvl +4.2m
Lvl +4.0m
Lvl +4.0m
Lvl +3.0m
Lvl +3.0m Lvl +2.8m Lvl +2.6m
Lvl +2.6m
Lvl +0.5m
Lvl +0.5m
Lvl +0.9m Lvl -1.6m
Section AA’
Front Elevation Lvl +4.2m Lvl +4.0m
Lvl +4.2m Lvl +4.0m
Lvl +3.0m
Lvl +3.0m
Lvl +2.6m
Lvl +2.6m Lvl +0.5m Lvl +0.5m
Side Elevation
Section BB’ BLOCK
SEGREGATION
SUBTRACTION
ADDITION
FINAL FORM
DAVID LIVINGSTON
EQUESTRIAN TRAINING & RETREAT CENTER
2BHK LAKE VIEW COTTAGE
THESIS 2019 | GURKIRAT SINGH
A
A
Deck
Deck
Lvl -1.9m
Lvl -1.9m
Lvl +0.3m Lvl +0.3m
Stable 3
Bed Room
Bed Room
Lvl +0.3m
Lvl +0.3m
Lvl +0.3m
Lvl +0.3m
Lvl +0.3m
Stable 2
Stables
Lvl +0.3m
Courtyard
Lvl +4.5m (max)
Courtyard Lvl +0.3m
Lvl +0.3m
Lvl +4.3 m
Lvl +4.3 m
Stable 1 Lvl +0.3m
A'
Lvl +0m
Shallow Pool
Bar
Living Room Lvl +0.3m
Lvl +3.62m
Foyer Lvl +0.6m
Kitchen Lvl +0.3m
A
A'
Lvl +0m
Shallow Pool
Entry
Entry
Lvl +0m
Lvl +0m
A'
A'
Ground Floor
Lvl +6.57m Lvl +4.57m Lvl +4.09m
Top View
Lvl +4.3m Lvl +4.1m Lvl +3.6m
Lvl +3.42m Lvl +2.66m
Lvl +0.6m
Lvl +0.6m Lvl +0.2m
Lvl +0.3m
Lvl -1.8m
Section AA’
Rear Elevation Lvl +4.3m
Lvl +4.3m
Lvl +4.1m
Lvl +4.1m Lvl +3.3m
Lvl +3.3m
Lvl +0.6m
Lvl +0.6m
Lvl +0.3m
Lvl +0.3m
Section BB’
DIVISION
Front Elevation
SUBTRACTION
ENCLOSURE
Gurkirat Singh
03
The watchtower representation as an intervention The Brief The exercise was about representation of the city and its architectural form in its most interesting way of reinterpretation. It was an open ended exercise for a wide spectrum of ideations and to develop new ways of imagination of the city / its planning / form. As in the book of Italo Calvino â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Invisible Cities, our memories construct innumerable ways of writing and talking about places that we see / remember / ima ine. Limiting the expression to the mode of innovative drawing is a means of ďŹ nding a connect, and looking at possible new narratives that operates through drawing as a space.
Year: Location: Building: Type:
2016 McLeodganj Observatory Competition (Annual NASA Design Competition // Shortlisted // Top 17)
Portfolio 2014-19
Gurkirat Singh
The Context McLeodganj is the place of operation of Tibetan Government in Exile and the place of residency of HH Dalai Lama. After 1959, thousands of Tibetans sought refuge here so they can practice their religion freely.
The Concept Here we introduce the idea of representation of the city as an intervention to change peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perception of architectural space and time. For a common man to break the threshold of his imagination, ideas need to be induced in him. These ideas, we believe, need to change how the person perceives a city. Hence, without intervening in the urban fabric of the city, we aim to change the experience of it. But the impermanence of the refugees and the inability to limit the past in this narrative drives us to the future! With our intervention we intend to create something perennial and adaptive. The tower subtly stands in the valley next to the epicenter of the city, the MAIN SQUARE.
Portfolio 2014-19
Through it’s narrative, visitors can relate to the city via experiential spaces that whisper it’s memoir! The journey from the bottom of the tower to the observatory, providing a view to the entire city, is symbolic of the journey of the city, from its genesis to its present. This path has frames, embedded in the structure that showcase the highlights of the time period being talked about, in their present scenario. At the same time the external image of the tower is the epitome of timelessness. With a facade symbolic of no particular culture, the tower is ever evolving, with the potential to contain the future as it becomes the present.
1. genesis This space starts at the bottom of the tower to symbolize the beginning of the city. Serene, bland, a small hill station for the British.
2. loss This space in the tower is symbolic of the 1905 Kangra earthquake that reduced Mc Leodganj to a ghost town. A maze like circulation with skewed passages induces, in the visitors, a feeling of uneasiness.
3. void The visitors are directed to a platform, seemingly outside the bounds of the tower, that leaves them standing in the middle of nothing. That symbolizes the unfortunate situation in which the city could forever remain desolated and become a ghost city!
4. reflect This space is a continuous exhibit illust rating the development of McLeodganj after the advent of the Tibetans. A pillar rises from the floor of this space to the top, symbolizing the culture and the struggle of the tibetans.
5. observe This is an Observatory from where one can view the entire city. The staircase in this space leads nowhere and is symbolic of the future the tower would hold. . Like a blank canvas waiting to be filled!
Gurkirat Singh
For all I can see in you about me, is a range of ecstatic heights, while you look for me midst the blinding clouds that the sky bestows on me. In me I carry- a silent rebellion, the aftermath of a war that has scarred everything in me grey, and an infinite longing- all draped in the colours you’ll never see through at first. I treasure in me a mysterious universe that you fail to guess. That’s maybe because I don’t belong to you. But even when I’m outside of you, I am in you in every sense. If you allow me to, I might let you walk through the colours, to find the remains of my endless strife to stick to my supreme, to take the name of my Lord, to only be today who I was yesterday. I guess you never knew, but now you might. Here I am, in the streets that never saw you strolling, on the walls that meant nothing. I am in the wind, giving all the good I can give to you, taking care of you through the infinite prayers that I name yours. Even when I sublime to become a past, I still pray for you.
Portfolio 2014-19
Though the future is essentially unknown, tower would thrive to serve the exact same purpose and always keep Mcleodganj alive! It would avert the city from becoming a ghost town, again, in case the refugees return. And adapt to the new community that arrives, or simply become an icon and a memorial in case they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.
Gurkirat Singh
04
sabali kund vav documenting traditional knowlege The Brief The aim of the 16-17 LIK Trophy was to document buildings / complexes/ sites which best represent the adaptation of traditional knowledge systems of a particular geographical region. Participants were expected to document historic structures which showcase In genuine adaptation of traditional knowledge while responding to various regional natural and manmade factors like climate, topography, landform, water, etc.
Year: Location: Building: Type:
2017 Idar, Gujarat Stepwell & Leisure Pavilion Documentation Competition (Team Leader) (Winner // Loius I. Kahn Trophy // National Level Award for Documentation of Architectural Heritage)
Portfolio 2014-19
dissolution of cosmos The non-manifest could also be modelled by subterranean architecture, i.e., builtform within the earth's surface. This is a concept with the most profound metaphysical connotation. For water is the giver of life as well as its dreadful taker. And wells became elaborate architectural constructs and the path down to the water level a ritualistic pilgrimage. Descending into the earth was analogous to other crucial areas of existence: as for instance, the furrowing of the fields for the planting of seed. And so going down into the well becomes analogous to submersion in water, i.e., to rebirth. It is similar to the dissolving of the germinating seed into nothingness, into the world of unformed matter, before it reappears in the form of a plant. If the temple is a model of the cosmos, then could this subterranean architecture be a model of the dissolution of the cosmos?
Defining “Multipurpose” Built by Raja Bharmal in 1626, in memory of his queen Jivini, this kund-vav represents a further evolution in subterranean structures, marking a shift not only toward the religious aspects of Islam, but also to its more secular functions. The stepwell was first of it’s kind in may aspects. It manifests a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural style. It is an ingenious adaptation of traditional stepped well (vav) and stepped pond (kund). Three walls are stepped like kund and pavilions are placed against fourth wall like a vav. The Kund-Vav fits in our perception of the modern term ‘multi purpose structures’. Used as a source for irrigation, household chores, a gathering space for villagers and respite for travellers.
I remember, How the subterranean steps converged with water, Facing the kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s palace, his retreat, his repose. It still seems the same...
I remember, How each step took me far away from the noises, To the resonating sounds of a splendid kind of silence. It still feels the same.
The limited resource availability and harsh climatic conditions of Gujarat catalyzed a knowledge system that turned out to be an empirical amalgamation of metaphysical connotation and worldly problem solving. Being indigenous to Gujarat it became a way of life. Step wells were an area of public activity.
Today, I lay here, unacknowledged; buried into myself. But an immortal legend reverberates through my ruined stone, speaking of love. Of separation, and faith. And of path-breaking ideologies that ended up revolutionizing architecture.
Gurkirat Singh
05
shimla station
terminal station of heritage railways The Brief Kalka-Shimla Mountain Railway Line is a UNESCO world heritage, with one of the terminal stations at Shimla, a hill station town, former summer capital during British Rule and today a popular amongst tourists from across the country. Station of Shimla, at an altitude of 2,075 m. It was built in 1903 by the railway company. Originally the architecture was of wood, with galvanised sheet rooďŹ ng. It was however rebuilt in 1921because of the growth in trafďŹ c and resulting technical constraints. Northern Railways approached CCA in 2018 to design a proposal for refurbishment of the station.
Year: Location: Building: Type:
2018 Shimla Railway Station Consultancy/Refurbishment (Working with Northern Railways)
Portfolio 2014-19
Changed Color to Blend into Surroundings
Mimicing Vernacular Dhajji Construction
PV Panels Worught Iron Streetlight
Worught Iron Grill
Gurkirat Singh
06 Facade Design & Visualisation // MARKS Emballage pvt. ltd. // Baddi, Himachal Pradesh //
Graphic Design // Promotional Content // IDK - A Speakeasy Bar, Chandigarh //
miscellaneous Graphic Design, Visualisation etc.
Portfolio 2014-19
Pontune // Lake Pavilion // MEDS Workshop 2016 // Bucharest, Romania //
Janta Garage // Bamboo Pavilion // ANC Surat, 2017 //
Stone Cladding
Worught Iron Grill
Gurkirat Singh
Residence E-40 // Single Family Housing // SAS Nagar, Mohali // Top // Unknown Building // Unknown Architect // Cologne, Germany //
Middle // Elbphilharmonie // Herzog & de Meuron // Hamburg, Germany //
Bottom // Frauenkirche // Georg Bähr // Dresden, Germany //
Portfolio 2014-19
Visualisation // Thesis Project - Sustainable Housing // SAS Nagar, Mohali //
St. Johannes Church // Josef Rikus // Cologne, Germany //
Dormitory // Dharmalaya Institute // Bir, HImachal Pradesh //
Kranhaous (The Crane House) // Alfons Linster // Cologne, Germany //
Gurkirat Singh gurkirat.cca@gmail.com +91 9780392575