Harshavardhan Raju, Weatherley Tripp Integrative Design Studio, Aug-Dec 2023 Professor Dr.Jianxin Hu
Center for Student Athletes is a design proposal to replace the outdated Case Academic Center on NCSU central campus. The overarching goal of the project is to enhance the academic, nutritional, personal, and professional development of studentathletes at NC State University.
The design program includes athlete-wellness facilities such as Kitchen, Dining, Nutritionist and Psychologist Offices; Learning and Tutorial spaces such as Computer labs and Classrooms; Common spaces such as Basketball court, Workout spaces, Media rooms and Lounges
A Two-point perspective night render of our Students Athlete Center design visualizing the facade facing the Cates Avenue
Current pedestrian traffic circulating around the site to move to and fro the North Campus. Moving back the Student Athletes Center to align with the Reynold’s Coliseum to activate the street and enable visibility
Subtracting the form through two angular planes to create a funnel effect that opens up the street further and attract the pedestrian traffic toward the Student Athlete Center
2. Talley Student Union
College of Design
Reynolds Coliseum
Soccer Field
Softball Court
Coliseum Parking Deck 5. Carmichael Gym 1. Case Academic Center
DESIGN
The design aims to fit well into the site context and compliment the functions and aesthetics of the neighbouring buildings that hold school’s historical signifance such as the Reynold’s Coliseum as well as the new structures such as the Talley Student Union and the new Carmichael Gymnasium.
In order to achieve a seamless transition, the facade incorporates Terracotta panels and Curtain walls that exhibit an eclectic approach in efforts to strike a visual balance between the traditional exposed brick facades in NCSU and the modern architectural elements
Introducing a still water body in front to guide the pedestrians circulation towards the building. Extending form to accommodate Basketball court and other facilities.
Diverting and accommodating the pedestrian traffic through the Students Athlete Center with the help of a central atrium inbetween the two building blocks that holds all the facilities.
View of Case Academic Center from Cates Avenue blocking the view of Reynold’s Coliseum
View showing the entrance, water body, activities inside the Students Athlete Center and the pedestrian interaction with the developed
Interior View of the Atrium from the Corridor at Level 2
Interior View of the Basketball court from the Running Track at Level 3
In this design and research seminar we explored 3D-printed ceramic assemblies, drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of North Carolina clay craft.
The goal of the project was to create a ceramic vessel, that can channel water and be tailored to a specific moment around the College of Design. We worked in teams of two to conceptualize and fabricate ceramic vessels. We generated designs from Grasshopper and realized in the Ceramics Lab and Materials Lab using the WASP 3D printer and the Skutt 1027-3 ceramic kiln.
As our site, we picked the light-well at the ceramics lab in the basement which also acted as a rain-water drain. We then renovated the dirty light well and installed our ceramic vessel. We wanted to make the light well serve more than just its purpose and become an extended part of the ceramics lab.
Conceptual sketches of the vessel modules that have the same dimensions of width and depth but different heights
Conceptual sketch showing all the individual modules being stacked over each other corresponding to their incremental heights.
Illusion of Elastic behaviour of modules
Stacking the modules with incremental heights to create an illusion of elasticity due to the act of gravity contrary to the true nature of the clay material
Color
from dark to light
Creating a color gradient from dark to light, through glazing, in order to reinforce the illusion created by the modular arrangement
protrusions from 5 mm to 1 mm
Surface of each vessel is manipulated in terms of Amplitude of clay protrusion and the Wave patterns to emphasize the concept
Image of the final output showing the ceramic vessels, 3D-printed, glazed and arranged as per the design
Surface
Documentation showing the process of getting acquainted with the ceramic art, exploring the limitations and possibilities of
3D printing through trial and error and finally producing the vessels as per the design to the desired quality of output
Ceramic vessels visualized in site of installation
Renovating the installation site
Ceramic vessels installed on site
3. TACTILE TILE INSTALLATION
Harshavardhan Raju, Kunal Bhardwaj Freedom by Design, AIAS Feb-June 2024 Professor Shawn Protz, Professor Bryan Bell Process Video
We installed 3D printed ceramic tiles on the tactile wall at the Governor Morehead School, designed for visually impaired students. Over 180 hours of work went into developing templates, 3D printing textured ceramic cylinders, cutting and unrolling them into flat sheets, tracing and shaping individual tiles, firing them, scaling designs to adjust for clay shrinkage, and refining glazes through multiple tests.
After extensive iterations on textures, patterns, and colors, we installed and grouted the final tiles on site. The result enhances the tactile wall as an interactive and sensory rich element within the school’s playground and park, and the blind children are loving it.
Taking templates of the installation area using paper to match the tactile wall’s designated spaces
3D printing ceramic cylinders based on the template sizes.
Cutting individual tiles from the larger ceramic sheet.
Refining the paper templates to ensure accuracy and proper fit.
Ceramic cylinders with different textures for a varied tactile experience
Laying out all tiles to dry before firing.
Creating wooden templates from the paper templates for durability and precision.
Cutting the cylinders open and unrolling them into flat sheets
Glazing and firing the tiles for durability and finish.
Testing the wooden templates on site to confirm alignment with the wall.
Using wooden templates to trace and cut shapes from the unrolled ceramic sheets.
Installing and grouting the final tiles on site, completing the tactile wall
4. EQUITY ACROSS RALEIGH
Mapping Diversity and Socioeconomic Disparities
Harshavardhan Raju Cartography, Jan-Apr 2024
Professor Sara Queen | Professor Tania Allen
The research, emphasizing Raleigh, comprises three interconnected map series comprising seven maps that study socio-economic disparities in Wake County. Map series 01 compares population density and median income across different scales: North Carolina, Wake County, and Raleigh. Zooming in from the NC scale, observations reveal a significant income disparity between the northwest and southeast of Raleigh. On the US scale, the map identifies the densely populated cities in the US.
Map series 02 further investigates income level disparities among four quadrants of Wake County, using the Raleigh State Capitol building as the origin point. This contour graph depicts that annual median income in the Northwest is much higher than in the Southeast for similar population densities.
Map series 03, a unique experiential component of the research, portrays my observations during my visits to Chavis Park, South Park, and Rochester Heights in the southeast quadrant. This multi-layered map communicates various visual experiences and identifies differences within a fragment of the southeast quadrant, offering a more personal and nuanced perspective on the socio-economic disparities.
In summary, these map series vividly depict socioeconomic disparities in Wake County, with a sharp focus on Raleigh. From broad-scale comparisons to localized observations, they starkly reveal significant income gaps, underscoring the pressing need for action. They also depict what connects everything.
City Scale
Median Income and Single-family Parcels in Raleigh
This map plots the Median Annual Income in blue circles against the single- and multi-family parcels in light and dark grey fills, respectively, in Raleigh. In addition, the block-group boundaries are visible in white and commercial buildings in bright yellow to help identify downtown Raleigh.
As single-family residential parcels explain the low population density around downtown Raleigh, it is evident that single-family residential parcels in the northwest have higher median yearly incomes compared to those in the southeast.
This map reveals that population density is just an indicator of the presence or absence of single-family residential houses, and median yearly income levels differ not based on population density. This research extends to Map Series 02.
Relational Map
Income Gap in Wake County
This map continues the research from Map Series 01. It plots a contour graph with the Median Yearly Income on the X-axis and the Population Density on the Y-axis, dividing Wake County geospatially into four quadrants. The Raleigh State Capitol is the origin point, symbolizing the heart of Wake County.
The map calls out key observations in pink dotted lines. The pink dotted line exposes the difference in median yearly income among the quadrants with similar population densities. For instance, for a population density between 2000 and 3000 per square mile, the median annual income is $225,000 in the northwest quadrant, whereas it is just $75,000 in the southeast quadrant.
As supplemental information, a line graph in the SW quadrant shows stark differences in median yearly incomes among the four quadrants. A line graph in the SE quadrant shows the high population increase in the last six decades. An underlay of floodplains in Wake County depicts more floodplains in the SE quadrant than in the other quadrants.
Autographic and Thick Mapping
Experiencing Southeast Raleigh
This experiential map consolidates my experiences walking through Chavis Park, South Park, and Rochester Heights, which belong to the Southeast quadrant in Map Series 02. An indigenous oak tree in the backdrop, with its roots starting from the Raleigh State Capitol building at the top left, is a metaphor for the city’s growth pattern and evolution since its induction in 1792.
The black road network shows Garner Road running vertically, connecting all three focus areas. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard runs across from downtown. A sketch of the Raleigh skyline at the top left indicates it is visible from all three regions. The skyline plays hide-and-seek as one walks through southeast Raleigh. The blue line is Walnut Creek, which has wetlands and walkable trails along the creek.
The three images along the right edge of the map are collages of different moments captured in each area that are characteristic of them. The wall sections along the left edge show different road widths, housing typologies, and terrains in southeast Raleigh. The texts correspond to the images next to them but are not legible enough to read quickly, indicating that stories live, but sometimes we just have to look harder.
5. THE CANTILEVER STAIRCASE
Chennai, India | Atelier NORD
May 2020 - Aug 2020
Role: Staircase Design and Detailing
In this cost-effective and a compact residential project, we had to opt for a Cantilever staircase in order to make the narrow corridor appear wider. We didn’t have sufficient funds to follow the conventional cantilever staircase detail.
Hence, I designed this staircase in attempts to lower the material and labor costs without compromising the structural quality. MS Plate, C-Channels, L-Channels, Steel bars, and lots of welded joints hold the framework together. Concrete and Plywood are used as supporting materials. Vinyl planks, SS Hollow Bars, and Enamel make the finishes.
The cost was reduced by half in comparison with the market price of a conventional cantilever staircase executed by the contractors
16mm dia. SS Hollow
1.5mm
25mm
75mm wide - 5mm thk. MS C-Section
Cantilever Staircase Detail
12mm thk. Plywood Base for flooring
5mm thk. MS L-Section
wide - 5mm thk. MS Flats
10mm thk. MS Solid Plate
Black Enamel Finish
16mm dia. Steel Bar
thk. Vinyl Plank Finish
Pipe
MS Plate installation
Welding Stairs to the MS Plate
L-Clamp supports to stairs
MS Plate Alignment
Ply Framework for Concreting
Completion
6. RURAL TWIN HOUSE
Munivalai, India | Atelier NORD | Oct 2020 - June 2022
Role: Principal Designer | Project Lead Site Area: 2.5 acres (108900 sqft)
Built-up Area: 3300 sqft
The site is located in Munivalai, a small village in South India. The client was a young working professional, living in Chennai, who had decided to move back to this village which is his native and start an organic farming business. He wanted his home in one corner of the site overlooking the cattle, poultry and organic vegetable farms spread throughout the site.
The requirement was to build two homes connected internally with a semi-private courtyard. One home for the client and the other one is for his parents. We had limited funds for such a comprehensive requirement and hence a lot of research and planning went into the design, well ahead of the commencement of the construction.
In order to bridge the cost and design equation, we had decided to source all the materials locally and take a sustainable direction. On exploring, we came to know that the village had enough supplies of rubble stones and also the skilled labor who knew rubble masonry construction. There was a 100 year old building in ruins in one corner of the site which we demolished and recovered a large quantity of rubble stones, sand and two wooden columns. Within a 2 mile distance, we found handmade bricks with excellent compression strength
On further research, we had found 3 demolition sites within a 8 mile radius which contained good quality Teak wood doors and windows. We had decided to source the ones that suited our requirement and refurbish them. For the Flooring, we decided to opt for Athangudi Tiles, a 10sq.inch handmade tile, which is cost-effective, aesthetic and also has natural cooling properties on account of the natural earth used in the manufacturing. We found a nearby pottery village where terracotta products like pots, etc., were their primary occupation. With these data, we proceeded to the Schematic Design Phase.
For the construction techniques, we had taken inspiration from the renowned Architect Laurie Baker’s approach by opting for a Load-Bearing construction with Random Rubble Foundation. The exposed brick walls are built in Rat-Trap Bond. For the roofing, we used Filler Roof Slabs with affordable filler materials such as Terracotta pots and reclaimed Mangalore Clay Roof Tiles.
View from the South West side of the Residence showing different levels of roof slabs, Clerestory window and the Bay Windows
DESIGN
The village has a moderate-hot climate, with maximum radiation coming from the South and the West. The predominant wind direction is West. Therefore, the house was designed in such a way that the tallest part of the building is in the south which shades the courtyard, and the bedrooms. Fenestrations were placed carefully to make maximum use of the predominant wind direction. In the north, they were sized bigger to utilize the reflected sunlight with minimal radiation
By limiting the roof heights of every space specific to their needs, we reduced material usage which in turn created interesting levels in the facade. The Rural Twin house thus stands as an expression of a collage of these indigenous and reclaimed materials. Today their second life continues.
View from the Courtyard showing the Patio, the reclaimed Teak wood French Doors, the Concrete Staircase and the Storage below
Section through Bay Window (1 : 20)
Stone Coping
Brickwork 225 mm
Filler Slab 140 mm
Mangalore Clay TIles 80 x 80mm
Rat-Trap Bond Brickwork 225mm
Storage Unit
RCC Slab 100mm
Wood Panel Glass Window
Brick Corbel Detail
Storage Unit
Filler Slab 140 mm
Bond Brickwork 225mm
Isometric
Flemish
showing Brick Corbel under Bay Window
Isometric projection showing the brick arrangement pattern of Corbel normal to the wall
Isometric projection showing the brick corbel detail under the Bay Window Slab at the Sill level
Section through Living North Facade (1 : 20)
A
1 Filler Slab 140 mm
Built-in Couch (RCC Slab)
Athangudi Floor Tiles
PCC 150mm
Plinth Beam 225x381mm
Random Rubble Foundation
Rammed Earth
PCC 150mm
Boulder Stones
GI Metal Plate 10mm thk.
8mm Toughened Glass
Wooden Frame
25mm Thk. Mortar
Detail
(1 : 5)
CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
Random Rubble Foundation
Rat-Trap Bond Brick Walls
Rubble Masonry Work in Progress
Electrical Pipes in Rat-Trap Bond Walls
Clay Tile Filler Slab
Stone and Brick Wall Masonry
Terracotta Pot Filler Slab
Built-in Furniture
A. View from the North West corner of Residence showing the two entrances and the different levels of roof slabs
B. View from the House-1 Living showing the Built-in Couch, Reclaimed Teak Wood Columns and Athangudi Flooring
C. View showing the Breakfast Counter, Filler Roof Slabs and the Reused Windows
D. View showing the Clerestory Window at the double-height space above the stairs
