ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO Selected works 2018-21
Ieshika Singh
School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
IESHIKA SINGH The Curious Scout
EDUCAT 2021 : (Present)
4th-year Architect School of Planning
2017
:
Grade XII, ISC, 94.6 The Modern Schoo
2015
:
Grade X, ICSE, 95% The Modern Schoo
POSITIONS
“Architecture for me has always been that powerful realm which deeply influences our mind and perception, and I believe in decoding its superpower through my investigative mind and inquisitive attitude.” In this creative user-oriented field, I intend to create designs for all and challenge the prevalent philosophies through intensive research.
2021
:
Research Team He Studio U, New Delh
2017
:
School Prefect and The Modern Schoo
WORK EXPE 2021
:
Research Team He Studio U, New Delh
2020
:
Research Team Me Association for Bui
WORKSH 2021
:
Digital Diversities b Gendering Cities b
2020
:
Hotel Planning and at SPA Delhi
2018
:
Origami Workshop
DOB: 26th October, 1998 LUCKNOW, INDIA Address: 503/32-B, Tagore Marg,Daliganj, Lucknow, India Phone: +918090225678 Email: ieshikasingh13@gmail.com
DESIGN S
1. Concept Design: Research Base 2. Presentation and Graphic Skills 3. Physical Model Making 4. Strong Design Idea Communic
ACHIEVEMENTS
TION
ture Student g and Architecture, New Delhi
2021
:
Notions Of India by Tata Structura Competition 1st Runner-Up in Student Category
6% aggregate ol, Lucknow
2021
:
Address by Archmello Competition Honourable Mention
% aggregate ol, Lucknow
2021
:
Arttechtism by Archresource Competition Honourable Mention
2021
:
Culture Stations by Young Architects Competition Participant
2019
:
‘Expression of Hues’ exhibition at Kala Srot, Lucknow Certificate of Appreciation
2019
:
Mohan T Advani Centennial Scholarship/ Blue Star Scholarship Holder
S HELD
ead of a Freelancing Firm hi (in progress)
d Literary Incharge ol, Lucknow
ERIENCE
ead of a Freelancing Firm hi (in progress)
ember ilding Security (ABS-India)
HOPS
2021
:
Seminar Paper on ‘COVID-19 Impact on the Perception and Use of Public Spaces’
2021 2021
:
Research Article on ‘Reimagining Architecture as a Cognitive Space’ by AJC Essay Writing Contest.
:
2019
Research Article on ‘Architectural Precedents’ by AJC Essay Writing Contest. : ‘Measured Drawing’ at Dakshinchitra Museum
2019
:
‘Settlement Study’ at Moradabad
SOFTWARE PROFICIENCY
d Design by Taranjit Chandpuri
SKILLS
RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION
by Prarthna Misra at SPA Delhi by Rwitee Mandal at SPA Delhi
p by Ankon Mitra at SPA Delhi
Drafting:
AutoCAD
3D Modelling:
Revit
3D Rendering:
SketchUp
Graphics:
Revit
Rhino
Grasshopper
Energy Simulations:
ed Solutions s
cation through Sketches
Lumion
V-Ray
Adobe Photoshop
Ecotect
Grasshopper Plugins
01.
0
THE ORB
Toddle_n_
Sculpture and Pavilion Design
Space for To
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROJECTS
02.
Mo_Urb_Scapes
Urban Rejuvenation
03.
07.
05.
_Doodle
la via de vita
ENTWINED
oddlers
Revival of Culture Station
Multi-Level Housing
04.
ABODE 44
Group Housing Project
06.
SYNCHRONIZED Work and Live
Research-Based Design Proposal
The
Orb
The Shape of Things to Come 3rd year of Architectural Design Studio-Vl COLLABORATIVE- TEAM OF 2 Instructor: Webinars by Tata Structura (Notions of India) Award:
01. Link to the Walkthrough video:
01
COMPETITION - Sculpture/ Pavilion design
TOOLS:
The Orb
Jun-July, 2021
SCULPTURE AND PAVILION DESIGN Project Brief: A design competition to engineer the idea of new India in steel. A fluid abstraction set in steel? How do opposites coexist?
Design Intent: The Orb is an enigmatic symbol that vocalizes the idea of India for today and tomorrow. The sculpture thus designed intends to motivate and empower our thoughts and actions. It functions as a reminder for every citizen and the state to commit to the nation. The design has been visualized through symbolic and etymological interpretations of various national and cultural symbols and principles. The orb shape of the sculpture represents India as a harmonious whole and symbolizes the diverse density of the nation. The distorted orb delineates the birth and death of myriad cultures and religions with the flaws creating rooms for acceptance of all.
Design Process:
Hexagonal Tessellations
Hexagons embossed in a sphere
Exploding the geometry and creating distortions
Formulations of concentric voids
Triad supports for the Orb
COMPETITION - Sculpture/ Pavilion design
02
Jun-July, 2021
The Orb
01.
“
Distorted is reality and distorted is ‘The Orb’, To give birth to myriads all India needed a chaos. Religion, beliefs, customs and social reforms, When merged together, Formed the tri-color pillars of ‘The Orb’. Spherical icon and Hexagonal cellular walls The delightful interaction of saffron white and green by the Orb, I beheld Nationality stood in my heart above and all.
The sculpture fits in a cube of dimensions: 12m x 12m x12m
03
”
Gestalt composition signifies movement and action.
COMPETITION - Sculpture/ Pavilion design
Jun-July, 2021
The Orb
Exploded View of “The Orb”
04
COMPETITION - Sculpture/ Pavilion design
The Orb
Jun-July, 2021
ABOVE: View of the entrance to the Orb and the top Chakra point. LEFT: View of “The Orb” from one of the supporting appendages. RIGHT: View of the tricolour supporting hands at dusk.
COMPETITION - Sculpture/ Pavilion design
05
Research-Based Design Proposal
Mo_Urb_Scapes Modular Urban Landscape
2nd year of Architectural Design Studio-IV INDIVIDUAL PROJECT Instructor: Anjali Mittal, Nimit Gandhi
Nominated for Golden Trezzini Awards 2021 in the Best Project of Public Space by Student Category
02. Link to the Walkthrough video:
06
ACADEMIC - Space for Urban Rejuvenation
TOOLS:
Mo_Urb_Scapes
May-July, 2020
URBAN REJUVENATION AT SECTOR 17, CHANDIGARH Project Brief: The aim is to rejuvenate Sector 17 as it has lost its footfall and charm over the last few years and making it a public hub by including spaces of consumption, knowledge, appreciation and exchange.
Design Intent: The aim of the design is to create an intermingled relationship between the built and open spaces. There is no fixed circulation throughout the site but every individual is free to explore it in their own unique ways. The design for the 24000 sq.m. area is an assembly of modular building blocks created by superimposing a 12m by 8m grid. The modular structures grow horizontally and vertically in order to accomodate large and small scale functions. The terraces of these modules are furnished with “Urban Vertical Gardening” and each visitor also has the opportunity to sow the seeds in these farms, thus leaving a unique mark on the aesthetic of the structure. The landscaping around the built also follows the concept of modularity wherein each module is a different experiential rejuventating space. Thus the plaza provides each visitor with multitude experiences at a single place, making him a part of the larger modular farm community.
Design Process:
Built
Landscape
Interweaving of Built and Landscape
ACADEMIC - Space for Urban Rejuvenation
07
May-July, 2020
Mo_Urb_Scapes
02.
01. Site Study and building Design Concepts: Corbusier’s concept of the planning of Chandigarh
1. Corbusier worked in modular units, where the primary module of a city’s design is a sector. 2. Each sector is a size of 1200mm x 800mm which follows a 3:2 ratio.
Each sector or a modular unit is a self-sufficient unit following an intermingled hierarchy of green spaces with the built.
The network of circulation creates FLEXIBILITY, EXPLORATION and DIVERSITY
Solid geometry: 1. Guided 2. Fixed
08
Fragmented geometry: 1. Exploring 2. Flexibility 3. Diversity
ACADEMIC - Space for Urban Rejuvenation
May-July, 2020
Mo_Urb_Scapes
02. Using Modular Concept to design the plaza: Formation of a Module:
Temporary structure with vertical gardening
Grid for modular unit
Ribbon windows
Fitting the temporary Timber structure
Permanent structure with function
03. Final Module and Materiality:
Precast Concrete Structure with functional spaces: Precast concrete provides time and cost benefit and is a reflective of Corbusier’s material palette.
Cross Laminated Timber Structure with roof urban gadening: CLT is a renewable, green building material offering design flexibility.
09
ACADEMIC - Space for Urban Rejuvenation
Mo_Urb_Scapes
May-July, 2020
04. Modular Landscape Strategy:
05. Site Responsive Diagrams: 02.
01.
Movement lines converted into ramps leading to a central courtyard.
03.
Superimposing the Chandigarh grid of 12m by 8m (3:2 ratio) on the site.
Developing spaces around the central courtyard with the grid Spaces of Exchange
Spaces of Consumption
Spaces of Knowledge
Spaces of Appreciation
ACADEMIC - Space for Urban Rejuvenation
10
May-July, 2020
Mo_Urb_Scapes
BASEMENT PLAN AT -3900
SECTION XX’ 11
ACADEMIC - Space for Urban Rejuvenation
Mo_Urb_Scapes
May-July, 2020
ROOF PLAN
SECTION YY’ ACADEMIC - Space for Urban Rejuvenation
12
May-July, 2020
Mo_Urb_Scapes
ABOVE: View of the small farming gardens on the terraces of the built spaces. LEFT: View of “The Greenhouse” at the entrance of the plaza. RIGHT: View of the open cafe Dunes play area and the Urban Park.
13
ACADEMIC - Space for Urban Rejuvenation
Research-Based Design Proposal
Toddle_n_Doodle
Envisioning an expressive space for the toddlers 4th year of Architectural Design Studio-Vl INDIVIDUAL PROJECT Award: Honourable Mention by Archresource
Step 01: Selecting an artwork
03. A shear example of “Abstract Expressionism” by Emma Lambert
14
COMPETITION - Arttechtism: Design a Muse
TOOLS:
Toddle_n_Doodle
July-Aug, 2021
PLAYFUL ENCLOSURE FOR TODDLERS Project Brief: The aim of the competition is to celebrate the parallel disciplines by intertwining the two and developing an Art-inspired Architecture.
Design Intent: “A child is always mesmerized by colours, by spaces which are abstract having no end to discovery and exploration.” The intent is to create a playful sculptural structure with extrusions and openings for children to play around.
Step 02: Creating an artwork of grids
Primary Grids
Pattern with the grid
Secondary grid and development of the pattern
The final artwork
COMPETITION - Arttechtism: Design a Muse
15
July-Aug, 2021
Toddle_n_Doodle
Step 03: Contrasting Combination of the two artworks
Step 04: Wrapping the new artwork on a box creating openings
Step 05: Creating a 2D developed surface drawing of the box
Step 06: Creating an enclosure from the 6 su of the cube
The final enclosure which is formed by organizing the 6 faces of the cube have 2 welcoming entrances to a playful toddler space where the wall surfaces have extrusion and openings for the children to play around.
Step 07: The enclosure is finally developed into a playful structure. The mesh (form-finding tool), inspired by the curve selected artwork, adds to the journey of infinite exploration, curosity and a willingness to visit the space.
16
COMPETITION - Arttechtism: Design a Muse
x and
urfaces
es of the
Research-Based Design Proposal
ABODE 44
A Social Experiment for the Communities 3rd year of Architectural Design Studio-V, VI INDIVIDUAL PROJECT Instructor: Leon A. Morenas, Tina Bali, Sanjay Bhardwaj, Radhika Viswanathan
04.
17
ACADEMIC - Group Housing Project
TOOLS:
Abode 44
Jan-May, 2021
SOCIAL HOUSING AT AMRITSAR Project Brief: The aim is to design a social housing and to promote a sense of community living and self sufficient microcosm through hierarchial development of functions both at the building level and the shared facilities at the green neighbourhood level.
Design Intent and Concept: Creation of housing clusters catering to mixed income groups and people from different walks of life with shared community spaces not only at ground level but also vertically in the form of double height terraces and gardens increases interaction among residents, thus promoting the sense of communal living. Continuous green and open spaces with adequate weaving of built and green at various levels and scales is adopted.
Creation of intermediate green terraces.
All side view Diagram showing the integration of systems at various levels.
ACADEMIC - Group Housing Project
18
Jan-May, 2021
Abode 44
04.
01. Landscape Design Concept:
The Riparian Walk along the central green features the bioswales and vegetated channels which gradually collect and filter stormwater. It acts like a bio-retention pond capturing water that drains from rooftops, walkways, hard and soft scapes.
Bioswales manage water both through the draining or purifying it or allowing it to seep into the ground through porous gravel thus helping in ground water recharge.
19
ACADEMIC - Group Housing Project
Jan-May, 2021
20
Abode 44
ACADEMIC - Group Housing Project
Abode 44
Jan-May, 2021
Physical Bulk Mass model showing the design iterations. These views of the model indicate the creation of public terraces and skybridges. These semiprivate terraces (formed between the dwelling units) and public skywalks promote the both visual and physical connectivity promoting the sense of communal living.
N ACADEMIC - Group Housing Project
21
Jan-May, 2021
Abode 44
Polishing Pond at depth -5000mm.
Water Treatment floating wetland cells having reed plants for water purification.
Bio-purification terraces as an extension of the stepped bioswales for storm water and surface run-off management.
Elevated separate cycle track loop at lvl. +1500 over the central green area.
2m wide bioswales.
N PART SITE PLAN SHOWING THE WETLAND DETAILS
22
ACADEMIC - Group Housing Project
Abode 44
The three stages of waste water management through constructed wetland: Settling Tank, Stagnation Pond and Polishing Pond.
Jan-May, 2021
The wetland is a combination of horizontal and vertical subsurface flow type. Bio-purification terraces manage stormwater and surface run-offs.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
Guiding the stacking of blocks, heights and courtyard size
Shadow Range Analysis for Winter Solistice (22nd December)
Shadow Range Analysis for Summer Solistice (21st June) Sunlight Hour Analysis for the courtyard during winter months.
Solar Radiation Analysis for Winter Solistice (22nd December): Site Level and Building Level During extreme cold months, the courtyard recieves the minimum solar radiation. The south side receives good amount of heat, therefore south facing balconies are maximized to let the residents enjoy the warmth but shaded during the summer.
Sunlight Hour Analysis for the courtyard during summer.
Solar Radiation Analysis for Summer Solistice (21st June): Site Level and Building Level During extreme hot months, the courtyard recieves the maximum solar radiation. The east and west side are badly affected by the heat and so should be appropriately shaded during the summer.
ACADEMIC - Group Housing Project
23
Jan-May, 2021
24
Abode 44
ACADEMIC - Group Housing Project
Abode 44
Jan-May, 2021
SECTION XX’
SECTION YY’
WEST ELEVATION (Use of Vertical Aluminium Louvers)
ACADEMIC - Group Housing Project
25
Jan-May, 2021
Abode 44
WORKING DRAWINGS FOR THE PROJECT In progress
FIRST FLOOR PLAN OF BLOCK B
EAST ELEVATION
26
ACADEMIC - Group Housing Project
Abode 44
Jan-May, 2021
TYPICAL FLOOR CORE DETAIL
STAIRCASE SECTION
BALUSTER AND RAILING DETAIL
ACADEMIC - Group Housing Project
27
Jan-May, 2021
Abode 44
ABOVE: View of the narrow walkways created around the stilts which act as sitting and gathering spaces. LEFT: View of the housing from the boardwalks present in the central green space. RIGHT: View of the double height terraces formed as refuge areas and community spaces in the building blocks.
28
ACADEMIC - Group Housing Project
Research-Based Design Proposal
Weaving Vertical Communities 3rd year of Architectural Design Studio-Vl COLLABORATIVE- TEAM OF 3 Award: Honourable Mention by Archmello
05.
29
COMPETITION - Multi-Level Housing
TOOLS:
Entwined
Feb-Mar, 2021
VERTICAL LIVING AT SURAT, GUJRAT Project Brief: The aim of the competition is to explore & innovate new design possibilities for the future vertical communities in India. The major thought behind the competition is to refine the “Apartment Architecture” in India.
Design Intent: The design aims towards providing the users an essence of luxurious living integrated with comfort and engaging neighbourhood experience. The site planning and context supported by the spectacular views of the canal corridor towards the north-eastern boundary of the site allows the user to maximize interaction with both tangible and intangible aspects of the design. The stacked pattern of the blocks enhances the building-climate relationship as the intermediate voids channelize the wind flow from within the blocks. The semi open terraces on the intermediate floors promotes the concept of vertical community. These spaces will consist of gyms, community/banquet hall, club house, library and residential office. The blocks are linked by common service cores which also form the axis for rotation. The apartments are singly loaded with the corridors overlooking the surrounding ambience.
Design Process:
Courtyard Typology to promote community interaction
Staggering blocks creating wind tunnel effect
Grid Pattern guiding the Staggered form
COMPETITION - Multi-Level Housing
30
Feb-Mar, 2021
Entwined
05.
ISOMETRIC EXPLODED VIEW
Exhibiting the stacking of blocks which enhances the concept of vertical communities
31
COMPETITION - Multi-Level Housing
Feb-Mar, 2021
Entwined
4 BHK DUPLEX UNIT Area: 187 sq.m. (88 units)
5 BHK DUPLEX UNIT Area: 220 sq.m. (34 units)
3 BHK SINGULAR UNIT Area: 150.6 sq.m. (88 units)
3 BHK DUPLEX UNIT Area: 160.5 sq.m. (74 units)
APARTMENT PROTOTYPES SITE PLAN
PERSPECTIVE SECTION AA’
32
COMPETITION - Multi-Level Housing
Entwined
Feb-Mar, 2021
ABOVE: View showing the hierarchy of community spaces- private balconies (left), semi-public terraces (right) and public community as the internal courtyard. BELOW: View of the internal courtyard.
COMPETITION - Multi-Level Housing
33
Research-Based Design Proposal
SYNChronized
A space where work and live coexist 2nd year of Architectural Design Studio-III INDIVIDUAL PROJECT Instructor: Anjali Mittal, Nimit Gandhi, Nishant Gautam
06.
34
ACADEMIC - Work and Live at Moradabad
TOOLS:
SYNChronized
Oct-Nov, 2020
WORK AND LIVE AT MAQBARA ROAD, MORADABAD Project Brief: The aim is to create a building where the culture of Moradabad is reflected through a balanced coexistance of work and living together. The building needs to include spaces for craft activity, public and residential functions.
Design Intent: The aim of the design is to reflect the importance of craft through the intangible experiences of Moradabad. The craft function acts as the root of the building supporting the other functions. The public function wraps around the residential box and is accessed through one main external staircase. All the functions are zoned keeping privacy and the cultural behaviour of the place in mind.
Location and Site Understanding:
Site Area: approx 80 sq.m. The area is highly populated with Muslims with Kaith Wali Masjid being the major landmark. Street intersection at the site frontal forms a nodal point increasing the footfall and giving opportunity for a grand entrance.
ACADEMIC - Work and live at Moradabad
35
Oct-Nov, 2020
SYNChronized
06.
01. Step 1: Experiences from Moradabad: Craft balances the entire economy of Moradabad
Everyone is connected to the craft.
Different chaotic communities of Moradabad. Chaotic work environment but everyone finds a peaceful spot.
Craft is the main root of the system.
02. Step 2: Intangible Experiences given a tangible form: Public function: Blue Strips though isolated but held together by the craft. Residential function: Yellow circular strips originating from the craft but binding the public together. Craft function: The box of craft acting as the main root. The intangible model (Peaceful Isolation but Togetherness) gives form to the building.
36
ACADEMIC - Work and Live at Moradabad
Oct-Nov, 2020
SYNChronized
SECTION XX’
37
ACADEMIC - Work and Live at Moradabad
SECTION
SYNChronized
YY’
Oct-Nov, 2020
WEST ELEVATION
ACADEMIC - Work and live at Moradabad
38
Oct-Nov, 2020
SYNChronized
External Wall Section Model
39
ACADEMIC - Work and Live at Moradabad
View Inside the Building
View showin Exte
SYNChronized
Oct-Nov, 2020
ng Elevation and ernal wall External Wall Section Showing the Slanted Wall Details ACADEMIC - Work and live at Moradabad
40
Oct-Nov, 2020
SYNChronized
ABOVE: North Side view from the Kaith Wali Masjid. LEFT: View of the green cantilevered terraces. RIGHT: Interior View of the Exhibition Centres.
41
ACADEMIC - Work and Live at Moradabad
Research-Based Design Proposal
la via de vita
A quest for revival and rejuvenation 4th year of Architectural Design Studio-Vl COLLABORATIVE- TEAM OF 4 Award:
07.
42
COMPETITION - Culture Stations
TOOLS:
la via de vita
July-Sep, 2021
REGENERATION OF ELINI, SARDINIA Project Brief: The aim of the competition is to reinterpret ancient railway infrastructures in terms of culture and tourism, considering a general mood of “sweet mobility” and “slow tourism”.
Design Intent: The characteristics that set this small town of Elini in Italy apart from its neighbours are the diversity in culture, the juxtaposition of traditional and modern, and the enthusiasm to embrace the new while still staying rooted in the old values. Railways are yet another aspect that define the experience of this town. Usually defined as slow, a train journey is also unpredictable. The starting and the ending points may be predetermined but the journey leads one through unexpected places and unknown towns. The ‘Red Road’ is a web of pedestrian pathways that connects the town to Caramine park. Like a train journey, it goes from the heart of the town, through the wilderness towards the park, and back again. Also like a train journey, pedestrian traffic is slow and gives one a better chance at absorbing and observing their environment. Along these roads, a narrative for the city is created.
Design Concept derivation:
Italian Architecture
Buildings derived by the contrasting elements of traditional and modern architecture.
COMPETITION - Culture Stations
43
July-Sep, 2021
la via de vita
07.
“
The intent is also to incorporate the essence of this town and its culture, and enhance the experience it offers through design interventions, to encourage the local crafts, and to take advantage of the serene environment of the location, the program is inclined towards creating spaces where artists can thrive and which the tourists can enjoy. Art schools, museums, and vernacular cottages renovate the town into a quiet retreat full of new discoveries and possibilities.
”
Exploded View of Urban Area B The structures highlight the contrast between traditional and contemporary through material choices and built forms.
44
COMPETITION - Culture Stations
July-Sep, 2021
la via de vita
Area A: Tourist Information Centre This area marks the entrance to the town of Elini. Since no changes to the former olive oil mill were allowed, a tourist information centre is provided as a new intervention. The tower which is a stack of solid and transparent volumes also has viewing decks overlooking the town and its surroundings.
45
COMPETITION - Culture Stations
Area B: Hotels and Cottages Hotels and family cottages are provided in the urban area. This part of the program caters to the tourist population as well as the artists related to the art school. 4 vernacular family cottages are provided whereas the hotels have a total of 78 keys.
Masterplan of Elini
Area C: Art School, Cultural and Culinary Centre Designed as a focal point of the whole intervention, the railway park area has an art school and a centre for cultural and culinary activities and workshops. This region is a reflection of Elini’s cultural heritage. The institutions include workshops, classrooms and exhibition areas.
la via de vita
July-Sep, 2021
Seating Spaces
Recreational Spaces
Area D: Carmine Park
COMPETITION - Culture Stations
46
July-Sep, 2021
la via de vita
Section AA’ passing through Urban Area
47
COMPETITION - Culture Stations
la via de vita
July-Sep, 2021
ABOVE: View from the railway track with Art School on the right and Culinary Centre on the left. BELOW: View from the Hotel.
COMPETITION - Culture Stations
48
01.
Architectural Writin
ARCHITECTURAL WRITING, SITE VISITS AND GRAPHIC DESIGN
03.
ng
05.
Chandigarh Site Visit/ Film Making
02.
Measured Drawing
Poster Design
04.
Architecture through Artificial Intelligence
Aug-Oct, 2021
The future of public spaces
Seminar Paper COLLABORATIVE- TEAM OF 7
“Public Spaces and their Perception”- Have these been permanently coloured by the pandemic? COVID-19 Impact on the Perception and Usage of Public Spaces
COVID-19 pandemic led the worldwide activities to a sudden halt. In the initial phases of the outbreak, one of the major impacts witnessed was the restricted use of the public spaces worldwide. Most people complied with the public health guidelines as was apparent in the noticeable views of empty city streets, parks, beaches, plazas and promenades. The research aims to focus on the people’s perception and use of the public spaces after months of complete lockdown in India; to analyze the behavioural shift of users towards human interaction in these spaces. The study commences with the understanding and definition of public spaces, their importance in the urban context and their necessity in the physical and mental well-being of a person. Furthermore, the five parameters identified to analyze a public space; the social carrying capacity, user density, social interaction, risk-taking attitudes and a user’s tendency to visit these spaces amidst and after the pandemic, are studied in detail through literature review. The first phase of primary data collection about the current qualitative user perception comes through user interviews, a pilot and full-scale survey and activity mapping. The mentioned activities aimed to analyze if the user perception about the public spaces has changed. The second phase was the Delhi survey, which being a more structured and objective survey, helped determine the areas, the extent and the magnitude of the change in perception in the present as well as in the future. The derived conclusion of this was further cross-referenced with the study of primary interventions made in and to these spaces by the authorities in the third phase of the research. The collective result suggested that there was a considerable change in the density, future perception and usage of these spaces along with the intentions and reasons for the change. The study will open avenues for academia, professionals and policy makers in the realm of public space and design. It explores essential questions concerning how long these impacts will be felt, and the degree to which they will be widespread. But surely this pandemic will be a turning point in India’s urban planning if we draw the right lessons and translate them into lasting change.
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ACADEMIC: ARCHITECTURAL WRITING/ SEMINAR- The future of public spaces
01.
Link to the Seminar Paper:
51
July, 2021
Architecture as a Cognitive Space
Essay Writing Contest - 1st Cycle INDIVIDUAL PROJECT Award: Certificate of Appreciation by Architectural Journalism and Criticism by architect Pappal Suneja
“Reimagining Architecture as a Cognitive Space”- from Product to Process Architectural Spaces possess the ability to affect our perception and influence our minds. Architecture commences with the design process and once it metamorphoses into a product (building), it becomes the object of experience for the users. We cannot study architecture by separating its dual nature: the creation and its experience, the process and the product. Throughout the entire process of designing and inhabiting spaces, architecture acts as an augmentation of the mind to the body and provides people with a wide range of possibilities to enhance their cognitive capabilities and consciousness. Modern Architecture is a visual expression of the volumes, dynamism and exposed structure where each created space has its own story to narrate. Here, the focus is on what’s not constructed, the huge voids, the spatial boundaries and connections which are the main drivers of architectural experience. Every being, from a child to an adult perceives these spaces in different ways and each space has a different impact on their minds. For instance, adults perceive space more on form, function and aesthetic (Matthews, 1992) whereas children see the space more on its functional value rather than aesthetics (Christensen, 2003). Thus, designing spaces for adults seems to be more straightforward than for a child. The first few years of child development are full of incredible creativity, wonder and play. They observe the world around them through their window of imagination and drama and try to manipulate their surroundings. In this process, architecture plays a vital role, as much of a child’s cognitive development is a result of his everyday experience in spaces which he is exposed to like the home, school, play areas and neighbourhood. Spaces which are spacious, open, green full of colours and textures tend to shape their minds, help them to engage, learn and grow and develop a sense of space attachment. Even in our childhood, we have experienced our engagement with the architectural features, outdoor landscape, indoor furniture and that experience is still in our memory because we developed a sense of attachment with that environment. Experiencing the environment is an irreplaceable part of the growth and functioning of children. Curiosity is again an inherent quality of a child, and it is this curiosity which led us to experience how every detail of architecture played an interesting role in our childhood. A niche in the wall can be a decorative element for the adults but for a child it is their tiny imaginative world where different story plots are set up, from marriage of kings and queens to the war of great superheroes. Huge dining tables can be a luxury for us but for a child it becomes their cozy secret hideouts and in some sense a place that gives emotional support in times of
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COMPETITION: ARCHITECTURAL WRITING - Architecture as a Cognitive Space
need. For adults, gardens and landscape features act as spaces of rejuvenation and social gatherings but for a child, every single detail matters from the pattern of the pavement which dictates his game to the height of the curb stone where he can balance himself and show the world that he is a juggler hero. Thus, it is clear that “children shape their environment and the environment shapes them” (Striniste and Moore, 1989). Hence, the design of a child’s space should meet the needs for their physical, social and cognitive development. But in modern architecture, the sole decisions of how spaces will look and feel are on the adults who prefer aesthetics and large luxurious four-walled spaces over the integrated green built cozy environment. In other words, a child has no sense of control over the architecture that will shape his future. Thus, in the background of modernity, a child only comes across the final product/ building and has no opportunity to experience the enormous efforts and processes which went behind creating that masterpiece. As a result, the child will always deduce that the architecture created without his participation has two distinct parts, the building which is man-made and the outdoor landscape which is natural and the two are never integrated. Even modern architecture is about composition, structure and material having a sole purpose to make a bold statement in the city it stands without paying heed to the greens around it. This gives rise to an anthropocentric frame to see the world which is gradually increasing and influencing mankind to utilize nature for their own personal needs. Thus, we see that this is a cycle which begins since we step into this world. If we as children are given the opportunity to shape our surroundings, we all will learn the importance of nature, respect the ecocentric approach and its deeply-rooted connection with architecture. Then environmental sustainability will not be a need to save the world as it is today because humans will already know that it is their responsibility to protect and preserve the environment and exist in harmony with the other elements of nature. If one were to look at how our forefathers treated nature, one will always find that he considered himself to be a mere component of the ecosystem rather than of the view that nature exists for them. They created architecture which was vernacular and indigenous which created energy efficient, sustainable buildings and a vital connection between humans and nature. This happened due to the ecocentric frame of reference through which they experienced the world since childhood. Hence, there exists an inseparable connection between the mind, space and nature. Experience and cognitive learning is an indispensable part of life and cannot be overlooked and therefore architecture needs to be explored in ways that one could learn, grow, heal and interact with nature at its best. Link to another Essay Contest: “Architectural Precedents”- are they the only answers to architectural design today?
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Mar-Apr, 2019
Measured Drawing of Mankavu House, Calicut, Kerala
1st year of Architectural Design Studio-II COLLABORATIVE- TEAM OF 4
This two storey house built of laterite and timber is representative of many early 20th century middle class homes throughout the central and northern part of Kerala. This house belonged to a Menon family, one of the many traditionally matrilineal Hindu communities of Kerala. The owners of this house earlier had ten acres of agricultural land which was sold. Central and northern Kerala have vast deposits of laterite, a clay and pebble substance which is cut into blocks for building and hardens on oxidation. It is the chief building material in this area and, along with wood, is used for two storey homes.
Front Elevation
Ground Floor Plan
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ACADEMIC: DAKSHINCHITRA SITE VISIT/ MEASURED DRAWING
First Floor Plan
TOOLS:
02. Section AA’
Section BB’
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May-June, 2020
Corbusier’s Vision of Chandigarh Art and Architecture Museum
2nd year of Architectural Design Studio-IV INDIVIDUAL PROJECT
The vision of Corbusier for every complex in Chandigarh was very unique, so was his visionary for “Government Museum and Art Gallery”. The narrative focuses on bringing forward all the elements that Corbusier used effectively and which one can observe as they move around the Museum complex. The story commences with two students who decided to take a tour of this Museum complex and as they move around they begin to notice and feel how Corbusier has designed various spaces just to make one perceive every space in a different way. These elements are unfolded to the viewer through the conversation taking place between the two students. They bring forward the focal elements, the origanizational principles, the axial arrangement, Corbusier’s unique windows and the quality of interior spaces which make this Museum Complex one of the best places to visit in Chandigarh.
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ACADEMIC: CHANDIGARH SITE STUDY FILM MAKING
TOOLS:
Link to the Digital Presentation:
03.
Sampling of Images: Using all media (Sketches, Models and Photographs) to decode the Corbusier’s organizational principles at the Art and Architecture Museum.
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Aug-Oct, 2021
Architecture through the lens of Artificial Intelligence
Description: The three spaces: the building exterior and the interior, both large and small are inspired by different Indian wood carving handicrafts w that evokes a sense of a mysterious apocalypse on a city. This transforms and binds together all spaces into a whole, seeming to be deeply influen
Title: Exterior Blended Image
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ACADEMIC: GRAPHIC DESIGN - Artificial Intelligence
Title: Large Interior Blended Image
TOOLS:
which establishes a visual connection nced by a piece of dystopian fiction.
04.
Title: Small Interior Blended Image
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Apr-May, 2020
Posters
Title: Redolence Description: Poster for a Flavours and Fragrance Expo. Dimensions: 594 x 420mm
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ACADEMIC: GRAPHIC DESIGN - Posters/ Photography
Title: Obscure Description: Poster for an art exhibition by a nature lo Dimensions: 594 x 420mm
TOOLS:
oving artist.
05.
Title: The Guise. Description: Capturing the drift of emotions people went through during the first lockdown of the pandemic. Dimensions: 594 x 420mm
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Ieshika Singh School of Planning and Architecture New Delhi, India (2018-2021)
Contact
Phone: +918090225678
E-mail: ieshikasingh13@gmail.com