DESIGN
PORTFOLIO I. GUNASEKARA
2012-2015 BACHELOR OF ENVIRONMENTS (MAJOR IN ARCHITECTURE)
PERSONAL STATEMENT
PORTFOLIO DESCRIPTION
My love for design developed through a passion for art from a young age. I have always been intrigued by the way people inhabit and change their environment and desire to be a part of this complex process. Having recently graduated with a major in architecture, I am currently completing a master in urban design. With experience in an architectural practice, I hope to enhance my skills in the field of architecture and gain a broad and practical understanding of the process of architecture.
This portfolio demonstrates my learning experience and passion for architecture and the design of spaces. It showcases selected works from the Bachelor of Environments course at the University of Melbourne as well as work experience conducted in Sri Lanka.
I first encountered the creative atmosphere of an architectural practice at ‘David Edelman Architects’, where I undertook year 10 work expeirnece (2008). After graduating from a Bachelor of Environments, I was keen to experience architecture in a real world application and took up a six month internship in Sri Lanka. It was an amazing crosscultural experience which allowed me to explore my heritage and the impact of Sri Lankan culture on architectural design. I worked with a team of designers at a distinguished architectural practice (MICD Associates) and was able to engage in various stages of the architectural process including documentaionon, interior design and digital modelling. While undertaking the master of urban design, I hope to continue being involved and up to date with the field of architecture and am determined to pursue a career which incorporates both fields.
contact e-mail: ishani214@yahoo.com phone: 0411 871 095 design portfolio
Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
Projects of various scales and design briefs have been included and are expressed through drawings, models, images and digital representations. I am dedicated to taking a researched and optimistic approach to design and enjoy attempting and investigating unconventional design solutions and processes. The way people inhabit and alter the world around us has always intrigued me, therefore a lot of my inspiration is drawn from the way we use space. I am also inspired by the architecture of nature and desire to place innovation at the forefront of my designs. I am motivated to positively impact our built environment through conscious and sustainable design and to make a significant contribution to the practice of architecture.
CURRICULUM VITAE
ISHANI GUNASEKARA
educaƟon • Master of Urban Design - University of Melbourne Currently enrolled • Bachelor of Environments - University of Melbourne Major in Architecture • VCE year 12 - Sacred Heart Girls’ College, Oakleigh ATAR score of 94.9
Jul 2015 present Mar 2011 Jun 2014 2005 - 2010
experience • Architecture Internship - MICD Associates (Sri Lanka) Architecture and Interior Design
Aug 2014 Feb 2015
- Producing and amending drawings - Choosing and documenƟng finishes, furniture and fiƫngs - Digital modelling for presentaƟons - Working individually with clients
• Art Gallery Volunteer - Highway Art Gallery Front of house
Feb 2014 Aug 2014
• Architecture Work Experience - David Edelman Architects Year 10 work experience
Dec 2008 (1 week)
- Interior design of a cafe (design exercise) - Filing and prinƟng
• Hospitality - KFC, Oakleigh Team member
Nov 2009 Aug 2014
design skills • Design SoŌware Proficiency - AutoCAD - AutoCAD Architecture - Rhino 3D - Grasshopper Plug-in - Sketchup • Hands-on skills - Technical Drawing - Sketching - Model making
- Lumion Render - Maxwell Render - Revit - Photoshop - Illustrator - InDesign
other skills • Languages - English - fluent - Sinhalese - naƟve - Indonesian - (VCE subject) • ArƟsƟc Sketching, painƟng (water colour, oils, acrylic), pastel
• Quick to learn and implement computer programs • AnalyƟcal thinking • Resourceful • ImaginaƟve
interests • Philosophy - studied a university breath track (6 subjects) • Visual art and sculpture • Music (played drums and piano) High school band leader
• Architecture and spaƟal design • Documentaries • Travelling and exploring new places page 2 of 19
CONTENTS
ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIOS
PROFESSIONAL
Mystery Theatre
Gateway Installation
Boathouse
Precinct Design
Park Renewal
Work Experience
(Large scale project)
(Medium scale project) Designed using digital modelling program: Rhino and prametric applications
(Small scale project) Design of a boathouse along Yarra River, inspired by the style of Tadao Ando
(Large scale project) Redisigning of the Union Lawn Precinct at the Universtity of Melbourne
(Large scale project) RetroďŹ tting public land to a neighbourhood region locatied along Darebin Creek.
(various) Selected works from architectural work experience in Sri Lanka
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Page 12
Page 14
Page 16
A multi-purpose theatre building Page 4
design portfolio Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
LANDSCAPE AND URBAN DESIGN STUDIOS
Page 18
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CONAN DOYLE MYSTERY THEATRE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO 4 - SPARKS (2014) Individual Project The Conan Doyle Mystery Theatre is a multi-purpose Theatre complex set in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. It seeks to engage a variety of users and provide different levels of interaction for theatre patrons and other visitors. The building is to primarily showcase murder mystery plays and is therefore inspired by the genre and in particular famous series ‘Sherlock Holmes’ by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The building is intended to be an enigmatic and memorable space, creating subliminal connections to the haphazard roof structure of Federation Square as a landmark in Melbourne City. It seeks to leave a lasting impression through its sculpted facade, which faces Southern Cross Station. The design brief requires a 500 seat proscenium theatre (William Desmond Theatre), a 250 seat cinema / lecture theatre (Harry Plimmer Cinema) and a Black Box Studio (Cuyler Hastings Studio) with necessary backstage rooms. The ground level consists of the main restaurant and bar while the theatre workshop is located in the basement. The upper level hosts a function hall with serving spaces, a board room and a private bar which diversifies the use of the building. Perspective from Southern Cross Station steps
Restaurant entrance - view from Bourke Street Maxwell render of sketch-up model
design portfolio
Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
Public Restaurant - view from the bar Maxwell render of sketch-up model
William Desmond Theatre (500 seats) Lumion render of sketch-up model
page 4 of 19
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
SITE
Sketches developing ground plan based on site
DESIGN CONCEPT The design evolved from the placement of the theatres as its core purpose. The public and spill spaces are positioned around the three theatres based on needs for access and function. The interior structure is simple and readable, inspired Frank Ghery’s approach to desgn from the‘inside-out’. The skin or façade of is design withthe itention to make an impression on viewer and create a sense of enigma and is informed by Federation Square as a Melbourne icon. The overall design seeks to conceptualise the contrast between the dramatic and analytic notions of crime fiction.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DIAGRAM Basic form of the plan is based on the site
3D visualisation of ground plan extruded
Forms were subtracted to create entrances and open spaces
Shape was extruded to 3-dimensioanlly visualise the placement of theatres
The theatres blocks were positioned, allowing for a revision of spaces and cantilevering
Facade was digitally sculpted and tessellated to create the undulating skin
SKETCH DIAGRAMS - FORM DEVELOPMENT
Strip away An initial concept to strip away layers of a generic rectangular form until only the necessary elements of the building remained design portfolio Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
Cluster The option to cluster and stack the building elements resulted in more complex form and interesting spaces.
Balance and composition
Form development
General form derived from sketch models
A final iteration around which the basic form of the building is designed. page 5 of 19
SPATIAL FUNCTIONS
3D VIEW OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SPACES
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5
1 4 2
4 1
2
3
5 4
1
2
4 3 4 Entrances
1 2 3 4 5
Observation / viewing zones 500 seat theatre 250 seat Cinema 250 seat Black Box theatre
FACADE DEVELOPMENT
Foyer / spill areas Public restaurant and bar Theatre backstage / service Management ofďŹ ces / private function areas
Accessible by general public Accessible by staff or guests
Black Box Private / function bar
Precident: Federation Square, Melbourne
Theatre Spaces
Views over busy CBD area
Cantelevers over walkway below, to intrigue passers-by
As a Melbouren landmark, it hails the entrance into the city centre form Flinders Street Station. The theatre is designed to have a simlar impacts on Southern Cross as an interstate train station. The glass and metal facade of the theatre design creates a subtle link to the haphazard glass cover and outer structure of Fed Square.
Public bar The digital facade was exploded and attened in Rhino 3D and templates were created to construct the physical model
With open area for outdoor seating
Semi-convered deck, extension of bar below
Restaurant Entrance
Bar stairs Access from interior to balcony area above
NORTH ELEVATION design portfolio Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
page 6 of 19
PLAN AND SECTION KEY 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.
3
Band room Carpentry workshop Technician’s office Entrance foyer Restaurant Bar Outdoor dining / bistro Cafe Restaurant extension / performance space Kitchen Kitchen storage Ticket counter and building reception Bottom tier theatre entrance Stage Rehearsal room Changing rooms Loading bay Industrial elevator Theatre main foyer Control Room Theatre main entrance Outdoor bar Box office Theatre staff areas Cinema main foyer Ticket counter Cinema entrance Building management offices Cinema and Black Box foyer Black Box Theatre storage Cinema access Projection room Function hall foyer Function hall lobby Function Hall Function bar Lobby Boardroom Kitchen / serving space
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1 7
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2 12
4
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Basement Plan
Ground Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
B 40 37 31
27
A
33
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26
36
32
A
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35
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40 20
29 25
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39
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40 30
16
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Second Floor Plan
B
CONTROL ROOM
Third Floor Plan
36 FUNCTION HALL
20
PRIVATE BAR
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FUNCTION HALL - MAIN FOYER
Fourth Floor Plan
36
KITCHEN / SERVICE AREA FOR HALL
STAFF TOILETS
40
FUNCTION HALL
4F
CUYLER HASTINGS STUDIO
30
STORAGE
CINEMA / BLACK BOX STUDIO MAIN FOYER
31
29
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BACKSTAGE 16 FOR BLACK BOX STUDIO
BIO-BOX
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STAFF TOILETS
HARRY PLIMMER CINEMA / LECTURE HALL
HARRY PLIMMER CINEMA CINEMA MAIN FOYER
THEATRE MANAGEMENT
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25
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ACCEESS CORRIDORS
CINEMA LOWER LVL ACCESS
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OUTDOOR BAR AREA
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THEATRE MANAGEMENT OFFICES
THEATRE - MAIN FOYER
6
RESTAURANT
5
RESTAURANT / PERFORMANCE AREA
14
9
BAND ROOM
Section B-B Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
STAFF TOILETS
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1F
WILLIAM DESMOND THEATRE
RESTAURANT ENTRANCE
design portfolio
2F
THEATRE STAFF OFFICES
19
WILLIAM DESMOND THATRE
STAFF TOILETS
23
14
3F
1
STAFF TOILETS
BACKSTAGE
16
GF
THEATRE WORKSHOP SPACE
2
B
Section A-A page 7 of 19
WYNDHAM CITY GATEWAY INSTALLATION ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO 3 - AIR (2013) Group Project Partner: Sheng Ying Ang I was involved in design development and material testing; supported presentation, playing a greater role in digital modelling.
EWAY
E ESS FR PRINC
CALTEX SERVICE STATION
The installation on the Princes Freeway will be an intriguing project to commuters travelling to and from the Wyndham City District. In response to the council proposal, the installation create a significant impact on the viewer, establishing a memorable and identifiable landmark. As a viable project for Wyndham City Council to pursue, the installation is projected to be commissioned by the service station on the site and is subtly used to advertise as well as express the situation on the fast-growing city. Through the integration of digital modelling and fabrication techniques and experimentation in material prototypes, the elusive form generates interest and conversation beyond the physical experience of the design and contributes to the broader architectural discourse by utilising modern formfinding techniques.
AY S FREEW
PRINCES
Areal View of design at the site
Inspiration from ‘Minimal Complexity Prototype’ by Vlad Tenu
Aluminium can prototype model
Developing tessellated surface
A tensile structure with a minimal and relaxed surface as the design basis was suitable for the form finding process, driven by parametrically designed digital techniques.
design portfolio Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
page 8 of 19
DIGITAL MODELLING DEFINITION DIAGRAM
4
Kangaroo, Mesh to Springs tool
In the Rhino platform
Create openings in the mesh
3
2
Shrinkwrap petrol station forms to create a base mesh
1
‘Weld’ into a single brep, to be used in the physics simulation tool (Kangaroo)
Extract top face to make the top face of the petrol station canopy
TECHNIQUE PROTOTYPES
6 Tessellate by adding a pyramid form to each face
Add control points to control the hight of these pyramids
Tessellate each surface using the Weaverbird tool
5
7
‘Inflate’ using digital physics simulation Explode faces and extract top and bottom surfaces, to create the top and underside of the canopy
In the Rhino platform
Extract bottom faces to create underside of the canopy
DIGITAL FORM-FINDING Using Rhino 3D as the basic modelling program, the design was be developed through the algorithmic modelling plugin: Grasshopper and inc orporate the physics simulation component Kangaroo to derive form, while the Weaverbird plug-in was used to enhance tessellation techniques.
Weaverbird, Stellate tool
Turn each face into a smaller mesh face and triangulate
Add pyramid-shaped tessellation using the Weaverbird tool
RECYCLABLE MATERIALS Inflated chip bags (image 1), aluminium sheets cut by the CNC router (image 2) and aluminium cans (image 3) were used to experiment with form and connectivity.
FORM-FINDING PROCESS
1
5
Petrol station form to be shrinkwrapped pp
Triangulate
design portfolio
Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
Several prototype models were created based of selected iterations of the digital modeling process. Using the card cutter and laser cutter, connection and assembly techniques were tested using plastic sheet material.
2
Openings create anchor points for physics simulation
6
Modify
3
4
Inflation
7
Extract desired surface
3D tessellation added
Image 1 - Chip Bags
Image 2 - Aluminium sheet
Im mag age 3 - un age unde ders rsid de off allu umi mini min nium um can n page 9 of 19
To achieve structural rigidity while maintaining the elaborate form, the design was split into three main tectonic components.
3D TESSELLATED ROOF
STRUCTURAL METAL FRAME
EXOSKELETON SUPPORT BRANCHES
The ends of the installation and the central point connects the service station canopies together
Vehicles will move through and under the structure, allowing them to experience the interior space and see the underside of the drink can structure. PLAN VIEW
ELEVATION VIEW design portfolio
Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
page 10 of 19
Render of design on site
The design will seemingly wrap around the service station canopy and reach down to the ground at the canpy ends. This would be an intriguing attraction along the freeway and provide a unique spatial experience in an unlikely space.
design portfolio
Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
Aluminium can prototype with rivets
The construction of the proposal using aluminium cans was further experimented with using various forms of connection. The templates were derived from unrolled digital models in Rhino and their sizes were based around the size of a flattened drink can.
Detailed model with silver board
The detailed model was constructed using the same template as the aluminium sheet prototype and shows the close-up effect of the studded surfaces at a 1:5 scale. The welded aluminium frame would determine the plane of each studded pyramid, controlling the overall form of the structure.
Site Model, SE ElevaĆ&#x;on
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STUDLEY PARK BOATHOUSE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO 2 - WATER (2012) Individual Project Based on Tadao Ando’s idea of a ‘threshold space’, the boathouse is designed to be a transitional zone between contrasting environments on either side of the site. On one end, a wide main road runs along the higher area of the Kew landscape while the other side of the site declines into the picturesque Yarra River. Using a similar design approach to Ando, the building remains cohesive to its environment and celebrates its surroundings by transitioning users into the site and stirring a sense of anticipation and drama through spatial design techniques. Restarurant and Balcony perspective
Sketch diagram
East Elevation (Entrance and cafe) North Elevation (View from Yarra)
design portfolio
Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
page 12 of 19
R Rectangle ffrom ro two 3x3 grids
Subtraction
Repetition
Scale
Rotation
Intersection
12 5
9 3
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8
A
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2
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4
13
8
A
3 6
14
1
UPPER FLOOR PLAN
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LOWER FLOOR PLAN
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7
PLAN AND SECTION KEY 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
SITE PLAN
Control of light
Circulation
Light
Used spaces
Dark
Connecting spaces / movement
Entrance Reception Elevator Restaurant Balcony area Kitchen Outdoor dining Cafe Stairs Open space / outoor cafe Boat Storage Kiosk / boat hire Toilets Office
Entrance Perspective SECTION A-A 4
8 2
5
3
8
14
design portfolio
Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
10
6
page 13 of 19
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE UNION LAWN PRECINCT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO 3 (2013) Individual Project
Site Plan TIN ALLEY
‘Univer-city’ redesigning the Union Lawn Precinct The design seeks to transform the site, creating a diverse range of landscape forms which are usable throughout the year. A juxtaposition between the concepts of ‘excavation’ and ‘mound’ have been used to implement a multi-layered design.
BALDWIN SPENCER
D UNION ORAD
The mound is a landscape form that represents ‘protest’ of the land, in elevating above the relatively flat formation of the rest of the site. It is approachable and egalitarian in allowing access from most of its boundary. The excavates areas are designed as semi-private zones, to accommodate needs for lunchtime seating and also provides open spaces for community activities within the university and through the Carlton area. Part of the excavated areas are shelter by cantilevering parts of the mound.
REDMOND BARR
Original ground level
+0m +0.5m +0 5m +1m +1m +1.5m Ex Paved terrace
-1m +2m 2m
CAFEE
Original ground level
UNION HOUSE -1.5m
Paved Forcourt
Section
EExcavated e ed +2m m pu pu ublic spa sp pac aace -1.5m m
+ +2m Excavated public space -1m
+2m +1.5m +1.5
ARCHITECTU +1m +0.5m +0m m
Original ground level Paved Forcourt
Original ground level
|Extended decking area
+0.5m
Section of landscape facing Union House Extend ded catile d everd balcony, with ve egettion e n
RAYMOND PRIESTLEY
MASSON ROAD
design portfolio
Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
page 14 of 19
Steep Slope
Mound Medium Slope
Relatively at
Public resting areas Semi Public areas Private areas
Existing plane
Mound and Excavation (lines of vision) Transition Zones
Users can treat each space as a semi-private area, while being able to observe and connect with their surroundings. The contrasting topography of the mound and excavation creates a sense of intrigue and provides spaces that can be explored and personalised
Used spaces Bike / occasional vehical path Public resting areas
Excavation
1.5m below original ground level
Section of landscape facing Raymond Priestley Building
1m below original ground level Sloping green vegetable patch Semi public areas Private areas
design portfolio
Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
page 15 of 19
DAREBIN CREEK PARK RENEWAL ECOLOGY OF URBAN LANDSCAPES (2014) Individual Project Located along the bank of Darebin Creek, the projects was to develop a plan to retrofit public land within the defined region with different measures to improve the biodiversity habitat values and ecosystem services/processes of the area. The site has potential to improve the quality of space in the neighbourhood and ensure a more sustainable future for the local ecosystem and biota that rely on it. The water drainage system seeks to improved the environments by implementing ‘Water Sensitive Urban Design’ principles to the drainage system, and improving the amount and types of local vegetation of the open space and residential area, generating a more sustainable and healthy ecosystem.
Region to retrofit public land
Map outlining recreational and conservational additions to the open space.
Key 1.
Green Boulevard
2.
Underwater rainwater transfer from pipes to filtration pond
3.
Surface runoff directed to treatment pond
4.
Stormwater Treatment Pond
5.
Creek diversion to pond, and diversion of treated water back to creek
6.
Native grass and wetland area
7.
New cycling track
8.
New walking track
9.
Picnic/ recreation area
10.
Children playground
11.
Pedestrian/ bicycle bridge
12.
Stone wall barriers and Stony knoll area
13.
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Enhanced River Red-gum forest
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MAIN R
OAD
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8 K
EE
B
RE
DA design portfolio
Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
R IN C
page 16 of 19
Section of Green Boulevard along streets
Visualsation of Park Renewal
Canopy-level green belt
Stormwater from roofroofs directed Stormwater from directed to drainage system to drainage system
Submerged Drainage Submereged drainage Native Grass grass and Native andsand sand bio-filtrationsystem system - biofiltration
Reduced walkway size, minimise impervious Redued walkay sizesurfaces -
minimal impervious surfaces
Site analysis
The bio-filtration patches provide an opportunity for plants such as the Matted Flax Lily and Glaucous Flax Lily which were native to the area, but removed to continue in its natural setting once again. It particular nutrient absorption qualities, which will enable them to filter stormwater more effectively than others.
design portfolio Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
By installing a low stone fence (like historical remnants in the area) between the road and Red-gum area, a clear boundary can be established around the conservation area. This will also deter people from continually entering the area. The rock fence can also serve as habitat from ground-lying fauna such as lizards.
The vegetation surrounding the basin will act as a secondary buffer zone, providing habitat as well as filtering runoff, making the environment more habitable for water-reliant species such as the Growling Grass From (a species of national conservation significance found in the area).
page 17 of 19
WORK EXPERIENCE, SRI LANKA SELECTED WORKS ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN INTERNSHIP (AUG 2014 - FEB 2015) ATS Consultants (MICD Associates), worked with a team of designers (www.micda.com) Jetwing-Sea Hotel Interior renovaƟon (MICD Associates)
Tangalle Bay Hotel Interior ReovaƟon (MICD Associates)
Using Google Sketch-up and Lumion Render, the images for the ‘Jetwing Sea Hotel’ restaurant and bar areas were produced.
The hotel is an architectural icon in Sri Lanka. Its unique interior is characterised by a unique ramp which runs through the building, connecting its spaces.
An existing plan and photographs of the restaurant was used to build the digital model and showcase the interior design to the client. Lumion Render was used to generate high quality images and add lighting the model.
After visiting the site, I was required to model the ramp and create a digital view of an interior design idea to clad the ramp with timber. Perspective of restaurant
The model was built in sketch-up and derived from a plan, rough section drawings and images of the site.
Original plan of bridge
The timber planks were to be of uneven shape and size, so I was able to use Rhino and Grasshopper to quickly generate the cladding.
Perspective of bar / lounge
Perspective of dining terrace design portfolio Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
Model of bridge and hotel structure
Modelled design proposal (uneven timber cladding)
page 18 of 19
Access to upper levels (through spiral staricase)
BouĆ&#x;que Hotel (MICD Asociates)
Beachside Cabanas (Personal Project)
The design was of a heritage building being developed into a boutique hotel.
I was excited when asked to produce some preliminary ideas for the construction of beach cabanas at a small property.
With existing plans, I created sections and elevations and worked with the interior design team to choose finishes for the new sections of the building. Elevation showing existing building and extension
design portfolio Ishani Gunasekara (2015)
Based on the knowledge I had gained through my work experience, I produced several options which are currently being considered by the client.
Accesss to lower levels
Site plan showing four cabanas
Section
Elevations
Selected ďŹ nishes
Plan of ground level room
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Thank you for viewing my portfolio,
Ishani Gunasekara contact e-mail: ishani214@yahoo.com
phone: 0411 871 095
design portfolio
Ishani Gunasekara (2015)