PORTFOLIO KANAI SHAH M.ARCH || B.ARCH
KANAI SHAH A recent RIBA Part II graduate from the University of Sheffield with over two years of professional experience; combined with a diverse set of skillsets and extra-cirricular engagements, I am currently seeking a position for Part II Architectural Assistant. RIBA Student Member & Fully Registered Architect with the Council of Architecture, India.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Master of Architecture (M.Arch) RIBA II
2019-2021
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
2012-2017
Sheffield School of Architecture, University of Sheffield
Balwant Sheth School of Architecture - N.M.I.M.S University; Mumbai, India
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
PERSONAL DETAILS: Date Of Birth:
26th January, 1994.
Nationality:
Indian
Languages:
English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi
Other Interests:
Travel, Music, Films, Reading, Wildlife, Cricket, Gaming, Football, Volleyball, Trekking
Malik Architecture, Mumbai, India
Sept 2017- July 2019
Malik Architecture, Mumbai, India
February 2017 - July 2017
Architect & Designer Architectural Intern
Jenil Design, Mumbai
Architectural Intern [Summer Internship]
March 2014 - June 2014
CONTACT DETAILS: Phone:
+91 99205 96904 // +44 7585 180 291
Email:
kanaishah94@gmail.com
Address:
16D Brearly, Central Place, 59 Edward Street, Sheffield, S3 7BY
APPLIED SKILLS:
Graphical Communication: Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Lightroom, Miro 3D Visualization: V-Ray for Rhinoceros & SketchUp, Thea, Lumion, Twinmotion Video Editing: Others:
Higher Education Design Quality Forum [HEDQF] U.K.
July 2020
Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
July 2017
World Build India Exhibition
June 2017
Winner #3 & £500 Prize Money for M.Arch Year 5 Project: Centre for Innovative Learning Environments [Space-Technology-Pedagogy]; awarded by HEDQF Design Project Awards, culminating in an extremely appreciated presentation at the HEDQF Conference in 2021
Finalist; Limited Competition for Malik Architecture
Digital Modeling: Autocad, Rhinoceros, SketchUp, Revit, 3Ds Max
RESUME
AWARDED COMPETITIONS:
Adobe Premier Pro, Adobe Flash, Ulead Video Studio, iMovie Grasshopper, MS Office, CNC Milling, 3D Printing, Physical Modeling, Hand Drafting, Sketching
Design & Execution of Malik Architecture Pavilion; awarded ‘Best Design’ out of 200+ exhibitors
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS & EXHIBITIONS: Sheffield School of Architecture [SSoA] Catalogue Student & Staff Awards & Achievements
2020 & 2021
HEDQF Wordpress & the University of Sheffield Website
July 2020
House No. 11: Geoffrey Bawa Residence
Sept 2016
Published M.Arch Year 5 Project Description, Drawings, Video Presentation & Prize Money
Sri Lanka Study Trip Documentation
PROFESSIONAL PROJECT EXPERIENCE:
Sub-urban Sprawls
Architectural Design, Urban Design Solutions, 3D Modeling & Visualization, Project Management, Furniture Design, Innovative Working Drawings, Measure Drawings, Exhibition Pavilion Design & Execution, Client Coordination & Architectural Education
Urban Design Studio; Published Students Work
EXTRA-CIRRICULAR ENGAGEMENTS: Academic Representative [M.Arch]
2020-2021
Representing the M.Arch Year 6 Cohort at the University of Sheffield
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee [EDIC]
2020-2021
Committee Member at the University of Sheffield
International Student Ambassador
2019-2021
Representing Asia for the Global Engagement Team at University of Sheffield
Excellence in Public Speaking I Indo-American Society Certificate For Exemplary Demonstration Of Oratory Skills
2013
N.M.I.M.S. Football & Volleyball Team
2012 -2017
Volunteer at Hansaben Charitable Trust
2009-Ongoing
Care For Cancer Patients & Injured Animals www.issuu.com/kanaishah
www.linkedin.com/Kanai Shah
The Royal Complex, Mandu, India
Study Trip Documentation; Published By Archaeological Survey of India [A.S.I]
2016 2013
PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENTS: M.Arch Departmental Ambassador
2020-2021
SSoA Mentorship Programme [Mentor]
2019-2021
Working closely with the Directors of the M.Arch Programme at the University of Sheffield on seminars conducted for prospective students
Informally Mentoring 4 Part-I Students for Design Studio at Sheffield School of Architecture
SSoA Students for Climate Action
2019-2021
Student-led Group campaigning for emphasis on sustainability in architectural education.
Generative Design Workshop
2018
Pan India Travel Studio (PITS)
2018
Certification Course In Parametric Design
Selected & Fully-sponsored by Malik Architecture for a rigorous 3-week Architectural Travel Design Studio in 3 different locations of India: Leh, Auroville & Ahmedabad
POSTGRADUATE
Academic Works
01
02
CONTENTS
UNDERGRADUATE
Centre for Innovative Learning Environments
04
05
06
09
08 Malad’s Coastline: An Urban Interlace
The Stone House
Dissertation: Inequality in Architectural Education in India
07 Malad’s Coastline: An Urban Interlace
Ghost Towns: Retrofitting Jer Mahal
Urban Architecture In Growing Cities
11
03 Centre to Alleviate Urban Loneliness [CAUL]
Strategising Design Through Research Methodologies
10 Cluster Redevelopment
Trovants: Furniture Installation
Professional Works
12
Media Company HQ’s
13
The House of 3 Streams
14
Malik Architecture Pavilion
CENTRE FOR INNOVATIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS M.Arch [RIBA II] Year 5 [PROGRAM] [SITE] [MENTOR] [STUDIO] [AWARDS]
Department of Education; University of Climate Emergency Wicker, Sheffield, UK Prof. Daniel Jary Collaborative Production Higher Education Design Quality Forum [HEDQF] Design & Research Awards #3
The prevailing economic model of speculation and market-driven change is unable to address the urgent global challenges of climate change and social inequality. Universities are well placed to address these challenges through the creation and dissemination of new knowledge, and through technical and social innovation. However, the University campus is too often seen as an exclusive territory deliberately separated from its local community. Studio Collaborative Production explored the creation of a new form of Higher Education campus, one which creates a collaborative space within the city enabling interaction between research and teaching, and between academia and wider society, whilst specialising in a curriculum that addresses the Climate Emergency. The Centre for Innovative Learning Environments forms the Department of Education as a part of the studio’s strategy to create a Civic-University. By understanding the ‘SPACE-TECHNOLOGY-PEDAGOGY’ continuum in higher education, driven by the need for ‘accessible quality learning for all’, the project aims to create a global impact by creating experimental and flexible spaces; easily dismantled, loaded onto a truck and transported to deprived regions. For instance, classrooms are a dynamic space capable of plugging into other dynamic spaces like a Library or Virtual Reality Pods. Feedback excerpts from the HEDQF Award Ceremony: “An incredibly collaborative, professional and accessible production with some inspiring and innovative ideas. What great ambassadors for Sheffield School of Architecture! ” - Julian Robinson, Director of Estates at LSE “Really struck by the notion of students actively engaging with a briefing process rather than developing their own utopian thinking and ideas - really impressive! ” - James Taylor, Nicholas Hare Architects
Site: The Wicker, Sheffield
The campus is located at The Wicker, north-east of Sheffield city centre. The consequences of the industrial exploitation of resources, followed by disuse and abandonment, are nowhere more apparent than in the east of Sheffield making it the perfect location for the creation of an environmentally and socially sustainable urban neighbourhood, with learning and innovation promoting new kinds of employment and novel forms of production and exchange. The notion of collaborative production defined the working methodology of the studio with every project responding spatially and programmatically to each other whilst being a part of the greater campus strategy.
Individual Enquiry: Some of the driving factors were: the United Nations listing quality education as one of the sustainable development goals; the fact that we have achieved excellent global connectivity but have neglected the importance of local connectivity; and then comes the urgent need for a curriculum that specializes in climate action through technological enhancement and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Studio Agenda:
Climate Emergency Mitigation Flood Resilience Self-sustaining Urban Campus Social Sustainability
STOCK SBRID GE
KELLHAM ISLAND SHEFFIELD
VICTORIA QUAYS
TRAIN STATION
SHEFFIELD CITY CENTRE
Legend Civic
Key Routes
Learning Making Distribution Well-being Wetlands
The Civic Route addresses the pace of movement on the A61 and aims to celebrate the surrounding civic infrastructure.
The Distribution route re-connects the Wicker to surrounding communities and educational institutions. This promotes the distribution of new interventions and education from the Wicker across the city.
The Learning Route aims to integrate a number of green spaces that connect through to Victoria Quays.
The Well-being Route aims to improve connections between the public and biodiversity along the river’s edge. It also aims to offer the public opportunities to participate in sports and recreational activates.
The Making Route aims to bring vibrancy back to the Wicker by celebrating the industrial period which is part of the areas heritage.
The Wetlands aim to reduce the chance of flooding whilst providing a new soft edge to the Wicker along the A61.
Studio Strategy: Establishing Key Routes
Based on the group strategy, the building is positioned at the intersection of various essential routes, thus having the advantage of being at the heart of campus.
Final Campus Strategy
Personal Manifesto: Making higher education inclusive & accessible for all, by designing and developing learner-centered & techologically supported pedagogical models. The small-scale intervention includes technologically enhanced dynamic pods that can be easily dismantled, loaded onto a truck & transported globally to deprived regions.
Collating Current & Futuristic Models within the Space-Technology-Pedgogy Continuum
The Hive, NTU, Singapore SPACE
Mansueto Library, Chicago TECHNOLOGY
HBX Live, Harvard Business School PEDAGOGY
Fun Palace - Cedric Price Factory 2050, Sheffield
The Shed, New York
Precedents The initial research included an in-depth study of the current trends in the ever-evolving ‘SpaceTechnology-Pedagogy’ continuum, whilst investigating the potential for dynamic architectural assembly & disassembly. Illustration by Josan Gonsalez Illustration by Sam Chivers
What Learning Environments might look like in the near future?
Site: The project proposes to regenerate the urban site whilst choosing to preserve the historic character and activity of the Wicker streetscape.
Relocated
Concept Plan & Section
Latitudinal Section
Design Development The concept design consists of fixed spaces on the top, creating a roof over a mobile gantry; with movable spaces below. This helps reduce the scale of the building and allows light through, to the spaces below.
Longitudinal Section
Collaborative Learning
Lectures and Live Seminars
Learning from Experts via Global Connectivity Remote e-Learning
Research Individual Learning
Technology-Assisted Teaching & Manufacturing V.R. & A.R. Booths Software Analytics
Collaborative Express Laboratories Formal Education Methods
Experience Centre
Social & Spill-out Spaces
Public Engagement
Conceptual Zoning & Massing Study
Dynamic CLT Pod Details
The Centre strategically plugs into the campus strategy with a strong focus on renewable energy and local production of food and clean filtered water.
Materiality & Ease of Construction/Deconstruction The potential for easy dynamic architectural assembly and disassembly helps preserve the building’s embodied carbon for re-cycling
Steel Framework Aluminium Clad CLT Panels
Polycarbonate Roof
Easily Disassembled Into Simple Elements
Extensively Re-cycled or Re-used Materials Embodied Carbon of Building Is Not Waste
Easily Detachable Structural Steel Assembly
Ground Level Plan:
First Level Plan:
1 . Entrance Foyer 2. Exhibition Area & Experience Centre 3. Collaborate & Innovate 4. Circulation Core 5. Cafeteria 6. Casual Outdoor Space 7. Toilets 8. Multipurpose Space 9. Courtyard 10. Flexible Collaboration Pod 11. Bicycle and Lorry Parking
1. Self-Study Carrels Pod 2. Technologically Enhanced Open Classroom 3. Analytics Pod 4. Toilets 5. Express Workshop 6. Virtual Reality Pod 7. Circulation Core 8. Administration 9. Fire Escape
Ground Level Plan
First Level Plan
Third Level Plan: 1. Faculty Area 2. Fire Escape 3. Research 4. Help Desk & Waiting Area 5. Circulation Core 6. Live Lecture Room 7. Flexible Multipurpose Area 8. Flexible Collaboration Area 9. Casual Stepped Auditorium 10. Curtain Partition 11. Toilets 12. B.Y.O.D. Digital Library
Spill-over Corridor Overlooking the Open Amphitheatre
Ground Level Performing as a Visually, Physically & Educationally Barrier-Free Space
Third Level Plan The Centre as Viewed from the Neighbouring Public Square
CENTRE TO alleviate urban loneliness [caul] M.Arch [RIBA II] Year 6; thesis [PROGRAM] [SITE] [MENTOR] [STUDIO]
Embracing Nature to Alleviate Urban Loneliness Thamesmead, London, UK Wai Piuey Wong Urban Ecologies
Thamesmead is often described as a 1960’s ‘utopian turned dystopian’ vision comprising of concrete towers, man-made lakes and elevated walkways, alongside issues of poor connectivity to Central London; high risk of flooding; high-levels of deprivation, crime and migrant population. Being a part of ‘Studio Urban Ecologies’, with a particular focus on ‘Regenerative Design’, the thesis investigates the ubiquitous issue of urban loneliness, prevalent on the site and more generally throughout the UK, through a lens of Social Regeneration. Moreover, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated the issue of urban loneliness to an all-time high. We also find ourselves in a climate emergency, with the entire world now realising the overriding role played by nature in maintaining harmony on Earth.
Men’s Shed Flea Market ‘She’ Shed
Pop-Up Cafe
The Social Caravan
Lesnes Abbey Wood
The Solitude Log North Thamesmead
N
In response to the recondite effects that loneliness has on our mental and physical well-being, can we question how nature, particularly through regenerative design, can bring people together in more meaningful ways? Peabody, the renowned housing association in the UK, has an ambitious regeneration scheme for Thamesmead over the next 30 years. However, there are severe concerns regarding the mental well-being of the current as well as new residents that this new scheme would attract. Various reports suggested a high percentage of people feeling lonely “occasionally” or “almost all time” in the both the Boroughs between which Thamesmead is situated. The main Centre, located strategically in the lap of nature & heart of Thamesmead, acts as a facilitator for programs that are ‘Preventative’, ‘Responsive’, and ‘Restorative’ in nature, to help alleviate the feeling of loneliness. Simultaneously, the thesis also schematically proposes a few small-scale interventions strategically located in unused courtyards, abandoned community centres and lesser utililised pathways, which brings people together and eradicates the issue at the grassroot level. The entire scheme would work in partnership with the exisiting community spaces within Thamesmead thus forming a strong network of shared interests.
Pop-Up Theatre
The Solitude Booth
Main Hub: Centre to Alleviate Urban Loneliness [CAUL]
Community Allotments
“What does it feel like to be lonely? I can tell you exactly, it’s like being in a bubble and you want to get out but you just can’t, you try and you can’t do it, you just can’t get out.”
Studio Theme: Regenerative Design While we are in the midst of climate change, resource scarcity and biodiversity loss, we must realise that ‘being less harmful’ will not suffice. There is a dire need to move beyond sustainability towards regenerative design as we try and blur boundaries between the built and the natural and between humans and animals. Regenerative design aims to design for all species whilst ‘respecting planetary boundaries’ and using ‘science-based targets’ as common ground to help nature not only survive but thrive.
The Loneliness Times
In the UK, 75% of GP’s daily see between one to five people only because they are feeling lonely. England with 45% adults [over 25 million people] feeling lonely occasionally, and 18% [over 9 million people] feeling the same ‘often’ or ‘always’. Economically, loneliness costs UK employers £2.5 billion per year while physically it is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day!
Nature-centric solutions to tackle Climate Emergency
Impact of COVID-19: Research suggests that with the restrictions on social contact, loneliness levels have increased to an all-time high with a subsequent increase in self-harm, mood disorders and suicides whilst aggravating pre-existing mental health conditions. According to a survey of adults in the UK that took place during lockdown one in four people said they were feeling lonely. Since lockdown, young adults are almost three times more likely to experience loneliness, with almost half of them feeling this way.
How often do you feel isolated from others?
How often do you feel left out? Loneliness
Transitioning from Conventional to Regenerative Design
Isolation
Social isolation can increase the risk of loneliness
subjective experience due to quantitative and qualitative deficits in a person’s social relationships
is the quantitatively diminshed social network of a person and is a measurable entity
more social contact does not necessarily reduce loneliness
How often do you feel that you lack companionship?
Loneliness as experienced in the UK during COVID-19
Social
Emotional
Existential
Solitude
Absence of social connections and dissatisfaction with quality of relationships
Absence or loss of being recognised and ‘belong’ to someone
An aspect of human conditioning which expresses the separateness from others
voluntary aloneness associated with rest, self-discovery, relaxation, escapism and happiness
Environment
Economic
Distinguishing between Loneliness, Isolation & Solitude
Social Social
Socio-cultural norms, work-life balance, communities, digital age, stigma, political landscape, financial hardships
Economic
Environment
Social & Ecological Elements of Regenerative Design
Regenerative Design Approach
Social activities, transport, safety, funding cuts and statutory services Family, friends, colleagues
London Borough of Barking & Degenham
Sense of self, health, energy, income, emotions, confidence, perceptions
Prevalence of Loneliness % as per Age Group during COVID-19
Loneliness drivers and connection barriers
London Borough of Newham
Underlying Factors
Life Events & Triggers A change in balance between the relationships we have or those we pursue to have
They shape our expectations & needs for the relationship
Studio Location Thamesmead
London Borough of Bexley
Royal Borough of Greenwich
Lesnes Abbey Wood
Studio Urban Ecologies is situated in Thamesmead & Lesnes Abbey Woods in the south-east part of London. Thamesmead straddles on the borders between the London Borough of Bexley and the Royal Borough of Greenwich. While Lesnes Abbey Woods serves as a reminder of nature’s ability to restore and regenerate itself, Thamesmead showcases a utopian vision that turned into a dystopian future but is still lucky enough to currently undergo a massive reinvention.
Eg:
Identity & Personality
Socio-cultural influences
Eg:
Shifting to a new place
Losing your job
Losing a loved one
Situations
Personal Thoughts & Feelings How one sees their situation & intensity of feelings
Eg:
Is there a problem with me?
Is it under my control?
Will it last forever?
Understanding Factors that Trigger Loneliness
Experiences of Loneliness
The Loneliness Times [COVID Edition]
Health Acute or chronic health concerns preventing individuals from engaging or maintaining social connections. Difficulty to engage in hobbies due to lack of energy or time.
Empty-nesters
Disabled People
Solo Dwellers
Divorced
Millie, 37 years
Elizabeth, 63 years
Millie really struggled when she came to Thamesmead. She was lost and isolated. Such a huge city, not like back home where it was small and everyone knew each other, talked and the community was small and closely knit. She hates going back and closing the door only to her bedsit. The loneliness makes her very sad and depressed and it is very hard. Moreover, she is so worried about the future and is ashamed to say she can’t afford it when pals invite her out; they of course say they’ll cover it, but she does not like people paying for her and makes other excuses like ‘it’s not safe enough.’
Elizabeth has long term physical and mental medical conditions which have to be monitored constantly. She often feels as though she’s in a black pit and there’s no light and she’s struggling; “you want to get out but you can’t get out.” There are days when she is in bed all day and lacks motivation to even cook. Due to this, at times she doesn’t even feel hungry and needs someone to remind her to eat.
Income Inability to connect due to economic status including poverty & financial instability, making it difficult to rationalise spending on formal or informal social activities.
Energy
Anna, 20 years
Difficulty to connect in meaningful ways due to the draining demands of work, errands, childcare, care for partner, etc.
After both their children left the house for studies in another country, the blank canvas of each day was particularly jarring for John & Emma. They now have a lot of free time that needs to be filled. The daily experiences range from ruminations and worries about all the things which they had been too distracted by work or childcare. Everyday lacks a structure and purpose for the couple.
Confidence Lack of self-confidence as a barrier for social connections. Can be due to reasons like divorce/separation, bullying, retirement, negative experiences during dialogue.
Christopher, 16 years
Caregivers
Recently, due to medical complications, Thomas paralysed the left side of his body. This has really taken a toll on his physical and mental wellbeing. He considers himself to be an inconveience for others; and that there isn’t a great deal for disabled people to do unless one is willing to pay, but being on benefits with no spare money, they are off limits to him.
Health Issues
Recently Bereaved
Olive’s husband passed away in a car accident. After his death, she really didn’t expect routine to be as hard to set as it has been. She thought she would be surrounded by more supportive people which would prevent the loneliness from creeping in and keep her mind distracted. But by the time she could connect with others, most people had moved on with their own lives.
John & Emma, 47 years Senior Citizens
Thomas, 28 years
Difficulty in reconciling ‘who am I?’ with ‘who I used to be?’ due to changes in lifestyle, abilities and habits.
Disabled
Young New Mom
Sense of Self Olive, 32 years
58% refugees and migrants in London describe loneliness as their biggest challenge
Changed Habits Transitional moments in life that disrupt regular habits and thus take away opportunities to connect. Sometimes being alone becomes habitual, further leading away from opportunities to engage.
Christopher recently got beaten up in school with his face badly swollen for 3 days. Not being an English native but rather having an Asian origin, many other students abuse him and call him names. He tried to get used to it, but sometimes you just cannot accept it and he tried to object it but even his teachers tell him “to get used to it and learn to walk away from these things as you might have to face it on a daily basis further ahead in life.”
Emotions The feeling of being an “unduly burden, bothersome or inconvenience”, for friends or family members, leading to loneliness.
LGBTQ+
Loneliness by the Numbers
Loneliness increases the risk of premature death by 30% and is as dangerous as obesity & heavy smoking
Lonely people are 39% more prone to severe cold
Adam finds it quite hard to talk to people about feeling lonely after his divorce. He doesn’t like to sound like he’s being sorry for himself or silly talking to others about it. Adam believes that for a guy it’s more difficult to talk about feeling lonely. He has good friends who would all listen but it’s probably not something that he’s comfortable speaking about. Sitting for 20 minutes in a conversation with friends and Adam thinks he’s alright, but actually he hasn’t spoken in all that time; he’s surely listening but certainly not participating and is simply lost.
Anna realised she was gay when she was a young teenager. In particular instances, she remembers feeling terribly left out when all her other friends were straight and in stable relationships. Her biggest challenge was to accept that she is different and somewhat separated from the majority. She has still hidden her authentic self from her family and friends which leads to frequent episodes of feeling terribly lonely.
Jasmine, 71 years
COVID-19 Impact
Loneliness increases the risk of stroke by 32% and coronary heart diseases by 29%
Loneliness and poor social connections are as damaging as smoking 15 cigarrettes a day
Migrant
9 million+ adults in the UK are always or often feeling lonely
75% GP’s see between 1 to 5 visits daily from people who are feeling lonely
Bullied / Abused
Disconnected communities cost £32 billion per year to the UK economy
Adam, 38 years
Individual-level Drivers of Loneliness
Holly, 21 years Holly complains of no ‘me space’. She always feels tired and drained, especially with the child; juggling work and hobbies, with the child’s needs, homework and activities. Once she took her child to a play group and all the mums were a lot older and quite cliquey so she never went back. She always felt they looked down on her and this lead to conversations being very brief.”
Jasmine’s husband passed away at the start of 2020 and was finding herself adjusting to living alone when the pandemic started. She is semi-retired and, prior to the pandemic, worked two night shifts a week in her local supermarket. However, when the advice to shield was issued, her employer put her on paid leave because she is aged over 70. Even though she had only been working for two nights a week, Jasmine missed the routine and the social contact with colleagues she had on her shifts. She doesn’t feel she is close enough to them to contact them outside of work. She also lives in a very secluded area and feels very isolated from any neighbours whom she might be able to stop and chat to.
Note: Pseudo-names and ages of participant statements from various loneliness reports have been para-phrased to form this narrative.
Types of Spaces & Programmes Migrants & Refugees
Young Adults
Preventative Support to help potential ‘risk’ points for loneliness. Provides immediate available support when things are ‘getting tough’.
Responsive
Restorative
Support at crucial moments of transition caused by potentially traumatic events. Can help an individual cope better & tackle loneliness from creeping in.
Services and support that helps in getting out of an established habit of disconnection. Comparatively more intensive and personalised support. Can range from intense confidence building to merely a nudge in the right direction.
Signposting available if they do not perceive their issue as ‘serious’, ‘real’, ‘critical’.
LGBTQ+
Groups Most Vulnerable to Experience Loneliness
Building a Narrative to Understand Specific Spatial & Programmatic Requirements
Reasons for High Levels of Loneliness in Thamesmead Thamesmead faces significant challenges in terms of access to high-income jobs, health deprivation, a disjoint open-space network, a characterless town centre, poor transportation links and a diverse neighbourhood with a lack of community cohesion. It straddles on the borders between two boroughs which makes it a complex area to deal with in cohesion. Connectivity between residential areas in the city is a key aspect and research shows that isolated housing is a major contributor to aggravating loneliness in cities. Thamesmead is one such area with extremely poor transportation links to other regions of London.
Mapping residents aged 18-64 living solo in single households [Source: UCL]
River Thames
Very High Risk High Risk Medium Risk
Thamesmead Moorings
Thamesmead East
Low Risk
Belvedere Abbey Wood
London Borough of Greenwich London Borough of Bexley
Risk of loneliness within neighbourhoods for those aged 65+
Architecturally too, Thamesmead is designed in a way that leaves no chance for informal connections to take place. For instance, there are upto 15 pathways to approach one’s house. It was designed with the intention to increase the spaces in which people could ‘run into’ neighbours but paradoxically due to so many entrances and exits, one never runs into anybody. Due to the lack of community cohesion, the presence of various ethnic groups in the area, a factor that should be celebrated, has also led to people feeling lonely and isolated.
Mapping the different ethnic groups in Thamesmead & Lesnes Abbey Wood
Collage showing loneliness as experienced in Thamesmead
Government Initiatives
Private Initiatives
LGBTQ+
Local Organisations
World’s 1st Minister for Loneliness
Elderly
13 Partner Organisations
Christian Charity
Private Initiatives
Young Women
+
The government and various other organisations in the UK are working towards strategies and interventions to alleviate loneliness from the community. While some organisations work specifically with certain age-groups or communities, many others do not have any such crietria and are open for all.
Collaborate
eg: Site residents feeling lonely can participate in their in-person or virtual events; Connect lonely people to their targetted audience
+1 Partner Organisation
Funding
Centre to Alleviate Urban Loneliness
Phase-1 Scheme; 11,500+ New Homes
Social Prescription
eg: Participate in events hosted; plug-into nature based interventions and community action on site
Regenerative Design
The Centre plugs-into the existing network and works in collaboration with these national and local bodies striving to achieve the same goal. The aim is to create a hub in the heart of Thamesmead which acts as a welcoming
retreat and alleviates the feeling of loneliness. The Centre gives the local people emotional and social support when they need it, without the need for a referral or an appointment.
experiencing loneliness somewhere to seek practical,
Positioning the Thesis with Probable Sources of Funding & Plugging-into Existing Collaborative Networks
Self Management Techniques
Peer Support & Befriending
Community & Activity based Interventions
Providing Supportive Framework
Technology based Interventions
The building should give the users a sense of being in an embraced and protected environment while establishing a close
relationship with nature and maximizing visual connectivity at all levels. Through a programmatic hierarchy of key spaces that are adaptable and human-scaled, the users must feel at peace and comfortable anywhere in the building, giving them ownership rather than the sense of being mere visitors. The design should be conceived to make the building accessible, homely, social, friendly and it must incorporate a layout that is open with varying
Designed Spaces
degrees of intimate spaces. Considering the vast number of elderly and infants that will be using the Center, the building’s form and circulation must not be very complex.
Areas with high no. of single Households
Small-scale interventions
Small-scale interventions
Animal Assisted Interventions
Loneliness Risk Level Maps
Peabody’s 20,000 new homes
The interplay between the outside and the inside, the built and the natural environment is important. Loneliness paralyses you, locks you in and makes you want to curl up and withdraw. The structure must not be like a fortress with the drawbridge drawn up. Instead, whilst providing shelter to the user, the building should be open to the outside world and encourage one to look out. The Centre must coax people out of their feeling of isolation and help them feel less locked in by designing spaces that makes it easy for people to talk to each other and
feel less alone. The building should be a facilitator for innovative programs, informal “bumping into” meetings and must prioritise inclusivity. There must also be design consideration for the degree to which people want to be
Men’s Shed
Main Site
Flea Market Pop-Up Cafe
She Shed
The Social Caravan
Proximity to Natural Ecosystems
Accessibility
Lesnes Abbey Wood
The Solitude Log North Thamesmead
N
The Solitude Booth Community Allotments Main Hub The Loneliness Lab Pop-Up Theatre
Borough Divisions
Proximity to community spaces
private, perhaps offer them corners to tuck up in with a book, but also places where they can just sit and watch others, but not necessarily join in.
Design Manifesto Brief
Existing Temporary Library Building
Ringway 2
[connecting to Central London & other major highways]
Direct Access to Southmere Lake
‘Lakeside’: Artists Hub
[soon to be demolished]
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Lake Regeneration in process
Southmere Lake
N Pedestrian Bridge Connecting to North Thamesmead
Performing Arts Centre & Gymnasium
Existing Trees on the site
Peabody’s Redevelopment Scheme [currently under construction]
The Lakeside Centre
Jixartcomics [Art Gallery]
[Artist Workspaces; Halls; Cafe; Enterprise Kitchen; Childrens Nursery ]
The main building performs as a super-charged community space that acts a facilitator for specific programmes proven to alleviate loneliness. The building is located centrally in the best natural ecosystem in Thamesmead but still finely isolated.
Design Development
Southmere Lake [Regenerative Design]
The main structural material is Glue-laminated Timber forming the framework for the building through a network of beams and columns. Two cross-laminated Timber circulation cores are also an integral part of the structural strategy with their excellent load-bearing capacity. Level 3, 4, 5: Pet Cafe, Therapy Rooms & Reading Club
The Link Thamesmead [Community Hub; Youth Centre; Performance & Event Venue] [Mainly for Young People]
Activities: singing, acting, dancing, fitness gym with a range of classes, motorcycle workshops, music studio sessions.
Green Roof
Opportunities: training, volunteering, work experience, advice and guidance, workshops, and accredited courses.
Theatre Street [Performance Arts] &
Level 2: Co-working Space, Support Group Room, Spiritual Room, Games Room & Community Kitchen
London College of Performing Arts [Performance Arts]
Glue-Laminated Timber Structural Framework Pergolas
The Archway Project
[NGO; Social Enterprise; Educational Workshops & Recreational Activities; Motor Maintenance]
Vinechurch
[Religious Organisation]
&
Thamesmead Gym [Gymnasium]
Community Allotments distributed throughout the building
Services & Storage Area
Level 1: Performance Space, Flexible Rooms, Creche, Thamesmead Living Room, Cafeteria, Third Spaces Glue-Laminated Timber Structural Framework
Elevation Highlighting the Existing Programmes Below the Bridge
Massing Model
Exploded Axonometric Showing the Structural Strategy
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Ground Level Plan 1] 2] 3] 4] 5] 6] 7] 8] 9]
Bike Storage & Services Flexible Performance Space Dressing Room Courtyard Distributed Community Allotments Perforated Green Wall Thamesmead Living Room Social Prescription Zone Toilet Block
10] 11] 12] 13] 14] 15]
Canteen Creche Reception De-Stigmatisation Exhibition Space Administration Main Entrance Area
First Level Plan 1] 2] 3] 4] 5] 6] 7]
Multi-player Indoor Games Community Kitchen & Dining Outdoor Community Dining Distributed Community Allotments Support Group Meeting Room Spiritual/Meditation Space Prop Storage & Services
100mm; Light Substrate for Extensive Vegetation 30mm; Moisture Retention Mat 10mm; Drainage Mat Root - Proof Membrane 80mm; Extruded Rigid Foam Thermal Insulation Bituminous Sheet as backup 100mm Re-inforced Concrete Recycled 6mm Translucent Tri-wall Corrugated Polycarbonate Sheet 260mm Hemp Thermal Insulation 300x300mm Glulam Beam Vapour Retarder 12mm OSB 40mm Ventilated Cavity 160mm Thermal Insulation
3
Green Roof Detail
5
Double-Glazing in Aluminium Frame
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4
27mm Tri-board Timber panel
130mm CLT Wall element
1
78mm CLT Wall element Vapour Retarder
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80mm Thermal Insulation
Waterproofing membrane 300x300 mm Glulam Timber Column
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5mm Aluminium Cover Strip 16mm Corrugated high performance Fibre-reinforced Precast Concrete adhesive fixed to Aluminium sections
Detail showing the Glulam Column & CLT Junction for Spaces that Require Privacy
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Recycled 6mm Translucent Tri-wall Corrugated Polycarbonate Sheet
Detail showing the Glulam Column Junction with the Fibre-Reinforced Precast Corrugated Concrete
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500x500 mm Glulam Timber Beam
40x70 mm Battens 175x75 mm Rails
Recycled 6mm Translucent Tri-wall Corrugated Polycarbonate Sheet
Single Glazing in Aluminium Frame 78mm CLT Wall element
Third Level Plan 27mm Tri-board Timber panel
1] Spill-out Solitude Space 2] Reception & Waiting Area 3] Services/Pantry 4] Co-working Space 5] Outdoor Working Spaces 6] Collaborative Working Room 7] Distributed Community Allotments 8] Flexible Terrace for Events 9] Training Room 10] Animal-Assisted Therapy Cafe 11] Bird Houses & Feeding Area
50mm Concrete Slabs Compacted filling layer Geotextile Membrane
Layer of Sand
Footings [some to be reused from old Library’s Foundation]
Detail Section Through the Double-height Foyer Space leading to the Performance Space
Longitudinal Section
Latitudinal Section
Axonometric View
C.A.U.L. as viewed from Harrow Manorway
View of the Main Entrance Area Showing the Allotments, Courtyard & ‘Thamesmead Living Room’
View of the Courtyard as the Centre’s Focal Point, Facing Southmere Lake
View of the Co-working Space, Passageway & Scattered Allotments with the Pergola Canopy
INEQUALITY IN ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION IN INDIA M.Arch [RIBA II] Year 5 & 6; DISSERTATION [ABOUT] [SITE] [MENTOR]
Research Study on Causes of Disparities, it’s Implications & How can the Situation be Improved India Prof. Satwinder Samra
This dissertation aims to understand the current crisis and inequalities that exist within architectural education in India. By analyzing the underlying issues at both, the macro and micro levels, the objective is to explicitly portray domains within architectural education in India where inequalities are most prominent. The concluding chapter briefly speaks about certain modifications that can be undertaken to tackle the current crisis and bring the student experiences at par. The research was a mixture of a methodological approach of qualitative exploration of the issue coupled with a questionnaire sent out to participants. The topic required multiple perspectives to be considered due to the vast complexities of the field, along with statistics and data analysis of the schools of architecture. Qualitative research methodology, with initial desk-based research followed by a subjective questionnaire, provided this holistic approach. Detailed analysis of geographical location, type of dominion, tuition fees, infrastructure and year of establishment of schools was conducted. This data was then converted into maps and graphs. Reports and models currently existent in the UK, which could be incorporated within architectural education in India, were explored as a part of the final chapter. Based on my personal experience coupled with the responses to the questionnaire by students and recent graduates, the key emerging sectors within architectural education where the inequality was most prevalent were: Status of the Institutions, Faculty, Curriculum, Access to Resources, Fees, and Course-related Stress. In India, 1% of the total population holds more than four times the wealth of 953 million people, which comprises the bottom 70%. In such a country, where the ratio of financial inequality is constantly rising, mine was a relatively privileged experience and it is through this experience that I have realised that there are other, substandard educational journeys which prompted me to write this dissertation as a greater inquiry into this subject.
URBAN ARCHITECTURE IN GROWING CITIES UNDERGRADUATE DESIGN DISSERTATION [PROGRAM] [SITE] [MENTOR]
Commuting Students Resource Centre A.V.Road, Anand, India Dr. Kaiwan Mehta
This thesis is a study of understanding the evolution of a town into a city through Anand region in Gujarat, India. It is about urban development in places that are not metropolises and are undergoing directionless, haphazard development. The question of its direction and scope are the problems. These small towns/cities have very less guidelines because they do not have pressure or pressure of development is weird. Sprouting instances of people’s aspirations to become a big, organised metropolis by pulling up these elements of modernisation along major roads, but the entire city is not becoming a metropolis. Development here would now depend on the current needs and by understanding what is not needed. The area studied was Anand City, The Milk Capital of India, as it is facing these typical problems. It was more interesting to look at Anand along with the Education Hub of Gujarat (Vallabh Vidyanagar) and Vitthal Udyognagar, an industrial area. All three areas are in close proximity causing different challenges for urban growth. A Pattern Language, The Battle for the Life & Beauty of the Earth, Extreme Urbanism 2 & 3, The City Transformed & Great Streets were used as references for an in-depth study. The site is located along the Anand-Vidyanagar Road. The programs are mainly student oriented, focusing mainly on the daily commuting students which are thirty-thousand plus in number.
1:500 Scale Massing Model
The Milk Capital of India (Anand) along with the Education Hub of Gujarat (Vallabh Vidyanagar) and an Industrial area (Vitthal Udyognagar) were all studied as inter-dependent urban areas. The regions fall within the scope of AVKUDA (Anand-Vidyanagar-Karamsad Development Authority). An extensive urban study was undertaken to understand the causes and challenges faced by the region.
Anand City
Vallabh Vidyanagar
Vitthal Udyognagar
Highlights of the Urban Agglomeration: Anand, Vallabh Vidyanagar & Vitthal Udyognagar
The region experiences certain peculiar characteristics due to which urban growth in similar regions in India is so directionless and haphazard. NRI investment of surplus, sprouting instatnces of peoples aspirations to become a metrolpolis, floating populations, presence of major industries, proximity to megapolises and economy are some such factors to name.
0
0.5
1
2
3.5 (kms)
Mapping Urban Growth Along Major Transportation Corridors
Land Use Plan
1a
1a 1b
Residential Commercial Institutional Open Area Site Selection
1b
Documentation of Anand-Vidyanagar Road: The Fastest Growing Area Undegoing Haphazard Development
The site was selected along the Anand-Vidyanagar Road because of various factors. - The road has the typical character of a town with the aspiration to be a modern city. - The development here is without proper guidelines and there is a big question regarding its direction and scope. - It connects three towns: Anand, Vidyanagar and Karamsad, all with really different characteristics. - It is the most integral part of the transportation corridor of Anand with 30,000+ daily commuters having their bus-stops and carpooling facilities here. - The road is the future of Commerce in Anand with land prices more than double here compared to other areas. All major banks, brands, shops and theatres are located here - The road becomes a hang-out space for students with the presence of 4000-5000 students at peak hours. - Effects of NRI investment of the surplus is seen highest along this road. - Location of major institutional buildings along this road like the Town Hall, BAPS Society and Gurukul.
Schematic Section
Informal architectural elements such as ramps, courtyards, staircases and landscaping are added to further enhance the publicness of the design. While the roof becomes a dynamic space to hold multi-disciplinary functions.
The street is given spill-over space as a gesture to maximise the informal spaces by pushing the mass outwards. Private open spaces are introduced to respond to the corresponding programs located within the structure.
The pedestrian street breaks the linearity to create smaller plots that are pushed back to create openness for the city. Strategically creating open spaces to maximize publicness of the structure by creating vantages.
Current Scenario
Proposed Scheme Reducing the scale of the entire vehicular street to a pedestrian street based on site context and architectural response to the University.
According to current development patterns, the selected site would typically be developed in a similar fashion.
Structures gradually transform from formal to informal, programatically, aiming at zoning along the road.
Concept & Design Strategy
Plan at +2.5m
Plan at +5.5m
Plan at +10.0m
Section B - B’
1:200 Scale Balsa Wood Model
Commuting Students Resource Centre: The programs are mainly student oriented, for the daily commuters which are thirty-thousand plus in number. Institutional programs include a Library, Study-Lounges with Workstations, Recreation Centre, Student Housing, Locker Roomsand Community Dining. Commercial programs include spaces for Book-Stores, Cafe and Eateries, Coaching classes, Stationeries, Retail shops and a Market. Public functions include a Bus-stop, Administration Office and an Open Public Space. View of the Pedestrian Street
View of the Hobby Centre
Section A - A’
Section C - C’
GHOST TOWNS: RETROFITTing jer mahal DESIGN STUDIO 7, YEAR IV [PROGRAM] [SITE] [MENTOR]
Art Gallery & Community Centre Jer Mahal, Mumbai, India Mr. Atrey Chhaya Mrs. Dipal Chhaya
The fourth year design studio started with documenting old, dilapidated buildings in South Mumbai. Structures that were studied in this part included Jer Mahal, Watsons Hotel, Rang Bhavan, Opera House, Kipling House, GangaJamuna Theatre. The studio comprised of three modules: a) Video depicting a fictional story related to the structure b) A single Drawing encapsulating the video c) Model phase to retrofit/plug-in Jer Mahal is a cluster of six ramshackled buildings enclosing each other, each having six stories of wide, open wooden balconies. A pair of arches open up onto two major roads. - In the video, Jer Mahal supposedly housed the headquarters for the Bombay Chapter of the Illuminati, an enlightenment-era society, very similar to the Bavarian Illuminati. Many paths taken by the protagonist, a detective, to reach the top of the structure are highlighted with missing elements being his major clue. - The drawing conceptually shows the six buildings of Jer Mahal flattened into 2D to amalgamate plans, sections and perspective sketches. - The model phase started with trying to volumetrically achieve the paths taken where the missing elements became connectors, broken slabs became double height spaces and the chowk became light shafts.
The drawing shows conceptually the six-storeyed six buildings of Jer Mahal, flattened, to create a mixture of Plans and Sections; where the colours determine the differen paths taken by the protagonist. The sectional paths highlight quality of spaces sketched in perspective, thus making the drawing a flattened version of the complex in plan, section, elevation and perspective. There are various intersections of the paths but just one makes it to the top through the clue of missing elements.
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1.13
1.14
1.18
1.17
1.16
1.15
Ground Floor Plan 1.19
1.20
1.21
1.22
Section A-A’
Final Model Design Development
Section B-B’
malad’s coastline: AN URBAN INTERLACE URBAN Design studio, year IV [PROGRAM] [SITE] [MENTOR] [TEAM]
Suburban Sprawls; Ecological Urbanism Malad, Mumbai,India Mr. Atrey Chhaya Steven Cherian Sameera Kerkar Aeshna Prasad Kanai Shah Rivka Unadkat
Urban Developmetnt in Malad
Bombay’s coastline had a porous edge of mangroves marking a gradual descent of the ghats towards the sea and these are the qualities that we must revive and reinterpret. However today in Malad a clear division is seen between the built and green spaces. There’s a sense of a hard edge which did not exist previously. The transition is unsuccesful as it is extremely stark. Habitat destruction because of human encroachment has been one of the primary causes of mangrove loss. Malad is an example of mangrove destruction due to urbanization through the process of reclaiming land.
Ecological Importance of Mangroves
Mangroves provide a vast array of essential ecosystem services -- they are essential for flood protection and water quality maintenance, they serve as nursery habitats to countless species, and they help sustain our fisheries. They are also invaluable carbon sinks, and one of our strongest counterforces against climate change.
In the 2050s, the increase in the mean sea level along the Mumbai coast may be around 2cm and it would increase to around 4cm by 2100. Warmer nights, increased rainfall, decline in crop productivity and health issues also stare Maharashtra in the next 100 years. The city has to adapt to significantly to this rising sea level. The design challenges became easy to tackle through the technical guidance from various NGO’s in Mumbai especially The Godrej Mangroves Management Department.
Pixel Land Use Plan
Site Images
1.1
1.2
2.1
2.2
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5 Design Strategy:
Present Condition
Condition at 2 °C Warming
Condition at 4 °C Warming
Process Model
Pollution (2050)
Pollution (2100)
Moderate Carbon Cuts (2050)
Conceptual Section
The form comes from the core idea to revive the degrading ecology of the creek, keeping up with the current challenges like population growth and rising sea levels. Increasing the flora and fauna help create a multitude of ecologically dependent programs and in turn improving the general life conditions.
Moderate Carbon Cuts (2100)
Source: http://choices.climatecentral.org
Trenching Study for Mangrove Regeneration
Trench Section (High Tide)
Trench Section (Low Tide)
Mangrove Species in Malad Wetland Mangrove Ecology in Malad
Softening the Edge through Materiality
Trenching is one of the many methods used for mangrove regeneration. It entails water channels that are laid at 45 degrees on the terrain to ensure efficient water transport. They trenches vary in depth but average upto to 2 to 3m. They follow a certain fractal geometry and spread through the terrain.
Final Trenching Plan
The aim is to blend the built with the environment. Making sure it adapts to the rising sea level. The regrowth of the mangroves is promoted.Interweaving the two by blurring the boundary and softening the edge. Creating a hybrid environment which constitutes different programs from residential to commercial spaces integrated with several nature oriented programs to act as buffer spaces. The strategy gives way to a well interweaved locale & the residents an opportunity to engage and interact with nature. The plan strategy gives way to a well interlaced locale & the residents an opportunity to engage and interact well with nature.
Inter-weaving Programs to Create a Hybrid Environment
Master Plan
STRATEGising design THROUGH RESEARCH METHODOLOGies DESIGN STUDIO 8, Year IV [PROGRAM] [SITE] [MENTOR]
Regional Office for Food Safety & Standards Authority of India [FSSAI] B.K.C, Mumbai, India Mr. Milind Merchant
The fourth year design studio was an extensive research based project which adopted a different perspective on spatial design. The studio focused on studying the functioning & scope of one of the many issues under the purview of FSSAI (Food Safety & Standards Authority of India). The aim of the project was to develop an organisational strategy which would not only enable smooth functioning but also discard the currently existing loopholes at the level of Testing & Communication. The renowned Nestle Maggi Ban Case was taken up to understand which part of the regulatory system were the loopholes occuring. The research showed clearly problems at the level of testing and communication. Various case studies of organisational bodies dealing effectively with testing and communication were taken up, inferences of which, helped generate a strategy. The strategy was then applied to arrange various functions under the purview of FSSAI Mumbai Regional Office to be later arranged into an organisational conceptual structure, where Interface became the one-point stop for Data Collection and Data Dissipation and thus became the binding factor for all other programs to plug into it. These strategies combined were then deployed along with ancillary functions of FSSAI, through a diagrammatic understanding of functionality to arrive at a conceptual organisational structure. Maggi Ban Case-Study
Mapping Labs & Regional Offices
Loopholes at the Level of Testing & Communication
Case-Studies
Case Studies
Research on various organisational bodies dealing effectively with Testing and Communication helped generate a Design Strategy. The strategy deals with communication methodologies and organisational flow of information. There exists a gradation of quantum of filter from operations perspective to realise threat perception. There is a thread of information dissipation where the structure modifies itself everytime it is to deal with a threat. Thus who interacts with whom and when information moves through the Local, Regional and National level is all determined through the strategy. This component is combined with effective testing procedures at every stage and dissipating the results of the test through the communication organisational strategy.
Strategy For Effective Communication and Testing
Internal & External Communication
Organisational Strategy
After the Strategy for Effective Testing and Communication was established, an organisational strategy for the components of the Mumbai Regional Office was established. This included understanding the functions of the 5 major components of the FSSAI: Enforcement Department, Technical Officers, Legislation, Scientific Panel and Interface and their internal components. Based on their inter-relationships and the communication at the internal and external level, functional diagrams based on interactions was charted out. Interface being the ambigous component was taken up to be the binding factor and became the driving factor for the organisation of programs with all units attaching to it.
Interface as an Organisational Device
Interface being the organisational device becomes the circulation, program, definer of quality of organsation, extension of the laboratories, meeting rooms and seminar rooms. Defining the nature of interface could be programmatic or spatial integration. Data collection and data dissipation being a part of Interface, it becomes the only point for information exchange. It then acts like the binding factor between science and legislation. It becomes the place where information is shared, processed and given out. Based on these strategies, an organisational template for all the programs to be incorporated in the Mumbai Regional Office was charted out three-dimensionally.
Deployment of Strategy
Proposed Organisational Template
TRANSITION OF SCALE OF SPACE & SOUND Design studio 4, YEAR II [PROGRAM] [SITE] [MENTOR]
Concert Hall & Art Gallery Bhuleshwar, Mumbai. Mr. Atrey Chhaya
As one walks through the somewhat wide but still cluttered streets of Bhuleshwar, one comes across a lot of noise. Since this area is so dense the sources of noise also are too many. There are lanes, the by-lanes and then even narrower paths which lead out to some really quirky areas. The main sources of noise are the yelling vendors and the bargaining customers. Besides that a lot of vehicles trying to maneuver their way through hundreds of people keep honking. The last major source are the handcart pullers screaming to make way for their goods.
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3.1
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4.1
4.2
5.1
6.1
Study of Transition of Scale of Space
Despite all of this, if one takes a left from the main Panjrapol Junction and enters this narrow by-lane, it suddenly leads you to a magical world which is windy, green, open and noise-free. It is the Mumbai Panjrapol. A breathing space of Bhuleshwar where sick/injured animals are treated and housed. Cows, pigeons, rabbits, ducks, bulls and many more animals reside here and you get cut off from all the commotion. So, the study of transition of scale of space and sound transition was done in detail. Concept models where depths depicted the noise quantum was tried. But then it became important to look at these volumetrically as containment is a requirement. Various musical instruments and their functioning was studied to get a similar spatial and sound character. The bagpipe, was taken up for further study and mutated through design evolution to give the final design.
Customers Hand-cart pullers Animals Vehicles
Study of Sound Transition Through Space Transition
The initial process models were based on materiality and porosity and varying depths conceptually depicted magnitude of sound. The next step was to study sound volumetrically through musical instruments. This study incorporated change of scale of space too.
Design Development
Plan at +6.6m
Foundation Plan
Plan at +16.2m
Plan at +0.60m
Toilet Details
Canopy Details Section A-A’
Working Drawings
Cluster Redevelopment Design studio 6, YEAR III [PROGRAM] [SITE] [MENTOR]
Mixed Use Cluster Redevelopment JVPD, Mumbai,India Mr. Anand Pandit
The project started with extensive site study of JVPD and the adjoining Gauthan area. Gaothan is a portion of the village land which is ordinarily used for settlement. JVPD is an upmarket neighbourhood in Mumbai with the most expensive real estate in the suburbs. Having the best schools and colleges and also home to various celebrities and eminent personalities , JVPD is a very modern development in contrast to the Gaothans. During the site study, we students found the Gaothan area to be more appealing and captivating which led us to further investigate the pleasing character of the region. Through a series of conceptual sketches focusing on peculiar features of the Gaothan, the study went further into a direction of incorporating these into the high rises area of JVPD. The North-South Road 13 acts as a divide between the JVPD and the Gaothan area. On either side of this road, the physical characteristics and lifestyle of people is drastically different. JVPD has bungalows and high rises with just an apartment or two on each floor where people are just trapped in their homes; rely on vehicles of commuting, long avenues that make the road seem never ending; lack of public open spaces where interaction should happen at a daily level. Gaothans have low rise and high density buildings and the social life of people is always at a high. But both the regions are highly interdependent.
1:500 Scale Massing Model
Circular Plan Concept
Gauthan Area: Low Rise & High Density
Intmate Interactive Spaces
Nodes & Pockets
Sketches highlighting the most appealing spatial characteristics of the organically developed Gaothan area with some peculiar JVPD development features. These characteristics combined,became the motivation behind the design.
JVPD: Gridded, High Rise & High Density With Endless Avenues
Gaothan Area: Perception Of Happiness
Organic Nature Of Growth & Narrow By-Lanes
Breaking of Vision: Joyful Walk
The design aims at removing the divide and gradually merging the two areas. This would require many programs that would compliment the design process and a form that could suit the different lifestyles of the two communities at the same time giving each other their own space.
1.1
2.1
2.2
3.1
4.2
Final Part Model
The cluster redevelopment houses the Gaothan and the JVPD residents in the same complex with all important programs happening within the cluster itself.
4.1
Design Development
Ground Level Plan: Programs
Part Ground Level Plan
The design incorporates all the characteristics of the Gaothan and the JVPD Schemes. The higher floors house the JVPD residents; and the Gaothans, who have a special relationship with the ground, are housed in the radiating low-rise projections. All the buildings in the scheme are connected through a ribbon-like bridge running throughout the scheme which can also be used for recreational purposes like cycling and jogging. The design scheme gives rise to small nodes and pockets along with open green spaces which promote interaction amongst the residents. Shaded pathways with twists and turns throughout the scheme provide vision breaks making the journey through the scheme a joyful walk rather than a tiring, boring excercise. The circular form of the higher storeys responds to the vantages like the sea, the church, long JVPD avenues lined with trees and the lively Dhobi Ghat.
View of the Public Space
The other programs within the cluster include commercial offices, a Club-House, Fire-Station, Supermarket, Restaurants, Art Gallery, Daily Utility Shops, Plant Nursery, Clinic and ample parking for vehicles in the basement.
Section B-B’
Section A-A’
Trovants: furniture installation advanced design workshop, YEAR II [PROGRAM] [SITE] [MENTOR] [TEAM]
Book Shelf Furniture BSSA, Mumbai, India Mr. Atrey Chhaya Aseem Ahmed Kanai Shah Salonee Shah
The second year design studio focused on structural and functional complexities found in non-living systems in nature. These include geological formations, rocks, minerals, salt, sand, quartz, ice etc. Complex systems are signified by two or more components that are distinct and intergrated. Systems in nature exhibit an inherent complex structure based on their process of formation. These systems react with dynamic environmental factors (such as heat, pressure, wind, water, light etc.) that cause the functional complexity so as to achieve a natural state of equilibrium. Trovants are stones found in Romania. These stones are dormant throughout the year, except for when it rains. A layer develops on the surface of the Trovants when it rains. Hence, this stone is called “the growing stone.” It is formed due to the compaction of the layers of porous sand over the years. Due to this compaction the porosity keeps on decreasing. Also, there is an intermixing of the layers of sand. Through a process extensive research and series of drawings and models we devised a dynamic installation. The end product was made from MDF and was used as a magazine shelf in the BSSA Library.
Exploded Drawing Simplified To The Basic Unit Of The Model
Installation at the BSSA Library
THE STONE HOUSE, JAIPUR PROFESSIONAL WORK [PROGRAM] [SITE] [FIRM] [AREA] [STATUS] [TEAM] [ROLE]
Residence Jaipur, India Malik Architecture, Mumbai 8000 sq. ft. Completed Arjun Malik, Kanai Shah, Payal Hundiwala Conceptualization, Model Making, Innovative Working Drawings, Presentation Drawings, Site Execution
Rajasthan is synonymous with stone as building material but sadly over the last few decades this material has been reduced to a ‘cladding‘ medium and its potential as a robust and sustainable structural element has not been exploited. The house in Jaipur presented us with an opportunity to explore this dying art that has been prevalent in traditional buildings for centuries. We laid out a simple brief: no material other than stone could be used for construction. This made us dive deeply into the art of ‘making’ with stone and the first sketches were the confluence of traditional knowledge blended with contemporary structural design. The method of load bearing traditionally relied on the impermeable thickness of walls. This was reengineered to develop a hollow interlocking structural wall system that created a more effective thermal break and provided space to integrate services within the wall cavity. Floor systems alternate between vaults and large single span stone pieces. Everything from lintels to door frames have been hewn out of stone blocks. The stone screens buffer the shaded spaces behind them and are adaptable based on the light and privacy requirements.
1:1 Stone Vault Detail & Stone Massing Model Presented at Malik Architecture Pavilion, World Build India Exhibition, 2017
The idea was to make the site read more like an archeological excavation than an active construction site, where the line between the ‘found’ and the ‘made’ is continuously blurred.
The house is arranged around a narrow courtyard that extends into even narrower slits and fissures as it weaves its way through the house. Everything from lintels to door frames have been hewn out of stone blocks.
Ground Floor Plan
Site Plan
Latitudinal Section
Longitudinal Section
South Elevation
Exploded Axonometric
The traditional method of load bearing relied on the thickness of walls. We re-engineered the traditional method to develop a hollow interlocking structural wall system to created more effective thermal breakage and provide space to integrate services within the wall cavity. Floor systems alternate between vaults and large single span stone pieces. Everything from lintels to door frames have been hewn out of stone blocks.
Cavity For Services
Vault Lintel on Ground Floor
Vault - Lintel Detail
Elevation Showing Color - Coded Fixed Stone Sizes for Construction
Siporex Filling M.S. Rod Vault Stone Slab
Stone Vault Detail
Stone Lintel Pelmet for Roller Blind Pelmet for Roll Down Mosquito Mesh and Operable Jaali
Stone Joinery Detail 1
Stone Joinery Detail 2
Construction of Structural Wall System with Cavity
Stone Blocks Arriving on Site
Construction of the Stone Vault
MEDIA COMPANY HQ’S PROFESSIONAL WORK [PROGRAM] [SITE] [FIRM] [AREA] [STATUS] [TEAM] [ROLE]
Commercial Kochi, Kerala, India Malik Architecture, Mumbai 40000 sq. ft. Under Construction Kamal Malik, Arjun Malik, Kanai Shah, Jay Jani, Neeti Kumar. Working Drawings, Material Selection, Presentation Drawings, 3D Rendering, Site Execution
The traditional architecture of a pluralistic and multicultural Kochi implies a sense of fragmented inhabitation amongst and below its dense trees. Courtyards, verandahs and streets provide climate responsive solutions to its social, economic and cultural life. As one of the largest media and communication companies in Kerala and now in Dubai is looking to consolidate its corporate structure in Kochi while maintaining local operations all over Kerala. The concept was to essentially translate the porosity of the traditional urban environment through a series of shaded verandahs and courtyards within the trees as differentiated public activities while lifting the dedicated work spaces in to the tree line. The ground is open to the public, articulated around a library, bookstore, cafe, incubation space and a 200 seater seminar hall sitting on the stepped kund referencing the waterfront and the ‘baoli’. Bricks from nearby kilns are the building block of the lower levels while the warehouse bridges on top provide deep verandahs below. The structure is a transformation of a multistory building into parts that address the scale and inhabitation of public spaces at the ground level and also suggests the possibility of blurring of the public-private barrier, essentially continuing the urban environment in to the private domain.
B
A
B’ A’
Ground Floor Plan
Exploded Axonometric
First Floor Plan
Latitudinal Section
Section A - A’ Showing the Gallery as a Floating Mass
Longitudinal Section
Section B - B’ Showing The Vaults and Skylight Joinery Detail
View from the South Entrance
South Elevation
View showing the Bookstore, Gallery & Cafeteria
East Elevation
Interior View of the Work-Space
THE HOUSE OF 3 STREAMS INTERNSHIP, YEAR V [PROGRAM] [SITE] [FIRM] [AREA] [STATUS] [TEAM]
[ROLE]
Residence Lonavala, India Malik Architecture, India 12245 sq. ft. Completed, 2017 Kamal Malik, Arjun Malik, Sundeep Sarangi, Kesha Talati, Suzzana Machado, Sidika Merchant, Kanai Shah Presentation Drawings, Site Execution & Supervision, Model Making
The topography of the land, the material memory of the surrounding forts, the light of the forest, and the deep water discharging ravines have created a dominant palimpsest of contextual parameters onto which the house has been woven. The resonance of the large load-bearing wall that traces the ridge between two ravines anchors the proposal and establishes itself as a “found” element, resonating the contours and material of the walls of the Tungi and Lohgad forts to the east and north of the site. As the site flows to Pawna lake, so too does the house, picking clearings within the trees to capture the views of the lake. Formal planning strategies are incapable of absorbing the radical flow of the land and water and everything from the spatial quality to the material language echoes the spirit of the site. The roof follows the topography of the perch points, tracing the path laid down by the hill; its language of fletched rafters and weathering zinc a natural foil to the robustness of the locally quarried basalt. Its contours reference the horizon and the hill. The deconstructed language of the tree-like structures that support the roof liberate the edges where shaded spaces and the forest merge.
Drone imagery showing the House with Pawna Lake and Tungi Fort in the background
1:100 Scale Model
Plan at +81.0m
Exploded Axonometric of the Deck
Plan at +94.0m
Section
Exploded Axonometric
MALIK ARCHITECTURE PAVILION; WORLD BUILD INDIA EXHIBITION INTERNSHIP, YEAR V [PROGRAM] [SITE] [TEAM] [ROLE]
Exhibition Pavilion Goregaon, Mumbai, India. Kanai Shah Salonee Shah Nidhi Upadhyaya Design, Layout, Working Drawings, Presentation Drawings, Site Execution, Model Making, Material Selection
The Malik Architecture Pavilion was showcased at the World Build India Exhibition in 2017, an initiative by ITEABEC, the proud owners of the world’s largest portfolio of build and design shows. Thirteen diverse projects including residences, hotels, institutional buildings, corporate offices and hospitals were exhibited in the 540 sq.ft. pavilion in a unique manner. The pavilion was awarded the ‘Best Designed Pavilion’. The design layout, working drawings, material selection, project drawings, display models, and site execution were prepared to follow a similar language and showcased.