Kanaka Thakker UD PORTFOLIO

DESIGN PORTFOLIO

KANAKA THAKKER

Name

Date of Birth

Nationality

Contact Information

Kanaka Thakker

13.10.1986

Indian

Email : thakkerkanaka@gmail.com

Contact Number : +44 7721 548616

Permanent Address : Thakker House, P.O. Box Number. 8, Vasco Da Gama, Goa-India 403 802

Education

Masters of Arts in Interior Architecture

University of Westminster

September 2022 - Present

Short Courses in Lighting design, Interior Decoration, & How to start an Interior Design business

University of Arts , London

June 2017 - August 2017

Masters of Arts in Housing and Urbanism, Architectural Association School of Architecture, London

September 2011- September 2012

Bachelors in Architecture (First Class)

Sinhgad College of Architecture, University of Pune, August 2004 - May 2009

Professional Experience

DESIGN KA:THA , Mumbai.

May 2017- Present. Principal Architect

L S RAHEJA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE , Mumbai.

May 2018- Jan 2020 . Visiting Faculty

RATAN. J. BATLIBOI - CPL , Mumbai.

May 2013- May 2015.

Urban designer

May 2015-May 2017

Project Head, Urban design

INTEGRID DESIGN , Pune

November 2009 - February 2011

Junior Architect

Research, Publications, Initiatives

India @ 70 : An appeal for the creative makeover of August Kranti Maidan and Azad Maidan by the art and science of placemaking. (Publication with Observer Research Foundation, Mumbai 2013)

Localised Tech Parklets: A concept for new urban commons

5th International Conference on Smart Cities & Green ICT Systems ( SMARTGREENS ) Rome 2016

IIT GANDHINAGAR

Shortlisted entry for design competition for proposed masterplan of student housing

Katta

Location : Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Date of participation : March 2017

Role: Urban Design Project Head, Ratan J Batliboi - CPL

‘distance’

‘length of time’

Poha/snack corners

Laundry

Constructive debates

Silence

Corner sit outs

On the way..

Repair

Lost in thought

Chance encounter

IIT-Gandhinagar Campus is currently under construction and has a student hostel requirement of 4200 units. After completing 1200 units (designed by HCP, Ahmedabad), IIT-G floated a competition for the next phase of 1200 units. The design brief required that the layout be based on the courtyard concept.

The design explores the concept of a typical courtyard, deriving a new flexible courtyard that encourages chance encounters, inculcating new social dynamics and tries to achieve a vibrant campus life. The design studies the morning and evening path taken by the students to the acadmic block and back, attempting to redefine it by value additions that will encourage social activities, creating a safe and secure campus without closed walls. The entry to be submitted was required to be strictly in grayscale.

Green buffer at building edge

Effective use of open space

Sit outs Trees on West and South facade

Trail options

ROUTE TAKEN AFTER CLASS

Library

Chemist & stationary shop

HOSTEL BUILDING

VIEW OF COURTYARD

NODAL COMMUNITY BUILDING (CANTEEN & DINING HALL)

VIEW OF ENTRANCE OF COURTYARD

VIEW OF AMPHITHEATRE

VIEW OF SPACE INBETWEEN BUILDINGS

Cycle parking

Bigger Windows on the Northern face

Deeper windows on the southern face

Windows that allow more North-Eastern light

Windows that allow for more Western & North-Western light

LAYOUT OF HOSTEL ROOMS THAT ARE PLANNED WITH CLIMATIC RESPONSE

1. NORTH FACING WINDOWS

2. SOUTH FACING WINDOWS

3. EAST FACING WINDOWS

4. WEST FACING WINDOWS

ROOM FOR SINGLE OCCUPANTS ROOM FOR THREE OCCUPANTS

VIEW OF HOSTEL BUILDINGS FROM AMPHITHEATRE

India @ 70

An appeal for the creative makeover of Azad Maidan

Publication as a part of RJB-CPL + Observer Research Foundation collaboration Location : Mumbai, Maharashtra

Date of completion: August 2014

Role: Urban Designer, Ratan J Batliboi - CPL

1. Political Party Complex and Press Club

2. Human Rights Courts Complex

3. Bombay Gymkhana

4. Municipal Offices

5. Maharashtra State Sports Association

6. Towards Churchgate Station

7. Cross Maidan

8. Towards CST station

Azad Maidan along with the adjacent Cross Maidan, Oval Maidan and Cooperage Grounds was once an unbroken expanse known as the Esplanade Grounds. Azad Maidan currently has 22 cricket pitches. Though quite popular among cricketers, the maidan does not offer basic amenities such as toilets, drinking water or adequate seating for players and spectators alike.

The protest space, made of bamboo sticks and a canvas canopy, is the most prominent one in Maharashtra and yet it has been cordoned off with metal sheets and fences offering no visibility.

Increasingly large parts of the maidan’s periphery have fallen victim to encroachment and land grabbing thus completely blocking the view of the maidan from outside.

The maidan also serves as an important thoroughfare from CST station towards Marine Lines and Churchgate stations and is used throughout the day by a multitude of people.

Pedestrian Movement

Concept for proposed mastersplan

The proposed vision is to establish Azad Maidan as the Sports Hub for Mumbai that brings cricket along with other sporting activities and playing areas closer to general public. The Master Plan shall re-imagine the edge of the Maidan with strategically located built forms between 2 loops; The Commuter Loop and the Sports Loop. This strategy eliminates the need for fences and shall restrict further encroachment of open spaces.

The master plan shall provide more space for other sports and two new parks that shall attract women, students and visitors of all age group to use the Maidan besides the cricketers. The Maidan shall be a 24 x 7 open space with adequate lighting, amenities and activate edges that shall provide security, safety and comfort to the users. The central portion of the Maidan preserves the heritage of cricket on site while the newly designed edges shall provide infrastructure for running, cycling, walking, kids play area and adult recreation zones etc.

LEGEND

1. Mumbai Gymkhana

2. Bombay Gymkhana

3. Freedom Plaza

4. Indoor Sports Facilities

5. Cricket Museum

6. New ENSA Enclave

7. Pavilions

8. Family Park

9. Peoples’ Oasis

10. Cricket Practicing Pitches

11. Athletic Track

12. Covered Thoroughfare

13. Protest Area

14. Mumbai Media Centre and Museum

PROPOSED MASTERPLAN FOR AZAD MAIDAN

USER GROUP ANALYSIS

RANKING OF ISSUES BY STAKEHOLDERS

Night Use

Shopping

Sports & Fitness

Recreational Activities

Maintenance & Upkeep

Weather Protection

Food & Beverage

Sanitation & Cleanliness

Safety & Security

Walkability & Connectivity

Pedestrian Commuters

Protestors

Cricketers

Residents in 1km radius

Mumbai Sports Association

Domestic & Foreign Tourists

Press Club

Local eateries & small businesses

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES AND AMENITIES

PROPOSED SECTION CC THROUGH FAMILY PARK

Given this history of the Maidan,the proposal aims to preserve the heritage of such peaceful demonstrations in Azad Maidan by providing the protestors a more visible area of protest, allowing the Maidan to be truly public in nature..

PROPOSED SECTION DD THROUGH FREEDOM PARK

The historic pavillions shall be redesigned along the edges of the Maidan with toilets, lockers and shower facilities. The roof of the pavillions shall have accessible seating for viewing matches played at the Maidan.

A new Mumbai Gymkhana at the northern apex of the Maidan shall be the new sports centre, open to all the citizens of Mumbai, that will provide world class infrastructure for a minimal fee.

03

Transforming the Lower

Lea Valley : Beyond the Large Plan

Location : London, UK

Date of completion: May 2012

Role: Group Design workshop, MA Housing and Urbanism,Architecture Association

School of Architecture, London

The Lower Lea Valley Design Workshop explores the question of ‘‘what is the aim of a large plan and who develops the extensive area of LLV?’’

The work starts by examining how the LLV is presently planned. Several master plans have been put forward for the area, with the Olympic Park as a prime example. The large plan can be an advantage when dealing with complex situations but it also confronts us with a set of problems. Vacant land of considerable size often leads to extensive interventions, the integration of complex financial players and the self interest of private investors. Waterfronts and shopping streets become ‘managed’ by business associations that impose their own identity to the site-in this case benefiting IKEA or the 2012 Olympics.

Also discussed on a large scale are different issues related to the complex effects of globalisation on the economy and society as London evolves from an industrial society to a service and knowledgebased one. The exercise raises the discussion on how to reinvest in knowlege; taking form as both investments that go beyond conventional educational institutions as well as new ways of clustering environments of different uses, work activities, leisure and individual living.

THE URBAN GRAIN OF LLV

The urban grain of LLV presents vast land littered with large structures fragmented by gaps in infrastructure and lack of link between areas.

LLV BETWEEN CENTRAL LONDON AND THAMES GATEWAY

Points of Intensity

Points of Intensity

Valley Conditions

Edge Conditions

VARIOUS BORDER CONDITIONS AT THE EDGES OF THE VALLEY AND THE INDUSTRIAL CHARACTER

SPATIAL FRAMEWORK

Through the spatial reading of the valley, a framework was set in order to create a base for analysis and implementation. The three main aspects of the LLV that directed the line of work were; the ‘Edge Conditions’, the ‘Valley’ condition, and the ‘Points of Intensity’. This spatial framework is used as the criterion for suitable interventions in the area.

On a smaller scale the book examines specific site potentials in LLV and its spatial characteristics such as porosity of edge conditions, interfaces, voids and points of intensity. Here the role of the topographical character of LLV is of particular importance- How the LLV possesses not only a landscape with a conventional scenic attraction but also how it has a unique morphology that consists of industrial roughness and large infra structural lines.

BIG OBJECTS VALLEY CONDITIONS

CONDITIONS

POINTS OF INTENSITY

EXISTING STRUCTURES

The Sugar Lane House strips are interesting in two ways: on one hand they are busy lines connecting two sides of the valley, providing effective and fast connectivity and linking existing communities; on the other hand the same infrastructural systems are challenging because they often only poorly connect to the LLV at the local scale.

Demonstrated by a range of interventions (Stratford Hill and the Idea Shed) the final design work suggests how topography can be used as a tool in re-generating LLV and how a range of issues would benefit from further site development. This would allow for the accessibility and movement between various strategic points in LLV. The friction of scales and programs provides for a quality of adaptable built space including innovative live-work typologies.

SUGAR LANE HOUSE STRIPS

INTERVENTION I

The Stratford Hill Strip:

The Stratford Hill Strip combines a mixed work/live environment with a special approach to both a waterfront and a busy High-Street. Making more permeable edges and enhancing interaction between communities. This intervention tries to materialise the drivers of landscape, and the threedimensionality of the Valley found in its infrastructure and extending to the geography of the Greenway. opography is used as a tool in the form of the plinth which acts as a mediator between different privacies and shaping a new, softer water’s edge. The surface of the Strip creates a new centrality where the urban meets the suburban.

1. UNDERPASS

2.STRATFORD HIGH STREET

3. WATER EDGE

4. LIVE WORK/ MIXED

INTERVENTION II

Characterized by an interconnected, organic, streamlined surface, this intervention houses inclusive spaces for purposes of leisure, education, and entertainment for the existing citizens. This intervention is named the Knowledge Playground with its emphasis on the creation of unique spaces for learning experience. This architectural intervention creates a sequence of inspiring, spontaneous spaces contrasted by rigid classrooms and structures.

2. NEW STRUCTURES IN SUBURBS

3. EXISTING STRUCTURES

1. INTENSIFICATION BY BRIDGES

The Idea Shed Strip:

The proposal re-states the main objective; the discussion of how to plan in LLV. The key in planning ‘large’ is to use a mixture of tools that can be applied to and cover the range of multiple scales. For this reason the Strips , with their surgical interventions and clearly defined projects that act as catalysts of change in the closed context could never stand alone. The successful plan attempts to combine both the effectiveness of an extensive and controlled master plan along with inputs from private real estate companies that can inject capital and additional inventiveness, all the while leaving room for flexibility and change. The final piece of work should therefore be viewed as a complementary plan that supports existing developments.

04

Retail Store,

Jaipur Diaries

Client: Siddhant Bharne, CEO Jaipur Diaries

Area: 520 SqFt

Location : Panaji, Goa

Date of completion: March 2020

Role: Principal Interior Designer, Design Ka:tha

Located in the capital city of Goa, the store Jaipur Diaries has a vibrant collection of indo-western clothing with ethnic Rajasthani prints, embroidery and weaves.

Taking a cue from the clothing line displayed at the store, the design incorporates traditional elements of Rajasthan’s rich architectural language like arches and ‘jharokhas’ whilst blending into its Goan context with a facade that is influenced by the Portuguese colonial arches from previous times.

Acclaimed fashion designer Sabyasachi’s Jamdani inspired bright yellow wallpaper adds splashes of vibrancy to the space. The rustic brass finish, that is vernacular to Rajasthani architecture, is combined with neutral colours for the wall and grey stone finish for the flooring

The circulation of the store is planned so as to optimise the viewing of the clothes on display.

1. Display Window

2. Cash Counter

3. Central Display and Jaipur arch

4. Trial Rooms

5. Toilet

MOODOARD

The existing column located right in the middle of the store is camouflaged to create a set of grand Rajasthani arches that act as a backdrop for the central display. The proportion of the arch was studied in detail to correctly replicate this architectural element.

FRONT ELEVATION OF CENTRAL ARCH

REAR ELEVATION OF CENTRAL ARCH

VIEW OF THE CENTRAL ARCH

(LEFT) PARTIAL VIEW OF CENTRAL ARCH

(TOP) VIEW OF SHELF DISPLAY AND CASH COUNTER

1. DISPLAY RACK ‘A’ 5’6’’H x 1’10’’L x 1’8’’D 12 Garments on display

2. DISPLAY RACK ‘B’ 5’6’’H x 3’6’’L x 1’8’’D 24 Garments on display

3. DISPLAY RACK ‘C’ 5’6’’H x 5’6’’L x 1’8’’D 36 Garments on display

4.DISPLAY RACK ‘D’ 5’6’’H x 3’10’’L x 1’8’’D 24 Garments on display

5.DISPLAY 5’6’’H 36 Garments

ELEVATION OF DISPLAY WINDOW

Jaipur Diaries

05

Office space,

Trinity Services Private

Client: Mr. Prabhas Pandey, MD Trinity Services

Area: 1800 SqFt

Location : Mumbai, Maharashtra

Date of completion: December 2019

Role: Principal Interior Designer, Design Ka:tha

Trinity Services is a well-established fashion house located in the metropolitan city of Mumbai. Being a creative practice, they were open to an experimental and unconventional design palette.

The client was inclined towards bringing a vibrant and casual vibe into the workspace and emphasized an open layout for the workstations. A balanced proportion of glass partitions and yellow brick walls were employed to bring transparency into the office space whilst maintaining the privacy of the contained functions.

1. Reception and waiting area

2. Discussion Table

3. Pantry and lunch room

4. Toilets

5. Stairs to store on mezzanine

6. Accounts Office

7. Partner’s Cabin

8. Twin Cabin for junior associates

9. MD’s Cabin

10. Conference Room

11. Common work station

12. Full height storage

Large, sliding-glass partitions act as separators between the cabins and the conference room which allow the client to seamlessly switch between meetings and extend contiguous spaces depending on their fluctuating requirements. This allows for one large area for display and the movement of garments on custom-made trolleys which can be tucked away in designated storage spaces that are discreetly accommodated into the otherwise open layout.

The brief contained unique requirements like specially designed workstations that are wide enough to lay samples of garments as well as pedestal storages that have drawers to house a variety of stationary used by the designers.

VIEW OF COMMON WORKSTATION LOCATED AT THE CENTRE OF THE OFFICE

(LEFT & TOP)

ISOMETRIC VIEW AND DETAILED DRAWINGS OF COMMON WORKSTATION (RIGHT)

VIEWS OF COMMON WORSTATION

DRAWER TYPE ‘A’

1. Compartment for stationary

2. Compartment for key board and mouse

3. Compartment for phone

DRAWER TYPE ‘B’

1. Compartment for stationary

2. Compartment for key board and mouse

PEDESTAL STORAGE ‘ C’

1. Tray for stationary

2. Drawer for bags/laptop case

3. Drawer for files

VIEW OF MD CABIN THROUGH CONFERENCE ROOM

VIEW OF CONFERENCE ROOM

(LEFT)

VIEW OF TWIN CABIN FOR JUNIOR ASSOCIATES

(TOP)

PLANS OF TALL WALL STORAGE IN TWIN CABIN

VIEW OF MD’S CABIN AND TWIN CABIN

06

Kakode Guest House

Client: Ameet & Priyanka Kakode

Area: 350 SqFt

Location : Mumbai, Maharashtra

Date of completion: January 2019

Role: Principal Interior Designer, Design Ka:tha

The brief was unique as the apartment was to be used as a guest house and a property that the clients could rent out as an Air BnB. The clients required a flexible format of living that could evolve and adapt instantly to different functions when required. From an area to host and entertain long and short term guests to conducting business meetings, the apartment is planned to accommodate it all. Flexible spaces are achieved by replacing masonry walls with custommade partition walls and furniture that can be adjusted to meet requirements of various functions.

Bright colours and chic accents add to the ‘holiday apartment’ vibe. The moodboard for this project was driven by the idea of creating a quirky, fun and flexible space for a young couple. The material palette includes wood, exposed concrete and brick. Acting as a perfect counterpoint to these materials was the bold jaisalmer flooring and splashes of teal.

MOODBOARD

1. Console

2. Storage

3. Storage plus flap down dining table

4.Bar Unit and overhead storage

5. Kitchen

6. Tv Unit and partition

7. Coffee Table with pull out seating

8. Sofa cum bed

9. Folding Partition

10. Wall mounted TV

11. Sofa cum bed

12. Wardrobe

13. Side table with overhead storage

14. Toilet

FLOOR PLAN

Partition

KITCHEN SMALL LIVING ROOM

BIG LIVING ROOM FOR A LARGE GROUP

LIVING

LIVING

Entire house used to host a large group of people by opening the partition entirely Seating rearranged for the same Flap down table used to as a buffet table

LIVING

Part of the apartment used to host a large group of people while the bedroom is in use Social gathering continues in the living room

FORMAT TYPE 4

Partition closed to separate space into two sleeping areas. Sofa cum bed used for sleeping

FORMAT TYPE 2

FORMAT TYPE 3

FLAP DOWN TABLE AND STORAGE UNIT

BAR UNIT AND OVERHEAD STORAGE

VIEW OF LIVING ROOM & KITCHEN

07

Still, Life

Facilitated by art historian and academic Prof Apurva Kulkarni, this interdisciplinary residency addressed this pandemic while confronting isolation, panic and the anguish of losing loved ones through the arts, seeking resolutions from deep within.

The swing

Oscillating across the three realms, Lessons of the past, Determination of the present, Leap of faith into the future. A pause today, To turn my back on yesterday, Flight of hope for a better day.

Art Residency by Atlamirra

rocking chair

Back and forth, Between the past and the present. Leaning into the abyss of the lost, To sieve through memories of the familiar. Hoping to linger for a moment longer, To go against the rhythm of reality.

Awakened by the jolt of the existing To embrace the reluctant unknown.

The