Academic Architectural Portfolio

Kezia Catherine Calvin

Hey, “

I’m Kezia Catherine Calvin, an eager architecture student. In my journey from a small town to the bustling city, architecture has been my lens for understanding the world’s complexities. Over four years of study, I’ve delved into its vast ocean of theoretical, practical, and historical elements. This mosaic of knowledge, coupled with a fervent commitment to excellence, fuels my passion for pushing design boundaries. With each project, I bring a dynamic energy and collaborative spirit, striving to create spaces that resonate with human experience. Grounded in the essence of architecture, I aim to craft environments that enrich lives, reflecting both aspirations and profound understanding.

Email : keziacatherinecalvin@gmail.com

Phone : +91 9487378173

Behance : behance.net/keziacalvin

Linkedin : linkedin.com/in/kezia-calvin

Instagram : @keziacatherinecalvin

“

EDUCATION

Bachelor in Architecture

Rajalakshmi School of Architecture I Chennai

2020 - present

Senior Secondary School

Bharatiya Vidhya Mandir I Pollachi

2018 - 2020

LANGUAGES

English

Tamil

Kanada

Hindi

SOFTWARE EFFICIENCY

Cad & 3D Modelling

Autocad

Revit

Sketchup

Archicad

Vizualization

Enscape - Revit

Lumion

Twinmotion

D5

Presentation

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Indesign

Canva

Procreate

Parametric Rhino

Grasshopper

BIM Dynamo

Energy Modelling Design Builder

IES VE

Equest

Mapping

Qgis

Arcgis

COMPETITIONS

Sep 2022

CPK Trophy by NASA

Aug 2023

AYDA Awards

Oct 2023

Reimagining Railway Stations as Urban Nodes by DesignAdvance

Jan 2024

Tiny House by Volume Zero

Sep 2023

COA Students’ Awards for Excellence in Documentation of Architectural

Heritage 2023

WORKSHOPS

Photoshop Workshop by Karwaan

Ashoka School of Architecture, Hyderabad

Sep 2023

Introduction to Vernacular Architecture by RSA, Chennai

Oct 2023

Rendering Workshop by Prayoga

FOIAD, Chennai

Mar 2024

Interactive Session with Carlos Banon, Biju Kuriakose & Shripal Munshi

COURSES

Revit Architecture - An Ultimate Guide, Udemy

Sustainability in Architecture: An Interdisciplinary Introduction, Universitat Politècnica de València

BIM Dynamo, LinkedIn

“In architecture, there that remains unspoken.”

is a part of oneself

– Alvar Aalto

naralai

arangam

kadal nivaasam

interior renders

01 kadal nIvaasam

“Anchored in Serenity: A Fisherman’s Haven “

“Crafting Innovative, Efficient, and Versatile Mobile Living Spaces: Maximizing Functionality with Minimum Footprint for Off-The-Grid Living.”

Typology : Residential

Location : Mattankuppam, Chennai

Requirements : Living Area, Toilet space, Sleeping Area for 2, Workspace, Cooking and Dining Area, Recreational spaces.

Chennai’s rapid urbanization has significantly impacted the traditional fishing communities along its coastal areas. The relentless expansion of infrastructure projects and real estate development has subjected fishermen to constant evictions, disrupting their centuries-old way of life. The recurring displacement has led to a palpable discomfort among these communities, causing social, economic, and psychological distress.

In response to this ongoing issue, the concept of designing mobile homes emerges as a viable solution. These portable dwellings, constructed using recycled materials, offer a sustainable and adaptable living solution for the fishermen community. The mobility aspect ensures that they can relocate along the coastline as needed, preserving their connection to the sea while mitigating the negative effects of urbanization.

Mobile homes provide flexibility and resilience, allowing fishermen to maintain their livelihoods even in the face of urban expansion. These dwellings, designed with a focus on minimal environmental impact, align with the principles of eco-friendly living. By addressing the specific needs of the fishermen community through thoughtful design, mobile homes can contribute to a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence between traditional lifestyles and urban development in Chennai.

this movable home proposed for the fishermen community strives to enhance their livelihood and paves way for a comfortable living.

Section AA’ Section BB’ 1. ENTRANCE DECK 2.LIVING 3.DINING 4.KITCHEN

6.ELECTRICAL

7.STORAGE

8.WATER

9.BEDROOM

EXPLODED VIEW

SOLAR ANALYSIS

LIGHTING ANALYSIS

Pattamdai pai Coir Container shell

PuBlic architecture in conversation with a city in flux: lost oPPortunities at egmore

“Honoring Heritage, Embracing Modernity: A Seamless Journey Through Art at Egmore Museum”

Typology : Institutional

Location : Egmore, Chennai

Requirements :

Architectural Expression

Respect the existing landscaping and heritage elements of the Egmore Museum Complex, ensuring a cohesive transition between indoor and outdoor areas while introducing contemporary design elements that harmonize with the heritage structures.

Exhibition Spaces

Design versatile exhibition spaces that accommodate diverse art forms, with flexible layouts and advanced lighting systems for optimal artwork display and conservation.

Spatial Organization

Develop a clear circulation plan for seamless visitor flow and consider spatial relationships to offer both intimate and expansive viewing experiences.

The design proposal for Chennai aims to address the city’s lack of cohesive architectural identity by creating interactive, people-centric public spaces and iconic architecture. By focusing on a necessary extension within the museum precinct at Egmore, the project will respect the historical site’s legacy while balancing the sanctity of public spaces with the museum’s functional needs. The proposal envisions modern interactive areas that stimulate public participation, designing iconic structures that acknowledge their context and contribute to the city’s image and public pride. Additionally, it will create interfaces between public and semi-secured spaces to foster social interaction and community building, ultimately enhancing the urban fabric and connecting Chennai’s diverse communities.

NON-MONUMENTALISM

Inspired by the New Acropolis Museum by Bernard Tschumi, emphasizing

INTENTIONAL JUXTAPOSITION APPROACH

Drawing on the Louvre Pyramid by I.M. Pei, the design will balance tradition form, proportions, and materials.

SUBSERVIENT APPROACH

Inspired by the Temple of Diana renovation by José María Sánchez lighting existing monuments.

USE OPEN-AIR SPACES

Minimizing the built footprint, incorporating open-air spaces to encourage ronment.

VANTAGE VIEWPOINTS

Creating strategic viewpoints through climbable roofs, interconnected perspectives of the landscape and monuments.

MASTERPLAN

emphasizing simplicity to let heritage treasures shine. tradition and innovation through compatible scale,

Sánchez García, the design will act as a backdrop, high-

encourage user engagement with the historical enviinterconnected decks, and scenography exhibits for varied

moma

The proposed Museum of Modern Arts emphasizes a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Inspired by the New Acropolis Museum, it embraces simplicity, allowing heritage artifacts to take center stage. The design will incorporate open-air spaces to minimize the built footprint and engage visitors with the historical environment. Strategic viewpoints through climbable roofs and interconnected decks will offer varied perspectives of the landscape and existing monuments. By balancing scale, form, and materials, the museum will create a dialogue between the past and present, ensuring a respectful yet modern addition to the Egmore Museum Complex.

Section AA’

Section BB’

GROUND FLOOR THIRD FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR TERRACE

03 naralai arangam

““Honoring Them: Where Community and Legacy Unite”

“Where the tides of tradition meet the waves of innovation, a community’s art and spirit find a home.”

Typology : Institutional

Location : Anna Nagar, Chennai

Requirements :Main Auditorium Space, Backstage Areas, Technical Areas, Audience Amenities, Support Spaces, Circulation and Accessibility

Embracing the rich culture of the fishermen community in Chennai, this auditorium is dedicated to the vibrant Kuppam community. Inspired by the transformative Urur-Olcott Kuppam Vizha festival, which debuted four years ago, this design aims to break artistic and social barriers, just as the festival did when Bharatanatyam shared the stage with Paraiaatam, a traditional dance and percussion genre associated with funerals.

Urur-Olcott Kuppam, a village with a history spanning 130 years, became the epicenter of a groundbreaking music and dance festival. The Urur-Olcott Kuppam Vizha brought together diverse art forms, fostering a sense of unity and cultural exchange. Children from the village and underprivileged backgrounds across the city showcased their talents, performing three distinct pieces: a Villupaatu storytelling session about the floods, several Bharatanatyam pieces, and a choir performance.

The festival’s radical blending of music genres stood out, with Gaana, the Tamil version of rap and blues, following traditional Carnatic music. This innovative fusion not only entertained but also raised funds for musicians from modest backgrounds who had lost their instruments in the deluge. The proposed auditorium design seeks to honor this spirit of resilience and creativity, providing a space where the contributions of the fishermen community to art and culture can be celebrated.

Heavy traffic on both adjacent roads increases crowding in the area, making it prone to significant noise that interferes with the site zoning.

The zoning is done by buffering the entrance far from the traffic zone and orienting the auditorium so that it doesn’t affect the acoustics of the interior.

SITE FORM ROOF

The inspiration for the roof is taken from the biomorphic design of a cockle, which ages with annual winter rings. Three rings are their maximum

The surrounding area is a commercial zone, indicating constant crowding irrespective of time and date; hence, buffering all three sides seems to be the first priority.

The distinction of zones is categorized as per different height requirements, thus creating the pattern.

SPATIAL ACOUSTIC CONSIDERATIONS

The inspiration for the roof is taken from the biomorphic design of a cockle, which ages with annual winter rings. Three rings are their maximum.

An excellent material for blocking, absorbing, and even enhancing sound where required.

The non-parallel ceiling prevents flutter echo and absorbs and reflects sound due to the frequent interspacing of rock wool and finished wood fiberboard.

The form and placement of the panels is biomimicric

A quadratic diffuser comprises wells of different depths, causing a mixture of phase shifts that diffuse reflected sound. They are used to control reflections in the listening environment, particularly from rear walls and first-reflection points

Cultural Integration:

The architecture will reflect the local fishing community’s way of life, using materials and motifs symbolic of the sea and fishing.

Versatile Performance Spaces:

Adaptable areas will accommodate various art forms, from Bharatanatyam to Gaana, allowing for a seamless blending of genres.

Community-Centric Design:

Spaces will encourage interaction and participation, including workshops, rehearsal spaces, and exhibition areas for local artists.

Sustainable and Resilient Architecture:

Built with sustainable materials and techniques, the auditorium will feature solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and natural ventilation.

Economic and Social Impact:

A dedicated venue for local artists will uplift the Kuppam community’s socio-economic status and attract tourists to the cultural heritage of fishermen.

Educational Outreach:

Hosting educational programs and collaborations will promote the arts among the younger generation, preserving traditional forms while fostering new innovations.

DESIGN ELEMENTS AND VISION

SECTION ALONG SEATING

FIRST FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

Quadratic diffusers and rock wool insulation are ideal for an auditorium due to their combined acoustic and practical benefits. Quadratic diffusers enhance sound quality by scattering sound waves and reducing echoes, ensuring uniform sound distribution. Rock wool insulation provides superior sound absorption, reduces noise, and offers excellent thermal insulation and fire resistance. Together, they create an optimal acoustic environment, ensuring high-quality sound and comfort for performers and audience members.

Fan-shaped planning is ideal for an auditorium as it optimizes audience viewing angles and reduces flutter echo. This layout ensures that all seats face the stage, providing clear sightlines and an immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the angled walls inherent in fan-shaped designs help to break up parallel surfaces, which significantly reduces flutter echoes and enhances the overall acoustic quality of the space.

Fabric seating and carpet flooring are essential for an auditorium due to their acoustic and comfort benefits. Fabric seating absorbs sound, reducing noise reflections and improving overall acoustics. Carpet flooring further enhances this effect by minimizing footstep noise and preventing sound from bouncing off hard surfaces. Together, they create a quieter, more acoustically balanced environment, ensuring an optimal listening experience. Additionally, fabric seats and carpet provide comfort and a sense of luxury, enhancing the audience’s overall experience.

SECTION ALONG E-W PLANE

SECTION ALONG STAGE

04 miscellaneous

HOTEL RETROUVAILLES

Typology : Hospitality

Location : Santhome, Chennai

Designing a 3-star hotel involves creating a functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing environment for both business and leisure travelers. The design focuses on efficient space planning for guest rooms, dining areas, and meeting facilities, ensuring all essential amenities are provided. Attention to material selection and finishes enhances durability and ambiance, while modern technologies and sustainable practices promote energy efficiency. The overall goal is to deliver a memorable guest experience through a harmonious blend of style, comfort, and practicality.

Raising the plinth of a hotel and creating a podium enhances the hotel’s appeal by providing elevated, unobstructed views and a grand, impressive entrance. This design improves privacy, protects against flooding, and offers discreet space for essential services like parking and utilities. Additionally, it creates opportunities for landscaped areas, making the hotel more functional and aesthetically pleasing, while also giving it an iconic presence in the area.

URBAN CONDOMINIUM

Typology : Residential

Location : Iyyapanthangal , Chennai

Since residential buildings constitute the identity in urban centers, the proposed design is a multifamily housing unit with the goal of resolving monotony, place identity, and isolation within the realistic restrictions of building bye-laws, construction expense, and the desire to value community living. Sustainable design ideas and architectural design in the context of residential development have been ingrained in this proposal.Tailored nooks within the home security addressing stability and better quality of life self-identity and territorial identity addressing shifting urban recreation patterns.Proposing plans for reestablishing a resonance with one’s inner being and the outside world.

Using the split flux method, the internally reflected component and ray tracing are determined using direct sky and externally reflected components. This method helps determine the relationship between the spatial distribution of daylight in a room and its size, aperture configuration, shading devices, and external obstructions.

A spacious apartment with an OTS and a three-unit arrangement offers residents a comfortable, ample space to breathe. The tiny openings serve as vents to release summertime heat buildup and circulate damp air to prevent stagnancy. Creating a highly resilient exposed brick wall with a rustic appearance where painting is not necessary.

KSR CIVIC NEXUS

Typology : Mixed use

Location : KSR railway station, Bangalore

KSR Bengaluru City Railway Station, situated in the heart of Bangalore, grapples with several urban challenges. The station often witnesses overwhelming crowds, leading to congestion during peak hours, impacting both travelers and operational efficiency. The proximity of the station to the city center contributes to traffic management issues, resulting in commuter frustration and increased air pollution. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in this high-traffic location is a constant challenge, while security concerns are ever-present, necessitating stringent measures. To meet the growing demands of the city, continuous infrastructure development is essential, including improved connectivity, modern facilities, and better amenities. Furthermore, ensuring universal accessibility, especially for differently-abled individuals, remains a priority. This design talks on addressing these urban issues to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers and public at KSR Bengaluru City Railway Station.

The overalll view of the site guarentees plenty of open spaces adressing the concept of more oen spaces the engage public, the place is designed as an urban hub that does not affect the identity of the existing railway station.

The exterior recieves as much as higher lux value, proving maximum natural lighting, the least lighting is recieved at the center of the building proving the need for lightwells the exterior facade recieves too much lighting which paves for heat gain thus preferring smart curtain walls and electrochromic glass for heat control

ASSUMING

WEATHER DATA : BANGALORE ID 719105 ANNUAL ANALYSIS

13,000m2 BUILDING AREA

AVERAGE ENERGY CONSUMPTION : 400 kWh/ m2/year

assuming a comercial building consumes 2025kWh/m2/month

PANEL TYPE - 16% 250 RUPEES/INSTALLED WATT

COVERAGE- 50 % OF THE SELECTED AREA

PAYBACK - 50 YEARS

ANALYSIS GRID - 4.82M GRID

The children’s park is also designed in such a way that it keeps a the surrounding a safe space that is children friendly, and locating it close to the entertainmnet zone guarentees 24/7 surveillance

The green roof provided acts as a space theat makes the building more attractive and efficient interms of open built spaces, this zone will become more active in conducting more outdoor activities that promote active participation.

Section BB’

Section AA’

05 interior renders

URBAN CONDOMINUM

The apartment interiors are designed with a modern and elegant aesthetic, featuring open floor plans, high ceilings, and large windows for ample natural light. Premium materials such as hardwood floors, marble countertops, and stainless steel appliances are used throughout, complemented by contemporary furniture to create an inviting atmosphere. The building offers a range of amenities including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views, a spacious community lounge with a fireplace and kitchenette, a business center with workstations and meeting rooms, a children’s play area, landscaped gardens with walking paths and a barbecue area, secure underground parking, and 24/7 security with surveillance and controlled access. These amenities are designed to enhance residents’ lifestyles, providing convenience, entertainment, and a sense of community.

REC PRINCIPAL’S ROOM

The Revit model for the upgraded college principal’s room showcases a spacious and modern design, featuring sleek furniture, high-quality finishes, and advanced technology. Designed for functionality and comfort, the room provides a professional yet inviting space for administrative tasks and meetings.

The Revit model for the upgraded college indoor auditorium showcases a comprehensive transformation from a former indoor play area into a state-of-the-art performance venue. This upgrade enhances functionality, acoustics, and aesthetics, creating a modern space equipped for a variety of events. Sustainable features and improved accessibility are integrated, making it a premier facility for cultural and social activities within the college community.

06 mIcro eco Park

“Where Nature Finds Its Sanctuary and Humanity Its Inspiration.”

Typology : Recreational

Location : Port of Pondicherry, Pondicherry

Puducherry’s backwaters offer a serene and picturesque environment, providing a tranquil escape from urban life. Developing these backwaters enhances the region’s natural beauty, attracting tourists seeking relaxation and immersion in nature.

How does it help ?

Backwater development facilitates eco-tourism experiences, allowing visitors to explore mangrove forests, spot exotic bird species, and engage in activities like boating. This promotes sustainable tourism practices by encouraging appreciation and conservation of local ecosystems.

The famous backwater of Pondicherry : Backwater development, such as the Chunnambar boat house connecting to Paradise Beach, improves connectivity to key tourist attractions. Enhanced accessibility encourages more visitors to explore the region’s rural and eco-tourism offerings, boosting local economy and livelihoods.

The convergence point of the Grand canal, Uppar drain, and Thengathittu estuary holds significance. Pollution in these water bodies has made the backwaters deserted and prone to illegal activities. Developing this area can rejuvenate lost canals, control pollution, and promote tourism.

“Small Spaces, Big Impact: Micro Eco Park, Where Nature Thrives!”

DAYLIGHTING

MASTERPLAN