Architecture Portfolio by Kathan Gandevikar

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO KATHAN GANDEVIKAR

B.ARCH, CEPT UNIVERSITY

Curriculum Vitae

Kathan Gandevikar Personal Information

Date of Birth: 01 05 1998 Nationality: Indian Languages: English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati

Online portfolio available here.

Contact

Phone: +91 9426159806 Email: kathangandevikar@gmail.com

Education 2020 - Bachelor of Architecture

Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT) University, Ahmedabad, India.

Achievements 2020 - Nirmal Dhingra Sachdeva Trust Scholarship

Scholarship awarded to students with most promising research proposals.

2018 - Third Place, Renzo Piano Building Workshop Design Competition

A 24 Hr design competition held at University level for securing internship at Renzo Piano Building Workshop.

2017 - Citation Award for Design Competition “Inhabiting Nature”

Project “Eco(log+nom)y” was shortlisted as one of the four exemplary entries at the 5th International Design Competition hosted by Aditya College of Architecture, Mumbai.

Work Experience 2021- CEPT University, Ahmedabad

Teaching Associate (July 2021 onwards) I am involved in teaching design studios and courses dealing with structures, tectonics, and climate as a teaching associate at CEPT.

2020 - Akshara Architects, Ahmedabad Associate Architect (May 2020 onwards)

2018 - Indigo Architects, Ahmedabad

Architecture Intern (June 2018 - December 2018)

Hand skills Sketching, Drafting, Model making Software Skills Autocad (2D/3D), Revit, Sketchup, Rhinoceros, Vray, Lumion, Twinmotion, Lightroom, Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, MS Office i

Curriculum Vitae

Workshops 2020 - Claims and Disputes in Construction Projects

Understanding complexities of construction projects by looking at various models of contracts and resolution of disputes in various projects handled by CEPT Project office as a PMC.

2018 - Photography

Learning Basics of Photography through documentation of various places of architectural value guided by Samir Pathak.

2017 - Timber Workshop

Construction of a partition wall using prefabricated timber planks.

2017 - Material Assemblies

Exploration of materials and processes of assembly.

2016 - Rethinking Models

Reinterpretation, modelling, and exhibition of models of nominated projects of Archiprix 2017 held at CEPT University, Ahmedabad.

2016 - Brick Workshop

Construction of a Twisted arch and a wall using bricks.

2016 - Earth Construction Workshop

Exploration of Rammed earth, CSEB, and Adobe as construction materials conducted by Hunnarshala foundation, Bhuj, Gujarat.

2016 - Form and Material

Exploration of materials through creation of a sculpture.

2015 - Clay and Ceramics

Exploration of pottery, sculpting, glazing, and making with clay.

Documentation Programs 2018 - Temple Complex, Vadhvan, Gujarat 2015 - Villages of Canacona, Goa, India Research 2020 - Analysing architecture through the lens of architectural intentions.

The research looks at the recently constructed “Lilavati Lalbhai Library” building on CEPT University campus. It attempts to understand if architectural intentions and their realisation can be used as a measure of building performance or not. It delves into the domains of Post Occupancy Evaluation, and Teaching and Learning.

Curriculum Vitae

Hand Drawn Perspective Wall Section of Hurva Synnagogue, an unbuilt project of Louis Kahn, made as a part of a construction and detailing studio. (Size 51” x 34”)

iii

Contents

Inter(se+a)ction

For every Label,E-co-existence Four boxes need to be checked. 1.S=SPECULATION, 2.A=ASSEMBLY, 3.F=FINISH, 4.M=MATERIAL. For instance, · Incase of Label1, · If you are answering any of the four boxes by Speculating or Recalling, then Check the SPECULATION box. · If you think that the labeled member is welded to its support, Check A2.WELD. · If it is painted, Check F2.PAINTED. · If it is made from M.S., Check M2.M.S..

PART SECTION - CATWALK

L1 L2 L3 L4

Re-discovery

Eco(log+nom)y

Selected Professional Works

Research Thesis

Documentation

Hands On Experience

Photography

Contents

1.1

Inter(se+a)ction Site Asarwa Lake, Ahmedabad Typology Public Building, Urban Insert Program Akhada( Traditional indian wrestling rink), General exercise area, Dormitories, Cafeteria etc. Context Asarwa Lake is surrounded by a park which is managed by the municpal council of the city and sits next to a stepwell. The stepwell “Mata Bhavani ni Vaav” is a heritage monument listed by the Archaeological survey of India. A settlement of apx. 150 dwellings surrounds the stepwell and has been using it as a temple for a long time. Since the dependce on such water sources has reduced due to large scale urban water infrastructure, these places have been reduced to mere monuments or parks or places of only visual pleasure. People being unable to see the mechanics and dynamics of water as larger natural system have started caging and bounding these sources. This project is an intersection of people, water, attitudes of governance structures, heritage, and wellness, attempting to renegotiate the understanding of interaction between them.

Inter(se+a)ction

1.2

Inter(se+a)ction Small beginnings A blank wall between stepwell complex and the lake is chosen to introduce porosity. A small staircase connecting the lake and the stepwell. A floating roof over the stair case collects rainwater into a rain water harvesting tank below ground, providing clean drinking water to the local community through a drinking water fountain in return for access to the stepwell for the people of a much larger vicinity. Extension The stair and roof establish a context and a language for the rest of the project. A place for wellness of mind and body is placed as an extension of the stepwell edge, partly sunken into the ground. A much larger roof floats atop of this intervention, making the project capable of harvesting upto 5,50,000 litres of rainwater, which is sufficient to fulfill the drinking water need of the local community for round the year.

Creating connection

Extension

Addition of a drinking water fountain for people, using rainwater

6 7 Existing edge

9 1

Re-negotiation The stepwell becomes a gateway to the place for wellness, which becomes a gateway to the park, and eventually the lake. This idea is extended further by opening up the park to surrounding places, making a walk through the park much more a part of the everyday life for the people living in the area.

8 2 3

Exis

3 1 Legend 1.Mata Bhavani Stepwell 2.Rainwater Harvesting tank 3.Drinking water fountain 4.A place for wellness 5.Asarwa Lake 8

Inter(se+a)ction

Legend 1.Mata Bhavani Stepwell 2.Neighborhood School 3.Water Pumping Station 4.Small Industries 5.Public Reading room 6.Civic Center 7.Sewage Pumping Station 8.Asarwa Lake 9.Asarwa Lake Park 10.Proposed Intervention

10 A 5

4 Proposed Context Isolated loop

sting Context

Hard bound lake

Softening of the edges

Connected loop

Section A Inter(se+a)ction

1.3

Inter(se+a)ction Making the intervention “Public” Drinking water fountain, Cafeteria, Restrooms etc. are common amenities accessible to everyone in the vicinity. Joggers in the park, users of the gym, people from the settlement next to the park, and visitors of the stepwell come together at the drinking water fountatin.

The intervention becomes an intersection and an opportunity for interaction. In the absence of fitness enthusiasts, the large open spaces become a place for having lunch for the people working in the vicinity, a playground for kids, a place for public gatherings for the people aorund, and much more.

First Floor Plan

The intervention is bound together by rainwater channels, articulating and expressing the beauty and mechanics of water, making the subtle yet significant system visible to the eye of people.

Ground Floor Plan

Section C 10

Inter(se+a)ction

6 5

2 1 Legend 1.Mata Bhavani Stepwell 2.Stairwell 3.Drinking water fountain 4.Workout spaces/ wrestling pits 5.Admin 6.Restrooms 7.Dormitories 8.Cafeteria

Proposed Intervention Inter(se+a)ction

1.4

Inter(se+a)ction “Making” the public intervention The soil excavated to sink the building becomes CSEB(Compressed stabilised earth bricks), used in the making of the place. Walls are finished and constructed using lime mortar, minimising the use of cement. Larger spaces are coverd using long span steel trusses, causing minimal and light contact points with the floor. Humble stone flooring from the stepwell complex has been continued to cover the floors of the intervention.

Drinking Water Fountain

Admin

Restrooms 12

Inter(se+a)ction

Section A (Through Drinking Water Fountain)

Section B (Through Admin)

Section D (Through Restrooms) Inter(se+a)ction

2.1

E-co-existence Site Sanathal Lake, Ahmedabad Typology Residential Program Low rise, high density, sustainable mass housing Context Sanathal lake is located right outside Sanathal village in the outskirts of Ahmedabad city. The site chosen is in the vicinity of large industrial zones. Many people commute from Ahmedabad to these places on a daily basis for their jobs. Therefore, it is a suitable location for proposal of a mass housing project. Approach This project is an attempt to look at Sun, Water, Wind, and Land as resources and to attempt to integrate them in the making, while providing houses that are unique, allow for growth and personalization, have ample open spaces, and reasonable density.

E-co-existence

2.2

E-co-existence Strategies for Neighborhood Site abuts a lake on its southern edge and a seasonal water stream on its eastern edge. Site also has a small pond which overflows into the lake. Following key parameters were employed in order to arrive at the overall massing: 1. Following the lay of the land to minimise cut & fill. 2. Retaining the existing trees. 3. Leaving space for existing natural water drainage and flow. 4. Considering solar exposure and orienting for prevailing winds to achieve optimal thermal comfort.

Effect of these parameters left the site with organic linear clusters as possible spaces for construction and a continuous central green spine, which can be used for neghborhood festivals, seasonal markets, and natural water drainage during monsoon.

Along with these other strategies like, green screens to filter noise and chaos from the road, urban farming, minimal use of cement, rainwater harvesting etc. are also employed.

1 Legend 1.Alternate Green pedestrian streets 2.Alternate Access/Service streets 3.Central Green spine 4.Natural Pond 5.Seasonal rainwater drain 6.Sanathal Lake

This project is an attempt to create a sustainable plural humane habitat where people don’t house their living but live their housing.

Typical C

Neighborhood Massing Diagram

Land

E-co-existence

Existing Vegetation

Natural Drainage

Cluster

Roads and Connections

Solar Exposure and Prevailing Winds

Available footprint for intervention

E-co-existence

2.3

E-co-existence Strategies for Cluster Organic linear clusters obtained at neighborhood scale are regularised through division into modules of 3.6 Mtrs width. A 3Mtrs wide service and circulation lane is introduced after every two modules. Based on the location of existing trees, alternate streets are turned into green pedestrian streets. These remain reserved for kitchen gardens, urban farming, kids’ play areas, and other life activities, while providing permeable ground cover for recharge of subsurface water systems. Therefore, vehicular streets are doubly loaded increasing their efficiency and reducing impermeable surfaces.

Organic Linear Cluster

Division and Regularization

Finally, local adjustments are made in the clusters to provide small extensions, variations, and shops for selling things that are grown and made locally.

Addition of Services and Circulation

Legend 1.Alternate Green pedestrian streets 2.Alternate Access/Service streets 3.Service/Circulation Module 4.Local Extensions/ Shops 5.Central Green Spine/ Informal Market Detailed Typical Cluster Local Adjustments

Elvation B (Typical Cluster Elevation) 18

E-co-existence

Alternate streets reserved for green pedestrian zone

1 4 2

Typical Block

Section A (Typical Cluster Section) E-co-existence

2.4

E-co-existence Strategies for Block A block is obtained by putting together two modules. Each module may have 3 or 4 floors. Blocks employ parallel load bearing confined CSEB (Compressed Stabilsed Earth Blocks Made from soil excavated) masonry walls at every 3.6Mtrs as their primary structure in the longer direction. This results in shorter span of 3.6Mtrs, minimising the use of concrete. A rain water harvesting tank is built in every service lane sufficing the drinking water needs of the users. Choices of openings and finishes are left open for the end users.

4th Floor Plan

1st Floor Plan

3rd Floor Plan

0 Floor Plan

2nd Floor Plan

E-co-existence

Parallel CSEB Walls

Rooftop Rain water harvesting system

Personalization

Detailed Typical Block E-co-existence

2.5

E-co-existence

0 Floor Plan

1st Floor Plan

2nd Floor Plan

3rd Floor Plan

4th Floor Plan

Strategies for Unit and Module Each Module is a combination of different unit types. 12 different basic unit types can be combined to obtain upto 54 different modules. 8 out of these 54 modules which don’t compromise with structural stability, light and ventilation, services aspects were selected for creation of blocks. These 8 modules can be combined in many different ways to arrive at different kinds of blocks, making each block unique.

B Types Of Units

E-co-existence

Green Terrace Services Bedroom Kitchen Living 3A

Types Of Modules E-co-existence

3.1

Re-discovery Site Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad Typology Private Institution Program Exhibition area, Classrooms, Seminar rooms, Creche, Conference areas, Open air gathering space. Context The brief asked for a proposal of an institutional building for SEWA(Self Employed Womens’ Association). Sewa helps under priviliged women in rediscovering their potential by providing them with various skills and training, making them capable of employing and sustaining themselves. This project is an attempt to extend this idea of discovery. Spaces and volumes are arranged such that one always discovers connections to different spaces throughout the building.

Re-discovery

3.2

Re-discovery Response to Site and Climate The building opens out towards the east and north to connect to the river. A deep wall like response towards the south and west keeps the heat, and chaos of the traffic away. Deep fins on the facade provide view and shade. East-west orientation allows for prevailing breezes to pass through. Programming Ground floor is reserved for public functions like exhibitions, cafeteria, and administrative facilities. First and Second floor facilitate the semi private institutional activities of teaching and learning. While residential activities are housed on the top floor to provide privacy.

Terraces and views towards the river

Spatial Elements Different scales of terraces, covered and semi-covered spaces, balconies, and interconnected volumes become places for gatherings, extention areas for work, and create connections between spaces.

Minimising Solar exposure and allowing prevailing winds

Interconnected Varying Volumes 26

Re-discovery

Increasing Privacy towards upper floors

Legend 1.Admin 2.Souvenir Shop 3.Exhibition Area 4.Cafeteria 5.Creche 6.Open Air Gathering space 7.Auditorium 8.Academic Facilities 9.Residential Facilities

1 2 3

D E

Exploded View of the Institution Re-discovery

3.3

Re-discovery Understanding the users The women who would use these spaces are not always trained in a formal background. Therefore, spaces are made such that they may be used as formal class rooms and can also become informal spaces where people can sit on the floor. Porous railings and openings provide connections at various heights. Every floor slab terminates into a planter, adding freshness to the environment and lending a buffer space between in and out. It filters the dust and adds to thermal comfort within the building.

Detailing for user comfort

Green edges

Section C 28

Re-discovery

Section A

Section B

Section D

Section E Re-discovery

4.1

Eco(log+nom)y Site Kabirvad River Island, Bharuch, Gujarat Typology Eco Sensitive, Institutional Building

Participatory

Program Exhibition area, Multifunctional Training spaces, Cafeteria, Shop, Nursery, etc. Context The island houses the largest and oldest living banyan tree of Gujarat and temple of saint Kabir. It also has a village of apx. 400 residents, small forest, farms, wetlands etc which is often ignored by the visitors due to lack of awareness and information. This causes degradation of the local ecology and biodiversity. Approach An empty patch of land in the northern part of the site is chosen for the intervention. This intervention can be seen as a journey through spaces that contract and expand. Contraction makes visitors more aware and alert while expansion provides a sense of relief. It attempts to strike a balance between ecology and economy of the place. [The project was selected as an exemplary entry in the 5th International Design Competition “Inhabiting Nature” hosted by Aditya College of Architecture, Mumbai in 2017.]

Eco(log+nom)y

4.2

Eco(log+nom)y Participation of Locals Most of the villagers on the island are practicing farming and wish to expand their farms, causing damage to the local ecology. These residents may be employed in the process of making the intervention which would give them a sense of belonging and make them a part of the conservation and regeneration process of the island. The residents can further be trained about the local ecology, and coservation in the workshops held here. This creates a possibility for trained locals to conduct and host workshops, provide visitors and nature enthusiasts with a detailed experience of the island, and sell local organic produce from the regenerative plantation zone, eventually generating economy for the village on the island. Experience First half of the journey is housed in a long and narrow space with frequent but small openings which contains a permenant exhibition on the local ecology and bio diversity, spreading awareness into the visitors. The exhibition expands in to a training and workshop area in the middle, providing relief. And the second half of the journey is a dynamic exhibition about the work done here to promote its growth.

5 7

9 Legend 1.Arrival 2.Admin 3.Journey through static Exhibition 4.Workshop and training spaces 5.Journey through dynamic Exhibition 6.Exit 7.Restrooms 8.Cafeteria and Shop 9.Nursery and Plantation Axonometric View of the intervention

Site Narmada River

Village The Kabirvad

Degraded Forest Farms

Location Of Kabirvad River Island

Eco(log+nom)y

Map Of Kabirvad River Island

The “Kabirvad”

2 1

Flamingos, Seasonal visitors of the place

Villagers

Burning of treees to produce coal and clear space

Eco(log+nom)y

4.3

Eco(log+nom)y Materials and Construction Since the intervention proposes to re vitalize the sense of ecology in people it also attempts to demonstrate sensitive ways of construction through its own making. Entire intervention except the entrance and exit areas is sunken into the ground. It employs CSEB masonry walls as bearing elements, and arches, vaults, and dome as spanning elements. Earthen construction has been employed in the making as local residents already have an experience of similar construction systems.

Thick earthen brick walls and the surrounding earth provides sufficient shade and thermal comfort within the spaces. This reduces the need for artificial lighting and ventilation and adds to reduction of overall carbon footprint. 4

Legend 1.Arrival 2.Reception/ Ofiice 3.Journey through static Exhibition 4.Courtyard 5.Workshop and training spaces 6.Journey through dynamic Exhibition 7.Restrooms 8.Cafeteria and Shop 9.Exit

Section D

Section B (Typical)

Eco(log+nom)y

7 9

Section E

C 5

Section C 4

A Floor Plan 3

Section A (Typical)

Unfolded section through the pathway Eco(log+nom)y

5.1

Selected Professional Works Project 1 LDCE University MAster planning and upgradation. Scope Planning, Architecture, and Interior Design Status Proposed 1.1 Existing campus. 1.2 Removal of dilapidated structures. 1.3 Addition of vegetation, rain water harvesting and organic waste composting strategies. 1.4 Upgradation of existing buildings, using solar rooftops. 1.5 Addition of new buildings & facilities. 1.6 Campus having further scope of development even after 25 years. 1.7 Before and after images of proposed street upgradation. 1.8 Before and after images of proposed Admin building upgradation. 1.9 Views of proposed Interiors

1.1

1.2

1.4

1.5

1.7A

1.8A 36

1.7B Selected Professional Works

1.3

1.6

1.9A

1.8B

1.9B Selected Professional Works

5.2

Selected Professional Works Project 2 R.B.O. & Branch for SBI, jamnagar Scope Architecture Status Under Construction 2.1 Exterior View 2.2 Exterior View 2.3 GFC Sections 2.4 GFC Sections Project 3 Upgradation of Mahatma Mandir and Convention Centre for Vibrant Gujarat summit with CEPT University Scope Planning, and Architecture

2.1

Status Proposed 3.1 Security Cabins 3.2 Registration Counters 3.3 Parking Layout & Rainwater Management

2.2

3.1A 38

Selected Professional Works

3.1B

3.2

2.3

2.4

3.3 Selected Professional Works

5.3

Selected Professional Works Miscellaneous Various banks, shops, showrooms, offices, & residences Scope Architecture & interior design Status Various 1.1 Proposed Bank Interiors. 1.2 Office Interior. 1.3 Reception and Waiting Area. 1.4 Proposed Bank Interiors. 1.5 Bank Extrior Facade. 1.6 Office Interiors. 1.7 Proposed Cafe Interiors. 1.8 Proposed School and Learning Spaces.

1.7 40

1.1

1.2

1.4

1.5

1.8A Selected Professional Works

1.3

1.6

1.8B Selected Professional Works

6.1

Research Thesis Thesis Title: Analysing architecture through the lens of architectural intentions: A case of Lilavati Lalbhai Library. An undergraduate research thesis by Kathan Gandevikar, a student of Faculty of Architecture, CEPT University, Ahmedabad. Guided by: Prof. Sankalpa

Key words: Post Occupancy Evaluation, Bloom’s Taxonomy, Architectural Intentions, Learning device, Materials, Construction.

Abstract: Each design process negotiates between many factors while trying to come up with a solution that satisfies the needs of the users and meets with the intentions of the designer. Therefore, an analysis of a building which studies the building specifically from the intentions that the architect has emphasized upon, would give us a better understanding of the project. Recent interventions and additions on CEPT University campus have raised a need for their evaluation. This research aims to develop a pattern which can be used to evaluate these interventions and understand various factors that were emphasized by the architects. Lilavati Lalbhai Library (LL Library) has been used as a case study as it is a recent intervention on CEPT Campus which has also been put to its intended use since 2017. This research aims to look at the LL Library building with respect to one of the many intentions of the architect. The intention that has been chosen as a lens to study the LL Library building suggests that the building was designed such that it would allow students to engage with it as a device for learning about 1. response to climate, and 2. materials and construction. Since there is no readily available method or criteria for this kind of an evaluation, this research attempts to develop a method to find out how well the building performs as a device for learning about materials and construction. In order to develop such a framework, the research borrows certain ideas related to post occupancy evaluations of buildings. As the chosen architectural intention is educational in nature, the research also employs various ideas that are related to teaching, learning, and assessment. The thesis uses the observations of the author and a survey of the students of CEPT University as a method for collection of data. Analysis of the data collected leads to a framework and various criteria which can be used to measure the performance of the building and evaluate it with respect to chosen intention. It also provides various insights about certain qualities of the building which aided the students in the process of learning about materials and construction. Full Document available here

Research Thesis

Documentation

7.1

Site Vadhvan, Surendranagar, Gujarat Typology Temple complex

io ct

This documentation was done as a part of a construction and detailing studio. It seeks to understand the ancient stone construction techniques, structural logic, and sequence of elements employed in the making of the temple, and their correlation with the architectural intents.

Legend 1.Columns 2.Walls 3.Beams 4.Chajjas (Weather shade) 5.Counter-Weight 6.Slab 7.Shikhar (Peak/Top)

Se n

io ct A Documentation

7.2

Documentation Site Villages of Canacona, Goa, India Typology Village settelement

Reading and decoding the local houses to reveal the usage of spaces throughout the day, local methods of construction was the purpose of this documentation program which was done in groups of two. Houses were constructed using stone walls, and pitched roof which was made out of locally available timber, and covered with manglore clay tiles.

3 B 1

Legend 1.Entrance Verandah 2.Living area 3.Study area 4.Worship area 5.Bedroom 6.Storage 7.Kitchen 8.Toilet 9.Outdoor Storage

Documentation

4 8

Plan

Section A

Section B

Exploded Axonometric Documentation

8.1

Hands On Experience 1. Twisted Brick Arch The brick pavilion was made by the students of batch 2015 in order to understand brick as a material and basics of construction. It employed various techniques like CNC milling, Welding, RCC Casting, etc. Finishes like stone, pebblecrete, and IPS were also explored in the process. 1.1 Elevation of the Brick Pavilion 1.2 The Brick Pavilion 2. Installations These were made as a part of an effort to decorate the university campus for a yearly 9 nights long festival of Navratri. 2.1 Orgiami Lamps, Navratri 2015 2.2 Twirling Tubes, Navratri 2016 2.3 Eggs of Light, Navratri 2017

1.1

1.2 46

Hands On Experience

2.1

2.2

2.3

Hands On Experience

8.2

Photography Images and Beyond Photographs can capture more than just the tangible dimension of places. They are capable of conveying the experience of a place by evoking certain emotions. I strive to go beyond just the visible aspects of the subject through my photographs. My interest in photography ranges from astrophotography to landscapes, minimal, and interior architecture photography. Instagram: @k_gandevikar 1.Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan, India. 2.Jebel Hafeet, UAE. 3.Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. 4.Abu Dhabi, UAE. 5.Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan, India.

4 48

Photography

2 Photography

Kathan Gandevikar B.Arch, CEPT University

kathangandevikar@gmail.com +91-9426159806