THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY MArch’23
SYDNEY , Aus BANGALORE , Ind This book is a compilation of selected works from 2018 -2023. My interest in design blends between various media with an aim to stimulate a meaningful dialogue, engage the senses and interact intimately with the surroundings. The scope of projects span a diversity of disciples from architecture, interiors, product design and graphic design.
CONTACT madhumitha.ram3sh@gmail.com +61 406497099
MADHUMITHA RAMESH
EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant for Prof. Arianna Brambilla . USYD Sydney, Au, Sep 2022 - Present ECO-ACTIVE BUILDING FACADES ( in collaboration with SYDNEY NANO )
The Sustainable Tech Project focuses on developing a technical facade solution integrating chemical carbon capture using Metal Organic Framework (MOFs) and carbon storage using Micro Algae Photobioreactor system. •
Synthesized research from precedent technologies, brought clarity to concepts, aided in prototype development (digital and physical), scientific testing, research paper consolidation (for publication), and prepared presentations for conferences.
Associate Architect, Communication Manager . Cadence Architects Bangalore, India, Oct 2017 - Apr 2021
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture Class of 2023 University of Sydney, AU Bachelor of Architecture Class of 2017 Anna University, India
RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | INSTITUTIONAL
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Worked closely with the principal in charge in the ideation and evolution of over 25 projects of various scales and actively resolved complex design issues
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Liaised with clients, contractors and other stake holders and ensured seamless execution.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
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Produced Technical Drawings and documentation. Managed a team through different phases of the project.
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Assisted in producing architectural graphics and written content for publications and competitions. Played an active part in aligning the studio’s content ideation with their objectives and evolving trends.
Merit Scholarship . 2021 Sydney Scholars India Scholarship (USYD)
KEY PROJECTS
Merit Scholarship . 2021 Sydney International Student Award (USYD)
BADARI RESIDENCE
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Project Architect, Design Lead and Interior designer through all stages of the project from inception to handover.
SMVIT LIBRARY AND ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL
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Active part of design and visualization for a winning large scale
Arch Thesis Award . 2017 National Awards for Excellence in Architectural Thesis (COA SOUTH ZONE)
competition entry.
Volunteer Architect . Sacred Grooves Auroville, India, May 2016 COMMUNITY HOUSING
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Developed material and construction understanding through onsite hands-on work on sustainable construction techniques such as adobe construction, brick making, wall leveling, rubble collection and breaking for reuse. Involved in hospitality of the volunteers at the construction site.
Industrial Design . 2014 National Association of Students of Architecture
Merit Scholarship . 2014, 2013 Scholarship for Academic Excellence - Sir Ratan Tata Educational trust
Sydney, NSW 0406497099 madhumitha.ram3sh@gmail.com
EXPERIENCE
Architecture and Furniture design Intern . Design ni Dukaan Ahmedabad, India, Jan 2016 - Apr 2016 RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE | INTERIORS | FURNITURE DESIGN
The studio’s objective revolves around exploring the connections between design, art and culture which are then manifested in different mediums such as architecture, interiors, product design and furniture design. •
Involved in conception and design development stage of ENCLOSURE residence. Handled documentation and graphic visualization for design proposal documents.
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Collaborated with nuanced carpenters and metal craftsmen through design and execution of furniture pieces.
Architecture and Communication Management Intern, . M:OFA Architects New Delhi, India, June 2015 - Dec 2015 RESIDENTIAL | INSTITUTIONAL | CONTENT CREATION
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Worked closely with principal in change on design resolution and documentation of NIWS Institutional complex.
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Active part of content creation team - graphic design, re-branding, website UX design, ideation, visualization and content writing for
SOFTWARE EXPERTISE
publications and competitions. KEY PROJECTS NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF WATER SPORTS, GOA
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Involved in documentation and resolution of the fluid roof structure. Design and documentation of internal plans and services.
Autocad, Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Revit (basic), Sketchup, Adobe Suite (AI, PS, ID, PP), Lumion, Vray, Enscape, QGIS.
Magazine Editor . 57th NASA Convention Chennai, India, Jan 2015 - March 2015
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Led a student team through content editing, proof reading, graphic design, author coordination and content compilation for a national student convention magazine.
Research Assistant for Ar. Jaffer AA Khan . JDS Architects Chennai, India, July 2014 - Jan 2015
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Synthesized research, assisted in developing diagrams, visualizations and technical drawings for principal architect’s PhD project.
SKILLS
Research Synthesis, Concept & Design Development, Construction Detailing and documentation (Architecture and Interior), Team Management, Client and consultant liaison, Architectural Visualization and Graphics, Animation, Content Writing.
CONTENTS
PROFESSIONAL
01
B A D A R I R E S I D E N C E
7
A Sensory Approach to Architecture & Design
0 2 S M V I T L I B R A R Y
15
Stealing Glaces. Subtle Whispers.
03 EMPOWERING EVERYDAY OBJECTS
21
Designing Details : Art meets Ergonomics
ACADEMIC
04 MAPPING ARNHEM ART
25
Fading Tales and the Foretold Death
05 MUSEUM OF FORGOTTEN TERRASCAPES A refuge to preserve, remember and celebrate Australia’s Rare Earth.
29
2017 - 2019
BADARI RESIDENCE
CADENCE ARCHITECTS, India
A Sensory Approach to Architecture & Design The villa was designed on a tight knit urban plot within a dense Indian residential location. The project embraces an organic form through spacial quality and internal program. The interior is segregated into smaller private spaces that connect to an open-plan double height gathering space that encourages family interaction. The values of a traditional courtyard house are reinterpreted using vertical connections to form a compact yet luxurious home for the client. The design seamlessly combines modern fluidity between outdoor and indoor spaces with a vibrant touch, hence manifesting the family’s core values into a space that is their own. Delicate craftsmanship helped realize the tactile design vision for the project. The ambitious structural design challenged by a tight budget required rigorous architectural resolution and careful coordination with engineers and site contractors. Being involved in the project from conception to completion gave me a holistic growth curve in design and project management. Further it allowed me to lead a team of junior designers and achieve efficient results while being a positive influence on young minds. Role in Project : Project Architect - Conceptual Visualization, Design Development, Documentation, Interior Design, Styling and Documentation, Site and Client liaison, Project Management. Publications : ArchDaily, Houzz.in, Buildofy , The Design Story
TERRACE GARDEN | H O M E T H E AT R E | GUEST ROOM |
BEDROOMS | LOUNGE |
FORMAL LIVING | KITCHEN | DINING | PR AYE R R O O M | BEDROOM |
INFORMAL LIVING | ZEN GARDEN | SERVICES
The Facade - The bold facade was conceptualized as an assemblage of different parts that come together to form a whole. The master bedroom is sculpted to create a figural void and is materially draped in rough marble. This ephemeral marble screen, structurally hung from the ceiling is bound by an earthy terracotta frame with a void. A garden occupies this void. The green deck with its figural void negotiates the connection between the interiors of the house and street it overlooks. The slatted window screen further adds a syncopated rhythm to this formal organization.
The plan was organized around a double height space that forms the soul of the house. This space connects the living, dining, kitchen, prayer room and the exterior deck into a cohesive whole. The space is further animated with an internal balcony and a bridge overlooking it to establish connectivity with floor above. The fluidity in this space enables individual requirements to overlap with each other providing a cozy interactive space for the family. This space is rendered with an eclectic material palate, replete with colour and texture that seeks warmth and delight. The terrace sequestered from the busy street is an area where the family entertains and unwinds. The home theatre room and the guest bedroom open into an open space with a Jacuzzi and open deck. The slatted roof and the raised green wall provide the required privacy to the space from the neighbors.
2020
SMVIT LIBRARY
CADENCE ARCHITECTS, India
Stealing glances. Subtle Whispers. A Winning Entry Library design for a renowned university in Karnataka. Being a part of the team that worked on the competition taught me immensely about leadership and team work on one hand and the variation in design process between competitions and live projects on the other. Located at the epicenter of a university campus, the design takes advantage of the dynamic site boundary and its rich vegetation. The planning incorporates a range of learning environments with unique connections to the surrounding campus and site vegetation. The conventional Indian campus with matchbox style functional units is contrasted with a design that directs view lines and embraces the site’s matured vegetation. Role in Project : Project Architect - Design Development, Documentation, Spacial Planning, 3D Visualisation, Presentation design, Animation, Team Management.
| R E A D I N G A R E A | STAC KS | D I G I TA L L I B R A RY |
| LOBBY | PERIODICAL SECTION | LOCKERS | C I R CU L AT I O N | STA F F WO R K AREA | MUDROOM |
| ENTRANCE LOBBY | GROUP STUDY AREA | SERVICE CORE | CAFETERIA |
| EXH I B I T I O N | AV R O O M S | STORAGE | ARCHIVE |
The Library, being a part of one of the most renowned University Campuses in Karnataka, was perceived to be an anchoring built space right from conception. The site housed a number of indigenous trees lined within its angular profile. Preservation of these trees and creating an effortless free flowing space were the two core principles during the design process. The program of the library has been segregated to maximize functionality and security, while ensuring a cohesive study environment with boundless views for the students. The design strives to balance environmental responsibility with user experience. Each floor has a pop of colour against the limitless green backgrounds. While the lower floors have a porous circulation structure to attract and encourage student activity, the main book keeping and reading areas are contained in the upper floors. The design was a part of competition entry for a live project. Stellar teamwork and time management along with the studio’s daring vision for the project contributed to Cadence Architects winning the tender for subsequent execution.
2016
EMPOWERING EVERYDAY OBJECTS
DESIGN NI DUKA AN, India
Designing Details : Art meets Ergonomics This side table was a part of a series of furniture custom designed for a residence in Surat. The project aimed to accentuate grain, pigment and texture through subtle details and perfection through imperfection. The studio prides itself for its handmade custom products with a story of its own. Each piece is carefully designed and curated through active collaboration with artisanal native carpenters. The Design is a manifestation of the studio’s values of blurring boundaries between, art, architecture, and product design through native craftsmanship. Attention and emphasis were given to achieving the perfect colour and edge details of the designed elements while embracing the imperfections of natural grain. The brief demanded a simple yet elegant piece for the living room. The colours and textures of the Chevron pattern and the teak base were designed to complement the brass legs. The design manifests the part to whole approach with each piece being complete on its own and yet related to the furniture collection and the home within its own setting. Role in Project : Design Intern - Design Development, Documentation, Workshop based approach - sampling materials, pigments and patterns
SIDE ELEVATION
FRONT ELEVATION
b
c
c
a
a
PLAN
b
SECTION AA
The beauty of the piece lies in its subtle details. Invisible grooves, joinery, grain, texture and pigment come together seamlessly in the making of an effortlessly elegant product. It exploits the potential of simple materials through thoughtful design and careful craftsmanship.
2023
MAPPING ARNHEM ART
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY & AA VISITING SCHOOL
Fading Tales And the Foretold Death This series studies the rapid deterioration of archaeological cultural heritage of aboriginal Australia due to catastrophic climate change and investigates our response to it using mapping as a medium. The research throws light on geological and archaeological sites in the Northern Territory region, especially the Darwin - Kakadu - Arnhem plateau belt. NT is home to innumerable aboriginal cultural assets with only a handful documented. One such cultural asset that reiterates the urgency of archaeological cultural preservation are the rock painting sites in Arnhem plateau. They were sacred landmarks for way finding and are of immeasurable cultural significance to the indigenous people. Rock paintings that survived centuries with aboriginal preservation strategies are rapidly fading away due to the climate crisis. This series maps the sites along the Arnhem belt in relation to the sheer absence of data collection the region. The absence of data translates to the poor preservation strategies of innumerable aboriginal cultural sites, hence urging a transformation. Role in Project : Brief and narration development, Geo data Analysis, Geo Mapping, Image Making. Individual project - AAVS studio at the University of Sydney
The Two buffalo paintings at Djarang (images below) have deteriorated severely between 1979, 1992 and 2009. Change in temperatures and rainfall pattern along with natural disasters accelerate it. The TC monica cyclone of 2006 is one such event that impacted the rock painting sites at the Arnhem plateau. The project studies the range of heritage data available across all states of Australia and a significant lack of it in NT. Further, studies show that the number of data stations within the state are proportional to the population density within the state rather than the asset density. The pressing question hence becomes “How can we protect sites that are not even documented?”. The map screams for action towards better documentation and data collection in the region. Image making is used a medium to metaphorically represent the cultural assets and ultimately memories literally fading away due to effects hard to control and the blimp of hope vegetation reconfiguration and data documentation may provide to this catastrophe. Geo mapping captures this statistically using geodata.
The Map stretches between Darwin, Kakadu and the Arnhem plateau region and locates archaeological aboriginal art sites in the region. The yellow dots show the rock painting sites along the Arnhem belt and their relation to the East alligator river. These sites were used for way finding by the native people while crossing the river. The significance of these sites lies in the use of natural pigments and vivid techniques that show the history, culture and ecology of the region in addition to the tales of the people. The black dots show the concentration of rock sculptures and wood sculptures
in the region. The site was hit by the TC monica Cyclone in 2006 that had a severe impact on the site and its cultural heritage. The blue concentric lines show the epicenter of the cyclone above Kakadu. Aboriginal preservation strategies included plantation of tall vegetation around significant sites to reduce damage. Loss of this knowledge over years of colonization has lead to dissipation of tall vegetation patches(green patches on map) further intensifying the effects of climate change on these cultural sites.
2023
MUSEUM OF FORGOTTEN TERRASCAPES
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
A refuge to preserve, remember and celebrate Australia’s Rare Earth. The project aims to study the interaction between geological formations and architecture. Australia has extraordinary geo-heritage with countless sites with rare natural formations and provides ample opportunity for the people to learn more about their national inheritance and history. Whilst this geo-heritage is special, we have not always recognized, protected, managed nor celebrated it as well as we could. In this project, we explore how we can improve this situation and suggest ways to the better identify, protect and manage Australia’s geoheritage with a grand objective of truly celebrating and caring for all our natural heritage through an architectural lens. The first part of research aims to capture the intuitive character of Australian Landscape with specific focus on the coastal line of Eyre peninsula and its evolution through geological time incomprehensible to human time, through a series of aerial photographs, maps and generative images. Eyre peninsula which sits on the gawler craton is significant for its steep cliffs with visible character from millions of years of evolution. The study explores a deeper understanding of the land’s geospatial structure through different cartographic, image making and visualization techniques. The research captures Australian landscape, with focus on its wondrous rock formations and its relationships with soil, water and climate. The ambition of this research project is to take part in a ongoing geological and historical discourse around an architectural typology that celebrates while preserving national heritage. The experience of these coastal heritage sites is often left to the imagination of an explorer and perhaps a drone camera. The obtained geological knowledge informs a unique typology, within the broader spectrum of a museum, that celebrates the geo-heritage of the site. The museum breaks the formality of conventional programs through a playful approach that initiates informal yet meaningful interactions between the people and the land and transforms the built space into a medium to experience strata in its natural form. The project recognizes the values of First Nations people who resided in the region and aims to be an activator to support, nourish and revive the values and relationship of the native people with the geological site. Role in Project : Brief and narration development, Geo data Analysis, Geo Mapping, Image Making, Design Development, Documentation. Individual project - Thesis studio at the University of Sydney.
Cartography helps us understand our place in the world, analyze potential interactions and reflect on the role geographical mapping plays in our understanding, conceptualization and reciprocation to its features. The elevation characteristics, soil pattern, geological mapping, hard scape, soft scape characteristics and ocean current patterns are analyzed and compared to the elevational character of the cliff face. The research focuses on a deeper understanding of the land’s geospatial structure using digital elevation models (DEMs) and orthophoto interpretation using high resolution enhanced ortho-imagery.
S O F T L A N D S CA P E PAT T E R N
H A R D L A N D S CA P E PAT T E R N
GRASSLANDS
SPARSE BUSHLAND
DENSE BUSHLAND
TALL TREES
AREA : 10%
AREA : 25%
AREA : 45%
AREA : 20 %
SAND
COMMON SPECIES :
COMMON SPECIES :
COMMON SPECIES :
COMMON SPECIES :
AREA : 65%
GAHNIA SP.
HALOSARCIA SP.
MELALEUCA HALMATURORUM
STRIATA BOOMSMA
AVG. HEIGHT : 350MM
AVG. HEIGHT : 850MM
AVG. HEIGHT : 1100MM
AVG. HEIGHT : 4000MM
AEOLIANITE CALCAREOUS
ROCK SURFACE AREA : 35%
For deeper understanding. the coastal line is divided into three regions – Sleaford, Whalers’ way and Cape wiles – with cape wiles gaining significance through research. The pattern and intensity of the ocean current inform the erosion pattern of the land. It shows evidence of the relationship between erosion patterns in relation to their height from sea level which subsequently informs the aging pattern of the land. The map on the right depicts the detailed terrain on the coastal line with references to sequential sections and elevation images. The sections are scaled down for visual perception and clearly indicate the transition in terrain along the coast. Sequential sections are used as a medium to understand the terrain slope and to accurately identify the cliff edge. Digital Elevation Models (DEM) were used to accurately identify and recreate a 3 dimensional model of the site using government provided satellite data.
CEREMONIAL PAVILION
Tactile relationship with land - visual connection to ocean ,horizon and rock cluster from 50m lvl.
Regenerated cliff edge at a perceivable scale serves as an appropriate backdrop to a formal museum and geo observatory program. INDOOR PLAZA
PUBLIC POOL
Visual Connection to entire cliff face, ocean and sky. Serves as an Arcadia to disconnect from reality. End point provides 250 degree visual lines to the endless Atlantic ocean
FORMAL MUSEUM
The ceremonial pavilion serves as a tactile connection between land, water and wind through unique interactions.
THE LINE
CEREMONIAL PAVILION
While the culture and history of native custodians helps us identify the values to anchor the design direction, the detailed mapping helps capture the unique characteristic of cape wiles while being sensitive to the existing ecosystem. The research concludes the geological richness of the site. Yet a majority of these are only experienced by researchers and geoscientists. The project intends to celebrate remember and preserve the geosite and aboriginal cultural heritage which has almost disappeared in the last 50 years and inform the people of their native geological heritage and the abundance of it. The thesis proposes a museum that breaks the formality of conventional programs through a playful approach that initiates informal yet meaningful interactions between the people and the land and transforms the built space into a medium to experience strata in its natural form. The design aims to provide never before experiences of the cliff, both tactile and visual from the ocean perspective. While the views from the land appreciate the intangible emotions of the ocean and the skyscape, the cliff face has hardly any visual access from the cliff edge. The design aims to challenge this aspect of the site through a program that connects to the land, water and sky through unique interactions.
FORMAL MUSEUM
ACCESS LEVEL @ 50m LVL
CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM @ 45m LVL
GEO OBSERVATORY @ 40m LVL
The core of this thesis lies in finding a relationship between architecture and a geologically significant terrascape in a way the former preserves, remembers and celebrates the latter. The design strategy achieves this by : Facilitating a range of tactile and visual conversations at a range of height levels from the sea and a range of distances from the cliff face. Every space holds the cliff character and the site context at its core. Further, it achieves a balance between damage to the land and theatrical spaces that celebrate the site using reverse spatial approach of how experiential design intentions can inform massing and zoning instead of the inverse scenario. The zoning is approached as a journey rather than a cluster of spaces. The journey is anchored at every point by views that reference the spaces passed and those yet to come. The site context and character intersect every space through choreographed movement in such a way that it activates the site and the program. Each program identifies itself with a unique mode of interaction with the cliff face, the ocean and the skyscape. It directs such an interaction while allowing each user to have their personal take on the surreal context of Eyre peninsula.
CONTACT madhumitha.ram3sh@gmail.com +61 406497099