M A N A N
N A R A N G
PORTFOLIO ARCHITECTURE | FURNITURE | INTERIORS
hanúz dehlí dúr ast (Delhi is still far away) Nizamuddin Auliya
MANAN NARANG ARCHITECT & FURNITURE DESIGNER
| A | D-34 Mansarover Garden New Delhi 110015 INDIA |M| +91 9871457775 | E | mnn.nrng@gmail.com www.behance.net/mnnnrng/ www.pinterest.com/mnnnrng/ www.instagram.com/mnnnrng/
EDUCATION -Bachelor of Architecture School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, India |2006-2011| -Baccalaureate Mount St. Mary’s School, Delhi Cantonment, India |1992-2005|
SKILLS AutoCAD | SketchUp | VRay | Revit | Adobe Photoshop | Adobe InDesign | Ecotect Analysis | Hand Drafting | Sketching | Model Making in Paper/Wood/Acrylic
RESEARCH -Evolution of House Form with changing lifestyles and the Transformation of Refugee Colonies in Delhi |2009| -Country Cousins: Changing Dynamics of Urban Villages, Delhi |2010| -Commercial Centers: Revisiting Typologies |2011|
HONOURS -Round 2 Shortlist for IIID-Godrej Innovations Furniture and Product Design Awards |2012| -Jury Member: Economic Times AceTech Grand Stand Awards |2014|
INTERESTS Travelling | Amateur Photography | Trekking | Foodie
WORK EXPERIENCE -Freelance Architect, New Delhi |Jan 2012 - Present| I have had the opportunity to work on two architecture projects; an industrial building in Noida for a manufacturer of leather footwear, and an ongoing renovation/ addition to a single floor house in Delhi. -Furniture Designer: Lifestyle Furnishers, New Delhi |Aug 2011 - Present| After passing out I joined the firm, learning and observing the methods and processes in furniture manufacturing and experimenting with furniture design. Working on projects, developing new prototypes and customizing for specific locations/needs has been an ongoing process. -Intern Architect: KAARU, New Delhi |Jan -Jun 2010| I worked with the firm for six months on residential interior projects in Delhi, Gurgaon and Pune. Working in a multidisciplinary design studio enabled me to work alongside graphic, product and textile designers besides architects. I also worked in close coordination with the production manager on the furniture design for the site at Gurgaon.
-Intern: Abha Narain Lambah Associates, Mumbai/Ajanta Shimla |May-Jul 2009| During the summer break after third year, for the first month I worked as part of a team of architecture students, archaeologists and historians at the Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra working on detailed measured drawings of the caves for the preparation of a Management Plan for the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI). During the second month I worked at The Viceregal Lodge, Shimla on cataloging the historic furniture by period, type, quantity and condition, along with a compilation of visual documentation of the interiors and building services of the main block, for the preparation of a Conservation Master plan for the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), which currently occupies the heritage complex. -Intern at SpaceMatters, New Delhi |Jun-Jul 2008| During the summer break after second year, I worked as an intern at the firm working on upcoming Titan Eye stores in Delhi NCR. This involved site surveys, working on layouts with pre-set design elements, conducting regular site visits and documentation of the construction process for quality assessment.
Ar Fu In
HOUSE REDESIGN LANTERN HOUSE
PROFESSIONAL WORK |Oct 2013 - Present|
01
This work in progress entailed the renovation and expansion of an existing house built in 1988. Built as a composite structure, employing both load bearing masonry walls and RCC beams and columns for larger spans, the house occupies two-thirds of the north-east facing 2680 sq.ft. plot area with generous setbacks on the front, rear and side.
Original elevation and volumetrics
Rising land prices and escalating cost of construction have coerced people to build to the maximum permissible limit, thereby resulting in dense, isolated box-like houses, with little relation to their surroundings. This project attempts to explore an alternative approach to addressing the needs of a growing family, while maintaining a distinctive bias in favour of open space, natural light and good ventilation, over the ill perceived need for “extra space�.
Proposed addition/alteration
Ground floor plan 01 Driveway 02 Garden 03 Stairs
First floor plan 04 Lobby 05 Dining area 06 Living room
07 Bedroom 08 Bathroom 09 Powder room
10 Kitchen 11 Utility 12 Backyard
13 Pooja room 14 Balcony 15 Study
16 Terrace 17 Kitchenette
Original Plan
Demolition
Second floor plan
Addition
The renovation plan proposed demolishing the kitchen, thereby freeing space in the ‘heart of the house’ to form a generous open to sky courtyard; in contrast to the passage like circulation space available earlier. The dining space occupies center stage in the courtyard, being the singular space where family members come together at the end of the day. The rear built form; being load bearing in nature has been replicated upstairs. The RCC framed northeast facing front of the house however tends to recede, with large cantilevered balconies and stepping terraces; the invaluable outdoor spaces for leisure, lacking in today’s urban living unit. The scale of fenestration exhibits a planned hierarchy. The northeast facing front has large openings to draw in reflected natural light sans heat gains. Smaller fenestrations on the south-west facing rear have deep overhangs in the form of balconies. The sky-lit courtyard in the center of the house ensures that each room receives natural light from both sides, thereby imparting a sense of ‘time’. Controlled openings in the skylight parapet facilitate air movement through ‘stack effect’. This in conjunction with external fenestration allows for a healthy ventilation system to come into play.
Longitudinal Section
Built form recedes to create terraces
The material palette reflects an inclination towards simplicity and low maintenance. There is a conscious attempt to derive ‘value’ by employing indigenous materials and superior craftsmanship, resulting in a distinctly ‘Indian-urban’ identity. Polished Banswara floors lend an imperfect naturalness to the perfect white of the walls. Indian granites have been used for exterior cladding, stairs and bathrooms. All frames, doors and windows made from teak have been hand-crafted at site. Teak from old door frames has been salvaged, used in window sections, mullions and a wooden floor for the study. In essence, the design of this house attempts to question the current trade-off of thoughtlessly occupying more ‘built‘ space while giving up on natural light, ventilation and private ‘open’ space. Is it possible to arrive at a better alternative without living in isolated boxes with all the luxuries that modern city life can provide? And instead move towards a lighter, healthier form of habitation where one is connected with their surroundings, the passing of the day, the cycle of seasons and perhaps the greenery of a private terrace.
Courtyard wall clad in Khatu stone (Teak Sandstone)
Stages of construction
North light iilluminating the ‘Lantern’
High Pressure Laminates installation
Re-purposed Teak from old frames
The ‘Lantern’ visible at night
02
DESIGN THESIS
COMMERCIAL CENTERS: REVISITING TYPOLOGIES REDESIGN OF SAKET COMMUNITY CENTER |Jan-May 2011|
This thesis is an attempt to question the existing commercial center. The ideas and explorations of this project are derived from understanding the history of commercial areas in the Indian context, from market streets of Shahjahanabad to the community centers of the 80’s, which saw the launch of the first Multiplex in India, acquainting the masses to a new style of shopping and recreation – the Mall. This project, located in Community Center, Saket- home of the PVR Anupam; aims to retrace back to a time when the Mall/ Multiplex typology was in its nascent stage, with the intention of distilling the pros and cons of the old typologies, along with the desirable attributes of the new, in order to contrive a balanced approach for the Commercial Centers of the future.
View of the complex from the north east
View from south west corner
View of the central court
The design borrows inspiration from the lively and colorful disposition of the traditional Indian marketplace. The essence of a market is generated by the hustle of advertising, a gamut of colors with each display jockeying for visibility. To achieve maximum retail penetration, a low rise high density development is planned, comprising of eleven interconnected buildings. The First Floor connecting walkway is continued along the south and the west external faces to provide diffused light to the spaces inside and minimize heat gains. The design aims to utilize the building skin along these walkways as a passive cooling mechanism for the building and circulation areas, displaying advertisements; the revenue generated thus being utilized for its maintenance and upkeep. Pedestrian/Vehicular Access
Location of access points and zoning have been done keeping the edge characteristics in mind. The complex faces inwards to the Central Court; the focal point of all activity. Taller built volumes on the north and east allow for maximum solar penetration. Stepping terraces create outdoor spill-out spaces for offices, cafes and restaurants. A pre-fab steel parking structure imparts visual anchorage; helping visitors orient themselves within the site, while allowing for future dismantling.
Site Plan
South Elevation
Ground Floor Plan
Longitudinal Section
03
INDUSTRIAL BUILDING
CONCEPTS, C-13, SECTOR-65, NOIDA PROFESSIONAL WORK |Jan 2012- Mar 2013|
This industrial building was designed for the client; a leather footwear manufacturer, initially intended to be used as a manufacturing unit on a north-east facing site measuring 800 sq.mts. It has a built-up area of 16000 sq.ft. The building was conceived as continuous column-less floor plates, with provisions for moving machinery vertically between all the floors from the south east side setback. All floors are equipped with a machinery loading bay, toilets and a pantry. Presently, the building houses the company offices and a product display area on the ground floor, as well as a godown for stock and raw material in the basement.
Ground Floor Plan
Entrance steps
04
URBAN DESIGN
DISTRICT CENTERS OF DELHI REDESIGN OF BHIKAJI CAMA PLACE |Aug - Dec 2011|
This urban design project, done in groups of three, was part of our final year design curriculum. Bhikaji Cama Place is a District Center located in South Delhi and is part of a network of ten such existing centers spread across the city. The redesign of the complex entailed conformity to the norms laid down in the Master Plan of Delhi 2021, thereby reducing ground coverage and Floor Area Ratio (FAR), increasing the parking to FAR and mainly; a shift in the character of the district center from a predominantly office oriented complex to a more public oriented commercial center with city level infrastructure facilities.
In order to derive design cues for the site, factors such as existing infrastructure around the site informed the choice of program components for the new center. Green vs. Built equations were analyzed, varying population density (X1000/sq.km.) in the vicinity, vehicular and pedestrian access to the site from all sides and the existing land use pattern of the surrounding areas as well as a gradual shift in the land use pattern in view of the new mixed use policy allowed in the MPD 2021 were taken into consideration.
Precinct Plan
The design aims to create an integrated development that provides city level facilities, being well connected to major transport hubs across the city. The business district character of the site has been retained considering its strategic location within the city, although a conscious attempt has been made to promote commercial activity, which leads to an increased public interaction of the district center, and the site stays in use for a longer duration as compared to a predominantly office loaded complex. An attempt has been made to provide the city with a cultural complex by imbibing public oriented functions such as art galleries and libraries, a food court, malls and multiplex, performance theaters as well public open spaces.
Site Plan
The entire complex has been designed as an exercise in the negative. A site shaped built mass to maintain the edge continuity has been cut, sloped, punctured and distorted to respond to the surroundings and suit the various intents and functions of the design. The site projects the image of a business district to the city with its tall buildings shielding a cultural complex in its midst.
The built mass on the entire complex has been sloped to the south thereby creating a progression in height as one moves from the village end to the Ring Road. This responds in scale to the village, as the site doesn’t impose its presence on the southern edge. Moreover, this allows for deeper solar penetration into the taller office floor plates arranged around internal sky lit courtyards.
The design responds to the context by employing various nuances in its volumetric disposition to convey opacity, translucence and porosity on each of the four edges of the site. The Ring Road elevation is framed on either side by tall commercial buildings, receding towards the Central Plaza; an inviting entrance gesture allowing views to the interior of the complex.
Pedestrian connectivity to the site has been reinforced by providing underground subways from across the high traffic roads on the north (Ring Road) and east (Africa Avenue). A large unused green buffer space across the Ring Road has been landscaped and an entry to the site has been created by connecting the green to the Central Plaza via a subway.
Ring Road Elevation
Ground Floor Plan
Typical Floor Plan
Longitudinal Section
Transverse Section
Africa Avenue Elevation
The north-east and north-west corners of the site, along the Ring Road are created like tall, imposing, opaque faces intended to funnel the pedestrian flow from the city roads onto diagonal shaded, tree lined avenues edged with retail spaces; which dominate most of the ground floor on the site. The built envelope on the eastern and western edges of the site have been punctured for vehicular access and drop-off, with access to basement parking. Leisure spaces such as the retail mall and Multiplex along the east face are closer to access for the surrounding areas. The quieter western edge is suitable for private functions such as the Luxury Hotel, Banquet and Convention Facilities, as well as the Performance Auditorium. The southern edge of the site faces the densely populated Mohammadpur village. Planned informal
markets have been arranged along the south edge and entrance from the Teen Burji side to increase influx into the site; allowing for a fluid access, which is conducive to the low rise high density character of the village. A multipurpose hall and an open ground provide a much needed public space exclusively for the village, while buffering it from the basement entry, service access and fire station arranged along a service road. Ensconced by public functions such as the Food Court facing the Open Air Theatre (OAT), the identical Multiplex and Performance Auditorium on the west and east respectively, is the Central Square. Other public functions such as the Exhibition Hall and Library form the north end of the Square, located at the ground floor of the Commercial buildings.
The Central Square acts as the public open space of the site as well as the locus of the city level Cultural Complex which it intends to create, with scope for outdoor performances in the OAT and a place of repose from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Teen Burji Mosque is an important archaeological site for the city which has fallen into a state of disrepair. The attempt to restore and rejuvenate a piece of city history has been made by scaling down the built form as one approaches the mosque. Moreover, the open area in front of the mosque platform, encroached upon due to immense pressures of urbanization is restored to a green space, is landscaped and a continuum created with the diagonal avenue by introducing an informal market at this end of the complex.
EXTERIOR REDESIGN SAKET RESIDENCE
PROJECT PROPOSAL |Apr 2015|
05
This project involved the remodeling of a bungalow built in the 1980s in dire need of repair. The brief was to retain most of the built form so as to minimize demolition and civil work, adding interest to the facade; a step away from the stark whiteness, and derive a low cost, low maintenance solution. The dust and noise of traffic from the abutting vehicular road was a concern which the client wanted to be addressed.
Existing condition of site
Proposed road facing elevation
Side Setback
Over the years, multiple modifications and spot renovations had been carried out, resulting in a haphazard appearance. Instead of basic repair and maintenance, the client chose to overhaul the bungalow.
Road facing elevation
The design approach is to layer the western, road facing edge to minimize heat gains and reduce noise and dust inflow. To this effect, the boundary wall is raised, more so at the ends of the building, bamboo lattice screens are used to enclose the kitchen entry courtyard, and green shrubs and trees are added along the side setback, thereby resulting in a layering of volumes and vegetation on the western edge. A material palette of combed cement plaster and cured (smoked) bamboo is chosen with the existing white stucco to add visual interest. The white surfaces are interspersed with the gray of the cement plaster, which is applied to the existing projecting volumes of the built mass. Cured bamboo is used for making planters, pergolas, railings and lattice screens.
06
THE TURNTABLE
IIID-GODREJ INNOVATIONS 2012 ROUND 2 SHORTLISTED COMPETITION ENTRY |Jul-Dec 2012|
The TURNTABLE is designed keeping in mind the contemporary office scenario. Inspired by the potter’s wheel, the design attempts to reach out to a large customer base by imbibing flexibility and customize-ability as a core design determinant. Its dimensions have been designed to cater to a wide range of users as comfortably as possible.
Exploded view of the Turntable
A standard 6’ X 2’ X 2.5’ desk cum storage unit adapts itself to the environment, be it a SOHO, a small office cubicle or a large office cabin. The design provides for different layout arrangements, eliminating the need for other products. The rotate-able side unit allows for flexibility of use and multiple units can be arranged in sets of two, three or four workstation layouts. The materials are chosen such as to allow the table to be shipped as a partly flat-pack, ready to assemble unit, thereby reducing shipping costs.
Small Office/Home Office (SOHO)
0
90
Small Cubicle
120
Large Office Cabin
ANDO
Finish options
ROHE
MONDRIAN
GROOVE WARDROBE
LIFESTYLE FURNISHERS BESPOKE FURNITURE |Oct-Nov 2014|
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A minimalist sliding wardrobe with a groove patterned wood fascia, finished in teak stained melamine finish. This wardrobe, measuring 8’L X 2’D X 7’H is made using 19mm poplar wood core block board, finished in 0.8mm laminates on the inside and 4mm teak veneers on the outside.
Drawer profile
Shelf support detail
The wardrobe comprises of 2 storage units connected with a common crown piece and connector bolts. The sliding shutters are made using 25mm triple face poplar core block board. The pattern on the front shutter is made from alternating 1” and 2” wide, 3/8” thick Burma Teak strips sweeping the face and turning along the edge. The rear shutter is finished in 5mm machine edged white lacquered glass pasted using silicone sealant. Removable shelves are built into the storage to allow variable hanging lengths as well as flexibility of storage. A sliding groove provided in the shelves creates a concealed shelf support detail using ordinary hardware. Drawer handles are given a miss, in favor of the cleaner top mounted pull channel profile. The ‘below waist’ storage employs sliding trays to provide convenient access.
Construction of the shutter fascia
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DIA BOOKSHELF + SCISSOR STUDY TABLE LIFESTYLE FURNISHERS BESPOKE FURNITURE |Aug-Sep 2014|
DIA BOOKSHELF is a floor and wall mounted bookshelf custom designed on a diagonal grid into an L arrangement required for the space, finished in white high gloss polyurethane. The bookshelf measures 7’L X 1’D X 7.5’H and is made in two connecting parts with 19mm poplar wood core block board finished in 1/4” MDF fascia on both sides. The back panels are finished in black and lime green. This wall unit, with varying uneven storage and a dash of bright neon colors, lends an informal, quirky vibe to the place. SCISSOR STUDY TABLE is a minimalist writing table developed using a fusion of the cross base and the regular folded top pattern. The study table measures 4’L X 1.75’D X 2.5’H and is made from 19mm poplar wood core block board finished in 1/4” MDF fascia on both sides. The legs are shaped out of 5” X 1.5” teak wood sections, installed with concealed joinery hidden under the MDF fascia. Storage is provided in two discreet drawers under the table top. The minimalist design expression, with the simple lines allows it to accord well with any environment, be it modern/minimalist or ornate/traditional.
In finishing process
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DIAMOND CREDENZA LIFESTYLE FURNISHERS
PRODUCTION PROTOTYPE |Jan 2015|
A black credenza with a glossy diamond pattern emulating the fabric quilting technique of old, finished in black high gloss polyurethane. The diamond pattern is carved onto a 5/8” MDF sheet pressed over 19mm block board shutters. The unit measures 5’L X 1.5’D X 2.5’H and offers storage in three drawers and two shutters. The play of light on the surface lends a degree of depth and interest.
MOTIF MIRROR FRAME
LIFESTYLE FURNISHERS
PRODUCTION PROTOTYPE |Mar 2015|
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An ornate mirror frame, invoking the craft and technique of Indian wood carving artisans, developed using an interlocking motif pattern, finished in white high gloss polyurethane. The hand carved frame, made in MDF, measures 5’-2”L X 3’-8”H and uses a mirrored pattern to interlock within itself in odd numbered sequences along both directions. This rebate-less frame has an 8mm beveled mirror pasted to the base, using silicone sealant.
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KITES & SHIFT WARDROBES LIFESTYLE FURNISHERS BESPOKE FURNITURE |May-Jul 2015|
Wardrobes meant to be used as storage for occasional wear and footwear finished in white high gloss polyurethane. Identical in structure, both wardrobes are constructed in 19mm poplar core block board, finished in 0.8 laminates on the inside and MDF fascia on the outside. The wardrobes measure 5’L X 2’D X 6’-9”H and are made in two detachable units. These wardrobes are meant for identical locations on different floors of the same house. The KITES wardrobe utilizes a skewed pyramid pattern with varying rotation sequences to create an undulating surface. The white glossy surface creates a mesmerizing effect. The play of light and shadow imparts an evanescent quality to the space as the wardrobe changes appearance throughout the day and into the night. The SHIFT wardrobe employs a seemingly random extruded pattern comprised of units of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 laid out on a 10” square grid. Due to the varying depths, the shadows cast on each panel from its adjacent panels creates an illusive appearance of light and dark.
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INTERIOR REDESIGN SETHI RESIDENCE PROJECT PROPOSAL |Jun 2015|
The interiors for this portion of the ground floor, measuring 1750 sq.ft. was designed in collaboration with fellow architect Shashank Singal. The dark, gloomy interiors of this house, built in the 80s were dated and haphazard, with peace-meal renovations done over the years. A lack of natural light was prevalent throughout the house, despite being a south facing, double storey bungalow with generous setbacks. The client asked for a fashionable, quirky interior, keeping the existing structure intact to minimize civil intervention and modifying only the materials and finishes.
Layout plan : Proposed material palette
The design approach, considering the brief, proposed to demarcate different zones by changing the flooring material. Interesting patterns were introduced by employing customized terrazzo tiles, interspersed with natural Jaisalmer sandstone and Agaria White marble. A lighting installation in red pipe swas designed by Shashank for both drawing/ dining and living areas to liven up the space and get a better distribution of light without creating a false ceiling which would reduce the height. Bright wall mounted graphics dictate the color scheme for furnishings. The walls are treated with exposed brick tiling, to add texture.
Dining cum drawing room : Existing
Dining cum drawing room : Proposed
Informal lounge : Existing
Informal lounge : Proposed
APARTMENT INTERIORS SINGLA RESIDENCE
PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP |Dec 2009 - May 2010|
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As part of my internship at KAARU, I worked on this interior design project; a 4500 sq.ft. residential apartment in Unitech World Spa, Sector-30, Gurgaon. Alongside Kanupriya BansalSenior Architect at KAARU, we were responsible for the design detailing and coordination of the project. Besides this, I got an opportunity to work closely with KAARU’s furniture workshop for the design and execution of customized furniture pieces.
Rubberwood ‘Curtain Wall”
View of Drawing Room
Joining the project at the execution stage enabled me to get a thorough understanding of construction processes and techniques, as spot detailing and troubleshooting on site form a major part of the execution phase; which is largely overlooked at the design stage of a project.
Sketch for a Study Table
Sketch for an Entertainment Unit
Entrance Foyer
THANK YOU
M A N A N
N A R A N G
ARCHITECTURE | FURNITURE | INTERIORS