SELECTED WORKS 2017-2024
TACTICAL URBANISM
MASTER PLANNING
CLIMATE CHANGE
URBAN PLANNING
RESILIENCE CITIES
LANDSCAPE
SUSTAINABILITY
RENEWAL
TRANSPORTATION
ARCHITECTURE ECOSYSTEM
PEOPLE CENTRIC ENVIRONMENT
2017-2024
PUBLIC SPACE
URBAN DESIGN
ARCHITECTURE | URBAN PLANNING | LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
This portfolio highlights my academic and professional journey, reflecting a deep commitment to community service and environmental stewardship. As I strive to broaden my expertise in the built environment, I am eager to engage with cutting-edge academic challenges and groundbreaking research that will redefine the boundaries of urban planning and design.
Global mean sea level (GMSL) is rising at an accelerating rate, as evidenced by long-term observations from tide gauges and satellite altimetry. Between 1901 and 1990, the rate of GMSL rise was recorded at 1.4 mm per year, increasing to 2.1 mm per year between 1970 and 2015. More recent data from 1993 to 2015 show a further acceleration to 3.2 mm per year, and from 2006 to 2015, it reached 3.6 mm per year. These observations indicate a clear upward trend, driven predominantly by the melting of glaciers and polar ice sheets, which now contribute the largest portion of GMSL rise.
This rise, primarily attributed to human-induced climate change, has far-reaching implications for coastal regions. Observational studies show that rising sea levels leads to accelerated coastal erosion, more frequent flooding, and the inundation of low-lying deltas. In areas with weak coastal infrastructure, these impacts are further exacerbated. Wetlands and marshes are particularly vulnerable, with many already disappearing as the rate of sea level rise increases. Saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers and estuarine systems, caused by rising seas, is another major concern, leading to the degradation of water quality in many coastal regions.
Through these observations, my thesis explores the urgent need for adaptive urban planning and resilient coastal management strategies to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of sea level rise and protect vulnerable coastal communities.
Type: Academic / Thesis (Sem. 10- 2022)
Team: Individual
Studio Instructor: Prof. Suresh Kumar (HOD), Prof. Raman S, Prof. Firdose Basha Ghouse (Mentor)
Chennai, one of South Asia’s largest cities, faces increasing vulnerability to climate change, particularly from rising sea levels. According to the IPCC, approximately 16% of Chennai could be submerged by 2100 due to sea level rise, and by this time, the city is projected to be the 27th most populous in the world, with around 25 million inhabitants—surpassing Tokyo. The situation is expected to worsen by 2250, significantly threatening the city’s infrastructure, economy, and natural ecosystems. To protect this critical urban area, Chennai must implement robust, climate-resilient strategies to mitigate the impacts of rising seas and safeguard its future.
Taking inspiration from BIG Architects’ “BIG U” project in Lower Manhattan, my thesis proposes a comprehensive resiliency framework for Chennai. The design incorporates a multi-layered approach to coastal protection, blending hard infrastructure solutions with nature-based strategies. Strengthening the coastline through levees, floodwalls, and natural barriers, such as mangroves and wetlands,
will help buffer the city from sea-level rise and storm surges, while simultaneously restoring ecosystems.
Beyond just physical resilience, the design focuses on creating “social infrastructure” that serves the community. By integrating public spaces, recreational facilities, and waterfront amenities, this approach seeks to transform Chennai’s coastline into an active, vibrant urban edge. Improved access to the waterfront not only enhances the city’s livability but also fosters a stronger connection between the community and its natural environment.
Moreover, the proposal seeks to stimulate economic development by leveraging Chennai’s coastal location to enhance tourism and transportation networks. This multi-functional strategy ensures that the city’s resilience plan benefits both the environment and the people, fostering long-term sustainable growth. By planning for resilient urban infrastructure, Chennai can become a model for other coastal cities facing similar climate-related challenges.
Sea observation deck & coastal bridge
Children’s play area & observation deck
Aquatic sports area & Shoreline
Fishing harbor market & vessel docking area
Sky-high Suspended seaside viewing deck
Adaptable & All-purpose open urban zone
Recreational space
Zone 3 is designed to be highly adaptive to sea level rise, featuring a fully floatable neighborhood that adjusts to varying ocean tides. This resilient community includes versatile public parks and social spaces that support multiple activities, seamlessly connected to modular homes.
The zone also incorporates vertical farming facilities, such as aeroponics and aquaponics, aimed at empowering non-working women within the community. A boat jetty facilitates convenient water-based transportation between different areas, integrating sustainable mobility into daily life.
Due to its floating design and modular nature, the houses can be easily relocated by water to other cities, such as Mumbai, Amsterdam, or Vancouver. This flexibility not only allows for dynamic urban planning but also encourages innovation in housing solutions across global waterfronts. Residents have the autonomy to design and build their own homes, contributing to a personalized, resilient urban landscape.
By integrating cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, Zone 3 exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to creating adaptable, climate-resilient cities that can thrive amid rising sea levels and evolving environmental conditions.
TOD - Transit Oriented Development, Indra Nagar MRTS, India
Type: Academic / Design Studio (Sem. 07 / 2020-2021)
Team: Individual
Studio Instructor: Prof. Raman S, Prof. Binu Xavier BS, Assistant Prof. Prithvi Mahadevan
Enhanced public open space
Mixed-use neighborhoods and developments
Spatial pattern analysis
Enhancement and deepening of water bodies
The Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS), a pioneering project by Southern Railways, is India’s first and longest elevated railway corridor, stretching 17 km along the Buckingham Canal. This elevated line has unfortunately led to significant pollution and contamination of the canal, impacting its usability for the public and degrading the surrounding urban environment.
My Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) design aims to mitigate these issues by prioritizing environmental preservation and enhancing urban accessibility. The design focuses on preventing further pollution of the Buckingham Canal and its edges, ensuring that the canal remains clean and usable. It incorporates dedicated lanes for bicycles, pedestrians, and trams, similar to Ahmedabad’s BRTS, along with a ferry service, separate EV lanes, and vehicle lanes, to improve urban mobility and connectivity.
Additionally, instead of elevating above the canal, the proposal includes a new Metro system situated below the canal. This approach avoids obstructing stormwater flow during heavy monsoons, thus reducing flood risks and contributing to more effective urban water management. By integrating these elements, the design fosters a sustainable, accessible, and resilient urban environment, aligning with the goals of modern urban planning and Transit-Oriented Development.
various modes of transportation
Raised pedestrian and cyclist corridors
Public and recreational zones
Boat transportation along the canal
Tram lane with elevated platform
Ground level (Service zone)
Concourse level (Ticketing)
Pedestrian circulation
Platform grade
Underground metro passage
Nolambur, India
Type: Academic / Design Studio (Sem. 04 / 2018-2019)
Team: Individual
Studio Instructor: Prof. Suresh Kumar (HOD), Prof. Reeveezee M Antony, Prof. Sudir
For this project, I designed a primary school in Nolambur, Chennai, for students from Pre-KG to 5th grade, covering an area of 13,207 sq.m. The design aims to foster a dynamic learning environment through thoughtfully planned campuses, classrooms, and social spaces, promoting deeper educational experiences and stronger social bonds.
Key design elements focus on creating diverse learning environments and enhancing social connectivity. By integrating flexible spaces and optimizing classroom layouts, the school supports varied pedagogical methods and enriches the learning process, while also bolstering emotional resilience and student engagement.
Sustainability was a core consideration, with the design incorporating energy-saving features to reduce operational costs. This approach not only supports environmental goals but also increases the school’s appeal and enrollment potential, aligning with broader educational and community objectives, ensuring that the school not only serves its educational purpose but also contributes positively to the local community and environment.
The design emphasizes experiential learning by incorporating open spaces and diverse environments where students can engage through touch, sight, and smell. By varying classroom alignments and spatial experiences, the school provides a rich learning environment that stimulates different perspectives.
Outdoor activities are integral, allowing students to engage in various sports like swimming, cricket, and football, promoting physical development and teamwork. Additionally, agricultural projects onsite enable students to cultivate and prepare their own food, fostering practical skills and a deeper understanding of food and agriculture.
This approach not only enhances students’ learning experiences but also improves their career awareness and lifestyle choices, integrating educational and practical knowledge within the school environment.
THIRD FLOOR FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR GROUND FLOOR
THIRD FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR
Type: Academic / Workshop Team: Individual
Studio Instructor: Prof. SDonga Sravani(GIS Spealist), Assistant Prof. Prithvi Mahadevan
I completed a month-long workshop on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) under the guidance of Ms. Donga Sravani. This workshop provided a comprehensive understanding of GIS fundamentals and its industry applications, particularly in solving issues related to natural hazards, climate, urban planning, and social equity. Through hands-on experience with ArcGIS, I learned to analyze and visualize geographic data using layer-building maps such as contour, slope, watershed, and land use, equipping me with valuable skills for spatial analysis and problem-solving in urban contexts.
Corporate Head Office, Egmore, Chennai
The Fuso Corporate Head Office in Egmore, Chennai, was designed with a focus on resilient and sustainable systems that seamlessly integrate modern corporate needs with environmental responsibility. The project’s development of the interior, facade, and terrace balances functionality and elegance.
Terrace Design: The terrace, featuring a semi-covered interaction zone and garden, encourages social engagement while incorporating sustainable elements like water retention systems and shaded seating to improve energy efficiency. Durable materials such as cobblestone and vitrified tiles ensure both aesthetics and longevity.
Facade Development: Optimized through sun path analysis, the facade reduces heat load and maxi mizes natural light, lowering energy consumption. This approach aligns the project with urban sus tainability goals, demonstrating how resilient, cli mate-conscious design can address today’s urban challenges.
Through these design strategies, the Fuso Corpo rate Head Office not only fulfills its role as a dy namic workplace but also contributes to Chennai’s broader goals of urban sustainability and climate resilience by reducing energy consumption and promoting green design principles. This project sets a precedent for how commercial architecture can integrate resilient and environmentally friend ly solutions, addressing the needs of today’s urban challenges.
Type: Professional Work
Role: Architect / Design, Technical Detailing & Presentation
Team: Praveen Raj, Manushi Jain, Abdul Kalam, Priyadarshan, Surbhi Mittal
Kosasthalaiyar Basin, GCC Chennai
This project tackles the critical issue of urban flooding and water management in the flood-prone Kosasthalaiyar Basin, Chennai. By applying Sponge City principles, the design introduces a holistic approach that focuses on water retention, filtration, and ecological restoration. The Sponge Park serves as a multifunctional urban green space that absorbs excess rainwater during monsoon seasons, reducing flood risks while also recharging the groundwater table.
Key features include bio-swales, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and constructed wetlands, all of which work together to naturally manage stormwater runoff. The project not only mitigates flooding but also transforms the landscape into a thriving ecosystem, supporting local biodiversity and improving public health by reducing urban heat islands. Additionally, the design enhances the social and recreational value of the site, offering residents access to green spaces while promoting environmental education through the park’s interactive installations.
Type: Professional Work
Role: Architect / Design, Technical, Presentation & Filed visit
Team: Sourav Biswas, Praveen Raj, Manushi Jain, Abdul Kalam, Anuja, GG Nivedha, Niaz
One of the most notable aspects of this project is its ability to foster community resilience by integrating social infrastructure into its environmental framework. The park offers accessible public spaces for recreation and social interaction, which are critical in building cohesive communities. Additionally, the project’s interactive features, such as educational signage and water management demonstrations, help foster environmental awareness among local residents, encouraging a community-wide understanding of climate resilience.
Furthermore, the project’s alignment with urban sustainability goals sets a precedent for future development in Chennai and beyond. By addressing climate-related challenges through nature-based solutions, the Sponge Park and its associated infrastructure showcase how cities can adapt to the dual challenges of urbanization and climate change. This innovative design not only reduces the environmental footprint of urban development but also strengthens the long-term socio-economic resilience of vulnerable communities in the face of extreme weather events.
cal Interpretation center, Kilambakkam
Type: Professional Work
Role: Architect / Design, Technical & Filed visit
Team: Praveen Raj, Manushi Jain, Nivedha Ramesh, Abdul Kalam, GG Nivedha, Swati Desai
The above are the critical landscapes / biomes of the Chennai Metropolitan region and the surrounding districts. The proposed park will recreate these critical landscape experiences, through recreational programming, community amenities, native planting and interpretation spaces.
The above are the critical landscapes / biomes of the Chennai Metropolitan region and the surrounding districts. The proposed park will recreate these critical landscape experiences, through recreational programming, community amenities, native planting and interpretation spaces.
Critical Ecosystems/Landscapes of Chennai Metropolitan Area
The Climate Park & Archaeological Interpretation Center project in Kilambakkam is an innovative blend of ecological restoration and cultural heritage preservation. The park acts as an ecological corridor, reconnecting fragmented ecosystems and enhancing the area’s biodiversity. It integrates native vegetation, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural drainage channels to create a sustainable landscape that mitigates climate risks such as flooding and heat stress.
The Archaeological Interpretation Center is designed to celebrate the region’s rich historical legacy. Through careful site planning, the center offers visitors an immersive experience that narrates the historical significance of local archaeological sites while employing eco-friendly construction techniques. The project uses sustainable materials, natural ventilation, and en ergy-efficient systems, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
BIODIVERSITY & ECOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
BIODIVERSITY & ECOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
BIODIVERSITY & ECOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Site Analysis
Project Goals adhere to the mandated SEIAA to the CMDA mandates a list of measures to protect and improve the
Project Goals adhere to the mandated 15.4% of the Bus Terminus Site to be Green Belt zone. The Environmental Clearance letter from SEIAA to the CMDA mandates a list of measures to protect and improve the surrounding environment through efficient water & waste management, clean energy and native biodiversity enhancement.
Project Goals adhere to the mandated 15.4% of the Bus Terminus Site to be Green Belt zone. T SEIAA to the CMDA mandates a list of measures to protect and improve the surrounding environment through efficient water & waste management, clean energy and native biodiversity enhancement.
Project Goals adhere to the mandated 15.4% of the Bus Terminus Site to be Green Belt zone. T SEIAA to the CMDA mandates a list of measures to protect and improve the surrounding environment through efficient water & waste management, clean energy and native biodiversity enhancement.
A key aspect of the design is its ability to promote community engagement and environmental education. By linking cultural preservation with ecological restoration, the project provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to actively participate in the conservation of both natural and historical assets. The park and interpretation center host educational workshops, guided tours, and interactive exhibits that highlight the interconnectedness of cultural heritage and environmental stewardship, thus encouraging the community to take an active role in maintaining these spaces for future generations.
The project boosts local economic growth by integrating eco-tourism with infrastructure that conserves resources and attracts visitors interested in historical and environmental experiences. By aligning sustainability with cultural heritage, it sets a benchmark for harmonious urban and environmental coexistence, fostering community engagement and promoting sustainable practices for long-term resilience.
Development & Planning center, Dhanushkodi
The Integrated Tourism Development & Planning Center in Dhanushkodi presents a unique opportunity to balance tourism development with environmental and cultural preservation. Located in a fragile coastal zone, the project applies nature-based solutions such as coastal afforestation, wetland restoration, and flood mitigation to protect vital ecosystems like mangroves and marshlands. These interventions not only enhance biodiversity but also mitigate the effects of climate change, creating a resilient landscape that serves both ecological and tourism purposes. The careful integration of low-impact infrastructure ensures that tourism growth does not come at the expense of the environment.
A key aspect of the project is its emphasis on cultural heritage and community engagement. By restoring and highlighting Dhanushkodi’s historical ruins, the plan creates heritage loops and eco-sensitive cultural trails that connect visitors to the region’s rich past. These pathways foster a deeper appreciation of local history while supporting sustainable tourism practices. The inclusion of interpretation centers and wayfinding strategies further enhances the visitor experience, transforming the area into an educational and recreational destination that respects its historical significance.
Type: Professional Work
Role: Co-Leed, Architect / Design, Technical `& Filed visit
Team: Praveen Raj, Manushi Jain, Aditya Hajare, Anuja, Saloni, Niaz, Rishi Kumar
The project integrates tourism infrastructure with community development by creating employment opportunities, advancing skill development, and promoting gender inclusivity. This approach aligns tourism growth with local welfare, ensuring that economic benefits support long-term social resilience. It exemplifies how sustainable urban planning can address environmental challenges, preserve culture, and foster socio-economic growth, serving as a model for future coastal developments.
B.Regional Thematic Goals & Framework | Framing Goals for 3 Themes
Goal 1. Leveraging
B.Regional Thematic Goals & Framework | Framing Goals for 3 Themes Goal 2. Fostering local identity through promotion of heritage, culture and recreational
Goal 1. Leveraging Eco-tourism as a tool to promote the ecology and environmental
Goal 2. Fostering local identity through promotion of heritage, culture and recreational tourism
& Livelihood
Goal 3.
Establishing integrated infrastructures for tourism and inclusive community development
Goal 3. Establishing integrated infrastructures for tourism and inclusive community development
Moreover, the Dhanushkodi project stands as a model of collaborative planning, shaped by consultations with local authorities, environmental experts, and community members. This participatory approach ensured the integration of both traditional knowledge and modern sustainable design, fostering local ownership and cultural sensitivity. The project exemplifies how stakeholder collaboration can drive the creation of resilient, inclusive, and environmentally adaptive urban developments.
C.Integrated Tourism Master Plan | Node 2 - Dhanushkodi (Ghost town) INTEGRATED TOURISM MASTER PLAN | NODE 2 - DHANUSHKODI TOWN SOUTH LOOP (CHURCH RUIN PLAZA)
5 : South Loop (Church Ruin
Type: Sketches & Potography
Team: Individual
Each sketch and every frame is a lens into possibility—capturing the soul of spaces, shaping visions, and creating futures beyond the lines
Type: Sketches & Potography
Team: Individual & group
Hands-on workshops and volunteering have been crucial for developing my practical skills. Additionally, mentoring juniors in advanced software has enhanced both my leadership abilities and technical expertise.
During a week-long volunteering project with ITDP India, our team conducted a user survey of the Pedestrian Plaza in Pondy Bazaar, T. Nagar. This initiative, part of the Smart City program, aimed to enhance urban life and sustainable transportation by designing more accessible, pedestrian, cyclist, universal, and child-friendly streets in Chennai, thus advancing broader goals of transit-oriented development and urban inclusivity.
In a month-long teaching program, I guided juniors in using Rhino and Grasshopper for computational design and parametric architecture. Through peer-to-peer learning, we explored advanced techniques and real-world applications, enhancing their understanding of these tools. This program fostered their technical skills and prepared them for industry challenges, encouraging them to become proficient and innovative professionals ready for contemporary design problems.
I engaged in the Urbanlogue shop led by Shreya mer South Asia focusing on urban planning. The workshop sustainable transport tion, urban planning capacity building cials. Key topics included non-motorized transport parking management, sit-oriented development, a comprehensive integrating transit urban environments.
Urbanlogue workShreya Gadepalli, forDirector at ITDP, urban transportation workshop covered transport implementaplanning reforms, and building for public offiincluded designing transport facilities, management, and trandevelopment, offering understanding of transit solutions into environments.
I had the opportunity to present my award-winning school design to Ivar Krasinski, founding partner and design director of Edge, an architecture consultancy in Dubai. His review and feedback provided invaluable insights into design ideology and the evolution of architectural methods, particularly in terms of economic and sustainable practices. This experience deepened my understanding of how design can adapt to various factors and enhance its impact.
I completed a certification course in parametric architecture with Ar. Sushant Varma, founder of RAT lab, through the Smart Lab 3.0 workshop (2019-2020). This intensive course in computational design and parametric architecture provided hands-on training with Rhino and Grasshopper, significantly enhancing my skills in developing dynamic, responsive design solutions. The program offered in-depth insights into advanced computational tools, enabling me to push the boundaries of innovative design and problem-solving.
Type: Sketches & Potography
Team: Individual & group
Hands-on workshops and volunteering have been crucial for developing my practical skills. Additionally, mentoring juniors in advanced software has enhanced both my leadership abilities and technical expertise.
As part of a collaboration between RVS Chennai and NITTE Mangalore, Ar. Arun Swaminathan from RV College of Architecture introduced us to innovative techniques in tensile structures. The workshop focused on the structural advantages of tensile forms, such as material efficiency, load distribution, and flexibility. We explored lightweight membranes, cable systems, and strategies for optimizing spatial configurations, highlighting tensile structures’ potential for sustainable, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing architectural solutions.
In collaboration with RVS Chennai and CIBART (Center for Indian Bamboo Resource and Technology), we explored the sustainable use of bamboo in construction. The workshop covered jointing, lashing, and bamboo’s potential and limitations. Two CIBART artisans provided hands-on training, demonstrating bamboo’s strength, flexibility, and renewability as an eco-friendly alternative, while also addressing its challenges in durability, structural application, and suitability for diverse climates.
We traveled to Shyam for a three-week led by Ar. Himanshu of 6th D. Amid the forest, the workshop tures on region-specific and hands-training struction techniques. sive experience provided tional understanding building materials architecture, emphasizing of contextual materials environmentally resilient structures. 08
WORKSHOP (AHMEDABAD)
Shyam Eco Forest
three-week brick workshop Himanshu Patel, founder the beauty of the Gir workshop featured lecregion-specific materials hands-training in brick contechniques. This immerprovided a foundaunderstanding of alternative materials and sustainable emphasizing the role materials in creating responsible and structures.
I volunteered in a month-long rammed earth workshop in Gudibande, Karnataka, in collaboration with RVS Chennai and NIVASA. The workshop focused on building sustainable structures using rammed earth, a low-cost, eco-friendly material. We learned techniques from artisans to create durable, climate-sensitive buildings by compacting earth, blending traditional and modern methods. This experience highlighted the potential of rammed earth in developing resilient rural communities.
During a two-week volunteering workshop on urban design, we collaborated with NITTE Mangalore, ASADI Kochi, and RVS Chennai on the “Child and the City” project. This vertical studio project addressed urban challenges across three South Indian cities. Working in teams, we tackled problems to maximize learning, skill acquisition, and idea dissemination, contributing to innovative solutions for child-friendly urban environments.
monesh__ar
+91 8610762420
monesh.udp@gmail.com
No.26A 2nd Cross street, Thiruthanigai Nagar, Pudur, Ambattur,Chennai-600053