Architectural Portfolio

NEHA MANJUNATH HEGDE

Pittsburgh, USA

+1 (917) 615 3936

neha.hegde27@gmail.com

Council of Architects - India

Registration no. CA/2018/91061

EDUCATION

May 2023

May 2016

Master of Architecture

Carnegie Mellon university - Pittsburgh, USA

Bachelor of Architecture

B.M.S College of Engineering - Bengaluru, India

SKILLS

Autodesk AutoCAD

Autodesk Revit

V-Ray Enscape

Climate Studio

Rhino Grasshopper

Python

ArcGIS

Sketchup Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Illustrator

AWARDS

Keyshot

M.S Office

Sketching

Laser Cutting

3D Printing

M.Arch Performance Commendation 2022Carnegie Mellon University

Architecture Track-Chair FellowshipCarnegie Mellon University 2022

Architectural Merit Scholarship 2021, 2022Carnegie Mellon University

Co-Living California - Competition hosted by Archasm (2021)

Top 10

Redraw 3.0 (Falling water) - Competition hosted by Non Architecture (2021)

Top 25

WEBSITES

https://issuu.com/nehahegde/docs/architectural_portfolio www.linkedin.com/in/neha-hegde

nehahegde.com

EXPERIENCE

AE7, Pittsburgh

Architectural Intern

(May 2022 - August 2022)

Assisted on several Architectural and Masterplanning projects from concept through schematic design including research, design and documentation with the help of Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, AutoCAD and Enscape. Co-ordinated with various project stakeholders to ensure timely completion of tasks.

Freelance Architect

(January 2019 - July 2021)

Offer architectural support for various clients such as contractors, independent property owners etc. Address client needs - from concept, revit modeling to shop drawing development.

Interspace Pmo, Dubai

Architect

(December 2017- November 2018)

Involved in design co-ordination, reviews and competition board development. Worked on residential high-rise and mid-rise projects.

W.S Atkins, Dubai

Architectural Intern

(November 2016 - December 2017)

Worked on architectural as well as masterplanning projects. Involved in report making, schematic design, detail design and tender submission of different projects. Coordinated with various disciplines during design development. Worked closely with overseas Atkins design team ensuring proper design co-ordination and completion.

Space Matrix, Bengaluru

Architectural Intern

(January 2016 - May 2016)

Worked on sanction drawings and sales plan preparations for different projects. Prepared presentations for client meetings. Involved in 3D modeling. Attended meetings with clients and sub-consultants for variety of projects.

W.S Atkins, Dubai

Architectural Intern

(August 2015 - December 2015)

Involved in concept design development, Dubai municipality submission and detailing different aspects of the project

National Engineering Bureau, Dubai

Student Intern

(June 2014 - July 2014)

Introduced to design concept and development, familiarization with latest regulations of various authorities.

Made In PGH

A MATRIX FOR MAKERS

Academic Work

Pittsburgh, USA

Instructors

CMUBuilding Tectonic Studio

Spring 2022

Ar. Azadeh Sawyer

Ar. Matthew Huber

Ar. Jeffrey Davis

Software used Rhino, Enscape, Climate Studio, Illustrator, Photoshop Group Members

Meghna Koushik, Elise Wang, Jordan Luther, Neha Hegde

Made In PGH is a mixed-use residential complex with a public makerspace. The design expands the creative expression from the makerspace into communal outlets for the residents, and aims to teach them about the culture of making through tectonic expression and spatial quality.

Mass timber is the primary source of material. It is renewable and sequesters carbon. The structure of the building includes glulam beams harvested from Maryland and CLT floors from Virginia, both locations within reasonable proximity of procurement. Joineries are exposed to celebrate the act of making. The façade was designed with maintenance and environmental impact in mind by using easily replaceable charred wood panels.

The project uses material and attention to connection detail between assemblies to evoke the ethos of the makerspace. Integrated with daylighting strategy, it aims to also reduce environmental impact and showcase architecture in combating climate change.

Driver for public program [1]

Linear structure organization [2]

Arriving at the tectonic agenda [3]

Driver for communal space organization [4]

Connected communal spaces [5]

Allocating unit space [6]

Diagrams credit - Meghna Koushik

Daylight was a primary driver to improve indoor comfort through prioritizing diffused lighting and avoiding disturbing glare. Specifically in the public program we identified lighting qualities as objectives to guide our design. The East and West facade systems integrate operable panels and the South façade, a screen to reduce direct solar exposure.

Multiple physical and digital study models allowed for conducting daylight studies using Robotic Arm and VR simulations which enabled constant evolution of the design.

(Please go ahead and scan the QR code using your phone to experience the space first hand!)

Radiance Renders in the Gallery area to determine optimal spatial layout and

Disturbing glare

Perceptible glare

Imperceptible glare

and program zoning strategy

THE C3 - Creation Collaboration Centre DESIGN FOR TRANSITIONS

Academic Work CMUWorldmaking Studio

Pittsburgh, USA

Instructor

Software used

Group Members

Fall 2021

Ar. Sarosh Anklesaria

Ar. Jonathan Kline

Rhino, Sketchup, Illustrator, Photoshop

Pratyaksha Mishra, Sidra Khan, Neha Hegde

With a vision of enhancing the historical and industrial heritage of Pittsburgh, this worldmaking studio project aims to revitalize the Homewood community through adaptive reuse of an old industrial building. The project creates temporal spaces for local artists in the area and acts as a satellite site for the Trade institute of Pittsburgh. It is envisioned as a cultural destination that nurtures talent and encourages creativity and collaborations within the multidisciplinary members of the community.

The organizational structure of the project moves from private spaces within the existing building (targeting specific crowds) to semi private programs in the proposed central structure followed by more open and interactive public spaces intended to activate the area beyond the existing building. With spaces such as dance and art studios, training workshops, market + exhibition and event spaces, the project’s 3 main goals are - Community Engagement, Supporting Local Talent and Empowering Individuals.

Existing Condition [1]

Formal Logic - Extension of the Truss Grid [2]

Addition of the Mass [3]

Subtraction of Mass to form Additional Structure [4]

Inserting Programs [5]

Subtraction of Mass to form Interactive Public Plaza [6] Creation of Public Spaces [7]

The existing building is host to wooden inserts integrated within its structure. Each space gets its own definition with an area around it for circulation. The skylights act as an additional source of light for the studio spaces. The boxes on occasion follow flat ceiling to accommodate additional storage space or have pyramid-like indentations in more public space like the cafe for aesthetic and lighting purposes.

The central proposed structure acts as an extension of the main structure and forms a relation (which is the gestalt) with the other building, thereby creating usable public spaces between them. The structure follows similar formal language as that of the main building with protrusions acting as lift/ stair rooms. It is intended to be porous, thus the main floor happens above and the ground becomes part of the public arena. It hosts the exhibition space on top.

The movable kiosks provides a unique opportunity to create various iterations of public spaces. Additionally during winter months they get parked in the middle structure therefore enclosing it to create indoor space. In terms of programs, we have food and market kiosks. Kiosks follow the same formal language of the inserts.

THE PULSE RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 03

Professional Work

Dubai, U.A.E

Lead Architect

Scope

W.S Atkins

2016

Ar. Loubna Al Zalek

Ar. Manoj Cletus

Interdisciplinary coordination, assisting in completion of Detail Design Package

The Pulse is the heart of the residential development in Dubai South. Mid-rise residential towers, a four star hotel, retail facilities, mosque and landscaped zones are the key occupations assigned to ensure a vibrant atmosphere as well as amalgamating the entire residential community. It also comprises of a main boulevard that cuts across the Pulse with public plazas, green corridors, recreational avenues and hospitality zones.

The buildings are designed to represent harmony between affordability, environmental compatibility and sustainability. Key contributions include planning and development of the residential component from concept till the detail design stage, along with generating massing options for the ‘look and feel’ of each prototype aligning with the internal plan.

The residential parcels are located along the north and south of the boulevard linked to the public realm. With a GFA of 139,630 sqm, the residential component covers 71.8% of the overall GFA of the development.

The residential buildings are of three types, each having their own distinctive facade characteristics :

8 Standard Buildings (8 floors high)

2 Anchor Buildings (10 floors high) - These buildings are located at pivot points of the Masterplan

4 Gateway Buildings (9 floors high) - These buildings mark the entry points to the boulevard

MOVABLE PANELS

LIVING UN-BOXED

THINKING AND LIVING OUTSIDE THE BOX

Competition Proposal Archasm - Competition website

California, USA 2021

Software used Skechup, AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator

With modern urbanization being gravely detrimental to the environment as well as breeding isolation, this project aims at reviving human connections and social interactions through encouraging communal living with the hope of a better tomorrow.

Breaking away from the idea of identical boxed enclosures repeated one on top of the other that define our homes today, this project allows the end users to not only personalize their individual dwelling module through participatory design, but also gives them the agency to curate their community and forge stronger connections.

Users can choose standalone modules configured to suit their family size. Each unit accommodates basic living amenities - living space, bed space, wet area and kitchenette. As the project grows organically, community spaces using customized modules sprout up to meet the communal demands and requirements.

Non-repetitive placement of the blocks increases the chance of interactions

Design avoids tall towers and keeps people grounded/ Follows natural terrain

Irregular placement of blocks provide constantly changing views

CLT Modules/ Passive cooling/ Solar panels/Green patches to reduce urban heat islands

Initial Concept ideas and diagramming

Single module3x6m

Single module configurations

Combinations to suit family sizes

Modular Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) units, factory assembled to user specification and installed on site

Stand-alone modules

Tower modules

Larger community spaces by module repetition

Individual Identity Social Group Community

Through inclusion of areas like the communal urban farms and kitchens, Living Un-Boxed is envisioned to be a self-sustaining urban micro-city within the larger context of Cupertino, California. This micro-city also promotes sustainable environments through strategic placement of the blocks that ensure passive cooling, inclusion of solar panels, planting native vegetation and creation of water plaza’s that mitigate local urban heat islands while providing spaces for interaction.

Community farms

Playground

Cycling/ Jogging track

Community centre - Gym + Pool/ Multi-faith prayer hall/ Lounge & reading room/ Games room

Basketball court/ OAT

Tower Units

Community Pool

SKY VILLAGE DESIGN COMPETITION 05

Professional Work

Dubai, U.A.E

Lead Architect

W.S Atkins

2017

Ar. Manoj Cletus

Scope Preparation of conceptual diagrams, compiling presentation boards

A competition design entry, the Sky Village consists of high and low rise residential apartments, villas, town houses, commercial zone and hotel units. The design seeks to create a unique identity incorporating a sense of community living. Although the project has been envisioned in various phases, the design ensures that each phase is complete in itself.

The towers are expressed as a visual highlight of the skyline, a response to the need of a signature tower in the masterplan to disrupt the monotony of sharp rectilinear buildings along the strip. Therefore enriching the existing assets unique to the site and ensuring regional, local and site wide identity. The design focuses on developing a framework that provides a series of interconnected memorable spaces where people can interact and which will become heart of this new community. Flexibility of the framework would then ensure it’s adaptability and response to changes in the real estate market.

LANDMARK

Identity Destination Focus

A sense of place

DIVIDED FABRIC

Celebrate The Axis Response to the Waterfront Multiple Views

Dynamic Pairing

EXPANSION

Incremental Phasing

Anchor to Ground Plane

Community

Human interaction

Flexible Offering

HUMAN SCALE

Community

Human Interaction

Memorable Spaces

Walkable

RESPONSIVE FLOW

Generate Views

Flowing Volumes Response to the Site

Dynamic Modeling

DOMESTIC

Waterfront Living

Human Scale

Personal Space

Alternative Option

STAGGERED

High Density

Vertical ‘Villages’

Sky Gardens

Transparency

LANDMARK INTEGRATION

Low + High Rise Integration Horizontal + Vertical Villages

Human Scale

Stepped Dynamics

COMPLETENESS

Integrating all elements mentioned

Illustrated Masterplan

The Components

High Rise Residential

Mid Rise Residential

Low Rise Residential

Office Buildings

Hospitality

Villas + Gardens

Parking Podium

Retail + Entertainment

Areas

Site Area 119,398 m2

Gross Floor Area 313,250 m2

Max Height G+59

Movement Strategy

Open Space Strategy

PUBLIC / CIVIC 06

LINCOLN PLACE FIREHOUSE & MEDIC STATION

Professional Work

AE7

Pittsburgh, U.S.A 2022

Lead Architect Ar. Roberto Vega-Peralta

Scope Strategizing and designing facade, Co-ordinating with vendors

Part of the City of Pittsburgh’s initiative toward net-zero carbon emissions, the Lincoln Place Firehouse and Medic Station (FS20 and MS12) is poised to be the city’s first fully electric-ready station, with everything from equipment to ambulances and fire engines eventually equipped to be running on sustainably generated electricity.

This state-of-the-art first responder station includes dedicated training facilities located in communal spaces to foster collaboration among staff, while separate common areas for firefighters and paramedics provide space to rest and recharge.

One of the key features is the wellness room, which strategically uses color, light, and shape to mitigate and prevent the daily stress experienced by service people. By combining sustainability and building performance with trauma-informed design, Lincoln Place Firehouse and Medic Station secures the future of both the building and its inhabitants for years to come.

SCRIPTING AND GENERATIVE DESIGN PARAMETRIC DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Academic Work

Mini Studio Project + Elective Pittsburgh, USA Fall 2021, Fall 2022

Instructors

Ar. Joshua Bard, Ar. Matt Huber, Ar. Eddy Man Kim, Ar. Jinmo Rhee

Software used Rhino, Grasshopper, GHPython

Mini projects developed using parametric design strategies while exploring software like rhino, grasshopper and python to achieve the results.

The projects introduced ideas of creating a responsive façade system through parametric geometry developed from points and curves in GH Python based on the knowledges of multi-dimensional lists, loops, recursions and data trees.

The courses covered specific tools and workflows to equip us with the foundational skills for solving design problems through the use of computational tools.

Parametric facade panels designed in grasshopper that respond to the amount of light emitted by the sun rays - stronger the sun, smaller the opening - thus ensuring occupant comfort.

The geometry of the panel was designed to be trapezoidal, the size and numbers of which can be parametrically controlled by the users. These Individual panels were then stacked alternating beside one another with voronoi openings - the density of which could be parametrically controlled as well.