INTRODUCTION

Hey, I am Nilay, an architect from India, here to learn how cities are designed. The projects in this portfolio are a collection of my academic, research and professional works from 2014-2022. The array of selected projects showcase diversity in terms of relationship of design and theory with varied scales, programs and contexts.

The contents of the portfolio which includes drawings, images, sketches, essay etc are solely done by the author himself unless mentioned otherwise. No part of this publication has been sourced without referring to the respective author. All rights reserved. No part of this publication shall be reproduced without prior consent of the author.

Dean Almy

Reference Associate professor Program director for Urban design University of Texas at Austin

dja3@utexas.edu

Yard Commons

Competition | ULI Hines student competition | 2023

Scale Site Studio

Role Team

: Mix used district

: North Charleston, South Carolina

: ULI Hines student competition

: Design ideation and development | Diagrams | Renders

: Vatsal S | Max M | Jonathan | Shaun TS | Nilay S

Recognizing the site’s location within a lower-income and more vulnerable area of North Charleston, the vision for The Yard Commons as a neighborhood that not only enhances the broader community’s overall quality of life, but also sets them up for sustainable and equitable long term economic growth. The unique waterfront location also provides a rare opportunity to transform the site into a civic and recreational destination for the community. Grounding the design of The Yard Commons are therefore 3 key pillars: Livability, Accessibility, and Sustainability.

Livability

The Yard Commons is designed to be a self-sustaining, diverse, and walkable neighborhood. Retail and F&B options are scattered across the neighborhood and integrated with residential developments to ensure easy access to daily necessities and amenities such as daycare and convenience stores. Ensuring equitable access to opportunity to live in this mixed-use neighborhood.

Accessibility

Providing equitable access to civic, cultural, and recreational amenities in the neighborhood was an important objective of the master plan. The Yard Commons augments the community’s access to economic opportunities by providing workforce training and reskilling, uplifting local businesses, and fostering the growth of start-up and creative industries.

Sustainability

The Yard Commons is committed to being a climate-positive neighborhood through energy-efficient LEED-certified buildings, increased tree canopy and green rooftops, and dense development focused on active mobility. Building resilience against climate change is a critical tenet of The Yard Commons given the site’s exposure to environmental risks.

Overall, through its strong emphasis on a climate-ready physical design and resilience-building social program centered on current and future needs in this area, this transformational plan will generate positive benefits to the community.

Studying the context

Studying the exustung amenities in the community

Understanding the public transit infrastructure

High flood risk for development along Williamette creek

Community exists between vehicular infrastructure and industry

Proposed public transit connects to various amenities and the site

Proposed laduse for the river near the Park circle community

Studying the existing nodes

Overlap grid with dew major streets

Housing typologies

Green loop for flood protection and recreation

Community Experience

It’s great to have the waterfront at my doorstep! I go for a run around The Loop every morning and take my kids fishing at the Boardwalk during the weekend. I also appreciate that rents are kept affordable so more families like mine have the opportunity to live here.

northcharlestonmuseum localartgallery artsandmusicfestivals skatepark&ballcourts publiclibraryafter-schoolprograms communitycenter upskillingcenters&traininginstitute jobmatchingcareercenters disadvantagedbusinessprograms flexibleindustrial/officespaces incubator&co-workingspaces live+workstudios businesssummits culturerecreationeconomicopportunities

My favorite place is definitely The Riverline because there are so many amenities withing walking distance. I can drop my kid off at the day care center and easily get groceries at the Marketplace. There’s even time for me do some

Experiences

The arts scene is so vibrant here. I love viewing the exhibitions at Gallery NC and taking painting classes after school at the Community Center. Plus, there’s something to do for everyone; my grandmother can meet her friends

Proposed

Design development

Having access to upskilling and job matching opportunities Opportunity Center has been life changer. Once my training complete, I’m confident VI’ll to progress further in my career and provide a better life for children.

A Day At The Yard Commons

District Planning Scheme

District Planning Scheme typologies

Typologies

Multi-family housing housing Multi-family housing

The Community Experience

confident VI’ll be able

Center has been a Once my training is confident VI’ll be able and at the been a training is be able career my access to upskilling and matching opportunities at the Opportunity Center has been a changer. Once my training is complete, I’m confident VI’ll be able love hanging out at the waterfront food hall and getting a few beers with my buddies at COAST. The love hanging out at the waterfront food hall and getting a few beers with my buddies at COAST. The

I’ve grown my social network through meeting other young professionals at the incubator and co-working spaces. After work, I love hanging out at the waterfront food hall and getting a few beers with my buddies at COAST. The night life is bustling for sure!

It’s great to have the waterfront around The Loop every morning and take my kids fishing at the Boardwalk during the weekend. I also appreciate that rents are kept affordable so more families like