Architectural Portfolio

Work Experience

Pacific (Ankara, Turkey)

A 60 floor twin towers mixed use development in Ankara, housing residential, recreational, retail, offices and exhibition spaces that is connected by a green ribbon from ground to bridges, giving people and families space to meet, greet and enjoy amids the sky.

My Role :

#Designing and resolving technical details of the exterior facade. #Developing design options in collaboration with design team. #Preparing, developing and editing drawings and models relating to project development.

#Designing and running solar / wind simulations to verify design decisions.

#Research and proposal of materials and construction methods.

#Modeling detail drawings of the building skin. #Making presentation drawings for client meetings.

Rhino - Grasshopper, Revit, Adobe Suite

Shaping of the building form to maximize the views and channel the wind

Design Development

Wind analysis of the site - 1 Jan - 31 Dec

Connecting the towers through bridge Subtracting the above areas to divide the terrace region for penthouses and social areas

Solar Radiation Analysis - on site - 1 Jan - 31 Dec

Adding those subtracted ares on the facade as flat extinctions and tacking the solar radiation

A green spine going all around the building

Condition 1

Balcony conditions

The exterior skin has several partitions designed with a parametric logic of distance and width to form a step like pattern

Condition 2

Equal thickness Width decreasing diagonally

Condition 3

Condition 4

Exterior fins design

Curve

The exterior skin has several partitions designed with a parametric logic of distance and width to form a step like pattern

The exterior skin has several partitions designed with a parametric logic of distance and width to form a step like pattern

The exterior skin has several partitions designed with a parametric logic of distance and width to form a step like pattern

Indicating that the width is matching both in vertical and horizontal at the start of each floor

Indicating that the width is matching both in vertical and horizontal at the start of each floor

Indicating that the width is matching both in vertical and horizontal at the start of each floor

Indicating that the width of the vertical sun-breakers is decreasing diagonally

Indicating that the width of the vertical sun-breakers is decreasing diagonally

Indicating that the width of the vertical sun-breakers is decreasing diagonally

The exterior fins are coming on the parts where the structural core is part of the facade

The exterior fins are coming on the parts where the structural core is part of the facade

The pattern is created parametrically to depict the motion of the waves that is created in the ocean

The exterior fins are coming on the parts where the structural core is part of the facade

The pattern is created parametrically to depict the motion of the waves that is created in the ocean

The pattern is created parametrically to depict the motion of the waves that is created in the ocean

Free Form Steam Bending

Rhino, Grasshopper, 3D Scanning

# Research on embracing tolerances in architecture.

# Steam bending test, documentation and material research on Beech wood.

# Making of the transportable Free Form system in 1:1 scale.

# Refining the setup and process of stem bending to obtain the desired bends.

# Making prototypes to test and push the limitations of our research.

# Procedural modeling in 1:10 scale for finding the geometry for the pavilion.

# Fabricating and combining 160+ steam bent laths to build the project.

Scaled model testing

To help understand and comprehend the materiality of wood. We fabricated a setup that positioned a lath (30 x 30 mm cross-section) between the steel nodes tensioned using ratchet straps to manipulate the bend in 3D space

To understand the system logic, we went through a series of mock-ups to analyses and logged the change in shape of lath with every tensioning move

Breaking the previous iteration into segments, we tested the accuracy by targeting a shape drawn digitally and replicating it with the model

With an average tolerance of 8mm we decided to scale up this system, as it was giving us the desired result

Scaling up

The system works in a very similar way, like a piece of wood held in hands at each end, by controlling the amount of pressure, movement and rotation of hands, the whole length of timber can be manipulated, and very informal feedback

The node

After scaling up the system, a lot of minor refinements and fine-twining of the parts, bending method and co-ordination experiments were done to find a process which worked efficiently

The full-scale jig was 1.8m to 2.5 m laths. This length was worked out to maximise the number of slats that can be milled from a tree. Trunks of a Beech generally 4.5m – 5m long to get two sets of 2.5m boards and minimise wastage. We designed the jig, working backwards the proportions and size for different components of the system. The jig comprises a square base, at each corner vertical posts hold a winch box, with the flexibility to travel up and down along the length of posts. The winch box comprises of two winches mounted

Winch box

Image of Jig with an extreme bend

Modeling

Workflow

Adding splines one by one with the understanding of the fabrication process

The sticks are friction fixed using zip-ties

We make sticks out of propylene sheet; it allowed us the flexibility to manipulate the material and also try multiple options before at an individual stick

Through intuition and balancing the friction between sticks, modules were formed, which is well under the range of our fabrication process

Intuitive hand Modeling

Hand crafted 1:10 scale model to have interesting and wide range of bends

3D Scanning

Bringing the curve data from the model to digital world

Curve Extraction

Drawing splines on Rhino using the scan data and referring the model

Generating Cable lengths

Feeding the curves in the script to generate the data for fabrication

Production

Steaming & bending 140 discrete bends to form the Pavilion

Images of the model exploration for form-finding of the Pavilion

Images of the model exploration for form-finding of the Pavilion

We extracted the point cloud from the scan.

Rhino Model

We extracted the point cloud from the scan.

Assembly

Rhino Model

For generating data

A python script was created that was to premark the drill points and adjoining lath location on every lath before steaming and bending

For generating data

Though which we drew the curves to feed in the JIG script

The project was group effort of four students, pursuing there Master’s in the AA.

Though which we drew the curves to feed in the JIG script

Pre-marking

Pre-marking

>Connections

Almost every part of the project required us to either work in groups of two or four.

>Connections

>Target points

>Target points

>Lath orientation

>Lath orientation

Finding where faces meet and connect to each other, which later we use for pre-marking each lath

Finding where faces meet and connect to each other, which later we use for pre-marking each lath

The parts of the projects which I worked on was more on the physical experiments and scripting of the setup digitally.

We pre-mark the components by plotting a 1:1 scale length of laths. Marking the connections before bending.

We pre-mark the components by plotting a 1:1 scale length of laths.

Marking the connections before bending.

The project on one hand is very manual while on the other the making of each piece and fabrication as a whole required considerable computation on the back end.

Step 1 : Fixing the laths touching the ground

Circular marking for dill holes and line for the adjacent lath Components

Circular marking for dill holes and line for the adjacent lath

Components

Step 2 : Connecting the basic structure

Real-time feedback setup

Step 3 : Weaving along basic structure

DIY digital setup was created from two sides to track the bends in real-time

Step 4 : Adding redundancy in weak points

A python script generated to premark the drill points and adjoining lath location on every lath.

Image 2: Pre-marking connection and drill points form a 1:1 scale lath plotted sheet.

Image 1 : Pre-marking the orientaion on lath

Image 2: Pre-marking connection and drill points form a 1:1 scale lath plotted sheet.

Image 1 : Pre-marking the orientaion on lath

Urban Design / Documentation (Sringeri)

Sringeri is located in the state of Karnataka, India. One of the prime religious center of Hinduism. Temple is the main attraction that is dedicated to the Hindu goddess who is the embodiment of knowledge and learning.

My role:

# Typology studies of the town through sketches.

# Making digital town planning drawings and per documentation.

# Developed survey documents for residents and tourist to develop a brief and identify the site

# Design proposal for the Visitor’s center and river side development

Land Use Mapping

Building height

Open Ground mapping

Building condition

Figure Ground Mapping

Karnataka

Auto Cad, Sketch Up, Adobe Suite

Street Sections

Islamic Cultural Centre

Revit, Adobe

Individual design proposal

Section XX’

Robotic cob PRinting

KUKA PRC Scripting in Grasshopper / Wall Assembling Process

# Research and physical testings to derive the material composition to be used for printing

# Making design options keeping in mind the limitations of our printing setup.

# Scripting the logic of printing to find the G-code for printing.

# Devising a production process for making material, loading of material and printing.

# Testing the printing of double curved surface geometries.

Tool Path / G - Code

The G-code for the robot was scripted with the understanding of nozzle size, continuity of printing, base plane and area limitation of movement.

The main parameters are :

Nozzle size = 2.5 cm (height of each layer)

Base plane = 90 degree

Printable area = 50 x 50 cm length & width

Each layer was divided into 50 polylines, resulting in printing the designed block geometry.

The blocks, when stacked, were designed to have a tapering effect on the width, creating a monolithic geometry.

G - code for printinG

Layers iLLustrated with coLors accordinG to their order

Parametric Logic

Step 01

Create top/bottom rectangles, and split longer edges into equal divisions

Step 01

Step 02

Move vertices based on a specific pattern (0, 0, 1, 1) for the bottom rectangle with the opposite order for the top layer, with the first and last four vertices set to zero

Step 03

Step 02

Create a duplicate of top and bottom rectangles towards the centre of the block

Step 04

Loft the four curves to create a base SubD geometry, and thicken walls to calculate the volume

Step 03

Step 04

Step 05

Smooth SubD geometry

Step 05

Individual printed blocks of different shapes and sizes

3D printing of blocks using the dual mechanical extruder, double curvature block design and printing

3D printing of blocks to form an arch made out of cob using dual extruder and Kuka Prc robotic arm

Blocks forming a wall using cob mortar

# Research on Glue lam structures and making.

# Designing and making of the glue lam wooden beam.

# Design and fabrication of bespoke joints to rest the beam on the columns.

# Design of the kinetic door to respond towards the requirements of the space.

# Making scaled models to understand how to build the door.

# Resourcing materials and producing fabrication drawings for construction.

# On site installation of the beam and the door.

Foundry Rhino, Grasshopper

Cross laminating 6 layers of timber, made in 7 separate parts, combining to form a bespoke ring beam using finger, lap and dual joints.

The beam is supported by columns taken directly from trees that surround us.

DIY clamp system to compress all layers together.

DESIGN + MAKE / CORE STUDIO 46

Robotically milled lightning joint forming the skeleton of walls.

Space transformation

Spline bridge

Grasshopper, GH Python

Individual design proposal for a competition

Physical modeling

Scripting Logic

Step 1 :

Defining start and end connections

Both have separate parameters to give flexibility in design options

Step 2 :

Scripting splines b/w the start and ends, giving the start and end points a random parameter

Tread model using defined threading path

# Planned slacked wool thread lines in the rectangular space

# Dipping the threads carefully inside the soap water upside down

Tread model using undefined threading path

# Making random slacked wool thread chords in the circle space

# Dipping the threads carefully inside the soap water upside down

# Placing soaked threads upside down to form find the network

Step 3 :

Re-parametrize the start and end connections to explore the different forms generations

Step 4 :

Taking control over the spline handles to have control over the spline smoothness

Step 5 :

Populating the threads and making interwoven secondary splines in between the primary ones to create a woven network

Step 6 :

Exploring forms that can work with our functional constraints and also satisfying our aim to develop a root geometry kind of network

Mixed Use

Exterior glass finish for viewing

Running track projected outside the structure

View of green on every floor

Trees acting as sun breaker during day time

Stick system curtain wall

Recreational : Top floor

Divided in 4 parts

a. Gymnasium

b. Yoga / Zumba area

c. Indoor sports area

Residential units :

10 floors with four and three bedroom, hall and kitchen per floor

Green view from all bedroom and living spaces with maximum utilization of natural light

Basement parking for residents

Commercial :

Separate parking and drive for commercial area

Basement Parking :

Parking and lift for residential users

Material study : Testing scaled material prototypes to understand the haptic experience. Every building has a different feel, but similar language.

Texture study : Identifying the shadows and light created by different finishings.

Food

Dancing Mesh

The project is a free form exploration where the data for the design is extracted from the infamous dance of Fred and Ginger to bring tensile mesh, clear acrylic and 3D printed plastic to achieve the final output

Exploded Axonometric drawing of parts

Fred and Ginger Dance

Exploration - Planar mesh

This simulation is assigning negative gravitational load to attractor points (green points) to generate a tent like tensile structure

Exploration - Cylindrical mesh

Time frame 0.01 min

Relaxed mesh form

4 Anchor - 4 Attractor

Motion tracking of Dance

Time frame 0.30 min

Relaxed mesh form

4 Anchor - 4 Attractor

Time frame 1:00 min

Relaxed mesh form

4 Anchor - 4 Attractor

Tracing the frames in Z axis

Time frame 1:30 min

Relaxed mesh form

4 Anchor - 4 Attractor

Converging and relaxing the mesh to find the form

Carbon Capture Testing

Carbon Craft

The research was exploring the potential of capturing Carbon Pm particles from the air and make things out of it to de-carbonizes our environment and lock the captured particles into objects

We stitched a custom filter for the next prototype

Prototype 1

Aim: To understand the pollution capture by filter-motor arrangement by letting the prototype suck air for 48 hours.

Equipments : 4” fan of 22W 2550RPM 95CFM; Filter; circuit board; backing cover.

Prototype 2

Aim: To understand the pollution capture by filter-motor arrangement in an enclose volume of 216,000cm3 ; motor was allowed to run for 8 hours a day for 3 days.

Equipments : 160mm fan of 150W 2800RPM 350CFM; Filter 10 micros ; circuit board; 18mm plyboard.

Observation:

Micron filter is needed Distance between the filter and fan is crucial (dust accumulated only in central region)

Conclusions:

Mortar power has to be increased

• Understand the types of motors and there functionalities, differentiation and limitations.

• Find the relation between filter and fan distance.

• Research on appropriate filters for outdoor conditions.

Observation:

Suction was working on the entire filter surface.

The white filter was yellow in color with dust particles of varied sizes.

The fan had a constant running noise, which needs to be taken care.

Conclusions: In this prototype the floor area of 150 sq.ft, According to AHU research “150-200 CFM would be required with a filter area of 1 sq.ft”. Hence, the amount of dust captured and the relation between area and equipment will be a standard reference of our upcoming proposals.

Micron Filter Exoskeleton Fan

10 micron filter

Textile mesh Glass fiber sheet Textile mesh Stitch

Second proposal - Exhibition

This design is an exhibition space built in the fabric of day to day life spaces, to spread the awareness and give them an experience of what they should be breathing than what they are breathing.

The mechanism is inspired by natures law of breathing in and out from same spot.

A place where people would come, be around, relax, take a break and know about the grave dangers of the environment and how, as an individual one can do to fight it.

A facade installation to be installed in the public park, where people can come and experience the difference between the air they should be breathing in comparison to the air that is surrounding us in densely populated areas.

The design is an experiential space for one person at a time yet the bold design is making the wait worthwile for the people.

The local fired clay as the primary material because it is has a soothing experience a craft that empowers local

Sanhoot Villa

Software : AutoCAD, SketchUp

My role:

# Taking in the project from conceptual stage to completion.

# Devicing the project brief, determining the best means of achieving the client’s requirements.

# Developing the design concept and making sure that the look and feel of the building is proceeding in line with the client’s vision, brief and budget.

# Developing planning drawings and information for the construction.

Our clients are a couple with three kids; the lady is Omani brought up in Canada, while the gentleman is an Omani, born and brought up in Oman

The lady imagines her home as a landmark flaunting glass and lights. Whereas the gentleman desires a subtle Islamic touch to the residence

Thus, the design concept started with developing spaces modern villa, which will dress a layer of traditional Islamic architectural elements over it

The design blends in the modern setting with traditional Islamic architecture elements in harmony, such that it is a unification of both the expectations of the client.

Ground Floor Plan

Thank you

Nature and maths (sketch created to illustrate site analysis)