Portfolio of work and joy.
POOJA GHOSH
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I am Pooja Ghosh. This is my confession. I do not want to be an architect anymore. For the hundredth time I told myself so. This time, it struck me when I peeked over my colleague’s shoulder as he hunched over a screen, testing RGB values of his rendered section in a series of irregular mouse twitches. The colours, lines and gradients aimed for my nerves at a mind numbing pace. They chased me out of my workplace on time for the first time in many weeks. So I went straight home and begun to map my story as an architect so far, as a portfolio. It deviates at some points. I quite enjoy the deviations, especially when I get back to being an architect. For I do know, I do not want to be an architect anymore. I want a little bit more. This portfolio is my story of work and joy. Of architecture, and spatial design and all that it has made me do. This image was clicked at Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr, Dresden, on a crisp morning in the summer of 2015 as I waited for them to open the gates to visitors.
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CONTENTS
Curriculum Vitae Page 4-5
Page Passenger Cruise Terminal, Abu Dhabi
Page ‘Up & Below’ Lounge, Courtyard by Marriott, Abu Dhabi
Page 6-14
Page 15-23
Page Al Mashtal Masterplanning, Abu Dhabi
Page Private Residence, Kolkata
Page 34-38
Page 39-45
Page Nursery for MOPA, Abu Dhabi
Page 24-33
Competition Entry
Global Nomads, Glasgow School of Art
Page 46
Page 47-51
Travelling Photography
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POOJA GHOSH I am trained as an architect and an interior designer. I am currently practising in Abu Dhabi and I would like to work with you. Your time spent reading this is deeply valued.
poojaghosh168@gmail.com 00971569292859
THIS IS ME.
SOFTWARE SKILLS
ESSENTIALS
At the core, I am a resilient, sincere and creative individual obsessed with the pursuit of knowledge. I am seeking a work environment that stimulates me to create designs that are sustainable, simple and sensitive to the users. I believe my skills as an architect extend to objects, emotions and words and in my work, I strive for inspiration and improvement at every stage. I have over three years of experience in different countries managing different roles in a variety of projects. This has helped me be goal-oriented, adaptive to different work methods and a productive team player. I have a penchant for foreign languages and am willing to make use of it. I would love to be involved in conceptual design, spatial planning, research and communication related tasks. I look forward to the opportunity of applying my skills to enrich your studio and gain new perspective as well.
Auto Cad SketchUp Adobe Photoshop Adobe Indesign Adobe Illustrator MS Office Revit Rhinocerous
Traveling & Exploring Sketching Writing Reading Contemplating Photography Interacting with people from different backgrounds Self exploration
STRENGTHS
OTHER INTERESTS
Drawing & Visualising Conceptualising Learning Languages Listening Communication Meeting deadlines Organizing ability Team player Model making Flexibility
Scuba Diving Swimming Charity Runs Leisure running Cycling Learning instruments Cooking
Date of Birth
16 August 1988
EDUCATION 2006-2011 :
Bachelor of Architecture (B’Arch) R. V. College of Architecture, Bangalore, India
2012-2013 :
Master of Design, Interior Design (M’Des) Glasgow School Of Art, Scotland, United Kingdom
SCHOLARSHIPS AND CERTIFICATION
Registered Architect with the Council of Architecture (COA, India). LEED Green Associate License number: 10943072-GREEN-ASSOCIATE
OFF-WORK Volunteered for the hospitality team at the Eden Festival, 2013 at Dumfries, Glasgow. Volunteered for and participated in the RVCA Annual Exhibitions from 2006-2010.
Recipient of the Scotland Saltire Scholarship for Post Graduate studies at Glasgow.
Awarded second place in a National level Painting Competition by the Scouts & Guides Association, India, 2000. Licensed Open Water diver from PADI.
LANGUAGES English Hindi Bengali French
Participated as an actor and set designer for Colisseum, the drama club at RVCA. Handling an anonymous blog on travel and relationships. Invited as an external reviewer for the Zayed University interior design final jury in April 2015. Currently handling the BDP MENA social media.
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FORMAL WORK EXPERIENCE FEB 2014present
Architect and Interior Designer, BDP Abu Dhabi, UAE •
Passenger Cruise Terminal, Abu Dhabi, UAE (competition winner, Final phase under construction) Project involving the adaptive re-use of an existing storage shed at the Mina Port to a Passenger Cruise terminal to promote tourism in the region. Involved in the design process from the competition till the final Issue for Construction. At the competition stage, involved in creating analytical diagrams, layouts, presentation documents, 3D models and sketches. Been engaged throughout the architectural design evolution as well as interior specifications at the later stages.
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Nursery for Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Abu Dhabi, UAE (competition participant) Project involving the design of a nursery for the children of those employed at the Presidential palace in Abu Dhabi. Engaged in the conceptual and the schematic design phase, drawings and making the presentation boards for the competition.
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‘Up & Below’ Lounge for Courtyard by Marriott, Abu Dhabi, UAE (completed) The main challenge for designing the rooftop exterior bar was the conversion of the existing plant room into the main bar as well as intervention on the periphery wall with cantilevered counters. Played a key role in detail designing, creating presentations for contractors and the valued clients, detail drawings, site supervision, interacting with the clients, coordinating information among contractors and the fit out process for the project as well as after completion client care.
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Al Safaa Garden School, KAUST, Thuwal, KSA (schematic design stage) Located in the campus of the prestigious King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, this school caters to the children of staff and scientists in the university. Two buildings are to be added to the existing school, each catering to students of middle school along with a Design Lab and other minor upliftment to the existing built form. Involved in design documentation, tender drawings and interaction with client
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Harbour Schools, KAUST, Thuwal, KSA (schematic design stage) Due to the rapid increase in number of the elementary as well as the middle school students, refurbishment of the existing buildings to create co-educational schools and the presence of a central ‘hub’ was necessary as an assembly point and to accommodate the art rooms and library along with the administration wing. Involved in the client coordintation, concept design, design development and tender drawing stages.
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GEMS Wellington, Dubai, UAE (last phase under construction) Though not involved from the nascent stages of this 37,000 sq m state-of-the-art school project in Dubai, have been exposed to detail design and drawing, design development as well as the site inspection phases at the end of second phase of construction.
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Master planning for Al Mashtal, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Pre concept stage) Master planning project with a built area of over 250,000 sq m in the heart of Abu Dhabi supporting housing units of different sizes and typologies, retail, hospitality, entertainment and food and beverage outlets. Have been part of the team responsible for the pre concept development of the design as well as compilation of the pre concept design document.
NOV 2011JUL 2012
Junior Architect and Interior Designer, Pinakin Patel Associates Mumbai, India •
Residence for the Agarwal’s, Kolkata, India (completed) Part of the team responsible for designing the layouts, detail drawings and material specifications for this 26,000 sq m plush residential villa. Had the opportunity to carry out majority of the site supervision for the same in the construction phases of the same.
AUG 2009- Intern Architect, Dutta+Kannan Architects DEC 2009 : Bangalore, India •
Hosahalli Metro station & Deepanjali Nagar Metro Station, Bangalore, India (in progress) Part of the team responsible for making tender documents, layouts and material specifications for the metro terminals in Bangalore.
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Nitesh Columbus Square Residential Complex, Bangalore, India (completed) Part of the team responsible for designing the layouts and the elevations for this high rise IGBC certified residential complex. Involved in tender documents and making presentations.
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Dayanand Sagar institute of Technology, Bangalore (completed) Part of the team responsible for preparing tender documents, design development and site supervision to chalk the progress of this college.
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PASSENGER CRUISE TERMINAL, ABU DHABI This is an adaptive reuse project that converts an existing storage shed in the Mina port into a transport terminal. The original truss structure, constructed in 1971, has been strengthened for its new purpose. Spanning an area of 13,000 sq m, this project started out as a design competition where BDP was appointed the Lead Consultant, responsible for the architectural, interior and AOR services. Phase One of this project is operational for the 2015-2016 cruise season. Phase 2 is expected to be completed late 2016. The facility has been designed to accommodate the passenger management for one Home Port Vessel, with a maximum capacity of 2500-3000 passengers.
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The concept design of the Cruise Terminal was preceded by extensive studies of various adaptive re-use projects all over the world including galleries, offices, studio spaces etc that had once served other purpose.
This diagram is a breakdown of embarkation, disembarkataion, custms and other activities the users will be involved in.
Adaptive re-use of the external shell.
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SITE ANALYSIS Fig II shows ‘Zone A’ comprising of the existing flour mill and other heavy industry in the vicinity. ‘Zone B’ shows the surrounding Warehouse and parking sheds that are being considered for future refurbishment. Fig III shows ‘Zone A’ consisting of existing container sheds to be refurbished in the near future. Zone ‘B’ gives an overview of major upcoming developments in Abu Dhabi: a- Guggenheim Museum, Saadiyat Island b- Louvre Museum, Saadiyat Island c- Sheikh Zayed National Museum, Saadiyat Island d- Existing fish market e- Existing vegetable market
ARRANGEMENT OF SPACES The two broad spaces are the entrance lobby consisting of the retail units, check-in desks and waiting hall and the baggage area dedicated to baggage handling and storage. They are connected by a logistics core. these diagrams make a quick study of what drove the arrangement of spaces.
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West Elevation
North Elevation
East Elevation
Roof Plan
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Ground Floor Plan
Mezzanine Floor Plan
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Cross Section through the Passenger hall
View of the entrance of the Terminal
View of the quay on arrival of a ship
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View of the entrance hall- the screen above is inspired by the shade of the Ghaf tree
View of the terminal at night
Snapshots of the progress on site
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Passenger Hall
Material Finishes
Surface Finishes
MATERIAL PALETTE AND FURNITURE SELECTION FOR THE PASSENGER HALL
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The Crew Lounge and the Majlis in Phase 2
Material Finishes for the Majlis
Material Finishes for the Crew Lounge
MATERIAL PALETTE AND FURNITURE SELECTION FOR CREW LOUNGE & MAJLIS
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‘UP & BELOW’ ROOFTOP BAR AT COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, ABU DHABI Courtyard by Marriott, located at the heart of Abu Dhabi, appointed BDP to design their out-door Rooftop bar that spanned over 800 sqm. The hotel itself is a part of the World Trade Centre, a brainchild of the Foster & Partners. The iconic residential tower Burj Mohammed and the Arabtec headquarters, which dominate the Abu Dhabi skyline overlook this roof top. The rooftop is divided over two sections. One section consisted of a mini-bar, swimming pool and jacuzzi. The other section has a large enclosed storage space. The client wished to convert the storage area into the main bar. A fit out project and a few tweaks in the existing structure established a sophisticated and flexible lounge that is used for seasonal events as well. Up & Below has been operable since April 2015.
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WTC, ABU DHABI
FLOAT- CONCEPT FOR THE BAR
OBJECTS
Chunky, grid like, rustic, robust, terracotta, solid frameworks, orderly
Light, suspended, diaphanous, wispy, curvaceous, delicate, repetitive, rhythmic, effortless retreat
Firepit, mobile furniture, minimal intervention, shear curtains, suspended lights
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Repetitive simple monochromatic forms
Use of firepits to add warmth
Initial sketch highlighting the location of lights and forms to fill the space
A clear demarcation has been maintained between the quieter and the noisier zones. The quieter area around the pool has a series of very cosy seating elements. Swings, cabanas and high bar stools across small tables create spaces for couples and smaller groups without restricting the possibility of being able to cater to a larger group of people.
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High stools made from recycled industrial waste
Floating globe lights
Comfortable low level sofa
Lectern at the reception
Swings from the frame above
PLAN
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Elevation along the pool with the neighbourhood in the background
Elevation of the cabanas and the adjoining sofa
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The DJ table
Stepped seating along the jacuzzi
Parapet counters along the edge
The rooftop bar
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The redesigned bar
Views of the bar
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DJ Table
The new main bar on the mo
The two edges of the pool have distinct identities The existing bar adjoining the pool
Daytime views of the rooftop
The cabanas surrounded by parapet counters
Firepits, sofa and glowing obj
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ore active side of the rooftop
jects
Freestanding tables to encourage mobility and socialising
Newly introduced stepped seating facing the swing
Burj Mohammed in the background overlooking the bar
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AL MASHTAL DEVELOPMENT, ABU DHABI A new urban development, powered by ALDAR, encouraged by the Urban Planning Council (UPC), the Al Mashtal development includes a mix of retail, food and beverage, leisure, commercial, and cultural amenities linked with appropriate adjacent apartment buildings of varying scale, mix, and quality. BDP has been the concept architect doing extensive studies and drawings from the site analysis to interior development. Since my role was primarily in the initial analysis stage and the detailed spatial planning at a later stage, these aspects have been highlighted in the following pages. The above images represent the three concepts fort the interior spaces: the sinuous Wadi, the rustic Craft and the effervescent Hayali (fishing net).
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The surrounding road network
The two projected phases of the project. Phase 1, for which we were commssioned is about 83,900 sqm
Urban landmarks
Proposed Site
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The view of the proposed master-plan showing the residential tower in the background, the hotel tower in the foreground and the remaining amenities nested in between them in the sinuous wave-like built form
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THE RESIDENTIAL TOWER The above is a typical layout of the residential tower that has a mix of three, two and one bedroom units. They adhere strictly to the Aldar Standards of Bronze, Gold and Silver. A typical 3 bedroom unit is further explained in the following section. All apartments in the residential tower fall under the concept of Wadi
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Horizontal bands, strong wooden supports
Rounded forms in warm Rustic colours, smooth Heavy textiles, surfaces with a range of textures. suede finishes
The wadi
The fixtures and joinery have a solid appearance interrupted by striation. Contrast in colours and built form is low.
CONCEPT OF THE WADI
Copper
Walnut Veneer
Vein-cut Travertine
Textured concrete
For the residential apartments as well as the public amenities, the concept of Wadi has been chosen. The Wadi is a recurring landscape feature in the Middle east and is best identified by warm reddish hues, sinuous lines, curvilinear forms and abundant light. The materials that best represent these properties have been identified. Walnut, with it’s rich dark hue would be ideal for joinery. Copper, a metal that has controlled iridescence and a variety of hues, make up the metallic surfaces. For the flooring, slip resistant warm porcelain, limestone or concrete has been experimented with. Sinks, faucets, seating elements have rocky smooth and organic forms with minimal edges since the Wadi is formed by weathering. Weathering leaves smooth even lines. Marble, natural stone and plaster make up the vertical surfaces.
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Location map
Mapping of main entrance
Secondary circulation spine recognized
Zoning the two realms of the apartment
Developed floor plan
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Rendered view of the two bedroom apartment
Rendered view of the three bedroom apartment
Rendered view of the studio apartment
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Secondary circulation spine recognized
THE MALL AMENITIES The mall amenities can be classified as prayer rooms for the men and the women along with the restrooms. The Women’s restroom comes with a feeding room as well. The colour palette consists of ochre, brown, off-white, beige and cream, with beige being the base. The prayer rooms have striated carpets with wavy striations on the gypsum wall. Walnut veneer adorns the shelves. The restrooms have a beige floor with a grainy texture and the fixtures are rounded with curved edges. The pebble like sinks sit atop a marble counter top backed by a large uninterrupted mirror.
Circulation paths for men and women
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The typical Wadi in the middle eastern region View of the ablution and the prayer room
View of the public restroom
Fixtures and finishes for the public amenities
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NURSERY FOR THE MINISTRY OF PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIRS (MOPA), ABU DHABI A nursery was required adjacent to the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi for the children of those employed in the palace. The nursery caters to children a few months old to the age of four years. These being development years for the children, a range of spaces had to be developed to cater to their needs. These included activity rooms, dormitories for sleeping, small play-group areas, dining halls etc. Fifty percent of the central site area had to be an open space. Other amenities include a small clinic, administrative offices, kitchen, cleaning areas and other service cores.
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SURROUNDINGS
Emirates Palace hotel
Major Landmarks at a glance Presidential Palace
1-Existing Presidential palace 2- Existing Office
Existing entrance to site
SITE AND SETTING
Nation Towers
The site is located adjacent to the Presidential Palace. We had been advised by the client to keep it a low lying and earth rooted structure that allows the palace to dominate. Spanning a little over 2025 sqm, the nursery is flanked only by a mosque on one edge. As of 2014, in the immediate vicinity, there is no ongoing construction but within a 5 km radius, there are several landmarks that dot the skyline along the Abu Dhabi corniche. Sunpath Diagram
X-Existing site entrance Y- Propsed entry to the site
Aerial view of the site
Baynunah Hilton
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Corridor connecting the units
View from the central playground
Viewing into the units
Sketch of the proposed super-roof inspired by traditional shading structures
Children circulation pattern
Staff circulation pattern
Proposed Site Plan
Since the primary end user are children, it was important to make them connect to their natural surroundings in their early years. Broadly, five units flank the central space- each housing the necessary spaces for children. These are connected by transparent corridors. The administrative areas are shielded from the view but overlook the central area. A central ramp is the focal point which connects the entrance to the central space. The vertical surfaces are smoothened adobe blocks that are sustainable and can be constructed locally with ease. A super roof spans the entire site, made of powder coated GRC which filters the sunlight into playful beams.
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Ground Floor
Lower Ground Floor
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View of the central ramp
View from the ramp
Aerial view
Ceiling slots as skylights
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PRIVATE LUXURY RESIDENCE, KOLKATA This residence belongs to a family of highly established and well known industrialists in India. They are pioneers of several healthcare and personal products and have also established hospitals, pharmacies, housing units, residential complexes, galleries and retail ventures. Since it is a family owned brand name, the residence belongs to a joint family of about ten individuals. Located in the heart of Kolkata, their dwelling is a celebration of the extravagant Indian colours, artwork and materials sourced from over the world. My involvement with the project is at the detail design and site supervision stage and this helped me gain the valuable experience of implementing drawings, tender documents and coordinating various site activities among the different consultants.
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Ground floor plan
First floor plan
Service amd storage areas
Public zones
Circulation
Private Zone
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Second floor plan
Third floor plan
The residence has a total build up of 2025 sq m over four storeys excluding the topmost roof level. The ground floor is dedicated to public spaces like the main dining areas, formal and informal meeting rooms and offices. The two bedrooms on this floor belong to oldest couple of the family. The floor above belongs to their sons, who look after their empire, as well as their families. This is a quieter and more intimate storey. The floor above has recreational spaces like the gym, activity rooms and two auditoriums. The topmost level is for spiritual exploration consisting of gardens and a sculpture courtyard. All the floors look into a central courtyard. At the ground level, the courtyard
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Mock ups for the railing details on the higher floors overlooking the courtyard
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Typical door detail that is followed throughout the house. The pattern has been influenced by traditional Indian north-eastern design elements.
Mock up of the door
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Mock ups for the railing details on the main staircase.
Mock ups for the AC grill placements and setting out of the travertine panels
Mock ups for the junction of false ceiling and railing balustrade
Section through the false ceiling
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A view into the courtyard showing the green-wall and a waterfall behind
A view of the section of the family sit-out that projects into the central space
A view of one of the bathrooms
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ENTRY FOR THE WORLD NOMADS TRAVELLING PHOTOGRAPHY SCHOLARSHIP
This competition required a brief statement essay along with a visual essay comprising of 5 pictures as a competition entry in order to win a ten day travelling photography trip with a professional photojournalist to Nepal.
Twenty seven years, ten major transitions and seven cities later my soul is befuddled. Some years ago I was posted in my hometown, Kolkata. The little I knew of it were from distorted tales of the colonial era and architectural wonders that had succumbed to years of brutal neglect. In Kolkata, I found beauty in everything my family frowned upon. Chaos and dereliction overran the city but there wasn’t a gesture of frustration anywhere. I captured it all. I am an architect by trade but fell in love with photography in middle school. My first camera, a Pentax MZ50, had to be sold while moving cities. In school, I won awards for architectural as well as portrait photography. I had not considered photography as a career because I craved professional stability. My idea of stability changed, but not my love. Pictures channel colours and emotions, which would otherwise be dismissed as fleeting. Photography itself transcends barriers. Thousand words are an understatement when it comes to the power of photography. With my skill, I want to tap this power and create a stir. I travel extensively but since most of these are solo and on a calculated schedule. I miss the joy of documenting through photos. Updating my photo blog makes me crave direction, order and perspective. Today, I stand at the crux of another transitional moment in my life. This time I want to give my energy into disciplined creativity and creating visual essays. Believe in me and this journey will begin with you.
A rickshaw puller catching a breath outside an abandoned house.
A vendor from a distant land displaying her colourful plastics against a dull backdrop.
Morning buzz at a fish market to buy the freshest catch for home.
A ‘chai-wallah’ concocting the perfect brew for his beloved clientele.
A tobacco seller engulfed in a haze, possibly of her own making.
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GLOBAL NOMADS, PROJECT AT GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART The Global Nomads project focused on rehabilitating the ‘Rotunda’ on the south of river Clyde in Glasgow to house 8 ‘pods’ or hotel rooms, each having a different character. The concept was to be derived by replacing the Bible, an omnipresent object in every hotel room across Glasgow, with a book of choice. The area limitation was 40 cu m. In the case of my pod, I chose ‘Le Petit Prince’ by Antoine de Saint Exupery to influence the spatial quality.
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The idea of the pods being interventions in a stoic monument. Diagram illustrating placement of the pods.
Model of the rotunda with the pods inside Each pod supported by a column.
Entrance of the rotunda
Current view of the interior of the rotunda
Current view of the exterior of the rotunda
The two rotundas on either bank of the Clyde river used to be connected by the Finnieston Canal which fell into despair with the de industrialization of Glasgow. While the North Rotunda is currently used as a restaurant, the south Rotunda lies unused. For the internal spatial planning, the team decided that the natural circular form of the Rotunda be respected and the 8 pods arranged around a central vertical circulation core. Each pod rests on a circular concrete base supported by colums stemming upwards from the ground level. Each pod appears to float, resembling planets in a solar system revolving around a central force. The top floor is a revolving bar with views into the city and the river Clyde.
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“This is only the box. The sheep you asked for is inside.”
“It’s the time you spend on your rose that makes your rose so important.”
“What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.”
“Language is the source of misunderstandings.”
Here is my Secret. It is very simple. It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.
Introverted spaces
Having an element that requires attention and care to create a sense of belongingness.
Blending in superficially without losing the mystery of being unique.
Simple interventions in the space that encourage exchange of thoughts and ideas between users through the ages.
Encouraging self reflection as a way to understand the self while travelling.
Reduction of noise spatially by creating barrier free spaces, minimum objects and absorptive textures in the room.
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Layered Mesh ceiling that emits light outward without disturbing the privacy.
Garden crates for the users. Foldable height adjustable working desk.
Cork pin board
Spoon by Agape
The Lobster chair
Porous flooring reminiscent of rocky landscape.
Gardening crates Roof plan of the pod @ 1:50
Plan of the pod @ 1:50
The illustrations on the left show the concept of allowing the sky to pour into the pod. Since the building retains the industrial character of Glasgow, the pod strives to be an essential departure from it, pushing the user’s focus on the Glaswegian sky and Clyde’s bridge. A few plant boxes are placed outside which each user is encouraged to contribute to. Not only does this introduce the user to the lush greenery the landscapes of Scotland, it also contrasts the timelessness of the building. It creates a connection with the built space, like the taming of the fox as established in the book. Gazing out of the sky enriches the soul and highlights everything the essential that is ‘invisible to the eye’. The pod pursues a journey of self exploration for the traveller which is a quintessential part of travel.
Concept of the sky pouring into the pod
Introduction of the plants as a living and dynamic entity within the unchanging built environment
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The exterior blends with the concrete base to show only a door, like the box with the sheep. The yellow door handle suggests the presence of interiors that houses more that one can immediately sense.
A section of the interior with the bathtub silhouetted against the sky. Every element aims at relaxing the observer and minimising external stimulus.
The scenarios illustrate the activities that the pod aims at encouraging. They are centred around a few objects and encourages the user to soak up moments of peace. The focus is mostly on the night time use of the pod since that’s the usually reserved by travellers to unwind and rest.
A section showing the interaction within the pod with the window outside. The light fixtures are left flush with the wall, all controlled directly by the user.
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This image was clicked at the Belvedere in Wien where I had a stop-over while visiting the Knauf Heradesign factory in Villach, 2015.
I hope this portfolio brightened your day. Thank you!
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