Jain's Life by the Lake UB Architects - Year - 2022 - Present Stage - Execution Prison and Reformation Centre
- Year - 2022 - Present Stage - Tendering
ACADEMIC WORK - GRADUATE - UTSOA
Urban Design - Re-imagining the UT I-35 Cap - Team Cap & Rec (Short for Recreation)
Adv. Urban Design Studio - Sem 1
01. USER CENTRIC
DESIGN IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
YEAR 5
SEMESTER 9,10
PROJECT - Design Dissertation
TYPE - Institutional
MENTOR - Ar. Milind Merchant
BRIEF - Educational institutions play a pivotal role in shaping our future. The environment in an educational institution is meant to boost our ability to learn and grow.
Learning spaces need to encourage or allow many types of activity. These include reflection, collaboration, group learning, individual learning, presentations, and computer use.
Most of the times we do not design spaces based on the requirements of the users. We have a set of minimum standards that we prefer to follow as it makes the design process a little simpler without thinking about who and how the space should be used.
We tend to over-determine spaces and try to make them as perfect and clean as we can. By doing so, we tend to ignore the smaller details that would help enhance the quality of a space which in turn could help enhance the quality of learning in that space.
The quality of a space can also have an impact on the emotional and social state of the user which could in turn affect one's ability to learn.
Thus designing an educational space from the point of view of the user could not only be beneficial in terms of enhanced learning but would also help create personalised spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
SEEING AND LISTENING LEARNERS
TOUCH AND EXPERIENCE LEARNERS
The idea was to delve deeper into the types and qualities of spaces required in an educational environment which led me to look at the idea of the creative theory. There are 9 creative theories which determine the quality of a space as stated below:
- Preparation (investigation of the problem in all directions)
- Incubation (unconscious processing)
- Illumination (sudden insight and creation of a solution)
- Verification (critical elaboration and validation of the idea)
- Priming (the activation of a specific mindset. For example creative mindset)
- Flexibility
- Fluency
- Serendipity (the unexpected finding of valuable ideas, persons, and things)
- Fixation (a set of restrictive heuristics(self-discovery) activated in a creative reasoning)
After creating connections between these creative theories and their propositions (as seen in Fig 1), I started creating bridges based on the two different types of learners (Fig 2 and Fig 3).
These bridges helped in creating paths that a student follows while learning a subject or topic.
Fig. 2
LOOP SHOWING THE EVOLUTION OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS It shows the path that one takes in order to reach FLUENCY in the subject/ topic they are learning
LOOP SHOWING THE CHANGE IN THE PROGRAM FORMING SELF LOOPS It shows the path that one can take by skipping steps in the overall loop in order to reach FLUENCY in the subject/topic they are learning
LOOP SHOWING THE CHANGE IN METHODOLOGY/TYPE OF LEARNING It shows the path that one can take to change their style of learning whenever needed in order to reach FLUENCY in the subject/topic they are learning
BRIEF - The aim of the studio was to study the current land utilization and work on the revival and reorganization of the streets of Mumbai.
The street looked at during the process was the road leading to the Santacruz Station. The street gave heavy emphasis to vehicular movement which was contradictory to the multi-functional nature that demanded pedestrian movement.
Santacruz station is a major transit hub in the city, home to a lot of small shops and roadside vendors. The focus of the project was to segregate pedestrian and vehicular movement while also catering to the needs of the stakeholders. The emphasis was laid on making the insert as organic and beneficial to the pedestrians while not tampering with the movement of the vehicles.
TEAM MEMBERS - Anushka Naik, Devashri
Deshmukh, Drishti Shah, Shreya Mathur.
Based on our studies regarding the existing stakeholders, land uses, pedestrian and vehicular movements, etc, we as a group though it was best to cater to all users with minimal intervention. The only built structure would be the ‘Elevated Walkway.’
The idea was to create 2 separate elevated walkways in place of the existing sky-walk. These Walkways would also connect to the secondary lanes creating a safer pedestrian crossing experience and completely separating vehicular and pedestrian movement.
The elevated walkways would also be enhanced by sensory gardens creating a pleasant experience for the user as well as adding the much needed greenery to the street.
STREET TYPOLOGY 2 - PRIMARY ROAD STREET TYPOLOGY 3 - SECONDARY ROAD
EMERGENT NATURE OF SOLDIER CRABS FORM ITERATION - INSTALLATION
BRIEF - For this studio, we studied the different emergent behaviours found in nature.
We looked at the Collective Behaviour emerging out of the Self-Organisation of the Soldier Crabs. Through our study, we identified certain characteristics of swarm behaviour in these crabs.
1. A swarm moving in a tidal zone has inherent noise.
2. Individuals have different velocities in maintaining a directed group.
3. When a swarm faces a water pool that has been naturally generated on a tide land, it does not enter the water pool if the group is small or sparse.
4. In contrast, if the swarm increases in size and density, it rushes into the pool without pausing due to the effect of the group.
As a group, we developed several miniature modules (form iterations) for our final installation. Furthermore, we selected and procured materials, created a bill of quantities and then proceeded to actually develop and create the final installation.
TEAM MEMBERS - Aditya Shroff, Kaushal Suthar, Krisha Sanghvi.
04. DAMAT TOWNSHIP
LOCATION - Damat, Karjat, Maharashtra
TYPE - Master Planning, Architecture, Landscape
CLIENT - Lalani Group -Builders and Developers
AREA - 160 Acres
STAGE - Proposal
BRIEF - The brief given by the client was to create an ‘Identity Landmark’ in the area in the form of an integrated - all inclusive township that would cater to all types of people.
The overall focus was on creating a selfsufficient, walkable township that promoted greener and cleaner living conditions. These came in terms of community farming areas, organic farms and restaurants, provisions of community spaces, hospitals, school, colleges and commercial spaces and a sports centre.
The process began with a thorough inspection of the site in terms of terrain, accessibility, facilities available nearby, the site context (especially due to the proximity of the site to the foothills of Matheran, a very popular tourist hill-station.) Based on my studies, I was able to draw up diagrams and maps for the same which then led to us designing a program brief.
While doing so, as a team, we simultaneously looked through all the bye-laws pertaining to the design of an inclusive township ranging from the minimum areas required for each fraction of the society, namely, the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low Income Groups (LIG), Medium Income Groups (MIG) and lastly, High Income Groups (HIG) to the amount of recreational and amenity spaces required as well as the additional facilities and services to be provided to create a holistic township.
Apart from being involved in the design process and being responsible for all concept and site diagrams, plan renders, and the client presentation, I also had the opportunity to develop a feasibility report for the project.
TEAM MEMBERS - Ar. Nilesh Mane (Team Lead), Ar. Vinita Mandole
SITE ANALYSIS
Based on the site analysis, it was obvious that most facilities including Schools, Colleges, Hospitals, Offices and Shops were mostly 5-10km away from the site which made it crucial for these facilities to be provided as part of the project which would in-turn benefit the entire area in the future.
MASTERPLAN
LOCATION - Jalgaon, Maharashtra
TYPE - Master Planning, Architecture, Landscape
CLIENT - Jain Irrigations Systems Ltd.
AREA - 59 Acres
STAGE - Proposal
BRIEF - Located at the edge of the Mehrun Lake in Jalgaon, the client wanted to develop the site as an irrevocably unique luxury living experience that would cater to the needs of all types of people.
The inherent idea was to create spacious 2,3 and 4BHK apartments as well as 4BHK bungalows with uninterrupted views of the lake. Along with this, various amenities were added to create a more holistic township. These included a school, hospital, commercial complex, and a clubhouse along with a central connecting recreational space along with multiple themed landscape gardens.
The greatest challenge of the site was the heavily contoured terrain. The main goal was to keep the slope as intact as possible and was achieved by stepping the buildings down along the contour while designing the landscape in harmony with the natural slope of the land.
As a part of the team, I was given the opportunity of designing the residential towers under the guidance of Ar.Nilesh Mane. I was also responsible for all the site analysis, concept diagrams and rendered plans, sections, and views. I also got a chance to design the several themed landscapes and the central spine a bright red jogging track, connecting various smaller activity and sports grounds.)
TEAM MEMBERS - Ar. Nilesh Mane (Team Lead), Ar. Vinita Mandole, Ar. Sharayu Mundada
COMMERCIAL ZONERETAIL, OFFICES & HOTEL
SCHOOL AND SPORTS CENTRE
RESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS
RESIDENTIAL BUNGALOWS
HOSPITAL & FIRE STATION
CLUBHOUSE
CENTRAL SPINE
RESIDENTIAL TOWERS
2BHK APARTMENT - 1450.11 sq.ft
3BHK APARTMENT - 2060.75 sq.ft
LOCATION - Jalgaon, Maharashtra
TYPE - Master Planning, Architecture, Landscape
CLIENT - Jain Dream Spaces
AREA - 24.5 Acres
STAGE - Execution
BRIEF - Located at the edge of the Mehrun Lake in Jalgaon, the client wanted to develop the site as a bungalow plotting scheme developed around multiple recreational gardens that would cater to people of all age groups.
The design started with dividing the site into plots of 3 sizes, 4000, 5000, and 6000 sq.ft each. Following the division, we laid out the road network forming varied internal streets and cul-de-sacs. Lastly we divided the recreational gardens into 7 different spaces, scattered throughout the site, all connected by a green belt consisting of a jogging track.
As a part of the team, I was responsible for concept development as well as the design for the street-scape, green belt, and the 7 gardens.
Apart from designing, I was also involved in client co-ordination, site visits and after approval, co-ordination with MEP Consultants, Landscape Consultants, Horticulturists, production of working/execution drawings , Structural Engineers, etc.
The landscape design for the gardens was based on the Elements of the universe - Earth, Fire, Water, Space and Wind.
TEAM MEMBERS - Ar. Nilesh Mane (Team Lead), Ar. Vinita Mandole
FINAL LAYOUT
The element EARTH has multiple landforms ranging from mountains to flatlands to valleys, creating spaces at multiple levels. Despite these multitude of undulations, the earth is connected throughout and becomes a HOME for everyone to reside.
Bringing in this concept to life, the Central R.G is designed as a COMMUNITY SPACE that welcomes one and all. The entire space disintegrates into multiple levels consisting of mounds, scooped out valleys as well as flatlands. All the spaces are weaved together via the PATHWAY, coloured red which stands out from the rest and further aids in creating a unique journey while navigating the space.
The element AIR is gentle, uplifting, nurturing, healing, freeing, and balancing. This aspect of nature governs all types of movement in the body, kinetic movements, breathing, thinking, and circulation.
Keeping in mind the qualities and aspects of the air, the space is envisaged as a peaceful quiet corner, formally known as a Zen Garden. It is cut off from the surroundings making it perfect for activities like Yoga, Meditation, Dance, Music, etc.
LOCATION - Palghar, Maharashtra
TYPE - Master Planning, Architecture, Landscape, Interior
CLIENT - Maharashtra State Government, Maharashtra State Police Housing & Welfare Corporation Ltd.
AREA - 25 Acres
STAGE - Tendering
BRIEF - The current state of Indian Prisons (especially in Maharashtra) is quite devastating. Most of the prisons currently existing in the state were originally built by the British or are structures restored and accommodated in the older forts. Most of these prisons are extremely overcrowded and unsanitary due to lack of resources. This was the reason why the Maharashtra State Government decided to build 5 new prisons in the state with the goal to modernize the incarceration systems as well as make them more humane which would in-turn help in the process of reformation.
Our firm had the honour of being appointed as the Project Architects and PMC for a new District Jail in Palghar meant for 1200 to 1500 inmates. Still being a fairly new concept, I had the opportunity to conduct thorough research into prison statistics, conditions and the history of incarceration in India. I also was able to visit 3 prisons and had the chance to interact with Police Officials as well as Inmates, getting a detailed idea of what the requirements actually were.
Further I was able to present my research and concepts to various Government Officials and Police Officers which then led to the final design for the Prison. Developing the design further led to me interacting with Structural Engineers, MEP Consultants, Police Officers, Government Officials, Civil Engineers, etc. At this stage, the project is under Tendering and will soon be under construction.
TEAM MEMBERS - Ar. Nilesh Mane
TYPES OF PRISONS
Studying the types of interactions that take place in a prison between guards and inmates, led to the conceptual design of various prison layouts that could be adopted in order to have an efficient prison system.
As shown below, Option 1 was based on the courtyard style of prison where the main inmate living spaces - the barracks, were octagonal in shape with a watchtower at the center to provide facilitate permanent surveillance
In Option 2, we explored the telephonic type of prison system which provided a more efficient layout and could accommodate a higher number of inmates.
- 2024
LOCATION - Austin, TX
TYPE - Urban Design
MENOR - Ar. Liang Wang
UTSOA-SEMESTER 1
BRIEF - The topic for the Fall 2024 Adv. Urban Design Studio was to create a cap on the I-35 highway that ran across the UT Austin campus dividing the east and the west side. Our site was located at the center of the cap and became the focal point of the project in terms of creating a cultural and entertainment district. Our mission statement laid out the framework for our design and program. It stated: Could the Cap act as a social condenser, reconnecting the East and the West side of Austin using existing transportation networks, and green space, as a framework?
Based on our previous studies of Open spaces and Transportation Networks in the city of Austin, we laid out a basic grid and determined potential spots for large open spaces. The binding factor for our project was the central pathway that connected the west side to the east side. This pathway became the spine around which most of our open spaces came about. We aimed to create spaces that could bring in a wide variety of people and bridge the gap and disparity that is created due to the existing highway infrastructure. Our programs consisted of a Research Village at the southwest corner of the side to help maintain a connection to UT as well as to become a resource for the upcoming medical district on the south side. Further we added programs like Cultural Centers, Hotels, Commercial and Retail blocks as well as Sports infrastructure and Graduate Housing. This diverse program would act as the catalyst to draw people from all walks of life and activate the site like never before. Furthermore, we created a large event space that could host multiple activities ranging from Tailgates, concerts, to smaller community gatherings and festival celebrations. Apart from this, smaller open spaces were scattered around the site, always connecting back to the central spine to enhance the built programs and create a multilayered experience for the public.
TEAM MEMBERS - John Sawyer McCarley, Ishita Phatak
SITE LOCATION AND INTERVENTION AREAS
TERRAIN
SCALE COMPARISON STUDY OF THE I-35 CAP WITH VARIOUS OTHER PARKS IN AMERICA
VIEW A - SHOWING THE MAIN EVENT SPACE
VIEW C - SHOWING THE CORNER EVENT SPACE FROM THE MAIN AVENUE
VIEW B - SHOWING THE RESEARCH CENTRE COURTYARD SPACE
VIEW D - ENTRANCE TO THE MAIN EVENT SPACE FROM THE CENTRAL SPINE
