Portfolio by Samhita Gandhi

Academia .......... Professional work ........... Research ...... (from the year 2004 - till date)

Samhita Gandhi Interior Designer & Researcher Bachelor of Interior Design School of Interior Design, CEPT University Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

(June 2010 - Dec. 2011)

Guide: Mr. Dexter Periera A residential kitchen in contemporary urban India is a result of various technological advancements, standardization as well as many traditional impressions and attitudes which are carried forward to some degree till date. It is a challanging task for designers to bridge the gap between traditions and modernization. Through a critical analysis of effects of different influences on the evolution of residential kitchens, this study is an attempt to understand the role of an interior designer in designing kitchens in the present context.

Idea of the study Aim

Research Query - The larger whole

Addressing parts to achieve the whole

Objectives

Identifying and Stating the opportunities and boundaries

Scope and limitations

Study evolution of residential kitchens To understand role of a contemporary kitchen To identify scope for an interior designer in today’s context

• • • • •

Evolution of kitchens to understand changing role of kitchens Kitchen + related spaces within the context of innovations done Kitchen with respect to the whole house Kitchen as a unit of preparation + cooking + washing + storing Use of space for kitchen and related activities

Study kitchen in reference to the larger whole and the networks within the residence - the materials, textures, colours, ergonomic issues are dealt with at the observation level. Scope - upper-middle class bungalows in the city of Ahmedabad

Structure of the study Chapters in the document Subject of the study

Phenomenon of Change Kitchen

Object for the study Placing the object within a context

Evolution – A process Change - characteristics of change - Process of gradual change Kitchen – Evolution in the extent of kitchen - Kitchens in Indian context

Ahmedabad

Kitchens in Ahmedabad The city of Ahmedabad – kitchens in different house forms Kitchens in Bungalows

Parameter of the study

Use of space

Use of space in kitchens of bungalows

Evolution Phenomenon of change Force of change Rate of change Resultants of change Conflict of the generation today

Fig. 2.1 Cycle of change in society

Fig. 2.2 - Built form and context

Fig. 2.4 - Influences on living space

Samhita Gandhi Interior Designer & Researcher

Research Thesis

(June 2010 - Dec. 2011)

Evolution - A process: Kitchens through time The evolution of kitchens - studied as a problem solving process divided in four parts: generated needs - the solutions - socio cultural influences of the solutions - determinants of the design process Derivatives from the study of Evolution: Determinants of the process vis-a-vis role of designers over a period of time

Natural processes and natural resources Accidental discoveries Experiments with discoveries Shift from a nomadic life to settled life Inputs by artisans and craftsmen Out of concerns for hygiene and user friendly architecture Design solution by experts Conscious human efforts seeking solutions to various needs Industrial revolution Advancements in technology, materials – joint effort by engineers and craftsmen – functional as well as aesthetically appealing solutions Technological improvements Efforts of individual engineers + efforts of small companies Post world war – I – conditions and requirements of the society Architects - designers working for appropriate solution for the needs Individual and group efforts by designers incorporating the technological changes

Living environment

Food culture Kitchen in a particular region

Context chosen for the study Kitchens in Indian context Kitchens in Ahmedabad

The city of Ahmedabad was analysed by the following parametres: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Historic developement of the built forms in the city

House form

Socio-political influences Value system and social structure Role of women in society Economy Technology Foreign influences

Studying the effects of various influences on the kitchens in the built forms of all types in the city

Built forms selected for study Pol House Chawl Bungalow Individual Bungalow Twin Bungalow Tenement Apartment buildings Low rise apartment High rise apartment Duplex apartment Row House Farm House

Samhita Gandhi Interior Designer & Researcher

Acceptance of the trends and advancements prevalent in the world

Research Thesis

(June 2010 - Dec. 2011)

Kitchens in Ahmedabad

A. Location of the kitchen in the house

B. Use of space in the kitchen

Study of a kitchen in a particular house form Intension of studying the house form objectively: to understand the existence of a space by the built form – irrespective of the user interphase Methodology:

First hand studies of randomly selected houses 3 houses under each hose form Framework for the study A. Location of the kitchen in the house Relation with the entrance - Relation with other spaces

C. Inter relation of activity areas, D. Interior environment of kitchen

B. Use of space in the kitchen Organization of the kitchen Work triangle C. Inter relation between storage - preparation cooking - post cooking activity areas D. Interior environment of the kitchen

Kitchens in Bungalows Use of space Kitchen – the most function oriented space in the house - Better the efficiency of the system; more it is desirable The effective use of available space for cooking and related activities – the most critical aspect of kitchen design Bungalow - chosen house form for the detailed study Travelled the largest span of time - covered the biggest range of changes Landmarks in the journey of kitchens are marked and six houses (one house from the time of each landmark) are studied in detail.

Samhita Gandhi Interior Designer & Researcher

Comparative analysis of all the house forms for the parametres mentioned above.

Research Thesis

(June 2010 - Dec. 2011)

location of kitchen related activities, connections of spaces

space used for appliances f. use of space for appliances and individual activities

Activity chart of the day of the lady of the house for 18 hours a day

members’ involvement g. members involved in the kitchen related activities

Added electrical points in the recent times

cooked food

Fixed place for appliances

4 owner’s movement

father-in-law’s movement

location of appliances

cooking

post-cooking

storing cooked food

cleaning

preparation

sons’ movement

mother-in-law’s movement

Fig. 4.49 - movement patterns of other family members

Conclusion Kitchen for the generation today works as an Efficient space more than an emotive space. Kitchen as a system is highly standardized where as the use of it is very individual. Different users look for varied design solution from functionally similar yet aspirationally unique needs. A designer today – can be an interpreter who would translate the psychological and spatial aspirations of an individual into physical requirement and provide with an appropriate design solution from the ocean of available choices.

Samhita Gandhi Interior Designer & Researcher

Comparison of six houses for 3 various parameters out of 25 studied parameters

Professional Work

(January 2012 - till date)

Research Assistant at Design Innovation & Craft Resource Centre (DICRC) (January 2012 - till date)

Independent project: Renovation of a residence at Kalasagar (ongoing project) (Febuary 2012 - till date)

Incharge of the Digital Resource lab (Web portal) for the Space Making Crafts of Gujarat Responsible for generating the information architecture for the portal Part of the design team of the portal Design and content management of the DICRC website CEPT Website

DICRC Design Innovation and Craft Resource Centre

ABOUT

WORKSHOPS

RESEARCH

introductory text & funding

introductory text

1. Philosophy

Documentation

• Aim of the centre • Inception • Background

(map)

2. Bamboo craft

Event calender

List of cities

done at the centre • Scope in the larger scenario Future directions

• Concept of the workshop

• Planning • Process of

Sited houses

Information

•

• Photo gallery

• Measure Drawings

• Team Members • Infrastructure

• • •

1. University of Melbourne 2. TBDC (Tapini) 3. RHIZOME 4. Eklavya 5. DELFT 6. Stone Technics 7. Trivedi Corp. Pvt. Ltd.

• Photo • B a s i c / g e n e r a l

1. Consultancy Project 2. Education & Training • Curriculum

Development

• Link to IMIAD • Link to thesis

3. Reports

• Location of

4. News letters • • • • •

6. Portfolio

the centre (Google Map) Address Phone Website Email id Vacancy

Crafts Mannual

Space Making Crafts Inventory

State District Place

Space Making Craft Research

Crafts, Crafts persons

Materials (Natural)

• Properties • Types • Techneques

Himachal

District profiling

Kumaon

Craft cluster mapping

(definitions)

Crafters / Artisans Process Tools - Manual / Machine Research / Resources Applications (Traditional)

information

• link / email id • Logos

Diagnostic study

(for organizations)

Updated .............. © copyright .............

Sitemap

Building Overall Elements doors, windows Furniture

Disclaimer

Generating the Information architecture for the website of the Indigenous Building practices, Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand, India Indigenous Building Practices Uttarakhand KUMAON

HOME

Basic information about the project {T}

PROJECT

{T}

Visual mapping {T,P}

• Aim / Intention of

Region

{T,P}

Funding info. {T}

• Objectives {T}

Districts

{T,P}

the study {T}

Places

{T,P}

Process

Itinerary {T}

1. Gallagaon 2. Sheri 3. Almora 4. Jageshwar 5. Devdi Mafi 6. Champavat 7. Sui Villages 8. Devgadha 9. Galchada 10. Dasola 11. Bhanar 12. Barakot 13. Champavat 14. Lohagat

1. Row House

{T}

Building Types

{T,P}

1. Single Storey (painted houses) {T,P}

• data collection

before the filed visit {T,P}

Planning diary {T}

Documentation

Field Work

(map)

Selected region for the study {T,P}

CEPT Website Search

BUILDING TYPES

RESEARCH

Idea of the study

3. Interactive Map/ Digital Resource (paid)

Region

Research Projects

CONTACT

5. Plates

• Sidhpur • Nadiad • Matra

4. Collaborations

2. Publication

2. Articles & Research papers

Context Title Abstract Speaker’s profile photo, video contact details

conducting the workshop Documentation process Product / Portfolio Exhibitions Collaborations Lectures

• Basic

3. Work Environment

• • • • • •

introductory text

• Bamboo • Himachal

3. Stone craft

Districts

• Objectives • Outline of the work

Blog News / Highlights

introductory text & funds

1. Books

Speakers - Bamboo, stone workshops, presentations at various places

Region

2. Vision & Mission

DICRC title, Panel of tabs, Base image or a collage of images

1. Lectures and Presentation

1. Wood Turning Lacquer craft

Visual mapping

Media

SERVICES

RESOURCES

introductory text

fb tw ln

• first field visit {P} • team formation • •

{T,P} second field visit {T,P} post field visit {T,P} work

1. Row Houses {T,P}

2. Two Storey (painted houses) {T,P}

2. Individual Houses {T,P}

REFERENCES

• Related centres {T,P}

• Literature

reference {T} • Related individuals {T,P}

Media

News / Highlights

TEAM

• Team for the

first visit (Jay Thakkar, Local person) {T,P} • Documentation Team - 8 people {T,P} • Research team {T,P}

DICRC Website

CONTACT

• Jay Thakkar {T} • Ammaji {T} • DICRC Location of the centre {P} (Google Map)

• Address {T} • Phone {T} • Website {T}

{T,P}

1. Individual single storey (painted houses) {T,P}

Data Collection

2. Individual house with balcony

• images {P} • field notes &

sketches {T,P}

(painted houses) {T,P}

• interviews (on

site & off site) {T,P}

• brief

discription {T,P}

discription {T}

• field drawing

• images {P}

{T,P}

• measure

Note: This Data format applies to all the villages listed above

drawings {P}

• images {P}

Note: This Data format applies to all the building types listed above.

Sitemap

Disclaimer

link to wordpress

Bathrooms - design, execution

Wooden Main door in the process of making

Dining space

Sofa in the living room

The chairs are made from teak wood and polished matt wenge with grey rexin seat to suit the existing space.

The sofa is designed such that it can follow the language of the existing furniture. The curved wooden leg forms the strucutral base for the sofa

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2. Individual House

Culture & people

Living space of the house - Ceiling ( made of plaster of paris) is treated as the prime element. Sequential level difference of the divisions is 1.5”

Note: {T} - Text, {P}- Photographs

Samhita Gandhi Interior Designer & Researcher

HOME

Graphic Design projects Design, management and execution of the Book Launch Event launch by Hon. Chief Minister -Gujarat State (July 2011)

Stage Back drop 20’ X 12’

Brochure 32” X 8” (Tetrafold), (August 2010) Project: Performance assessment of urban water supply and sanitation

subject of book: “Our Vaidik Heritage”

Client: Gujarat Govt. + Maharashtra Govt. + CEPT University

invitation card for the event

“Vaividhya”Collection of articles on various subjects

Samhita Gandhi Interior Designer & Researcher

Cover pages of the books subject of book: “Our cultural heritage”

- â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pruthviâ&#x20AC;? - Residence for a family of four members (1700 sq.ft.) - complete design and execution of the house

Wall hung study unit in the master bedroom

Samhita Gandhi Interior Designer & Researcher

Interior Design project (December 2009 - May 2010)

Academics - Final Year Project

(June 2009 - December 2009)

The existing site

Gaiety Cultural Complex - Restoration of Gaiety Theatre, Shimla

Program for the site: Re-designing of a classical theatre with addition of exhibition spaces, museum, cafetaria, multi-purpose hall

Section through the theatre space one of the process drawings-exploring of light quality, scale of the theatre, colours)

colour exploration for the flooring

Ground floor plan consisting of the classical theatre, museum, adminstration zone including the ticket windows

proposed ceiling

before and after

Samhita Gandhi Interior Designer & Researcher

Model (scale 1:50) of the proposed design with the suggested modifications in the non-structural part of the building.

Practical training at Samira Rathod Design Associates, Mumbai

(June 2008 - December 2008)

Worked directly under the principal architect for all the projects

Samhita Gandhi Interior Designer & Researcher

Akalpya Club House, Ahmedabad - on the design of Gym at the club house - layout & design of the space and details of furniture

Practical training at Samira Rathod Design Associates, Mumbai Sahany House, Malabar Hills, Mumbai - part of the design team

(June 2008 - December 2008)

Safal Amrakunj, Ahmedabad - Design proposal of one module for the scheme of seven modules

Aman Office, Ahmedabad - Details of furniture

Pundole Art Gallery, Dubai - presentation drawings, model

Mild Steel sections of varied angles create gaps at the junction of two surfaces which are designed to allow natural light to penetrate through glass covered openings

Samhita Gandhi Interior Designer & Researcher

Poddar House, Alibaugh, Mumbai - Roof structure design

(June 2004 - June 2008)

Working drawings Set of working drawings made for a residence. images in order From the left: Sections of the house, details of the courtyard, kitchen detail, bathroom drawing

Samhita Gandhi Interior Designer & Researcher

Academics - foundation years

(June 2004 - June 2008)

Foundation courses and Material based courses Basic Design, material based courses - wood, metal, cane & bamboo, printing, weaving, ceramic workshops

Furniture Design - Design and making of furniture elements Graphic Design - Study of forms, colours, attributes of forms, tesselations, forms based on natural objects Summer work and related study programs - Study of traditional built forms, elements, crafts and living environment

Samhita Gandhi Interior Designer & Researcher

Academics - foundation years

Samhita Gandhi

samhita2004@gmail.com