resume and portfolio
shreyonti chakraborty
COVER Nine Squares Exercise (First Year First Semester Studio Design Project) The base was divided into a grid consisting of nine squares. Square pieces of paper with same dimensions as each unit of the grid were cut out. The pieces were assembled on the grid in different patterns and the shadows cast by the patterns were observed and photgraphed.
CONTENTS 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
RESUME SPACE DESIGN EXERCISE PRIMARY SCHOOL IN AFRICA TAKHEL CHILDREN’S HOME IN-SITU REDEVELOPMENT OF THE SLUMS OF KOLKATA MICROAPARTMENTS KOLKATA FOR MULTIPLE USERS ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS KOLKATA AWARENESS CENTRE
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Shreyonti Chakraborty M.S. in Architecture (First Year) Penn State Stuckeman School
713, Southgate Drive, State College, PA-16801 +1 814-325-1746 shreyonti@gmail.com
Objective
1. To develop greater understanding of working in a professional environment in the field architecture in the United States 2. To contribute to the firm, especially in the design development process, as well as acquire skills and knowledge needed to transform designs to built environments in the U.S.
Academics
Penn State University / M.S. in Architecture Currently in the Culture, Society and Space Cluster Research and Design Interests: Environments for multigenerational families, children’s’ environments, housing and educational architecture (especially schools, daycares etc.) Jadavpur University, Dept. of Architecture / B.Arch Cumulative GPA- 8.39/10
Thesis: Microapartments Prototypes for Multiple Users: Case Application Kolkata Relevant Coursework: Housing (Theory Course, 2015); Remodeling of Old House in Shyambazar, Kolkata (Studio Design, 2015); Mixed-Use Complex with Multi-Family Housing (Studio Design, 2014); Design of Structures (Theory Course, 2014); Theory of Structures (2014); Climate and Architecture (Theory Course, 2014), Humanities (Theory Course, 2013) Appejay School, Nerul / Appeared for First Public Exam AISSE CGPA- 10/10 (95.8%)
Appejay School, Nerul / Graduated in 2012
AISSCE, Aggregate 94.8%, Recipient Indian Government Scholarship
Skills
Software Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, DraftSight, Revit, Sketchup, Lumion, VRay, Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, Languages Fluent in English, Hindi and Bengali i
Relevant Work Experience
Reliance Petrochemicals / Summer Intern
MAY 2014 - JUNE 2014, NAVI MUMBAI
Did working drawings and standard drawings for a variety of buildings, and got valuable experience by participating in meetings with clients and observing the process by which work is done in an office. Enso Design/ Intern
JULY 2015 - NOVEMBER 2015, NEW DELHI
Worked on design development and presentation drawings for Takhel Children’s Home, a low-cost sustainable construction project in Takhel, Manipur Worked on detail drawings for a range of exhibition-related projects for Budweiser Worked on interior layouts and design development for an office building in New Delhi
Research
An Attempt for In-Situ Rehabilitation of Slums of Kolkata (2015-2017; done under guidance of Prof. Shivashish Bose and in collaboration with Jadavpur University; submitted to journal of MES Pillai College of Architecture, Tekton) Microapartments Prototypes for Multiple Users: Case Application Kolkata (2017; Undergraduate Thesis) Interpreting Laurie Baker’s Work as a Part of the Critical Regionalist Movement (2016; done as part of academic assignment) Visual survey of Space and Forms in Northern Kolkata (2015; done as part of academic assignment)
Leadership Positions/Activities
Junior Editor of Blueprint, Jadavpur University’s journal of architecture, for its 2013 volume
Workshops and Conferences
Attended 3-day workshop on low-cost construction methods and brick bonding at Laurie Baker Centre, Trivandrum (2014) Attended 2-day ECBC workshop on climate-responsive architecture (2016) Moderator at NASA Panel Discussion held at Jadavpur University (2013)
Competitions
Design Charrette- Chennai/ First Position 2015
National student competition organized by Ethos India and Saint Gobain Journalism Trophy-ZONASA (Bareilly)/ Winner 2016
Student competitions for colleges in the eastern zone of India. organized by NASA ii
Extracurricular Activities
Through Eyes Like Yours/ Blog
2009 - PRESENT
A blog covering miscellaneous topics Writing/ Other Work 2009 - PRESENT
Have been contributing to newspapers and magazines since high school, and A number of my articles have been published in nationally circulated daily newspapers and periodicals. Dance Part of dance group in Central Pennsylvania, performing modern dance locally.
Relevant Travel Experience
Southern India/ Academic Tours FEBRUARY 2013 and October 2013
In February, traveled across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, both states in southern India, and participated in measure drawing exercise at Golkonda Fort, Hyderabad. In October, traveled across Pondicherry, Kerala and Karnataka and participated in study of French and Franco-Tamil settlements in Pondicherry Varanasi/ Academic Tour APRIL 2015
Visited city of Varanasi and participated in photo documentation and measure drawing exercise in the old city. Europe/ Backpacking Trip
JUNE 2015 AND JUNE 2016, respectively
Part of a short backpacking expeditions across Europe. Introduction to restoration practices observed abroad. Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia/ Backpacking Trip 2016, respectively
Part of a short backpacking expeditions across Europe and then to the Far East. Introduction to restoration practices observed abroad.
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SPACE DESIGN EXERCISE INDIVIDUAL PROJECT (SECOND YEAR STUDIO DESIGN PROJECT) YEAR: 2014
ROLE: Concept and Design Development
DESCRIPTION: The objective of this exercise was to help students understand what makes a particular space ‘good’. We were told to locate a ‘good’ space in or around Kolkata, for which I selected a corridor in Chandannagar (top extreme left). Then, we made masing models out of cardboard packing boxes (top centre and top roght) to design a small space for ourselves which would be suitable for quiet contemplation. 1
Section A-A’
Section B-B’
Views of space
Drawings showing how the space is enclosed
Plan
2 2
Open Space for Assembly and Children’s Play
Classroom
PRIMARY SCHOOL IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
School complex as viewed from entrance
INDIVIDUAL PROJECT (COMPEITION) YEAR: 2015
ROLE: Concept and Design Development
DESCRIPTION: In 2015, Kimse Yok Mu Solidarity and Aid Association organized an international design competition. Participants were required to design a small primary shool in the afore-mentioned location, with emphasis on sustainability, functionality, cost-effectiveness and replicability. The schools would be built over the course of five years, and their purpose would be to deliver basic education to children and provide a safe place for teachers to live. 3
Open-Air Theatrecum- Play Area
CONCEPT A sustainably built primary school complex that is centred around spaces meant for public interaction to ensure greater involvement of community with the school and it’s activities. The complex can be used for multiple purposes even when classes are not in session. High walls enclose the school complex keeping with traditional African architecture.
Classroom
Play Area-cum-Open Air Theatre
1 Stage
7 Classroom
2 Open-Air Theatre
8 Boys’ Toilet
3 Play Area with Swings
9 Girls’ Toilet
4 Sand-Pit
10 Store
5 Outdoor Library Seating
11 Courtyard
6 Bookshelves
12 Drinking Water
Corridors with Seating Arragement
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10 7
6
5
9 10
7
3 4
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2
Open-Air Library
1
Ground Floor Plan
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MATERIALS Conceptual Section
Bamboo Truss
Study
Play
Interact and Celebrate
Front Elevation Thatch Roof
The school is enclosed within a walled compound, similar to many traditional African settlements. Adobe Brick Wall
Back Elevation
Red Oxide Flooring
The walls surrounding the courtyard has punctures or voids of varying sizes to give a more plaful appearance that will be particularly appealing to children. Reclaimed wood 5
1+1=2
3 + 3 = 6 units 1 + (1/2) + 1+ (1/2) = 3 For 4 families, open open space space i.e. 1 1/2 units per family
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KYM FIELD SCHOOLS FOR TROPICAL SAVANNAH CLIMATE OF AFRICA
TAKHEL CHILDREN’S HOME GROUP PROJECT (PROFESSIONAL WORK DONE AT ENSO DESIGN STUDIO, NEW DELHI YEAR: 2015
ROLE: Preliminary Design Concepts, Presentation Drawings, Model Making
DESCRIPTION Takhel Children’s Home was designed as a boarding school for differently-abled children. The emphasis of the design was on universal accessibility. Bamboo was used both as a structural material as well as a design feature. It was a low-cost sustainable design project done pro bono at Enso Design studio.
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Circular plans for ease of circulation : Rooms arranged around a circular loop so occupants don’t have to retrace their steps in order to get to a different room
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1.2 m turning radius at each door
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Universally accessible toilets
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5 4 Ramp access to all rooms
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Reception
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Store
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Office
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Caretaker’s Office
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Caretaker’s Lodgings
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Girl’s Dorm Room
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Boys’ Dorm Room
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Classrooms
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Guestroom
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Dining Room
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A.V. Room
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Zero Step Entryways for easy access to school building
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Contours of central courtyard sculpted to flush with different levels of the corridor Wide doorways
Universal Design Features
Model showing how the roof form was structured and ow the roof rises with the contours
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Section through dormitory showing climate-responsive design
Ventilation: Strategically placed openings in walls and roof to ensure ventilation
1.5m 2m Boys’ Dorm Mud brick walls for insulation
2m Boys’ Dorm
Girls’ Dorm
Corridor
Shading: Large overhangs to protect from sun’s heat
Section through dining hall and adjacent corridor showing bamboo columns standing along circumference of corridor
Inside the school building, where external walls were painted in different bright colors to appeal to the children
Aerial view of site surroundings of Takhel Children’s home
Dining Hall
Aerial view of central courtyard, which would double as open air theatre on special occasions
Inside the school building, where external walls were painted in different bright colors to appeal to the children
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IN-SITU REDEVELOPMENT OF THE SLUMS OF KOLKATA RESEARCH PROJECT (PARTNERSHIP WITH JADAVPUR UNIVERSITY FACULTY AND STUDENT BODY) YEAR: 2015 -2017
ROLE: Surveys, Concept and Design Development
DESCRIPTION This slum redevelopment project focused on avoiding the need to relocate slum dwellers, that is, build better homes and infrastructure on the land they are currently occupying. Also, the modules were designed with a modern aesthetic, as an updated appearance of the slum was likely to make it more accessible and challenge the social stigma surrounding slums and its people.
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The tiny house has a floor area of 16 sq. m., a number arrived at after conducting interviews with slum dwellers across Kolkata and taking advantage of the floor area they reported to be living in. There are two levels in every module. The lower level has cooking space, toilets and sleeping space for 1-2 persons. Older people who can’t climb comfortably can live here. The upper level has two separate multipurpose spaces accessed using ladders (slum dwellers reported they were comfortable climbing ladders several times a day). The design optimizes the small space and gives more privace to the slum dwellers than they currently have.
Lower Level Plan
Upper Level Plan
Conceptual view of how different functions are accomodated within the tiny house
Section A-A’ 0.2m 0
1m 0.4m
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Linear cluster with L-shaped modules: Can be used where slum has grown along canal/train tracks.
Road
Linear cluster with square modules arranged linearly: Ratio of vacant land to module’s floor area is too high, but units get good ventilation.
Road
Road
Seating spaces in front of the housing modules- a circulation space that doubles as an interaction zone
Linear cluster with two square modules placed back-to-back: Land use is more economical but there may be problems in getting enough light and ventilation to each and every unit.
Road
Courtyard enclosed by eight housing modules, to be used as a multi-purpose common space for all the neighbours
Road
Road
Courtyard cluster with L-shaped modules: neighbours get more common spaces to use
Road
Housing module
Common Space
Mockups for clustering patterns for the housing modules 11 11
MICROAPARTMENTS UNITS FOR MULTIPLE USERS : CASE APPLICATION KOLKATA ACADEMIC PROJECT (EXCERPT FROM FINAL YEAR THESIS) YEAR: 2017
ROLE: All Responsibilities Involved
DESCRIPTION Urban India suffers from a space crunch. Also, lower income groups tend to focus on low-rise development, which contributes to sprawl. My thesis explored how microapartments can be a solution to that. The idea was to provide housing to lower income groups and to counter the stigma attached to small spaces by bringing in a higher income occupants into the housing complex. In this excerpt, this was achieved by attempting to divide the apartment between a two-person homeowner team and a tenant, thereby attracting students, young professionals etc. to the new development. 12
The flow chart (left) shows the life cycle of an occupant in temrs of number of people staying in an apartment. The premise is that students go on to become young professionals who get married, then have children (one to two) . In this resulting family, two people go on to become students, and two go on to become senior citizens. Students and young professionals are one-person households. Couples and senior citizens make two-person households. Therefore, the two-person households can rent out a part of their apartment to the one-person household for economic benefit, and to make the demographic of the housing more diverse.
Students
All homeowners access from common space, helping create a community
S e p a r a t e entrance for tenant and homeowners S e l f - co nt a i n e d apartments for homeowner and tenant, giving both parties independence.
Separating the homeowners and the tenants in order to give privacy and independence to tenant, and ensure homeowners meet each other.
Young Professionals
When the homeowners have a family, they can use the entire apartment.
Couples
Families (4 members)
Venn Diagram for User Groups
Venn Diagram for Functional Uses
Senior Citizens 13
Option #1 Developed on the Basis of First Concept
View of Interiors Section A-A’
Section B-B’
Top View
Plan of Lower Level (When Used To Live)
Plan of Lower Level (When Used To Work)
Plan of Upper Level (Without Tenant)
Plan of Upper Level (With Tenant)
View (showing double Height space and overlooking spaces)
View (showing double height space and sleeping spaces) 14
Option #2 Developed on the Basis of First Concept
View showing double height space Section C-C’ (Without Tenant)
Section C-C’ (With Tenant)
Top Viewto View showing access upper level
Plan at Lower Level (With Tenants)
Plan at Upper Level (Without Tenants) View showing sleeping area
View showing interior space Plan at Lower Level (With Tenants)
Plan at Upper Level (Without Tenants)
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Designing a building for the microapartment prototypes (Options #1 and Option #2) In small apartments, such as those in chawls, people use the corridors creatively as social spaces, and to increase the amount of space available to them. The image to the left is a typical example of this. Therefore, corridors were given great importance in the design.
Mockup #3 (4 units per cluster)
Mockup #1 (6 units per cluster)
Option #1
Mockup #2 (8 units per cluster) Option #2
Mockup #4 (8 units per cluster)
Circulation
Shared Circulation Space For Socialization
Open-to-Sky Social Space (Preferably Used as Green Space)
Cluster Plan at Lvl +6700 (Not to Scale)
Cluster Plan at Lvl +8900 (Not to Scale)
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Designing a building for the microapartment prototypes (Options #1 and Option #2) The inclusive and social nature of the buildings is reinforced using the circulation spaces, to help communities which feel stronger when living with direct interaction with neighbours. Owners and tenants will interact on a daily basis when using the common spaces, and in the courtyards between buildings.
Side Elevation (Typical) (Not to Scale)
Front Elevation (Typical) (Not to Scale)
Corridors overlook each other instead of being stacked on top of the other, making occupants more Circulation Spaces as social spaces visivble to one another
Courtyards
Sectional Perspective (Not to Scale)
Section A-A’ (Not to Scale)
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Option #3 Based on First Concept The inclusive and social nature of the buildings is reinforced using the circulation spaces, to help communities which feel stronger when living with direct interaction with neighbours. Owners and tenants will interact on a daily basis when using the common spaces, and in the courtyards between buildings.
Section D-D’ (In absence of tenant)
Unit Plan (In absence of tenant)
Unit Plan (With tenant)
Front Elevation (Typical) Section D-D’ (Not to Scale) (In presence of tenant)
This unit is limited to one storey, that is, it does not utilize vertical space.
Sectional Perspective (Not to Scale)
Cluster Plan (In absence of tenant)
Section A-A’ (Not to Scale)
Such an approach is more suitable for even lower middle-class occupants as it reduces cost and for older or disabled occupants who would see staircases as daily hassles.
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Designing a building for the microapartment prototype (Options #3) The inclusive and social Staircases nature of the buildings is reinforced which using the circulation spaces, to left open to surroundings, help communities whichincreases feel stronger when living with direct interaction with neighbours. visibility of occupants to each other Owners and tenants will interact on a daily basis when using the common spaces, and in the courtyards between buildings.
Front Elevation (Typical) (Not to Scale)
Side Elevation (Typical) (Not to Scale)
Front Elevation (Not to Scale)
Corridors overlook each other instead of being stacked on top of the other, making occupants more Circulation Spaces as social spaces visivble to one another
Side Elevation (Not to Scale)
Courtyards
Side Z-Z’ (Not to Scale)
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Comparing the 3 Options
Area on Lower Level = 41 sq. m. Area on Upper Level = 29 sq. m. Total area = 70 sq. m.
Area on Lower Level = 41 sq. m. Area on Upper Level = 29 sq. m. Total area = 70 sq. m.
Total built-up area per unit = 60 sq. m.
For maximum private space, Option #1 would be ideal. For minimum cost, Option #3 would be ideal. For older occupants. option #2 would be ideal. followed by Option #3.
Full accomodation for 4 persons
For tenants, Option #1 has the most convenient design, with good lighting and ventilation.
Full accomodation for 4 persons
Services
Services Services
Services
Multipurpose Space
Multipurpose Space
Multipurpose Space
Private Spaces
Private Spaces
Miscellaneous Percentage Distribution of Area
Miscellaneous Percentage Distribution of Area
Private Spaces
Miscellaneous Percentage Distribution of Area when Apartment is NOT SHARD
Services
Multipurpose Space
Private Spaces
Miscellaneous Percentage Distribution of Area when Apartment is NOT SHARD
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KYM FIELD SCHOOLS FOR TROPICAL SAVANNAH CLIMATE OF AFRICA
ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS, KOLKATA INDIVIDUAL PROJECT (FIFTH YEAR STUDIO DESIGN PROJECT) YEAR: 2016
Existing Academy of Fine Arts building, which, according to the design brief would be demolished
ROLE: Concept and Design
DESCRIPTION: The existing Academy of Fine Arts building (shown above) needs expansion and inclusion of more facilities. Also, it is located in close proximity to other buildings of cultural importance, but it still stands within a separate walled compound. The exercise was devoted to developing an urban design proposal through which the area could be revitalized as a cultural hub by introducing a new Academy Fine Arts building and making other necessary changes on site. 21
The major existing buildings on site are all oriented in diferent directions. So, the site lacks a sense of unity. There was an effort to create an enclosure using the art gallery building with the intention of bringing together all the buildings as one cohesive complex. Shown above are sketches with ideas on how to create that sense of enclosure.
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5
5
1 8
7
4
6 3
N
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Academy of Fine Arts (New Building)
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Rabindra Sadan Cultural Centre
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Nandan Film Centre
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Bangla Academy
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Shops
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Pond
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Pavillion
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Open-Air Theatre
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Auditorium
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Road
Academy of Fine Arts
Bangla Academy
Pavillion Pond
Academy of Fine Arts Building: Backdrop to Open-Air Theatre
Conceptual section of Open-Air Theatre, which is strategically positioned with respect to the major buildings on site.
Proposed Road gives direct access to lake
Conceptual sketch of proposal for how the pond’s suroundings should be redesigned. Surrounding buildings (one-storeyed shops) face the lake
The Open-Air Theatre also acts like a gathering and seating space even when no performances are scheduled.
The pond was circumscribed by a promenade and the ghat was proposed to draw people to the pond and give adequate seating spaces. The multipurpose pavilion was built to ensure even greater inclusion of the pond with the complex.
Also proposed were a ghat & a small pavillion.
Promenade
Ghat
Multipurpose pavillions: Being used for boating here
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KYM FIELD SCHOOLS FOR TROPICAL SAVANNAH CLIMATE OF AFRICA
KOLKATA AWARENESS CENTRE INDIVIDUAL PROJECT (FOURTH YEAR STUDIO DESIGN PROJECT) YEAR: 2015
ROLE: Concept and Design Development
DESCRIPTION The site was located along the banks of the river Ganges, and its special features included a railway track running along one side, a tram track laid over the area and three old buildings whose facades needed to be conserved. The basic concept was to soften the hostile road that ran along one side of the site while allowing only one specific route to reach the river.
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Process of Developing Site Plan with the Objective of Creating Enclosure in the Proposed Square
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Deck
6
5 4
3
1 Ghat
10
8
1 Ghat 2 Offices 3 Hostel 4 Art School 5 Ferry Office 6 Library and Interpretation Centre 7 Auditoriums and Black Box Theatre 8 Open-Air Theatre 9 Gallery 10 Shops
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Figure Ground Relationship
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Open-air-theatre with trams running in the back, serving as background Path leading to deck overlooking river
Play Area-cum-Open Air Theatre
Section Showing Site from Road to River
Section Showing Elevations of Major Buildings on Site The exiting buildings on site were in bad condition. I remodeled the interiors, kept the facade intact and added an etra floor.
Shopping arcade, the linear form imitating the form of traditional shopping streets
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SHREYONTI CHAKRABORTY I was born in New Delhi, India and my childhood was spent in different cities of India. I’m have a Bachelor’s degree in architecture from Jadavpur University, Kolkata and have interned at Enso Design, a design office in New Delhi. I am currently pursuing graduate studies in architecture at Penn State University. shreyonti@gmail.com Kolkata, India +91 9038448581