One of my recent memories of confirmation that I have a passion for Space is when I talked my friend’s ear off about how down quarks have a charge of -1/3. Space has always been something of a passion of mine, but I always considered it to be a hobby, while Architecture would be my career. I wasn’t aware that the concept of Space Architecture was out there, or how hard it would be to convince others that it was a valid endevour.
The approval of my thesis project came with ease, giving me the false idea that the whole ride would be easy-going as well. But the year long process was met with nonbelievers and doubters, resistance from jurors, faculty and fellow classmates.
My final internal juror actually asked me the question, “Why not build on Jupiter? When are you going to do your site visit on Mars?”
I was adamant to see it through, and not just see it through, but excel. If it wasnt for my evident passion for the topic, and the lengthy visible research I worked hard into, I would not have earned my external juror’s attention and excitement (and that A, of course).
But I know I lack the knowledge that is needed for this field, and I have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and passion to learn from others more qualified than I am. This portfolio is a journey of someone who is still learning, but has a long way to go.
sophann4546@gmail.com
+91 7594031780
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
EXPERIENCE:
PROJECTS:
ADDITIONAL:
SKILLS:
CURRENT PROJECTS:
Bachelor of Architecture I National Institute of Technology
2019 to 2024 ( CGPA 7.72, First Class)
Birla Public School, Qatar
2007 to 2019 (12th Board CBSE: 9.2)
Architectural Internship I Qatar Design Consortium, Doha Qatar January 2023 - June 2023
Freelance Interior Design Project September 2023 - May 2024
2D Software:
3D Modelling: Rendering: Adobe Suite: Microsoft Office:
Ongoing Self Study in:
AutoCAD I Revit I Sketchbook Pro
Sketchup Pro I AutoCAD 3D I Revit I Rhino I Grasshopper
Enscape I Lumion I Vray
Illustrator I Indesign I Photoshop
Word I Powerpoint I Excel
- Quantum Mechanics & Quantum Field Theory
- Classical Physics (Mechanics)
- Astrophysics
- Mathematics
Pg. 6
DISSERTATION: Architectural Strategies for Long-Term Isolation Pg.14
LIFE BEYOND EARTH: Habitat Design for a Martian Environment Pg. 16 4.
Pg. 18
INTERNSHIP: Qatar Design Consortium, Doha, Qatar
INTERIOR DESIGN: Art Deco Hotel Interior Design
LOGO DESIGN:
UNESCO Creative City Logo Design for Qatar
Pg. 20
6.
FREELANCE WORK: Interior Design Proposal for 3BHK Apartment Pg. 22
FREELANCE
MARS HABITAT 1.
LIFE BEYOND EARTH: HABITAT DESIGN FOR A MARTIAN ENVIRONMENT
The next step of the Space Age is manned mission, and celestial habitation. These habitats, while not on Earth, are still at the end of the day, for humans. And architects will be able to bring in human-centric designs to these otherwise cold engineering marvels. Space is a personal passion of mine, and I wanted to combine this passion with architectural philosophies to create my thesis project on habitats in outer space.
The questions plaguing me were, how can this be done? What are the challenges that the users will face? How much can be transported without it being an exhorbantly expensive design?
I went about this design as I would go through a story, figuring out the characters, the background and context on where the story takes place, what kind of imagery does this project bring about in the viewer, and what theme am I trying to bring into this design. The users and background context shaped how this design evolved, what materials
were used, what challenges were overcome and how I combined an engineering idea to come up with the facade.
This design uses the simple concept of bars and hinges, in a mechanism very similar to that of an umbrella, deployed using pneumatic pressure of the available CO2 gas in the atmoshphere. The materials chosen were selected in a way to combat the low atmospheric pressure, the harmful radiation and the extreme temperatures. The low gravity was kept in mind while designing the architectural features, including but not limited to the air duct width, staircase height, floor thickness and life support systems.
Type of Project: Final Year Thesis
Semester: IX & X
Total Area: 517.2 sq.m
Skills Exhibited:
Research Modelling Illustration Working Drawings Design Evolution
Low Gravity Harmful Radiation
Low Atmospheric Pressure
Extreme Temperatures
Isolation
ISRU Deployability
Radiation Shielding
Temp Control
Life Support Systems
The peak of Martian habitat design are the CLASS III level construction, which combines Earth components which are pre fabricated and transported to the planet, along with ISRU components (In-Situ Resource Utilization)
The concept tries to address the payload and spce issue of transporting a fully constructed habitat in a rocket, as more weight means more fuel, which means more capital invested.
Folding architectur e is a structure that consists of one or more ‘folded’ forms. These structures ans and rigidity and have a lower net weight than some more conventional forms of structure.
Due to the expansion of the deployable mechanism; which mainly depends on the central core height, the restricted cosine angles of the bars as well as the length of the last bar, this structure can be used to construct various types of module variations, which can be used for further colonisation stages.
Windows
Comfort Modularity
Architectural Features
PROTOTYPE TESTING:
This thesis shall explore a few of those variations, and how the differences in overall height affects the total area of the module, and how this can be used to construct various typologies of buildings.
Model made from foam board and toothpicks for hinges
MODELLING:
CONSTRUCTION AND DEPLOYMENT:
After a site is chosen, using the help of 3D printing rovers, regolith (or the Martian rock) is mined, and then used as material for printing out the base on which the habitat is deployed and constructed.
All service ducts, as well as the shielding room is mined out before the vertical mechanism is deployed.
The ETFE (Ethylene-tetra-fluro-ethylene) membrane is placed over the support system, and the membrane is filled with CO2 gas harvested from the atmosphere by the rovers.
The vertical mechanism is set up and extended, upto the desired ratio of expansion. The horizontal support members are also installed with the bars of the vertical mechanism, which also provide the support for constructing the floor base.
Using 3D printing, and with the mining of regolith, the walls and interior structures are constructed. Floors, service core, ducts and life support system pipes are constructed to complete all the parts of the base. The top dome is placed.
STRUCTURE:
ETFE DOME STRUCTURE:
Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is used for the capping of the dome. ETFE is an effective radiation shielding material. These bubbles are then filled with in-situ available CO2 gas.
ETFE BODY STRUCTURE:
Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is used for the capping of the dome. ETFE is an effective radiation shielding material. These bubbles are then filled with in-situ available CO2 gas. These layers re attached to the horizontal elements and is the layer exposed to the Martian environment.
EXTERNAL ENVELOP
DEPLOYABLE MECHANISM:
The horizontal and vertical deployable mechanism is assembled and fixed onto the central support column. This is the layer or part of the habitat that forms the structural support of the based. The horizontal bars provide support for floor slabs as well as an attachment point for the aerogel layer.
STRUCTURAL ELEMENT
AEROGEL LAYER:
These sheets of aerogel are attached to the deployable mechanism and forms the main thermal insulation for the habitat. Due to the microscopic pores in this material, it is incredibly lightweight and can be easily transported. The use of ETFE with CO2 as well as the aerogel layer, and due to the difference in density, the combination creates a natural 90 degrees, which further creates the diffusion of radiation, thus providing more shielding.
INSULATION
MAIN HABITAT:
This is the main habitable space of the structure, where the astronauts live, sleep, work and maintain the greenhouse spaces. Each floor consists of a circular walkway that receives diffused lighting from the exterior.
HABITABLE SPACES
1. Aerogel Layer: For Thermal Insulation
2. Horizontal Bar: Structural Stability, x- axis
3. CO2 Gas: Radiation Shielding
4. ETFE Membrane: Radiation Sheilding UNDERWATER
Extreme Pressure Difference
CHERNOBYL Radiation Protection
JEZERO CRATER:
Jezero is a crater on Mars in the Syrtis Major quadrangle about 45.0 km in diameter. In November 2018, Jezero had been chosen as the landing site for the rover Perseverance as part of NASA’s Mars 2020 mission.
Reasons for choosing this site:
Flat Terrain
30m high mountains on three sides, providing natural radiation and wind protection.
Mineral Diversity
Less Dust
Higher Magnetic Field
Least Asteroid-hit Area
Presence of Water and Ice
Located in the Nothern Hemisphere, where there is lower temperature variations and larger amounts of sunlight
SITE PLAN:
FIRST FLOOR:
SECOND FLOOR:
SERVICES:
SECTIONAL ELEVATION:
LIFE SUPPORT CYCLE:
This cyclic diagram shows the system of oxygen generation, water generation, as well as material farming. The various systems create oxygen, carbon dioxide and water necessary for survival; while also outputing Silicon, Carbon Monoxide and Methane, Hydrogen and Polyethylene, which can be used to create the building envelops and more solar panels, required for expansion. Hydrogen generated can be used as rocket fuel.
SERVICE CORE FOR INDIVIDUAL MODULES
RETURN / SUPPLY AIR DUCT
WATER SUPPLY
POTABLE WATER SUPPLY
POWER SUPPLY
SEWAGE PIPE
GREYWATER PIPE
VERTICAL FARMING
The air duct sizes have been calculated keeping the following in mind:
Total habitable volume of main module = 1742.5 cubic metres
Recommended Air Changes Per Hour (ACPH) = 25
For such a system on Earth, that uses a high velocity pump with a Volumetric Flow Rate being 2500fpm, we get a square duct size of 0.97 m, or a circular duct size of 1.09m. But considering the fact that the gravity is 60 times lower on Mars than on Earth, which created lower air pressure, less air volume is needed to be moved to achieve a similar ventilation effect. With safety factor in mind:
Arrived duct size for Return / Supply Air on Mars = 0.4m diameter circular pipes
COLONY PROPOSAL:
SOLAR FARM
COMMUNICATION SATELLITE
MAIN GREENHOUSE
CENTRAL COLONY ECLSS
This colony setup shows two types of sectors, one with 27 people and one with 48 people, having a mixture of double storey, single storey and Phase 1 modules. Each habitat also has an auxillary module, that houses all auxillary services like food stores, work stations and laboratories, backup generators, etc. These habitats sit near two major mining sites, where regolith is farmed to get the necessary materials for life support and further expansion.
OXYGEN GENERATION
WATER GENERATION
REGOLITH MINING
ROVER DOCK
MAIN LANDING SITE
DISSERTATION 2.
ARCHITECTURAL STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM ISOLATION
Throughout history, human beings have always shown the natural inclination for exploration, as seen with our ancestors first migrating out of Africa some 65,000 years ago. Unexplored lands have always meant new possibilities, and a better life. As humans, we have an innate desire to investigate the unfamiliar, to go beyond the limits of science and technology, and to push forward. Stagnancy means that innovation ceases. And so we look outwards.
For as long as human beings have been conscious, we have looked towards the sky and wondered: What is out there? In ancient times, these cosmological elements were revered as gods: powerful and unknowing. But as we have advaced in our knowledge and our technologies, these ‘gods’ have become more accessible to us. We first ventured out to the extends of our atmosphere, followed by missions to the Moon and now steps are being taken to send the first humans to Mars.
This research paper delves into the psychological impact of long-term isolation on individuals and examines how the findings from analagous environments can be extrapolated to understand the effects on the intial settlers of outerspace colonisation. It also looks into architectural strategies that can be used to mitigate these potential negative effects and what factors have to be considered while designing habitats in outer space.
LACK OF PERSONAL SPACE & PRIVACY
LIMITED SOCIAL INTERACTION
MONOTONOUS ROUTINE
HARSH ENVIRONMENT
LONLINESS & ISOLATION
DEPRESSURIZATION
• MATERIALS
• PRIVACY
• COLOUR
MAIN FACTORS
• BIOPHILIA
• LIGHTING
• SPATIAL ORIENTATION
Isolation in Antarctica Missions
Isolation in Submarine Missions
Isolation in Analogous Habitats
The study concluded the following: through the integration of architectural strategies, space habitats can become more than just shelter; they can become sanctuaries that inculcate psychological well-being, social cohesion and overall quality of life for the astronauts embarking on this journey. Understanding the psychological effects and needs associated with long-term space missions can help architects play a vital role in shaping the habitation spaces beyond Earth. The importance of creating spaces that cater to human beings and supports them is even ore crucial when looking at a celestial context.
INTERIOR DESIGN 3.
ART DECO HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGN
Hotel rooms, for most people, act as more than just a temporary place to stay; they are a way of escaping the demands and routines of the everyday world. The ambience and design of the hotel plays a pivotal role in dictating how the guest feels and experiences the space. The choice of a Contemporary Art Deco style, with its geometric patterns and luxurious materials along with the choice of a calming green colour palette, helps to do just that. This combination is one that diverges from the ordinary minimalistic feels of hotel rooms, and plays with bold forms and colours, that helps to create a sense of rejuvenation and escape.
The original plan was modified to create a open-floor plan. This was done to create a sense of spatiousness, making the room feel larger and more airy. Furthermore, due to the presence of the large floor-to-ceiling windows and the open plan, the rooms are well-lit. Open floor plans also fall into the concept of Contemporary Design.
STYLE CHARACTERISTICS:
Combination of deep shades of green and red, mixed with a neutral pallete.
Materials like stainless steel, gold and brass toned metals, velvet, glass, leather and wood.
Geometric patterns and motifs are used on upholstery or accent walls.
Furniture used is typically streamlined in shape and have gold accents, and lacks frills
Flooring: Herringbone and Parquet Lighting: Minimal Detailing.
Type of Project: Interior Design Semester IX
Total Area: 108 sq. m.
Skills Exhibited:
Modelling Designing Rendering
The use of potted plants in various areas of the design helps in stress reduction, improved well-being, connection with nature and improves air quality.
Asplenium nidus Monstera Deliciosa
Dracaena marginata Yucca Plants
• The use of batten and board helps to create a focal point in the bedroom area, drawing the viewer’s eyes naturally to the bed. Furthermore, the use of geometric patterns and streamlined forms align with the theme of the hotel room, creating a sense of unity and harmony
• Pendant lights have been provided above spaces like the living room table, bar counter and on either side of the bed as accent lighting, giving a sense of intrest and focus to the areas.
• To provide a sense of contrast while still following the geometric forms of Art Deco, the use of bold solid circular forms are used. The material used for the table is black wood
• Furthermore, simplistic decor is used to further tie in with the overall theme.
INTERNSHIP 4.
QATAR DESIGN CONSORTIUM, DOHA (6 MONTHS, 2023)
During my six months internship, I worked on a variety of projects, that included a Commercial Plaza, a Diplomatic Club, a residential villa, a school,a container staging area and a multi-level car parking area for the International Airport. I was tasked with a variety of things, and quickly realise my lack of practical knowledge would be needed to be fixed in order to perform well.
One of the main projects I worked on is the Villa. The project involves the creation of a private villa, with the client desiring a modern and contemporary design. The villa will consist of a Basement, Ground Floor, First Floor, and a Penthouse.
The primary goal is to ensure functional and operational spaces, to ensure effective connectivity/ accessibility for all spaces, and to have privacy and security. This concept of privacy is common for projects in the Middle East, due to the Islamic Culture and is a factor present in all projects, different from how I approached most of my academic projects.
Type of Project: Internship Semester: VIII
Total Projects Worked on: 6
Total Duration: 6 months
Skills Exhibited:
Research Modelling Designing Working Drawings
Data Documentation Rendering Presentation
Client and Vendor Meetings
PLAZA: Digital Sketch done
VILLA: Renders done on Lumion, Post Production on Photoshop
LOGO DESIGN
UNESCO CREATIVE CITY LOGO DESIGN FOR QATAR
• ARABIC: The Ministry of Culture describes Arabic as a gateway to a world of diverse cultures, ethnicities, and world views. This logo aims to promote and celebrate Arabic in Doha. Arabic is also recognised as the official laanguage of the nation, with 28% of the total population speaking it.
• ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY: Arabic calligraphy is the art form involved with the artistic practice of handwriting and calligraphy based on the Arabic alphabet. This element pays homage to Doha’s artistic traditions.
• DOHA: Doha is the element that connects all these aspects together. The city isn’t the city with its people, culture, and art. The word Doha has been written in Arabic calligraphy, in the shape of hands cupped together.
• HANDS: The hands symbolise the people in Qatar, which is a heterogenous sector of people: including Arabs, South Asians, Egyptians, Filipinos and others. This design gives homage to the various groups of people living together in harmony, joining hands to uplift the nation and lead to its growth.
The Spiral Minaret of Fanar, Doha
Colours Used, in Hands: #8F4E5B, For the Spiral: #751E3C
FONTS: Swis721 Cn BT BOLD (DOHA), Swis721 Cn BT ROMAN (DESIGN CITY, Adobe Arabic REGULAR
COLOURS: #751E3C, #8F4E5B
FREELANCE WORK 6.
INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DRAWING OF A 3BHK FLAT IN BANGALORE
The client wanted an interior design proposal of his 3BHK Apartment Unit in Bangalore. The client and his family wanted a concept that would keep the unit simple and timeless, a design that can be passed down to his progeny, while also being different from the design of his other property. The basic unit has a few problems: the dining area having direct view to all the bedrooms and a washroom right across, the closed kitchen and a lack of a functional utility space.
The proposed concept was Wabi Sabi, a concept that embraces simplicity and imperfections, and minimalism.
CLIENT REQUIREMENTS:
Niche: This area was converted into a small bar area, with a mini fridge
