ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO SWATHI G VASAN
personal statement Passionate Architecture graduate with an eye for detail, gained skills needed to analyze how the built environment is perceived ,inhabited and interpreted while learning how to think outside the box. Receptive and curious to new ideas and innovation. I believe in the power of design to have a positive impact on people’s lives .Through collaboration, research ,and applied design thinking I will continue to learn ,work,and evolve in order to create a sustainable impact on the design world.
CONTACT NAME : Swathi Gangai Vasan TELEPHONE : 7022001109 EMAIL : swathivasan77@gmail.com ADDRESS : No. 6236, Cedar Block ,Sobha Forest View Apartments ,Next to Turahalli Forest , Kanakapura Main Road , 560062
education RV College of Architecture Bangalore
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EXPERTISE Technical Autodesk AutoCAD Sketch Up Adobe Photoshop Adobe InDesign Lumion Autodesk Revit [ learning] V ray [learning]
Problem solving
Graduated 12TH grade
Podar International School Graduated 10TH grade
PROFESSIONAL PRACtICE Peddle Thorp and Nadig Architects • • •
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Organisation and Planning Data Gathering Analytical Thinking Team Collaboration Physical Modelling Design Developement
Developed qualities needed to record preliminary ideas ,sketches and analysis besides design development and technincal research. Analysed history and theory of architecture and design alongside theories about urban space. Gained ability to develop conceptual awareness and practical skill in architectural design. ,program development ,planning and project proposals.
Global Indian International School
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CORE
2014-2019
Worked under a Project architect Drew and presented architectural drawings in AutoCAD for a diverse mix of projects. Worked on architectural detailing with the process of development ,drawing and issuing the deliverables to site . Acquired skills in graphical design , rendering and project presentation with clients. Assisted with various aspects of a project including area statements ,F.A.R calculations , material quantities and interaction with consultants.
Studio Decode • • • •
Worked under a Project architect. Drew and presented architectural drawings in AutoCAD for a diverse mix of projects. Worked in competition projects. Was part of architectural workshops hosted by the firm.
Harshvardhan Architects and Interior •
Brief summer internship.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. A TRAIN OF THOUGHT -Hoggennekal falls
A writers dwelling on a bridge over a river.
2. A NARRATIVE PARADOX -koramangala , Bangalore
A film school in the heart of the city.
3. REEF’S EDGE - Gulf of Mannar
Habitat Conservation & Eco-tourism Centre.
4. EYES ON
THE CANAL
-Chennai Urban Competition Proposal
5. INTERNSHIP WORk -Whitefield & kanakapura
Working drawings.
6. DID YOU MISS ME ? -Virtual world
Alternative cemetery typology proposal.
7. GAME OF THRONES -Dragonstone
Interpretation of any choice of a castle from Game of Thrones in a modern setting.
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01. A TRAIN OF THOUGHT HOGENAKKAL FALLS | TAMIL NADU V-th Semester 600 M 2 Approx
A set of 11 dwellings for writers on a bridge. The objective was to design the bridge and the dwellings. Area of individual units to be approximately 40 metre square.
The plan is designed in a simple linear fashion with a very linear circulation in terms of an elongated corridor which passes through the bridge connected to each of the 11 dwellings.
The diagram indicates the individual units enveloped inside the exoskeleton made of steel members.
The diagram indicates the steel members enveloping the bridge where the vertical members are in tension and the horizontal members in compression thus balancing out the forces.
The diagram indicates the diagonal steel members which connect ever steel square module to the next one and ensure the structure stability.
01. A TRAIN OF THOUGHT HOGENAKKAL FALLS | TAMIL NADU
The project brief was to come up with a design for a set of 11 dwellings on a bridge connecting 2 cliffs over a patch of river to function as a writers and artists retreat and studio space where they could spend a short period to get away from their usual hustle-bustle and get back to the nature and focus on their material or just relax and take a break. The site located on a patch of hogennakkal river which flows between two parallel landmasses, surrounded by lush greenery and views. The span between the two landmasses is approximately 50 meters. My concept revolved around a railway bridge, the idea being that bridges are usually seen as a link to a certain destination rather than as the destination itself. This design has a railway bridge made of truss system as the external element and the actual residences placed in it represented as the train coaches, stationed while passing through the bridge.
Physical model Physical model
Exploded view of the Bridge
Unit plan at Upper level
Unit plan at lower level
Render of the individual units from the interior
The structure of the bridge is a truss system. It is a self-supporting type of bridge. The vertical members are in tension, shear while the outer diagonal and top members are in compression, while the inner diagonals are in tension. The central vertical member stabilizes the upper compression member and prevents it from buckling. It can distribute the forces in a stable manner.
Close up of the mid section of the bridge
02.A NARRATIVE PARADOX KORAMANGALA,BANGALORE | KARNATAKA Vth -Semester 5000 M
2
Approx
A design for a state of the art film school in the deeply residential part of koramangla . The intention was to facilitate high quality education in the various processes of film making , to involve the public in most of these activities along with establishing a connection between cinema and architecture.
LIBRARY AND MEDIA CENTRE
STEEL TENSION CABLES OBSERVATORY TOWER/ STAIRWELL
RECORDING AND DIGITAL STUDIO V- COLUMNS
CAFETERIA
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
AUDITORIUM STAIRWELL
SET AND STUDIOS
VERTICAL COLUMNS
CLASSROOM/LECTURE HALL
EXPLODED VIEW
02. A NARRATIVE PARADOX KORAMANGALA, BANGALORE | KARNATAKA
Film and architecture tend to have quite a few overlapping territories . Their spatial mapping is therefore, material. Film creates space for viewing, perusing, and wandering about. As in all forms of journey, space is physically consumed as a vast commodity . Quite the same way architecture is the manipulations of space. The design intent stems from an idea derived from the plot and narrative of a film which as very vital part of the entire film. I was looking to explore the characteristics of the plot and how it’s used to convey the intent of the film. As I was coming up with the massing I had trouble maintaining a similar architectural language throughout the entire project when it struck me that if i can’t make it similar then let me do the opposite ,I will try to contrast them to highlight their differences even more , akin to how in a film there is typically the protagonist and the antagonist who highlight each others qualities and feature . We root for one because of how their characteristic is highlighted due to the others. Hence I treated the two masses or blocs on ether side very differently compared to each other and connected them with another building element which ties them together similar to how in film the story and narrative ties all the characters and their differences together.
PHYSICAL MODEL
The plan depicts the two building blocks which lie parallel to each other connected by the third block at a certain height ,the water channels which flow throughout the site derive their water from the adjacent lake and are also designed in a manner to provide an axis along with circulation to the site and to give it a sense of direction .
PEDESTRIAN VEHICULAR CIRCULATION CIRCULATION PATH PATH
OBSERVATION TOWER
Block B
Block C Connecting Bloc a and B
Block A
AUDITORIUM open to public
Open AIr Movie Area
This image depicts the various elements of the overall project with respect to the building ,immeadiate site and surrounding.
This image indicates the parallel blocks that stand in contrast to each other in terms of their architectural language ,massing and materiality.
In this image we can how the columns are treated to highlight each other and the rest of the building styles ,the block behind represents a classical and restrained approach whereas the block upfront showcases the modern steel and concrete machine lie presence
03. AT THE REEF’S EDGE RAMESHWARAM | TAMIL NADU VIIIth - Thesis Semester 8700 M
2
Approx
Thesis inquiry : Can an architectural intervention be staged at this unique site to not only sustain the current existing endangered habitat but also improve or assist it in thriving further and bring about increased awareness and economic activity in this region to co-exist .
REGIONAL CONTEXT AND SITE CONTEXT The Gulf of Mannar is the biologically richest coastal region in India with 3,600 species of plants and animals live within it’s boundaries . The site has a two fold context ,one being the regional context with landmarks such as the Pamban bridge , Rameswaram etc The immediate site context which lies towards the edge of the main land close to one of the largest islands in the Mannar group Krusadai island which is 200 meters from the main land. Commercial fishing is done in about 5,500sqm and nearly 50.000 people dwelling in 47 villages along the coastline bordering the Gulf Of Mannar depend directly on the natural resources of the biosphere reserve for their livelihood.Hence it is even more important to raise awareness and to facilitate controlled use of the resources while facilitating the flora and fauna of that region to flourish. Immediate site context.
Mangroves located in the context.
Site context
KEYWORDS: Habitat conservation Intervention Research Centre Eco tourism Interpretation
ISSUES: Population growth Unsustainable fishing practices Submergence of islands Excess collection of sea weed and shell Pollution from factories, power plants and harbors Climate change and temperature rise Depletion of mangroves
Dorms Library / Lecture Hall Cafe/Gallery/Aquarium / Museum Research Centre, labs & Office spaces
EXPLODED VIEW INDICATING ZONING
03. AT THE REEF’S EDGE RAMESHWARAM | TAMIL NADU The current scenario is that the natural world and the human world are existing as separate entities in this region with neither of them thriving. This thesis would question if an architectural intervention can help bring them closer together to co-exist without invading each others spaces and also bring about more awareness to this region without destroying its essence. The reason for choosing this site is the unaddressed rich ecological context it has which is being endangered due to lack of awareness and other issues. Another factor is that the government and the GOMTB ( The gulf of mannar trust board) have proposed research and Eco tourism activities to come up in this region.
Ventilation pocket
Landscape pocket
Louvers
TYPE I
TYPE II
EXPLORATION WITH VARIOUS SECTIONAL MODELS
These were few of the conceptual sectional models made to explore the building form in response to light ,ventilation,response to the site context and functionality with respect to the program
TYPE III
TYPE IV
WALL SECTION
TYPE V
DESIGN My overall design idea is to come up with a state of the art research and Eco tourism facility to create awareness , sustainability,economic activity and to showcase this unique site . This can to done : 1. By responding to the site and immediate context with the climate,landscape and the sea edge 2.with the form of the building . 3.with the program and functions and how to reinterpret them in a more informal setting suited to the context 4.By the architectural language used in the building.
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PROGRAM
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Program has 2 main components: research component attached with a residential section and a tourism component which could create awareness and economy to fund the research related activities and promote eco-tourism.
ELEVATION
ELEVATION
SECTIONAL ELEVATION
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1. DORMS LOBBY AREA 2.DINING FACILITY 3.KITCHEN 4.WORKSHOPS 5.LIBRARY 6.CAFETERIA 7.WET LAB 8.HOLDING STATION 9.NURSERY 10.PROCESSING LAB 11.Museum 12.Aquarium 13.Art Gallery
Physical Model
The inspiration for this particular form came partly from the abstracted curvature of waves and the need to blend in with the site as much as possible ,so much so that the building wouldn’t be visible to you till you are very close to it .The general height of the building is kept relatively low to adhere with the building regulations and to be sensitive to the site . Each of the 6 building modules are especially designed keeping in mind the functionality of the program residing in it. While the overall arrangement of the modules are done according to the ventilation ,sunlight and with consideration to the site .
Physical Model
An overhead image of the building
Image depicting the interior of one of the dorm rooms Image depicting the cafeteria
04. THALIR
CHENNAI | TAMIL NADU
‘Thalir’ signifies the need to allow for new voices to be heard, new innovations to be recognized and new bonds to be formed whilst being rooted to the ground. The design interventions are envisioned to be the catalysts that enable engagements between man, nature and culture and allow for buds to sprout in art, literature, history and knowledge.
WATER TREATMENT BOAT DOCKING FISH MARKET FARMERS MARKET
OPEN AIR THEATRE
ENTRY TO THE THALIR COMMONS
KOTTURPURAM KASTURIBA
CANAL MUSEUM
CONGREGATION SPACES TEMPORARY MARKET
LEARNING PODS GARDENS DOG PARK LEARNING POD
CHILDREN’S PARK
CAFE URBAN FARMING
INDIRANAGAR
RECREATION ZONE THIRUVANMIYUR
MASTERPLAN
GREEN ROOF OVER MRTS
MEDITATION YOGA
SEWAGE TREATMENT STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
04. THALIR METHODOLOGY
This project was an open ideas urban redevelopment competition organized by German NGO and the government of Chennai to redevelop ,rejuvenate and bring recreational and economical activity in the stretch of metro line ,right alongside which the Buckingham canal flows which was earlier one of the largest supply of water to that area but in recent times has been neglected and polluted . It was undertaken by a small group of us at my previous firm , I was involved in the rendering ,design development,research and panel making processes.
CONNECTIONS OF THE CANAL TO THE URBAN FABRIC
TIMELINE AND FLOWS OF BUCKINGHAM CANAL
CANAL DEPTH AND WIDTH IN THE AREA OF STUDY
THE LIVING FILTER SECTIONS ACROSS THE CANAL DEPICTING THE VARIOUS METHODS OF WATER TREATMENT
NATURAL SYSTEMS OF WATER MANAGEMENT
The ‘THALIR’ is designed to function as a living filter that will Continuously work to improve not just the water quality but also the Social and Economic Environment and Ecosystem. A Combination of rain gardens, bioswales, and other vernacular processes of black and grey water treatment are proposed to work together to enhance the quality of life under and above water.
This render depicts how the canal waterways can be treated and how to create the a public interaction with it along various stretches and to encourage People to use these areas for functional or recreational ways. In this image we have re-purposed the dull and neglected spaces in and around the metro line into a vibrant public space where communities can come together .
This scene depicts another way to engage the area by refurbishing the pathways ,introducing cycling paths and conducting activities such as fairs and farmers markets.
section G These are the building construction drawings that were sent to the site. Specifically they are building sections taken at various points as there a lot of consideration to be taken with the addition of a race track at the fourth floor and a swimming pool at the fifth floor.
section H
05. shilpa international school WHITEFIELD | BANGALORE Intership Sememster 37200 M
2
Approx
This upcoming project in the heart of whitefield is situated in a very linear site with a gradual slope. The main idea in this project was on how to deal with the linearity of this site in a creative but a also functioning method. This school focuses on the idea of verticality and how to create a spatial experience for the children as engaging as possible by moving way from the usual boxed approach of design .The classroom is designed especially taking in consideration of the age group and it’s overall need ,also even though the building is very vertical there is adequate landscape and greenery throughout the building .
sTAIRCASE SECTION
PLAN AT BASEMENT FLOOR
PLAN AT GROUND FLOOR
PLAN AT FIRST FLOOR
TOWER STAIRCASE SECTION
PLAN AT BASEMENT FLOOR
PLAN AT GROUND FLOOR
PLAN AT SECOND FLOOR
PLAN AT FIRST FLOOR
SECTION e
SECTION f
Since this school’s design relies on the element of verticality there are a number of staircases located throughout ,some are staircases that just connect a single floor and others are fire tower staircases running long the height of the entire building . These are a few of the construction drawingsS drafted to be delivered to the site.
RICE & paddy plant SECTION
These sections are a selected few out of a number of sections i had drafted as part of sanction drawings . these are a selected ones from each of the plant to showcase the design intent and my working drawing ability.
mAIZE plant SECTION
AGRATHA FOOD PARK KANAKAPURA ROAD
This large scale multi acre project is food factory comprised of cleaning ,processing, storing facilities of various pulses and grains such as dal,rice, wheat,maize ,spices etc Each food element has a block assigned to and designed according to various processes and functioning requirements.The idea of this factory was to design a place which fulfils the desired functions but at the same time is a place where the workers are happy to work in. Hence a lot of importance is also placed in the lighting ,ventilation , a dust free environment and greenery in the buildings.
maize plant SECTION 2
DAL PLANT SECTION
This panel depicts our take on the journey a person goes through dealing with a loss of a loves one comparing it to a endless ,erratic flights of staircases each leading it to a endless destinations composed of different memories , experiences and aspects they can chose to relive or they can instead deal with the technical aspects of a loss of a loved one .
06. DID YOU MISS ME ? COMPETETION PROJECT
COMPETITION BRIEF The aim of the “Dying” competition is to develop design proposals for the cemetery typology, intended as a space – either material or immaterial – where we bury, honor or remember the dead. The participants are asked to create innovative and unconventional projects on this theme, questioning the very basis of the notion of the cemetery. History has shown us different approaches related to the dying experience. In times of accelerating urbanization and densification, cemeteries face the challenge of keeping up their relevance as a public urban space. This condition is not only an issue of space but also of cultural identity that can be projected within its environment.
DESIGN INTENT This was a competition project which was a collaboration between me and a friend . Our design intent was to deal with the aspect of ; REMEMBRANCE To be able to remember, or hold in your mind your long gone loved ones in vivid detail in our memories to see their sun kissed cheek ,warm smile and hair tousled by the wind just as it was on the very day you made that memory . This application is activates by a small piece of stone with can be embedded in any kind of accessory you use in your everyday routine and can be used at anytime and anywhere .The design intent was for it to be a support or guiding system to deal with the death of a loved one. We here like to think that the road to grieving someone you loved is not a fixed path with a start and end ,its more akin to a staircases you keep climbing up and down and reaching different paths to get to a better place eventually .
This panel is to showcase the application’s feature of being able to transport you back to a memory you wish to relive from your consciousness to see of your deceased loved one.
This panel depicts the technical interface of the application and the various options and features that can be chosen from
07.MANUEVERING THE SkIES Competition Project
The design brief was to draft one poster style image to reconstruct the fictional settings of Game of Thrones as contemporary architectural masterpieces choosing one of the prominent castles and re-imagining it in the present or future setting.
The final poster is a futuristic take on the castle Dragonstone during the reign of Danearys and her three dragons . The design is simple but highly symbolic in nature The three majestic towers represent the dragons striking an imposing stature .The building is an embodiment of details of the queen and her dragons in an abstracted form From the dynamic and linear form of the building reaching towards the sky ,the “dragon scale “ lie texture to the accentuated crimson glow running along the length of the building sin to the fiery breath of a dragon.
SWATHI .G.VASAN RV COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, Bangalore Email : swathivasan77@gmail.com phone : 7022001109