Portfolio 2017

SWATI NEGI

|

ARCHITECT India | 1989 Portfolio 2017

Email id Skype id Phone

swatinegi689@gmail.com Swati Negi +91 8826033099 +91 9456712478

This portfolio is a compilation of key projects only.

For further information please refer the links below:

• Curriculum vitea • Publication - Eco community centre • Bamiyan cultural centre competition • Holcim Awards • Academic + internship portfolio • AVEI recommendation letter

CONTENT • Auroville Earth Insititute (Tamil Nadu) • Eco community center, Kaza, Spiti valley (Himachal Pradesh) • Osho Meditation retreat, Langha, near Dehradun (Uttarakhand) • Bamiyan cultural centre, (Afganistan) - Architecture competition • SECMOL (Ladakh) • Sanitation

Content

| 2 |

AUROVILLE EARTH INSTITUTE (AVEI) TAMIL NADU, INDIA 2012 - 2014

Founded in 1989 by Satprem Maïni, Auroville Earth Institute (AVEI) is a non-profit organization representing Asia UNESCO Chair “Earthen Construction, Constructive Cultures & Sustainable Development”. Comprised of an architecture department, a research cell and training program, AVEI specializes in a wide range of vernacular and modern earth based construction techniques, including compressed earth block, rammed earth, poured earth, alternative foundations for

buildings, etc. along with an overall sensitivity towards sustainable natural and human resource management.

- Junior Architect from August 2012 to April 2013 - Senior architect; head of architecture department from April 2013 till December 2014 -Total 28 months

My Job profile included the following: • • • • • •

Architecture team coordination Project management Concept design Technical drawing Site supervision Recruitment and orientation of interns and architects • Facilitating training course

TRAINING COURSE: • CSEB production and masonry • AVD theory and masonry • Ferrocement Taught and developed ‘design with Compressed Stabilized Earth Block’ training course.

Auroville Earth Institute (AVEI), Tamil Nadu

| 5 |

One of the key contributions of AVEI to earth architecture is load bearing construction with alternative roofing solutions. AVEI specializes in arches, vaults and domes (compression structures) thus minimizing the use of concrete and utilizing the full potential of earth masonry. Most vernacular construction trends rely on empirical knowledge. AVEI has developed a number of methods to quantify the strength and stability of earth buildings.

Refer the recommendation letter for a list of projects that I worked on during my tenure.

1.

2.

3.

1. 3d view of AVEI boarding facility 2. Section showing the load bearing structure of a housing project - Green Casbah 3. Flooring detail on a vaulted

roof 4. Dome stability-optimization study and masonry bond pattern

4.

Auroville Earth Institute (AVEI), Tamil Nadu

| 6 |

ECO COMMUNITY CENTRE, KAZA, SPITI VALLEY HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA 2012 - 2015

ECO COMMUNITY CENTRE, KAZA, SPITI VALLEY (HIMACHAL PRADESH) 2013 - 2015 Kaza is a small town located along the Spiti river at an average altitude of 3,600m (High altitude desert climate). The Eco-community Centre aimed to offer amenities to strengthen local cultural heritage, while providing access to essential facilities for health care and community oriented services.

2012 to 2013 I was appointed as project head by Auroville Earth Institute for this project. Over the period of 2 years the team comprised of 5 architects and 3 interns. In 2015 I finished the project independently as a consulting architect and site supervisor.

Ground floor plan

Eco community centre, Kaza, Spiti Valley

| 8 |

CONSTRUCTIOtN TECHNIQUE AND EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE The main motive was to hybridise vernacular technologies and modern innovation, to build upon the rich local building culture and provide modest innovation appropriate to the context.

Primary element - Vernacular spiti rammed earth technique (without stabilizing additives) Secondary element - Compressed stabilized earth block (CSEB) The masonry was 50cm thick rammed earth wall of low density, resulting in high thermal mass and insulating properties.

Earthquake resistant elements – Buttress wall ; Wooden reinforcement in critical junctions ; multiple horizontal ring beams.

Eco community centre, Kaza, Spiti Valley

| 9 |

TROMBE WALL Upper vent Double glazed panel Mullion

Double glazed panel Mullion Double glazed panel Lower vent PASSIVE THERMAL ELEMENTS •Trombe wall system •50cm thick low density earth masonry •Ceiling insulation (thermocol and wood shaving) •Upto 25cm thick earthen layer on roof.

OGL

Eco community centre, Kaza, Spiti Valley

| 10 |

5.

1.

2.

4.

3.

FINISHES

6.

1. Lime plaster test samples 2. Earth + lime plaster applied  by hand 3. Lime + earth + sand plaster 4. Carpentry 5. Vernacular earth plaster  technique 6. Roofing detail

Eco community centre, Kaza, Spiti Valley

| 11 |

Daily visitors to the building site, including local villagers, politicians, monks and foreign visitors, were given tours of the building in an attempt to spread awareness.

Through these conversations, the building has successfully stirred up the otherwise suppressed debate about the suitability of cement in this region.

Government officials have been urged to take this knowledge forward and continue to use earth for future development.

The community centre has set a benchmark, showcasing the intelligence and appropriateness of vernacular knowledge in Spiti.

OSHO MEDITATION RETREAT, LANGHA, NEAR DEHRADUN UTTARAKHAND, INDIA 2015 - PRESENT

The Osho meditation retreat is a collaborative effort by a group of Osho sanyasis; artist and photographers. It aspires to be a home for poets, travellers, artist and lovers.

Primary construction technique - CSEB. Primary roofing technique - Dome

Phase 1 – Structural consultancy for a cottage unit under construction.

Construction status when i joined the project

Double columns for effective transfer the charges of the arch to the ground

Cracks at the key stone, haunches and springing point

Increased masonry thickness for long span arch

Osho meditation retreat, Langha

The construction of the first cottage unit was at lintel level when I was hired for structural consultancy. A number of interventions were undertaken to improve the strength and stability of the structure and design a dome roof.

| 15 |

1.

2.

1. Dome profile generated with grasshoper software 2. Form work for dome which acted as a guide for the masonry 3. & 4. Dome nearing completion

4.

3.

Osho meditation retreat, Langha

| 16 |

Phase 2 – Design and execution of a cottage cluster comprising of 4 units (Built up area – 198 m²).

This cottage was designed with special consideration to follow the language of the existing structures.

Primary construction technique – CSEB (Compressed stabilized earth blocks) and stone.

Status – Under construction

Osho meditation retreat, Langha

| 17 |

Osho meditation retreat, Langha

| 18 |

Osho meditation retreat, Langha

| 19 |

Osho meditation retreat, Langha

| 20 |

At present the Osho commune is concentrating on the completion of residential zone. In future the campus will comprise of visitors centre, restaurant, dormitories, amphitheatre, and the main meditation hall.

The units which are now under construction and the ones to be built in the future will follow the guidelines for earthquake resistance.

During the 4 months of construction period I lived in the commune, developing a strong bond with the family. We intend on experimenting with other alternative earth technologies in the next buildings.

BAMIYAN CULTURAL CENTRE, AFGHANISTAN ARCHITECTURE COMPETITION 2015

Bamiyan cultural centre was an international competition organized by UNESCO with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. It will house exhibitions and training, research and education, bringing together the remarkable history of Afghanistan and its contribution as a crossroads of different civilizations.

The proposal was designed with local materials and prevalent vernacular architectural language of the region. Passive systems were adopted to minimize the need for active HVAC

LEGEND Unity wall Reception Admin/research/workshop Exhibition gallery Performance hall CIRCULATION PATTERN Visitors Staff/workshop access Service entry to storage

Bamiyan cultural centre, Afghanistan

| 24 |

Bamiyan cultural centre, Afghanistan

| 25 |

The proposal of Bamiyan cultural centre was designed with powerful symbolic references in built and unbuilt spaces invoking emotions in visitors as they move through the spaces. The unity wall served as the backbone of the structure that threads all the spaces together guiding the visitors from entrance to finale. It symbolizes the spirit of unity that connects various groups, ethnicities, religions, cultures and histories.

The reward and denial of the magnificent view of the Bamiyan valley is emblematic of the struggle between war and peace. The centre was envisioned to be built by the local people, for the people of Afghanistan, from the local soil.

Team leader Team members

- Swati Negi, - Sridevi Changali, Rosie Paul, Salabh Srivastava

STUDENT'S CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL MOVEMENT OF LADAKH (SECMOL) JAMMU AND KASHMIR, INDIA 2016

Founded in 1988, The Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) was accorded the UNESCO Chair for Earth Architecture- Constructive Cultures and Sustainable Development in 2014. It aims to accelerate research and development, and to disseminate scientific and technical know-how on earthen architecture worldwide.

I was employed as architect and workshop facilitator/teacher from April to September 2016 (Total 6 months)

Key projects: • Eco training centre in SECMOL campus (Built up area – 550 m²) • Dining hall in SECMOL campus (Built up area – 192 m²) • Residential unit of army officer (Built up area – 135 m²) • Earth construction and passive solar design workshop (15-day workshop) • Arches vaults and domes workshop (3-day workshop)

Student's Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), Ladakh

| 29 |

During the 15-day Earth and Solar workshop, the students were trained to conduct soil tested and work with the following construction techniques: Adobe, Cob, Straw clay, Earth bag, Rammed earth, Earth plaster.

Student's Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), Ladakh

| 30 |

1

2

South facde of Dinning hall (SESCMOL campus) featuring a green house and trombe wall.

3

East facade with double entrance vestibule.

Student's Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), Ladakh

1 Waste pashmina wool for insulation 2 Trombe wall 3 Recycled plastic water bottles to increase thermal capacity of floor

| 31 |

SECMOL is now heading towards the creation of an Alternative University for Mountain development. The construction techniques explored here focus on learning how to build with earth beneath our feet and the sun above our heads. During my 6 months here I gained invaluable hands on experience and engaged in a number of innovative experiments.

SANITATION

BAFFLED REACTOR Sewage directly exposed to the ground without treatment results in contamination of ground water.

This has hazardous consequences particularly in the rapidly urbanizing area as local residents rely on hand pumps for their water consumption.

A baffle reactor system passively treats wastewater assisting in decomposition of waste by activating anaerobic bacteria before it enters a soak pit, therefore protecting the ground water from harmful pathogens. This system was built for Eco Community Centre in Kaza, Spiti

Sanitation

| 34 |

ECO COMMUNITY CENTRE, KAZA, SPITI VALLEY This area experiences harsh winter temperatures (upto -35Ëš C). All the water pipelines freeze during winter making it mandatory for residents to rely on hand pumps for their needs. Current sanitation trends require multiple soak pits (as there is no centralized sanitation infrastructure) contributing to pollution of ground water aquifers.

DRY TOILET Dry toilets are especially suitable for rural / semi-rural area where sanitation infrastructure is not feasible. The key advantages of this system are: Saves water, prevents ground water pollution, the resultant manure can be used for agriculture.

Sanitation

SADHANA KENDRA ASHRAM, DUMET, UTTARAKHAND Built in 1990 by Shri Chandra Swami Udasin, this ashram has adopted 250 villages in the vicinity and helps them with their medical and infrastructure needs. I designed a prototype of dry toilet to demonstrate its advantages. The module will be replicated throughout the settlement.

| 35 |

ALL HANDS RELIEF ORGANIZATION, SINDHUPALCHOWK, NEPAL All Hands Volunteers is a US-based, non-profit organization that addresses the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters. I volunteered my time and skills in Sindhupalchowk to help with post earthquake redevelopment. These are the photos of dry toilets that we built out of bamboo and CGI for the base camp.

Swati Negi - Architect India | 1989 Email id Skype id Phone

swatinegi689@gmail.com Swati Negi +91 8826033099 +91 9456712478