I am Swohm Chattopadhyay, an Architect and digital fabrication based in Navi Mumbai, India. I graduated in April 2020 at University of Mumbai with a Bachelors degree in Architecture and design.
Furthermore I also completed my Masters in advanced architecture at IAAC, Barcelona, Spain in June 2024 with a Masters degree in Advanced architecture.
This portfolio contains a collection of academic and professional projects on which I have worked on throughout my past years (2018-2024), as well as my CV and personal contact information.
Hope you enjoy this book as I have enjoyed being part of the work it contains.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL
ECOPARK AUTOMOBILE
SPAIN
METABOLIC MODERNISM- INTRODUCTORY STUDIO
INTERACTIVE ENVIRONMENT - PHYSICAL COMPUTING
FORCES OF NATURE- COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN
STEEL CIRCULARITY- CIRCULAR MATTER
RESEARCH LABORATORY AT GRONINGER UNIVERSITY- COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN
X-URBAN DESIGN STUDIO- POST BIGNESS DATA INFORMED STRUCTURE - DESIGN FOR DISASSEMBLY
DISCREET ASSEMBLY WORKSHOP - GILLES RETSIN
GENERATIVE HOUSING SYSTEMMASTER THESIS FAR-MORE, A GARDENING SOLUTION
SAHARA STAR HOTEL - HOARDING DESIGN
PANCHMATIA RESIDENCE- INTERIORS
NAVAL TATA HOCKEY ACADEMY & ABHINAV BINDRA
PEOPLES PAVILLION - COMPETITION
ANTI GRAVITY POD - COMPETITION
I.T PARK, M.I.D.C TALOJA, NAVI MUMBAI
BARCELONA,
INDIA
curriculumn
EDUCATION
2022-2024 M.Arch - Masters in advance architecture (MAA02)
at Institute for advance architecture of Catalonia (I.A.A.C), Barcelona, Spain
2015-2020 B.Arch - University of Mumbai - India at Lokmanya tilak institute of architecture and design studies (L.T.I.A.D.S), Navi Mumbai, India
LANGUAGES
Bengali I Mothertounge
English I Fluent
Hindi I Native speaking
Spanish I Basic
SKILLS
Rhinoceros 3D I Advanced
Grasshopper I Intermediate
Sketchup I Intermediate
Revit I Intermediate
AutoCad I Advanced
Adobe photoshop I Advanced
Adobe Indesign I Intermediate
Adobe illustrator I Intermediate
T-Spline I Intermediate
V-ray for Rhino I Intermediate
V-ray for Sketchup I Intermediate
Lumion I Intermediate
D5 render I Advanced
RhinoCAM I Advanced
Autodesk Fusion360 I Basic
Python I Basic
UltimakerCura I Intermediate
ZortraxI Intermediate
WORKSHOPS
2016
2016
I Winter workshopRethinking models
CEPT university - Ahmedabad - India
I Study of bricks
Auroville earth Institute - Auroville - India
2018 I Designing ways of design on Computational design
IES college of architecture, Bandra - India
2019 I Computational design on cocoon and weaverbird
2023
IES college of architecture, Bandra - India
I Discreete assembly - Gilles retsin
Institute for Advance architecture - IAAC, Barcelona, Spain
COMPETITONS
2016
2016 & 2017
2017
2021
2021
Edge furniture design Won 1st prize under category A. (2016) Participation prize (2019)
International design competition(IDC) - Architecture beyond boundaries (2016)
- A place in the park -Sanjay gandhi national park - Borivali (2017)
IKEA - Tiny house
Participation prize
Peoples pavillion- Notions of India by TATA structura
Participation prize
Tiny house- Anti gravity house
Participation prize
ACCREDITATIONS CONTACT INFORMATION
2021 Registered architect Council of Architecture by govenment of India CA/2021/127136 (Official licence)
Site Visits - Rendering - 3D modelling - Designing - Presentation - Documentation
2021-2022
Project architect - W.D Partners
W.D Partners - India
3D modelling - Designing - Presentation - Documentation
2023
2023
Tutor- Self employed
Teaching basic softwares of Rhino & grasshopper to Bachelors students
3D modelling - Designing
Freelance designer
Architecture, product design, landscaping
3D modelling - Designing, renders
Student assistant - Digital fabrication CIIE workshop
CIEE Student exchange program at IAAC, Barcelona, Spain
Student assistant - X-Urban Design studio
MAA01 Design studio at IAAC, Barcelona, Spain
Project assistant - Copa America cup pavillion
IAAC, Barcelona, Spain
VOLUNTEERING
7 days volunteer program in Barcelona, Spain, designed for disassembly of wooden column strips and offloading on-site.
ABSTRACT
Design For Disassembly enables the reuse of its component parts in other construction projects, reducing use of raw materials and lowering waste. The cyclical model proposed by DfD requires new ways of designing structures and buildings, as well as developing new assemblies, components, materials, construction techniques, and information and management systems.
Meaning elements can be used in one state as columns, and the other in beams, and this is where for our course the exciting journey happens and structural understanding of reassembly opportunities is key in this year’s research.
To keep this principals in mind our task was to come up with a pavillion that can be executed on site and reassemble at any location necessary.
Our aim was to showcase structural opportunities as well as integrated connection systems developed through digital fabrication and systems thinking.
SOFTWARES:
Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper 3D, CNC milling
DATA INFORMED STRUCTURE -DESIGN FOR DISASSEMBLY
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Year: 2023
Status: Completed
3.
order to understand the materials, their properties and mainly their weight for the creation of the base of the construction, we experimented with Concrete footing, types of Bricks and Pavement tiles. Base on the logic of the counterweight we initially created 4 types of bases embedded in a perimeter of 800*800mm.
1.Hydraulic press: Used to test the shear strength of the connections.
2. Exploring dry connection system- Building timber pieces together with shear strength.
Ιn
1.Catalogue of base’s type:
Type A Vertical stick around only bricks.
Type B Boundling vertical bricks holes to fix the angle.
Type C Bundling horizontal to create different orientation.
Type D Weight to clamp.
2. Angle connection: Bricks possibilities.
3. Left_Wood dowels as leashing fixpoints for bricks and wooden beams. Interlocking of brick and wood with shear keys.
Middle_Wood dowels as rotation anchors. CNC texture as notch. Brick holes as leashing fixpoints.
Right_ Adding shear keys after tightening the tension strings in the prefabricated texture increases the pressure between wood and brick
1.Connections In the explored connection system, bricks, wood and wooden dowels can take on different tasks. The connection between wood and brick was made with plastic zip ties. The zip ties form a tension-based connection. This manually created connection is not only reinforced by inserting the shear keys after pretensioning, also, the application of force perpendicular to the shear key direction increases the stress in the tensile joint, thus making the joint stronger to a certain degree.
2. Bundles for curves
1.
2.
The combination of bricks and wood allows the formation of three dimensional nodes. Due to its geometry and its different surface texture, the brick forms a modular component. As a single module, the brick has two levels of rotation. In combination with another brick, three rotation planes can be achieved.
The connection with dowel elements through the brick holes enables specific angles to be set and serves as a leashing fixpoint. In connection with textured wooden elements and shear keys, which are inserted between the two components, wood and brick, after the prestressing of the elements by zip ties, a ridgid tension-based connections can be made.
Type C: 1m
Type B: 1m
Type A: 1.5m
Slide to create dynamic shape Use
KARAMBA ANALYSIS
GENERATIVE HOUSING SYSTEM -Master’s thesis
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Year: 2024
Status: Conceptual
ABSTRACT
This thesis aims to result in a functional building through computational aggregations of a modular system consisting of a small number of different, reversible modules from the same module-family. This kind of modular system provides the architect the tools to work with tectonics in a prefabricated building that is inherently flexible and reversible, allowing the tenants to expand and contract their living space according to their needs. Using existing technological advancements, mostly in digital fabrication, the architect designs the fabrication and assembly of the modules taking control of the modes of production. In addition, the architect is in control of the assembly process on the building site, since the assembly sequence is a result of the module family’s characteristics.
SOFTWARES:
Adobe photoshop, Rhinoceros 3D, D5 render, Grasshopper 3D
1. CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
INTRODUCTION
Housing
On average buildings consist of “more than 7000 different parts and processes which need to be assembled together into a functional whole.” Additionally to the complicated system that a building is, “the construction industry has flat-lined since 1947”, while manufacturing has increased its productivity with the means of automation. With labour costs increasing and robot costs decreasing the so-called ‘Automation Gap’ decreases the productivity within the construction industry over time.
The construction process is slow, expensive and produces a lot of waste with only a few actors being able to construct, which evidently limits the supply of housing. Due to the housing shortage, there has been a wider interest in Modularity and Prefabrication. However, for example, the Modernist kit of parts misses the scalability opportunity due to the variety of forces that are working on the structure as well as it misses variety and flexibility due to the fixed column heights once the building is built.
Overall, with the housing shortage, the decreasing productivity within construction the lack of variety within the current modular and prefabricated solutions a new way of thinking about the production chain in architecture is necessary. A method needs to be established to be able to design an affordable, a customizable, and an easily that can be mass-produced.
1. On site vs off-site construction.
2. Prefab vs tradittional construction.
1. Panel design iteration part modules.
2. Typology matrix from monoceros plug-in aggregation.
Aggregation ruled defination.
1. Modules program space.
Space configuration catalogue.
1. Space configuration, zoning the room spaces and calculating the floor space.
1. Experimentation and data collection from rule visualization.
A.RESEARCH ON CLT PANEL JOINTS
Out of 7 joints lap joint and dovetail joints makes it easier to fabricate for cnc 2 axis milling. The dovetail connection is a traditional woodworking joint noted for its extraordinary resilience and aesthetic appeal. It includes constructing interlocking trapezoidal-shaped “tails” in one piece of wood that fit into corresponding “pins” in another piece, producing a strong connection.
RABBET JOINT
HALF LAP JOINT
LAP JOINT
SCARF JOINT
DOWEL JOINT
TOUNG AND GROOVE
DOVETAIL JOINT
DOVETAIL JOINT
assembly 2. No need to cut on both sides of the surfaces.
Cutting on CNC with one milling bit will run efficiently.
B.. A documentation on fabricating 3 cappa panel for CNC milling process to create kit of parts.
1. Documenting the joinery deatil of lap joint connection to test the tolerence from the CNC file.
A. Physical model. B. Assembly details.
A.
B.
A. Physical model. B. Construction detail drawing.
A. Proposed design for mass customize housing module.
B. Interior space rendered.
A.
B.
A. Proposed design render.
INTERNSHIP WORK - CEILING
Project: Infotech (I.T) Park
Location: M.I.D.C Taloja, Navi Mumbai, India Year: 2018
Status: Completed
ABSTRACT
The project aims to develop a visually appealing false ceiling design suitable for an IT park, with a focus on efficient lighting. The design draws inspiration from the elongated branches of a tree, creating a broad and inviting passage view.
Scope of Work and Contribution:
The primary task involves designing a 3D model using Rhinoceros. This model will then be segmented into units, facilitating on-site manufacturing. To fabricate the model, the process involves unrolling the individual pieces, welding them together to form the desired shape, and finally assembling the components on-site.
SOFTWARES:
Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper.
FABRICATION:
Laser cutting machine (Metal).
GROUND FLOOR LAYOUT - N.T.S -Layout has been taken from the firm to show the design of the ceiling.
1. Lobby area
2. Entrance lobby -Conceptual renders taken from the firm to visualize the space of the passage.
1. Using the rolling machine to bend the steel plates.
2. Welding pieces into large fragments.
3. Anti-corrosive application.
4. Welding and suspending the model at the ceiling.
5. HDF board applied all over the surface.
INTERNSHIP WORK - BENCH
Project: Infotech (I.T) Park
Location: M.I.D.C Taloja, Navi Mumbai, India
Year: 2018
Status: Completed
ABSTRACT
The projects aim was to make a 12m long bech for the client.
As a part of fabrication team, I was assigned to set Gcodes for CNC milling. The material used was birch plywood sheets.
The fabrication technique was stacking so that once they are assembled into parts they can later be chamfered to make the edges smoother and cleaner. Since the pieces had irregular shapes we made a hole on each pieces so that the alignments are in order.
SOFTWARES: Rhinoceros 3D, CNC milling
1. 3D MODEL SLICED FOR FABRICATION
2. 4MM BIRCH PLYWOOD ATTACHED TO STEEL ROD FOR ALIGNMENT.
3. AN EXAMPLE OF THE NESTED FILES FOR CNC MILLING. SHEET SIZE - 8’x4’.
1. CNC MILLED PIECES STACKED.
ATTACHING ALL THE PARTS TOGETHER.
CHAMFERED THE BENCH TO MAKE IT SMOOTHER.
CPH SKYVILLAGE
This project seeks to radically challenge theLynetteholm proposal that is underway on the coast of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Going against the grain of theoriginal Lynetteholm proposal (an artificial island), this project displays the possibility of minimal impact instead of detrimental impact on the ocean-scape and lightness instead of the heaviness of a human-made island through the literal inversion of the typical skyline.
Via a series of oppositions to the existing project, Skyvillages imagines new urban strategies and forms of life for the year 2070m seeking to address many of the ongoing disruptions introduced by the global climate crisis.
Facing the possibility of severe flooding,this project uses an arterial flood-wall, formally derived from Copenhagen’s historic architecture, to protect the city.
1.SITE MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
A. TOTAL RADIATION.
B. DRY BULB TEMPERATURE.
C. DIFFUSE HORIZONTAL RADIATION.
D. WIND SPEED.
A.
B.
C.
D.
1. VILLAGE TYPOLOGY. 2. VILLAGE ELEVATION.
FRONT ISOMETRIC VIEW
ABSTRACT
Facades today are not just an envelope of a building. They tend to function beyond and what pushes its own boundary now is how do we make the facade more than just a static element.
Sports = Dynamism
We are looking at façade as a part of the urban fabric that builds up the city of Bhubaneswar - associating dynamism in every possible aspects - be it function, way-finding, imaging, context etc. Through integrated design strategies, the facade is conceived to provide responsive and performative envelopes that both contextually and conceptually react to the local surroundings while simultaneously determining the interior conditions.
Our facade articulaltion prcoess nurtured two distinct approches - ‘dynamic’ & ‘static’. However, as the facade acts more as an intermediate between the interior and exterior, the dynamic approach - where the facade acts as skin, fits more suitably into the requirement.
TEAM MEMBERS:
SWOHM CHATTOPADHYAY.
KEYUR MISTRY (ARCHITECT).
RANGAN BANARJEE (ARCHITECT).
SOFTWARES:
Adobe photoshop, Sketchup and V-ray
PROFESSIONAL WORK
- NAVAL TATA HOCKEY ACADEMY & ABHINAV BINDRA TARGET PERFORMANCE CENTER
Project: Schematic facade ideation
Location: Bhuwaneshwar, India Year: 2020
Status: In process
Lower mass
• Semi-unitised toggle system with steel insert
• DGU glass (6 MM HS glass + 12 MM airgap + 8 MM clear HS glass)
• 6 MM thick HS glass (to match with vision glass)
• Spandrel panel with back pan
• Firestop at every floor
• Glass canopy with 8 MM clear HS glass + 1.52 Sentry layer + 8 MM clear HS glass
• Automatic glass sliding door
• Terracotta vertical fins - 50 X 75 MM
Upper mass
• Semi-unitised toggle system with steel insert
• DGU glass (6 MM HS glass + 12 MM airgap + 8 MM clear HS glass)
• 6 MM thick HS glass (to match with vision glass)
• Spandrel panel with back pan
• Firestop at every floor
• Vertical fin system with 8 MM clear HS glass + 1.52 Sentry layer + 8 MM clear HS glass
• Balcony full-height sliding doors
• Aluminum windows with SGU in ancillary areas
• Aluminum cladding along the periphery
• External paint
• Glass/ RCC railing
1. Schematic design for lighting options.
2. View of lit up lower mass.
1. Upper mass element.
2. Expressive customized pattern in the upper mass - as communicative lighting scheme (e.g., portray of country maps engaged in the sports event etc.)
ABSTRACT
An outdoor gardening solution made for the purposes of water conservation and selective shading, especially in cities that are subjected to extreme drought and heat.
The product is modular in function, with attachable planters (up to 7) with a silicone based lining inside and embedded wick systems. A water reservoir is placed over the planters. Once the planters are filled with soil tank is filled with water, the wick tubes from each of the planters will be suspended into the tank. The wick system is an efficient one, as it allows for gradual flow of water into the soil, thus ensuring that the soil is always moist. Additionally, there is also a shading system that can be controlled manually to keep the plants shaded from the excessive heat when required. The shade also protects the plants from being over-watered during rains.
The long-term idea for this product will be the incorporation of digital interventions like sensor systems or data collectors, that can make solutions like this more efficient and data driven. Spatially, the product can be independently placed in areas with limited space. In addition to the efficient watering and shading system, the ease of installation, the customization and the sustainable build is furthermore a reason to employ the product in various gardens and rooftops in the city!
SOFTWARES:
Adobe photoshop, Rhinoceros 3D, D5 render, Grasshopper 3D
2. Preparation for making digital files for fabrication.
3. Model making images for documentation.
1.
2.
3.
Ladybug analysis.
1. Proposed design render.
ABSTRACT
We participated in a competition in August 2021 which dealt with designing a iconic public structure. This had to be made using TATA Structura’s Steel sections. Our entry proposed at creating an interactive Space and Structure, providing people with a space for their own in the City.
The Indian subcontinent is a cradle to one of the longest continuous living civilisations in the world. We have seen various ups and downs in its development throughout its history because of the invasion by foreign civilisations. Fortunately most of them have been absorbed in the culture leading to a tolerant & harmonious diversity in its people. India is the story of a civilisation that stood as one and paved its own path as a unique collective.
Concept
As a tribute to the Constitution of India and the power it vests in its people, The proposal is basically a series of ‘pedestals’, as vantage points for anyone to install oneself and be seen as the unsung hero of India’s progress.
Steel helped bring about the Industrial revolution and it is a representative of a material for the masses. Needless to say, such an Edifice that stands for the Nation’s Democratic framework is made using Steel. The use of Steel in the installation demonstrates the Sculptural elegance of steel in various forms such as Structural Sections, Floor panels, Stairs, Furniture, Railings, Wall Panels, etc.
TEAM MEMBERS:
SWOHM CHATTOPADHYAY. OM MERCHANT (PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT).
SOFTWARES: Adobe photoshop, Sketchup 3D.
PROFESSIONAL WORK -PEOPLES PAVILLION, COMPETITION
Project: Notions of India by TATA structura
Location: Mumbai, India
Year: 2021
Status: Conceptual
The Form of the building is a Cube. The periphery is a continuous gallery and the centre is an Atrium. The exterior and interior surfaces are articulated by balconies which are strategically composed over the installation. The skin of the building is made using expanded steel mesh which gives the building an ethereal quality.
