UTHRA VARGHESE ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO 2014 - 2017
UTHRA VARGHESE
Date of Birth
g00051285@aus.edu areweone@hotmail.com (+971) 50 7751822 P.O. Box 12276 Abu Dhabi, UAE
June 10th 1996
General Education 2013 - Present | American University of Sharjah | B. Arch 2013 | The International School of Choueifat | Abu Dhabi
Digital Skills
Analog Skills
Rhinoceros 3D Chaos Group V- Ray Autodesk Autocad Autodesk Revit Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Google SketchUp Grasshopper (Beginner)
Free- hand Drawing Painting Physical Modeling
Experience Art History Teaching Assistant for Dr. Martin Giesen | Fall 2015 - Spring 2016 Architecture Intern at Shankland Cox | Summer 2016 AIAS- American Institute of Architecture Students Board Member | Fall 2016- Spring 2017
Achievements Dean’s List American University of Sharjah (Spring 2016- Fall 2016) Honorable Mention at the Paris Pavilion: The Art of Peace Archasm Competition Merited the Trinity College of London Piano Exhibition Award Middle East | 2010
Study Abroad Seeing and Drawing in Italy with Prof. Brian Dougan | Summer 2014
CONTENTS
01
Performing Arts Center
Spring 2016
02
Aggregate Archive
Fall 2017
03
Retreat
Fall 2014
04
Inhabitation
Spring 2015
05
Community Center
Fall 2015
06
Live | Work
Spring 2015
07
Vector Active Structure
Spring 2016
08
Paris Pavilion | The Art of Peace
Spring 2016
Circulation Within Project Circulation Within Project
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Program Program Axonom
Circulation Within Project
Location: American University of Sharjah,U.A.E. Academic Year: Third Year Spring 2016 Prof. Carmen Jimenez
Access in relation to site to Access inrelation Access in relation to site
site
Narrative Diagrams Public and private zoning
Sloped separation between zones
Ramps added to delineate spaces
Vertical circulation zones at both ends
Encolsed spaces added to the form
Volumes added when space intersects with a ramp
Birds Eye View SITE PLAN AND NARRATIVE
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The site is located on the campus of the American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The project involves adding a new building that is linked to the existing Performing Arts Center on campus. The project explores fluditiy of space and program. Relationships are created between various elements of the program. These relationships are then divided and represented as open spaces versus closed spaces. The project aims to divorce from the grid layout present on site but at the same time integrate functions of space and provide connectivity between them. Procession plays an important role in the project, allowing access from different points on site. Ramps connect spaces and create different levels of experience. Volumes are introduced on the ramps to provide enclosures for private activities within the program. The proposal consits primarily of monolithic materials such as concrete but the volumes are constructed with timber panels. The program consits of a variety of interactive spaces required on a college campus. The theatre being the primary space along with the cafe. The program also consits of more private spaces such as offices, conference rooms, rehearsal rooms, study space, innovations labs and entrapreneurship labs.
Exploded Axonometric Drawing
Roof Plane
Conference Room
Second Level
Entrapeneurship Lab
Theater
First Level
Ground Level
Structure
Service Core
Site
UTHRA VARGHESE | 51285 | PROF. CARMEN JIMENEZ
EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC
Kitchen Store
Rehearsal Offices
GROUND PLAN | FIRST LEVEL PLAN
Band Room
Choir Room Lobby Rehearsal Room
Ground Level
A.
Cafe
Theater
First Level
B.
0 1
5
1: 200
Innovation Lab
SECOND LEVEL PLAN | TOP LEVEL PLAN
Entrapreneurship Labs
Second Level
C.
Offices
Conference Room
Study Space
Top Level
D.
Entrapreneurship Labs
0 1
5
1: 200
Overall Section 1:50
Part
0.1 m 0.5 m
A. Pre-Cast Concrete Wire Mesh Gutter Rigid Insulation Waterproof Membrane Hollow Core Concrete
16 m
c.
Timber Panel Purlins Rigid Insulation Steel Channel
11 m Floor Finish 0.5 m
Concrete Column
Glass Railing
B. 7.5 m 0.3 m
Mullion
Glass
0.8 m
Gravel
Concrete Footing
Earth
Plan
AGGREGATE ARCHIVE Location: Hatta, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Academic Year: Fourth Year Fall 2016 Prof. George Katodrytis
AGGREGATE ARCHIVE
The words pixilation, bits and dots were chosen as reactors to begin the project. This lead to abstract material exercises and experiments in order to create proposals. After multiple surface manipulation studies were conducted a specific material was chosen- plastic drinking straws. The straws were cut to measured lengths and then stitched together. The material provides a specific light quality and creates and distorts views allowing for different illusions. It is lightweight in nature but strong and durable when aggregated. The method of stitching and the material properties of the straws allows for movement and alterations of its form. In terms of program, the project functions as an archive within the mountainous region of Hatta. The project responds to the site conditions by extending and anchoring itself within the mountain as it cantilevers over the lake. The bifurcation allows for users to walk through the space and view the landscape from a different perspective. The small tubes provide the storage space necessary for archiving purposes. The proposal reacts to the wind and light conditions present on site. The project aims to add an ephemeral form without disturbing the natural landscape and allow visitors to experience man-made work along with nature.
PLAN | SITE PLAN
Section A
Section B
Collage of Physical Model on Site
Perspective Approach to the Project
Exterior Perspective
Interior Perspective
RETREAT Location: Socotra, Yemen Client: Botanist at Columbia University Academic Year: Second Year Fall 2014 Prof. Amin Alsaden
te Plan
0 1
5
1:200
SITE PLAN AND INFORMATION
The project is about light and lightness. Even though the project is made from a heavy and opaque material, its planar geometry attempts to catch light in various intensities in order to dematerialize the structure visually through light. In addition to their role in capturing light, the planes also define, along with glass panels, the individual spaces of the project.
RETREAT
These spaces are distributed carefully across the main level, and contained within the two large horizontal planes, thus suspended lightly above the ground. The lower level planes support the main level and are placed four to six meters apart for structural reasons. The project was designed on a grid where openings are introduced only when walls are present. There are no openings in the circulation path, allowing for the experience of travelling from dark areas to light open spaces. One travels from more public areas to more private ones closer to the ocean. Views of the interiors and exterior landscape are blocked and revealed by the planes at different points. Similarly, views of private spaces inside the retreat have been blocked therefore allowing for privacy and reflection. The overall openness of the proposal allows the client to experience the wind and atmosphere of the natural surroundings and most importantly the light.
Exterior Perspective
Roof Plane
Main Level Planes
Main Floor Level
Ground Level Planes
Site
EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC Exploded Axonometric
GROUND FLOOR PLAN Ground Level Floor Plan
0
1
5
1:100
Section A
Main Level Floor Plan
0
1
5
1:100
MAIN LEVEL FLOOR PLAN | SECTIONS
Interior Perspective
West Elevation
eflection Space
WEST ELEVATION | SOUTH ELEVATION
PARTI DIAGRAM | LIGHT DIAGRAM | CIRCULATION AND VIEWS DIAGRAM
INHABITATION Academic Year: Second Year Spring 2014 Prof. William Eirik Heintz
INHABITATION
The brick studies explored in the wall project were applied to create atmospheric conditions for a bathing space. Procession and experience are the key elements of this project and are represented through a series of perspectives. Light versus dark, open versus closed, cold versus warm were different variations that created contrasting spatial conditions. The entry is a bright open space that welcomes the client. The changing room is a stark contrast, dark and more enclosed allowing for privacy. The final bathing space has shaded area as well as open area to allow for natural light to warm the water. Brick manipulation and changes in height condition provide a variety of experiences for the users.
B
A
A B
PLAN AND SECTION
site the Military Camp. Furthermore, there are other residential communities that are located in the vicinity. COMMUNITY CENTER Location: Sharjah, Al Muwaileh Client: HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin UNIVERSITY CITY TheAl Qassimi Mohammad Year: Third Year Muwaileh areaAcademic is situated Fall 2015 alongside University CItyFarr and Prof. Marcus
right opposite the Military Camp. Furthermore, there are other residential communities that are located in the vicinity.
Site Analysis
Pedestrian Circulation
Pedestrian Accumulation
Light Diagram
Vehicular Circulation
Vehicular Accumulation
Noise Diagram
0
ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center
50 100
200
350 (m)
The site is located in the residential area near the decommisioned Muwaileh military camp in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The area has progressed over the years and continues to expand as construction projects emerge. The project is an infill site with only three main facades. The community center hopes to cater to the issues of a multicultural society by providing a center for culture and learning.
COMMUNITY CENTER
The project is inspired by traditional Arish architecture that is indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula. Opacity, transparency and translucency can be explored with this concept and applied to the program if and when privacy is required. The skin plays an important role in demarcating the function of each space; this is carried forward into the design of the landscape using different concrete pavers and grass. The building is cantilevered to provide shaded outdoor seating areas in response to site conditions. This is supported by the idea of bringing landscape into the building. The program consist of a variety of public and private spaces including a performance hall, multifunctional space, cafĂŠ, office, study rooms and an exhibition space. The catalyst is a music center which includes music classrooms, choir room and a media library. The project aims to provide universally accesible spaces with different conditions for the entire neighborhood to enjoy. Interior Perspective
Program Axonometric
Concept Statement
Multifunctional Space The project is inspired by traditional Arish architecture that is indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula. Opacity, transparency and translucency can be explored with this concept and applied to the program if and when privacy is required. The skin plays an important role in demarcating the function of each space, this is carried forward into the design of the landscape using different concrete pavers. The building is cantilevered to provide shaded outdoor seating areas as a response to site conditions.
Study Rooms
Catalyst: Music Center
Offices Meeting Space Service/ Storage
Public Space: Music Center
Concept Render
Performance Hall
Exhibition Space Lobby Cafe Washrooms Vertical Circulation
ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center
PROGRAM AXONOMETRIC
18 M
3M
Exploded Structure Axonometric
he auditorium ance of 1.0 m. 6M
Girders 1.5 M
Columns with Footings
Toilets 16 sq. m
Beams
58 M
Cafe 44 sq. m
29 M
Exhbition Space 90 sq. m
Floor Slabs with Metal Decking
STRUCTURE AXONOMETRIC
Trusses
Concrete Core Large Gathering
Small Gathering
Ground Floor Plan
Small Gathering
Media Library 90 sq. m
Choir Room 85 sq. m
Multifunctional Space 130 sq. m
Music Classroom 42 sq. m
Open to Below
Open to Below
Meeting Room 25 sq. m
Open to Below
Open to Below
Storage 12 sq. m
Office 15 sq. m
Study Space 125 sq. m
Performance Hall 250 sq. m
Performance Hall 250 sq. m
Office 15 sq. m
Office 15 sq. m
Plan
Third Floor Plan
3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center
ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center
Fourth Floor Plan ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center
Kitchen 18 sq. m
15.0 M
11.0 M
7.5 M
Exterior Perspective 4.0 M
ARC 301 | Project Section 3 | AlA Muwaileh Community Center
Section B
Exterior Night Perspective
ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center Section B
SECTION A | SECTION B
Elevations
North Elevation
South Elevation
West Elevation
ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center
0 1
5
1: 200
Diagrammatic Site Plan with Circulation
ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center
CIRCULATION ON SITE DIAGRAM
Skin Studies Studies Skin
Skin Studies
ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center
ARC 301 | Project 3 | Al Muwaileh Community Center
Live
5.
Work
Circulation Zone
Open/ Closed
Private/ Public
LIVE - WORK Location: Dubai, Al Bastaqiya Client: Local Artist Academic Year: Second Year Spring 2015 Prof. William Eirik Heintz
Site Plan
3D Narrative
1.
Live
5.
Site Plan
SITE PLAN
The project is located in Al Bastakiya, a heritage site in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This historical neighborhood consists of housing units built in the style of traditional Arab architecture. The houses are primarily courtyard houses that are separated by narrow lanes known as sikkas. The live-work project aims to incorporate some of the traditional elements of the Arab dwelling in an attempt to modernize it.
LIVE - WORK
The client is an artist that requested spaces for exhibition and studio work as well as residential quarters. The project was conceived as a bridge that connects two volumetric bars. These volumes were then clearly zoned into public, semi-public and private zones that respect the local need for privacy in the dwelling. The bridge being the most private part of the house but with access from both the work space as well as the residential space. The zones were further defined by thick walls that were carved out in the private space and thin walls in the private zone. The courtyard is also split to into two. A more private courtyard that allows views to the kitchen and studio and a more public courtyard for exterior exhibition space. The intersection of the bars provides an opportunity to create views from the bedroom to the courtyard but also to the main plaza on the exterior.
2. 1.
Live
Work
Circulation Zone
Private/ Public
Open/ Closed
Live
PARTI DIAGRAMS
Work
Circulation Zone
Ope
1
2
3 5
6
5.
4
6.
First Level Floor Plan
0
1
5
1:100
GROUND FLOOR PLAN | FIRST FLOOR PLAN |
0
3.
3.
Section A
Section A
4.
4.
Section B
SECTION A | SECTION B
VECTOR ACTIVE STRUCTURE Group Members: Divya Mahadevan, Gopika Praveen, Zahra’a Nasralla Academic Year: Third Year Spring 2016 Prof. Faysal Tabbarah
ARC 342 | UTHRA VARGHESE | 51285
Tension Cables
PARIS PAVILION | THE ART OF PEACE Honourable Mention Archasm Competition Group Members: Reema Abu Hassan, Tasnim Tinawi Spring 2016
Time Frame: Over Several Days
Time Frame: Over Weeks
Northeast Elevation Showing the Completion of the Pavilion
Visitor's pinning up their own notes to the strands
Visitor's detaching small texts from the strands
PARIS PAVILION | THE ART OF PEACE
The proposal aims to showcase the act of peace by creating an interactive pavilion that is realized through the community’s collective efforts. Small texts that inform of the significance of peace are attached to undulating optic fibers that are illuminated once the note is detached. The brightening of the fibers alludes to a person’s enlightenment about the historic importance of peace. This features throughout the pavilion and allows people to contemplate the true meaning of solidarity and share this with others. At the end of pavilion, visitors are welcome to contribute by recording their experiences and insights about peace at the gallery. The process of detaching and attaching the notes are manifested as the installation comes to life and “light”. The program of the pavilion provides spaces that allow for various interactions amongst visitors, as the exterior is also used to maximize public activities around the framed elements. The frames that hold the strands of fiber also support translucent glass panels that provide enclosures, serve as shelves and work spaces. The united efforts of people from different cultural backgrounds are used to convey peace in the illuminated pavilion in Paris, the city of lights.
PRIMARY FRAME
FIBER OPTIC STRANDS
SUSPENDED GLASS PANELS
EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC | TOTAL AREA 500 SQM | HEIGHT 5 M
UTHRA VARGHESE American University of Sharjah, UAE g00051285@aus.edu areweone@hotmail.com (+971) 50 7751822 P.O. Box 12276 Abu Dhabi, UAE