Design Research_Select Works

Uttara Ramakrishnan DESIGN RESEARCH SELECT WORKS

2 3 4 5 6

UCSD Life Sciences Park

Perkins&Will

1 G.W Carver Museum Facility Expansion Plan

Perkins&Will

Texas A&M- Forge Research Park

Perkins&Will

Mapping Mobility Justice Stories

PUMA 8 7 9

Disability Friendly Infrastructure

Collective for Spatial Alternatives

Gender Inclusive Planning

Austin Innovation District

Perkins&Will

Storyboard

Perkins&Will

Akshara Centre 10 11

Book for a Toddler

Self Graphic Novel Self

Storytelling for an Innovation Community

Perkins&Will

UCSD Life Sciences Park Perkins&Will, 2021, San Diego, CA

Challenge: How can you develop a sustainable, vibrant research park to encourage chance encounters and provide a variety of working environments in the University of California San Diego?

Approach: Adopted a two-pronged approach for the design of the life sciences park - working at the scale of the campus to connect the proposed development to adjacent programs; and at the smaller scale to propose action zones within the development.

Result: The research park is designed to create a vibrant, active, and mixed-use innovation ecosystem. It is designed for the way scientists work today: individually and collaboratively.

Places (indoors) accommodate all types of science and technology users regardless of where they are on their evolutionary path. Spaces (outdoors) celebrate the remarkable ecology and climate of San Diego and are not only designed to bring people together, but also support quiet private reflection.

The clock for science ticks 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The research park is designed with a dense urban framework centered around the ‘Arroyo Square’: the cross axis of the arroyo spine and the north-south pedestrian connector. This ‘heart’ of the research park is programmed to amenitize and activate the district at all hours of the day.

Role: Multi-stakeholder coordination, design lead,3d modeling test-fits, graphic standard development, storytelling, report design 24-hrR

Afternoon:Work at the outdoormeetingroom

Morning: Cofee + Bike-drop

Evening:Yoga in thepavilion :Run along thes

Afternoon:Lunch at therestaurant

Evening/Night: Socialhouratthepub

G.W Carver Museum Facility Expansion Plan

Challenge: How can you expand, and develop the Carver Museum; to represent the aims, values and aspirations of the black community in Austin?

Perkins&Will, 2020 - 21, Austin, TX

Role: Lead Community engagement, project management, graphic development, client and consultant coordination, report design and writing, conceptual design, social media outreach, logo design & project branding

Approach: User experience research, stakeholder, subject matter expert interview, & extensive community engagement was conducted to seek stakeholder buy-in. And to develop guiding principles for design, planning and strategy development.

Results: The process included the analysis of existing site conditions, building conditions, assessment of programming, transportation, and other considerations per community feedback. The report proposes a design concept, recommendations and strategies based on solicited feedback.

Virtual Community Engagement

Small Group

Discussions:

8 Groups

• Performing Artists

77 Participants x 3

• Carver Task Force

• Civic Leaders

• Visual Artists

• COA African American Employees

• Carver Museum Staff

• Carver Ambassadors

• African American Resource Advisory Commission

Community Meetings:

Technical Advisory

Group Meetings: x 3

Project Goals:

1 2 3 4 5

Recognize, respect and reflect the community’s history, culture and heritage.

As the heart of Black art and culture in Austin, the plan should advance the vision and mission of the Carver Museum. Establish stronger outdoor amenities that connect with nature.

Strengthen the diverse and inter-generational experiences in and around the facility, while meeting present and future needs of the community and staff. Create flexible spaces that could be used by everyone in the community.

Guiding Principles and Goals

Elaborates upon the programs and events organized by the Carver and their spatial requirements

Explores the multiplicity of meanings and relationship of the community with the Carver

Understanding the design and utilization of existing indoor spaces

Looks at one’s perception and experience of the building and the complex as a whole –includes branding, wayfinding & accessibility

Engagement: Guiding Principles

The primary guiding principles of the process of engagement were:

1. Education: Informing key stakeholders about the design process

Understanding the relationship and utilization of existing outdoor spaces to the buildings

2. Diverse stakeholder representation: Encouraging involvement and inputs from a wide range of people

3. Consultation: The process of engagement was designed to gather inputs from the community to inform the plan.

4. Conclusive: Each engagement session was designed to get specific information from the community and helped to direct and guide the design process.

Idea of the Carver

Indoor Spaces

Outdoor Spaces

Experience

Program

Designing Strategies

History of Community

Cultural Anchor

Arts Connector

Space for budding BIPOC artists

Ethos of G.W. Carver

Idea of the Carver

Circulation Wayfinding & Accessibility

Choreographed layout & flow

Improvements to the way one moves around

Enable large-scale events

Experience

Moving artwork around the complex to be made easier

Branding

Program

Signage needs clarity

Safety to be improved

Improve accessibility to spaces

Connect to other important organizations

Heart of Black Cultural District

Indoor Spaces

Additional spaces for various programs

Improvements to existing spaces

Add child-care facility

Add Artist residency/studio

Spaces for staff

Add Museum shop

Add indoor gathering space/ cafe

Outdoor gathering space

Outdoor Spaces

Activities for kids

More events and festivals

Increased hours of operation

Rotating exhibits of sculptures in the green area at the back

Building Management System

Light improvements

Ventilation in the basement

Sound quality improvements

Supporting technology improvements for event spaces

Rotating exhibits of sculptures in the green area at the back

Redevelopment of decommissioned pool

Well maintained landscape

Community garden

Parking

Wheelchair access

Proximity to building

Safety and Lighting

03. Texas A&M - Forge Research Park

Challenge: How do you design a center of innovation in an area that is suffering from brain drain, low economic opportunities, while advancing growth in a sustainable, resilient manner?

Perkins&Will, 2022 - 23,Killeen, TX

Role: Lead design management-concept design development, design guidelines & resilience strategies, project branding,graphic standards Lead document design & management-report writing and editing, document layout & design,internal stakeholder coordination

Approach: Extensive stakeholder engagement workshops were conducted to understand the existing pain-points of developments in the campus and city. Further research was conducted to understand potential economic development opportunities and community capacities to propose strategies spanning partnership opportunities, to campus development designs.

Results: The process resulted in a report exploring the design of the campus,& an appendix elaborating design strategies to achieve sustainable development goals for the campus.

70+ defense contractors located around Killeen

Uniquely positioned at the intersection of the military base, research & academia

FORGE

A&M-Central Texas and other academic institutions provide skill-development opportunities

Setting Things in Motion

A&M-Central Texas is best positioned to orchestrate this innovation story

A variety of spaces for a range of company types

Private sector works with academia and defense

Knowledge and Innovation

• Enrich the daily experience by integrating research, academic, and industry uses

• Design distinct characteristic neighborhoods

• Achieve student success in academics and personal development

• Consider the future of education & work

Economy

• Build strategic opportunities and partnerships to further the mission and reach of the institution

• Attract talent and investment to Central Texas

• Develop high-quality facilities that do not currently exist in the Killeen market

• Position the research park as a nexus between government and industry

Community

• Develop a collaborative space and activity that fosters interaction among individuals and organizations

• Foster diversity among students, faculty, support staff, researchers, industry professionals and families

• Create a cohesive, well-connected place that is accessible and welcoming to all

• Establish a sense of place unique to A&M-Central Texas

• Celebrate & enhance tradition & legacy of the A&M-Central Texas brand

Ecology

• Preserve the unique ecology and natural resources of the site

• Create a robust landscape and network of green spaces

• Implement low-impact development (LID) strategies that go beyond conventional development

• Identify future development opportunity zones and areas where development is not appropriate

User Journey - Day in the Life at the Forge

Urban Design Strategies

Creating a connected network of open spaces with the “Collaboration Quad” at the heart of the campus

Establishing a gradient of space types

Creating a truly blended knowledge community where programs are nested together

Dynamic ecosystem that celebrates the site’s unique context

Mapping Mobility Justice Stories

This effort includes the creation of a website, branding and logo for ‘Mapping Mobility Justice Stories’ in Austin as part of PUMA. With an aim to establish a process for outreach and data collection that prioritizes and amplifies community voices in Austin’s transportation planning, this initiative aims to document and map residents lived experiences along Project Connect’s proposed Blue Line.

PUMA (People United for Mobility Action)

2022 - 2023, Austin, TX

Role: Project branding, survey design

https://cpworkshop.mysocialpinpoint.com/puma-mapping-mobility-justice-stories#/sidebar/tab/take_the_ survey_

3. PLATFORMS

Disability Friendly Infrastructure

This report presents findings of assessment on accessibility of the Mumbai Suburban Railway stations, for persons with disabilities and senior citizens carried out between 2nd November to 2nd - December 2016. The Bombay High Court directed the Indian Center for Human Rights and Law

Collective for Spatial Alternatives

2016, Mumbai, India

Role: Site survey, data collection & analysis, report writing, graphic design

https://csainquiry.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/railway-accessibiltiy-audit-final-report23.pdf

to conduct an accessibility audit and this report presents a summary of existing conditions, assessment of infrastructure and suggestions for improved experience.

3. PLATFORMS

and Woman: Human Factors in Design. 2nd Revised edition edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2002. for Persons with Disability and Elderly Persons, Government of India, 2016.

Platforms are the most conspicuous feature of any station, and apart from providing space for alighting and boarding trains, they house innumerable subsidiary functions such as horizontal circulation, resting areas, communication, food joints, bookstores and other services, toilets, etc. The multiplicity of uses makes platform design for universal accessibility challenging. Efficiency and economy of movement, safety, location, infrastructure adequacy and legibility are the main challenges from the perspective of persons with disabilities. The ability to move quickly and reach the right spot for boarding a train (usually on a dedicated compartment), or alighting and finding a way out without too much effort is crucial for persons with disabilities.

edge of the platform?

edge of the platform?

6) Do all platforms have seats / benches near the compartments meant for persons with disabilities?

6) Do all platforms have seats / benches near the compartments meant for persons with disabilities?

7) Do all platforms have clear signs indicating platform numbers?

7) Do all platforms have clear signs indicating platform numbers?

8) Do all platforms have clear signs indicating directions / schedules?

8) Do all platforms have clear signs indicating directions / schedules?

9) Do all platforms have clear signs indicating the location of compartments for persons with disabilities?

9) Do all platforms have clear signs indicating the location of compartments for persons with disabilities?

10) Are the platform floors non-slippery?

10) Are the platform floors non-slippery?

11) Is the height difference between the platform and compartment floor board within acceptable limits?

Measure of Man and Woman: Human Factors in Design. 2nd Revised edition edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2002. Built Environment for Persons with Disability and Elderly Persons, Government of India, 2016.

station, and boarding trains, horizontal bookstores uses makes Efficiency infrastructure from the to move (usually on a way out disabilities. of platforms

feature of any station, and alighting and boarding trains, functions such as horizontal communication, food joints, bookstores multiplicity of uses makes accessibility challenging. Efficiency location, infrastructure main challenges from the disabilities. The ability to move boarding a train (usually on and finding a way out persons with disabilities. near the edge of platforms important. Since platforms ability to distinguish between compartment zones, services, accessible toilets on every and exit points, safety and signs.

edge of the platform?

11) Is the height difference between the platform and compartment floor board within acceptable limits?

12) Is the gap between the compartment floor board and the platform within acceptable limits?

Platforms are the most conspicuous feature of any station, and apart from providing space for alighting and boarding trains, they house innumerable subsidiary functions such as horizontal circulation, resting areas, communication, food joints, bookstores and other services, toilets, etc. The multiplicity of uses makes platform design for universal accessibility challenging. Efficiency and economy of movement, safety, location, infrastructure adequacy and legibility are the main challenges from the perspective of persons with disabilities. The ability to move quickly and reach the right spot for boarding a train (usually on a dedicated compartment), or alighting and finding a way out without too much effort is crucial for persons with disabilities. Safety features such as floor warnings near the edge of platforms and around obstructions are extremely important. Since platforms have a ubiquity of information, the ability to distinguish between platform numbers, train schedules, compartment zones, services, etc. is usually a challenge.

Safety features such as floor warnings near the edge of platforms and around obstructions are extremely important. Since platforms have a ubiquity of information, the ability to distinguish between platform numbers, train schedules, compartment zones, services, etc. is usually a challenge.

12) Is the gap between the compartment floor board and the platform within acceptable limits?

edge of the platform?

6) Do all platforms have seats / benches near the compartments meant for persons with disabilities?

6) Do all platforms have seats / benches near the compartments meant for persons with disabilities?

5. LEVEL CHANGES

7) Do all platforms have clear signs indicating pl

The audit focused on the availability of accessible toilets on every platform island (two platforms), entry and exit points, safety features, resting areas, and guiding paths and signs.

8) Do all platforms have clear signs indicating directions /

7) Do all platforms have clear signs indicating pl

8) Do all platforms have clear signs indicating directions /

The audit focused on the availability of accessible toilets on every platform island (two platforms), entry and exit points, safety features, resting areas, and guiding paths and signs. Is there a toilet on every platform?

9) Do all platforms have clear signs indicating the location of compartments for persons with disabilities?

9) Do all platforms have clear signs indicating the location of compartments for persons with disabilities?

Are the toilets accessible?

1) Do all the platforms have ramps / lifts for level changes to get from one platform to another?

10) Are the platform floors non-slippery?

1) Do all the platforms have ramps / lifts for level changes to get from one platform to another?

10) Are the platform floors non-slippery?

2) Do all the platforms have emergency intercoms near the compartment for disabled persons?

11) Is the height difference between the platform and compartment floor board within acceptable limits?

2) Do all the platforms have emergency intercoms near the compartment for disabled persons?

11) Is the height difference between the platform and compartment floor board within acceptable limits?

3) Do all platforms have sound signals and tactile indicators on the floor to guide persons with disabilities to their compartment?

12) Is the gap between the compartment floor board and the platform within acceptable limits?

3) Do all platforms have sound signals and tactile indicators on the floor to guide persons with disabilities to their compartment?

12) Is the gap between the compartment floor board and the platform within acceptable limits?

4) Do all platforms have guiding paths to assist persons with disabilities?

4) Do all platforms have guiding paths to assist persons with disabilities?

5) Do all the platforms have safety guides on the floor near the

5) Do all the platforms have safety guides on the floor near the

for level changes to get emergency intercoms near the and tactile indicators on disabilities to their compartment?

to assist persons with guides on the floor near the

Since platforms distinguish between zones, services, toilets on every points, safety changes to get near the indicators on compartment? persons with near the

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The most challenging aspect of using railway stations for persons with disabilities in the absence of any features to overcome them, are level changes. Even a few steps may pose a serious barrier to persons with either physical disabilities, the elderly, to people carrying heavy or bulky luggage, etc. In the absence of ramps or lifts, or stairs without handrails, it becomes virtually impossible for persons with disabilities to use stations. As a rule, stairs must not be the only means of moving vertically, and must either be supplemented by ramps and/or lifts. Each of these features –stairs, ramps and lifts – have to be carefully designed to be made accessible, and comfort and safety for people with different needs must guide the design of these features.

The audit queries focused on the sizes of access for stairs and ramps, the quality, alignment and visibility of handrails, safety features, gradients for ramps and pitches for stairs, accessibility of lifts, emergency provisions, etc.

1) Do all the stairs have a minimum width of 1.2 meters?

2) Is the landing area at least 1.2 meters?

3) Are the edges of the steps easily detectable for vision impaired persons?

4) Are there warning strips installed at the beginning and end of all flights?

5) Is the location of emergency escape clearly identifiable?

6) Are the dimensions of treads and risers minimum 0.3 meters and 0.15 meters respectively?

7) Do the treads have a non-slip surface?

8) Are the risers free of open gaps between the steps?

9) Are there continuous handrails on both sides for the stairs, at a height between 0.76 – 0.9 meters?

10) Are there handrails installed in the center wherever stairs are wider than 3 meters?

11) Are the handrails easy to grip (40-45mm in diameter)?

12) Are the handrails securely attached?

13) Do the handrails extend horizontally 0.3 meters at the top and bottom of every stair or ramp?

14) Are the endings of the handrails turned towards the ground?

15) Are the handrails painted in contrast colors to be easily identifiable?

16) Are there tactile strips / braille plate identifications on the handrails for emergency stairs and floor levels?

18) Are there ramps connections available near or instead of the stairs?

19) Wherever they exist, are the ramp locations easily identifiable?

20) Are the ramp gradients less than 1:12 steep?

21) Do the ramps have a landing of at least 1.5 x 1.5 meters at 9 meter intervals?

22) Are there landings at every change in direction of the ramps?

23) Are the minimum width of the ramps 1.5 meters?

24) Do they have handrails on both sides between 0.76 – 0.9 meters?

25) Are the surfaces of the ramps non-slip?

26) Do the ramps have edge protections on both sides?

27) Do the lifts have an opening of 1 meter or more?

28) Are the lift controls accessible?

29) Are there audio and video systems indicating arrival at a floor?

30) Do the lifts have handrails on both sides?

31) Are the elevator doors easy to identify?

32) Do elevators have an emergency intercom?

33) Is the emergency intercom usable without voice communication?

34) Is the elevator floor skid-resistant?

Adapted from : Tilley, Alvin R., and Henry Dreyfuss Associates. The Measure of Man and Woman: Human Factors in Design. 2nd Revised edition edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2002. MoUD, Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Persons with Disability and Elderly Persons, Government of India, 2016.

Adapted from : Tilley, Alvin R., and Henry Dreyfuss Associates. The Measure of Man and Woman: Human Factors in Design. 2nd Revised edition edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2002. MoUD, Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Persons with Disability and Elderly Persons, Government of India, 2016.

Gender Inclusive Planning

The Development Plan was proposed for the city of Mumbai in 2012 and was rife with issues. It failed to take communities, primarily top-down and presented a loosening of environmental regualtions. Numerous NGO’s collaborated to form ‘Hamara Shehar Mumbai Abhiyaan’ to make the plan inclusive.

Akshara Centre, 2017, Mumbai, India

Role: Urban policy analysis, stakeholder engagement in multiple languages, cross-collaboration with social workers to propose strategies at the planning & architecture scale

This effort was in collaboration with Akshara (a women’s rights organization) to engage members of the most marginalized communities - women, transgender folk, across caste and class barriers to propose an inclusive plan. Some of the demands of the ‘Gender Group’ were -

1. Design guidelines for public spaces

2. Development guidelines for new developments

3. New programs at ward level

Need for Gender Inclusive Planning

2nd highest crime-rate against women in India Census (2011)

100k+ children on the streets afea-sneha (2020)

More people have access to a mobile phone, but not a toilet

83% of women slum residents face sexual harassment on their way to public toilets

Specific needs & demands (at every ward)

Who? What?

Street vendors

Trans genders

Sex worker

Informal settlements

Waste pickers

Daily wage workers and others..

Social Infrastructure (work, gather)

Specific facilities (restroom, shower, storage) for waste pickers, street vendors

Livelihood Centers in slums

Network of public restrooms

Child care facility

Reserve areas for women vendors

Safety Guidelines

Night shelters

Perkins&Will, 2020, Austin,TX

Role: Stakeholder engagement, research, design & graphic development

https://downtownaustin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CCI_AID_Brochure_FINAL89.pdf

Challenge: How do you design a brochure to position Downtown Austin as an emerging innovation district to be reckoned with? How to increase developer interest in this area?

Approach: Conducted stakeholder interviews to understand key selling points to highlight in the brochure. Conducted geo-spatial analysis to understand areas of downtown Austin that act as economic engines. Additionally through research & stakeholder engagement, identified key quality of life indicators, user experience selling points to develop storyline.

Austin Innovation District Austin Innovation District

Result: Develop an attractive marketing collateral to attract investors in Downtown Austin. Brochure was placed on the website & handed over to various potential investors.

Storyboard - Affordable Housing

Perkins&Will, 2020, Austin,TX

Collaborators: Kendall C, Emile O Top 5 finalist among global Perkins&Will teams

Challenge: How do you design affordable housing for the creative community in Los Angeles?

Approach: Research on existing urban policies to propose a multi-scale approach to affordable housing. The strategies proposed included urban scale policies, community ownership & finance models, to an adaptive re-use of an existing building.

Result: This multi-scalar design solution was conveyed through the medium of a storyboard. It introduces the various scales of spaces and activities - from a room, to communal spaces, outdoor spaces, the redesigned public realm and programs that merge into the city fabric.

Book for a Toddler

Designing custom alphabet books for kids from under-represented communities.

Self, 2023

Role: Illustrator

Graphic Novel

Designed a graphic novel to talk about issues with the urban realm, communicate these ideas to children, and develop a feeling of civic engagement and ownership over their built environments.

Self, 2023

Role: Policy research, user interviews, story writing, character development, illustrations

11.

Storytelling for an Innovation Community

Challenge: How to represent the diversity of people, programs, activities in the design proposal for an innovation community?

Approach: Showcase the diversity through people’s experiences.

Perkins&Will, 2022, Austin, TX

Role: Socio-economic research, internal coordination with design team, illustration, writing

Results: Conducted a detailed study of fastest growing jobs in the region to inform potential users. This was supplemented by a demographic study of the region to suggest a variety of users & graphics to propose how they could use the spaces.

User Experience Graphics