Urban Design Portfolio

URBAN DESIGN

PORTFOLIO

BHAVIN VAGADIYA

2021-2024

I am a recent graduate with an MA in Urban Design and Planning from the University of Sheffield, currently based in London. As an urban design practitioner, I have gained experience across a diverse spectrum of projects, including city centre expansion, urban regeneration, masterplanning, and spatial and transport planning. My interests encompass sustainable community development, the creation of accessible and inclusive built environments, and transit-oriented development.

A good team player who could demonstrate commendable analytical thinking skills and time management to produce creative outcomes. A fast learner with leadership skills who acquired remarkable communication skills and a strong work ethic. A disciplined and well-organised individual who puts in the best efforts with strong commitment.

CONTACT:

vagadiya.bhavin@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/bhavin-vagadiya +447435773261

Curriculum Vitae

2021

- 2023

MA - Urban Design and Planning

University of Sheffield, Sheffield

◼ Partially Accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

◼ Design Dissertation: Built Environment Design for The Active Travel, Design study of Wembley Park.

◼ Relevant coursework: Urban design; Planning and design; Politics, planning and state; Spatial planning; Integrated projects; Health, well-being and the City; Behaviour in the Built Environment.

◼ An active member of a Chaplaincy Centre of the University.

2014 - 2019

BE Civil Engineering

Gujarat Technological University, Gujarat

◼ Dissertation: Advanced Mechanical Parking.

◼ Relevant coursework: Engineering graphics and design; Advanced Engineering mathematics; Advanced Surveying; Building and Town planning; Transport Planning; Structural analysis and design; Highway Engineering and Management; Urban transportation system and planning; Infrastructure & construction management; Professional practices and Valuation.

EDUCATION: SOFTWARE SKILLS:

2023

- Cont

Tranquil City, London, UK

◼ Developed a masterplan featuring six innovative design interventions, each with three cost-effective alternatives, capitalising on strategy development skills and policy analysis skills. These efforts secured £79,000 in funding from the Islington Borough of London.

◼ Conducted comprehensive data analysis and in-depth research on urban context, showcasing proficient problem-solving and spatial analysis skills. This contributed to projected improvements in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 3% and a remarkable 30% increase in accessibility to green spaces.

2024 - 2024

Urban Designer (Experience

Week)

David Lock Associates, Milton Keynes

◼ Completed a practical task including a detailed masterplan for a station area, showcasing presentation, software, and hand drawing skills, and gaining comprehensive knowledge of all stages of an urban design project.

◼ Engaged in 4 toolkit sessions and led 3 group discussions, contributing to questions and decisions, and gaining planning consultancy skills focusing on strategic planning and urban design.

2021

- 2022

Freelance Urban Designer Ambassador

University of Sheffield, Sheffield

◼ Organised and planned hiking events in the Peak District through effective presentation and communication, achieving 47 average participants per event.

◼ Established a virtual communication group that grew 60% in six months through effective engagement reaching 130 participants.

◼ Sustainable community development

◼ Urban regeneration

◼ Creating balanced and resilient communities

◼ Transit-oriented development.

◼ Urban extension

◼ Urban planning

Area Action Plan2030 Design Study

Sheffield Station Area

Built Environment Design for The Active Travel

Design study of Wembley Park

Regeneration study for Neepsend

Tissue Study

Context design study for Sheffield

Project 01

Design Study

Sheffield Station Area Revitalisation.

Site: Sheffield, UK

Duration: 4 Days

Project: Professional

Project Brief:

This individual practical task, part of the work experience week organised by David Lock Associates, aimed to familiarise participants with the various stages of an urban design project and demonstrate how practical tasks are executed in real-world scenarios. My contributions included urban analysis, exploring design options and their evaluation, developing the masterplan, and participating in group discussions and decision-making processes.

Aim:

The primary goal of this project was to tackle existing issues and uncover potential opportunities for the station area. Additionally, the project focused on revitalising the area, transforming it into a key transportation hub and enhancing its public spaces.

Software Used:

Site Location + Character Analysis

Design Brief:

The site has a very strong character along with high fluidity however the site is surrounded by barriers from all sides which restrict the permeability. The new development will break the barriers and revitalise the area with high end public space and active travel towards the centre. Along with responsible use of Sheaf Valley Park for the leisure.

The site possesses a distinct character, renowned as Steel City. Clever use of steel and water features mitigates traffic noise and serves as effective barriers. The streets are paved with unique rubble stones to distinguish different modes of traffic.

Urban Context Analysis

Strategy Analysis

Station Area Analysis

Design Options + Evaluation

Design Option 01

Taking advantage of elevation difference to create underground foot bridge and provide connection to park through internal station bridge.

▪ Large open space occupied by the roads.

▪ Threat to listed building.

Design Option 02

Building underground bridge for the high traffic roads to catch open space in front of the station and providing separate foot over bridge at the end of the station.

▪ Very Expensive earth work.

▪ Good opportunity for active travel.

▪ Ample open space for better utilisation.

Design Option 03

Diverting high traffic roads from behind the station road from the roundabout at the far end of the station and building foot over bridge at the end of the station.

▪ Wide open area for the public realm.

▪ Good opportunity for active travel.

▪ Less noise from the vehicular traffic.

Masterplan

Beautification of Trails

Separated Bike Lane

Central Plaza

Kids Leisure Park

Walkable Active Street

Step Garden

Walkable Active Street

Pedestrian Crossing

City View Decks

Kids Climbing Area

Pedestrian Bridge

Mixed-use Road Design

Flexible Use Amphitheatre

Water-Steel Feature

Taxi Point

Skate Park

Final Result

Removed the two major natural edges surrounding the station, enhancing the connection between the city and Sheaf Valley Park.

Diverting traffic from the major road behind the station has created an open area for leisure activities and facilitated active travel.

Maximising the area’s potential for both kids and adults to enjoy the city views from Sheaf Valley Park.

Revitalise the area into a major transport hub, enriched with abundant economic and leisure activities.

Project 02

Built Environment Design for The Active Travel

Design study of Wembley Park

Site: Wembley Park, London

Duration: 8 Weeks

Project: Academic

Project Brief:

Aim:

It was an individual project conducted to develop an appraisal masterplan focused on active travel for Wembley Park, a significant international event destination. The objective was to explore opportunities and apply urban design principles to create a fitting design masterplan for the site, which is currently in-progress development. The project aimed to apply urban mobility principles, develop various design strategies, and ultimately formulate a final masterplan using one or all of the strategies. The overarching goal was to contribute towards fostering healthy and sustainable cities by promoting active travel.

Software Used:

Urban Site Analysis + Activity Mapping

Strategy Analysis + Evaluation

Strategy 01:

Providing Linkage to public transport

The site is well-connected with all modes of public transport; hence, it would be advantageous to offer additional cycle rental and cycle parking facilities to encourage cycling within the site.

Strategy 02:

Bike to Work scheme

Installing amenities at the destination, such as lockers, showers, changing rooms, a secure bike park, and a bike garage, can significantly impact the promotion of cycling as a commuting option, especially for commercial individuals.

Strategy 03:

Park and Bike

Allocating all parking facilities outside the site and connecting the site with bike rentals at the car park would be beneficial for the systematic reduction of vehicular traffic within the site.

Masterplan

Strategy 1: Linking public transport

Strategy 2: Bike to Work

Strategy 3: Park and Bike

Secure parking at every Bus stops

Parking facilities at all rail stations and at commercial destinations

Permeability

Traffic calming interventions have significant importance for the smooth working of the entire system. It also enhances the safety of cyclists as they feel safer due to slow traffic.

Permeability is very critical to improving the cycling infrastructure. Improving permeability inside the site to provide the possible shortest route for the cyclist. It is also important for the choices of routes.

Implementing the ‘Gyrotary System’ on the site which can enable the provision of one-way vehicular traffic to most of the roads and leave more space for the development of the cycling infrastructure.

Trees play an important part in urban aesthetics and also provide protection against different weather conditions. Here it can work as a buffer zone and enhance the perception of the safety of cyclists.

Gyratory System

Vehicular Road System

Final Result

Introducing the ‘Gyratory System’ to the site will facilitate the implementation of one-way vehicular traffic on almost all roads, creating more space for the development of cycling infrastructure.

Restricting vehicular traffic to major roads will enhance safety and improve the permeability of the area for pedestrians and cyclists.

Enhancing plantation and lighting along the roads will encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport.

Establishing linkages between surrounding transportation nodes through a cycling rental program will further support the cycling infrastructure.

Project 03

Area Action Plan - 2030

Regeneration study for Neepsend

Site: Neepsend, Sheffield

Duration: 7 Weeks

Project: Academic

Project Brief:

It was a group exercise involving eight members. The study aimed to produce a government policy document for the future development of Neepsend, a derelict, abandoned, and vacant area of great importance due to its proximity to the city centre. The task was to provide a detailed design proposal for one of the selected sites within Neepsend. I contributed to spatial and policy analysis of the focused area and played a crucial role in applying public realm strategies and urban mobility principles for the final detailed design of the selected site. Additionally, the project required the development of individual design reports and financial appraisals for the proposed masterplan.

Aim:

The study had the objective of analysing existing urban policies, developing new ones for the future, and understanding area-wide design proposals by applying regeneration strategies. Furthermore, the individual financial appraisal aimed to familiarise participants with the financial aspects of urban development.

Software Used:

Urban Regeneration Analysis + Policy Analysis

The House Skate Park

Focused Area

Peddler Market

Main Site

Kelham Island

Yellow Arch Studios

Detailed Masterplan

Green Corridor

The green corridor design is a crucial component of the overall renovation strategy aimed at transforming specific streets and paths in Neepsend. This strategy focuses on improving walkability, enhancing circulation, cleaning up littered areas, installing lighting, and incorporating artwork. The primary goal is to create a safer, enjoyable, and engaging pedestrian experience.

A transportation hub is a space designed to accommodate public and shared modes of transport, enhancing the built environment. The primary function of the hub is to capture all vehicles from the streets, thereby freeing up space for people to exist and fostering opportunities for street revitalisation.

Scheme 02: Scheme

Providing a valuable, secure space for people of all ages to utilise for leisure, socialising, and communal work. The hub offers the freedom and opportunity to rent space for various purposes, including platforms to promote local food products. The community hub comprises a rooftop garden, a community café, and varioussized rooms available for hire.

Final Result

The transportation hub aims to redirect all cars from the streets, facilitating the reclaiming of pavements for businesses and pedestrians. Strategic landscape improvements will rejuvenate the abandoned space, and the implementation of a lighting system and open frontage for shops will enhance safety while uplifting the night-time economy.

The community hub is envisioned as a semiself-sufficient space, offering healthy products and engaging the community through food and food production. This initiative aims to generate charitable income, ensuring that Neepsend becomes a happy, safe place to live, work, and spend time in.

Project 04

Tissue Study

Context design study for Sheffield City Centre

Site: Sheffield

Duration: 6 Weeks

Project: Academic

Project Brief:

It was a group study involving seven members. The objective was to analyse the Sheffield city centre using relevant research methods and formulate a fitting area-wide design proposal. In this study, my role included the analysis of urban character, urban massing, and permeability of the site. Additionally, I actively participated in decision-making for the final proposal and contributed to design preparation.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to comprehend the urban context of the city centre and propose a sustainable design that considers future needs. The focus was on understanding the connection between crucial locations within the city centre and their individual roles.

Software Used:

Urban Context Analysis

Street Built Scale Analysis

Permeability & Connectivity

Massing Analysis

Sound Analysis

Urban Character Analysis

Area Wide Design Proposal

Final Result

The transportation node located at the end of ‘The Gold Route’ near the railway station necessitates provisions for facilitating pedestrian crossings across the major road. The introduction of a pedestrian bridge will effectively address this issue.

Implementing street improvement strategies will enhance the connectivity between crucial locations in the city centre.

The construction of a flexible market at Tudor Square dedicated to local products will not only stimulate economic activities but also foster community involvement.

THANK YOU