Socio-Cultural Pathways to a Sustainable Urban Future
University of Birmingham, 2023
Planning is Global 3- COP28
Royal Town Planning Institute, 2023
Thannal- Hands-on Natural Building Workshop
Thannal Natural Homes, 2019
Auroville- Hands-on Earth Based Construction
Auroville Earth Institute, 2018
Education
MSc. Urban Planning
University of Birmingham, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Bachelors of Architecture
Vellore Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
Language Fluency
English CEFR- C1
Hindi
Malayalam
Telugu
Tamil
Experience
Architectural Intern: Jan2022-May2022
BURO DAP, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Public Relations Chair: Sep2021-May
2023
AIAS V-SPARC Chapter
Cheif Curator: Sept2022-May 2023
Blab Magazine- 4th Edition, VSPARC
Curator in Lead: Sep2021-September 2022
Blab Magazine- 4th Edition, VSPARC
Planning Architecure
2018- 2024
1 Al Karama 2.0 Urban Planning
2 Ramanaicken Revival Urban Design
3 Koliwada 2.0 Thesis
4 EcoSacred Crematorium design
5 Ilya Residence design
6
7 Archdias Miscellaneous Interior design Other works
Planning & Architecture
Dubai, UAE
June 2024
1
Urban Planing
A visionary urban oasis, redesigned for sustainability and usability. This project creates a greener environment, enhancing residents’ quality of life and fostering a vibrant, eco-friendly community.
Al Karama 2.0
Al Karama in The United Arab Emirates
Ras Al Khaimah
Fujairah
Umm Al Quwain
Sharjah Ajman
DUBAI
Abu Dhabi
Identifying Core Issues in Al Karama
• No distinctive identity: Karama lacks unique features or landmarks, leading to poor neighborhood recognition.
• Passive and unidentifiable edge: The neighborhood’s edges do not attract attention, causing it to blend in with surrounding areas.
• Insufficient green infrastructure: Limited green spaces with only Karama Park accessible for public use.
• Absence of water features: Lack of blue infrastructure contributing to a less vibrant environment.
• High impermeable surfaces: Extensive grey and paved areas with limited permeability.
• Poor accessibility and entry points: No proper entryways, leading to confusion and poor accessibility.
• Ineffective street furniture: Poorly designed and maintained, reducing usability.
• Lack of pedestrian amenities: No shading for pedestrians, poor quality sidewalks, and limited tactile ground surface indicators (TGSI).
• Insufficient accessibility features: Limited ramps and accessibility features for people with disabilities.
• Lack of community spaces and activities: Reduced sense of community due to a lack of social activities and communal spaces.
Green in Al Karama
Identifying Potential Sites for Urban Greening intervention in Al Karama
A Visual Survey to identify areas where interventions such as planting trees or creating green spaces can be implemented effectively to enhance the urban environment without causing significant damage or disturbance.
A collection of photographs from the site visits reveals an extensive amount of paved, unused surfaces contributing significantly to the Urban Heat Island Effect (UHIE). The neighborhood lacks proper shading and green areas, and the materials used for street furniture, such as stone, absorb heat quickly. The design is NOT pedestrian-friendly. The only green areas in Karama are the trees planted along the roadside, around private buildings, and around the are of Karama Park. The neighborhood predominantly consists of paved surfaces with very few trees.
A- Underused parking spaces
C- Paved and unused courtyards
E- Vacant lands
B- Extensive pavements entrance
D- Sikkas
F- Poorly designed sidewalks
Greener Bicyle Stands
Greener Bus Stops
Greener Entrances
Reimagining 24 43A St Paths in Al Karama
Proposal: Hybrid Green Integration
This approach entails establishing a central network of interconnected green spaces across Al Karama, complemented by designated themed zones throughout. It integrates a unified neighborhood identity with localized variety, ensuring cohesion while celebrating the unique characteristics of each area.
Comprehensive Urban Enhancement
• Balanced Approach: Combines the benefits of a continuous green network with the unique charm of themed zones, ensuring a cohesive yet diverse urban experience.
• Versatile Development: Allows for a flexible and phased approach to development, accommodating various community needs and financial constraints over time.
E- 16St Wide pavements
PHASE 1: Initial Assessment and Pilot Projects- Karama Park, Karama Masjid, Sheikh Hamdan Colony and the major parking lot Opposite Wasl Opal
• In Phase 1, the focus is on conducting initial assessments and implementing pilot projects in key areas of Al Karama including Karama Park, Karama Masjid, and Sheikh Hamdan Colony. These landmarks serve as focal points in the community, making them ideal pilot project sites to kickstart the urban greening initiative.
• Improving these areas will have an immediate positive impact on community well-being and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood.
• Focus on residential areas like Sheikh Hamdan Colony ensures that greening efforts benefit local residents directly, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their neighborhood. Pilot projects here can demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of urban greening interventions in diverse urban contexts.
PHASE 2: Scaling Up and Community Empowerment- Developments along
Zabeel Street
• Phase 2 aims to scale up greening efforts and empower the community by focusing on developments along Zabeel Street.
• This significant urban spine connects various neighborhoods and commercial hubs within Al Karama.
• By enhancing the green infrastructure along Zabeel Street, the goal is to create a cohesive and attractive urban edge, improving the overall aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood and catalyzing further urban renewal and community engagement.
PHASE 3: Expansion to the Rest of Karama
• By extending greening efforts beyond specific landmarks or corridors, Phase 3 aims to create a holistic and interconnected network of green infrastructure throughout the neighborhood.
• By targeting underserved areas and prioritizing greening interventions in neighborhoods with limited access to green spaces, Phase 3 aims to address disparities in environmental amenities and enhance the livability of Al Karama as a whole.
Reimagining 176 Khalid Bin Al Waleed
Reimagining 2 37A St
Karama
A- 35th St and 33A St Reimagined
B- 6A St and 13D77 Reimagined
C- Parking lots Reimagined
D- Day2Day Entrance Reimagined
Planning & Architecture
Tamil Nadu, India
November 2022
2
Ramnaicken Revival
Urban Design
Revitalization of Ramanaicken Lake, envisioned to transform a neglected and polluted area into a vibrant recreational oasis, enriching the lives of a community in need of inclusive spaces for all age groups.
Ramnagar, Amritha Nagar NH-44
Market
2001
2011 2022
• Last presumed full capacity of the lake
• Lesser development in the southern end
• Acute water shortage faced
• More development seen around the lake
• Encroachment
• Heaviest monsoon seen in the last 20 years
• Dense development around
• Reduction in water holding capacity seen
Survey Areas- Hosur, Tamil Nadu Timeline
Infrastructure Issues
Ramanaicken Lake
• No Defined Boundary: The lake lacks a clear perimeter.
• Limited Access: Accessible only from Denkanikotta Road and ESI Ring Road; the walker’s path is enclosed.
• Reduced Water Retention: The lake’s capacity to retain water has decreased.
• Inadequate Water Levels: Improvement plans stalled due to cost.
• Excessive Plant Growth: The lake is overgrown with plants.
• Pungent Smell: Drains mixing with lake water cause foul odor.
• Water Stagnation: Different water levels cause stagnation and diseases.
• Eutrophication: The lake suffers from nutrient pollution.
• Encroachment: Illegal occupation of the lake area.
• Decline in Marine Life: The lake’s marine ecosystem is deteriorating.
• Idol Immersion: Festival idol immersion pollutes the lake.
Walkers Park
• Limited Views: Lack of scenic views of the lake.
• Water Retention: Walkways retain rainwater.
• Lack of Surveillance: Inadequate monitoring of informal activities.
• Insufficient Lighting: The path is poorly lit.
• Obstructed Solar Panels: Covered by tree branches.
• Water Pooling: Rainwater accumulation in certain areas.
• Non-Inclusive Playground: The playground is not universally designed.
• Secluded: The park is isolated.
• Lack of Activities: Limited activities besides walking.
• Poor Restroom Maintenance: Public restrooms are not well-maintained.
• Untreated Sewage: Sewage disposed of untreated.
• Land Erosion: Land caves into the lake during/after rainfall.
• Biological Waste: Hospital waste disposed around the lake.
• General Waste: Waste disposal around the lake area.
• Open Defecation: Area used for open defecation.
Social Issues
• Lack of recreational spaces in the neighborhood
• Having to commute to Bangalore for leisure activities
• One amongst the only two recreational spaces in Hosur, the other being Chandra Choodeshwarar temple
Project Goals
Enhancing Connectivity and Accessibility:
Promoting active mobility through well-designed pathways for pedestrians and cyclists encourages physical activity, leading to improved physical and mental health.
Creating Sustainable Landscapes:
Implementing rain gardens and bioswales to manage stormwater can significantly improve water quality, contributing to clean and accessible water resources.
Fostering Multi-functional Spaces:
The lakefront will feature versatile areas for performances, markets, art, jogging, playgrounds, and sports, adapting to events yearround and promoting sustainable practices.
Protecting Aquatic Ecosystems:
Enhancing water quality through sustainable landscaping practices helps protect aquatic ecosystems and promotes the health of life below water.
Enhancing Biodiversity:
Protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Using native plantings and creating habitats through sustainable landscaping practices enhances biodiversity, supporting a variety of plant and animal species on land.
Vikas Nagar, TVS Nagar, Anthiwadi, Titan Township, Ramanaicken Lake
Ulavar Sandhai
Therpet, Temple Area
Area, Hosur Bus Stand
ESI Ring Road
Denkanikottai Ring Road
Pedestrian Walkway
Bus Stop
Site Analysis
Area of study is well connected in terms of vehicular transportation making it accessible to users but pedestrian connectiviy is limited within the site except for walkers path. Site is cut off physically and visually from its residential surroundings, lack of interaction between internal streets and site
The variety in the building use around invites the local population into the area of study. The lack of recreational spaces in the suroundings and the high density in the settlements around creates an oppurtuniy for the redeveloping the existing site into a recreational hub. The high concentration of residential areas around the area of study is benificial for the design intervention aimed as the primary functions can be designed to target residents from the neighbouring.
Section
Street Section B- Major Traffic Node
Street
A- Jalakandeswarar Temple
Ramnagar
Site
Zoning
Commercial zone and parking
• Located near the road for easy access and transport
• Designated areas for existing vendors, push carts, street vendors, and hawkers
Fitness zone
• Redesigned to improve visual and physical access to the lake
• Includes paths for walking, jogging, and cycling
Playscape
• Addressing the lack of color, versatility, and accessibility in existing play spaces
• Creating play areas for both adults and kids
Eco zone
• Protecting local flora and fauna diversity
• Landscaping for ecological restoration with decks for sight views, bird watching, and fishing
Heath and welness zone
• Opening wellness spaces to the lake to utilize nature’s healing properties
• Featuring yoga and meditation halls, as well as outdoor gyms
Playscape
Eatery Gallery Space Community Space Views
Residential Entry
Ramanaicken Lake
Architecture & Planning
Mumbai Coast, India
May2023
3
Thesis
A visionary waterborne community, thoughtfully designed to preserve the cultural heritage and provide a sustainable haven for the Koli community of Maharashtra, India.
Koliwada 2.0
The Koli settlements:
The Koli community, known for its fishing heritage, maintains a strong bond with the sea, shaping their lifestyle and cultural traditions. Their settlements feature small, colorful shanties and chawls, as well as old duplexes with external iron staircases. This architecture not only serves practical needs but also reflects the community’s resilience and adaptability in the face of urbanization.
Current World Trends
The Koli community:
The Koli fishing community with authentic tribal fishermen and old school fishing techniques has thrived here for more than 6 centuries. Age old practices start early in the morning with fishing boats going out to sea and coming back late at night via the connected mahim creek.
Precarious access to public transportation
Lack of quality in public space and the abandoned cultural heritage
Occupation in risk areas of coastline due to the annual monsoon flooding and rising sea levels
Cleveland dock
Jetty
Mumbai now 7 Islands of Mumbai Mumbai- 2º inc.
Worli- 2º inc.
Worli now
Worli- 4º inc.
Worli then
Mumbai- 4º inc.
Land Shortage Loss of Fauna Population Expansion Shoreline Erosion
India Maharashtra Mumbai- Worli
Spatial Zoning
Single dwelling unit
Double dwelling unit
Academic Zoning
Academic Zoning
Fish Market Zoning
Residential Zoning
Residential Zoning
Residential Zoning
Site proximity:
The site is located in the Arabian Sea, along the coast of Mumbai, India. The area is known for its monsoon season, which brings heavy rainfall and strong winds, and high tide and low tide changes. The main challenge of building on water is ensuring the structure’s stability in a dynamic and changing environment. The strucure must be able to withstand the impact of waves, currents, and winds. It must also be able to resist erosion and corrosion caused by exposure to saltwater.
Site Plan
Lower and upper kindergarden Administration Library Classrooms
Art room
Science and math lab
Student toilet Fish market
Fish processing unit
Nautical mile
Worli tip
Worli jetty
Koliwada now
Main road
Cleveland dock
Cargo Unloading
Helipad Import/ Export Dock 3D Oceanography zone Market Dock
320m
Double sleeping area unit Single sleeping area unit Department store
Fish processing unit Fish market
Arabian Sea
Planter
Architecture & Planning
Maharashtra, India
November 2022
A sustainable crematorium design that honors the principles of green burials, providing a serene and environmentally conscious space for the final journey of loved ones.
EcoSacred Crematorium design
Ensures mental well being of users- Shanthi.
Prevents contamination of ground water unlike conventional burial practices.
On site energy harvesting for all uses.
Sustainable measures and new technology ensures minimal wastage unlike traditional methods
Green burial practice and solar powered alkaline hydrolisis
Prevents land from turning to wastelands. Afforested land can be handed to wildlife trusts
Analyze existing wind patterns and sun path
Create a fluid form to facilitate laminar flow of wind
Designing for Emotional Wellness:
Landscaping for mourning can help alleviate stress and promote emotional healing by providing a serene and tranquil setting. By integrating natural elements, the space can offer a sense of comfort and connection to the natural world.
Creating a Sense of Place:
Landscaping for mourning can help create a sense of place that is unique and meaningful. By incorporating elements that reflect the cultural heritage, the space can provide a personalized experience.
Fostering Community Connection:
By creating a shared space that encourages communication and interaction, the design can facilitate healing and foster a sense of community.
Rammed earth
Porus concrete
Folliage
Section along general canteen
The goal of the project was to arrive at a sustainable strategy to design a humanist green funeral home that brings together people from all walks of life, honors death than treating it as a taboo subject, and most importantly, advocate methods to replenish flora and fauna of the proposed site and its surroundings. Sustainability development goals such as Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities, and Peace, justice, and strong institutions are also addressed in the proposal. The proposal of green burial practices like Alkaline hydrolysis and Capsula Mundi would not only help preserve natural areas but also conserve resources, prevent fertile lands from desertification, and help eliminate the use of hazardous embalming chemicals. This practice would help replenish flora and fauna, unlike a conventional burial ground where the land turns into a wasteland. The trees chosen for burial would pose as a monument for the dead and a legacy for the posterity and future of the planet.
Site Plan
A lot of organic shapes and forms were studied with respect to wind and sun. A few concepts used include fluid flow of spaces to facilitate laminar flow of wind, curvilinear forms to breakthrough conventional and common styles of rigid crematoria spaces and biophilia to encourage healing with nature. The concave form enhances adequate ventilation and heat performance when exposed to south orientation.
Section along Administration, Ceremonial and Cremation blocks
Kerala, India
May2021
Ilya Residential design
A distinguished abode crafted exclusively for the esteemed Dean of Kalakshetra College, blending elegance and functionality in perfect harmony.
Design philosophy
The design of this vernacular contemporary nalukettu house seeks to imbue the interiors with the essence of the site’s traditions and culture. By carefully selecting materials, colors, textures, and decor elements inspired by the local heritage, the residence creates a captivating ambiance that seamlessly blends modern living with the rich cultural tapestry, resulting in interiors that exude a sense of warmth, authenticity, and a deep connection to the site’s traditions and culture. Moreover, sustainability is embraced by carefully understanding the site, resulting in a design that harmoniously blends with its surroundings while minimizing environmental impact, ensuring a truly holistic and responsible approach to the architecture.
Landscaping of the project
Country: India State: Kerala District: Kannur
Elements:
Set on a 500sqm plot, this Kerala-style home blends traditional nalukettu elements with modern touches. It features a welcoming open veranda (poomukham), a modernized central courtyard (nadumuttaam), and charming charupaudi seating, evoking the rich heritage of a bygone era.
The architecture celebrates the concept of indoor-outdoor living, with large windows and open spaces that invite natural light and create a harmonious connection between the interior and exterior.
Elevation details
6
Archdias
Interior design
An innovative competition entry redefining the essence of home through meticulously crafted interiors that evoke a sense of comfort, functionality, and personal expression.
Kitchen and Dining:
The predominant use of wood in the furniture, flooring, and cabinetry brings a sense of warmth and rustic charm to the space. Earthy tones such as brown, beige, and terracotta are used for the walls, creating a soothing and organic backdrop.
Living
room:
The incorporation of planters and pots filled with greenery brings a refreshing and vibrant touch to the living room. The green foliage adds a sense of tranquility and helps purify the air, creating a healthier and more relaxing environment.
Powder room:
The walls and flooring in beige shades create a neutral and calming backdrop in the powder room. The incorporation of natural materials, soft lighting, and greenery, offers a refreshing and calming space for guests.
Bedroom:
The bedroom’s overall aesthetic is characterized by clean lines, minimalistic furniture, and a neutral color palette. The walls are painted in soft, neutral tones creating a backdrop that allows the wooden accents such as headboards to stand out.
Competition host: Archdias
Team Members: Hemanthika, Dhanush, Aiswarya
Style: Contemporary Biophilia
Type: Interior design
Nature-Inspired Harmony
Accents of green are thoughtfully introduced through a curated selection of potted plants and elegant botanical artwork, bringing a vibrant touch of nature into the interior. This infusion of greenery creates a refreshing sense of vitality, transforming the space into a serene retreat. The harmonious interplay of wood, earthy tones, and lush green elements establishes a balanced and inviting environment, reflecting a deep connection to nature.
To further enhance this natural aesthetic, a deliberate choice of natural textiles such as wool, linen, and cotton is employed for upholstery and cushions. These materials not only complement the rich wood and earthy color palette but also add layers of texture and warmth, elevating the overall comfort and appeal of the space.
Soft lighting fixtures, including warm-toned floor lamps and sconces, play a crucial role in creating a cozy ambiance. These lighting choices gently illuminate the room, highlighting the natural textures and subtle details of the décor. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the tactile qualities of the materials, contributing to a sense of intimacy and relaxation. This thoughtful combination of green accents, natural textures, and soft lighting culminates in a beautifully balanced and inviting space that celebrates nature’s tranquility and elegance.
