Anagha Thottam Spring 2025 Architecture Portfolio

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My name is Anagha Thottam. I am a third-year student at the University of Waterloo Architecture in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.

Through my studies, I have learned that we, as people, are constantly influenced by the spaces we are in. Architecture uses a combination of sensory stimuli, design principles, and cultural influences to create atmospheres that can evoke specific feelings and moods. Within these spaces, people can gather, grow and learn.

Throughout my work, I experiment with different materials and structural forms, trying to push the boundaries of what is possible. My goal is to create immersive spaces that make a positive and meaningful experience. I am eager to grow, enhance my skills and discover fresh viewpoints.

From Ontario, Canada

anaghathottam@gmail.com (647) 575-0449

Curriculum Vitae

Experience

Architectural Intern, WCIT Architecture

Contributed to concept design, site updates, and renderings using Rhino, SketchUp, and AutoCAD. I conducted research on Hawaiian culture and sustainable landscaping, and prepared materials for client meetings, enhancing my skills in culturally informed and sustainable design.

Architectural Assistant, University of Waterloo

Supported design and project management teams by assisting with renovations and additions, preparing contract documents, updating plans, drafting CAD drawings, and organizing project data.

Branding And Marketing, Team Jisha

As part of the design team, I helped brand Team Jisha by designing the logo, brochures, and business cards.

Book Cover Design, Betty Paul Thottam

Designed three book covers for Strange Tales from India by Betty Paul Thottam, using Gimp and Inkscape, and created the story layouts with Scribus.

Education

University Of Waterloo School Of Architecture

Candidate for Graduate with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Class of 2027)

Distinctions

Excellent Academic Standing

President’s Scholarship

Awarded with admission average of 90-94.4%

Skills Analog

RE: Letter of Recommendation for Anagha Thottam

December 30, 2024

I am writing to recommend Anagha Thottam. I had the pleasure of working with and getting to know Anagha between September 9, 2024 and December 16, 2024 during her Internship at WCIT Architecture. As Principal-in-Charge, we worked together on a façade renovation project for a chapel a t a private school. Work phases began with site observations through part of the Design Development phase.

Anagha is a conscientious, hard-working, reliable, and self-initiating employee. She maintains a positive attitude and was a consummate team player demonstrating strengths in organization, communication (both verbal and visually through imagery and drawing), the ability to adapt, learn by doing, and creative thinking. Her design methodology appears to be one comfortable with being curious and having to research what is unknown or not understood. She also appeared comfortable in thinking through design decisions by making multiple iterations and problem solving through working out solutions, then testing them, seeking comments and other perspectives, before incorporating them into new revised ideas and solutions. Her attention to detail and critical thinking stands out as additional strengths. For example, in developing schemes for the façade renovation, she devised ways to not only streamline a production process when iterating the multiple design options, but in doing so she experimented with new ideas and options that revealed themselves in the process and then thought critically about those ideas, communicating in detail their strengths and challenges.

Within the office environment Anagha is a pleasure to work with. She is warm and engaging when socializing and networking within the office and among the staff. Our office is involved in many nonprofit, cultural, and social volunteer activities and Anagha was happy to assist on activities. For the reasons and characteristics described here, I expect Anagha would make a meaningful contribution to any office or project team.

If you have any questions or are seeking further information about Anagha, feel free to contact me at 808.592.2345.

Sincerely,

WHAT’S INSIDE

Connect Bridge Riverside Amphitheatre

01 CONNECT BRIDGE

Class: Arch 193 Design Studio

Studio coordinator: Isabel Ochao and David Correa

Media: Rhino 7, Enscape, Adobe AI & PS

Connect is a bridge composed of wooden chain links located in Victoria Park, Kitchener. These framebased structures exude a rustic and timeless charm. The warm, earthy tones of the wood blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The placement of the frames captures the best views of the surrounding landscape. The frames’ measurements depict the proportions of humans at different periods of life. As pedestrians walk along the bridge, the frames get larger, symbolizing growing up.

Longitudinal Section

Deck composed of timber 2”x 4”s with a 1/8” gap between each plank, to insure accessibility for wheelchair users. The deck is even and slip resistant providing optimal conditions.

The average toddler is 100cm tall

2.1m thick beams The beams bench to get room

long timber bench constructed by 5cm beams with brass connecting rods. beams are separated by 5cm gaps. The bench is long enough for wheelchair users on and off. In addition there is enough for a compainion.

The sizes of the frames depict the proportions of individuals in various periods of life. The first frame reflects the proportions of a toddler, the frame in the middle reflects the proportions of a person and the one at the end fits two people. This is represenative of growing up.

Exploded Axonometric

1. 10cm thick timber panel

2. Frame constructed with 20cm thickitimber iiiiibeam

3. Brass connection rod with a 10cm iiiiidiameter

4. 6cm diameter brass railing

5. Deck composed of timber 2” x 4”s with a iiiii1/8” gap between each plank

6. 40mm thick steel sleeve

7. 2” thick HSS beams

8. Concrete footing (2.5m x 1m base)

9. Glass

02 LIVING ARCHIVE OF INDIAN PUPPETRY

Class: Arch 292 Design Studio

Studio Coordinator: Lola Sheppard, Val Rynnimeri, Micheal Fohring

Media: Rhino 7, D5, Adobe PS

Step into the heart of Toronto’s cultural landscape and discover the enchanting world of Indian puppetry on Spadina. This dynamic archive resonates with the vibrant essence of traditional Indian puppet shows, weaving together tales of heritage and artistry. With its inviting front and back spaces evoking the energy of bustling street performances, the archive beckons all to immerse themselves in its rich narrative. As visitors wander through its open courtyard, they are transported to a realm where every corner echoes with the echoes of captivating performances. Come, be a part of this cultural journey where the past meets the present, and every moment is alive with the magic of Indian puppetry.

View from Spadina Ave.

Closed Shutters

When the shutters close, the archive pauses, awaiting the next set of performances.

Open Shutters

When the shutters open, the archive springs to life with vibrant performances, inviting all to immerse in its cultural tapestry.

Lobby
Washroom
Storage
Workshop
Public Display
Performance
Classroom
Resident’s Apartment
Maker’s Space
Mechanical
Office
Cafe

Workspace View

Mass Evolution

A rectilinear form with linear circulation that directs people past the space.

Step 2: Subtract the mass and create the void.

The rigid form limits street and interior interaction. How can we change this?

This new form acts as “open arms” that guides circulation into the building.

Step 1: Identify potential voids to invite the street inward and disrupt rigid movement.

Traditional Indian puppetry thrives on bustling streets, seamlessly drawing people in.

Cross Section

Coconut halves filled with oil and topped with lit cotton wicks provide light.

The puppet’s shadow dances on a thin white screen, visible from outside the building.

String Puppetry
Rod Puppetry
Glove Puppetry

Longitudinal Section

Marriononette Memoirs echoes the lively spirit of traditional Indian puppet shows, inviting the bustling street performances, it welcomes everyone to be a part of this cultural journey. Like the

community to join its vibrant narrative. With open front and back spaces reminiscent of the lively streets it embodies, Marriononette Memoirs embraces visitors with open arms.

04 RIVERSIDE AMPHITHEATRE

Class: Arch 173 Building Construction 2

Studio Coordinator: Terri Boake

Media: Rhino 7, Enscape, Adobe PS

Created in Collaboration with Eleni Kalpakidi

Riverside Amphitheatre is in Cambridge, Ontario. It is a versatile outdoor venue designed to host cultural, artistic, and community events. Nestled within the scenic surroundings of Cambridge, this amphitheatre showcases a perfect blend of contemporary design and a connection to nature. The amphitheatre’s weathered steel creates a modern aesthetic while ensuring structural stability.

Top View

Axonometric

Centerpiece Connection

OTHER WORKS:

PROFESSIONAL WORK SAMPLE

During my internship at WCIT Architecture, one of the projects I worked on was the facade design of the St. Alban’s Chapel at Iolani School in Honolulu, Hawaii. I assisted in conceptualizing the chapel’s exterior, ensuring the design aligned with the school’s values and the chapel’s Catholic identity. I collaborated with the project team to integrate modern design principles while respecting the site’s historic and spiritual significance.

OTHER WORKS:

HERSHEY’S KISS LOUNGER

The Hershey’s Kiss Lounger, functions as both a lounge chair and hammock. It first acts as a lounge chair. The lounge chair has a rotating arm that extends and turns to form a stand for a laptop or book. Its bamboo matt and cloth placemat are detachable. The bamboo placemat and attached arm rest can be removed. Once the bamboo placemat is removed, the metal bends to form a shape similar to a Heshey’s kiss chocolate and the cloth adjusts to form a hammock.

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