Alok Shrivastava Portfolio

ALOK SHRIVASTAVA MASTER OF DESIGN STUDIES CRITICALCONSERVATION HARVARD UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF DESIGN

ARCHITECTURAL PORTFOLIO

SELECTED WORKS

2003 - 2018

ALOK SHRIVASTAVA C R I T I C A L C O N S E R V AT I O N

CONTACT

WORK EXPERIENCE A S S O C I AT E A R C H I T E C T - PA S S I V E D E S I G N C O N S U LTA N T S Febr uar y 2016 - July 2016 E n e r g y a n d H VAC m o d e l i n g a n d a n a l y s i s I C l i m a t i c a n d i n s o l a t i o n s t u d y I W a t e r b a l a n c e I W i n d C F D I Integr ation of renewable ener gy systems and value-engineer ing I Business Development

A S S O C I AT E A R C H I T E C T - A R C H I T E C T U R A L D E S I G N P R AC T I C E December 2014 - Januar y 2016

857.333.7510 ashr ivastava@gsd.har vard.edu w w w. l i n k e d i n . c o m / i n / a l o k - s h r i v a s t a v a

PROFILE I am an architect specialising in critical urban and heritage studies. I have lead a diverse range of projects specializing in energy modeling, urban revitalization, housing, historic preservation, hospitality, institutional, interiors, and retail design. I am passionate about the realms of architectural design, design processes, urban design, and human-centric planning strategies with a focus on culture and traditions.

SKILLS A U TO C A D SKETCHUP ARCGIS REVIT P H OTO S H O P INDESIGN I L L U S T R ATO R

Design development I Planning and phasing of constr uction I Eco-resor t I Refurbishment of existing buildings I Coordination with var ious consultants and contr actor s I Business Development

P R O J E C T A R C H I T E C T - AG A K H A N T R U S T F O R C U LT U R E April 2012 - July 2014 Review and implementation of design I Construction management and phasing of preser vation I Prepar ing design br iefs for new buildings in the master plan I Liaisoning with public agencies, consultants and donor s I Research and design of outreach material I Interface with press, foreign, and local dignitar ies I Developing vir tual models of site and monuments I Par ticipator y planning and community engagement I Site super vision I DPR and funding proposals

A S S O C I AT E A R C H I T E C T - C H R O M E D D E S I G N C O L L A B O R AT I V E August 2011 - Februar y 2012 Design development I Mar ket research I Planning and phasing of constr uction I Str ategies for additions and alteration to existing structures I Site super vision I Coordination with MEP consultants I Business development I Bill of quantities I Estimation

P R O J E C T A R C H I T E C T - A S H W I N A LVA A S S O C I AT E S May 2009 - Apr il 2010 Design development I Constr uction detailing I Sanction dr awings I Bill of quantities I Estimation I

PREMIERE PRO

Coordination with MEP consultants I 3D modeling and visualization

V R AY EQUEST E C OT E C T IES VE

EDUCATION

TA B L E A U

M A S T E R O F D E S I G N S T U D I E S - H A R VA R D U N I V E R S I T Y

MS OFFICE

August 2016 - May 2018 Critical Conser vation Studies

L ANGUAGES English - Hindi - Bangla

B AC H E L O R O F A R C H I T E C T U R E - G G S I P U N I V E R S I T Y August 2003 - May 2009 Thesis and Disser tation on heritage preser vation and urban revitalization

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

AWARDS

Coalition for a Democratic India 2018 Dharamshala International Film Festival 2014 C o m p u t e r- A i d e d A r c h i t e c t u r a l Design Research in Asia (C AADRIA) 2005

AWA R D E D R D S E T H N A S C H O L A R S H I P 2 0 1 6 Mumbai, India S H O R T L I S T E D F O R F U L B R I G H T- N E H R U S C H O L A R S H I P 2 0 1 6 New Delhi, India R E C I P I E N T O F A L U M N I B U R S A RY C A A D R I A 2 0 0 5 New Delhi, India

Places I’ve worked

TABLE OF CONTENTS Professional Work Architecture: Nizamuddin Urban Revitalization Initiative, Delhi Aga Khan Development Network UNESCO World Heritage Site Humayun’s Tomb - Interpretation Centre Aga Khan Development Network Quli Qutb Shahi Tombs, Hyderabad Aga Khan Development Network Dreaming Child Architectural Design Practice The Infiniti Bay, Dabolim Ashwin Alva Associates The Grange, Chennai Ashwin Alva Associates Sample technical drawings Climate Responsive Design: Solar Radiation, Wind CFD & PET - Advant IT Park Passive Design Consultants Academic Work Death By History: The Embalming of Ahmedabad Harvard Graduate School of Design - Qualifying Research Miami: The Magic City of Displacement Harvard Graduate School of Design - Power and Place Re-public: Revitalization of Kashmere Gate, Delhi University School of Architecture and Planning - Undergrad Thesis Vermilion Curtains: Mapping Farmer Suicide Masked by Migration Finalist - Fisher Prize for Excellence in GIS

Nizamuddin: Urban Revitalization Initiative Aga Khan Development Network

Role:

Project Architect

Sundar Nursery is a heritage park developed around 16thCentury UNESCO World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi. Lying on the Mughal-era Grand Trunk Road, Sunder Nursery is spread over 90 acres (36 hectares), and it has 15 structures of historic significance. It contains over 300 types of trees, making it New Delhi’s first arboretum. Future plans aim to link nearby areas to develop it into India’s largest urban park covering 900 acres - often dubbed as New Delhi’s Central Park.

It is part of the larger Nizamuddin Urban Revitalization Initiative of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. Since 2007, over 50 monuments ranging from tombs, shrines, gardens, water structures, and ramparts have been conserved under the aegis of this initiative.

I reviewed the landscape and services design, construction management and supervised its implementation. I liaised with the project’s public - private partners and donors, coordinated public interactions, and designed outreach material. My interdisciplinary team included historians, craftspersons, conservators, landscape architects, GIS professionals, ornithologists, horticulturist, civil engineers, gardeners, and private contractors.

PROFESSIONAL WORK

CULTURE

ECOLOGY

DEVELOPMENT-BASED APPROACH TO PRESERVATION

SUSTAINABILITY

LIVELIHOOD

Heritage Axis

PROFESSIONAL WORK

Proposed Master Plan Over 100 acres of land in Central Delhi, reclaimed from dilapidation, and illegal occupation, is being revived by arguably India’s biggest craftbased conservation and integrated socioeconomic initiative.

Legend Concrete Road Stone Path Grit path/Trail Lake/Water body Monument Parking Lawn Nursery Beds Flower Beds

Areas I oversaw the development of.

Nizamuddin: Urban Revitalization Initiative Aga Khan Development Network

01

Process

02

Mughal Pavilion is one of the 15 Mughal-era structures inside the Sundar Nursery - Batashewala Complex. Documenting and damage-assessment of the pavilion was my first commission for the Aga Khan Development Network. The derelict structure stood hidden behind tall grass and vegetation which reflected years of neglect. Sandstone sunshades and brackets along with pieces of decorative plasterwork were recovered from the excavations around the structure. My team’s task was to analyze these components and subsequently work out a strategy to restore the structure with the help of trained stone craftspersons.

Buildings serve as primary units for the revitalization and every monument needed to be documented with a detail that was sensitive to the historical as well as the contemporary cultural context.

The process involved sketching the visual details, documenting the material characteristics, creating digital renderings to the sketches and creating a work flow to drive the restoration process, down to the mason level.

PROFESSIONAL WORK

03

04

05

My first assignment with the AKDN was to document this building. It was followed by assessing the extent of damage, piecing together archaeological remains found in the excavation, and working out a strategy to restore the pavilion.

01. Typical elevation of the Mughal Pavilion 02. Details that were hand drawn at the site later served as reference to analyze the structure 03. The17th-Century Mughal pavilion as it was found in a ruinous state in 2007 04. Trained craftsmen restoring decorative plasterwork 05. The Mughal Pavilion after preservation of the building and the garden

PROFESSIONAL WORK

Contemporary interpretation of a Mughal Garden.

01

02

03

01. A newly laid out Central Heritage Axis serves as the spine for pedestrian movement and connects several early and late-Mughal monuments 02. The contemporary scheme combines elements of a Mughal Garden, garden tombs, and modern amenities such as an amphitheater and other spaces for public assembly 03. One of the three large garden tombs, locally referred to as the Lakkarwala Tomb after preservation.

Nizamuddin: Humayun’s Tomb Interpretation Centre Aga Khan Development Network

Role:

Project Architect

The Humayun’s Tomb Interpretation Centre is located at the physical and cultural intersection of three historically linked sites of (i) 14th-Century Nizamuddin Shrine, (ii) 16th-Century Humayun’s Tomb, and (iii) Sunder Nursery-Batashewala Complex with structures from early to late Mughal-era. Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) prepared a proposal for a sunken site museum and allied facilities at the behest of the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Urban Development, Govt. of India. Nieto Sobejano Architects of Spain, winners of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2010, prepared the initial scheme. The project was eventually commissioned to Vir Mueller Architects, India and is currently under construction.

My responsibilities included, but were not limited to: a. Preparing the design brief for both the proposals b. Review of designs and implementation of AKDN’s vision c. Representing the foundation in government meetings, public events, donor interactions d. Construction management and coordination with consultants e.g. impact assessment, revenue modeling, MEP e. Grant writing f. Preparing DPRs g. Designing outreach material e.g. signage, fliers, relevant sections of organization’s annual report

PROFESSIONAL WORK

Sunder Nursery - Batashewala Complex 15th to 17th Century

Interpretation Centre Site Museum

Humayun’s Tomb 16th-Century

Nizamuddin Shrine 14th-Century

Interpretation Centre - Site Museum at the intersection of three historically linked sites

Intricate stone lattice

Functional Plan

Recursive operations to generate the scheme

PROFESSIONAL WORK

Stepped-wells (Baoli) of North India as a model for public spaces

Geometric evolution of the roofscape

Exploded Axonometric View

Section 01

Section 02

PROFESSIONAL WORK

02

01

PROFESSIONAL WORK

A sequence of abstracted sunken courts and gardens.

03

04 05

01. Pedestrian connection to Sunder Nursery 02. Souvenir Shop + Cafeteria 03. Skylights 04. Entrance Plaza 05. Amphitheater 06. Bus parking

06

Nizamuddin: Urban Revitalization Project Aga Khan Development Network

Designing outreach for the Aga Khan Development Network required creating a visual identity for the project.

DEVELOPING

This area is being developed to serve as a setting for appropriate cultural events in the backdrop of the Sunderwala Mahal and Burj. A sunken garden will be created around the setting celebrating the historic lotus pond found here during excavation.

A WORLD CLASS NURSERY

SUNDER NURSERY Artist’s impression of the amphitheatre at Sunder Nursery

LOCAL AREA & DETAILS

SNAPSHOT

SUNDAR NURSERY

AMPHITHEATRE Framed by two exquisite Mughal-era monuments the amphitheatre will serve as an ideal setting for culturally sensitive programmes. Its half octagonal shape an seat 700 persons while the lawns to its south will accommodate 1000 more. Revenues generated from the functions will be directed towards the maintenance and upkeep of Sunder Nursery.

The lawn between the Sunder Burj and Sunderwala Mahal will serve as a large flower show area capitalizing on Sunder Nursery's central location in the city.

Oct, 2010

WASTE STONE HAS BEEN CUT INTO TILES AND USED TO FINISH THE VISIBLE STRUCTURE OF THE AMPHITHEATRE IN ORDER TO ENSURE OPTIMUM USE OF Sep, 2013 RESOURCES AND HOMOGENEITY

FLOWER SHOW AREA

AMPHITHEATRE

AMPHITHEATRE SPILL OVER

These new programmatic interventions will enable the park to become a cultural hub together with the heritage and environmental hub it is likely to become.

YOU A R E HERE

LOCAL AREA PLAN

FLOWER SHOW AREA

Dec, 2012

Plan of the Amphitheatre, Spill over and Flower Show Area

NURSERY BEDS SYSTEMATIC ACCESS TO NURSERY BEDS

DEVELOPING

Once inaccessible due to overgrown weeds, this area has been transformed into 7.5 acres of nursery beds. This has allowed reorganizing nursery functions in a linear manner with service pathways, electrical and water lines for each bed and conveniently located sale points.

A WORLD CLASS NURSERY

SUNDAR NURSERY

ADJOINING AREA 01

REORGANIZING NURSERY FUNCTIONS

ADJOINING AREA 02

ADJOINING AREA 03

TROPICAL ENCLOSURE

In the planting season of 2011, AKTC carried out relocation of the canna gardens facilitating an easy access through the peripheral road.

Currently it holds 8 varieties of cannas.

SUCCULENT SECTION EXHIBITION SPACE CAFETERIA

CANNA GARDEN

BIRD HABITAT

AZIMGANJ GARDEN

The forecourt of the 16th Cent.

Azimganj Sarai is adorned by this magnificent garden which provides visual linkage to the monument and a befitting culmination of the ceremonial central vista

•

•

LAKKARWALA GARDEN

special fruit and flower-bearing trees plantation spreading over 15 acres nearly 50 bird species identified so far

ARBORETUM A large Arboretum and micro habitat zone which will showcase over 300 varieties of tree species and the different habitats (ridge/river/flood plain and a lake for water borne) of the city respectively, will be created.

YOU A R E HERE

Apart from being a walk-in-open-air museum of trees of Delhi, a significant bird habitat will be created to bring back birds, some of which are rapidly disappearing from the city.

BONSAI HOUSE

will hold plants from tropical and southern parts of India on display as well as interpretation facility for microhabitat zones

Here, you’ll also find the Bonsai house which have been created to host exquisite species of bonsai - some over 80 years old generously donated by renowned botanist Mr.Agnihotri in the 1950’s.

GARDEN HOUSE

YOU ARE HERE Over 30 species of butterflies have been identified at the Sunder Nursery so far and their number is steadily increasing with careful planting and restoration of native species of flora.

ADJOINING AREA 04 PROJECT IDENTITY

PARTNERS

PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPING

A WORLD CLASS NURSERY

“Creating green spaces in urban areas constitutes a significant improvement in the quality of the environment and people’s living conditions. They are leisure spaces and meeting places for people for all ages and all social categories, encouraging different sectors of the population to mix and integrate.

And they have proved to be catalyst for economic activity and a source of employment, both directly and indirectly, particularly through the services provided for visitors.”

- His Highness the Aga Khan

SUNDER NURSERY

The Sunder Nursery stands on the Mughal-era Grand Trunk Road and is home to several significant monuments dating from the 16th century.

Sunder Nursery, previously known as Azim Bagh (the Great Garden), was established in 1913 by the British as a nursery for tree and plant species (native and imported) required for the new capital, THE NEW DELHI

Transformations: Through

Azimganj Sarai

a

CONSERVATION BASED APPROACH & SENSITIVE SITE PLANNING Sunder Nursery is undergoing a transformation.

• Conservation of Monuments • Improved entry & roads • Reinforcing heritage axis • Redevelopment of nursery areas • Buildings for nurseryuse • Proposed vegetation

SHOWCASING DELHI’S GARDEN HOUSE MICROHABITATS will hold plants from

• Recreational features & aquatic display • Linkages & infill in forest areas • Path system • Formal & informal Gardens • Arboretum • Buildings for cultural & nursery use

tropical and southern parts of India on display as well as interpretation facility for microhabitat zones

BONSAI HOUSE

hosts exquisite species of bonsai some over 80 years old donated by renowed botanist Mr. Agnihotri in 1950’s GARDEN HOUSE BONSAI HOUSE

NATURE TRAILS FORMAL GARDENS PEAFOWL HABITAT

ECOLOGY PEAFOWL HABITAT AKTC is planting trees and shrubs that would attract a number of birds with their high canopies, dense understorey shrubs and fruit-bearing species

FIRST

Inspired from traditional Mughal gardens and Persian carpet patterns, the CENTRAL AXIS acts as the primary pedestrian spine for visitors to the Sunder Nursery.

CENTRAL AXIS YOU A R E HERE

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ARBORETUM OF THE CITY

A large Arboretum and micro habitat zone which will showcase 300 varieties of tree species and the different habitats (ridge/ river/flood plain and a lake for water borne) of the city respectively, will be created.

Apart from being a walk-in-open-air museum of trees of Delhi, a significant bird habitat will be created to bring back birds, some of which are rapidly disappearing from the city.

DABAR (MARSHY)

KOHI (HILL)

KHADAR (RIVERINE)

BANGAR (ALLUVIAL)

HERITAGE TRAIL MONUMENTS AT LAKKARWALA BURJ (16th Cent.)

SUNDER BURJ (EARLY 16th Cent.)

SUNDERWALA MAHAL

MUGHAL PAVILION (17th Cent.)

ARCHED PLATFORM

GRAVE PLATFORM

SUNDER NURSERY

Hyderabad: Quli Qutb Shahi Tombs Aga Khan Development Network

01

Role:

3D Modeling Site Analytics DPR

The Quli Qutb Shah Archaeological Park includes 70 structures, encompassing 40 mausoleums, 23 mosques, 5 stepwells/water structures, a hamam (mortuary bath), pavilions, garden structures and enclosure walls built during the reign of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty that ruled the Hyderabad region for 170 years in the 16th and 17th centuries. The archaeological park is being in the process of being nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

01. Md. Quli Qutb Shah’s Tomb 02. Jamsheed Quli Qutb Shah’s Tomb

02

PROFESSIONAL

Play School: Dreaming Child Architectural Design Practice

Role:

Associate Architect

Instantly popular with the community, Dreaming Child is a Montessori school which focuses on creating spaces and experiences rather than rooms. We achieved a diversity of spaces by placing an ‘exploration hut’ in the middle of the room.

It divided as well as organised the main hall into four sections to stimulate language, visual creativity, mathematics, and practical skills.

The flexible layout of the space lends itself to be used by people of different age groups. This, in turn, helps the school to diversify its stakeholders and activities, all the while ensuring an optimal use of the space.

PROFESSIONAL WORK

General Arrangement Plan.

Detail-B circular opening

Detail-A Pine wood

Detail-B Pine wood Detail-B circular opening

N.B :A-301 * Referfor drawing for Genral Arrangement N.B : * Refer drawing GenralA-301 Arrangement * Refer for drawing A-309a for Structural Detail . * Refer drawing A-309a Structural Detail .

Detail-A Detail-A Pinecircular wood opening

N.B : * Refer dr * Refer drawing

Detail-A circular opening

D

Mar-17

Mar-17

Detail-A Pine wood

Detail-A circular opening

D

D Mar-17

Mar-17

PROFESSIONAL WORK

N.B : * Refer N.B ** Refer drawing forA-301 Genral for Genral N.B ::drawing Refer A-301 drawing A-301 forArrangement Genral Arrangement Arrangement * Refer drawing Refer A-307 drawing forA-307 A-307 Structural for Structural Structural Detail . Detail Detail .. ** Refer drawing for * Refer drawing ** Refer drawing A-307a Exploration for Hut Layout Hut Refer A-307a drawingfor A-307a for Exploration Exploration Hut. Layout Layout ..

B : * Refer drawing A-301 for Genral Arrangement Refer drawing A-307 for Structural Detail .

Refer drawing A-307a for Exploration Hut Layout .

Villas: The Infiniti Bay, Dabolim Ashwin Alva Associates

Master Plan

Set on a contoured site and located by Goa’s most scenic bay Project Architect in the Arabian Sea, The Infiniti Bay is a luxury housing project in 5.5 acres of site with 24 Goa. Efficient planning allowed the villas and townhouses to be villas, 20 townhouses, expansive and robust. clubhouse, and spa.

I did design development, construction detailing, sanction and tender drawings, market research, coordination with MEP consultants, 3D modeling and visualization, preparation of bill of quantities, estimation, and specifications of materials and finishes.

Role:

PROFESSIONAL WORK

01

3D visualizations The Infiniti Bay 01. Living Room 02. Infinity Pool 03. View of the Zuari River with an infinity pool in the foreground

02

03

Villas: The Grange, Chennai Ashwin Alva Associates

Master Plan

Role:

Project Architect 2.5 acres of site with 28 luxury villas, and 7000 sq ft of club facility.

The Grange is located in a busy urban area and siting 28 expansive luxury homes on a tight site provided a challenging brief to work with. An interlocking structure of these villas tooks months to workout espcially because of the minor variations in a few of the villas. A series of robust spaces, decks, gardens, pools, and courts finished with warm and earthy materials place The Grange in a niche in Chennai’s luxury housing market.

I did design development, construction detailing, sanction and tender drawings, market research, coordination with MEP consultants, 3D modeling and visualization, preparation of bill of quantities, estimation, and specifications of materials and finishes.

PROFESSIONAL WORK

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02

03

04

3D visualizations The Grange.

01. Master bedroom 02. Living room 03. Bathroom type - 01 04. Bathroom type - 02 05. Entrance

05

PROFESSIONAL WORK

Infinity Bay at Dabolim, Goa. Town House Internal Staircase Details

PROFESSIONAL WORK

Tarlanagal Housing Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Clubhouse

Interiors Club Flooring & Details Reflected Ceiling Plan

PROFESSIONAL WORK

Tarlanagal Housing Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Clubhouse

Interior - Change and Toilet Elevations

PROFESSIONAL WORK

Tarlanagal Housing Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Clubhouse

Interior - Gym Elevations

Insolation Study: Advant IT Park, Noida Passive Design Consultant

Proposed Building

Existing Building N

Role:

Project Architect

I conducted a number of climate responsive analyses for Passive Design Consultants, Delhi. This project was demonstrative because it required multiple types of such analyses conducted on the same site.

01. Solar radiation analysis (Ecotect) 02. Shadow analysis (Ecotect) 03. Wind CFD (IES Virtual Environment) 04. Energy modeling (EQUEST) 05. Glare analysis (Ecotect) 06. Physiological Equivalent Temperature

ACADEMIC WORK

N 01

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Solar radiation and shadow range analyses.

01. Simulation to measure heat gain through solar radiation in different zones of the site.

02. Shadow analysis and dynamic animation a. Summer Solstice June 21st b. Equinox September 21st c. Winter Solstice December 21st.

b

b

c

c

Wind CFD and PET Analyses: Advant IT Park, Noida Summer

Courtyard Courtyard

Plaza 01 Plaza 02

Plaza 02

Terrace

Monsoon

Winter

ACADEMIC WORK

A combination of insolation, wind CFD*, and PET*analysis is used to design strategies for an optimal climate responsive performance.

By using a combination of strategies analyzing solar exposure, wind circulation, and Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) analysis, we were able to make effective strategies to inform the design of public spaces in the building complex.

Evaporative cooling in summer, localized outdoor heating in winter, and runnels carrying chiller or condenser water for monsoon months were simulated and were found to be effective without any significant increase in the cost.

* CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics PET Physiological Equivalent Temperature

Death by History: The Embalming of Ahmedabad Qualifying Research Paper Abstract Research paper examining social and urban implications of UNESCO designations in a dual society.

I am looking at the UNESCO designation of Ahmedabad, India as a World Heritage City because of its sordid history of communal pogroms in order to present an alternative narrative. I illustrate in this paper that different areas of the city will be affected differently by the designation. It will act as a power tool to restore the cultural hegemony of the dominant class with conspicuous detrimental social outcomes to the other. The neoliberal branding of Ahmedabad masks the violence against the religious minorities. It obscures the differential treatment of Muslims and in reality it is a monument to what is described as Hindu liberalism. This paper serves few key objectives. It illustrates that the uncritical application of the historic preservation discourse especially by international agencies like UNESCO preserves social segregation, masks the violence in the state as well as gives the state more tools to purge the city of the supposed others. I construct a diagrammatic projection of the old city of Ahmedabad to show the structural biases which the designation will preserve and foster. The transition in the international debate from decolonization to development and, in the last few decades, towards globalization is a self-imposed acculturation. The vanguard willingly adopts a self-inflicting and self-contradictory stance. Instead, I construct the identity of Ahmedabad through its historical connections and in contrast to what the other Ahmedabad is. Drawing from Kristeva’s formulation of abjection, I assert that Ahmedabad’s identity is intrinsically linked with its supposed other.

Finally, I assert that the objective of reclaiming authenticity is the retrieval of an imagined, uncorrupted origin. I elucidate through the dialectic of purity and corruption - Hindu and the other - that the search for purity is the ultimate excuse for purgative actions.

Keywords: Ahmedabad * UNESCO World Heritage City* historic preservation * religious minorities in India * displacement * Hindu nationalism *

ACADEMIC WORK

CIAL JUSTICE SO CONSERVATIVE CASTE POLITICS BODY

HINDU-MUSLIM

POLITICS

DIVIDE CONTROL OF RESOURCES BY THE 1%

TERRITORY

H E R ITAG E

UNESCO DESIGNATION OF AHMEDABAD

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OF

NATIONALISM

IO

N

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TA

IO

HOMOGENIZATION

TE

NEO-LIBERAL POLICIES

M COM

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IZ

AT

AT

N

NEO-COLONIALISM

E

I RC

A

Miami: The Magic City of Displacement Short Film + Research Paper

This project analyzes social vulnerability to climate change for the communities living along the Miami River living in the neighbourhoods between Hialeah and Little Havana. The choice of area of study is guided by a digital simulation prepared by Climate Central according to which these neighbourhoods lie at an immediate risk of flooding caused by climate change. Access to economic and infrastructural resources are understood to be key determinants in assessing a community’s climate resilience.

A concurrence of multiple unfavourable conditions will imply a low capacity to combat climatic anomalies that are fast becoming a norm. Access to resources is further subdivided to highlight the nature of vulnerability that gets compounded with the extra burden of combating climate change. Social vulnerability to climate change can be analysed by many macro-level factors such as global developmental politics, government policies and regulations and many micro factors like age, employment, public health, size of a household and cost of utilities.

ACADEMIC WORK

01

02

05

Examining the correlation of social vulnerability to climate change in the context of Miami.

01. Projected coastal flooding at 5ft rise of sea level 02. Concentration of low-income households 03. Concentration of households with female heads 04. Aging population with increasing liabilities 05. Low levels of education attainment 06. Concentration of migrant population 07. Coincides with redlining maps

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06

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Nandu: The Soul of Haikou Ethnography + Almanac + Strategy

A fish out of water

Nandu is one of the main rivers on the Hainan Province of China and is considered a lifeline for the City of Haikou. I conducted ethnographic studies with local residents as well as migrants who moved to Haikou in search of a better life. By conducting ethnographic surveys we realized that a large section of the population in Hianan has moved there because of economic opportunities which were intrinsically linked to the river and the sea. Despite that, there’s a general apathy towards the river and its fast deteriorating state. This is reflected in the murky and stinking water of the river which is being used mostly to transport city’s refuse into the sea. Despite its appalling state, there’s heavy monetization of the land facing the river further limiting the access to the river, thus, creating a physical and emotional barrier between the river and its people.

My strategy to reinvigorate this connection involves a two-pronged approach - (a) Creating cultural avenues to encourage a tangible and intangible exchange with the river and (b) reorganizing the economy around water-management.

ACADEMIC WORK

Ethnic Communities

Nandu River

Seasonal

Occupational

• • • •

Han Li Miao Yi

Existing Festivals like Hot Spring Festival, The Legend of Dragon Water, Boat Racing, Torch Festivals reprogrammed to have an active interface with the river.

• • • •

Monsoon Harvest Summer Spring

• • • • • • •

Fisherman Tourism Retail/Shopping Rubber Plantation Coconut Plantation Shipping Sector Academic/Didactic

Identifying the different stakeholder groups and events in the course of the river.

Different stakeholders were identified to introduce avenues of interactions with Nandu River.

Fishing Community Tourists Hospitality Tour Operators Taxi Drivers Farmers Traders, Corporate, Engineering Big Retail Brands Big Data Researchers Children & Young Adults

Creating cultural nudges to restore Nandu at the center of Haikou life A river-based Almanac Harvest Day for farmers

A river-based Almanac Fishermans’ Festival

A river-based Almanac Market Day for locals & tourists

Rekindling the romance of the river

The river personified as a mischievous young girl Nandu Transit Card

Nandu Water Taxi

ACADEMIC WORK China’s GDP Composition GDP in USD Manufacturing Agriculture Services

46.1% 4,259,214,832,230

100% 9,240,270,452,050

10.0% 925,204,387,867

43.9% 4,055,851,231,952

The Primary Sector: Agriculture

The Tertiary Sector: The Service Industry

Wholesale and retail, Transportation, warehousing and postal services, Accommodation and Catering, Information Transmission, Software and Information The Secondary Sector: Technology Services, Finance, Real Manufacturing Estate, Leasing and Business Services, Scientific Mining Industry, Research and Technical Services, Manufacturing, Electricity, Heat, Gas and Water production Water Conservancy, Environmental and Supply Industry, Construction and Public Facilities Management, Resident Services, Repairs and Industry.

Other Services, Education, Health and Social Work, Culture, Sports and Entertainment, Public Administration, Social Security and Social Organization, International Organizations.

The proposed long-term strategy to conserve Nandu River is to reorganize the economy of the island province in a manner which places jobs pertaining to water and water management at its core.

The island province of Hainan cannot afford to treat one of its main rivers as a conduit to carry city’s refuse. In order to re-center it in the life its citizens, Hainan must recognize that its existence is intrinsically linked with that of the river. Besides the neglect and pollution, the rising sea levels pose a further challenge to the city and its reservers of fresh water. There is an urgent need to reorganize the local as well as national economics to account for the fast deterorating state of the environment as there’s a heavy cost attached to not acting now.

Agriculture, Forestry, Animal Husbandry, Fishery

Sub sectors of the economy which either directly or indirectly interface with the river or the sea surrounding the island.

Re-Public: Revitalization of Kashmere Gate Undergraduate Architecture Thesis

Under the guise of protection, historic structures in India have become isolated islands of forgotten heritage. They are neglected and under constant threat of being encroached or demolished.

The monuments rarely hold any importance for the public in the present scenario, being viewed more as a burden for the tax payer than as reserves of our history and cultural heritage. The Kashmere Gate monument complex has tremendous historical significance but is largely being neglected due to its disconnect with the current generation.

Re-Public attempts to integrate the architectural heritage with its immediate surroundings creating a well- knit urban environment.

It explores the possibility of using our monuments to positively contribute to the urban environment, enhancing the urban experience and thus becoming an asset to the city. The area would be developed to stimulate the local economy, boost tourism and yet remain socially and culturally relevant.

To this effect, a mixed land use module was adopted. It provided community links by serving the needs of businesses, residents and commuters, with an emphasis on the importance of the quality of the urban space.

By opening up and inviting people into the site, they are coaxed to form new, personal connections, and the area starts acquiring relevance and meaning for them.The attempt is to create sensitive architecture which helps augment the importance of the monument and other layers of human history without resorting to imitation or caricature. The architecture and landscape language is subtle to keep the emphasis on the Kashmere Gate monument.

ACADEMIC WORK

CONTINUITY

INSPIRATION

CULTURE

HISTORY

A dilapidated 17th Century city gate and crumpling walls provided the inspiration to explore cultural and urban continuity in the Kashmere Gate area of Delhi.

ACADEMIC WORK

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Robust public spaces.

A robust design of public spaces allows them to expand or shrink as per the need of the event being hosted.

01. One of the public spaces being used for hosting a banquet 02. The same space being used for a musical event 03. The same space being used for a large concert 02

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Re-Public: Revitalization of Kashmere Gate Undergraduate Architecture Thesis

ACADEMIC WORK

Elements of the Landscape Developing a coherent design language 01. Bollard 02. Lamp posts 03. Portals to be placed along the pedenstrian thoroughfare 04. Interactive cubes to emulate fragments of the Old City’s ramparts strewn around the landscape 05. Proposed auditorium as seen against the 16th Century city ramparts

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Re-Public: Revitalization of Kashmere Gate Undergraduate Architecture Thesis

Exploded Axonometric View

ACADEMIC WORK + 03 Level Rental office space

+ 02 Level

Auditorium Rental office space

+ 01 Level

Auditorium Public Spaces Rental office space Landscape

- 01 Level Rental office space Amphitheatre Retail Art Gallery Parking

- 02 Level Banquet Retail Art Gallery Parking

- 03 Level Retail Parking Utilities & Services

Vermilion Curtains: Mapping Farmer Suicide Masked by Migration Fisher Prize for excellence in GIS - Finalist

Farmers suicide in India has reached pandemic proportions. It has also begun to acquire something of a notorious sensationalism. But still, over 40% of suicide remains unreported or misreported, both unintentionally and intentionally. Causes contributing to suicide finally get manifested in the form of small landholding sizes; the average landholding size in India is ~2 ha, a hundred times lower than the American counterpart. The land not being enough for sustenance, farmers have to migrate and for half the year, their status changes from “farmer” to “shortterm labourer” - a phenomena extremely difficult to document. This leads confounds the suicide data, coupled with the political agenda of suppressing the suicide reports by categorizing the cause of suicide as “Other”, “Poverty”, even “Unnatural Causes” including “ghost possession”. In fact, the number of suicides reported in some of the worst damaged states have officially gone down in the past two censuses.

In such a case, the first intuitive hypothesis was using the suicide data from the proximate cities, asserting that the agricultural suicide numbers are absorbed by the city’s numbers. The data on short term

migration had been hitherto uncollected; however a short-term labor dataset from National Sample Survey Office released in 2008 allowed scope for analysis. The next map juxtaposes the city suicide against the state-wise short term migration, giving an insight that the “zero-suicide”states like Bihar and Jharkhand, actually have a large migration. The next improvement in data came with the interstate migration mapping by (Bhagat, Mohanty 2009) which has been juxtaposed with state-wise agricultural suicide data to demonstrate the few metros that digest the realities of agricultural deploration from states far-off.

This mapping is an attempt to weave a narrative with the meagre nascent data. The relational mapping attempts to manifest in statistics what is obvious through subjective data. This project was a part of a larger research attempt at the Masters in Design Engineering Studio to create holistic agricultural systems and metrics to mitigate farmer suicides in the short run, and eventually strengthen farmer well-being and input in strategy and policy making.

ACADEMIC WORK In collaboration with Neeti Nayak

Digital Elevation Model: Mapping the hypothesized internal migration of the farmers who commit suicide from proximate districts to the metros.

CONTACT ashrivastava@gsd.harvard.edu 857.333.7510

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