Deepika Banerjee

DEEPIKA BANERJEE Portfolio of Work

Email: deepikabanerjee@gmail.com Phone: 607 768 8384 Address: Apt No. 3, 5440 5th Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15232

Pittsburgh Riverfront Park

Urban Mixed Use Development Bloomfield, Pittsburgh PA

A new mixed-use center for one of the most high-visible sites in Pittsburgh

The intersection of the bridge, Liberty Avenue, and Main Street creates a major place of arrival to Bloomfield as the bridge is linked to major arterials from Downtown, Oakland, and the regional highway system. It serves not only the Bloomfield neighborhood, but West Penn and Children’s Hospitals and destinations throughout the East End. The area also anchors the western end of the Bloomfield Business District. The surrounding fabric of dense working class neighborhoods is largely intact, which situates the site within a highly walk able and potentially sustainable urban destination.

2 │ Bloomfield Mixed Use Center │ Bloomfield, Pittsburgh │ CMU Place-making Studio │ Fall 2013

Place-making Studio

Institutional

Green Space n Pen

Schools Offices Hospitals Churches

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Bloom

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Liberty Avenue

idge

Liberty Avenue

Commercial

Circulation

Others Restaurants Retails Supermarkets

Residential

Space Volume

Single Family Mult-family Row House Apartments

Existing conditions Bloomfield is known for its main street known as Pittsburgh’s “little Italy” whose main street is the center of the neighborhood culture with its array of shops and restaurants on Liberty Avenue that add great life to the street.

Its broad sidewalks, street furniture, various displays, and other small in-house modifications to the street have generated an identifying character to the street. This has generated a certain density which has in turn created a distinctive sense of place that attracts and sustains certain types of residents, organizations, entrepreneurial businesses, and patrons. This character is continued to the site along with a central space that acts as an extension of the Bloomfield community.

3 │ Bloomfield Mixed Use Center │ Bloomfield, Pittsburgh │ CMU Place-making Studio │ Fall 2013

Objectives Create building edges at square.

Create landscape edges.

Create main pedestrian crossing connections at square.

Reinforce new pedestrian links towards square.

Visual/physical links to related green space.

Create active building frontages with relevant uses.

New landmarks.

Improve legibility with gateways.

Reinforce and augment existing green structure.

Redefine green spaces.

Define new activity spaces.

Elderly Housing Rental Housing

Grocery with residence above

Market

Retail with Residence above

Rental Housing Pharmacy Cafe

Library above semi public retail

4 │ Bloomfield Mixed Use Center │ Bloomfield, Pittsburgh │ CMU Place-making Studio │ Fall 2013

Residential Zone: Rental Housing, Elderly Rental Housing

Institutional Zone: Library, Child Care Centre.

Zoning The residential blocks are designed in a modular pattern around the site perimeter where the upper floors connect private green spaces.

Market Zone: Retail shops, Grocery, Market, Coffee Shops etc.

A child care facility is placed on Gangwish street with its own dedicated open space that is safe and away from the high traffic of Liberty Avenue.

The retail spaces are all located on the first floor with direct connectivity to the sidewalks and pedestrian zones to facilitate window shopping and gatherings in arcaded retail areas.

Off-street parking is located in basement spaces with direct connections to the streets.

5 │ Bloomfield Mixed Use Center │ Bloomfield, Pittsburgh │ CMU Place-making Studio │ Fall 2013

Basement Parking

Arcaded retail spaces help continue the horizontal character retain liberty avenue street shops. The entrances to the buildings respond to the descending street elevation to generate an urban room.

6 │ Bloomfield Mixed Use Center │ Bloomfield, Pittsburgh │ CMU Place-making Studio │ Fall 2013

Residential Commercial Institutes Parking

Public Market

The character and physical form of the place is a continuation of the existing Bloomfield character while responding to current needs and trends. Vertical building blocks stand out from the horizontal ground plane to generate a unique character of the residences above that have double height rooms. This variety of options helps to create more choice with the intention draw more people to generate a grand hub of public activity and interaction.

7 │ Bloomfield Mixed Use Center │ Bloomfield, Pittsburgh │ CMU Place-making Studio │ Fall 2013

Public Market: An indoor public space that functions as a specialty food mart providing for a vast variety of food types from every culture and ethnicity and nourishing the community with education about food sources, nutrition and preparation. This market has the potential to provide for various small and special cuisines that would otherwise not be able to prosper individually.

This market not only generates business for the smaller groups but at the same time creates a grand feature for the people of the neighborhood that will act as a multi cultural interactive and regenerative space attracting people from all around due to its unique character.

Farmers market: An open green space catering towards various community activities like farmers market, community concerts, parade-day activities, festivals, fairs etc. That binds the community together.

These activities are placed at the edge of the road and are clearly visible to passers by making it easier to attract more people.

8 │ Bloomfield Mixed Use Center │ Bloomfield, Pittsburgh │ CMU Place-making Studio │ Fall 2013

Urban Systems Studio

Pittsburgh Riverfront Park Pittsburgh PA

“Cities are rediscovering their rivers. For at least the past 30 years, cities and towns have been turning back to their rivers, transforming industrial and derelict land into new parks, residences, and commercial space. The trend appears to be continuing and perhaps even accelerating, with major planning and construction efforts underway in cities around the country. After abusing urban rivers through years of hard use and neglect, we have come to realize they are valuable economic and community assets.”

Downtown Mixed Use Neighborhood Industrial Conservation

Pittsburgh rivers and their edges with highly diverse typology of uses and physical features, consist of a range of river bank and river user characteristics. This required that we address and recognize these various differences in order to design a sound system for the river edges. Based on our observation of the topography, activity, edge and physical character of Pittsburgh, we classified the riverfront into five major zones. Proposed River Centers for Visitor orientation and river-centered activities were designed for each zone to test the Riverfront Park’s recommendations.

9 │ Pittsburgh Riverfront Park │ Pittsburgh │ CMU Urban Systems Studio │ Spring 2013

Pittsburgh: Stages of Riverfront Development

Pre Industrial - 1795

The Vision:

Industrial Peak - 1957

Today - 2014

Future Vision

10 │ Pittsburgh Riverfront Park │ Pittsburgh │ CMU Urban Systems Studio │ Spring 2013

A system of parks along Pittsburgh’s riverfront, dramatically improving the quality of life and environment of the city to retain and attract many young professionals to live in this increasingly vibrant city. The vision is a city and riverfront with complete trails connected in loops through an inviting and green atmosphere meant for public activities and recreational uses.

Proposed Zone Sections The Downtown zone is active and currently well detailed. It consists of a complete trail system with highly active riverfront and urban character.

Mixed use Zone

Trail Types

Way finding

Edge Types

Variable Trail Elements

The mixed use zone is envisioned to be developed under each of the four edge types ranging from 0’-200’ in depth and the trail used for walking and biking contains complete and constant trail elements, public open spaces, and large congregation spaces. The wider portions create the possibility of trails at the edge and water activities such as barges pools, marinas, water taxis, etc.

Constant Trail Elements

Neighborhood Zone Way finding

Trail Types

Variable Trail Elements

Edge Types

Constant Trail Elements

11 │ Pittsburgh Riverfront Park │ Pittsburgh │ CMU Urban Systems Studio │ Spring 2013

This zone is envisioned to be developed under edge types ranging from 50’-200’ in depth and the trail used for walking and biking. It contains complete and constant trail elements with small and intimate public open spaces

Proposed Zone Sections

Industrial Zone

Way finding

Trail Types

Variable Trail Elements

Edge Types

Constant Trail Elements

The industrial zone is envisioned to be developed under a 0’ and 50’ depth condition due to the various property ownership restrictions while maintaining complete and constant trail elements used for walking and biking. There may be portions that require the trail to be extended out into the river through decks that will help complete the trail system. This zone will serve daily users and bikers, and the river edges can provide small scale activities such as fishing, boating, marinas, etc.

Conservation Zone Way finding

Trail Types

Variable Trail

Edge Types

Constant Trail

12 │ Pittsburgh Riverfront Park │ Pittsburgh │ CMU Urban Systems Studio │ Spring 2013

This zone is a green zone designated for ecological restoration and conservation. It can be developed under a 50’- 200’ depth condition with dense tree cover giving it a quiet and peaceful character mainly used for biking and walking. It consists of small scale and simple activities such as boating, fishing, viewing, etc.

Proposed Edge Conditions 0’ Setback Wetlands Shrubs & Live Stakes

Bulkhead conditions found in industrial zones built for loading and unloading of heavy goods.

Considering the space restrictions, a cantilever on the bulkheads helps continue the trail.

20’ Above water level

Trail 4’ Above water lvl 0’ Water level

Woodland Trail Meadow

8’

8’

16’

50’ Setback

Ground

A 2:1 slope contained with shrubs and live stakes to stabilize the slope and to create a safe condition.

Trail lined with tree cover on both sides in order to generate a shaded path. Lower terraces with riparian grasses and shrubs. Trail to be located at a distance of 30’ from the river and 25’ above the water level.

20’ Above water level

0’ Water lvl 12’ 10’

20’

16’

50’

4’

100’ Setback A space for two trails. At least one trail above flood line (25’ above water level). Slope between two trails ideally to be maintained at 4:1. Edge to be contained with live stakes and shrubs.

20’ Above water level

0’ Water lvl

12’

12’ 30’

30’

16’

16’

100’

20’ Above water level

0’ Water lvl

30’

12’ 10’ 16’

60’ 186’

16’

13 │ Pittsburgh Riverfront Park │ Pittsburgh │ CMU Urban Systems Studio │ Spring 2013

8’

100’ Setback Most recommended condition where possible.

This setback provides the opportunity for two trails, one of which can be directly connected with the river with extensions in the form of decks and piers. Green zones extend to the building edges in the form of meadows and designed landscapes with the potential to retain storm-water in wetlands and gardens.

River Center for Mixed Use Zone Former Tow Pound site, Pittsburgh PA

Trail Bike Route Access Points Public Transit Points

5 min Walk Zone

The former Tow Pound site is in the mixed use zone located on the Allegheny River at the 31st Street Bridge.

The entrance to the site is from the 30th street which has a direct connection to the Penn Avenue Bus route stops. Herr’s Island is located directly across from the site provides views towards Pittsburgh’s downtown. The site has great potential for housing.

14 │ Pittsburgh Riverfront Park │ Pittsburgh │ CMU Urban Systems Studio │ Spring 2013

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Paramount Pictures Inc.

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Commercial

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Residential

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Residential and commercial uses each with river views.

Internal Public Zone Vertical Circulation Vehicular Circulation Pedestrian Circulation River Access

Vehicular circulation around periphery of the site to create green pedestrian zones at the center and along the riverfront.

15 │ Pittsburgh Riverfront Park │ Pittsburgh │ CMU Urban Systems Studio │ Spring 2013

The primary uses recommended for this site consist of high rise residences, offices, recreational facilities, restaurants, health center and the River Center. The physical form responds to the grid system of the site while bringing the river into the site with marinas, kayaking, water taxi spots, and sitting spaces along the river edge.

The trail runs along the edge creating an inviting atmosphere. The site is planned with the idea of slow and steady growth of usage, while retaining small open spaces with the possibility of large congregational spaces as well.

Residential Commercial Office Parking

16 │ Pittsburgh Riverfront Park │ Pittsburgh │ CMU Urban Systems Studio │ Spring 2013

Professional Practice Portfolio of Work

2009 Snehal Shah Architect Zydus Center of Excellence, Ahmedabad, India

17 │ Professional Practice │ Ahmedabad, India │ Architecture │ 2005-2013

WORKING DRAWINGS (PRACTICAL WORK): A guest house designed for the workers of a thermal power plant in Andhra Pradesh, India.

2011-12 Se-arch Master Planning, Andhra Pradesh, India

18 │ Professional Practice │ Andra Pradesh, India │ Architecture │ 2005-2013

Master Planning Project:

Thermal Power-tech Corporation of India Project in progress consists of Master Planning, Landscaping and Building units of 1, 2 and 3 BR housing, VIP housing, bungalows and club house.

Hot and humid climate type with rainfall above 50cm.

2011-12

Se-arch

Andhra Pradesh, India

VIP Guest House

2 Br Residences

Worker’s hostel

19 │ Professional Practice │ Andra Pradesh, India │ Architecture │ 2005-2013

Twin Bungalow

Residential Housing, Pune Bungalow

Dairy office, Pune District

2013 Professional Practice Pune, India

Row Houses

Sai Veracity- The City with a Soul

Multiple Farm house developments on the outskirts of Pune.

2013 Consortium Architects

pvt. ltd

Master Planning, Maharashtra, India

20 │ Professional Practice │ Andra Pradesh, India │ Architecture │ 2005-2013

Academic Exposure Portfolio of Work

Housing Developments, Public Buildings, Competitions, Corporate buildings, Residences, Campus Design.

21

Housing Developments

Slum rehabilitation & Market rate housing, Pune, India

3BR BLOCKS

ROW HOUSES

URBAN HOUSING: Designed as per the city bylaws with respect to financial and cultural restrictions. A slum rehabilitation project consisting or rehab, 1,2 and 3 BR, row houses and studio apartments.

SLUM REHABILITATION

1 AND 2BR BLOCKS

22 │ Housing Developments │ Pune, India │ Architecture │ 2005-2013

1 AND 2 BR PLANS

1 and 2 BR blocks combined in one building designed for middle income groups. The seventh floor requires a fire refuge area as per the bylaws. The prime idea here was to use this restriction to the residents advantage and create a recreational terrace which can be used for various functions.

Row houses and 3 BR blocks designed for higher income groups consisting of various luxury facilities.

ROW HOUSE PLAN1

ROW HOUSE PLAN 2

TYPICAL 3 BR MODULE

ROW HOUSE SECTION AND ELEVATION

23 │ Housing Developments │ Pune, India │ Architecture │ 2005-2013

Planetarium and Space

Interactive Public use center, Pune, India

A space center oriented, interactive, and educational center befitting the 21st century aimed at generating curiosity in young minds while also acting as a space for students, parents and professionals to interact and comprehend the various aspects of space science and technology in a lucid manner in their quest for the truth of the universe.

24 │ Public Building: Planetarium and Space Park │ Pune, India │ Architecture │ 2005-2013

The structure is oriented 45 degrees to allow the south-west winds to enter the central courtyard which connects the three zones in one space viz the Space Zone, Video Zone and the Planetarium. The Planetarium is the focus of the built structures which consists of a glass dome supported with concrete ribs. The Space Zone consists of various space oriented activities like G-Force room, 0-G room, Robot zone, etc. The video zone has its own rent-able auditorium, cafe and other auxiliary facilities.

25 │ Public Building: Planetarium and Space Park │ Pune, India │ Architecture │ 2005-2013

SECTION ZZ

SECTION XX

SECTION BB

SECTION AA

26 │ Public Building: Planetarium and Space Park │ Pune, India │ Architecture │ 2005-2013

Campus Design

Existing historic fort site, Junnar, India An institute in the district of Junnar, Maharashtra, India. The prime requirement here was a campus with residential facilities that would organize the various classes of its members, viz. Professors, bachelor students, married pupils, other staff, etc. Another requirement was to respond to the existing fort walls on site and maintain its unique heritage.

27 │ University Campus │ Junnar, India │ Architecture │ 2005-2013

The married pupil block designed around an internal open space providing privacy for the residents.

Campus designed as separate blocks according to its departments, each section with its own tower acting as a central open courtyard space while responding to the existing fortified wall.

28 │ University Campus │ Junnar, India │ Architecture │ 2005-2013

Bachelors accommodations consisting of 80 single rooms with a common bathroom and terrace between two rooms. An open plan with free flowing spaces and central courtyards interconnected with pergolas and pathways.

29 │ University Campus │ Junnar, India │ Architecture │ 2005-2013

Holistic healing center

Inter-college competition proposal.

Spiritual Space Design

ROOF PLAN

FLOOR 1

COLUMN RIB PLAN

SECTIONS

ELEVATIONS

A series of elliptical domes (catenary) symbolising the cycle of life rising from the ground (inspired from the concept of ancient Indian temples) and formed from the ground. The meditation space is placed below ground guided througn a long passageway divided into four chambers depicting the four stages of life. It opens out into a large congregarion space located underground to facilitate peaceful meditation.

30 │ Housing Developments │ Pune, India │ Architecture │ 2005-2013

Corporate Center Metro City, Pune, India

A space located in the heart of Pune. The prime intention was to create a breathing space and a work atmosphere between the traffic and large crowds of the city.

The building is cut as per the direction of the wind, taking in air flow cooled by the water body and artificially created water mists.

The water way connects into a central space that provides for outdoor recreation, food markets and Public activities.

31 │ Corporate Center │ Pune, India │ Architecture │ 2005-2013

An open recreational space within the structure gives a different meaning to the design of a strictly catering to corporate space while also to the mental health of its employees.

ARCHES VAULTS AND DOMES: Construction and theory training at Auroville, Pondicherry, India

32 │ Architectural exposure │ Andra Pradesh, India │ Architecture │ 2005-2013