Urban Design Portfolio

Design Portfolio

Devangi Bhatt Urban & Landscape designer

EDUCATION

2015-2016

Urban Design (MSc)

Masters program at University College Dublin, Ireland 2010-2015

Architecture (BArch)

Bachelors program at Dignity College of Architecture, India

SELECTED EXPERIENCE

Austen Associates Urban Designer & Landscape Architect •

Oct 2016 – Present

Efficiently handled projects from concept, planning up to building regulation to construction stage & assisted in client meetings.

•

Designed & executed winning Landscape Master plan design competition for Carlanstown Community Park 2016.

•

Prepared design schemes for feasibility, planning and building regulation drawings according to client brief, site constraints, consultant’s advice.

•

Assisted principal designer with design, preparation and

presentation of schemes of diverse nature such as ecological planning, compliance drawings, landscape survey reports.

An Urban Designer with a yearning interest & experience in •

Landscape Design and background in Architecture, my thirst for

Submitted and handled planning applications in liaison with client, council, consultants, etc.

knowledge about built and unbuilt environment has driven me in

•

to the field of architecture, urbanism & landscape design.

Prepared schemes ranging from housing landscape scheme, community park design, public squares, national highway landscaping scheme and commercial and corporate projects.

Research and analysis is the pedestal of my design process.

STUP Consultants

Preserving and enhancing the culture and traditions of various communities

whilst

taking

a

sustainable

and

Intern

eco-friendly

Feb 2014 – Aug 2014

• Planned and designed a winning entry for the Design

approach is the basis of my design philosophy.

competition of Indian Institute of Information & Technology (Third level institution), Lucknow (India).

•

My core interest lies in spatial analysis, rooted in understanding of

Contributed to the Design process for projects such as Delhi Metro Station, Uttar Pradesh Police Head Quarter and Design

the activities, process and trends that occur in urban spaces.

Competitions like ‘Banking Street’ at New Raipur and IT Institute in Lucknow (India).

Enthusiastic learner, curious designer and patient observer, I seek an opportunity to sharpen my skills and deepen my knowledge as an architect, an urban designer and a landscape designer.

SOFTWARES

Autodesk AutoCAD, Google SketchUp, Lumion, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator & Microsoft Office

Housing Density

Cultural Background

Youth Population

Having lived and worked in countries from two different continents, my experience and knowledge as an urban and landscape designer about the various aspects of public space design such as culture, people, scale, perception and economy has widened and grown to embrace the diversity and physicality of spatial design.

Whilst Indian cities and villages exhibits their colourful and vibrant culture but struggle with slow urban development and quality of urban spaces, Irish cities and town boasts of their global population and fairy-tale landscape yet struggling with the identity of open spaces. These urban attributes and struggles are reflected in the images below depicting the stark contrast between ‘developing’ and ‘developed’ state of urbanism.

This experience of dealing and designing for different urban environments with contrasting needs and dearth has framed my thought process, perception and analytical skills.

Places which are reminder of why you are here, Places where you can find solace and friendship, Places that offer an opportunity for a story to happen.

Places which cherish the moments of life, are peaceful.

Places where you long to be,

Places that are incomplete without you, Places where your heart belongs..

Urban Design Student plaza

11

Construction drawings

13

Garden Design BLOOM Garden design

Landscape

14

University work

Residential development Landscape Masterplan

7

Business park Landscape

9

Ecology Masterplan Grand Canal Pedestrian Bridge

Perception

10

Revitalization of Temple Bar’s public squares

16

Master’s thesis

17

Bachelor’s thesis

18

Re-Think The City

21

Inspiration

23

Visual perception

24

Vision

Viewpoints of a Designer The spatial designs below depicts my perception of spaces from an Urban designer, Landscape designer, and an Architect’s point of view. This is a hospital courtyard where the client required a sanctuary space for the patients, visitors and staff. They insisted on having options for the spatial design so as to analyse which design would sync more appropriately with the atmosphere and functions of the hospital. They ended up choosing Urban Designer’s perspective.

Urban Designer’s View

This design works around the principles of symmetry and interlocking outdoor and indoor spaces to create a stylishly composed courtyard space at the centre of the hospital.

The perception here is of an Urban Designer, envisioning and analysing the space to be more inclusive and providing opportunities for public activities and events that would enrich the space.

Landscape Designer’s View

This concept with its twisting organic curves and peaceful views from every corner, makes it a sanctuary amidst the concrete monotony of the hospital rooms.

The vision here is of a Landscape designer, willing to create a garden-like atmosphere that offers a place to escape and relax with soothing therapy provided by its features and views.

Architect’s View

The design here is laid out as a rectilinear space around a large central water feature placed on a central axis depicted by a narrow water rill with the espalier trees adding an oomph to the design.

The linearity of the design in order to create harmony and symmetry is from the eye of an architect, looking to create a well composed space keeping with the architecture of the hospital

Residential Development Urban Landscape Masterplan Ashford, Ireland

Perennial flower beds designed to create a landscape garden quality in conjunction with the open parkland ambience

Woodland trail to be developed through the existing mature retained woodland.

Path to be a hoggin surface; there will be no excavation for the path construction to minimise any potential damage to tree roots. Minor soil regarding needed in some places to achieve level path route

Low-height hedge used to create a labyrinth with spiral pathway

Perennial flower beds designed to create a landscape garden quality in conjunction with the open parkland ambience

Viewing area with spiral pathway leading to the top of a contoured mound

New trees to enhance the ambience of the housing area with a parkland quality

Wooden pergola to enhance the walking route

Arrangement of natural stones and rocks as a part of children's natural play zone

Hollow way identified as a historic landscape feature. It is proposed that the woodland trail be connected to the Hollow way to provide a feature walk and provide an overall looped walking route around the site

Pathway leading from the entrance towards the landscaped parks outlining the perennial planting beds and native woodland

Visual of the landscaped park adorned by native woodland trees from the perennial planting bed at eye level

Visual of the spiral hedge showing the transition from the woodlands to the green park

Visual of the landscaped park adorned by native woodland trees on either side looking over to the fields beyond The idea behind the landscape design for this housing scheme was to create spaces that are diverse in nature as well as its use. Spaces providing opportunities for all age groups to engage and immerse in the natural and serene environment surrounding the housing development. The playscapes, native woodlands, long walkways and natural mazes entwine in a well-designed manner to produce a visually beautiful surrounding to dwell into.

Business park Landscape Ecology Masterplan Dublin, Ireland

Native Woodland corridor in Summer & Winter

Section illustrating the silhouette lake and the surrounding recreational area Proposed plan for attenuation lake

This landscape ecology masterplan for this business park envisages a link between the landscape design and the biodiversity aspects of the site. Located in a rich biodiversity zone with special flora and fauna surrounding the site, the landscape is being developed in conjunction with the ecology of the area. With its scale and layout determining the type and extent of landscape typologies incorporated into the design, the aim is to achieve an environment where both the natural surrounding and the developed lands can function in harmony.

Section illustrating the silhouette lake and the surrounding recreational area

Grand Canal Walkway Dublin, Ireland

Designed as a pedestrian connection across the business park to the Grand Canal, this bridge is a representation of the relationship between nature and its inhabitants.

The city council requested for a natural yet contemporary

styled

connection

through

the

biodiversity rich zone of the Grand Canal and the futuristic business park which was initially an old concrete bridge, accessible only to vehicles.

The

need

and

importance

to

protect

the

biodiversity yet providing a visual and physical connection between the two diverse land-use was a challenge.

Either sides of the Canal are retained as a pedestrian walkway for both- the residential boats and

the

visitors.

This

overhead

bridge

is

conceptualised as a light but sturdy structure sneaking through the greens of the biodiversity zone and providing a pedestrian & cyclist link, not disturbing the flora and fauna already inhabiting the canal and the surrounding areas.

This would work as a recreational route for the

people working in the business park to break out from the daily routine and experience the nature as a whole.

Student Plaza Dublin, Ireland

A large recreational space with a themed landscape that is defined through the movements and activities in the space. The idea is to create a design which is surreal and not overbearing, so that students have the opportunity to embrace the space and illuminate it through their chaos.

A large space adorned by a large Native Oak tree, a symbol of Wisdom, circumscribed by three low-rise grass mounded planters which converge towards the centre to make a focal point.

Since the site is situated in an area in Dublin which is famous for mob activities, the need for security led to an enclosed spatial design exhibiting a feeling of secluded open space.

View of the Central Plaza

View from the fence converging towards the central space

Visual from the entrance

Visual from the building towards the plaza, illustrated by the grass mounds and native trees

Construction drawings

Architectural & Landscape construction details

BLOOM Garden Show This show garden is a representative of our strong connection to the sea and our ability to carefully take produce from it whilst protecting its inherent characteristics.

The elements that make up this show garden are the reflection of an Irish coast,

a

secretive

somewhat

overgrown pathway, down the steps to the water, to a natural seat carved

from the ocean, a magical shell and where we can discover the riches that the ocean offers us.

Set in the wild of the green and gushes of the blue is raw nature teaming with precious life that we, as

humans,

must

conserve

and

use

wisely.

The theme of the design was to promote sustainable fish farming in Ireland. Hence, the landscape of the garden is reflective of a particular idealised coastal retreat showing a variety of habitats in balance. “….preserve the magic of the sea that we first experienced as children.”

Dublin, Ireland

An island adorning the Atlantic on the west and Irish sea on the east…

Views stretching out to hundreds of kilometres of just sea..

An island inherently connected to the sea and all that if offers us.

This defines Ireland’s inextricable link to the best of coastal landscapes..

Images of my work table and research wall at various stages of my career

Since 1991, Temple Bar area has been transformed from relative obscurity into one of the most complex and ambitious urban regeneration projects since the foundation of the state. Temple Bar is a phenomenon that has been heavily marketed and widely discussed in the media, to the extent that the general public is now generally aware of its location, identity and characteristics (Temple Bar, 1996). It has now become an example of extreme urban condition. The project deals with the improving the quality of the open spaces in the area by providing urban solution.

Revitalization of Temple Bar’s Public Squares Dublin, Ireland

Existing & proposed scenario

Morphologic al Evolution of Temple Bar

Crampton Square

Regeneration of three urban spaces

Proposed Extension of Temple Bar

Fleet Street Extension

Bank of Ireland Back Lane

N W

E S

Meeting House Square

Study of Place Identity of Dublin’s Public Squares based on Design, Public-life and Urban Governance Analysis,

Case of: Temple Bar Square , Smithfield Square & Grand Canal Dock Square Dublin Ireland In this age of globalisation, innovative form and morphology of public spaces have emerged, erasing the traditional environments and creating mass-produced landscape. This

standardised fashion and tastes in architecture and design has encouraged uniformity and lessening diversity of places (Relph, 1976, pg. 92).

In this confused and confusing urban setting, various spatial elements of design are employed to give a sense of belonging and meaning to space, but the reference is often to some other time and place than to the present (Carr et al, 1992, pg.235). Castells (1989, pg. 350) defines this trend as destructive and sees the need to preserve or re-establish local identity. As a reaction to this, place identity has become important to provide a sense of stability and meaning to the newly designed public spaces (Southworth & Ruggeri, 2010, pg. 495). Geographer Edward Relph (1976, pg. 147) quotes – “A deep human need exists for associations with significant places.”

The theme of this study is to discern the ‘place identity’ reflected by the recently designed public places in Dublin. The capital of Ireland is one of the many cities of the world, which is in the phase of transforming its physical environment and trying to define its place identity. The study looks at three prominent public places in Dublin – Smithfield Square, Temple Bar Square & Grand Canal Dock Square, revitalized and redeveloped around the same time period (late 1990s). It evaluates the present urban condition of these places and determine the place identity that emerges from these public places.

Smithfield Square

Grand Canal Dock Square

Temple Bar Square

Bachelor’s Thesis - Indian Bazaar Design Raipur, India

‘Bazaar’…..an urban monument, that reflects the culture, tradition, heritage and architecture of every Indian city. A place which has the imprints of its regional history on it.

This design emerged from an intensive research of how the Indian markets evolved in terms of– design, culture, architecture, scale & selling trends which showed how the tide of time has changed the face of the markets.

Aim of the design was to reflect the local traditions and culture through a carefully designed interplay of open and built spaces that are engaging as well as accessible at all times of the year.

Local culture is reflected in the informal shopping spaces which are created and included as an integral part of the design proposal. The streetscape of the market shows blend of traditional & modern architecture, where the landscape and the built spaces engage in chaos of the public activities reflecting the vibrant and colorful Indian architecture.

BUILT SPACE OPEN SPACE

PARK GREEN WATERBODY PLAZA

HIGH-END RETAIL RESTAURANT COMPLIMENTARY RETAIL CULTURAL SHOPS GENERAL RETAIL HOTEL

5M 10M 15M

SEMI-VEHICULAR PATH

20M

SURFACE PRK.

AUTO-RICKSHAW PRK. SERVICE ROAD

Meena Bazaar Visual depicting the traditional stepped design for informal markets with green spaces to add a contemporary touch and adjoining the water pond to deal with the scorching heat of the summers.

Local Artisans center Visual of an contemporary style courtyard small shopping center shaded by taller buildings adorning a central green plaza surrounded by water fountains.

Handloom center Visual of the handloom center built from locally available bamboo and textile cloth surrounded by open plaza for weekly markets and events. The native trees dotted around the space to provide cool and partially shaded environment.

Local Shopping hub Visual of the circular urban plaza surrounded by informal and formal shopping spaces with shaded sit-outs and green parks radiating outwards to the shopping streets covered by locally made textiles reflecting the colorful culture.

Food plaza Visual of the food stalls facing the traditional stepped market (Meena Bazaar). A major attraction of Indian shopping streets are the food stalls and small eating joints which elevates the 5 senses of the body.

Re-think The City TU Delft Online course

600 participants from all over the globe, contributed to this online course conducted by TU Delft in the Summer 2017. It focussed on dealing with the urban challenges of developing countries (Global South) based on ‘Spatial Justice’, ‘Housing Provision & Management’ and ‘Urban Resilience’.

The final assignment was to submit a poster based on either of the above mentioned theme, reflecting the current scenario of a country.

My poster depicted the urban picture of Indian markets, themed under ‘Spatial Justice’.

SHADEs

OF

INDIAN

BAZAAR

The poster shows the image of markets of Ahmedabad, India. The current scenario and the quality of spaces which is in degrading condition.

The proposal for upgrading the markets is derived from the ‘European’ concept of open spaces which is not only irrelevant to the people and location of the markets but also to the basic concept of Indian streets and climatic conditions.

This poster was themed under ‘Spatial Justice’ to show the injustice occurring within the open spaces of the city which holds a long cultural and traditional history of the Nation.

PUBLIC SPACE ?

EQUALITY ?

CULTURE ?

BEAUTIFICATION ?

Manek Chowk (Manek square) is a historical market and public space in the heart of the Indian city-Ahmedabad. Streets bustling with vendors selling everything from food-to-clothes, autorickshaws beeping to make their way and people, people strolling, purchasing, eating, bargaining, wondering, laughing, enjoying, complaining and shouting….

While it is a 24x7 hub of activities, it is also a true representation of Indian culture and public place.

In this commotion of people and vehicles, unarguably people have lost their right to place and hence the redevelopment programs are being launched. But these efforts have yet again failed to recognize the street vendors as ‘people’ in creating spatial equality. Recent revitalization plans for Manek Chowk proposes ‘organization’ of street vendors, stating their present placement ‘chaotic’. Less attention is paid to the fact that market’s one essential quality is ‘chaos’.

Manek Chowk is an amalgamation of vivid Indian cultures and societies. The street food and cloth carts, informal layout of streets hawkers, temporary roof shades and the magnificent old architecture of this public place makes it unique to the city. It exhibits the defining quality of the markets in India.

Design proposals to revitalize market areas aim to provide spaces that are derived from European and American societies which has resulted in destruction of essence and soul of the place.

Spatial Justice Redevelopment & gentrification plans for Indian markets consider street hawkers as hindrance to it’s ‘beauty’.

An effective way of creating a justified urban space will be to design solutions relevant to Indian context to provide equal opportunity for the rich & poor.

Inspiration

Design Philosophy

Visual Perception of Urban Setting Travel Photography

“Light, Color and Life…”

Old ruins of a building in Jewish quarter, Budapest

Urban Sunday Casual evening in a café, Istanbul

“Old is classy…”

Posh neighborhood, Dublin

“Future, Present & Past…”

Dublin Castle Gardens, Dublin

“Silence of the concrete…”

Student Center, UCD, Dublin

Urban Graffiti Istanbul

“Festival of space…”

Urban life in a city, Budapest

I am articulate, a natural communicator and educator. Empathy and expression are my distinctive qualities, with an unbiased attitude to positive criticism.

A patient listener, confident speaker and passionate about my work, I believe I could be a suitable candidate for the role of an Urban Designer in your Company.

Devangi Bhatt | +353 892513413

| devangibhatt.archi@gmail.com

| 16 Mount Anville Wood, Goatstown, Stillorgan, Dublin 14, Ireland