Portfolio 2018

Architectural Design Portfolio

Gautam Pradeep Year 3 2019

About

Contact Email : gautam99@iastate.edu Phone : +5157358860/+971554256290 Address : 134 Campus Ave Unit 5, 50014 Website: gautampradeep.com Linked-In : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gau-

tam-pradeep-169917137 Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/gautampradeep_arch/

Hi, my name is Gautam Pradeep. I am a native of Kerala, India. I grew up however in the United Arab Emirates, growing up in a city of skyscrapers that grew with me. This allowed me to take in the different cultures present around me and broadened my view on issues of belonging and community. I was reminded the power as well as the vulnerability of infrastructures as i lived in this city of eternal renovation. I had always been a lover of arts and sciences. This is the reason I was inspired towards the study of architecture. I am currently pursuing my bachelors of architecture in the undergraduate program in architecture (College of Design) at Iowa State University and will graduate in 2021.

My education in three different countries helped me understand design as not just a gentrified art form, but the realization that it is also built upon the works of visionaries and leaders that have worked with the land and produced novel concepts to overcome challenges of place, site, culture and politics.

Education

Currently, I am working with lecturer Reinaldo Correa and Iowa State and working on the Toys and Games Exhibit for Reiman Gardens’ summer exhibit. ​ Architecture is the incubator for mankind and to be a part of that profession, I am equally proud and determined to gear my skills towards both the dissemination both beauty and mindfulness of utility.

Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Malayalam Software:

•3d Modelling - Rhino

•BIM - Revit

•Drafting - AutoCAD

•Rendering - V-Ray, Twinmotion

•Visualization - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premier, Lightroom

B.Arch - Iowa State University (2016-ongoing) School - Our Own High School (UAE) (2006-2016)

Work Experience 1) Junior Designer, ‘Toys and Games’, Reiman Gardens Summer Exhibit, 2019 2) Lead Coordinator, ‘Prisma’, Reiman Gardens Summer Exhibit, 2018 3) Logo Designer, ‘Magnoball’, ‘Chroma Rush’, Google Play store, 2014

Accomplishments Deans List 2016, 2017, 2018 Robotics team member for group representing UAE for World Robotics Olympiad 2015 (High School Category)

Skills

Table of contents Project 1 Reflection (Teammate: Jaya Tolefree)

4-19

4 6 9 11

1.1 Site Analysis 1.2 Inspiration 1.3 Process 1.4 Final Proposal

Project 2 Prisma (Studio Proposal/Student Coordinator)

20-56

22 28 34 38 42 46 52

2.1 Site Analysis 2.2 Pediment Proposal 2.3 Integrated Proposals 2.4 Final Formal Proposal 2.5 Design Development 2.6 Construction 2.7 Post Occupancy

Arch 2019 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

3

ARCHITECTURE X LANDSCAPE

Final Project Render

Arch 203 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

4

Timeline

Site Analysis Mineral Study

Inspired Forms Final Integrated Proposal

Arch 203 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

5

SITE

Macro Site Analysis

Arch 203 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

6

Westbrook Artists Site Place

Site Analysis

Module 1

The Westbrook Artists’ Site (WAS) is the result of urbanization and is an attempt to integrate the rural and urban. This site celebrates the Iowan prairie and restores the sie as an effort not of restoring the rural but furthening urbanization.

Hydrographic Map

Accessibility The site itself experiences a strong North-Western wind along with South/South-Eastern winds over the year. The amount of precipitation is the highest in May but peaks under 5 inches in summer months.

This module asked us to research the site and find out features about Westbrook Artist Site that make it unique. These were part of the initial study in site and place to allow for better input during the design phase of the project.

This led to us discussing initial program requirements and adjacencies we wanted to foster. We used the site slope and views are guiding forces during this step to maximise views and programs that have access to these views.

Forest Cover

Site Conditions

Researching different factors like topography, wind, drainage paths, etc. to uncover site features.

Arch 203 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

7

MINERAL

Pressure/Thermochromic Model Model

Arch 203 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

8

Bridgmanite Form

Mineral Inspiration

Additionally to site, our studio had us pick individual minerals as an architectural inspiration to create a more inspired/sculptural design.

Looking at bridgmanite’s existence as a stable mineral deep underground under high temperature and pressure which transforms it whenever it comes up to the surface, I picked this mineral to study the character of this mineral that is so abundant yet whose true nature is never within our grasps.

Using its pressure and temperature catalysis as an inspiration, I decided to transform this into a charrete that embodied these two characteristics. This led me to the use of fabric as a means of tensile and poly-chromatic ink as a means of temperature response. This led to finding and illustrating what we experience as space designed with this character in mind.

Analysing the mineral for qualities to be translated into architectural inspiration.

Arch 203 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

9

PROCESS

Massing Study

Arch 203 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

10

Formal Explorations Synergy

Module 1 This module asked us to research the site and find out features about Westbrook Artist Site that make it unique. These were part of the initial study in site and place to allow for better input during the design phase of the project.

This led to us discussing initial program requirements and adjacencies we wanted to foster. We used the site slope and views are guiding forces during this step to maximise views and programs that have access to these views.

This study focused on the expressions of the mineral exploration as a part of the architectural form of the building.

Arch 203 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

11

REFLECTION

Final Site Reder

Arch 203 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

12

Formal Explorations Synergy

Final Form Ideation The final form was inspired by the organic forms found in the site characterized by the river and the sharp terrains which drew parallels with our formal study and mineral explorations.

This created an expression of organic response by the building’s acoustic and daylighting features as it wraps around and melts into the rigidity enforced by the programs. This allowed both me and my partner to realize and express our architectural inspiration from the minerals as well as express that with the site as a guiding factor.

Preliminary sketches

Arch 203 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

13

Floor Plans Program

First floor

Second floor

Third floor

Floor Plans by Jaya Tolefree

Arch 203 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

14

Flow Fluid

Sectional Quality The section illustrates the concept of void and attraction and the acoustic panels here are used to mimic the ground’s attraction and the building’s response is captured to create more open and flowing spaces.

This allows for not just the distinct architectural parts like columns and walls to come together, but also allows for the creation of interesting spaces The circulation is also captured as an accessible path that lets users travel through the architecture in a more informal method.

Section and Context

Arch 203 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

15

Interior Accessibility

Interior render

Arch 203 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

16

Site Elevations Context

Ripple The final elevation features a sweeping shading screen that wraps around the architecture to creates an expression of growth and response to the site.

This screen wraps around the object looking at different programs to also guide the light it controls and adds to the experience inside.

This study focused on the expressions of the mineral exploration as a part of the architectural form of the building.

Arch 203 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

17

Model Constructed

Model 1/8 Scale

Arch 203 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

18

REFLECTION

PRISMA

Timeline Site Analysis Pediment Proposals

Integrated Proposals Final Formal Proposal Pre-Construction Construction

Post Construction

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

21

SITE

Nick Nystrom Drone Photo

Reiman Gardens Forces

Module 1 This module asked us to research the site and find out features about Reiman Gardens that make it unique. I decided to look at features that interested me and they all fell under the unique theme of “Movement�. I decided to look at motion in multiple scales such as wind blowing across the site, drainage paths on the site, Visitors path across the site, etc. This was compiled in a set of abstracted drawings that document these findings.

Researching different factors like wind , solar orientation and shadows (Diva), star maps, and sectional qualities (section from point cloud) of the site.

1 http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/sites/windrose.phtml?network=WI_ASOS&station=CWA, 2 http://www.skymaponline.net Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

23

Motion happens in many scales. The stars move across the sky blazing paths in their wake. Wind moves through the site exerting nature’s pressure on any obstructions. Water flows through the varied topography during rainy conditions while people flow during sunny conditions.

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

24

Site Forces Studies

Motion and Scale

In plan we are able to see the winds favoured annual paths across the site as well as the means of arrival at the site by traffic Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

25

Initial Iterative studies to represent forces like wind, water, and light

26

Abstract Site Analysis Change Studies

Studies in change found in both natural realms (wind) and in a more abstract sense, the movement of time (represented by previous historic locations of Reiman gardens).

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

27

PEDIMENT

Precedent Study Iterative Approaches

The Primitive Hut

Marc-Antoine Laugier proposed the essential components in architecture with his ideals of the Primitive Hut. The origins of architecture are explored with the relationship between man and the environment being explored. The primitive hut divides architecture into 5 ideals that make up the essential soul of architecture: the column, entablature, pediment, storeys, and furniture.

Our studio was assigned to focus on pediments. This involved researching the hut, looking at precedents and coming up with designs that emphasized this typology.

Precedents from Archdaily, Google Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

29

Pediment Proposal Proposal 1

Pediment proposal 1 This project was where I tried to apply some grasshoppers functions so that we could control different parameters of the design and adjust them based on our preference. I learnt how to use panelling tools and create trusses using data manipulation

Group: Abbi Harding, Mary Le Responsibility: 3D modelling/Render

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

30

Pediment Proposal Proposal 2

Pediment proposal 2 This project was where I got to apply what I learnt earlier into different designs and how to utilize tools to make models faster and with more flexibility.

Group: Abbi Harding, Mary Kelly, Jhonriel Ramirez, Haiyang Qian Responsibility: 3D modelling Render by Haiyang Qian Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

31

Pediment Proposal Proposal 3

Pavilion proposal 2 This proposal was a quick 2 hour proposal made to investigate ideas of tying in George Sherwood’s sculptural styles into a pediment proposal. This Project gave me a short deadline and allowed me to practice modelling ideas into a 3D representative model and producing quick diagrams.

Charette made before 3D modelling by Ariana Irrizary

Group members: Ariana Irrizary Responsibility: 3D modelling+rendering Time: 2 hours

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

32

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

33

INTEGRATION

Integrated Proposals Iterative Approaches

Build proposals Taking our previous idea of pediments forward, we had to design proposals that combined ideas from our earlier iterations into full proposals that took inspiration from the works of other studios in their approaches to the other components of the primitive hut.

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

35

Personal Notes In this project we started to look at tensile structures and thus it was a challenge to figure out how to depict them realistically and account for real life effects like gravity.

This is where I used grasshopper’s physics components to model these hammocks

Mesh

Studio Designed Proposals MESH Hammocks were a favoured component in the pavilion, and we decided to try to come up with forms that can best use the hammock and express its nature of play and flexibility.

Initial Iteration was made organic and wove through the site.

MESH 2.0 With the first iteration, we had a lot of exaggerated curves that we minimised and also added multiple hammock extensions that catered to individuals and made multiple private spaces to lounge.

Second iteration built upon the first but focused on creating private spaces as well.

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

Pavilion proposal 1 Group: Studio section Responsibility: 3D modelling

37

FINAL FORM

Minimal Surface Structures Integrated final proposal

Minimum Parabolic Surfaces One of the features that students had revisited over many proposals and that the client had responded well too was this shape. With the final few iterations, this form was repeated with some of the other features that the client responded equally well with like hammocks and iridescent acrylic panels. We had multiple iterations but I was a part of the final design team and we came up with the charrette model of the final iteration.

Stick model by Jennifer Tan

Stick model by Jennifer Tan Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

Group: Ariana Irrizary, Dylan Anderson, Jaya Tolefree, Sam Rushenburg, Oluwatobiloba Fagbule, Hannah Larsen Responsibility: Design Development, 3D modelling 39

Charrette

Integrated final proposal Module infill types To incorporate the different components like the iridescent panels and hammocks together, two types of modules were finalized on. Modules with a hammock infill, and one with the iridescent panels.

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

40

Charrette

Integrated final proposal Module form types We used a combination of the paraboloid structures and triangular modules to create spaces to rest as well as paths to follow through. The forms tumbled across the site making this unique form that became the basis for the rest of the build

Charrette model made by whole group Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

41

PRE-CONSTRUCTION V

W 12-13 13C

12D 12B

11-12 4B 3-4

J

6B

5-6

4D

O H

L

1D

B

1C

1A

2D

1-2

C

2A

8B 6-7

D

9-10 P

7-9

10-11

7D 7A

N

Gamma 11D

U

14-15 15D

13D

14-16 Beta

14C

16A

11C 10C S

9C

K 6D

2-3

E

8-9

8C

5C

I

3D

10B

M

Q

4C 3-5

A

T

Alpha 15B Y

15-17

17D

R

G

F

13-14

X

16C Theta 16-17

17A Z

Keepers of Geometry Coordinators of final design

Complexity Now that the form was decided on, we split into groups that focused on each component of the build (Joints/ Hammocks/Infill/Connections/Footings) along with a construction document group, Site group and lastly the “Keepers of Geometry� which I was selected to be a head of along with Thien Doan. Our job specification was that of maintaining the integrity of the 3D model of the final build.

But this proved to be a bigger task than we anticipated as we had to work with all the other groups and be involved in all the additional changes that were made once we went deeper into construction.

We managed a complex system of administrative roles along with being a mobile task unit responsible for the cohesive modelling of the complete 3D model.

Group: Thien Doan (Co-head), Oluwatobi Fagbule, Javier Rodriguez Responsibility: Head

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

43

Joints

Wood connections vs Metal hubs Joints team Going in to actual construction considerations, one major issue was the complexity of the wooden joints. There were 30 complex joints with 3 joints that had 5 wooden members coming in at very complex angles. Even though we modelled all 30 joints and tried to simplify it, we saw that some joints would need something else to connect them.

This was when we proposed metal hubs as an alternative with a metal pipe attached to metal fins that embedded into the wood as an alternative. After a structural consultation, we were informed that using the metal hubs on all joints would greatly help the structural integrity and this also helped simplify the connections

Original photo by Io Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

44

Metal hubs Simplifying connections

Metal hubs modelling Once the joints were changed, I worked with Chase and made all 30 hubs on the model taking into account centring the fins and simplifying the joints for easier construction.

I then worked with the Joint coordinators, and construction document coordinators and helped students come up with a process for making construction documents. This was done with the use of C-Planes and Make-2D commands to obtain correct drawings as this structure is complex and we had a very low margin of error.

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

45

CONSTRUCTION

Fabrication Pre-Site Installation

Studio Shifts As we finished revisions on the final form we got assigned to studio shifts that involved us in activities like weaving hammocks/ Measuring and drilling holes in the lumber, making infill panels etc.

This was a fun phase as we got hands on experience with weaving rope as well as using drill presses to be involved in the making of the installation

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

47

Frame Testing Pre-Installation

Dry Fit Due to the complexity of the Joints we wanted to test out the joints in a dry fit test before the on site installation.

This allowed us to check all the hubs and the frame members and this helped us make a a few corrections before the installation. We did a dry fit twice over a weekend to iron out small kinks in the build in preparation for the installation.

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

48

Site Installation Final build

Reiman Installation Once the dry-fit corrections were made, we moved on to the actual site where we had already poured concrete footings based off the location provided in the model. The footings were wide to accomodate a reasonable tolerance and we ended up not having issues during construction because of all the corrections that were spotted earlier on and went smoothly.

Everyone was involved in the final phase as we took turns moving members, screwing bolts in, weaving cable through the different holes and hanging up the acrylic panels.

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

49

Finished Installation

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

50

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

51

POST CONSTRUCTION

Post - Occupation Analysis Evaluation of Decay Usage stress

Detail unravel

Going to Prisma at the same time on two separate days, I saw that the middle modules were highly used and also used for longer with due to it being lifted off the ground that allowed the hammock to offer a comfortable seating space.

The triangle hammocks also provided some. The diagram shows the amount of spent by the average user. Age wasn’t considered of parties as participants from all age groups tried to sit on all parts of the build during observation which was surprising*. But with the most usage came the most stress on hammocks with the hammocks from section 2 and 3 now touching the ground rendering them not optimal to use. So we can see how architecture ages and needs to be able to withstand its intended use.

With the infill panels, a lot of panels were made to revolve, but due to construction changes, the panels ended up having no space to revolve in a lot of spaces. The swivels that connect to the panels and the zip ties used to connect the panels ended up breaking off in a few spaces over the few days it was out. The panels themselves had fared ta snowstorm as well as a fierce storm that had hit the location and managed to not affect the film.

Structural stress Prisma has a lot of complex joints and wood members supporting the build at irregular angles. A few of the structural loads can be seen causing stress on members. Here the member 5-C is experiencing stress which is causing it to bend which may be due to strain of the cables pulling the member or due to lack of paths for stress vectors to follow.

*Sample size of occupants were small so this data only reflects from this pool. People observed included 5 children, 6 college students, 2 elders. This data does not reflect people who just sat near the installation. Time of observation: 12pm-1pm. Observed days: Friday/Sunday Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

53

Construction Drawings Documentation Booklet drawings Construction Set Documents With the finishing of the build we had to record the build in a construction drawings booklet. For this booklet the Keepers were tasked with finishing the isometric drawings of the full build as well as other reference documents.

I was personally involved in making axonometric drawings that called out all the hubs and the wood members along with a few diagrams. I also had to check my teams drawings and make corrections if needed.

Arch 202 Portfolio - Gautam Pradeep

55

PRISMA

Thank You