Research & Demonistration Facility - Virginia Tech
5.
Bamboo Research
Research & Demonistration Facility - Virginia Tech
Thesis Models
Competition - Mumbai, India
1. Chimnabai Ashram
Chimnabai Ashram is the house of Ar. Chaitaniya Karnik.This 1500 Sqft project is designed in Wabi- Sabi style of Japanese artists at Medha, Maharashtra his home town in India. Wabi Sabi is a way of living that focuses on finding beauty within the imperfections of life and accepting peacefully the natural cycle of growth and decay.
My role as an intern is to document every corner of the house in order to make the presentation drawings and to make the scaled model of the house. The real challenge is to make the digital drawings which give the essence of handmade drawings.
I took over a week to document the house and a month to make the drawings to optimum level and 120 consecutive days to finish the detailed model of the house using actual material to major proportion, resulting in a fabulous model.
Topic; Documented Drawings & 1:50 scale model
B.Arch, 4th year - Internship
Client: Ar. Chaitaniya Karnik
Medium : AutoCAD
https://youtu.be/5qOKpNKBT2g?si=EKQcWwKO0J5uLIFY
Achievements: Drawings published in Grey Learn by Chaitaniya Karnik
Actual Image
Actual Image
Actual Image
Actual Image
Model Image
Model Image
Model Image Model Image
Model Image
Interior Drawing
Interior Drawing
Interior Drawing
2. Madison Cook Studio
Madison Cook is a professor from Virginia tech who teaches foundation courses for 1st year Architecture students and also serves as a committee member for several undergraduate thesis students. She encourages her students to learn by doing. Her “research” is concerned with the two-dimensional and threedimensional representation of light and shadow. She makes space for individual student experiments through a constellation of independent studies and research projects.
During my spring 2024 semester, I did independent study with Professor Cook. The objectives of this independent study are to explore the design build process and learn more about solar geometry. I worked with Professor Cook to experiment with various ephemeral materials and methods of pre-fabrication and assembly. I was helping Professor Cook in discuss drawings, 3D models, and tectonic detail models. The final evaluation or outcome of the study was the installation of a pavilion models on the vernal equinox. I was helping her students in making models using balsa wood, 3d print few other models, architectural elements using PLA and PETG, photography and videography for the learning process. By doing this project , I was be able to understand the Solar Geometry and use the results to simulate Solar – responsive designs.
Topic; Independent Study
M.Arch , Spring 2024 Semester
Role: Designing, Model Building
Medium AutoCAD, Rhino, Boss Laser, Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
Achievements: Installation of Pavilion Models
3D Printer
3D Printer
3D Printer
Model
Model
Model
Model
Model
Stencil
3. Styrofoam Sculpture
I worked with Professor Nathan King during the Spring 2023 semester at the Research and Demonstration Facility at Virginia Tech. Professor King is the Co-Director of the Center for Design Research (CDR), where he leads efforts in Design Technology and Social Impact. We experimented with ABB articulated robots for drawing, painting, and modeling using G-Code.
We started the semester with a small ABB robot and attempted to 3D print attachments that would enable the robot to draw desired pictures. Professor King encouraged us to explore the idea of hot wire cutting using the attachments we developed, to create sculptures from Styrofoam. Later in the semester, we transitioned to using a 6-axis industrial robot capable of printing, drilling, and cutting on an industrial scale with various attachments.
Throughout the project, we learned a great deal about operating procedures, safety concerns, and practical applications of both industrial and in-home articulated robots. Additionally, our research contributed to the development of pavilions designed to cover bike racks across various locations at Virginia Tech.
Topic; Computer Applications in Design
M.Arch , Spring 2023 Semester
Role: Student, Designing, Model Building
Medium : Grasshopper, G-Code
Achievements: Working on Industrial Scale 3d Printers & Robots
4. Bamboo Research
I got an opportunity with work with Prof. Jonas Hauptman as his Graduate Teaching Assistant in Fall 2023 for one year. Prof. Hauptman is an inventor, designer and Co-leads the Bio Design Research Group at Virginia Tech. Over the past twenty years, he has founded multiple award-winning enterprises that leverage specialized fabrication with novel material approaches. He has recently filed a provisional patent for Mass Bamboo building system that uses lightly modified culm bamboo to create laminated structural building panels.
As part of the BioDesign Research Group, we tested various species of bamboo known and cultivated globally for their compressive and shear strengths. We designed a new saw-cutting machine that could efficiently cut bamboo into desired lengths and shapes. The testing machines were housed in the Research and Demonstration Facility, where I worked with various woodworking machines. Under the supervision of Professor Ramtin, we also created and dismantled a large bamboo pavilion. We used a CNC jig to annotate the bamboo members. Professor Hauptman also mentored me in my thesis, which focused on the Indigenous communities of the Amazonian region.
Topic; Research work at RDF, Virginia Tech
M.Arch , Fall 2023 & Spring 2024 Semester
Role: Designing, Model Building, Lab testing, making bamboo panels
Medium : Rhino, Boss Laser, Drill Press, Table Saw, Chop Saw, Lathe
Achievements: Student of the Year Award
5. Thesis Models
During my undergraduate studies at IES College of Architecture, I curated building material and model making workshops because of my exceptional skills using diverse materials such as fabric, clay, metal, concrete, and wood. Renowned for my commitment and punctuality, I have been sought after by both architectural firms and students to create models. I prioritize sustainability in my work, opting frequently for balsa wood due to its versatility and ability to be reused in subsequent projects. This choice not only reflects my environmental consciousness but also enhances the practicality and longevity of my models. These experiences have not only shaped my craftsmanship but also emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in architectural design and model making. I honestly believe that the one who has ability to create fabulous models will possess the skill of creating creative architectural forms. It became a hobby rather than a prefession which curated me to make many other artifacts other than architectural models.
Topic; Freelance Model Building
B.Arch, Mumbai, India
Role: Curator, Model Builder, Medium : AutoCAD, LaserCAMM
Achievements: Drawings & Model Images Published in “Grey Learn”
