Mansi Maheshwari
Mansi Maheshwari mansimaheshwari87@gmail.com
+1 (408) 368 2476 760 N 7th Street, #4307, San Jose, CA 95112 U.S.A.
Academic Work
rendered view of entrance to plaza
Yale School of Architecture Advanced Studio, Spring 2014
Field and Network
Institute of Modern Media Initiative Location: Reykjavik, Iceland Studio Professors: Deborah Berke with Noah Bilken
The proposal for the headquarters of the International Multi Media Initiatives is governed by my interpretation of the programs and the location of the site and its immediate context. The institute functions, primarily as a center for advocacy, information and education. For this reason, I chose to design a public park that takes advantage of its location by the sea to bring in people into the campus. The programs of fabrication labs, hacker and maker spaces are de-institutionalized from the administrative building and treated as independently functioning and readily accessible kiosks that form the edge of the street and help define the limits of the park.
site context plan
site context model
existing view of Geirsgsata street
proposed intervention at Geirsgsata street
site plan N 5m
10m
20m
street elevation 5m
10m
20m
section A
section B
section C
schematic sections
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schematic landscape diagram
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C
level + 1200mm level + 800mm level + 400mm level + 00mm
The design for the built programs is derived from the ethos of the institute; transparency and public accessibility. While the reception, marked by the tower above it, forms the entry; the exhibition space, cafeteria and auditorium all have easy accessibility from the plaza. Besides this, the teaching labs and fabrication labs function as independent units that remain open to the public (accessed though an on-line key and appointment system) twenty four hours a day. This separation, both physical and conceptual de-institutionalizes these labs, encouraging their free and public use.
longitudinal building section 5m
10m
20m
auditorium
cafetaria
exhibition space
reception
fabrication lab teaching studio library
ground floor plan N 5m
10m
20m
physical model
rendered views
axonomentric drawing and collage of the courtyard housing grid
Yale School of Architecture Advanced Studio, Fall 2013
Hellenikon Master Plan
Location: Athens, Greece Studio Professors: Elia Zenghelis with Andrew Benner Collaborative work with AJ Artemel Contribution: conceptualization, design detailing and graphic presentation
The design of the master plan in Athens is shaped by the particularities of the abandoned airport on which it is sited and as a critical reaction to the generic fabric of the polykatoikias that cover most of the city. We incorporated the runway and other topographical feaures of the site into the design of a central park, which forms a void against the sprawl of the city. This park is supported by a dense business and retail axis which creates a new centrality and provides a much needed link from the city to the sea. The smaller scale of the proposed courtyard housing (which I developed in greater detail through the semester) is used to integrate with the surrounding neighborhoods.
site photographs: panorama across residential edge of site
site photograph: panorama across runway
conceptual views across the site clockwise from top left: large scale development of centrality in the city; frame as connectors with neighborhoods, axial connection to the Saarinen terminal; runway islands as flower fields juxtaposition on existing landscape; towers to demarcate edge of park
initial sketch diagram
site model showing the two built components: the housing grid and the axial centrality
The second half of the semester dealt with developing the housing component of the project. This was done individually and I took on a section of the site to study and design at various scales; from the park, courtyard, housing block to the individual apartment. The language of the courtyards is used as a corollary to the city’s sprawl as it provides cohesiveness and identity to the neighborhood while also using the self-development model of the Polykatoikia to allow for varied expression.
framing diagrams: axis from mountain to the sea and existing neighborhoods to the proposed park
site plan
detailed site drawing (original drawing at 1:1000 measuring 0.9 x 3m) N 50m
100m
200m
detailed site drawing (original drawing at 1:500 measuring 0.75 x 1.2m) N 15m
30m
60m
floor layout plan (second / third floor) N 5m
10m
20m
The ground and the first two floors were designed with fixed layouts as shops and apartments, respectively. The third floor formed a plinth with parcels of land (10m x 12m) to be sold as individual plots and be developed by a variety of owners along the traditional polykatoikia model. The consolidated development of the base allowed for a cohesiveness in the reading of the neighbourhood while the polykatoikia model for the top floors created a diversity amongst the courtyard housing. courtyard housing development diagrams
1. existing street pattern
2. continuation of existing streets
3. cohesive built network
sectional diagram showing the morphological change from existing polykatoikias to proposed courtyard housing
existing site feature: baseball field
extension of park
connecting the park to the main roads
figure ground drawing of ground plan
existing site feature: rock outcrop
section through housing grid
sectional perspective towards the park
sectional perspective towards the street
physical model of courtyard housing at 1:1000 scale
rendered view of typical courtyard
rendered view of proposed building
Yale School of Architecture Advanced Studio, Spring 2013
Housing in Havana Location: Havana, Cuba Studio Professors: Carie Penebad and Adib Cure
This intervention at the corner of Galiano and San Miguel streets not only addresses the urgent need for housing in the city but also provides for a public space; both as a relief from as well as an extension of the dense street activity in central Havana. While the hypostyle hall on the ground floor provides a structure for temporary markets, music concerts and a shaded space for rest, the housing above affords the issues of comfortable yet flexible living quarters along with generous common spaces to enable the social interaction which can be seen in the current Barbacoas.
void
proposal for creating a public space on Galiano street as a complement to the density of the exisitng street conditions
What is most striking about the city of Havana is the life on the streets. These are the places for commerce, playgrounds for children, venues for impromptu musical concerts as well as meeting places for friends. As a response to this, my proposal was to create a void on the busy Galiano street. This void would act both, as a relief and a moment of pause from the vigor of activity and the harsh tropical sunlight, as well as an extension of the street allowing this activity and life on Galiano to flow into it.
rendered view of proposed hypostyle hall
The hypostyle hall became an extension of the collonade on the commercial street. It could be used as a space for a temporary market for food, spices or clothes; as a venue for music and dance performances; or simply as a public social space, away from the glare and heat of the sun.
site model of Galiano street
typical condition on Galiano street
creating a void as public space
structuring the void by extending the collonade
site model of Galiano street
1. site location
2. initial massing study
3. lifting up the mass
4. eroding the corner
5. creating a usable covered terrace
6. proposed massing
massing diagrams
section 2.5m
5m
10m
market place
performance space
public plaza multiple uses of hypostyle hall
The floor plan of each dwelling unit allows for cross ventilation. A recessed alcove in the corridors marks the entry of each individual home and allows room for social interaction. The zoning of service areas ensures maximum flexibility in the size and layout of the units. typical floor plan N 2.5m
5m
10m
1. organization of living and service spaces
2. cross ventilation and wind movement
3. flexible unit plans - one bedroom units
4. flexible unit plans - two bedroom units
front elevation 2.5m
5m
10m
private housing
community space
public hypostyle hall
elevation diagram
Professional Work
longitudinal section through gallery
vir.mueller architects June 2014 - present
Humayun’s Tomb Site Museum Location: New Delhi Site area: 5 acres Built up area: 11,000 sqm Partner in charge: Pankaj Vir Gupta Project architect: Ranu Singh / Mansi Maheshwari Project team: Kapil Shokeen, Monisha Nasa, Utsav Jain, Arjun Sara Contribution: Construction documents, coordination with consultants and project in-charge of Site Administration and Construction
In response to the increasing volume of visitors, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture has proposed a site museum to orient tourist and visitors, not just to the history and architecture of the monument, but to the entire Nizamuddin precinct which includes over 15 protected monuments across 5 centuries of the Lodi and Mughal dynasties. The Humayun’s Tomb Site Museum is entirely sunken below ground, drawing its inspiration from stepped-wells of this region and ensuring that it does not obstruct any views of the monuments themseves.
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Humayun’s Tomb Complex
1 Humayun’s Tomb
2 Nila Gumbad
3 Tomb of Abdul Rahim Khan-i-khanan
4 Isa Khan’s Tomb
5 Chausath Khamba
6 Hazrat Nizamuddin Baoli
7 Subj Burj
8 Sunderwala Burj
9 Batashewala Complex
monuments in the extended Humayun’s Tomb complex
auditorium
library
To Sundar Nursery
vestibule gallery-I
To Entry Plaza
gallery courtyard
vestibule gallery-II
entrance ramp
model gallery
To Humayun’s Tomb
finial gallery
temporary gallery
permanent gallery
To Humayun’s Tomb gallery spaces service spaces
schematic plan layout of gallery level 10m 5m
20m
construction plan of gallery level 10m 5m
20m
structural plan and sections of ceiling slab
The architecture of the underground museum is an expression of the design of its structure. A grid of columns spaced at 4m centers sit on a continuous raft slab. This grid erodes to allow the galleries to weave around the existing trees on site. The pleated ceiling slab, also based on the grid, thins at the point where the moment of the beam is lowest and expands at the locations of the columns. Skylights intercept this slab at every second grid module to allow sunlight to filter deep into the gallery spaces.
shuttering module for the pleated ceiling slab
rendered view of permanent gallery
construction photograph of permanent gallery
rendered view of entrance ramp
construction mock up of red sandstone dry cladding
marble flooring
marble screen
red sandstone flooring
carved timber door
mughal courtyards
lime plaster on ceiling
rendered section through the permanent gallery and courtyard
planters
construction photograph of courtyard
Natural light, filtered through skylights and courtyards, illuminates the galleries, enabling displays of Mughal architecture, faรงade treatments, landscape elements and ornamental traditions. Skylights mark their presence on the courtyard plaza above with planters and water fountains marking an axis towards the monument. The permanent gallery is flanked by courtyards on either side and reflections from the marble floor and walls allow the light to penetrate deep into the gallery spaces. wall section through skylight
skylight in the finial gallery
aerial view of park and bridge
vir.mueller architects February 2016 - April 2016
Urban Margins: Maharshtra Nature Park Location: Mumbai Site area: 37 acres Built up area: 22,500 sqm. competition entry by vir.mueller architects in collaboration with AldayJover Arquitectura, Buro Happold Engineers and Shaheer Associates Partner in charge: Pankaj Vir Gupta Project architect: Ranu Singh Project team: Mansi Maheshwari, Monisha Nasa, Utsav Jain Contribution: Research, Development of program, Establishing a framework of sustainable development, Conceptual design, Presentation documents
Situated in the dense urban fabric of Mumbai where rapid development has led to the marginalization of natural habitats, the Maharshtra Nature Park creates an ecological oasis in the heart of the city. The competition, organized by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), invited entries to re-vitalize this urban oasis in the heart of the city and propose a pedestrian bridge across the Mithi river. The team, led by vir.mueller architects was short listed amongst thirty entries to reach the final stage of the competition.
built fabric
green footprint
site and context
site plan with park and bridge 50m 25m
100m
public transit
The Maharashtra Natural Park occupies a critical site at the confluence of Mithi river. To its south, is Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum, and across the river to the north is Mumbai’s financial hub, the BKC complex. The design proposal envisions the park and the bridge as a threshold between these disparate programs. The park is envisioned as an inclusive urban space for visitors, commuters and Dharavi residents.
access and movement
commuter student visitor Dharavi resident
view of park entrance: built mass helps create a visual presence of the park on Dharavi depot road
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building plan N
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bus drop-off
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parking
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entrance court
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cafeteria
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knowledge center
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amphitheater
6
section through knowledge center
views of bridge
+2.76m: lowest tide level
+4.42m: highest tide level
+6.35m: 100 year flood level
+7.00m: exceptional rainfall event
plan of bridge N
section at river’s edge
10m 5m
20m
views of plaza showing roof structure of recycled metal and water harvesting channels
Water and sewage management was a primary concern in the development of the park. A system of dry sanitation prevents flow of sewage into the river. The architecture of the park celebrates the rain water harvesting system by revealing the flow of water in exposed roof gutters, water channels and reflecting pools.
rain water harvesting
centralized waste treatment
view of central staircase
vir.mueller architects June 2010 - July 2013
Institute of Engineering and Technology, Ahmedabad University Location: Ahmedabad Site area: 5 acres Built up area: 23,500 sqm Partner in charge: Pankaj Vir Gupta Project architect: Saurabh Jain Project team: Mansi Maheshwari, Avneet Kaur, Prashant Hada, Bhavika Agarwal, Priyam Goswami Contribution: Conceptual design, Design development, Coordination of all services and preparation of Construction Documents
The architecture for the Institutue of Engineering and Technology at Ahmedabad University exemplifies the typology of an academic quadrangle - a central courtyard garden flanked by classes and faculty rooms. Timeless yet contemporary, this cloister anchors a community of students and scholars. The building circulation, galleries and staircases, weave alongside the courtyard creating a dynamic relationship between the architecture and landscape while also creating a constant flow of movement and activity in the heart of the campus.
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site plan 10m 5m
20m
study models
transverse section A
longitudinal section B 10m 5m
20m
view of courtyard
construction details of typical screens
The architecture engages an intense climatic condition - summer temperatures soar to 45 degrees Celcius - with sensitivity, employing red sandstone screens to filter the sun while enhancing the play of light and shadow in the rooms. These screens weave a kinetic sculpture within the central courtyard, filtering light by day and emitting a soft glow at dusk. The screens are versatile and form different configurations based on their orientation. The screen on the North face rotates to form a bench allowing students to enjoy views of the courtyard and becomes more dense towards the West face to protect against the harsh afternoon light.
wall section though external wall
Flooring pattern sketch
Doongri Marble
material and pattern study
Kota Limestone
Cuddapah Limestone
view of gallery
south facade
entrance lounge
rendered view of Vasant Vihar residence
vir.mueller architects June 2010 - July 2013
Vasant Vihar Residence Location: Delhi Site area: 330sqm Built up area: 1000sqm Partner in charge: Pankaj Vir Gupta Project architect: Hillary Collins / Mansi Maheshwari Project team: Laura Blosser, Harsh Vardhan Jain,Vijender Singh Rana, Mansi Maheshwari Contribution: preparation of construction documents, bid analysis and construction administration
The residence in Vasant Vihar is a four story town house situated in a dense residential colony in New Delhi. The design provides for a south facing linear court to allow for maximum penetration of natural light. It is a hybrid structure of load bearing exposed brick work and R.C.C. columns with flat slabs. A central gallery forms the spine of the building carrying all the services and infrastructure for the apartments.
junction detail
ground floor plan N 1m
2m
4m
detailing for exposed brick bay window
course 1
revised course 1
The use of hollow bricks reduced the weight considerably without compromising the structural strength of the material. However, this meant that many construction details had to be re-calibrated as it was now imperative that only whole, uncut bricks be used throughout the building. Details such for corners, bay windows and screens were sketched on site in collaboration with the brick mason and contractor.
course 2
detailing for exposed brick bay window
construction of staircase
construction of staircase
photograph of staircase
photograph of entrance
April, 2011
progress of construction
June, 2011
September, 2012
January, 2013