Architectural Portfolio 2023

P O R T F O L I O 2 0 2 3 [SELECTED WORKS]

M A N Y A S I N G H A L

[WORK EXPERIENCE] 2 years

M A N Y A

S I N G H A L

Architectural & Computational Designer Student/Graduate Visa Contact Details: manyasinghal@gmail.com +447796796063

Alfara Infra Projects 2017 as an Intern for a period of six months civil work, tendering, site visits,costing and sepcification Paraline Design Studio 2019 as an Intern for a period of six months Collaborative planning, design and drawings of Duplex bungalows, midrise apartments pan India.

Tata Consultancy, Sterlite, Asian Paints Office interiors, parametric furniture fabrication and site visits.

Rajesh Patel Architects 2020 as an Assistant Architect for a period of six months Lead designer for corporate offices, sports complex, parametric furniture design and tender drawings.

Free Lancing (Ongoing) Experimental Architecture

[SPECIALLISED SKILLS] Advanced Computation Environmental Optimisation Structural Optimisation Evolutionary OptImisation Wood Modelling Parametric Design Fabrication Wood Fabrication Biomaterial Research and Experimentaion CNC Milling Robotic Fabrication and Extrusions 3D Printing

“I am a Biophiliac, as I possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life with architecture.

I yearn to create responsive design strategies informed by emerging social and environmental patterns.

I am always passionate about learning new digital tools and biomaterial formulation to achieve the confluence point between nature and technology,to be able to deliver architecture in its best capacity.”

Architectural Design Generative Design AI and Ml in Design Adatpive And Responsive Architecture Sustainable Architecture 3D Visualization 3D Imagery, Animation Generative Art Vector Illustration Sketching

[SOFTWARE SKILLS]

[EDUCATION]

Advanced Rhinoceros 3D Autodesk Autocad Revit Grasshopper WallaceiX, Karamba3D, Kangaroo, Ladybug, Pufferfish, Topos, Monolith, Culebra, Anemone, Wasp, PlanBee, Decoding Spaces, Lunchbox, Urbano Adobe Suite Photoshop,Illustrator,Indesign, AfterEffects Affinity Suite Microsoft Office Twinmotion Lumion Sketchup Keyshot

2015 Delhi Public School Noida Hr. Sec School, India Science Scholar, CGPA : 9.1/10

Intermediate Unity Z Brush T Splines Unity Unreal Engine Autodesk Maya 3D Autodesk CFD Cinema 4D Enscape Vectorworks QGIS

[CODING SKILLS] C# Grasshopper, Unity, AR

[LANGUAGES] Hindi/ Native English/ Fluent (TOEFL : 7.5)

2015-2020 L.S. Raheja School Of Architecture Mumbai University, India Bachelors of Architecture Distinction, CGPA- 8.34/10 2021-2023 Architectural Association Of Architecture, London Masters of Architecture in Emergent Technologies and Design

[ACHIEVEMENTS] 2016 - Citation 1 in Nari Gandhi Analysis trophy in Annual NASA Convention.

Published a handbook -research on Climate Responsive Design on SECMOL, Phey, Ladakh,India 2017 - Special mention in Unknown Crafts Person Trophy for research and innovation in construction techniques using pineapple fibres and indegenuos techniques of Bamboo Porcupine in Annual NASA Convention.

2017-2018 Unit Secretary, Team Mentor at National Association Of Students Of Architecture, India 2018 -Citation 1 in Unknown Crafts Person Trophy for research and innovation in construction techniques using wood in Kashmir - ‘Khatamband’ Citation 1 in Mohammmad Shaheer Landscape Trophy for a site renewal proposal at the site of Bhopal Gas Tragedy, Bhopal in Annual NASA Convention,India.

2020-Special Mention in HUDCO Trophy, Housing And Urban Development Corporation, India 2021- A+ Architizer Award for Re-Emerge Pavilion in Collaboration with AA[Emtech] and Hassel Studio, London

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2019-2023

BIO_BOT

Biomaterial Formulation Ecological Machine Design Diffusion Limited Aggregation and Networks

Emergence and Evolutionary Computation

Climate Responsive Evoltionary Optimisation Design for High Rise Tower, London

Re-Emerge Pavilion Generative Design Timber Wood Curfing London

Surface Differentiation

Science of Veneer wood Physical Prototyping Curvature Analysis

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Active Bending in Timber wood

Form Finding Kit Of Parts Computational Modelling

Computational Design For Extreme Environments

High Rise Tower And Kinetic Facade Design in Kuwait

Public Architecture -Contriving A New Third Place

Public Markets in Digital Era, Bangalore, India

Self-Sustainable Network Design in Arctic

Fractal Growth Algorithms Settlement Design Environmental Optimisation

Selected Works

“Carbon capture can achieve 14 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions reductions needed by 2050 and is viewed as the only practical way to achieve deep decarbonization in the industrial sector.”

-Center Of Climate And Energy Solutions

Ecological approach provides a theoretical basis for the design of human-machine systems that will promote adaptive performance.

-Vicente, K. J. (2018)

2021-2023

Postgraduate Design Dissertation

B I O _ B O T

“Bio-Bot” or ecological machine hybrids, can be implemented in different site contexts, thresholds and environmental scenarios; foretelling necessary participatory intervention in urban nodes of environmental deterioration. Technology becomes the reparative system to define new psycho-ecological engagements between human participants, non-human species, local environmental conditions and their projections across temporal time frames. The real-time monitoring of data will allow for variability within the formal organisations of the eco-machines to become new adaptive ecologies rather than infill strategies in situ. The feedback cycle within this intervention raises ethical responsibility in the manufacturing, production and participatory care-taking of the bio-bots throughout the time frame of their environmental arbitration and material life cycle.

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BIO_BOT

Biomaterial Formulation Ecological Machine Design Diffusion Limited Aggregation and Green Networks

URBAN NODE VOXEL WEIGHTING

Urban Anthropogenic activites have led to fragmentation of green ecological networks in the London Green Belt even further, leading to inadequacy in carbon capture and thermoregulation. Furthermore, augmentaion of synthetically built urban fabric contribute to the heat island effect leading to vexatious environment for the living species. Energy wastage in the form of Active cooling and heating contribute to heat generation as well.

Untreated interstitial spaces and road networks contribute to 80 % of city’s noise and heat. These nuances lead to only one solution of generating a new technological green network that ties built fabric to the unbuilt fabric creating green tissue continuity with the green belt.

Spatial Threshold for Implementation of Biobots

The most deteriorated node for intervention was identified as Soho from voxel weighting method.

The new green network is proposed to be built of ecological machines termed as bio_bots. The biobots are deployable, made of timber structure and biomaterial, inbuilt with arduino to generate environmental adaptive response, catering to four functions that is Production of biofuel, Collection of heat, Protection of species, Filtration of Carbon and soot.With the help of Diffusion Limited Aggregation, a spatial morphological network of biobots is generated implemented as Filtration facades,Biofuel Production Pods, Horticultural Pods,in interstitial spaces and Habitation Pods in the Green Belt.

Four scales of design resolution and implementation

“The Diffusion Limited Aggregation (DLA) model developed by Witten and Sander in 1978 is useful in modeling a large class of growth phenomena with local dependence.”-Computer Physics Communications Volume 182, Issue 8, August 2011, Pages 1602-1605

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[ CARBON ADSORBING MATERIAL ]

//BIOBOT BIO-MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT

In order to develop the biomaterial for biobot a highly porous material was envisioned. Hence, Timber sponge was formulated.

A biomaterial that adsorbs carbon through surface bond formation. A unique ratio of timber sawdust, yeast, cornstarch and water slurry when baked in the absence of oxygen leads to surface activation of timber.

When soaked in water acts like a sponge. The high porosity also serves as facilators of microorganism growth, inducing green tissue growth, moss in this case to induce moss voltaics for the production of electricity.

Prototype Silicone moulds were built for mass production. Further, robots were utilised to extrude the biobot morphology.

12 Biomaterial Samples created to formulate compositon ratio

3 Point Bending Test conducted to check structural strength for varying thickness of biomaterial brick

Sponge behaviour Tested recorded every hour after being soaked in water

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Arduino setup was constructed in the Bio_bots to induce real time environmental sensing and kinetic response.When actuated, Biobots moved towards region with more light and vice versa creating real time change in spatial configuration.

The biobots can be further installed with heat and humidity sensors to create further response

Materials utilised for the construction of different typologies of bio_bots based on their respective function

Structural tests were conducted using Karamba 3D. Cantilever limitation was anticiapted as 4m..

Furthermore, physical model on 3:4 scale was created. Whereas maximum diameter of a unit biobot is 1m on real scale.

Exploded material allocation diagram for hybrid bio_bot

//BIOBOT MORPHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

ALGA TERRA BOT -Surface Area to Volume ration Of Pipes for Algal fluid were maximised for maximum sun exposure.

FLORA BOT -Differential Growth Algorithm was utilised to generate manifold morphology for facilitation of plant and species growth

HYDRA TERRA BOT -Rain water simulation was utilised to direct maximum flow of rain water inside the water colection morphology.

Architectural sectional detail through Hydra Terra Bot, displaying Arduino Core, and materiality

TERRA BOT- Differential Growth Algorithm is utilised to generate a morphology with high volume to surface area ratio, for moss growth

OSMO TERRA BOT- Particle simulation and Autodesk CFD is utilised to create morphology for pollen and soot capture.

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//BIOBOT PARTICLE SIMULATION

Partcicle simulation for Osmo_Bot. Optimisation for membrane openings informed by varying particle size for particle entrapment

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//BIOBOT URBAN IMPLEMENTATION

URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEME STEP 1 : Identification of deteriorated Urban Nodes STEP 2 : Employment of morphology Kit of Parts STEP 3 : Public Digital Enrollment

STEP 4: Site Supply and Assembly STEP 5 : Feedback Loop Notification and Participation STEP 6: Maintainence and Relocation

VOXEL WEIGHTING After the region of application is identified, the 3D spatial grid of the space is analysed for wind flow, sun exposure, proximity to green tissue, and pedestrian likeability. This imformation is input further for morphological development of biobot networks using Diffusion Limited Aggregation, to achieve the exact allocation of the biobot typology.

//BIOBOT NETWORK DEVELOPMENT

DIFFUSION LIMITED AGGREGATION In order to run the Diffusio n Limited Aggregation for the generation biobot network environmental design goals were setup that is creating more shaded region(yellow), creating green tissue continuity(green), creating wind regulation(blue) and creating ground and facade attachments.(pink) The success of fulfillment of these goals is outputted by the color assigned to the environmental goals directtly associated by the placement of bibots. The yellow biobots inidicate placement for Alga_ Terra bots for sunlight, green indictae placement for Terra bots for moss growth, Blue indicate placement of Osmo bots for pollen capture and pink indicate the placement of Flora bots for plant growth.

The environmental goals can be run singularly or together based on the environmental and contextual requirement.

The design algorithm was run for Soho Square and a Hotel morphology in Soho to reduce the impact of heat emissions, regulate grey water, induce thermoregulation and production of biofuel and electricity for public vehicles and mobile phones.Indicated through mobile apps through sensor response generated by arduinos.

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INPUT

OUTPUT

Nature : Absorption of Co2 Machine : Alga Terra bots signal after every 2 hours for mechanical circulation of algal liquid to facilitate photosynthesis Man: Open air Bicycle gymning for mechanical circulation of algal liquid.

Nature : Production of O2 Machine: Artifical Intelligence Man: Sociability, physical and mental well being

Machine : After 15 days Algal liquid is converted into Algal oil which can be further used for biofuel generation through mechanical energy generation, Alga Terra bots signal for mass cycling activity for 1 hour on weekends.

Man: Mass cycling for 1 hour (60 people cycling for 1 hour can generate electricity to light 200 homes),

Nature : Production of O2 Machine: Production of Biofuel, Artifical Intelligence Man: Sociability, physical and mental well being, economic viability

Nature : Extreme Climatic Shifts Machine: Realtime Arduino Sensing and Kinetic Response at local level Man: Notification Alert for re-allocation and re -assembly of spatial configuration of biobots.

Eg: New Spatial Response on digital app, inorder to Increase sun exposure for living beings in winter season.

Nature : Production of O2 Machine: Artifical Intelligence Man: Sense Of Awareness, thermal comfort

Nature : Extreme Climatic Shifts Machine: Realtime Arduino sensing and Kinetic Response, at local level Man: Notification Alert for re-allocation and assembly Eg: Spatial Response to in order to create shade living beings in summer season

Nature : Production of O2,thermoregulation Machine: Artifical Intelligence Man: Sense Of Awareness, thermal comfort

// FUNCTIONALITY - BIOBOT MORPHOLOGY

FEEDBACK~LOOP

Alga Terra Bots biofuel production pods /CO2 absorption per BOT.

Flora Terra Bots _Biofuel production and species protection pods/CO2 absorption per BOT.

//BIOBOT ARCHITECTRUAL DETAILING

“We are heading towards climate collapse, led by systems and values that reward consumption and expansion, and thrive on inequality. But an alternative path is possible.

There is not just one solution to the climate emergency, but multiple possible visions of a radically different world.

A world that damaging systems have been disrupted” -Our Time On Earth

Above : Architectural Drawing/ Elevational Detailing Of Species Habitation Pods_Terra Bots Right Corner : Architectural Drawing/Sectional Detailing Of Biobot Facade _ Flora Bots, Hydra Bots, Osmo Bots

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“Evolutionary algorithm is widely used for generation of an output in the field of design and science. The algorithm is based on natural selection abiding by the rules of initialization, selection, genetic operators, and termination.”

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Emergence and Evolutionary Computation High Rise Tower Design, London

The aim of the project was to generate a climatically responsive skyscraper using evolutionary algorithm informed by respective design goals. The case study selected for design implementation was The Shard in London. As a part of studio research and experimentation, Wallacei X-Grasshopper engine was utilized to enable multi objective optimization.

Simulation 1 : Design Goals

Simulation 2 : Design Goals

2021-2022

Postgraduate Project

The Shard is a mixed use tower located in an urban context, next to the Tower Bridge Station. The region experiences large footfalls. Hence, creating public corid became crucial for this experiment in order to respond to the urban context. London experiences extreme heat in months of summer and extreme cold in the months of winter.

Volumetric massing was doubled to increase heat dissipation in summer months. An insulating facade system was generated to capture low sunlight angle in winterseason and vice versa.A corrugated shading system was developed to chanel wind, optimised through sunlight angle.

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Standard deviation graphs for each fitness criterias

Pareto Front Individuals

The goal to develop the building morphology and facade system was strategically split into two sequences.Sequence 1 : Enhancing architectural functionality and spatial configuration by running evolutionary algorithm for the volumetric form of the building morphology.The fitness objectives were :Maximising the Floor plate Area,maximising the Shadow on Ground,minimizing the wind influence,maximising public Area.Sequence 2 : Solving problems of environmental pressure through facade simulation in order to generate a climate responsive facade system.The fitness objectives were:Maximising sunlight hour radiation and Maximising Self shading Hence, this strategy helped in segregating the agendas and running a sequential simulation in order to optimise the tower morphology with the facade system.

Best Ranked Individuals for each fitness criteria

2021-2022

Postgraduate Project

Simulation 1

Best Ranked Individual for average of fitness criterias

Worse Ranked Individual for average of fitness criterias Simulation 2

Best Ranked Individual for average of fitness criterias

Parallel Coordinate Plot

The genes control the physical traits of the design output, optimised through conflicting design criterias.

As the design goals were designed, Sequential Evolutionary Algorithm was run for 100 iterrations.

It was observed that the best performing individual had maximised floor plate areas, and public spaces while the overall form had sufficient tapering to reduce wind friction.

The Facade system adequately reflected the climatic response. The shaders on West and East facade were considerably longer and lower angled, the shaders on South Facade were protuded at 90 degree angle, while there were negligible shaders on North Facade.

Worse Ranked Individual for average of fitness criterias

The success of generation of optimised design output crucially depends on the formation of fitness criterias and the gene pool designed to correspond to the design goals.

Machine learning can be further implemented to generate mass scale urban morphologies.

However, it is a time consuming computational method vividly based on trial and errors to generate most optimised output.

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“We have 20 years until [2026] to reduce carbon emissions or climate change will become irreversible” -Hans Joachim Schellnhuber

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Re-Emerge Pavilion

Timber Wood Curfing London

The Re-Emerge Pavilion was built as a collaborative effort by Architectural Association (AA) Emergent Technologies & Design (EmTech) Postgraduate Programme and Hassell Studio in Bedford Square, London. The Re-Emerge pavilion explores new design methods that repurpose materials which have completed their first life cycle towards innovative structural formations.

The project addresses generative design, material computation, and large-scale fabrication, emphasising ecological impact from the early phases of the design process onwards. Incorporation of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in computational workflows from the beginning of the design process has been a unique characteristic of the project. Analysis of most plywood types used for external construction versus solid timber planks demonstrates that CO2 emissions of plywood is significantly higher than solid planks.

2021-2022

Postgraduate Project

The structural system for Re-Emerge is comprised of volumetric timber modules that are created by scoring and kerfing wood pallets. Two kerfed pallets, each with a 120° curvature, are connected to each other via lap joints. This system creates a stiff, bricklike ‘diamond’ module that can sustain loads in vertical and horizontal arrangements.

The diamonds are organised into structural ribs, which are then assembled with lap joints; thereby diminishing the need for secondary materials in the joinery system. The system is completed by the addition of further timber planks for structural support.

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The aim of the project was to construct a revolutionary global surface model from veneer wood by utilising the bending property of veneer wood. Minimal use of material was one of the key motives. The key methods used to construct the model were Surface Differentiation, curvature analysis and additive prototyping. Computational output informed intutive design decisions for formulation of a prototype component through physical experimentation, which was informed back in the coputational workflow.

A 3D component was designed that displayed the uni-directional tensile property of veneer wood. After physical experimentation it could be concluded that, varying the component scale imparted varying curvature and slopes that were recorded.When components were conjugated together, formed arched branches.

In order to construct the global surface, the component was created in computational medium using Kangaroo Physics | Grasshopper . A revolutionary global surface of 50 cm height was generated on Grasshopper, slopes of the curvature at 5 equidistant radial sections were calculated and reparametrized to distibure the veneer components of desired curvature corresponding to the most accurately closest slope at five different slope points on the global surface. Hence, a revolutionary global surface that could be built of veneer wood components was generated

Surface Differentiation

Curvature Analysis Wood Fabrication

Through branch formation, it was discovered that revolutionary surfaces with both convex and concave curvatures could be formed. To achieve the global surface with a concave curvature, different joinery combinations were experimented upon.

Structural behavior of the component was analyzed on the Karamba 3D software to analyze various stresses and strain on the system. Material limitations were discovered that led to further insights on design development, like varying the opening sizes and devising an asymmetric componentcouldcombatmateriallimitations.

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Active Bending Timber wood Kit Of Parts Material System

A timber plate of thickness 2mm length 20 cm and width 10 cm was utilised. Two slits at 1/8th distance from outer edges were created. The laterally outward parts were pinched and screwed leading to formation of curvature in two directions. The bottom curvature held the upper longer curvature in place and increased the stiffness of the component .

The component was further built in computational medium. Six components , were aggregated together to form a self standing arch structure.

The structure developed from this material system was constructable and demountable integration of active bending with a kit-of-parts approach.Active bending is characterized as a formation process where the potential of a certain material behaviour is taken as a starting point, and hence active bending constitutes an approach rather than a structural typology (arch, dome, shell, etc.), arch in this case.

2021-2022

Part 1

Postgraduate Project

The project explored the phenomenon of Active bending furher in timber plates.The aim was again to create deployable kit of parts system. Diamond shaped components were designed, when twisted and bolted from the edges, an arch geometry was obtained, that increased the strength of the system further. Deeper cut outs reduced the stresses and strain in the material when bent, avoiding snapping in the component.

Different aggregations were tested using variations in single component.

Different joinery patterns helped in achieving different curvatures directly impacting the stiffness of the asembly. Different free standing aggregations were built to create a 6 metre long assembly, proving the versatility of the kit of part system.

Part 2

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Computational Design in Extreme Environments High Rise Tower And Facade Design in Kuwait

“The challenges of extreme environments have allowed architects and engineers to envision novel and creative solutions with vast applicability, often converging through the theme of material and resource efficiency as a key pillar for sustainable development in extreme environments.”

The aim of the project was to generate a climatically responsive tall building morphology located in Hot and Arid Biome mainly composed of timber components.The main objectives for morphology design were heat dissipation, reduction of heat island effect by creating shaded ground cover. Orienting the morphology in order to maximise North light gain and minimise the effect of harsh wind. The tall building system was emerged with help of the gene evolutionary process in the digital medium.Exercising gene control to obtain the above objectives was the prime learning. The second stage of the facade design exploration was based on the micro climatic analysis. A dynamic double skin facade system was proposed to reduce the rate of heat transfer to the building morphology.

The objectives for the facade design were to tackle the Westerly sand storms, to design a kinetic facade component informed by the sun path angle vector throughout the day to maximize self shading on the facade. Environmental Optimisation on Ladybug and Autodesk CFD were conducted as design drivers.

In order to tackle westerly sandstorms, a telescopic joinery system was proposed to achieve opening and closing mechanism for facade, which was fabricated physically on 1 : 5 scale using plywood as the material. The physical fabrication informed the computational workflow which was further informed by defining the mathematical relationship between the angle of rotation and length of the facade component.In order to facilitate the same, the mechanism of the motor system for rotation of facade components, physical fabrication of gear system were explored and executed.

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Contriving A New Third Place

Public Markets in Digital Era, Bangalore, India Area : 30,000 sm

The aim of this project was to re-envision the state of public markets in the future digital era.

As a model for design implementation K.R. public market, in Bangalore, India was selected after survey. The public market had a rich cultural history and played an important role in place-making and creating livelihood for local farmers in 1900s. However, fast commercialisation , and development, led to eventual oblivion of the place and people.

A design model for the future public market was generated. The principles of space syntax theory have been utilised for creating engaging pedestrian movement in the public market, to enhance visiblity of retail spaces, While the “journey of the user” is the key aspect of design, abandoned interstitial corridoors in the public market have been re designed as third spaces for user and seller engagement imparted through spatial qualities of urban farms open theatres, and seasonal exhibitions.

“Hybridity to me is the ‘third space’ which enables other positions to emerge”.

-Homi Bhabha

2019-2020

Undergraduate Design Dissertation

Public Markets as sites for social interaction Physical markets not only provide customer experience but also instill a form of social interaction it not only serves the delight of bargaining sense of familiarity and sensory experiences.

Seeing other people,opportunities for impromptu conversations. These qualities of spontaneity and sociability dont just happen, a great market must be planned as a public gathering place and managed within sustainable business structure.

Digital mediums can provide sociability, buying and selling online can save time. However sensory experience of public markets can never be replaced.

Hence, public markets with new third spaces with unique experential qualities and activities is projected to attract the millenial users for refreshment ,social and mental well being.

2_Illustration

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3_Spatial Development 4_Plan At Level +1.6m 5_View from public concourse

Axial Space In order to create prominent pedestrian access to the site. An axial route was carved as a thoroughfare connecting the two heritage gates on the North and South periphery of the old market area as displayed in figure 3,4,5..

Perceivable Datum The axial thoroughfare branches into many Sloping coridoors that coil around the third spaces, doubling the viewpoints.

View to the art podium overlooking exhibit courtyards

Depth Distance Spaces have been designed based on how much time different user groups spend in a public market based on regular, weekly and seasonal visits.

Integration Start up Stalls, exhibit zones have been provided along edges and Open Waiting Zones near transport hubs, to impart new trend and technology to the users. The market typology is indicated by the installations in their respective courtyards, identified as the landmarks of the public market.

Handicraft Stalls overlooking the workshop spaces

Convex Space Farmers market is landmarked by a giant green wall with vertical farming, have weekly stalls at ground level., Higher levels have organic farms and cafes as third spaces for exchange of botanical knowledge.

Local Handicraft stalls are zoned at the lower levels with a large atrium dedicated for art workshops and art installations.

The terraces consist of open air theatres and galleries for seasonal art

View to the experimental wood workshop and local wooden toy stalls

“A social network is a social structure made up of a set of social actors sets of dyadic ties, and other social interactions between actors “

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Sectional Detail of green wall with vertical farming

Sectional Detail of weekly vegetable stall for local farmers

Seasonal use of space as market stalls and incubators for groundnut festival in winter season

Seasonal use of space for Hubba Art Festival Exhibition conducted every year in summer season in Bangalore

Sectional Detail of organic farms

Sectional Detail of green roof for farmers’ stalls

“Rebuilding local economies and keeping human connections flourishing”

View to the Farmers’ Market from public concourse

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Self -Sustainable Network Design in Arctic

Fractal Algorithms Environmental Optimisation Settlement Design

The project aimed to propose a network of housing settlements and infrastructural facilities for necessary resource management in Ilulissat, Greenland. Given the extreme climatic conditions of the region,wayfinding, scarcity of food, and accessibility are major threats. Hence, a self-sustainable network system was proposed. The network theory was investigated through a human-centric design lens that identified the unique relationship between the socio-physiological needs of each user and ecological threats associated with it to propose appropriate architectural functions for the same. A comparative study of physical, survival and social needs of defined user types informed the hierarchical organisation of architectural functions creating a self-sustainable node, whose locations were informed by the fractal algorithmic distribution, conceived by the space syntax theory.

2021-2022

Postgraduate Project

Food Insecurity: Arctic Heat Is Threatening Indigenous Life “Subsistence hunters in the Arctic have long taken to the sea ice to hunt seals, whales, and polar bears. But now, as the ice disappears and soaring temperatures alter the life cycles and abundance of their prey, a growing number of indigenous communities are facing food shortages.”

BY ED STRUZIK • MARCH 17, 2016

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SELF SUSTAINABLE NODE The location of the nodes for the network growth were optimised based on their distances from priority hotspots in the region of Ilulissat. This helped in achieving most centralised nodal arrangement.

These nodes gave the origin points for the fractal organisation implemented further, whose configuration was informed by climatic parameters.. The space syntax investigates the importance of hierarchical organisation and centrality based on minimising the time and distance required to reach the desired node.

Existing infrastructure, the unique topography, seasonal wind patterns, and snow accumulation patterns informed the optimisation of the location of the new network nodes. Scarcity of food was addressed by devising a farming network associated with agricultural communities, the cultural centre and research centre allocation addressed the cultural significance of the local traditions and craft of native people.

// ECOLOGICAL NETWORK GROWTH

// FRACTAL ALGORITHM REPRESENTATION

The design of the building morphology was informed by the climatic factors achieved through the computational evolutionary algorithm strategy. Increased surface area to volume ratio informed retainment of heat in the interiors whereas circular forms facilitated gradual wind flow.

Carbon neutral strategies such as utilising the native timber, and peat for insulation, polycarbonate for windows addressed the concern of thawing of permafrost. Further optimisation was based on maximising shaded region on ground, allowing adequate wind flow,

// ENVIRONMENTAL OPTIMISATION

minimising sunlight radiation to prevent large melting of snow in summers.

Land berming strategies provided an opportunity to devise potentially warmer underground regions to be utilised in winters and ventilated upper floors to be utilised in summers. After devising the new network system and morphologies, limitations were faced in large-scale sequential optimisation of the network system of building morphologies informed by climatic factors. Discretization of timber trusses for ease of construction and assembly was further resolved

Structural optmisation wasperfomed using Karamba 3D, which informed the number and thickness of timber elements

// STRUCTURAL OPTIMISATION

“What does sustainable architecture look like in the Arctic?”

“The conventional thinking around building design in the Arctic is changing to reflect the region’s geographic and cultural diversity and give northerners more agency.”

-Madigan Cotirell

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[

manyasinghal@gmail.com manya.singhal@aaschool.ac.uk +44-7796796063

]