Architecture Portfolio - Oweena Fernandes

A R C H I T E C T U R E

portfolio OWEENA FERNANDES 2015 - 2020

O w e e n a

Fernandes

I have recently graduated from Goa College of Architecture and I am currently looking to develop my skills and passion for architecture and interior design.

I believe that in architectural design, it’s important to find an appreciation for the simple and at the same time have cultural, social and environmental sensitivity.

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Ve r na c u l ar p r ac ti c e s i m p l e m e n te d i n C o nt e mp o r ar y b u i l d i n gs

The Plat form : Re vit alisat ion of m in in g j e t t y at Cu rchorem , G oa

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O ut o n the Tow n : Re f i g ur i n g u r b an t r a ns f o r mati on s i n Pa nj i m , G o a 22

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Ot her Works; In t ern ship; Com pe t it ions 28

Vernacular practices implemented in Contemporary buildings A case of Vietnam and Goa

Dissertation Thesis 2019 - Year 5

While the concerns of sustainability are driven by countries in Europe and America (RobecoSAM, October 2018), there are many other obscure places such as Vietnam (UNDP Vietnam) which has also taken lead role in showing the world how to move towards sustainability.

Therefore, this study looked at the kind of sustainable practices adopted in contemporary buildings of urban Vietnam as well as looking at a similar tropical region like Goa, whether it is moving towards technology driven futuristic approach or the local vernacular which is the concern of the study. It is the contemporary practice that is geared towards addressing the issues of sustainability but using vernacular elements in their architecture which is central to this.

The results of this study indicate that the selected contemporary buildings in Vietnam and Goa is creatively adapted to the local natural conditions and uses various climate responsive strategies. Through this study, the most frequently used strategies were derived. Though some of the buildings use vernacular elements as addons, Vietnam and Goa having hot and humid climate, strategies like natural ventilation and lighting were prioritized and to some level played a fundamental role to achieve sustainability.

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Case Studies in Vietnam and Goa

The Betania project is a residential complex dedicated for social educative needs. The building is designed to reduce the impacts of solar radiation, wind and rain on the interior spaces. Betania uses it’s region’s vernacular knowledge combined with green design trends to achieve an accomodation that’s both homey and modern.

Typical solutions in the Vietnamese vernacular include solar courtyard, mediating space, envelope shading device, air vent, and surrounding greenery which is seen in this building design.

This construction received the gold medal at the Vietnam Green Building Award 2018, in Hanoi (archdaily,2017).

by Tropical Space Studio

Cuckoo House, Da Nang, Vietnam

The chapel has a deep rooted connection to its location while having a contemporary approach. The building seamlessly blends well with the surrounding vegetation and complements the hill slope on which it sits. The site has been left more or less undisturbed with the entire hill slope conserved and the rocky hill slope integrated into the building design.

The building with natural stone textures has been built in the most environment friendly manner. The chapel uses local knowledge for a better passive design solution.

Full dissertation link : https://issuu.com/meleeva.fernandes/docs/dissertation_study_of_vernacular_practices_impleme

The Platform Revitalisation of mining jetty at Curchorem, Goa

Design Thesis 2020 - Year 5

In 2012, mining was shut down all over Goa. This affected all the workers and local community that were directly or indirectly dependent on mining, as mining was the second most income generating source in Goa. Unemployment is one of the major concerns that needs to be addressed. Curchorem is on such place affected and the site was chosen because it is the only town in Goa that offers a unique situation where railway, waterway and roadway coexist in close proximity with each other. However, due to mining activities associated with it has caused a lot of problems in the town, in terms of economic after its ban. Although, it still functions as a mining transportation hub, it does not provide enough job opportunities and comfortable living conditions to the residences.

This thesis seeks to improve the living and economically distressed conditions of people directly or indirectly affected due to ban on mining. Following natural disaster or conflict, architecture plays a critical role in not only reconstructing lost infrastructure but also responding to the need for comfort and safety for those affected.

This project fulfills these needs with flexibility in terms of function and infrastructure. It acts as a catalyst in providing a reliable sustainable food source for the community, while engaging them to learn about agriculture, food, and ultimately influences a shift in the way food is viewed, furthermore, becoming an example in the future development.

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General Guidelines :

Consideration of the mining jetty area as a public civic space; Enhancing the connection of the river and city; Redesigning of the railway for better pedestrian; Retaining the mining transport for future.

Key Features :

Site Planning

The building is designed to reduce the impacts of solar radiation, wind and rain on the interior spaces which include, mediating space, envelope shading device, air vent, and surrounding greenery. In this tropical climate, use of double skin facade with outside steel and terracotta louver jaali and inside glazing provides flexible control in all-weather condition.

Double skin faรงade are used on all the facades wth foldable panels to maximize ventilation and light because of larger surface area and to capture cool winds. As a result, even without the assistance of mechanical systems, indoor air temperature is remarkably comfortable.

Rainwater is gathered in large roof collector and drops along the facades throughout large vertical canals.

Workspace Module

1. Natural light maximization through roof.

2. Natural water management strategy.

3. Solar panels and reflecting steel roof for sun shading and energy management.

4. Natural light maximization through double skin façade (See Master Section)

Axo-metric section through the office – kitchen – hydroponics block

Constructive Axonometry

Hydroponics Research Lab

Second floor looking into the canteen area

First floor common area

second floor with north light roof

Curchorem - Savordem Railway Station

Railway station - fleximart

Out on the Town Refiguring urban transformations in Panjim

Urban Design 2019 - Year 4

In the present age, cities undergo a rapid deteriotion of ecological systems and raise issues of social justice.

In this design studio we seeked to refigure these transformations in the city‘s urban landscape. The city of panjim functions as a lab for students for design interventions as students try to integrate resilient local enriching programs within the realities of current neoliberal capitalist ventures within the city and to figure an identity for the city of Panjim.

The studio seeked to figure out the following : 1. what is so special about panjim , in terms of morphology , including its urban form and people.

2. what is the identity of panjim which makes it unique , and where is it leading to in the future ?

3. critically figure out the scale of architectural interventions to be done including policy making , embracing local and regional concerns, developing healthy social and pedestrian networks and spaces 4. form

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urban aesthetics

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The Hub The open ground floor plan of the ferry terminal allows a visual connection between the city and the riverfront.

The existing panjim jetty is used for larger ferry boats to stregthenthe public waterways transporation system.

The programmatic division of space allows for new activities to be intergrated with the old Panjim Betim ferry.

The arcade elements borrowed frm the existing architectural language in Panjim create an interactive facade, which breathes new life into the previously impermeable waterfront.

The open ground floor plan allows a visual connection and free public movement between the city and the riverfront.

The existing panjim jetty used for larger ferry boats, stregthens the public waterways transporation system. The main material used for construction is glulam for future possibilities.

Other Works 2015 -2020

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Cuckoo House, Da Nang, Vietnam

by Tropical Space Studio

Team: Ritu Kittur, Oweena Fernandes

DOCEXDOCE India 54 hours Competition Oct 2020 Honorable Mention This year’s topic gave the oppotunity to rethink the replica of eiffel tower in Tianducheng China, which resembles foreign historical landmarks. The aim was to activate this ghost town into a spirited and memorable affair. The dragon, seen as a positive light and associated with life-giving rains and water sources. A sloped roof structure effortlessly winds around the urban park, elegantly merging the traditional Chinese culture with the contemporary. A reimagined Eiffel tower forms the core and gives this town a new life.

Team: Mark Vas, Gyles Ferrao, Ritu Kittur, Oweena Fernandes

Raya Shankhwalker Architects is an architecture and design studio based in Goa, India that has a comprehensive approach to architectural, interior and landscape design.

Here I learnt that each new project is seen as a possibility of original expression and rather than being shackled to a singular style, they study the specific forces at play for each individual project so that it has a truly unique solution.

Architecture to us must not only create wonderful spaces to live, work and play but it must be a key participant in the shaping of the built environment and the sustainability of our planet. They try to limit our environmental impact by using principles of passive solar design and recycled building materials.

Instagram Work Page : @weetu.india

Takashi Niwa Architects, Vietnam, 2019

1+1>2 Architects, Vietnam, 2019

Urban Studio Model, 2019

Tropical Space Studio, Vietnam, 2019

Bamboo Workshop - Machan, 2015

The Architecture Experience, The Happy Llamas, 2019

Charles Correa Foundation Elective, 2019

@meleeva.fernandes@gmail.com