2025 Architectural Graduate Portfolio by arch.narendra

06 AHOM SAGA Team + Individual | Fall 2019_Bachelors

03 NEGEV CULTURAL CENTRE

Individual | Spring 2022_Masters

SAGA MUSEUM

2019_Bachelors

04 BRIDGE OF LIFE

Individual | Fall 2023_Masters

07 OTHER

WORKS

Other Projects, City & Wildlife Photography etc.

The details which shows marks my first footsteps into the professional field of architecture, offering invaluable hands-on experience. Working on the renovation and extension of Aqarat Hotel Tower, Kuwait, has allowed me to deepen my understanding of real-world architectural processes. Through multiple site visits, I have gained first-hand insights into the existing structure, particularly focusing on the staircase designs that connects the basement levels to the ground floor.

Being part of this project has been a significant milestone in my journey, enabling me to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application. I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the talented team at Al Jazera Consultants and contribute to its development.

Alongside this project, I have also been involved in Nahida’s Desert Villa, Omar Ghazi High-End Villa, and the Central Agencies for Public Tenders Building, further expanding my exposure to diverse architectural designs and construction methodologies.

Staircase Detail

PSR’S RESIDENCY

I am pleased to share one of my most meaningful projects - the renovation of a 25-year-old residence in India for Palla Srinivas Rao, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in India. This project was not just about redesigning a structure; it was about preserving emotions, history, and beliefs while bringing the home into a new era of functionality and aesthetics.

For the client, this house was deeply sentimental - he believed it brought him luck. As an experienced structural engineer himself, he was highly involved in the process, and it was an enriching experience to collaborate closely, ensuring structural integrity while optimizing design possibilities. His wife was also an integral part of the design discussions, bringing a personal and aesthetic perspective to the project.

From our initial conversations to the final design approval, this project was a journey of careful planning, multiple iterations, and attention to detail. Understanding the client’s priorities in design, security, and color psychology, I meticulously tailored the design to reflect their vision. The challenge was to modernize the home while respecting its existing structure and emotional significance.

After several refinements, we finalized a design that seamlessly blended tradition with contemporary elements. The proposal was successfully approved by the Development Authority, and construction was completed in 2022. Seeing the client’s satisfaction and emotional connection to the final outcome made this project incredibly special to me.

This experience strengthened my ability to balance technical, aesthetic, and emotional aspects of architectural design, reinforcing my belief that great architecture is not just about buildings—it’s about the people who live in them.

These are few detail drawings from the project.

NEGEV CULTURAL CENTRE

A Sustainable Hub for Community, Culture, and Education in the

Negev Desert

SITE OVERVIEW

The Negev Cultural Centre is a visionary architectural initiative designed to serve the Arab-Bedouin population near Shoket Junction in the Negev Desert, Israel. Spearheaded by AJEEC-NISPED, an Arab-Jewish organization dedicated to social change and coexistence, the centre fosters education, innovation, and community engagement. It features a primary school, a gallery with an auditorium, and office spaces for AJEEC, establishing itself as a dynamic hub for learning, cultural expression, and entrepreneurship.

Responding to the harsh desert climate, the centre’s design integrates sustainable strategies while honoring the Bedouin people’s semi-nomadic heritage and deep connection to the landscape. By blending tradition with contemporary needs, the project creates a harmonious space that strengthens community ties and promotes cultural unity.

DESIGN CONCEPT

The design concept of the Negev Cultural Centre is centered around connectivity, adaptability, and sustainability. The centre is envisioned as an integrated space where key functional zone such as the school, gallery, offices, and community spaces - are interconnected, fostering interaction among diverse groups. This interconnectedness encourages collaboration and enhances the sense of community within the facility. The architecture draws inspiration from traditional Bedouin settlements, using modularity and flexibility to create adaptable spaces.

DESIGN APPROACH

The site’s design is carefully integrated into the natural desert topography, ensuring minimal disruption to the environment. Respecting the Bedouin culture, the architecture incorporates traditional forms such as low-rise structures and communal spaces that reflect the social fabric of Bedouin society. The gallery and auditorium serve as platforms for cultural exchange, preserving and celebrating Bedouin heritage through storytelling, performances, and exhibitions. Sustainability is key to the design. Passive cooling techniques, such as thermal mass, are used to maintain a comfortable internal environment. Water conservation strategies, including rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, are integrated to ensure efficient resource management. Seasonal ponds and native vegetation help regulate the site’s microclimate, supporting the region’s ecology and creating a pleasant environment.

A kindergarten facility is included, creating a dedicated space for early childhood education and play. These features collectively promote an active and vibrant community environment.

Parking spaces for 20 cars and 2 buses, ensuring convenient access for visitors and the local community.

Entry & Exit for Administrative’s

Entry and exit for the School

Entry and Exit for Pedestrains

Panicum Turgidum on Aridisols soil

Acacia Tree

Palm Tree

Cactus

Near the school, 2 multipurpose courts are provided to encourage children to engage in various activities. The area is equipped with seating tables, offering a space for relaxation and socializing.

Vegetation: In Bedouin culture, palm trees are valued for their food resources, while acacia trees serve various practical purposes. These vegetation elements help create a sense of familiarity for the Bedouins, making the site feel recognizable and connected to their traditional landscape. Additionally, other native vegetation, such as Panicum turgidum (African grass) and various species of cacti, are present on the site in Israel, contributing to the region’s arid ecosystem by preventing soil erosion and supporting local biodiversity.

Community spaces, such as open areas for picnics and outdoor seating, designed to encourage social interaction and recreation among localites in the site.

This seasonal water ponds that fill during the summer, aiding in cooling the surrounding air through evaporative cooling. In contrast, during the winter months, the ponds remain dry. This natural water cycle not only helps regulate the site’s microclimate but also provides passive cooling to the building and its surroundings, enhancing thermal comfort in the harsh climate of the region.

BRIDGE OF LIFE

A Memorial Bridge of Remembrance

The Bridge of Life is a symbolic design dedicated to honoring and cherishing the memory of a beloved child, providing a serene space for a couple to unite in their grief and healing. This bridge serves as a poignant metaphor for connection, reconciliation, and renewal.

Central to the bridge is a private garden featuring a Casuarina Tree, which holds cultural significance as a protector of children and a harbor for maternal spirits. This tree represents growth and resilience, mirroring the couple’s journey through their shared grief. The garden, accessible exclusively to the parents, offers a sacred space where they can come together twice a year to reflect, display cherished mementos, and honor their child’s memory.

The project site is located along the Murrumbidgee River in the Narrandera region, a highly productive agricultural area. Positioned between two towns, each approximately 3 km away - the site is connected by a crucial bridge. The area is prone to flooding, as seen in 2022 when the Murrumbidgee River overflowed. Additionally, the region has an unevenly distributed population and is designated as a koala reserve, emphasizing its ecological importance. These factors must be carefully considered to ensure the bridge’s resilience, accessibility, and environmental sensitivity.

The Bridge of Life spans a river with distinct geological features. On the southern bank, an alluvial sand deposit rises 2 meters above the current river level, with the riverbed extending 2 meters below, resulting in a total depth of 4 meters from the sand surface to the riverbed. The northern bank, in contrast, consists of sandstone elevated 4 meters above the alluvial level. This geological disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for foundation design, requiring tailored structural solutions to ensure stability and support across the varied terrain.

EXPLODED VIEW

DETAILS

ECONEST

A Live/Work and CoHousing Spaces

EcoNEST is an innovative architectural proposal that harmonizes human habitation with ecological preservation. Nestled in Lismore Heights, the project responds to contemporary challenges such as climate change, housing affordability, and environmental sustainability. By integrating Live/Work modules with the natural landscape, EcoNEST fosters biodiversity through re-wilding initiatives and water-sensitive design. The site’s ecological vitality is enhanced with swales and ponds, supporting local wildlife and food production. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge and Connecting with Country principles, EcoNEST is a vision for a self-sufficient, community-driven, and environmentally conscious way of living.

SITE OVERVIEW

EcoNEST is strategically located in Lismore Heights, a region known for its ecological diversity and deep cultural significance to the Widjabul people of the Bundjalung Nation. The site comprises three distinct ecological zones, offering opportunities for rewilding and sustainable development while maintaining a strong connection with Country. The landscape is characterized by Dermosol soil, which provides a stable foundation for construction, supports agricultural use, and enhances ecological regeneration. With well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and high organic matter, the land fosters biodiversity and productive vegetation.

The site’s natural topography and expansive views create an ideal setting for integrating sustainable architectural solutions. Water-sensitive design strategies, such as swales and dry detention ponds, play a crucial role in enhancing soil health, mitigating erosion, and supporting food production in site itself. Through careful site analysis and respect for Indigenous knowledge, EcoNEST embraces a future of ecological harmony and sustainable living.

EcoNEST is designed to create a harmonious balance between human habitation and ecological preservation. Drawing inspiration from the natural landscape, the project minimizes environmental disruption while maximizing sustainability. The Live/Work modules are strategically placed to promote self-sufficiency and ecological resilience, fostering a symbiotic relationship with the land.

The design integrates Indigenous knowledge, ensuring a deep connection with the country and respect for its natural rhythms. Water-sensitive urban design plays a key role, with swales and retention ponds managing stormwater while supporting food production and wildlife habitats. Re-wilding efforts and green corridors enhance biodiversity, creating an ecosystem that coexists with human habitation. The adaptable modules provide flexibility, allowing for resilient and sustainable living. The community-centered design encourages social cohesion through shared green spaces, agricultural initiatives, and cultural exchange, making EcoNEST a model for holistic living. Ensuring accessible use of all rooms with efficient circulation and movement within the planof each module

Site Visit photos

EAST SECTION

POLY CARBONATE SHEET SUPPORTED BY WOOD PANELS

Factors to consider:

The transparent nature allows natural light penetration, contributing to energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Good thermal insulation properties help regulate indoor temperatures, potentially reducing reliance on energy systems.

Resistant to weathering properties of Lismore height site.

Mostly, it is cost-effective option when compared to other sustainable materials.

EXPLODED VIEW

ASSAM HERITAGE MUSEUM

Preserving Assam’s Glorious Past

The Assam Heritage Museum is located on a sloped hillside near the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Spanning a total area of 38,460 sqm, the museum serves as a cultural landmark, reflecting the rich heritage of Assam while blending harmoniously with its natural environment. The project covers 35% of the site, providing adequate space for parking facilities that ensure accessibility without compromising the surrounding landscape.

DESIGN CONCEPT

The design of the museum is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Assam, blending modern architecture with traditional elements. The building layout and form are crafted to complement the site’s sloped terrain, ensuring a fluid interaction between the structure and its natural surroundings. Key to this approach is the use of bamboo louvers in the building’s facade, a material that not only reflects Assam’s cultural identity but also serves a practical purpose by enhancing the building’s light control.

The landscaping draws subtle inspiration from the region’s ancient farming practices, Jhum farming, with terraced formations and strategic green spaces that reflect Assam’s agricultural heritage. These elements help to preserve the landscape while providing a serene, immersive environment for museum visitors.

DESIGN APPROACH

The architectural philosophy focuses on sustainability, contextual integration, and cultural representation. The museum’s design adapts to the sloped site, preserving the environment while blending architecture and landscape. Local materials like bamboo and passive design strategies ensure energy efficiency and climatic responsiveness, meeting the region’s needs. The museum celebrates Assam’s heritage while serving as a model of sustainable, context-sensitive design.

SITE PLAN

SPATIAL ORGANIZATION & FUNCTIONALITY

The museum is organized into three interconnected blocks—Block A, Block B, and Block C—which house various functions, including four historic galleries showcasing Assam’s cultural evolution. Each block is thoughtfully arranged to ensure smooth circulation and visitor engagement, with a design that promotes interactivity and a seamless flow between exhibition spaces.

In addition to the galleries, the museum features recreational spaces, interactive zones, and public amenities that enhance the visitor experience. The layout prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that all areas are easily navigable while offering moments of rest and reflection amidst the natural surroundings.

The site also accommodates 60 two-wheelers, 70 four-wheelers, and 10 bus parking spaces, with the total built-up area being 18,803 sqm.

Projected Site Area : 38,460 Sqm

Surface Area : 38,735 Sqm

Ground Coverage : 35% of surface area (13,557 Sqm)

Built up Area : 18,803 Sqm

Positioned at an elevation of 10,000mm from ground level, Block ‘A’ covers a total floor area of 5,608 sqm. A ramp and staircase provide direct access from the parking zone, ensuring smooth circulation. Notably, this block serves as the sole public entry and exit to the museum, guiding visitors through a structured and secure approach.

About Block ‘A’:

Block ‘A’ serves as the primary entry point to the museum, featuring a Gallery, an Orientation theatre, and essential facilities such as a security office and a landscape office. Visitors undergo security checks upon entering this block, which acts as a central connection between the two main blocks.

Floor Plan of Block ‘A’

FLOOR PLANS

About Block ‘B’:

Block ‘B’ is accessible from both Block ‘A’ and the service parking zone. It features three elevators and two fire-exit staircases, ensuring efficient vertical circulation and emergency egress.

The ground floor of Block ‘B’ accommodates two spacious galleries, along with storage rooms and administrative services. The galleries have a floor height of 8,000mm, while the administrative block is set at 4,000mm. Additionally, the administrative services are elevated 15,000mm above the ground level. The total floor area of Block ‘B’ spans an impressive 7,769 sqm.

Floor Plans of Block ‘B’

Block ‘B’ Ground Floor

Block ‘B’ First Floor

About Block ‘C’:

Block ‘C’ is accessible from both Block ‘A’ and Block ‘B’, as well as from the service parking zone, which provides entry to the rear side of the gallery. In case of an emergency, the nearest exit from the gallery leads to Block ‘A’, offering a direct route to the terrain. For the administrative service floors, two elevators and two fire-exit staircases have been incorporated to ensure safe and efficient circulation.

The ground floor of Block ‘C’ comprises a single gallery, along with storage rooms and administrative services. The administrative spaces are elevated 15,000mm from the terrain’s ground level, while the gallery features a floor height of 8,000mm. Each administrative service floor is designed with a height of 4,000mm. The total floor area of Block ‘C’ spans 6,098 sqm.