Architecture + Design Portfolio

NIHAR MEHTA

ARCHITECTURE | DESIGN PORTFOLIO

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NIHAR MEHTA Architect

Nihar Mehta is an architect from India perusing his Masters in Advanced Architecture from IAAC, Barcelona. He is currently developing his thesis under Andrea Graziano and Alessio Erioli in Advanced Algorithmic Design. The project develops a digital platform for urban reprogramming to improve urban socio-economic balance by deploying computational work-flows of data analysis, machine learning, diffusion algorithm and statistical methods.

In parallel, he is working as a freelance GIS and urban data consultant, developing a climate change impact analysis report for a nonprofit real estate developer based in Boston, USA. He is heading the fabrication and computational design work for a bio-tech startup C:aire Solutions. He is also working as a designer at Urban Science Lab developing exhibition concept designs for Race for Water Foundation.

d.o.b. : 14/08/1994 nationality: Indian Barcelona +34 604353540 ar.nihar.mehta@gmail.com 2

Education 2019-2021

// Masters in Advanced Architecture Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), Barcelona

2012-2017

// Bachelors in Architecture Balwant Sheth School of Architecture(NMIMS -BSSA), Mumbai

Experience 2021-Present

// Urban Science Lab , Barcelona Architect and Interior Designer Concept design development

2020-Present

// C:aire Solutions , Barcelona-Vienna Head of Fabrication and Design Design, development and production of biological airfilter

2017-2019

// DIG Architects , Mumbai Architect and Interior Designer Design and development

2017

// Abraham John Architect , Mumbai Junior Architect and Interior Designer Design and development

2016

// Design Urban Office , Mumbai Intern Concept design development

Freelance 2021

// Data visualizer - ‘The Community Builders’ , USA Climate impact report

2018

// Graphic designer - Residential apartment , Goa Artwork design

2017

// Interior designer - Residential apartment , Mumbai Design development and execution

2014

// Interior designer - Residential apartment , Nasik Design development and execution

Competitions 2018

// Reside Archoutloud

2018

// Pocket Seat - Portable seating VolZero

2017

// 24H - Matrix if ideas

2017

// Table design - Ideologies of B.V. Doshi Hafele +Elle Decor

2016

// Paris Oavillion - Art of Peace Archasm

Exhibition + Publications 2019-2021

// Seventy percent water - urbanNext Self sufficient building design

2016

// Suburban Sprawls Editor and co-author Urban design exhibition & report

2013

// Complexities in Non-Living systems Design and fabrication Interactive installation

Skills // Softwares Rhino Grasshopper QGIS Illustrator Photoshop Indesign PremierPro Revit Lumion Sketchup MS Excel Arduino // Fabrication 3D Printing Laser Cutting CNC milling Robotic

Accolades // Algorithmic Design Thesis award - IAAC RE{CODE}-Urban simulation platform for socioeconomic wellbeing. // Self-Sufficient building award - IAAC Seventy Percent water // Research and Methods award - IAAC

Interests Python scripting

Animation

Machine Learning

Painting & Illustrations

Data analysis

Photography

Structural analysis

Chess 3

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ACADEMIC WORK

RE{CODE}

Urban reprogramming simulation platform

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SEVENTY PERCENT WATER

Self-Sufficient Buildings

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WAFT PAVILION

Forces of Nature

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HIERARCHY

Data Informed Structures

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FUTURAMA

Architecture of Tomorrow

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C:AIRE SOLUTIONS

Biological Filter

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DESIGN BIT

Climate impact report

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ASSEMBLY DISASSEMBLY

The Traffic Machine

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COMPLEXITY IN NON LIVING SYSTEMS OF NATURE

Environmental Installation

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TWIRELLA

Carry-on chair

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FREELANCE WORK

EXHIBITIONS AND COMPETITION

PROFESSIONAL WORK

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Design Urban Office Architects Abraham John Architects DIG Architects

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RE{CODE} //URBAN REPROGRAMMING SIMULATION PLATFORM (W.I.P.) //Site: Barcelona

TYPE: Master’s Thesis YEAR: 2021 TEAM: Nihar Mehta MENTORS: Andrea Graziano , Alessio Erioli PROJECT OVERVIEW VIDEO: https://youtu.be/QeGHxk9F34A PLATFORM VIDEO: https://youtu.be/S8hBTU5V6pw GLOBAL PLATFORM VIDEO: https://youtu.be/HSF1HpVLgs0 BLOGPOST: http://www.iaacblog.com/programs/recodeurban-simulationplatform-socio-economic-wellbeing/ ACCOLADES: Algorithmic Design Thesis Award

Global demand for natural resources for urban sustenance and growth is on a constant rise. Land and energy resources, in particular, have risen the most, land consumption with about 26% and energy consumption with about 1200 % over the past 15 years. In cities, the most commonly observed causes for this demand are gentrification, urban sprawls, and changing structures of live and work conditions. These causes directly and indirectly influence and are influenced by spatial patterns of land use and zoning, altering the social and economic balance of the city. Socioeconomic quality is a salient aspect of better urban health and sustainable development.

Traditional conventions of zoning cause fragmentation of urban spaces and separation of functions which impose a degree of inflexible and brittle order. This separation, in addition to changing livework conditions, increases the polarization of resource consumption and socioeconomic inequality in cities. The project modifies land use conventions over the existing fabric in cities by planning protocol for urban reprogramming based on patterns and performance relationships of land use against socioeconomic and demographic factors.

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A framework to design solutions is developed through urban analysis with a protocol to establish interventions. The urban analysis is done through GIS mapping of social and economic parameters to derive a vulnerability index. The parameters and index serve as a basis to derive performance thresholds and identifying sites with lower performance and socio-economic inequality. The research creates a matrix of qualitative and quantitative attributes of programs in relation to socioeconomic vulnerabilities. The matrix helps in determining programmatic interventions required for a given urban setting. Further, impact analysis is done to understand projected changes in terms of social venerability index and social value.

This framework is adopted into a digital platform for stakeholders to understand trends and visualize opportunities to develop over a site with their impact on the city. For government agencies, city municipalities, and planners, the platform serves as a tool to visualize social and economic patterns and draw redevelopment policies for

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Circular system of direct and indirect impacts

Methodology of RE{CODE} Urban analysis

Execution strategy

GIS mapping socio-economic indicators

Impact analysis on social vulnerability index

Determining performance thresholds for the indicators

Determining social value created by the interventions Creating execution report for city's municipal corporation

Design Protocol Identifying sites with low performance Determine ideal programs

Stakeholder inputs

Derive site massing and catalogue of program spaces

Creating reports based on stakeholders

Social and Economic indicators to evaluate equity in the city Population Density Migrant Population Area for Housing Green Spaces/capita Area of house Area of house/capita Education Facilities/capita Area of commerce to housing Amenities/capita Percent of Inactive Spaces Unemployment percent Area for Commerce 8

Platform

Machine Learning to map clusters with similar socio-economic equity

5 Clusters

6 Clusters

7 Clusters

Framework - GIS and statistical analysis of urban data to find vulnerable areas Population density

% of Migrant population

Average Density

19-331 / ha

7-14 %

0-65 %

0-0.003 m2

14-16 %

65-70 %

0.003-0.014 m2

633-752 / ha

16-21 %

70-75 %

752-900 / ha

21-25 %

75-80 %

25-62 %

80-86 %

Education Facilities/capita

Less Inclusive demography

Area of house/capita

0.014-0.05 m2 Low Ratio

0.05-0.3 m2 0.3-15 m2

Percent of Inactive Spaces

Area of house

2-6

20-25 m2

47-66 m2

9-18 %

6-10

25-29 m2

66-71 m2

18-28 %

10-17 17-31

29-31 m2 Higher than ideal area

31-60

% of Employable People(between age 16-64)

Low Percentage

Green Spaces/capita

331-633 / ha

900-1371 / ha

Low Ratio

% of Area for housing

High Percentage

71-75 m2

28-38 %

31-34 m2

75-88 m2

38-48 %

34-50 m2

88-136 m2

48-58 %

Unemployment percent (between age 16-64)

Area of commerce to housing

59-70 %

3-5 %

70-72 %

5-6 %

High Ratio

Amenities/capita

0-3 X 3-6 X

2-20 Low Ratio

20-440

72-74 %

6-7 %

6-9 X

440-730

74-79 %

7-8 %

9-12 X

730-1450

12-63 X

1450-1900

79-94 %

High Percentage

8-13 %

Low Ratio

Population density

Area of household

% of migrant population

Amenities/100

Area of housing

% of inactive spaces

Education facilities/100

% of employability (age 16-64)

Area of commerce to housing

% of unemployment

Area of house/cap

Green space/cap

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Vulnerability thresholds using normal distribution

Intervention opportunities to improve socio-economic equity Introduction of Co-housing

Introduction of Co-working

Addition of passive green spaces

Addition of active green spaces

Addition of community spaces

Introduction of spaces for local businesses

Addition of education facilities Addition of temporary spaces Addition of units for amenities Introduction of incubators and training spaces

Matrix to determine interventions

Lower than threshold 10

Higher than threshold

RE{CODE} - Platform

1.1 - Understanding global trends of urban expansion and gentrification

1.2 - Urban analysis of social and economic indicators

1.3 - Urban clustering based on social and economic performances

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1.4 - Deriving opportunites for better socio-economic equity in neighbourhoods

1.5 - Analyze impact of intervention on city’s social vulnerability index

1.6 - Analyze impact of intervetion on future projection of urban data

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1.7 - Derive massing based on FAR and interventions

1.8 - Derive intervention catalogue with spacial specifications

Deploying the research projects’ framework, through the platform, would create sustainable and value additions for the improvement of socio-economic equality of the existing city’s fabric. Advancements to the work would include analyzing global trends of land and energy consumption to identify vulnerable regions and creating a framework to detect specific socio-economic parameters.

By selecting contextual social and economic parameters for different cities, the framework and platform can be adapted to analysze and determine opportunities

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SEVENTY PERCENT WATER //A METABOLIC BALANCE //Site: Parque Nacional de Los Picos de Europa, Spain

TYPE: Master’s project , Self Sufficient Building YEAR: 2020 TEAM: Nihar Mehta, Tomas Garcia, Vatsal Kapadia, Ka Man Lee MENTORS: Edouard Cabay, Peter Magnus PUBLICATION: https://urbannext.net/70-water/ BLOGPOSTS: http://www.iaacblog.com/programs/seventy-percentmetabolic-balance-self-sufficient-building/ http://www.iaacblog.com/programs/genetic-optimizationonemillion-litres/

The importance of the accessibility and availability of water has become more evident than ever with climate change and population growth. This is a crisis, not of scarcity but of management. Can the management of building resources help us live and interact with our surroundings in a more efficient way? To address this question, we developed a metabolic machine that conditions micro-climates with water.

The states of ice, liquid, steam, and mist circulate cyclically, creating controlled systems, both open and closed.

By exploiting the behaviors of water to alter how we inhabit spaces, our goal is to create self-sufficient architecture as the new normal for living. In a cold climate, with low atmospheric pressure and high solar radiation, the structure houses living spaces, along with areas for research and education programs that promote self-sufficiency.

INTRODUCTION VIDEO : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o76zozYQ1_I

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A metabolic machine was developed where its components are the physical organs and water occupies most space. This machine is a curated system to create micro-climates with water as the landscape that occupies spaces in a momentary and cyclic way.

Machine variation 01

Measuring the machine 16

Machine variation 02

Machine variation 03 17

A relationship between every component, linked directly or indirectly, is highlighted in these drawings at both architectural and model scale. Water in these systems exists in its physical states of ice, liquid, vapor and mist all at the same time, not just within the tubes and containers, but also in the air of the spaces.

Scaled Machine 18

At an architectural scale, the elements and energies of the machine are adapted to interact with those of nature. The movement of water is activated by the negative pressure produced using solar energy.

Water circulates through black helical tubes, and a parabolic reflector amplifies the sun’s heat to boil the water and start the system. The result is negative pressure, generated in the balloon, which is used to draw relatively colder water into the system. Thus creating a cyclic system where hot and cold water circulate across the structure through a pipe system, conditioning different micro-climates.

Architectural Machine 19

1.1 - This cyclic nature of water enables the machine to produce hydroelectric power. At model scale, the machine has a capacity of 0.001 kW. 1.2 - But at architectural scale, by proportionally scaling the quantities of the model. The machine now has a capacity of 100kW of energy, which is enough for a population of 100.

1.3 - At the model scale, 0.1 liters of water can produce suction to siphon 1 liter of water.

1.4 - For daily consumption for a population of 100 inhabitants, by scaling the model quantities, we determine the minimum weight of the water occupied in the structure. And one million liters is the maximum projected capacity of the system. Enough to supply water to a neighborhood of 5000 inhabitants.

1.6

1.6 - Echoing back to the crisis of inefficient management of water, We derive the programs . Alongside spaces designed for efficient habitation with water, this structure also harbors programs of research and education that encourage self sufficiency.

1.7 - Habitation spaces consist of salon, sleeping area,recreation, bathroom and kitchen. Research spaces consist of Labs, collaborative incubation spaces,culture center and urban farming. And the water management system itself consisted of the siphon tank, storage tanks, purification, energy generation ,rain harvester and mist collector.

1.7

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1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

In a scaled landscape, the elements and energies of the machine are adapted to interact with the elements and energies of nature.

1.5 -Water is harvested through rain,mist and catchment areas.

-Mirroring the model machine, negative pressure is generated in the balloon which is used to siphon water from the landscape and within the structure.

-Water is circulated across the structure through pipelines of the system.

-This is a perpetual and cyclic system where constant movement of water -It is circulated through black helical tubes aided by a parabolic magnifier is triggered by the negative pressure using solar energy. that amplifies heat from the sun to boil water and start the system.

-Hot and cold water is circulated through the system to condition different micro-climates of spaces.

1.5 1.8 - Our place is a cold climatic landscape with low atmospheric pressure and high solar radiation.. This image is the neutral state before any intervention.

Here the intervention has a scale, where elements are interacting with the landscape, making it livable.

1.8 21

1.9 - In this landscape , distribution of programs is dictated by a few factors. First, the interaction and behavior of water with programs. This behavior is either about conditioning micro-climates through its different states or about its participation in functioning of the program.

2.0 - Second factor is the performance of the programs based on the energies of the context. These being Sun radiation, wind direction and potential energy of water.

2.1 - Genetic Optimization -Data and parameters are quantifies into a simulation to derive optimal distribution.

-Volumes to the programs area assigned.

-Incident sunlight hour is analyzed in comparison to program requirements.

-Maintaining the optimal connections of and with the water systems based on the hierarchical slope.

-Maintaining walkable proximities between inhibition spaces.

These conditions determine the strategy and positions of spaces.

This is the optimal distribution for the program spaces where all specified parameters are met.

GENETIC OPTIMIZATION :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFBwHjCFgp4

1.9

2.0

2.2 22

2.3 - Potential energy of water, or the pressure of water at different heights determines the hierarchical relationship and proximities of programs to one another. This slope of hierarchical relationships is the slope at which water is transferred through the structure without consuming energy.

2.3

2.4 -The circulation of water follows the hierarchical slope in a vertical axis expressing its relationship with gravity.

-Based on this behavior, the distribution and transversal between habitation spaces and water systems is not horizontal but at an inclination.

-The circulation, therefore, is a continuous staircase slope, where the structure is the landscape where you do not enter or exit spaces but simply arrive .

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2.4 - This is the wooden structure designed with members aligned along the staircase inclination

2.4 2.6 - The dialogue between the water management system, inhabitation spaces, open spaces and circulation is seamless. This drawing showcases this blurred line between the structural and programmatic elements, extended as a landscape created by the fluid circulation of staircases.

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2.5 - The same module with diagonal members is used at three different scales to populate the structure. This flexible property allows for the ability to control the density of the structure according to the program spaces, circulation pattern and weight of the water. A hierarchy of structure and circulation is established with this arrangement.

2.5

2.6 - Scaling up the metabolic water management system within the framework of a cluster, the performance of the same is envisioned.

Solar radiation acts as a trigger to boil water and start the cycle - to inflate and deflate the balloon - creating negative pressure in the Siphon.

Cold water from the base of the spheres is transferred by this negative pressure .

Pipes are incorporated in the floor plates, allowing for additional ability to control these internal atmospheres for required comfort.

In contrast, during warm temperature conditions in the context. Cold Water Membrane assists in altering the internal ambient atmosphere.

In the Siphon, heated by solar radiation, the cold water that is transferred gains heat and warm water is distributed through the system.

This distribution conditions the internal spaces of the structure, creating a temperature difference between inside and outside.

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2.8 - This section is cut along one cluster comprising living spaces at the middle, bathroom and kitchen above and research facility below.

This section expresses in detail living with the water system.

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2.9 - This is a zoom that shows in more detail the constructive aspect of the inflatable skin.

It is a double skin through which pipes of hot and cold water circulate.

These cushions of the skin are inflated with vapor (hot or cold depending on the internal requirements). Water and steam are what control the temperature of this space.

The air both within the skin and within the space itself form this architecture that breathes and transforms. At the base, a water tank that is connected within the space acts as the primary anchor with the structural system to connect and support the spaces.

2.9

-Like a living system, here all elements respond to one another, performing like one body.

-Without the presence of water, the physical architecture in the design is neutralized and cannot exist.

-Self sufficiency of this project is the metabolic balance achieved by decisive management of contextual, energetical, structural, spatial and material resources with water as the fundamental element.

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WAFT PAVILION //FORCES OF NATURE //Site: Barcelona

TYPE: Physical Simulation Design YEAR: 2019 TEAM: Nihar Mehta MENTORS: Rodrigo Aguira BLOGPOST: http://www.iaacblog.com/programs/forces-nature-waftpavilion/

Natural forces help mold balanced and optimized structures.

The pavilion is designed through a form finding protocol with the aid of interactive physics simulations of real life behaviors .

A live-interactive installation using forces as parameters using ‘Kangaroo’ as main engine was create with an interface where the user can “play” with inputs such as attractors, sliders, functions and time to transform an object in space.

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// PSEUDO CODE

Repeat with the geometry generated

Creating base circle

Scale geometry

Modulate mesh through kangaroo engine deformed with vertical load, wind load.

Divide base curve into segments and shatter the segments with a factor between 0 to 1

Use the top geometry to create a base mesh

Analyze geometry with kangaroo engine considering overlapping,co planarity, collision and restricting length expansion of each segment.

Loft generated geometry cluster to create a shell structure

Geometry generated

Pavilion A Creating base planar mesh

Create mesh sphere

Pavilion B 30

Create puncture rings in relation to the balloons

Assign anchor points based on puncture rings

Analyze geometry with kangaroo engine with wind load,vertical load and axial load induced by balloon geometry

Analyze mesh sphere through kangaroo engine with pressure inflation, vertical levitation load and wind load.

Refine Mesh

Axial pull generated with change in wind intensity and position of balloon

Refine Mesh

// Dependent Modulations

// Iterative Modulations

Forces acting on abject A modulating the form of object B

Iterative geometry generation with collision detection

// Dependent + Iterative Modulations 31

// INTERACTIVE PLATFORM

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// View 01

// View 02

// View 03 33

HIERARCHY - N.E.S.T 2.0 //DATA INFORMED STRUCTURE //Site: Barcelona

TYPE: Structural optimization and advanced fabrication YEAR: 2020 TEAM: Nihar Mehta , Preetham Alapati, Yash Palshetkar MENTORS: Manja van de Worp, Raimund Krenmueller BLOGPOST: http://www.iaacblog.com/programs/data-informedstructureshierarchy-n-e-s-t-2-0design-assemblydisassembly/

The project improves upon NEST 1.0 developed by masters students in 2019. The primary aim of the project was introducing hierarchy to optimize construction process, optimize connections for efficient and effective joinery and better structural performance. It also aims to fragment interior spaces to maximize usable floor spaces and program distribution.

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Limitations of N.E.S.T. 1.0 : 1.1 - Triple angle ribs 1.2 - Heavy Oculus 1.3 - Fragmented (element based) installation sequence

Objectives to improve N.E.S.T. 2.0 : 1.4 - Eliminate the oculus as the primary member countering lateral deformation.

1.5 - Introduce hierarchy to optimize construction process and structural performance 1.6 - Fragment interior spaces to maximize usable floor spaces and program distribution 1.7 - Optimize connections for efficient and effective joinery detail

1.4 03

01

01

1.1

02 03 03 02

1.5

1.2 1.6

1.3 36

1.7

Design overview

Level 0

W.C

Entrance

1800 mm

Programs : W.C. Shower Area Pantry Dining Leisure Sleeping

150 mm 75 mm

Number of users : max 6

6100 mm

1570 mm 5600 mm

2000 mm

900 mm

Pantry

2000 mm

Leisure + Sleeping

Level 2

Level 1

1100 mm 225 mm 1220 mm

Leisure + Sleeping

1100 mm

Level 3

350 mm

5000mm

Section

2500 mm

2500 mm

2500 mm

2500 mm

Radius 1650 mm

Shower area

Pantry

Entrance

Out

Leisure + Sleeping

WC

2500 mm

2500 mm

Desk

2500 mm

Plan at Level 2

2500 mm

2500 mm

Radius 4500 mm

Radius 1450 mm 2500 mm

Plan at Level 0

Pantry

Leisure + Sleeping

Plan at Level 1

2500 mm

2500 mm

Dining Table

Plan at Level 3 37

Structural Elements

Self load analysis

Floor load analysis 38

Behavior under floor load

Wind load analysis

Behavior under wind load 39

Structural behavior comparison without lateral bracing under wind load

Structural behavior comparison

Structural performance under wind, floor and self load 40

Detail A

Construction sequence

Pin Connection Fixed Connection A

A

MS plates welded at connection 25X25mm thk timber section

Detail @ A

Pinned connection with M8 bolt 75mm thk Rib section

Detail @ A Section @ A

Pin connection cross bracing detail 41

Skin design :

Designing for Optimal U-Value:

The orientation of the building is such that the common areas receive the The maximum u value specified in Barcelona for walls is about 0.70 W/m2K. maximum sunlight, and the living + sleeping areas get reduced sunlight. The structure consists of 64 individual panels, which are differentiated by insulated and openable panels.

After putting the model through an evolutionary solver, The optimum rotation would be a 102 degrees EAST Count: U-value: Where the common areas have maximum sunlight of over . And the Insulated panels = 53 Insulated panels = 0.57 W/m2K sleeping areas have less sunlight.

Openable panel = 11 Openable panel = 1.49 W/m2K Therefore the total u-value of structure is around 0.68 W/m2K

Skin Design

Details

Sun-hour Analysis Openable louvers

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Closed louvers

View 01

View 02 43

FUTURAMA //Architecture of tomorrow //Site:Zaveri Bazaar, Mumbai.

TYPE: Theoretical Research YEAR: 2017 MENTORS: Atrey Chhaya

Technology is increasingly becoming not just an extension of our capabilities but also an integral part of our body and environment.

Unlike classic science fiction , where robots act as humans, our devices have made us human cyborgs. The physical space and its tools are connected to cyber-space and its tools, functioning as one cohesive system. Technology challenges what we understand of the relation between physical architecture and human scale. It negates the sense and quality of space.

The ability of “telecommunication” negates geometry and allows us to operate through space and time, threatening the existence of places. Watching an opera on the TV, or downloading a band’s concert performance and viewing it on a flight ; challenges the existence of theaters and auditoriums obsolete.

This warps our comprehension of physical space in different ways by creating virtual world and virtual architecture.

The question that “Would technology change the way we understand and experience architecture in a traditional way?” becomes obsolete.

The contradiction of tangible architecture with intangible technology has multifaceted implications from a micro to a macro scale.

Neither the experience of physical geometry nor the implications of technology and electronics can be said to be undesirable in the future.

So, as architects what would constitute a Utopian scenario?

Designing spaces that operates efficient technologies or technologies that operate efficient spaces?

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PHYSICAL

INFILTRATION OF TECHNOLOGY

Some technological change is primarily amplifying, making it possible for people to do what they have done before, but more accurately, quickly or cheaply. In other cases, technology is truly transformative: It leads to qualitative change in how people think about the world, in their social roles and institutions, in the ways they work, and in the political and economic challenges they face.

Technology no longer remains an extension of behavior but begins to exert an effect on values. With technology, information from any domain is accessible at any point of time on any device. This tends to create a pseudo space or a temporary reality on top of the actual. We get the ability to access information from different spaces (servers of different programs) irrespective to time and space.

Doing something does not confine us to the same space but rather creates an acontextual space which exists simultaneous with the real. The understanding of architecture in the traditional sense is nullified by this and it can be understood as just a shelter.

1.1 Facade 1.2 Bookstore 1.3 Storage stacks 1.4 Gallerias 1.5 Theatre/Cinema 1.6 Schools 1.7 Banking 1.8 Trading floors 1.9 Department stores 2.0 Work/Office space 2.1 Home 2.2 Urban Fabric 2.3 Human Laws 2.4 Face-2Face

VIRTUAL

//Net negates geometry. //Being digitally everywhere but nowhere. Ability to be and function in different programs through space and time.

-CITY OF BITS, William J Mitchell //Travel to spaces has come down to just opening the right door. //Spaces have hypothetically collapsed into one another using teleporting technology.

-IT’S SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DAY, Issac Asimov

-ONE MILLION CREDITS, Black Mirror

No-Place Place.

Functions overlay over other functions creating simultaneous realities.

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1.1 Interface 1.2 Bitstore 1.3 Servers 1.4 Virtual Museum 1.5 Digital streaming services 1.6 Virtual campus 1.7 ATM/Net banking 1.8 Electronic trading 1.9 Online shopping malls 2.0 Net-Work 2.1@home 2.2 Google Maps 2.3 Coded conditions 2.4 Interface

CONDENSED ARCHITECTURE

Internet infrastructure gives one the ability to access books while being at a park, shop for amenities and vegetables while working in office, making monetary transfers while at the theatre or accessing work projects while at home. This integration of information technology with the physical environment, questions the role of architecture as a tangible space.

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DESIGN - FUTURAMA

Le ve

l0

Le ve

l1

By integrating scattered programs of similar capacities, through information technology into condensed modules across the city, it is possible to give spaces back to the city for development of public interventions. Thus, proposal to innovate a hybrid hub of cultural and commercial functions, that formed nuclei of their respective industrial, commercial and research chains, was designed.

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Ro of lev el l2

Le ve l3 Le ve LEGEND Park Industries Circulation Commercial Living 49

01

02

02

01

Roof Level Plan

Section 02

View 01 50

Section 01

View 02 51

C:AIRE SOLUTIONS

TYPE: Bacteria based air purification system YEAR: 2020-Present TEAM: Nihar Mehta , Mario Sequeira , Dubraska Moreno, Marlies Muller, Sophia Keyner, Jasmo Nickol WEBSITE: https://www.caire-solutions.com/ PUBLICATION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnoGa5ninGI PITCH DECK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ctHtrqVyDelqwbiOWZo20pnyZyQjYNF/view?usp=sharing

We spend on average 90000 hours at work over a lifetime. Most of this time we stay in the office and unfortunately, breathe in air full of chemicals. It is striking that very often the pollution level indoors is way higher than out on the streets of urban areas.

At C:aire our goal is to make every breath worth breathing. We are an international and diverse university spin-off combining knowledge in the fields of biology, architecture, and business development and innovation. We are building a biological filter in which bacterias are cultivated that can break down and decompose pollutants. Research findings from the past two years have shown that various bacterial cultures, such as those found at the roots of plants and trees, can be used to filter air and water. We integrate this filter into a statue-like structure, which is overgrown with plants from the outside, but contains the biological filter on the inside.

According to our simulations, we are able to filter the air in a room of around 25 square meters in 3.5 days and thus free it from unhealthy air particles (such as formaldehyde). With our idea, we improve indoor air quality and biodegrade pollutants and odors instead of “overpowering” them. Our target group are particularly sensitive or exposed people in urban areas.

With a solution that can flexibly be installed in different places, we especially tackle areas that can only be filtered to a limited extent or at a high cost by classic ventilation systems.

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Bio-Filter overview

Bio-Filter Details and Prototype 54

Column 3D printed in bioplastic

C:aire column exhibited during Barcelona design week, 2020 55

CLIMATE IMPACT REPORT

TYPE: Data visualization and analysis YEAR: 2021 TEAM: Nihar Mehta , Kushal Saraiya FULL REPORT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z6IFcTqbWe9RNhk4O8RmjuqHsTjhNVb/view?usp=sharing MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/designbit.in/?hl=en

Using data to visualize and identify current and projected trends of impacts and causes helps take informed and measured decisions. This climate impact report is compilation of country maps at county, state and city scales to understand impacts of climate changes and identify vulnerabilities in different cities and regions.

Current and projection data sets of urban extents, population, demography, income, social, disaster costs and frequencies, ecological risks, environmental risks, economic damages, sea level rise and urban heat islands are used to create the report.

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ASSEMBLE DISASSEMBLE //THE TRAFFIC MACHINE //Site:Vile Parle West & Juhu, Mumbai

TYPE: Fabrication YEAR: 2012 TEAM: Nihar Mehta, Kushal Saraiya, Kaushil Shah, Ayush Gangwal MENTORS: Dipal Chhaya, Atrey Chhaya Phase 1:

In the first phase of the workshop, machines were procured and disassembled into its individual components. Each component performs a simple, specific function such that when they are assembled, they can perform complex and efficient operations as a whole. This was followed by documenting a part of the city from Vile Parle Station till Juhu Beach.

Activities performed in this stretch were analysed as a series of repetitive processes that form a part of a complex mechanism that is the City. The site is viewed as a number of simple components that are assembled to perform like a complex machine.

Phase 2:

The model was inspired from the regulated but machinic motion of vehicles at the traffic signal. Different motions of vehicles on the road is depicted by series of interdependent cog wheels of different sizes.

The city as a machine 60

The repetitive and cohesive system of different components in a car door is mirrored in the traffic systems.

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1.2

Plan

1.3

Section

Installation model 61

COMPLEXITY IN NON LIVING SYSTEMS //ENVIRONMENT INSTALLATION //Site:Vile Parle West, Mumbai

TYPE: Fabrication YEAR: 2013 TEAM: Nihar Mehta, Misri Patel, Priyata Bosamia, Shamika Desai MENTORS: Atrey Chhaya

Honeycomb weathering is a type of erosion where size of the erosion is based on light intensity. The installation is inspired by this phenomenon with perforation sizes determined based on the installation site sun conditions.

Dynamic hexagonal modules were designed that open and close based on amount of pull or push is provided. The hexagon was divided into 6 triangles;each triangle broken into 3 parts with hinge mechanism connecting them.

Honeycomb weathering

Dark gray indicates larger opening to lighter grays indicates smaller openings.

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Process photos

Module design

Design details and mechanism 63

TWIRELLA //CARRY-ON CHAIR //VOLZERO COMPETITION

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PROFESSIONAL WORK Temple Ghats //Public gathering and resting space //Shirpur //2015 //Office : Design Urban office Architects //Principal Architect : Atrey Chhaya, Dipal Chhaya //Clients : SVKM //Team : Atrey Chhaya,Dipal Chhaya, Trilochan Chhaya, Anjana Chhaya,Nihar Mehta, Ayushi Shah, Salaath Shaikh, Sameera Kerkar //Concept presentation + Site survey. //Status : In process

House 316 //Private Villa //Hyderabad //2017 //Office : Abraham John Architects //Principal Architect : Alan Abraham, Abraham John //Clients : Kate Ravi //Team : Alan Abraham, Abraham John, Neha Gupta ,Nihar Mehta //Concept Diagramming + MEP drawings + Construction details + Exposed concrete facade design //Status : Under construction

Villa in the Palms //Private Villa //Goa //2017 // Office : Abraham John Architects //Principal Architect : Alan Abraham, Abraham John //Clients : Steven Gutkin //Team : Alan Abraham, Abraham John, Neha Gupta ,Nihar Mehta Niranjan Fulsundar,Vatsal Mistry //Concept Diagramming + MEP drawings + Construction details //Status : Built

Chhavi House //Private Villa //Jodhpur //2017 //Office : Abraham John Architects //Principal Architect : Alan Abraham, Abraham John //Clients : Praveen Sankhala //Team : Abraham John, Alan Abraham, Nihar Mehta, Niranjan Fulsundar, Prachi Donde, Neha Gupta //Bedrooms’ furniture design //Status : Completed

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The Link Road Park Project //Public gathering and resting space //Mumbai //2017 //Office : Abraham John Architects //Principal Architect : Alan Abraham //Clients : Bandra Collective //Team : Alan Abraham,Abraham John,Nihar Mehta //Concept modelling and presentation + Site survey + Statistical analysis //Status : Concept

Suspended Office //Office Design //Mumbai //2018 //Office : DIG Architects //Principal Architect : Advait Potnis //Clients : Karma Consultancy //Team : Advait Potnis,Nihar Mehta,Devina Shah, Roshni Parthasarathy //Interior design + Construction detials + Execution //Status : Built

Sanwal Residence //Apartment Interiors //Mumbai //2018 //Principal Architects/Team : Nihar Mehta, Salaath Shaikh,Ashna Jerry //Clients : Aparna Sanwal //Interior design + Furniture design + Constrution Detials //Status : In process

Clubhouse A //Residential complex Clubhouse //Hyderabad //2018 //Office : DIG Architects //Principal Architect : Advait Potnis //Clients : Kalpataru Ltd //Team : Advait Potnis, Nihar Mehta, Subodh Pacharne, Devina Shah //Interior Architecture & design + Construction details + MEP drawings //Status : Under Construction

Clubhouse B //Residential complex Clubhouse //Pune //2018 //Office : DIG Architects //Principal Architect : Amit Khanolkar //Clients : Kalpataru Ltd //Team : Amit Khanolkar, Nihar Mehta, Salaath Shaikh, Devina Shah //Interior Architecture & design + Construction details + MEP drawings //Status : Under Construction

W54 //Apartment Interiors //Mumbai //2018 //Office : DIG Architects //Principal Architect : Advait Potnis //Clients : Rajesh Murkar //Team : Advait Potnis,Salaath Shaikh,Nihar Mehta //Interior & Furniture design + Construction Details //Status : Completed

Commercial Complex //Architecture Design //Mumbai //2019 //Office : DIG Architects //Principal Architect : Advait Potnis //Clients : Nitin Patil //Team : Advait Potnis,Nihar Mehta //Concept development + Architecture design //Status : In Process

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