Laurentian University– Architectural Studies Portfolio Niya Lijo Kankapadan Student ID: 0397087
Statement of Intent Growing up as an expat in Singapore and Dubai made me realise the capability of architects to leave a lasting impression on people. By taking into account the wellbeing of their citizens, architects have to look beyond their sketches in order to design systems that adapt to our local environments. A designer, Michael Murphy’s talk on wellness and architecture was initially what sparked a thought in my mind on the importance of how structures in our environment influence our health. He mentioned how the ability to transcend positive energy to the end user is a true gift that makes architecture more than just a clever arrangement of bricks. He was the designer of a hospital with open ventilation systems in Africa that allowed for air transmission to take place effectively to ensure a clean medical environment. As community prefect of my school, I have the duty of promoting sustainable practices through creative means. With the increasing importance of wellbeing and sustainability, architecture is not what it used to be. The end user is the focal point of the design, ensuring that their happiness is key. I am confident that through Laurentian University’s guidance I will be able to think critically to innovate and explore new solutions. By taking a step back, Laurentian University’s Architectural Studies program will help bring my conceptual ideas into reality. I believe that the program will instil a sense of community in design from where I will be able to collaborate with peers in order to create expressive architectural pieces. With clear direction, I intend to explore new horizons in the field of built environment. I hope to gain a more holistic understanding of the fundamentals of architecture that will allow me to create edifices that are most suited to the wellness and health of both society and the environment.
Inspired by angular and straight lines creating shadows and interesting perspectives in photography.
Perspectives
Experimenting with angles makes it seem like the tower seems to continue rising and has no end.
Ascend
A quick profile sketch of a woman. This drawing has been done without lifting the pencil off the paper.
Profile Sketch│Pencil on Paper│12x10 inches
Sketches from my Human Anatomy study. Here I am trying to study the different muscles and postures of a male body.
Male Figure│Pencil on Paper│9x9 inches
Based on the idea that sometimes humans need to let loose and forget their worries and take each moment one step at a time.
Summer Nights│Colour Pencil on Paper│9x6 inches
Inspired by the idea that our mood doesn't reflect our actions and how different colours are representative of our emotions.
Technicolor
Based around the idea that personal identity reflects our perspectives in social environments.
Exhibit A
Inspired by Finnish design, this small yet functioning Airbnb model is made to withstand the cold and harsh conditions of the winter.
Forest Abode│Craft Sticks and Match Splints│11x10 inches
Solution to the problem of children getting kidnapped. With additional features such as weather applications, a camera and a built-in storage unit.
Smart Stroller│Digital (SketchUp)
Inspired by my childhood passion for basketball being part of my school team.
Shooting Hoops│Pencil on Paper│9x6 inches
Inspired by my passion for traditional style of music on vinyl.
Record Store│Watercolour on Paper│9x6 inches
Inspired by how light hits different surfaces and creates different shapes and angles like the diversity in society.
Light Tricks│Arcylic on Canvas│10x12 inches
Animal study of nature’s sly and witty creation the Red Fox.
Red Fox Study│Pencil and Fineliner on Paper│9x7 inches
Inspired by the idea that we must hold our heads high and be assured of ourselves in any situation.
Foal│Acrylic on Canvas│34x20 inches
A collage of all my sketches showing how art doesn't have the function to please everyone.
Art Is Chaos Taking Shape│Digital (Photoshop)